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451 records in US in 2006
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006
Suspension of Medicare Prescription Drug Late Enrollment Penalty Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to suspend the Medicare prescription drug late enrollment penalty during calendar 2006.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Health Care Choices for Seniors Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivor's and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a procedure under which an individual otherwise entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare) may waive such entitlement and be automatically enrolled in the Medicare Alternative Voucher Program (MAV Program). Directs the Secretary to establish the MAV Program, under which a voucher may be used as a contribution into a health savings account and for the payment of enrollment premiums under a high deductible health plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the itemized deduction for health savings accounts by the amount of the MAV that is contributed to an individual's health savings account. Amends SSA title XVIII to suspend Medicare late enrollment penalties for individuals between ages 65 and 70 who are enrolled in the MAV program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Community-Based Choices for Older Americans Act of 2006 - Requires the Assistant Secretary for Aging to provide allotments to enable states whose plans are approved to execute a program that pays for the federal share of costs of covered long-term care service and supplies for individuals who: (1) are 60 years or older; (2) are not eligible for Medicaid assistance; (3) meet state income eligibility and total asset criteria; (4) are unable to perform a certain number of daily living activities (such as eating, bathing, and dressing) without substantial assistance, have a certain level of disability, or require substantial supervision due to cognitive or mental impairment; and (5) satisfy other state eligibility criteria. Bases state allotments on the number of individuals age 60 or older whose income does not exceed the poverty line residing in a state relative to the total number residing in all states. Stipulates that allotments are to supplement and not to supplant other federal or state payments for long-term care services. Sets forth: (1) program plan requirements, including descriptions of eligibility criteria, services and supplies to be provided, and methodologies for individual cost-sharing, coordinating with other assistance programs, coordinating service, and outreach; and (2) responsibilities of state service coordinators, including assisting with the development and coordination of individual care plans. Requires states to establish annual assistance amounts for each enrolled individual and to make payments to individuals in accordance with their care plans. Limits the annual assistance amount per individual.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
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 and is within the scope of the practice of such practitioner. 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. Allows an individual to introduce or deliver into interstate commerce, or to produce, transport, receive, or hold, a food, drug, device, or equipment solely for use in accordance with this Act if there have been no advertising claims made by the manufacturer, distributor, or seller with respect to a medical treatment. Requires notification to the Secretary if: (1) an individual imports a shipment of a food, drug, device, or any other equipment; or (2) a manufacturer intends to deliver an unapproved drug, device, or other equipment into interstate commerce. States that nothing in this Act shall in any way adversely affect the distribution or sale of dietary supplements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed obligation to provide health benefits to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to their employees; (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage retirees, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for retirees and their dependents; and (3) any percentage increase in health care fees, deductibles, or copayments for retirees and their families, and for members of the Selected Reserve currently serving on active duty and their families, should not exceed the percentage increase in military retired pay or basic pay, respectively. Limits to the previous percentage increase in retired or basic pay the authorized annual fee increase under: (1) the DOD pharmacy benefits program; and (2) certain premiums and other charges under the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program). Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day; and (2) charging an enrollment fee under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS).
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Medicare Payment Rate Disclosure Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make publicly available on the official Medicare Internet site: (1) payment rates for hospital inpatient procedures, outpatient procedures, and physicians' services; (2) the period for which payment rates are applicable; (3) services included in certain procedures; and (4) a statement that the average payment rates and average payment amounts are only applicable to the Medicare program and may not be available for an individual who is not purchasing such a procedure or service under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006
Safe Tissue Act - Requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to inspect, at least once every two years, each establishment that engages in the manufacture of human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a user fee to fund such inspections. Requires the FDA to conduct periodic audits of all documentation submitted by each such establishment to determine compliance with all applicable requirements, including requirements related to ensuring: (1) that human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based products are obtained legally; (2) that donor eligibility and donor medical history interviews are based on accurate information that was not provided or obtained in a fraudulent manner; and (3) current good tissue practice. Requires the Secretary to publish a model form containing minimum requirements for establishments to use in obtaining consent from a potential donor of human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based products. Sets forth penalties for failing to comply with model form requirements or for knowingly using fraudulent information. Directs the Secretary to: (1) accredit establishments and the personnel of such establishments who participate in the recovery, processing, storage, labeling, packaging, or distribution of human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based products; and (2) define "reasonable payments" that are associated with donation of human tissue and tissue-based products for purposes of the National Organ Transplant Act.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 April 2006
