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Bill· HRH.R. 4651 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2005
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2005 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold such drugs, devices, or services. Applies such prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
Bill· HRH.R. 4652 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2005
Provides that any individual entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance), or enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) shall be eligible to obtain prescription drugs at the prices specified in the Federal Supply Schedule. Amends SSA title XVIII to repeal provisions prohibiting the Secretary of Health and Human Services from: (1) interfering with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors; or (2) requiring a particular formulary to institute a price structure for the reimbursement of covered Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs. Grants the Secretary, instead, authority similar to that of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other federal agencies and departments that purchase prescription drugs in bulk to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered Medicare part D drugs, consistent with the requirements and in furtherance of the goals of providing quality care and containing costs.States that the purpose of this grant of authority is to ensure that beneficiaries enrolled under prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MA-PD) plans pay the lowest possible price.
Bill· SS. 2170 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005
Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2005 - Prohibits assistance under this Act to an eligible developing country that does not: (1) permit World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) personnel to investigate infectious disease outbreaks within its borders; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. and international agencies and organizations. Prohibits any participating foreign national from having unsupervised access to agents that may be used in a biological weapon. Establishes a public health education and training fellowship program for eligible nationals to pursue: (1) a master of public health degree with a concentration in epidemiology; or (2) advanced public health training in epidemiology. Directs the Secretary of State to support short training courses in-country (not in the United States) for laboratory technicians and other public health personnel in: (1) laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks; and (2) syndrome surveillance reporting and rapid analysis of syndrome information using Geographic Information System (GIS). Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to eligible developing countries to purchase and maintain: (1) public health laboratory equipment necessary to collect, analyze, and identify pathogens which may cause disease outbreaks or may be used as a biological weapon; and (2) related communications equipment and information technology. Authorizes a federal agency head, upon the request of a U.S. chief of diplomatic mission or an international health organization, and with the Secretary's concurrence, to assign to the respective U.S. mission or organization any public health officer or employee of the agency for the purpose of enhancing disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Directs CDCP and the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to their respective laboratories located in eligible developing countries that conduct infectious disease research; and (2) expand the operations of those laboratories, especially in the implementation of on-site training of foreign nationals and regional outreach efforts. Authorizes: (1) the President to provide assistance to enhance the surveillance and reporting capabilities for WHO and existing regional and international health networks, and develop new health networks; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new country or regional foreign epidemiology training programs in eligible developing countries. Directs the President to establish the Office of Foreign Biological Threat Detection and Warning.
Bill· SS. 2164 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005
Health and Welfare Relief Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) the 2006 update to the single conversion factor for physician's services; (2) a three-year transition of hold harmless payments for small rural hospitals under the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services; (3) the composite rate component of the basic case-mix adjusted system for dialysis services; and (4) other related matters. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a strategic and implementing plan to address issues regarding physician investment in specialty hospitals. Extends through calendar 2006 the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program under SSA title IV part A, the national random sample study of child welfare and child welfare waiver authority, and transitional medical assistance and abstinence education programs. Provides for emergency health care, including disaster relief Medicaid under SSA title XIX, and other relief for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to: (1) reimbursement of states for TANF benefits to assist families affected by Hurricane Katrina; (2) an increase in additional TANF funds available for hurricane-damaged states; and (3) rules for receipt of Hurricane Katrina emergency TANF benefits and their application to the child support requirement. Specifies requirements related to disclosure based on valid authorization and emergency procurement authority in support of Hurricane Katrina rescue and relief efforts.
Bill· SS. 2168 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005
Medicare Drug Benefit Protections Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) an extended period of open enrollment during all of 2006 without a late enrollment penalty; (2) extension throughout 2006 of the period for a one-time change of plan enrollment for the Medicare prescription drug benefit; (3) extension of the annual, coordinated election period under Medicare parts C (Medicare+Choice) and D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program); and (4) expansion of special election periods under such parts. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to states, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities to conduct outreach and educational activities with respect to the prescription drug benefit under Medicare part D.
