Healthcare

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the second annual National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day. Encourages: (1) primary care physicians and other clinicians nationwide to become actively involved in HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, treatment, and referral services; and (2) individuals to get tested for HIV and educate themselves about the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Rural Health Clinic Patient Access and Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Rural Health Clinic Patient Access and Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to rural health clinic reimbursement. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make incentive payments to rural health clinic employees or contractors for satisfactory reporting of data on clinic quality measures. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a community health center to contract with a federally certified rural health clinic for the delivery of primary health care services to individuals who would otherwise be eligible for free or reduced cost care if they were able to obtain it at the community health center. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the diabetes education and medical nutrition therapy counseling services provided by federally qualified health clinics. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project of grants to states to examine whether health care professionals can be recruited or retained to work in underserved rural areas by providing them with medical malpractice subsidies. States that a rural health clinic qualified under Medicare or Medicaid may be defined and certified by the Secretary as rural even if it fails to satisfy the requirement that it not be located in an urbanized area. Amends SSA title XVIII to establish the minimum Medicare Advantage plan payment rate for services furnished by a rural health clinic. Expresses the sense of the Senate concerning the adequacy of network-based health plans.

Medicare Senior Housing Plan Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Medicare Senior Housing Plan Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to create a senior housing facility plan option, meeting specified criteria, which may be offered by a Medicare Advantage organization. Retricts enrollment to individuals who reside in: (1) a continuing care retirement community; or (2) a housing facility assisted under the Housing Act of 1959 or supported under the low-income housing federal income tax credit program and qualify for rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.

A bill to provide for an automatic increase in the federal matching rate for the Medicaid program during periods of national economic downturn to help States cope with increases in Medicaid costs.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize an automatic increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for any eligible state during periods of national economic downturn. Directs the Comptroller General to analyze and report to Congress on previous periods of national economic downturn, including the most recent one, and the past and projected effects of temporary increases in the Medicaid FMAP with respect to them.

Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Reform Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to rename the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) the Medicare Payment and Access Commission, make it an independent executive branch (instead of a legislative branch) agency, and revise its membership requirements. Makes it a purpose of MedPAC to: (1) act as the regulatory authority for Medicare payment and coverage policies; and (2) implement specified policies. Divides the responsibilities of MedPAC into three categories: (1) reimbursement policy; (2) coverage policy; and (3) financial stability. Directs MedPAC to determine payment policies, methodologies, and rates for items and services under Medicare, as well as coverage policies and methodologies. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report annually to Congress on changes to such policies, methodologies, and rates as a result of the amendments made by this Act. Makes it in order in the Senate or the House to consider any measure that would overrule a MedPAC determination with respect to such matters if three-fifths of the Members agree to such consideration. Authorizes MedPAC to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), on priorities for health services research. Directs MedPAC to establish: (1) an office of ombudsman; and (2) a council of health and economic advisers. Establishes: (1) a consumer advisory council to advise MedPAC on the impact of Medicare payment policies on consumers; and (2) a federal health advisory council. Directs MedPAC to implement payment policies, methodologies, and rates as well as coverage policies and methodologies estimated to reduce Medicare expenditures by at least 1.5% annually. Requires the Secretary to implement an automatic reduction in reimbursement for service providers and suppliers under the original fee-for-service program under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) in order to achieve such 1.5% reduction if such policies, methodologies, and rates fail to achieve it. Establishes in Congress the Joint Committee on Medicare to: (1) study the operation and effects of any changes proposed by Congress to the Medicare program; and (2) assist Congress with respect to Medicare-related legislation. Transfers the Office of Research, Development and Information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to the Assistant Secretary of HHS for Planning and Evaluation. Requires the Office to design and evaluate Medicare demonstration projects.

Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding how officials can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases; (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups; (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints are represented in public heath policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is balanced; and (5) advise relevant federal agencies on priorities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Requires the Secretary, acting through the appropriate federal officials, to provide for the coordination of all federal programs and activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and the conduct or support of specified activities, including: (1) developing sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools and tests, (2) improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic testing currently available; (3) surveillance and reporting of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases to accurately determine the prevalence of such diseases and to evaluate the feasibility of creating a national uniform reporting system; (4) providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information on such diseases; (5) increasing public education related to such diseases; (6) creating a physician education program; (7) establishing epidemiological research objectives to determine the long term course of illness for Lyme disease; and (8) determining the effectiveness of different treatment modalities by establishing treatment outcome objectives

A bill expressing the sense of Congress on health care reform legislation.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Expresses the sense of Congress that any health care reform legislation should include, with respect to health plans: (1) support for consumer education and assistance with enrollment; (2) assistance for people asserting consumer rights; (3) a strengthened system of consumer protections, including an appeal mechanism within a health plan, coverage for emergency care without prior authorization, verification of accurate out-of-network copayment charges, and protections against balance billing in emergency situations and where in-network providers are unavailable, against mid-year health plan changes that could impact the enrollee's cost-sharing or access to services, and against misleading marketing; and (4) a strengthened enforcement system of consumer rights for claims involving systemic violations of consumer protections, including sanctions.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to continue Medicaid spousal impoverishment protections for spouses of beneficiaries receiving home and community based services under a current waiver parallel to protections afforded spouses of nursing home residents.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue, for the duration of any state waiver effective as of December 31, 2008, Medicaid spousal income and resource (impoverishment) protections for spouses of beneficiaries receiving home- and community-based services under such a waiver parallel to protections afforded spouses of nursing home residents.

Plain Language in Health Insurance Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Plain Language in Health Insurance Act of 2009 - Requires any health insurance issuer, health plan, and federal health care program to use plain language in any publicly distributed document. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on implementing such requirements.

Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of substitute adult day care services.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day; and (2) the development of a National AIDS strategy with clear goals and objectives to reduce new HIV infections. Encourages: (1) state and local governments to encourage individuals to undergo counseling and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases; and (2) the use of rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV testing. Commends the President for emphasizing the importance of addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic among all Americans.

Expressing support for the designation of an Early Detection Month for breast cancer and all forms of cancer.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Expresses support for the designation of an Early Detection Month to enhance public awareness of cancer screening.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON REGULATIONS AND HEALTHCARE HEARING ON HEALTH IT ADOPTION AND THE NEW CHALLENGES FACED BY SOLO AND SMALL GROUP HEALTH CARE PRACTICES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 June 2009

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide: (1) medical monitoring and treatment benefits to eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) initial health evaluation, monitoring, and treatment benefits to residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) implement a quality assurance program; (2) establish the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (3) establish the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee; (4) provide for education and outreach on services under the WTC program; (5) provide for the uniform collection of data related to WTC-related health conditions; (6) conduct research on physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center; and (7) extend and expand arrangements with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry. Authorizes the administrator to make grants to the Department to address mental health needs relating to the terrorist attacks. Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to: (1) make individuals eligible for compensation under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 for harm as a result of debris removal; and (2) extend the deadline for making a claim for compensation.

Prescribe A Book Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Prescribe A Book Act - Creates a Pediatric Early Literacy program under which the Secretary of Education awards matching grants to nonprofit organizations for the implementation of three-part models through which: (1) health care providers encourage parents to read aloud to their children and offer them recommendations and strategies for doing so; (2) health care providers give each visiting child between the ages of six months and five-years a new, developmentally appropriate children's book to take home and keep; and (3) volunteers reading to children in health care facility waiting areas show parents the techniques and pleasures of reading aloud to children. Requires that the books provided to children under the program be obtained at a discount.

Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow claims for damages to be brought against the United States for personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the performance of medical, dental, or related health care functions that is provided by persons acting within the scope of their office or employment by or at the direction of the government, whether inside or outside the United States. Prohibits a claim under this Act from being reduced by the amount of any benefit received under a Servicemember's Group Life Insurance policy. Makes this Act inapplicable to any claim arising out of the combatant activities of the Armed Forces during the time of armed conflict.

A resolution designating March 31, 2010, as "National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Designates March 31, 2010, as National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day. Recognizes the need for additional research into a cure for the congenital diaphragmatic hernia birth defect.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month. Urges Americans to: (1) participate in programs and activities regarding bone marrow awareness; and (2) register to become blood marrow donors and organize registration drives.

