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Bill· SS. 2877 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to expand and intensify CDC's cancer control programs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide guidance to states, in collaboration with the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), on interventions that may be incorporated into state cancer control programs to improve the long-term health status of childhood cancer survivors; (2) encourage states to incorporate strategies for improving their care into their comprehensive cancer plans; (3) collaborate with the NCI Director to improve or develop systems for tracking cancer survivors; and (4) enhance control programs to include a focus on childhood cancer survivorship. Directs the NCI Director to: (1) coordinate National Institutes of Health (NIH) activities regarding cancer survivorship; (2) make grants for research regarding pediatric cancer survivors and health disparities in cancer survivorship within minority populations; (3) conduct or support research to evaluate follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors; and (4) make grants to establish pilot programs to develop, study, or evaluate model systems for monitoring and caring for cancer survivors. Directs the Secretary to make grants to: (1) establish or improve training programs for health care professionals to improve follow-up care for young cancer survivors and to ensure that such care is linguistically and culturally competent; (2) pay costs incurred during the first four years of operating a clinic for comprehensive long-term followup services for childhood cancer survivors; and (3) improve physical and psychosocial care for such survivors.
Bill· HRH.R. 5832 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Military Healthcare for Dependents Act - Amends federal provisions concerning contracts for medical care for spouses and children of members of the Armed Forces (members) to: (1) eliminate the requirement that the dependent must reside with the member in order to be eligible for such care; (2) remove a duty order condition with respect to coverage for a dependent of a member who has relocated without the dependent from a remote location where the member and dependent resided together; and (3) remove the condition that, in order for dependents of certain reserve members to be eligible for such care, the residence must be located more than 50 miles, or more than one hour's drive, from the nearest adequate military medical treatment facility.
Bill· HRH.R. 5839 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Safeguarding America's Pharmaceuticals Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to destroy imported counterfeit drugs and certain adulterated or misbranded imported drugs. Requires the manufacturer of a prescription drug to provide to each wholesale distributor or dispenser a packing list or comparable document that includes information identifying the drug's proprietary and established names and National Drug Code number. Requires each person engaged in wholesale distribution of a prescription drug to provide information on each prior transaction involving the drug. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to report to Congress on the feasibility and operational efficiencies of adopting security technologies, including track and trace technology throughout the prescription drug supply chain. Phases in requirements for standardized numerical identifiers that are unique to each unit of a prescription drug. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations to establish an effective drug identification and tracking system to authenticate the wholesale distribution history of any prescription drug that is subject to a requirement for such an identifier. Requires the Comptroller General to study the availability and cost of technologies to dispensers to comply with this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award matching grants for drug identification and tracking systems to ensure the security and integrity of the drug supply chain; and (2) issue guidelines for wholesale distributors that prescribe requirements that include mandatory background checks and physical inspection of facilities. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to study threats to the domestic prescription drug supply chain and make recommendations for improvements.
Bill· HRH.R. 5835 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Health Promotion Funding Integrated Research, Synthesis, and Training Act or the Health Promotion FIRST Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for health promotion that includes coordinating the health promotion activities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and addressing how best to: (1) develop the basic and applied science of health promotion; (2) synthesize and disseminate health promotion research; (3) support the health promotion community; and (4) modify or develop resources, policies, structure, and legislation to integrate health promotion into all health professions and sectors of society. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, to: (1) develop a plan on how best to develop the science of health promotion through NIH agencies; and (2) conduct or support early research programs and research training regarding health promotion. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop a plan to establish a research agenda regarding health promotion for CDC. Requires the Director of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion to award grants to develop Health Promotion Research Centers. Requires the Director of CDC to: (1) make an effort to attract grant applications from groups experienced in providing programs; (2) fund research to develop the applied science of health promotion for specified settings; and (3) develop a research agenda for workplace health promotion. Requires the Secretary to modify the application process for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts awarded under this Act to attract the most qualified individuals and organizations, rather than those most experienced with the application process.