Bill· SS. 2173 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005
Medicare Dual Eligible Identification and Enrollment Facilitation Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for outreach and education to pharmacies participating under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, particularly independent pharmacies. Requires such outreach and education to address: (1) the full-benefit dual eligible population; (2) the transition from Medicaid prescription drug coverage to part D coverage for such population; and (3) the processes established by the Secretary to facilitate, at point of sale, identification of the drug plan assignment of such population or enrollment of previously unidentified or new full-benefit dual eligible individuals into Medicare part D prescription drug coverage. Directs the Secretary to reimburse pharmacies fully for: (1) any transaction fees associated with point-of-sale facilitated identification and enrollment processes; and (2) costs associated with any technology or software upgrade necessary to make any identification and enrollment inquiries as part of such processes.
Bill· HRH.R. 4641 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005
Assisting Doctors to Obtain Proficient and Transmissible Health Information Technology (ADOPT HIT) Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow medical care providers: (1) to expense up to $250,000 of the cost of health care information technology for the exchange of medical information; and (2) a business tax credit for 50% of their telecommunication charges (defined as expenses of installing or maintaining a communications network that supports interoperability of electronic medical records systems), up to $10,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 4644 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005
Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to: (1) local educational agencies, state and local public health agencies, and nonprofit private entities for projects to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies; and (2) public or nonprofit private entities for demonstrating innovative approaches to prevent teen pregnancies. Reauthorizes appropriations for: (1) 21st Century Community Learning Centers and the Carol M. White physical education program, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and (2) TRIO programs and GEARUP, under the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Bill· HRH.R. 4642 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005
Wired for Health Care Quality Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the public-private American Health Information Collaborative to recommend uniform policies to support the widespread adoption of health information technology; and (2) adopt recommended modifications to standards for the electronic exchange of health information. Prohibits any federal agency from expending federal funds to purchase health information technology that is inconsistent with adopted standards and requires all federal agencies collecting health data to comply with such standards. Requires the Secretary to develop criteria to: (1) ensure uniform and consistent implementation of any standards voluntarily adopted by private entities; and (2) ensure and certify hardware, software, and support services compliance with adopted standards. Allows the Secretary to award grants to: (1) facilitate the purchase and enhance the utilization of qualified health information technology systems; (2) implement regional or local health information plans; and (3) develop academic programs integrating qualified health information technology systems in the clinical education of health professionals. Requires the heads of specified federal agencies to develop a system to measure the quality of care patients receive. Requires the Secretary to: (1) adopt and utilize such system; (2) disseminate recommendations and best practices derived from the analysis of quality measures; and (3) study methods to create efficient reimbursement incentives for improving health care quality. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ), to develop a Center for Best Practices to provide technical assistance and develop best practices to support and accelerate efforts to adopt, implement, and effectively use interoperable health information technology. Reauthorizes appropriations for grants to reduce statutory and regulatory barriers to telemedicine.
Bill· HRH.R. 4645 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005
Preventing Medicare Seniors from being Confused due to Abusive Marketing (Prevent Medicare SCAMs) Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) enhanced penalties for Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans and Medicare prescription drug plans that violate marketing requirements; and (2) public notification about plans that habitually receive intermediate sanctions. Permits Medicare beneficiaries enrolled under prescription drug plans suspended under this Act to enroll under other plans during the period of suspension. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on each anti-fraud and abuse provision (including related intermediate sanctions) applicable to an MA-PD plan or a Medicare prescription drug plan, and assess its effectiveness and the overall compliance of such plans.