United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 April 2006
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Health Care Access for Small Businesses Act of 2006 - Amends the Social Security Act to create a new title XXII to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants for the startup and operation of 50 eligible three-share pilot programs for a five-year period. Characterizes a three-share program as three-way health insurance premium sharing among employer, employee, and the grant funds. Authorizes the use of grants to establish three-share programs, provide for contributions to premiums, and establish risk pools. Requires grant applicants to: (1) be either nonprofits or local governmental entities; (2) define the program's service region; (3) have the capacity to carry out administrative functions associated with managing health plans; and (4) have demonstrated community involvement. Requires programs to pay for the costs of services through monthly premiums, divided among employee, employer, and grant funds according to specified percentages. Sets forth minimal coverage requirements for three-share program eligibility. Requires the Administrator to develop a formula to determine which businesses qualify as distressed businesses for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make public a strategic plan to integrate biodefense and emerging infectious disease requirements with the advanced research and development, strategic initiatives for innovation, and the procurement of qualified countermeasures and qualified pandemic or epidemic products. Establishes the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Secretary to: (1) coordinate and oversee the acceleration of countermeasure and product advanced research and development; and (2) delegate to the Director of BARDA any necessary functions and authorities. Establishes the Biodefense Medical Countermeasure Development Fund. Requires the Secretary to establish the National Biodefense Science Board to provide expert advice and guidance to the Secretary on matters relating to current and future chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological agents. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend the period of market exclusivity from seven years to ten years for certain new drugs, antibiotics, or anti-infective drugs to treat a rare disease or condition caused by a biological agent, toxin, chemical, radiological, or nuclear agent that is deemed by the Secretary to be a material threat to the United States. Provides an antitrust exemption for: (1) meetings and consultations held by the Secretary among persons engaged in the development of countermeasures or pandemic or epidemic products; and (2) agreements resulting from such meetings. Prohibits payment on a security countermeasure procurement contract until the delivery of an acceptable portion of such product to the Secretary unless advance payment is necessary to ensure the success of the project.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Keep America Competitive Tax Credit Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain employers and health insurance issuers a tax credit for up to 50% of employee catastrophic health care costs (i.e., costs exceeding $50,000 per employee).
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Pharmacist Access and Recognition in Medicare (PhARM) Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. Defines prompt payment as within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a prescription drug plan sponsor from displaying the name, brand, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Revises requirements for a covered medication therapy management program, allowing it to be furnished by a health care provider, other than a pharmacist, with advanced training in medication management. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify: (1) the population of part D eligible individuals appropriate for services under a medication therapy management program, based on certain characteristics; and (2) a minimum defined package of medication therapy management services that shall be provided to each enrollee. Revises requirements for pharmacy fees. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a two-year demonstration program to examine the impact of medication therapy management furnished by a pharmacist in a community-based or ambulatory-based setting on quality of care, spending, and patient health; and (2) a Best Practices Commission to develop a best practices model for medication therapy management.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2007. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including ballistic missile defense; (3) operation and maintenance, including for defense working capital funds, the Defense Health Program, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths and the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (5) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (6) chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) Guard and reserve forces facilities. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy, including expanded duties for National Guard and reserve members; (2) military education and training; (3) military justice, including an Air Force Office of Special Investigations; (4) military pay and allowances; (5) retired pay and survivor benefits; (6) military health care; (7) acquisition policy and management, including National Defense Stockpile disposals; (8) DOD organization and management; (9) counter-drug activities and matters related to homeland security; (10) civilian personnel matters; (11) matters relating to other nations; and (12) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) include physical therapy within the definition of "primary health services;" and (2) make physical therapists eligible for the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (to assure an adequate supply of physical therapists among other health professionals).