Small Business Health Information Technology Financing Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Small Business Health Information Technology Financing Act - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee up to 90% of the amount of a loan, up to specified loan amounts, to a small business health professional to be used for the acquisition and installation of health information technology for the professional's medical practice. Defines the term "health information technology" to mean computer hardware, software, and related technology that supports the meaningful electronic health record use requirements of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and is purchased by an eligible professional to aid in the provision of health care, including electronic medical records, but excludes information technology whose sole use is financial management, maintenance of inventory of basic supplies, or appointment scheduling.

Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for direct access to qualified audiologists for Medicare beneficiaries, without regard to any requirement that the beneficiary be under the care of (or referred by) a physician or other health care practitioner, or that such services are provided under the supervision of a physician or other health care practitioner. Covers audiology services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).

Fostering Independence Through Technology Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Fostering Independence Through Technology Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct pilot projects under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for the purpose of providing incentives to home health agencies to utilize home monitoring and communications technology.

THE TRI-COMMITTEE DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 June 2009

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE REFORM DISCUSSION DRAFT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 June 2009

Health Care Freedom Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Health Care Freedom Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified health insurance costs. Allows a health savings account or an Archer medical savings account to be used to purchase a high deductible health plan. Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2009 or the MCAP Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of health care services, including limiting noneconomic and punitive damages. Health Care Choice Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with specified conditions. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award block grants to states to provide for the development of innovative models that ensure affordable health insurance coverage for Americans with preexisting health conditions. Sets forth disclosure requirements, including requiring: (1) the provision of price information to Medicare or Medicaid patients; and (2) the provision of allowable payment information to enrollees of group health plans. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from making any payment or obligation under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Provides for collection of revenues relating to such Act. Rescinds any funds available under such Act that have not been obligated and makes such funds available to carry out this Act.

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to execute an executive agreement for use by the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) of: (1) a new Navy ambulatory care center, parking structure, and supporting structures and facilities in North Chicago and Great Lakes, Illinois; and (2) related medical personal property and equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the Secretary of the VA jurisdiction over the center, structures, facilities, and property and equipment covered by the agreement. Designates the transferred center, structures, and facilities as the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (Center). Provides a reversionary interest to the Secretary if the property is not used in accordance with the agreement or in the event of lack of facilities integration. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of the Navy to transfer to the Secretary of the VA functions necessary for Center operation. Authorizes the DOD-VA Health-Care Resources Sharing Committee to provide for the joint funding of the Center in accordance with this Act. Establishes the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Fund to fund the Center's operations. Requires an annual review of such Fund for at least three years after this Act's enactment. Deems the Center a military facility for purposes of the eligibility of members of the Armed Forces to receive care and services there. Extends through FY2015 a joint DOD-VA program to identify, implement, and evaluate creative health care coordination and sharing initiatives at the facility, intraregional, and nationwide levels.

A resolution designating September 12, 2009, as "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Designates September 12, 2009, as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. Pledges to make the prevention and cure of cancer a public health priority. Urges public and private sector efforts to promote awareness, invest in research, and improve treatments for childhood cancer.

Veterinary Public Health Amendments Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Veterinary Public Health Workforce and Education Act. - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) award competitive grants to increase the number of veterinarians in the workforce and veterinary teaching faculty in the field of veterinary public health; (2) establish fellowship programs for veterinarians to provide on-the-job training in food systems security and veterinary public health; (3) establish within the Health Resources and Services Administration of HHS a Division of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health to administer veterinary medicine and public health programs; and (4) submit to Congress an implementation plan for this Act. Defines "veterinary public health" to include biodefense and emergency preparedness, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, environmental health, ecosystem health, and the sum of all contributions to the physical, mental, and social well-being of humans through an understanding and application of veterinary science. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into education loan repayment agreements to increase the number of qualified veterinary faculty in veterinary public health.

Ending LGBT Health Disparities Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Ending LGBT Health Disparities Act - Sets forth provisions concerning the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax exclusion for employer-provided health care benefits to eligible beneficiaries of the employee and the qualifying children of such beneficiaries. Limits preexisting condition exclusions. Requires parity in the rights and obligations of a federal employee (defined to exclude members of the uniformed services) with a domestic partner and a married employee and the spouse. Expands the definition of "spouse" and "married" for purposes of Medicare. Phases out the 24-month waiting period for eligibility for hospital insurance benefits under Medicare. Prohibits discrimination: (1) on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity under Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP), Medicare, the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program; and (2) on the basis of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation by the Secretary of Defense against a former member of uniformed services entitled to medical care, and by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support demonstration projects to improve the health and health care of sexual or gender minorities. Establishes within the Office of Minority Health an Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health to be headed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary for LGBT Health. Requires the HHS Secretary, acting through the Deputy Assistant Secretary, to establish the Center for Cultural Competence in Health Care. Provides for expanded research concerning sexual and gender minority individuals and the collection of sexual or gender minority data in health programs and surveys. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide benefits to surviving same-sex parents.