Bill· HRH.R. 4624 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Special Care Denistry Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the provision to children and aged, blind, or disabled individuals of specified oral health services under the Medicaid program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4633 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
HIV/AIDS Emergency Hurricane Relief Act - Requires the President to appoint an HIV/AIDS Emergency Response Coordinator to coordinate the provision of services under federal programs to individuals who: (1) are living with HIV; (2) are residents or were residents of a declared major disaster area at the time of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma; and (3) have been displaced by such hurricane or have been unable to access comprehensive medical care and treatment, including housing, case management, drug and alcohol treatment, and other supportive services. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Coordinator, to award grants or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit private entities that: (1) have experience in providing services to eligible individuals; and (2) have received or are eligible to receive funding from the federal government through the HIV health care services program or the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to waive matching requirements and any other appropriate conditions for grants under the HIV health care services program. Allows the Coordinator to award grants or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit private entities that provide covered services to eligible individuals in order to provide such entities with emergency infrastructure support. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to conduct a public awareness campaign directed toward eligible individuals who were receiving services through the federal HIV health care services program and for whom the hurricanes caused the disruption or termination of such services.
Bill· HRH.R. 4625 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005
Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax deduction for medical expenses without the gross income percentage limitation.
Bill· SS. 2137 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
All Kids Health Insurance Coverage Act of 2005 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make all uninsured children eligible for SCHIP, regardless of their access to high-cost coverage. Provides for an increase in federal financial participation under SCHIP and Medicaid (SSA title XIX) for states with simplified enrollment and renewal procedures for children. Places a limitation on payments to states that have an enrollment cap but have not exhausted their available state allotments. Provides for an additional enhancement to the Federal Medical Asssistance Percentage (FMAP) to promote expansion of coverage to all uninsured children under Medicaid and SCHIP. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the scheduled phaseout of the personal exemption and itemized deductions for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds a certain threshold.
Bill· HRH.R. 4603 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to issue a pandemic influenza declaration putting into effect provisions relating to government liability and compensation for injuries with respect to specified countermeasures. Requires the Secretary to establish a compensation program for countermeasure-related injuries or deaths. Establishes the Pandemic Influenza Countermeasure Injury Compensation Fund. Establishes the liability of the United States for claims arising out of the administration of a covered countermeasure by a qualified person during the period of such declaration. Requires states to have an approved state pandemic influenza preparedness plan as a condition of receiving certain bioterrorism funds. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide for the purchase of excess stocks of influenza vaccine; (2) establish minimum thresholds for state pandemic influenza surveillance; (3) procure antivirals, vaccines, essential medication, and other supplies related to a pandemic influenza for the Strategic National Stockpile; and (4) develop a national system for tracking and distributing antiviral medications and vaccines. Establishes a Global Network for Avian Influenza Surveillance. Provides for: (1) the development of an influenza public education campaign; (2) the expansion and intensification of influenza research; and (3) the development of best practices and social science research. Requires the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary to develop workplace standards to protect health care workers and first responders from workplace exposure to pandemic influenza. Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide assistance to foreign countries to combat the avian influenza virus. Requires the Secretary of State to: (1) designate a coordinator of U.S. assistance to combat the avian influenza virus; and (2) develop country strategies to prevent, mitigate, and respond to outbreaks in designated high-risk countries. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish an early warning system to prevent, mitigate, and respond to outbreaks of the avian influenza virus in foreign countries.
Bill· HRH.R. 4568 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Proficiency Testing Improvement Act of 2005 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from conducting laboratory proficiency testing of individuals involved in screening or interpreting cytological preparations for one year. Requires the Secretary, within one year and before resuming testing, to revise such proficiency testing to: (1) reflect the collaborative clinical decision-making of laboratory personnel involved in screening or interpreting cytological preparations; (2) revise grading or scoring criteria to reflect current practice guidelines; (3) provide for such testing to be conducted no more than every two years; and (4) make such other revisions as necessary to reflect changes in laboratory operations and practices since the standards were promulgated.
Bill· HRH.R. 4601 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Nuclear Accountability Act - Prohibits operation of a nuclear utilization facility unless the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) finds that the state in which the facility is located, as well as each affected county or county-equivalent located within a 10-mile radius of such facility, has certified within the last year a radiological emergency response plan which provides reasonable assurance that public health and safety is not endangered by the facility's operation.