Bill· HRH.R. 5842 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act - Transfers marijuana from schedule I to schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act. Provides that no provision of the Controlled Substances Act or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act shall prohibit or otherwise restrict, in a state in which marijuana may, under state law, be prescribed or recommended by a physician for medical use: (1) a physician from prescribing or recommending marijuana for medical use; (2) an individual from obtaining, possessing, transporting, manufacturing, or using marijuana in accordance with such a prescription or recommendation; (3) an individual authorized under state law to do so from obtaining, possessing, transporting, or manufacturing marijuana on an authorized patient's behalf; (4) a pharmacy or other entity authorized to do so from obtaining, possessing, or distributing marijuana to such patients; or (5) an entity established by such a state or local government thereof to do so from producing, possessing, or distributing marijuana for such a prescription or recommendation.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 331 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week. Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women. Calls on women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventative screenings.
Report· HearingH.Hrg.110published
United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 April 2008
Bill· SS. 2874 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision of the following benefits to a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged at the member's request pursuant to a Department of Defense (DOD) policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled: (1) continued payment, through the original agreed-upon service period, of any bonus, incentive, or similar benefit to which the member was entitled during service; (2) separation pay, even though the member has completed less than six years of active service before discharge; (3) transitional health care, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for 180 days after discharge; (4) transitional commissary and exchange benefits, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for two years after discharge; (5) veterans' housing loan, employment and training, and basic educational assistance; (6) federal unemployment compensation; and (7) veteran's preference for federal employment purposes. Makes this Act effective with respect to any such discharge granted after September 11, 2001.
Bill· HRH.R. 5825 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision of the following benefits to a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged at the member's request pursuant to a Department of Defense (DOD) policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled: (1) continued payment, through the original agreed-upon service period, of any bonus, incentive, or similar benefit to which the member was entitled during service; (2) separation pay, even though the member has completed less than six years of active service before discharge; (3) transitional health care, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for 180 days after discharge; (4) transitional commissary and exchange benefits, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for two years after discharge; (5) veterans' housing loan, employment and training, and basic educational assistance; (6) federal unemployment compensation; and (7) veteran's preference for federal employment purposes. Makes this Act effective with respect to any such discharge granted after September 11, 2001.
Bill· HRH.R. 5815 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008
Skilled Trades Second Responders Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a national program for the training, certification, registration, tracking, and integration of skilled construction workers to assist first responders in responding to disasters, including natural and manmade disasters and terrorist attacks. Requires the Director to coordinate and consult with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), other relevant agencies, and private organizations, including construction industry contractors, joint labor-management training funds, and building trade unions, that are experienced in providing rescue and recovery assistance to first responders and in the cleanup, demolition, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of disaster sites after recovery operations.
Bill· SS. 2859 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to declare that nothing in the Act prohibits a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other healthcare professional or paraprofessional from consulting with or disclosing treatment records on a student who is 18 years old or older or who is attending a postsecondary educational institution to a healthcare professional or paraprofessional outside the educational institution in connection with the provision of treatment to the student. Prohibits deeming the release by an educational institution of education records or related personally identifiable information, in the good faith belief that such release is necessary to protect against a threat to the health or safety of the student or other persons, to be a failure to comply with the Act regardless of whether it is subsequently determined that the specified conditions for such release did not exist. Allows the release of education records to appropriate persons in an emergency if the knowledge of that information is necessary, according to the good faith belief of the educational institution or persons to whom the disclosure is made, to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.
Bill· HRH.R. 5808 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Women's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of centers to conduct multidisciplinary research on environmental factors that may be related to the development of women's health conditions. Requires each such center to: (1) conduct basic or clinical research; (2) develop protocols and conduct training programs for physicians, scientists, nurses, and other health and allied health professionals; (3) disseminate information to such professionals and the public; and (4) emphasize activities that are directed toward preventing the development in women of the diseases and conditions involved. Allows a center to use funds to provide stipends for health and allied health professionals enrolled in training programs. Requires each center to establish and maintain ongoing collaborations with community organizations in the geographic area served by the center, including organizations that represent women or children with disorders that appear to stem from environmental factors. Requires the Director to provide for the coordination of information among centers and ensure regular communication between them.