Streamlining America's Various Energy Needs Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Streamlining America's Various Energy Needs Act - Directs federal agencies to expedite their review of permits and take other actions as necessary to accelerate completion of projects that will increase energy production, transmission, or conservation, while maintaining safety, public health, and environmental protections. Establishes an interagency task force to monitor and assist federal agencies to: (1) comply with this Act; and (2) set up mechanisms to coordinate federal, state, tribal, and local permitting in geographic areas where increased permitting activity is expected. States that nothing in this Act affects judicial review of an agency action.

School-Based Health Clinic Establishment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

School-Based Health Clinic Establishment Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants for the cost of operating school-based health clinics (SBHCs) to provide comprehensive primary health services during school hours to children and adolescents by health professionals. Requires SBHCs to: (1) provide services to children and adolescents for whom parental or guardian consent has been obtained; (2) provide on-site access during the academic day when school is in session and have an established network of support and access to services with backup health providers when the school or SBHC is closed; and (3) comply with federal, state, and local laws concerning patient privacy and student records. Allows the Secretary to: (1) give preference to applicants who demonstrate an ability to serve populations of children and adolescents that have historically demonstrated difficulty in accessing health and mental health services; and (2) waive certain requirements under this Act for no more than two years. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide technical and other assistance to SBHCs.

PATIENTS Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Preserving Access to Targeted, Individualized, and Effective New Treatments and Services (PATIENTS) Act of 2009 or the PATIENTS Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using data obtained from the conduct of comparative effectiveness research, including such research that is conducted or supported using funds appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. Requires the Secretary to ensure that comparative effectiveness research conducted or supported by the federal government accounts for factors contributing to differences in the treatment response and preferences of patients, including patient-reported outcomes, genomics and personalized medicine, the unique needs of health disparity populations, and indirect patient benefits.

Josephine Butler United States Health Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Josephine Butler United States Health Service Act - Establishes the United States Health Service as an independent executive branch entity to provide health care and supplemental health services to all individuals within the United States. Requires the President to appoint members to a National Health Board to exercise the authority of the Service. Establishes an Office of the Inspector General for Health Services. Requires the Service to ensure that every individual is given certain basic health rights, including the right to receive high quality care and supplemental services from any facility within the Service capable of providing such services without charge and without discrimination. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide employees with leave to receive necessary health care services. Requires the Board to: (1) establish any necessary health care facilities; (2) establish guidelines for the classification, certification, and employment of health workers by job category; (3) provide for the education of health workers through health team schools and loan repayment; (4) establish a health advocacy program to ensure the realization of patients' rights; (5) oversee occupational safety and health programs; and (6) conduct research concerning health and health care delivery. Transfers to the Board the agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that conduct research on health and health care. Requires the Board to establish additional research institutes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a health services tax on the income of individuals and corporations to fund the Health Service Trust Fund (established under this Act). Transfers to the Service certain authority of the Secretary of HHS.

Expressing support for designation of September 12, 2009, as "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Expresses support for the designation of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. Pledges to make the prevention and cure of cancer a public health priority. Urges public and private sector efforts to promote awareness, invest in research, and improve treatments for childhood cancer.

Drug Price Competition Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2009

Drug Price Competition Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the definition of "first applicant" under such Act to allow a generic drug manufacturer that is currently considered an applicant subsequent to a brand-name manufacturer's 180-day exclusivity period to qualify as a first applicant for purposes of filing an abbreviated application for a new drug. Requires such applicant to submit a substantially complete application that contains and lawfully maintains a certification for such drug.