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Medicare Rural Health Provider Payment Extension Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, to extend through calendar 2009 the Medicare rural hospital hold harmless provision under the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. Amends SSA title XVIII to extend through calendar 2010: (1) the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas; (2) Medicare increased payments for ground ambulance services in rural areas; and (3) the floor on Medicare work adjustment. Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to extend through July 1, 2011, Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospital patients in certain rural areas. Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, to extend through calendar 2011 the temporary Medicare payment increase for home health services furnished in a rural area.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Independent Pharmacy Protection Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require each prescription drug plan contract entered into with a plan sponsor to provide for: (1) the availability of direct deposit payments; (2) an increased dispensing fee for generic drugs; and (3) payments within 10 days for certain pharmacies. Requires the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a generic covered part D drug therapeutically equivalent and bioequivalent to a brand name covered part D drug dispensed through the pharmacy to be at least 50% greater than the dispensing fee for the brand name drug. Limits to $10 the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a generic covered part D drug. Prohibits a prescription drug plan, subject to exception by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, from decreasing the dispensing fee paid to a participating pharmacy for a brand name drug to an amount less than the dispensing fee paid for it on the date of enactment of this Act. Applies this Act to contracts with a Medicare Advantage organization in the same manner as they apply to those with a prescription drug plan sponsor.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Counterfeit Drug Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish criminal penalties of a fine and imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both, for any person who commits a prohibited act relating to counterfeiting knowing that: (1) the conduct concerns the rendering of a drug as a counterfeit drug; (2) the conduct will cause a drug to be a counterfeit drug; or (3) a drug, held, sold, or dispensed is a counterfeit drug. Increases the term of imprisonment to any term of years or for life if the use of a counterfeit drug is the proximate cause of a consumer's death. Modifies provisions pertaining to criminal fines for committing certain prohibited acts involving food, drugs, devices, or cosmetics.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the income-related increase in Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) premiums that was enacted as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
Choice for America's Seniors Act of 2006 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for a six-month extension of the 2006 initial enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Amends SSA title XVIII part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) to suspend the Medicare prescription drug late enrollment penalty during 2006. Amends SSA title XVIII part C to allow changes of enrollment in Medicare prescription drug plans and MA plans twice during the year. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit removal of covered part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs from a prescription drug plan formulary, or imposition of a restriction or limitation on the coverage of such a drug, during the plan year: (1) except at the beginning; or (2) for an individual enrollee, from the date of enrollment until December 31 of the immediately succeeding plan year. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition. Requires an advance notice before the time of each annual coordinated election period for a plan year of any changes in the formulary or other restrictions or limitations on coverage of a covered part D drug that will take effect for that plan year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006
U.S. Healthcare Technologies Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for investment in biomedical research corporations and related entities, by: (1) exempting investors in biomedical research corporations from limitations on net operating losses acquired through stock sales and mergers involving such corporations; (2) permitting a complete offset against the alternative minimum tax for the net operating losses of biomedical research corporations; (3) making permanent and increasing the rates for the tax credit for increasing research activities; (4) allowing tax credits for countermeasures equity investments and research expenses, qualified medical innovation expenses, equity investments in incubational companies, and investment in qualified biotechnology zone bonds; (5) accelerating eligibility for the tax credit for orphan drug expenses; (6) allowing expensing of biotechnology science park property and medical research equipment; (7) allowing deferral of the tax on gain from the sale of stock in a biomedical research corporation; (8) increasing the tax deductibility of capital losses on the sale of stock in biomedical research corporations; and (9) modifying passive loss deduction rules and S corporation shareholder requirements for biomedical research corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Prompt Payment of Health Benefits Claims Act of 2006 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require group health plans and issuers of group health insurance to: (1) acknowledge receipt of claims within ten days; (2) notify claimants, within ten days, of any deficiency in submitted claims and of additional information necessary to correct the deficiency; (3) pay clean and uncontested claims and any uncontested portions of claims within 14 days if submitted electronically or within 30 days otherwise; and (4) pay escalating, monthly interest for failing to pay claims within such periods. Provides that claims are deemed clean ten days after receipt if no notice of any deficiency is given to the claimant. Prohibits retaliation by the plan or issuer for claimants exercising rights under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose fines for willful and knowing violations of this Act or patterns of repeated violations of this Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the provisions of this Act to plans issued in the individual market. Amends the Social Security Act to apply these requirements to Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, and Medicaid managed care plans. Allows state laws that provide equal or more stringent requirements, standards, or implementation specifications than imposed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires a carrier to determine the amount of premiums to assess for coverage based on a community rate that may be annually adjusted based on geographic area, family status, and age. Prohibits varying premium rates based on health-status related factors, gender, class of business, or claims experience. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to local educational agencies, state and local public health agencies, and nonprofit private entities for projects to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies. Gives priority to communities with significantly above averages rates of teen pregnancy. Requires the Secretary to establish criteria to evaluate such projects. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to increase authorized appropriations for community learning centers. Authorizes appropriations for physical education programs. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize appropriations for TRIO and GEARUP programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to public or nonprofit private entities for demonstrating innovative approaches to prevent teen pregnancies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Medicare Drug Formulary Protection Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit removal of covered part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs from a prescription drug plan formulary, or imposition of a restriction or limitation on the coverage of such a drug, during the plan year: (1) except at the beginning; or (2) for an individual enrollee, from the date of enrollment until December 31 of the immediately succeeding plan year. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition. Requires an annual notice to enrollees of changes in formulary and other restrictions or limitations on coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2006