Bill· HRH.R. 5799 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities to make available, upon request, ownership and affiliated parties information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other responsible parties. Outlines accountability requirements for such institutions. Requires specified additional information to appear on the Department of Health and Human Services Nursing Home Compare Website. Requires SNFs to separately report expenditures for wages and benefits for different levels of nursing staff. Directs the Secretary to develop a standardized form for use by a resident (or a person acting on the resident's behalf) in filing a complaint about a SNF with a state survey and certification agency or long-term care ombudsman program. Requires a state to establish a complaint resolution process. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for SNFs to report staffing information based on payroll data. Increases certain civil monetary penalties for SNF violations. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the financial status, resident care, and performance of SNFs and nursing facilities in the Special Focus Facility (or a successor) program of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relative to a comparable sample of facilities outside such program; and (2) best practices for, and barriers to, the appointment of temporary management for SNFs with a record of poor care. Directs the Secretary to provide for an national independent monitoring program to oversee interstate and large intrastate chains of SNFs. Requires a SNF administrator to notify the Secretary and other responsible parties of an impending closure of the facility. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects on culture change and use of information technology in SNFs and nursing facilities. Provides for dementia management training and patient abuse prevention training. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on training for certified nurse aides and supervisory staff of SNFs and nursing facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 5809 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2008
Environmental Hormone Disruption Research Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a comprehensive program to: (1) research the health effects on women and children that may result through disruption of the hormone systems; (2) carry out research, development, and demonstrations on technologies to mitigate the occurrence of hormone-disrupting pollutants in the environment and their unintended effects on ecological and wildlife health, in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey (USGS); and (3) coordinate U.S. research on hormone disruption with research conducted in other nations. Requires the program to provide for: (1) the collection and dissemination of scientifically valid information on human health effects of hormone-disrupting pollutants, the extent of human exposure to such pollutants, and the exposure of wildlife species to such pollutants and possible associated health effects; and (2) research on mechanisms by which such pollutants interact with biological systems, testing for hormone disruption, and the identity and fate of hormone-disrupting pollutants in the environment. Gives the Director principal responsibility for conducting and coordinating research on the unintended effects of hormone-disrupting pollutants on human health and the environment. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Hormone Disruption Research Interagency Commission. Establishes a Hormone Disruption Research Panel to make recommendations on the design and implementation of the program.
Bill· SS. 2853 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2008
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exempt certain rural hospitals from the 12% cap on disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment percentages.
Bill· HRH.R. 5784 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2008
Affordable Health Care Expansion Act of 2008 - 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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1106 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2008
Expresses support for: (1) designation of a National Autism Awareness Month; and (2) devoting new resources to researching the root causes of autism, identifying the best methods of early intervention and treatment, expanding programs for individuals with autism, and promoting understanding of their special needs. Commends parents and relatives for providing for the special needs of children with autism. Stresses the need to begin early intervention services. Recognizes: (1) the shortage of appropriately trained teachers to teach, assist, and respond to special needs students; and (2) the importance of worker training programs tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled persons.
Report· HearingS.Hrg.110-888published
United States · United States Senate · 10 April 2008
Bill· SS. 2848 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide health care benefits for workers who: (1) have been employed by a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor to perform duties under a contract for environmental remediation, waste management, decontamination and decommissioning, maintenance, security, and administrative activities at the Fernald Closure Project (Harrison, Ohio), the Mound Closure Project (Miamisburg, Ohio), or the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (Golden, Colorado); and (2) would have qualified for health care benefits available for retirees had the individual's employment not been terminated as a result of the accelerated closure of the site.