Bill· HRH.R. 4598 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Paget's Cancer Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a program to provide information and education to health professionals and the public on the symptoms of and treatment for Paget's disease of the breast. Requires the Secretary to study aspects of the disease concerning the range of symptoms, time lapse between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis and treatment, and demographic distribution.
Bill· HRH.R. 4593 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require, by October 1, 2012, all federal buildings, for the purposes of efficient use of energy and reduction in the cost of energy (currently, electricity) used in such buildings, to be metered. Requires agencies to use, to the maximum extent practicable, advanced meters or advanced metering devices for electricity, primary fuels, including natural gas and petroleum-based fuels, steam, and chilled water (currently, electricity, primary fuels, including natural gas and petroleum-based fuels, steam, and chilled water are not specified), that provide data at least daily and that measure at least hourly consumption of electricity in the federal buildings of the agency. Requires that, by October 1, 2008, metering meeting the above requirements shall apply to: (1) buildings on which construction commenced after the date of enactment of this Act; (2) existing buildings with more than 100,000 square feet of enclosed space; and (3) existing buildings that use large amounts of energy per square foot such as process energy facilities, health care facilities, and data centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 4610 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Provides that any individual entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance), or enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) shall be eligible to obtain prescription drugs at the prices specified in the Federal Supply Schedule. Amends SSA title XVIII to repeal provisions prohibiting the Secretary of Health and Human Services from: (1) interfering with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors; or (2) requiring a particular formulary to institute a price structure for the reimbursement of covered Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs. Grants the Secretary, instead, authority similar to that of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other federal agencies and departments that purchase prescription drugs in bulk to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered Medicare part D drugs, consistent with the requirements and in furtherance of the goals of providing quality care and containing costs.States that the purpose of this grant of authority is to ensure that beneficiaries enrolled under prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MA-PD) plans pay the lowest possible price.
Bill· HRH.R. 4585 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exempt from the 12% cap on disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment percentages a rural hospital with at least 100 beds or classified as a rural referral center.
Bill· HRH.R. 4606 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Disproportionate Share Hospital Assistance Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to make the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotments for states for FY2005 and FY2006 the same as the allotment for FY2004 (thus providing a cost-of-living increase).
Law· HRH.R. 4579 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2006 mental health parity provisions, which require group health plans to treat equally mental health benefits and medical and surgical benefits for purposes of lifetime limits or annual limits on benefits covered by the plan.
Bill· SS. 2112 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Preparation Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a national voluntary influenza vaccination program to provide free influenza vaccines. Requires the Secretary to reimburse participating entities for the cost of administering such vaccines. Requires the Secretary to award grants to health departments, public hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and other entities to facilitate: (1) the establishment of influenza vaccination programs in partnership with private entities; and (2) the development of influenza vaccination programs for students and families of students. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award grants to elementary and secondary schools to facilitate the development of a voluntary influenza vaccination program; (2) develop an immunization plan with immunization target numbers for Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); (3) provide bonus payments to eligible health care providers and other entities who meet such immunization targets; (4) establish a Volunteer Vaccine Corps to facilitate the distribution of vaccines during a public health emergency related to an influenza outbreak; (5) maintain a database of Corps members; and (6) award grants for the training of Corps members. Limits the liability of Corps members when performing their duties. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a national public affairs campaign to increase influenza immunization rates.