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require Senate confirmation of any individual appointed by the President to the position of Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy for FY2007. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including ballistic missile defense; (3) operation and maintenance, including defense working capital funds, the defense health program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, and environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; and (6) Guard and reserve forces facilities. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel policy, including expanded duties for National Guard and reserve members; (2) military education and training; (3) military justice, including an Air Force Office of Special Investigations; (4) military pay and allowances; (5) retired pay and survivor benefits; (6) military health care; (7) acquisition policy and management, including National Defense Stockpile disposals; (8) DOD organization and management, including intelligence-related matters; (9) counter-drug activities and matters related to homeland security; (10) civilian personnel matters; (11) matters relating to other nations; (12) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union; and (13) DOD chemical demilitarization construction. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Healthy Places Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency working group to discuss environmental health concerns, particularly concerns disproportionately affecting disadvantaged populations. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish a program at the National Center of Environmental Health at CDC focused on advancing the field of health impact assessment. Requires the Director to develop guidance for the assessment of potential health effects of land use, housing, and transportation policy and plans. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) establish a program to provide funding and technical assistance to state or local governments affected or potentially affected by an activity or proposed activity to prepare health impact assessments; and (2) establish and maintain a health impact assessment database. Requires the Director to establish a grant program to award grants to state or local communities for environmental health improvement activities. Requires grantees to: (1) establish a planning and prioritizing council; and (2) conduct environmental health assessment. Requires the Secretary to provide grants to public or private nonprofit institutions to conduct and coordinate research on the built environment and its influence on individual and population-based health.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2006
Healthy Places Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency working group to discuss environmental health concerns, particularly concerns disproportionately affecting disadvantaged populations. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish a program at the National Center of Environmental Health at CDC focused on advancing the field of health impact assessment. Requires the Director to develop guidance for the assessment of potential health effects of land use, housing, and transportation policy and plans. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) establish a program to provide funding and technical assistance to state or local governments affected or potentially affected by an activity or proposed activity to prepare health impact assessments; and (2) establish and maintain a health impact assessment database. Requires the Director to establish a grant program to award grants to state or local communities for environmental health improvement activities. Requires grantees to: (1) establish a planning and prioritizing council; and (2) conduct environmental health assessment. Requires the Secretary to provide grants to public or private nonprofit institutions to conduct and coordinate research on the built environment and its influence on individual and population-based health.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2006
Recognizes the need for enhanced public awareness of psoriasis and the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment. Expresses support for the leadership of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease for identifying a cure and developing safer, more effective treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Encourages: (1) researchers to examine the negative psychological and physical effects of psoriasis; and (2) efforts to increase access to treatment and care for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2006
Honors the National Association of State Veterans Homes and the 119 state veterans homes providing long-term care to veterans. Commends all individuals who work in, or on behalf of, state veterans homes for their contributions in caring for elderly and disabled veterans. Recognizes the importance of the partnership between the states and the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing long-term care to veterans. Affirms the support of Congress for continuation of the state homes program to address the known and anticipated needs of veterans for institutional long-term care services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Chemical Security and Safety Act of 2006 - Establishes a general duty by each owner and operator of a stationary source (as defined under the Clean Air Act) that produces, processes, handles, or stores any substance of concern to: (1) identify hazards that may result from a criminal release; (2) take necessary actions to prevent criminal releases; and (3) eliminate or significantly reduce the consequences of any such release. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to promulgate regulations to: (1) designate certain stationary sources and substances of concern as high priority; and (2) require each owner or operator of a high priority stationary source to detect, prevent, and eliminate or significantly reduce the consequences of criminal releases that may harm public health or safety. Requires each such owner or operator to: (1) report to the Secretary with a vulnerability assessment and a prevention, preparedness, and response plan; (2) establish a safety and security committee for that source if it has 15 or more full-time equivalent employees; and (3) annually provide each employee with four hours of training regarding requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to conduct regular inspections of stationary sources. Authorizes the Secretary to issue orders directing compliance with this Act and sets penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring high priority stationary sources to participate in emergency preparedness exercises. Directs the Secretary to establish an information clearinghouse to assist stationary sources in complying with this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees who disclose violations of this Act or threats to public health or safety relating to chemical security or improper releases.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization Fund. Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, to repeal the phase-out, and instead extend indefinitely application, of the budget neutrality factor in the health status adjustment in determining the amount of payments to Medicare Advantage Organizations. (The budget neutrality factor reflects changes in treatment and coding practices in the fee-for-service sector, as well as differences in coding patterns between Medicare Advantage plans and providers under part A and B, to the extent that the Secretary has identified such differences.)