Bill· SS. 2849 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from taking any administrative action for one year to finalize or otherwise implement provisions contained in the proposed rule published on December 28, 2007, relating to the Department of Appeals Board established in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including provisions allowing the Secretary to review, amend, or reverse Board decisions.
Bill· SS. 2839 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Global Competitiveness Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the annual cap exemption for returning H-2B aliens (temporary nonagricultural workers). Revises H-1B nonimmigrant visa (specialty occupation) provisions regarding: (1) recapture of unused visas (including a recapture fee); (2) visa increases and increases for exemptions from numerical limitations for aliens with higher education degrees; (3) increased employer petition fees; (4) employer restrictions on outsourcing, advertising, and hiring; and (5) enforcement, information sharing, and labor application penalty increases. Amends the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 regarding: (1) recapture of unused employment-based immigrant visas and redistribution to specified employment categories, including nurses and physical therapists; and (2) a recapture fee (with an exemption for certain health care facilities). Increases the annual limit for National Science Foundation low-income scholarships. Revises L-visa (intracompany transfer) provisions regarding: (1) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to investigate employer fraud; (2) whistleblower protections; and (3) limitations on approval of start-up company petitions. Authorizes (with a supplemental fee) early status adjustment filing for certain employment-based immigrants. Obligates funds from the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account for programs under the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 2001. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1966 to extend the E-Verify program.
Bill· SS. 2845 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Medicaid Fraud Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA), for purposes of determining or redetermining an individual's Medicaid eligibility, to direct each state to implement an asset verification program requiring Medicaid applicants or recipients to authorize the state to: (1) obtain records from a financial institution; and (2) use them to verify the individual's financial resources. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide payments to eligible states to establish and carry out practices to reduce fraud under the state Medicaid program. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the feasibility of, and potential program savings from, implementing an electronic system for verifying asset transfers, particularly of real property, by Medicaid applicants or recipients. Authorizes the Secretary to require states to implement such a system if feasible and cost-effective. Requires withholding of federal matching payments to states for: (1) failure to implement an asset verification program; and (2) any expenditures other than for compensation of a state employee or payment to a state entity (for instance, expenditures for consultants). Requires states to submit to the Secretary state plan amendments for creating Internet-based transparency programs to improve public disclosure of Medicaid payments information. Amends SSA title XI to permit limitations, restrictions, and suspensions of Medicaid eligibility in cases of Medicaid-related civil or criminal fraud or abuse. Provides for an extended period of one year to recover Medicaid overpayments resulting from fraud or abuse.
Bill· SS. 2842 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Aging Water Infrastructure and Maintenance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to inspect at least 75% of all project facilities within one year to assess each facility's condition and to estimate the property value and population size that would be at risk if a facility fails, is breached, or otherwise allows flooding to occur. Defines a "project facility" as any part or incidental feature of a reclamation or irrigation project under the Secretary's jurisdiction that is not covered by the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978. Requires the Secretary: (1) in selecting facilities to inspect, to take into account the risk posed to public health or safety or to property; and (2) to use the data collected to develop detailed schedules for regular facility maintenance and to create a national priorities list of facilities requiring the most urgent maintenance. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out periodic reviews of facilities to update the list; (2) publish the list in the Department of the Interior's budget justification; (3) promulgate final regulations to establish standards for the condition and maintenance of facilities and guidelines to implement this Act and ensure compliance with regulations; and (4) carry out or provide financial support to a non-federal entity to carry out any modification determined to be reasonably required to preserve a facility's structural safety. Provides for reimbursement of costs arising from the repair of structurally deficient transferred project facilities.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 510 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Honors the goals and ideals of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Encourages early diagnosis and access to quality care for people with cystic fibrosis. Expresses support for research to find a cure by fostering an enhanced research program through a strong federal commitment and expanded public-private partnerships.