Bill· SS. 2115 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Disease Research Act Amendments of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions regarding a research planning conference required to be convened by the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to require such conference to: (1) investigate Parkinson's research funded by NIH; and (2) identify shortcomings and opportunities for more effective treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease. Requires the result of each conference to be included in a research investment plan that also: (1) provides for measurable results with the goals of better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease determining the allocation of research dollars; (2) includes an outline of how to fully utilize the Udall Center program; and (3) includes a budget and implementation strategy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure adequate funding to carry out activities described in the investment plan. Requires the Director to ensure funding for an additional Morris K. Udall research center to coordinate activities conducted by, and manage the interdisciplinary efforts of, the other centers. Requires each research center to ensure that there is a significant clinical component and ongoing basic research. Requires the Director to establish an application review process for grants to fund such research centers. Directs (currently, allows) the Director to award grants to support qualified investigators with potential for significant future Parkinson's disease breakthroughs. Requires the Director to investigate and report to Congress on the incidence of Parkinson's disease.
Bill· SS. 2109 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
National Innovation Act of 2005 - Directs the President to establish the: (1) President's Council on Innovation; and (2) Innovation Acceleration Grants Program to support and promote innovation in the United States. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) submit a multiyear plan that describes how the funds authorized by this Act for doubling research funding shall be used; (2) study how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science; (3) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (4) establish a clearinghouse for sharing program elements used in successful professional science master's degree programs; (5) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such programs; and (6) award grants to local educational agencies to enable implementation of innovation-based experiential learning. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to submit recommendations for an increase in funding for research and development in physical sciences and engineering. Requires the Department of Commerce to: (1) review federal programs that support local economic development and implement a strategy to fund initiatives that improve the ability of communities to participate successfully in the modern economy through innovation; (2) promote economic development opportunities for serving local communities as specified; and (3) coordinate activities focused on promoting innovation through development of regional innovation hot spots. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and development for advanced manufacturing systems designed to increase productivity and efficiency and to create competitive advantages for U.S. businesses. Make permanent the research credit for qualified research expenses and provides for an alternative simplified credit for such expenses. Requires studies: (1) to explore methods for managing costs associated with catastrophic healthcare events and with chronic disease; and (2) for establishing lifelong learning accounts for educational or training purposes; and (3) of methods to mitigate new forms of risk for businesses that affect innovation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue regulations relating to private foundation support of innovations in economic development; and (2) establish an advisory group to examine best practices for valuation of intangibles. Makes it the goal of the Department of Defense (DOD) to allocate: (1) at least 3% of the total DOD budget to science and technology; and (2) of such amount, at least 20% to basic research. Extends and expands the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Defense Scholarship Pilot Program. Expands the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) fellowship program. Requires DOD to: (1) award institution-based traineeships in areas of importance to DOD in mathematics, science, or engineering; and (2) undertake specified actions with respect to defense manufacturing research and development.
Bill· HRH.R. 4551 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Health Care Choices for Seniors Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivor's and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a procedure under which an individual otherwise entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare) may waive such entitlement and be automatically enrolled in the Medicare Alternative Voucher Program (MAV Program). Directs the Secretary to establish the MAV Program, under which a voucher may be used as a contribution into a health savings account and for the payment of enrollment premiums under a high deductible health plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the itemized deduction for health savings accounts by the amount of the MAV that is contributed to an individual's health savings account. Suspends Medicare late enrollment penalties for individuals between ages 65 and 70.
Bill· HRH.R. 4550 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
National Hepatitis B Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for hepatitis B prevention, control, and medical management. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) support the integration of testing, counseling, immunization, and medical referral activities into existing clinical and public health programs at state, local, and tribal levels; and (2) provide hepatitis B coordinators to health departments in order to ensure the success of such integration. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to implement programs to increase awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to: (1) support the establishment of a national hepatitis B surveillance program; and (2) report on population-based seroprevalence studies and hepatitis B's economic and clinical impact and its impact on quality of life. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Directors of CDC, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct research on hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary to give priority in carrying out this Act to individuals with limited access to health education, testing, and health care services and groups that may be disproportionately affected by hepatitis B.
Bill· HRH.R. 4557 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005
Medicare Prescription Drug Late Enrollment Penalty Repeal Act of 2005 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare prescription drug benefit late enrollment penalty and to extend the initial enrollment period for 2006 through July 15, 2006.