Medicare Specialty Care Improvement and Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Medicare Specialty Care Improvement and Protection Act of 2009 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through December 31, 2013, the authority to restrict enrollment for specialized Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for special needs individuals (SNPs). Extends such authority through December 31, 2015, in the case of a SNP designated as a Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan.. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate the MA and the health status risk adjustment payment mechanisms in order to resolve plan payment inequities relative to Medicare fee-for-service payments for high-risk, high cost beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary, using the results of the evaluation, to refine the risk adjustment payment mechanism for such beneficiaries. Requires the Secretary to provide bonus payments to account for added SNP costs associated with additional benefit, care management, reporting, and other requirements established by Congress and the Secretary in excess of other MA plans. Requires the Secretary to take into account specified factors, including dual eligibility (for both Medicare and SSA title XIX [Medicaid] benefits) and geographic cost differences, with respect to the bid structure for SNPs. Requires the Secretary to have in place a process under which the Secretary designates dual eligible SNPs as Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans for the purpose of advancing fully integrated Medicare and Medicaid benefits and services for dual eligible beneficiaries, including state-designated Dual subsets. Directs the Secretary to establish or designate an Office on Medicare/Medicaid Integration. Authorizes a plan, at state option, to provide for a period of presumptive eligibility for an individual who has attained age 65, who has 12 or more consecutive months of Medicaid eligibility, and who the state has reason to believe will be determined to be a full-benefit dual eligible individual. Conditions such presumptive eligibility, however, on the state's: (1) agreement to randomly conducted eligibility audits by the Secretary; and (2) ensuring that any individual enrolled under the state plan who is determined ineligible for medical assistance as a result of such an audit is notified at least 30 days before disenrollment. Extends prescription drug discounts to enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations.

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as a part D drug any devices approved for home use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe and effective containment, removal, decontamination, and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destructive device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program.

Medical Practice Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Medical Practice Protection Act of 2009 - Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Allows the introduction of collateral source benefits and the amount paid to secure such benefits as evidence. Prohibits a provider of such benefits from recovering any amount from an award in a health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Provides for periodic payments of future damages.

La Cura Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Cure and Understanding through Research for Alzheimer's Act of 2009 or La Cura Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure sufficient resources for activities relating to Alzheimer's disease and Hispanic communities, including by: (1) increasing efforts in epidemiological work in Hispanic subgroups; (2) allocating resources to the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's disease research centers and other academic centers involved in such research to increase participation of Hispanics and other underrepresented ethnic groups in research and clinical trials in sufficient numbers to draw valid conclusions; and (3) conducting social, behavioral, and health services research to understand the underlying reasons why Hispanic individuals delay diagnosis and underutilize services, to identify culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches to address such delays and underutilization, and to identify approaches for providing, and improving the quality of, culturally competent care. Requires the Director to expand and intensify NIH efforts to educate communities about the importance of research relating to Alzheimer's disease and to respond effectively to cultural concerns about participation in such research. Authorizes appropriations for a program of grants to states to carry out demonstration programs related to Alzheimer's disease. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct an aggressive, evidence-based education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer's disease, particularly to Hispanic populations.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals eligible for veterans health benefits to contribute to health savings accounts.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that individual taxpayers who receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) periodic health care or medical services shall not be disqualified from making tax deductible contributions to health savings accounts.

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as a part D drug any devices approved for home use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe and effective containment, removal, decontamination, and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destructive device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program.

Integrity in Medicare Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

Integrity in Medicare Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude certain advanced diagnostic imaging services from the in-office ancillary services exception to the prohibition on physician self-referral. (Thus prohibits a physician [or an immediate family member] who has an ownership or investment relationship or compensation arrangement with an entity from referring a patient to the entity for certain advanced diagnostic imaging services for which a Medicare payment otherwise may be made.)

MRSA Infection Prevention and Patient Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

MRSA Infection Prevention and Patient Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promulgate regulations relating to MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), including regulations that provide a list of best practices for preventing MRSA infections and such other antibiotic resistant pathogens as the Secretary determines appropriate. Requires each acute care hospital to screen each patient entering an intensive care unit or other high-risk hospital department. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a process and a timetable for extending the screening requirements to patients admitted to all hospitals by January 1, 2014; and (2) report to Congress on whether payment adjustments should be made under Medicare to assist certain hospitals in defraying the cost of screening for, and the subsequent treatment of, MRSA or other infections. Requires all hospitals to: (1) comply with specified MRSA best practices, including contact precautions and patient notification; and (2) report hospital-acquired MRSA and other infections that occur in the facility. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish systems for identifying infected transferred patients and for promptly informing any facility that has transferred an infected patient; and (2) publish the names of providers who fail to take steps to reduce the incidence of MRSA infections. Permits a hospital to apply to the Secretary for a one-year increase in the amount of the capital-related costs payment made to the hospital under the prospective payment system to provide for the rapid implementation of MRSA screening programs and initiatives. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award a grant for a pilot program to develop a rapid, cost-effective method for testing for MRSA using a molecular testing method. .