Bill· HRH.R. 5765 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Medicare Remote Monitoring Access Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover remote patient management services for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project for evaluating the impact and benefits of covering under the Medicare program remote patient management services for certain chronic health conditions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5763 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from taking any administrative action for one year to finalize or otherwise implement provisions contained in the proposed rule published on December 28, 2007, relating to the Department of Appeals Board established in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including provisions allowing the Secretary to review, amend, or reverse Board decisions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5757 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Medicaid Fraud Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA), for purposes of determining or redetermining an individual's Medicaid eligibility, to direct each state to implement an asset verification program requiring Medicaid applicants or recipients to authorize the state to: (1) obtain records from a financial institution; and (2) use them to verify the individual's financial resources. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide payments to eligible states to establish and carry out practices to reduce fraud under the state Medicaid program. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the feasibility of, and potential program savings from, implementing an electronic system for verifying asset transfers, particularly of real property, by Medicaid applicants or recipients. Authorizes the Secretary to require states to implement such a system if feasible and cost-effective. Requires withholding of federal matching payments to states for: (1) failure to implement an asset verification program; and (2) any expenditures other than for compensation of a state employee or payment to a state entity (for instance, expenditures for consultants). Requires states to submit to the Secretary state plan amendments for creating Internet-based transparency programs to improve public disclosure of Medicaid payments information. Amends SSA title XI to permit limitations, restrictions, and suspensions of Medicaid eligibility in cases of Medicaid-related civil or criminal fraud or abuse. Provides for an extended period of one year to recover Medicaid overpayments resulting from fraud or abuse.
Bill· HRH.R. 5780 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Medicare Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner Services Coverage Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of clinical pharmacist practitioner services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).
Report· HearingS.Hrg.110-767published
United States · United States Senate · 9 April 2008
Report· HearingH.Hrg.110published
United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 April 2008
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 509 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Recognizes: (1) National Public Health Week; (2) the efforts of public health professionals, first responders, states, municipalities, and local communities to incorporate measures to adapt health care systems to address impacts of climate change; and (3) the role of adaptation in preventing impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, the potential for improvement of health status and equity through efforts to address climate change, and the need to include health policy in the development of climate responses. Encourages: (1) further research, interdisciplinary partnership, and collaboration to understand and monitor the health impacts of climate change, for preparedness activities, and for improvement of health care infrastructure; and (2) every American to learn about the impacts of climate change on health.
Bill· HRH.R. 5748 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Ryan Dant Health Care Opportunity Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit states to exclude earned income in determining eligibility for individuals with prescription drug costs of over $250,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 5739 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Physician Availability Act of 2008 - Requires each covered hospital to have a qualified physician available in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to attend to the needs of the hospital's inpatients. Defines a "covered hospital" to: (1) include hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid or receiving federal funds; and (2) exclude hospitals in a federal facility or hospitals that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines have fewer than 100 licensed beds. Considers a physician to be available if: (1) the physician is physically present in the hospital; (2) the physician's primary responsibility is to be in attendance to serve the needs of the hospital's inpatients without delay; and (3) the physician is not physically present in, assigned to, serving in, or expected to cover the hospital's emergency room or emergency department. Sets forth penalties for violations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5729 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive health care coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida. (Current law requires the Secretary to provide such child such health care as the Secretary determines is needed by the child for the spina bifida or any disability that is associated with such condition.) Includes domiciliary care as part of such comprehensive coverage.