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 concerning procedures for the review of universal service requirements to require the Federal-State Joint Board on universal service to complete recommendations for changes to such requirements within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Includes high-speed broadband services within universal service. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess contributions to universal service support mechanisms from communications service providers, allowing a limit on the contributions of providers whose customers typically make a low volume of monthly calls. Provides: (1) support contribution limits; and (2) support to non-rural carriers providing service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas. Outlines network traffic identification accountability standards, rulemaking, and enforcement requirements. Requires the FCC, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to prescribe regulations that require a provider, upon a bona fide request, to provide communications services necessary for the provision of health care services in a state to any health care provider that serves persons who live in rural areas of that state. Outlines eligibility requirements for communications service providers to receive universal service support, including (with a possible three-year waiver) that the provider meets basic requirements for the deployment and provision of high-speed broadband service. Makes current limitations on universal service support and individual support caps imposed upon carriers inapplicable after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires all residential and business lines served by an eligible telecommunications carrier to be eligible for federal universal service support.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2006
Border Security and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) take all appropriate actions, including development of a national border strategy, to maintain operational control over the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) report on cross-border security agreements with Mexico and Canada; (3) provide for biometric data enhancements; (4) report on the One Face at the Border Initiative; (5) implement a secure communications plan for Border Patrol and border security use; (6) increase Border Patrol agents, port of entry inspection personnel, and canine detection teams; and (7) report on the airspace security mission's impact on the National Capital Region. Directs the Secretary to reimburse (up to prior-to-damage value) property owners for costs associated with repairing damages to the property owners' private infrastructure constructed on a U.S. government right-of-way delineating the international land border when such damages are the result of unlawful entry of aliens. Directs the Secretary to establish at least one Border Patrol unit for the U.S. Virgin Islands by September 30, 2006. Directs the Secretary to report to the Committee on Homeland Security respecting DHS progress in tracking Central American gangs across the U.S.-Mexico border. Directs the Secretary to compile specified health care-related data respecting unauthorized aliens taken into U.S. custody. Directs the Secretary to deploy radiation detection portal monitors at all U.S. ports of entry and facilities within one year of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary: (1) and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to develop a plan to increase the availability of DOD surveillance equipment along the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) to assess border security vulnerabilities on Department of Interior land directly adjacent to the U.S. border; (3) to conduct a border security threat assessment and information sharing exercise; and (4) to establish the Border Security Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to permit a state, local government, or Indian tribe to use specified federal funds for border security activities usually performed by a federal agency but which, pursuant to an agreement, are being performed by state, local, or tribal government. Directs the Secretary to establish a university-based Center for Excellence for Border Security. Requires mandatory detention of an alien apprehended illegally seeking to enter the United States at a U.S. port of entry or land or maritime border as of October 1, 2006, unless such alien is: (1) paroled into the United States for humanitarian or public benefit reasons; or (2) is permitted to withdraw an application for admission and immediately departs from the United States. Provides that during the period 60 days after enactment of this Act and prior to October 1, 2006, an apprehended alien may be released with notice to appear only if: (1) the Secretary determines that the alien is not a national security risk; and (2) the alien provides a bond of not less than $5,000. Directs the Secretary, subject to appropriations, to fully utilize: (1) all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bed space; and (2) all other options to cost effectively increase detention capacity. Denies admission to the nationals of a country that refuses or delays acceptance of its nationals ordered removed from the United States. Directs the Secretary to place an alien (other than from Mexico or Canada) who has not been admitted or paroled into expedited removal if apprehended within 100 miles of the border and within 14 days of unauthorized entry. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to ensure coordination of DHS border security efforts. Establishes in DHS an Office of Air and Marine Operations whose primary mission shall be to prevent the entry of terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband into the United States, and whose secondary mission shall be to assist other agencies with such protective functions. Directs the Office to operate and maintain the Air and Marine Operations Center in Riverside, California, or other designated facility. Directs the Secretary to transfer to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement all functions of the Customs Patrol Officers unit operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (the "Shadow Wolves" unit). Authorizes the Secretary to establish within United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement additional Customs Patrol units to operate on Indian lands.