Medicare Transitional Care Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Medicare Transitional Care Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of benefits for transitional care services for qualified individuals following discharge from a hospital or critical access hospital.

Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) submit to Congress a plan to introduce pay-for-performance mechanisms into contracts which compensate Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contractors for the provision of veterans' health care services through community-based outpatient clinics (clinics); (2) commence plan implementation within 60 days after submission, unless Congress enacts a law prohibiting or modifying plan implementation; and (3) report semiannually to Congress on the advisability of utilizing such mechanisms in the provision of VA health care services by means in addition to such clinics.

Women's Medical Home Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Women's Medical Home Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish a three-year women's medical home demonstration project to provide enhanced care to women receiving assistance under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) focusing on specified medical conditions, including premature birth, cervical and breast cancer, menopause, and postpartum depression; (2) establish a Women's Medical Home Advisory Council; and (3) specify standards for certification of certain health care providers as women's medical homes. Defines a "women's medical home" as a physician-led practice, or advanced practice nurse-directed practice, that uses innovations to improve the management and coordination of women's health care and that meets specified standards. Sets forth project goals, including: (1) increasing cost efficiencies of health care delivery, access to appropriate health care services, and patient satisfaction; (2) decreasing inappropriate emergency room utilization, duplication of health care services, and health disparities; and (3) providing appropriate referrals to multidisciplinary services. Authorizes the Secretary to award planning or implementation grants to entities participating in the demonstration project.

Worker Infection Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Worker Infection Protection Act - Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly develop and issue workplace standards, recommendations, and plans to protect health care workers and first responders and other workers at risk of workplace exposure to infectious agents and drug resistant infections, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Directs the Secretary of Labor to develop and issue an emergency temporary standard and, not later than 180 days after such issuance, a permanent standard for the protection of workers at risk of exposure, to prevent occupational exposure to infectious agents and toxins. Sets forth minimum requirements for such standards concerning: (1) an infectious agent control plan in settings where health care is delivered; (2) personal protective equipment; (3) training and information, including providing job-specific training and education regarding the prevention of transmission of infectious agents and providing instructional materials for patients and visitors; and (4) medical surveillance for exposed workers.

Community and Rural Medical Residency Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Community and Rural Medical Residency Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the counting of time spent in outpatient settings by full-time-equivalent residents in approved medical residency training programs, for purposes of indirect medical education (IME) and direct graduate medical education (D-GME) payments. Defines all, or substantially all, of the costs for the training program in that nonhospital setting as the residents' stipends and benefits and other costs, if any, as determined by the training hospital and the entity (wholly owned or operated by the hospital) operating the nonhospital setting. Declares that the hospital is not required to pay the entity any amounts other than those determined by the hospital and the entity in order for the hospital to be considered to have incurred all, or substantially all, of the costs for the training program in that setting.

Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2009 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an ultimate user who has lawfully obtained a controlled substance to deliver that substance to another person, without being registered, for the purpose of disposal if: (1) the person receiving the substance is authorized to engage in such activity; and (2) the disposal takes place in accordance with regulations issued by the Attorney General to prevent diversion of controlled substances. Permits the Attorney General to authorize long-term care facilities to dispose of controlled substances on behalf of ultimate users in a manner that will provide effective controls against diversion and that is consistent with public health and safety.

A resolution recognizing that the occurrence of prostate cancer in African-American men has reached epidemic proportions and urging Federal agencies to address that health crisis by designating funds for education, awareness outreach, and research specifically focused on how prostate cancer affects African-American men.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Recognizes that prostate cancer has created a health crisis for African-American men. Urges federal agencies to designate additional funds for research and for education, awareness, and early detection efforts at the grassroots level to end that crisis.

A resolution supporting National Men's Health Week.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Expresses support for the annual National Men's Health Week in 2009.