Bill· HRH.R. 5720 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and to provide assistance to first-time home buyers and home owners. Increases in 2008 and 2009 the state allocation limits on low-income housing tax credits. Modifies certain rules relating to the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt housing bonds, and the rehabilitation of government-leased buildings. Allows: (1) first-time home buyers a refundable tax credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $7,500; and (2) individual taxpayers who claim the standard deduction an additional deduction from gross income for state and local real property taxes. Authorizes: (1) an additional $10 billion in the volume cap for issuing tax-qualified bonds for certain residential rental projects; and (2) use of mortgage bond proceeds to refinance certain subprime residential mortgage loans. Exempts from the alternative minimum tax (AMT) tax-exempt interest on certain housing bonds. Allows low-income housing and rehabilitation tax credit amounts to offset AMT liability. Allows certain municipal bonds that are guaranteed by federal home loan banks to qualify as tax-exempt bonds. Modifies rules relating to REITs to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of an REIT's total assets that may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; and (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to an REIT as qualifying REIT income. Requires brokers who sell publicly-traded securities to report the customer's adjusted basis in such securities. Delays until after 2009 the taxpayer election to allocate interest expense between U.S. and foreign sources for purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5721 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Strengthening the Safety Net Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a disproportionate share hospital (DSH) redistribution pool from unexpended Medicaid DSH allotments to fund an increase in allotments for low DSH states. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award demonstration grants to health access networks to improve access, quality, and continuity of care for uninsured individuals through better coordination of care by such networks.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1086 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Recognizes the contributions of nurses to the U.S. health care system. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 323 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of: (1) National Health Care Decisions Day; and (2) advance care planning for all adult Americans. Encourages each person over the age of 18 to prepare an advance directive to assist his or her loved ones, health care providers, and others as they honor his or her wishes. Urges members of Congress to execute such documents for themselves.
Bill· SS. 2825 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2008
Veterans' Compensation Equity Act of 2008 - Requires that, for each veteran requiring continuous medication or the use of one or more adaptive devices (such as a hearing aid) prescribed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other licensed health care provider for the treatment of a service-connected disability, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assign a disability rating of not less than 10%.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1081 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2008
Recognizes: (1) National Public Health Week; (2) the efforts of public health professionals, first responders, states, municipalities, and local communities to incorporate measures to adapt health care systems to address impacts of climate change; and (3) the role of adaptation in preventing impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, the improvement of health status and equity through efforts to address climate change, and the need to include health policy in the development of climate responses. Encourages: (1) further research, interdisciplinary partnership, and collaboration to understand and monitor the health impacts of climate change, for preparedness activities, and for improvement of health care infrastructure; and (2) every American to learn about the impact of climate change on health.
Bill· SS. 2818 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Small Business Health Plans Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for the establishment and governance of small business health plans, which are group health plans sponsored by trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations that meet ERISA certification requirements. Requires the Secretary of Labor to: (1) apply the rules and standards of this Act to Alternative Market Pooling Organizations, such as unions, churches, and other groups; and (2) consult with the domicile state regarding the Secretary's exercise of authority over such plans. Allows other existing plans to be treated as small business health plans under certain circumstances. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to promulgate Minimum Standards for premium variations and Model Small Group Rating Rules for plans under this Act. Requires the Secretary to issue the List of Required Benefits of covered benefits, services, or categories of providers that are required to be provided by health insurance issuers in at least 26 states as a result of state mandate laws. Applies covered benefit, service, or category of provider mandates from the List to states with laws requiring such mandates, but does not apply such mandates from the List to states with no such laws. Supersedes any and all state laws relating to such mandates in the health insurance market. Requires the Secretary to establish the Health Insurance Consensus Standards Board to develop recommendations that harmonize inconsistent state health insurance laws. Provides that any harmonized standards adopted by the Secretary will supersede state laws related to the areas covered by the harmonized standards.