United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 March 2006
United States · United States Senate · 28 March 2006
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Urges the President to: (1) declare lung cancer a public health priority and immediately lead a coordinated effort to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer by 50% by 2015; (2) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase funding for lung cancer research; (3) direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a lung cancer screening and disease management program among members of the Armed Forces and veterans and diagnostic programs for the early detection of lung cancer; (4) appoint the Lung Cancer Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee; and (5) convene a National Lung Cancer Public Health Policy Board to oversee and coordinate all efforts to reduce the lung cancer mortality rate.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Project Bioshield Material Threats Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to utilize existing risk assessments to assess current and emerging threats of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and determine which of such agents present a material threat against the U.S. population sufficient to affect national security. Requires the Secretary to group such assessments to facilitate assessments by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the availability and appropriateness of specific countermeasures to address more than one such agent or address adverse health consequences that are common to exposure to different agents. Requires the Secretary to complete assessments by December 31, 2007, for those agents known to the Secretary by the date of enactment of this Act that are capable of significantly affecting national security. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriations through FY2009 for the Secretary to carry out such terror threat assessments. Authorizes additional appropriations to enable the Secretary to meet the deadlines established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to repeal the amendments made by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 requiring documentation evidencing citizenship or nationality as a condition for receipt of medical assistance under the Medicaid program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2006
Urges the President to: (1) declare lung cancer a public health priority and immediately lead a coordinated effort to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer by 50% by 2015; (2) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase funding for lung cancer research; (3) direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a lung cancer screening and disease management program among military personnel and veterans and diagnostic programs for the early detection of lung cancer; (4) appoint a Lung Cancer Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee; and (5) convene a National Lung Cancer Public Health Policy Board to oversee and coordinate all efforts to reduce the lung cancer mortality rate.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2006
Small Business Health Insurance Relief Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) certain small employers a tax credit for contributions for employee health insurance coverage and to employee health savings accounts; (2) small businesses to establish simple cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements to provide employees with nontaxable health care benefits; (3) certain insurance companies a tax deduction for up to 50% of claims incurred for health insurance related to small group coverage and small business health plans; and (4) health insurers a tax credit for state licensing costs. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a pilot program to provide small businesses with information on health insurance options.
United States · United States Senate · 16 March 2006
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Rural Veterans Care Act of 2006 - Establishes the Assistant Secretary for Rural Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs to: (1) formulate and implement all Department policies and procedures that affect veterans living in rural areas; (2) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding veterans' care in rural areas; (3) reevaluate, and revise as necessary, Department guidance and procedures related to the use of fee basis care nationwide; and (4) establish and operate at least one and up to five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program for improving the access of veterans who reside in highly rural or geographically remote areas to certain health care services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Automated Defibrillation in Adam's Memory Reauthorization Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations for grants for states, political subdivisions, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to develop and implement public access defibrillation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Medicare Access to Complex Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exempt complex rehabilitation products and assistive technology products from the Medicare competititve acquisition program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations for HIV health care services programs. Requires recipients of HIV-related grants to expend not less than 75 percent of such funds on primary medical care. Amends the formula for awarding grant funds to consider the number of HIV (currently, AIDS) cases. Makes ineligible for funding any state or locality that imposes significant barriers to partner notification programs or routine testing. Provides for treatment for hepatitis B or hepatitis C for HIV-positive individuals who are co-infected. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require: (1) rapid routine testing of each client at any entity receiving funding from certain federal programs; and (2) federally funded health facilities to offer routine testing for pregnant women and newborns. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to annually purchase and distribute rapid HIV tests. Requires the Secretary to issue guidelines for therapeutics to be included in state formularies. Allows states to use grant funds to provide services to Medicaid-eligible individuals with HIV. Amends the AIDS Housing Opportunity Act to make grant allocations based on the number of HIV (currently, AIDS) cases. Requires the Secretary to ensure that not less than 75 percent of grant amounts are used for the provision, construction, maintenance, or development of housing assistance. Requires the Secretary to provide state AIDS officials with the authority to request and obtain all necessary information in order to coordinate HIV care and treatment with other federally funded projects.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Veterans Medicare Assistance Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a Medicare subvention project under which the HHS Secretary shall reimburse the VA Secretary for Medicare health care services furnished to Medicare-eligible veterans in VA facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Allows employees of federally-qualified health centers to enroll in an approved health benefits plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2006
Existing Drug Coverage Protection Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to apply to State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, and the states offering such programs, the special rules for subsidy payments by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to sponsors of qualified retiree prescription drug plans for each qualified covered retiree.