Bill· SS. 2104 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
American Center for Cures Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) an American Center for Cures to promote translational research to speed the development of effective therapies, diagnostics, and cures. Establishes a Cures Council to help advise and direct the Center's translational research efforts. Authorizes the Center's Director (the Director of Cures) to establish Federally Funded Research and Development Centers to serve as research sites. Establishes within the Center a Health Advanced Research Projects Agency to advance the development and deployment of critical health products. Authorizes the Agency to flexibly fund projects. Requires the Director of Cures to establish a series of Centralized Institutional Review Boards to serve as human subject safety and well being custodians for multi-institutional clinical trials that are funded by public dollars. Requires the Director of NIH to commission the Institute of Medicine to study the rules that protect patient safety and anonymity with respect to clinical research. Establishes an Office of Bioscientific Enterprise Development (OBED) and transfers to it the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Requires OBED to partner grantees with potential purchasers of products. Establishes an Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) and transfers to it appropriate NIH functions. Requires OTT to establish: (1) an Office of Rapid Access to Intervention Development to accelerate the process from laboratory to clinic; and (2) a program that cultivates industry interest in NIH-funded research. Establishes an Office of Intramural Risk Opportunity and Mapping to oversee the intramural research programs of NIH. Requires the Center for Biotechnology Information to develop new computational methods to aid in the processing of genomic data. Provides for the construction of a clinical study registry and results database.
Bill· SS. 2096 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 to authorize appropriations for FY2006-FY2007 to: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants to programs in the United States to cover the costs of services provided by domestic treatment centers in the rehabilitation of victims of torture (including treatment of the physical and psychological effects of torture), social and legal services, and research and training of health care providers outside of treatment centers or programs to enable them to provide such services; (2) the President for grants to treatment centers and programs in foreign countries that carry out projects and activities specifically designed to treat victims of torture for the physical and psychological effects of torture; and (3) the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 331 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Expresses the sense of the Senate that cancer-related infertility is a serious quality of life issue for cancer patients. Urges the medical community to increase its efforts to ensure that discussions about the risk of infertility and fertility preservation options are an integral part of pretreatment planning and consent for treatment for all reproductive-age patients. Calls for the federal government, acting through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to: (1) encourage research to strengthen fertility preservation technologies; (2) consider ways to improve access to fertility preservation options; and (3) raise awareness about the fertility side effects and preservation options.
Bill· HRH.R. 4540 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Mammogram Availability Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, that provides coverage for diagnostic mammographies for any woman 40 years old or older to provide no less favorable coverage for annual screening mammographies for such a woman. Prohibits related enrollment and renewal discrimination, monetary incentives to women, and penalties or incentives to providers. Applies such requirements and prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
Bill· HRH.R. 4544 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
340B Program Revision and Expansion Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include in the discount drug purchasing program those entities that receive funding under the Social Security Act for the provision of maternal and child care services, mental health services, and substance abuse services. Allows otherwise qualified hospitals to purchase discounted drugs through group purchasing agreements and organizations. Allows discounted drugs to be provided in an inpatient setting. (Currently, discounted drugs must be provided only on an outpatient basis.) Allows covered entities to contract with multiple pharmacies to purchase covered drugs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prevent abuse and misuse of discounted prices by: (1) developing a system to verify the accuracy of information regarding covered entities that is listed on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website; (2) establishing a third-party auditing system to regularly audit covered entities and ensure compliance with requirements of the discounted drug program; (3) conducting supplemental audits and implementing dispute resolution guidelines and other compliance programs; (4) issuing advisory opinions in response to questions by manufacturers or covered entities about the application of this program in specific factual circumstances; and (5) providing covered entities access through HHS's website to the prices for covered drugs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4527 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005
Health Care Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) taxpayers, including non-itemizing taxpayers, a tax deduction from gross income for the first $2,000 of their out-of-pocket medical expenses; (2) certain small business employers a business tax credit for amounts paid for employee health insurance coverage; and (3) a refundable tax credit up to $500 for the health insurance costs of a taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and dependents.