Bill· SS. 2819 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Economic Recovery in Health Care Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finalizing, implementing, enforcing, or otherwise taking any action to give effect prior to April 1, 2009, to the following administrative actions: (1) the proposed and final rule (with certain exceptions) entitled "Medicaid Program; Health-Care Related Taxes," published, respectively, on March 23, 2007, and on February 22, 2008; (2) the proposed rule entitled "Medicaid Program; Graduate Medical Education," published on May 23, 2007; (3) the State Health Official Letter 07-001, dated August 17, 2007, issued by the Director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding certain requirements under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) relating to the prevention of the substitution of health benefits coverage for children and the enforcement of medical support orders; (4) the proposed rule entitled "Medicaid Program; Clarification of Outpatient Clinic and Hospital Facility Services definition and Upper Payment Limit," published on September 28, 2007; (5) the interim final rule entitled "Medicaid Program; Optional State Plan Case Management Services," published on December 4, 2007; and (6) the proposed rule entitled "Revisions to Procedures for the Departmental Appeals Board and Other Departmental Hearings," published on December 28, 2007. Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007 to extend through April 1, 2009, the moratorium relating to the cost limit for providers operated by units of government and provisions to ensure the integrity of the federal-state financial partnership. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 to extend through April 1, 2009, the moratorium relating to rehabilitation services, school-based administration, and school-based transportation. Provides for state fiscal relief through a temporary increase of Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) and targeted grants to Round One (FY2008 and FY2009) and Round Two (FY2009 only) Qualifying States. Makes appropriations for related payments to such states.
Bill· SS. 2812 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Medicare Telehealth Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to telehealth services to provide for: (1) an increase in the number of types of originating sites; (2) no facility fee for certain such sites; (3) expansion of practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services; and (4) changes in the process for updating the list of telehealth services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to set up a Telehealth Advisory Committee to make recommendations on the appropriate addition or deletion of telehealth services and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 73 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of: (1) National Health Care Decisions Day; and (2) advance care planning for all adult Americans. Encourages each person over the age of 18 to prepare an advance directive to assist his or her loved ones, health care providers, and others as they honor his or her wishes. Urges members of Congress to execute such documents for themselves.
Bill· HRH.R. 5698 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2008 - Amends titles XVI (Supplementary Security Income) (SSI), XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to allow benefits under such titles for persons in custody in a public institution pending disposition of charges.
Bill· HRH.R. 5704 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2008 - Permits a home health agency to determine the most appropriate skilled service to make the initial assessment visit for an individual who: (1) is eligible for home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; but (2) does not require skilled nursing care as long as that skilled service is included as part of the plan of care for such services. Permits an occupational therapist to make the initial assessment visit in such a case if occupational therapy is included in such plan in the initial physician referral in conjunction with physical therapy or speech language pathology services.
Bill· HRH.R. 5711 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Assure Access to Mammography Act of 2008 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a floor for payment of screening and diagnostic mammography under the Medicare Program. Sets the payment floor for 2009 at 115% of the fee scheduled amount for mammography for 2008, increased by the percentage increase in the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). Requires the payment floor for subsequent years to be the previous year's amount, again increased by the percentage increase in the MEI.
Bill· HRH.R. 5702 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Advance Directive Promotion Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a service provider, Medicare+Choice organization, or prepaid or eligible organization to include the content of an advanced directive in a prominent part of an individual's current medical record. Requires a service provider to give effect to a valid advance directive executed outside the state in which such directive is presented to the same extent as such provider would give effect to a valid advance directive executed under the law of the state in which it is presented. Requires an initial preventative physical examination to include an end-of-life planning consultation. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to operate a clearinghouse and a 24-hour toll free telephone hotline in order to provide consumer information about advance directives, end-of-life decisionmaking, and available end-of-life and hospice care services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary, directly or through grants to public or nonprofit private entities, to conduct a national public education campaign to increase awareness of advance directive planning.
Bill· SS. 2806 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding Deadline and California Waiver Reconsideration Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), not later than June 30, 2009, to reconsider, and confirm or reverse, the decision to deny California's request to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. Requires the Administrator, not later than 60 days after this Act's enactment, to issue a finding in accordance with: (1) the Clean Air Act with respect to whether such emissions from one or more classes of new motor vehicles or engines causes or contributes to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare; and (2) the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency .
Bill· SS. 2796 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using community-based organizations to ensure that veterans receive needed care and benefits by: (1) increasing the coordination of providers of health care and benefits for veterans to assist veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life; (2) increasing the availability of high-quality medical and mental health services to transitioning veterans; and (3) providing assistance to families to help them adjust to such veterans in their transition.