Bill· HRH.R. 4520 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that the update to the single conversion factor in the formula for payment of physicians' services for 2006 and 2007 shall not be less than 1.5%. Directs the Medicare Payment Assessment Commission (MEDPAC) to report to Congress on approaches to controlling aggregage spending for physician services in order to maximize efficiency and maintain beneficiary access to high-quality care under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Repeals Medicare cost containment provisions under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.
Bill· HRH.R. 4505 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
Health Care Incentive Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to allow any employer in interstate commerce that is required by federal or state law to pay a minimum wage rate higher than the current federal rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to count the value of creditable health care benefits in determining the required wage.
Law· HRH.R. 4519 (109th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005
State High Risk Pool Funding Extension Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize funds for grants to states for the creation and initial operation of a qualified high risk pool. Amends provision requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to states with existing qualified high risk pools to cover the state's losses to: (1) increase the maximum allowable premium charged under a qualified high risk pool to 200% of the premium for applicable standard risk rates; (2) allow such grants to be made to entities that operate such a pool under applicable state law; and (3) change the allocation of such grants to give 40% to eligible states equally, 30% based on the number of uninsured individuals in the state, and 30% based on the number of enrollees in a state's qualified high risk pool. (Currently, all funds are allotted based solely on the number of uninsured individuals in the state.) Requires a state which charges premiums that exceed 150% of the premium for applicable standard risks to use at least 50% of the grant amount to reduce premiums for enrollees. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states with qualified high risk pools for the provision of supplemental consumer benefits, including: (1) low-income premium subsidies; (2) a reduction in premium trends, actual premiums, or other cost-sharing requirements; and/or (3) an expansion or broadening of the pool of individuals eligible for coverage. Revises the definition of "qualified high risk pool" to allow a state to elect to meet the requirement to provide all eligible individuals with health insurance coverage by utilizing an acceptable alternative mechanism that includes a high risk pool as a component.
Bill· SS. 2080 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2005
Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit charging membership or other incidental fees, or requiring purchase of items or services not covered by Medicare as a prerequisite for provision of a Medicare-covered item or service to a Medicare beneficiary.
Bill· HRH.R. 4491 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005
Nursing Home Fire Safety Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish programs of direct loans and grants for retrofitting nursing facilities with automatic fire sprinkler systems. Gives priority to grant applications that demonstrate a need or hardship.
Bill· HRH.R. 4478 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005
Rape Prevention and Education Grant Program Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for grants to states for rape prevention and education programs conducted by rape crisis centers, state sexual assault coalitions, and other public and private nonprofit entities. Earmarks a portion of such funds for the provision of resource information, policy, training, and technical assistance to federal, state, local, and Indian tribal agencies, state sexual assault coalitions, local sexual assault programs, and other professionals and interested parties on issues relating to sexual assault, including maintenance of a central resource library to collect, prepare, analyze, and disseminate information, statistics, and analyses relating to the incidence and prevention of sexual assault.
Bill· HRH.R. 4476 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005
Global Network for Avian Influenza Surveillance Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Influenza Branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to offer to enter into a contract with one or more eligible organizations to establish a Global Network for Avian Influenza Surveillance (GNAIS). Requires the eligible organization to manage an international surveillance program under which federal GNAIS partners: (1) monitor and test for the presence or arrival of avian influenza and other significant avian pathogens; (2) use trained professionals to collect samples and other data; (3) use the GNAIS for conducting disease surveillance, field investigations, training and capacity-building activities, and research; and (4) transmit information related to global distribution and characteristics of avian influenza to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, acting through the eligible organization, to: (1) use surveillance reports and other sources to identify and investigate local disease outbreaks of avian influenza; (2) develop a long-term baseline of regional data to identify when and where outbreaks might occur and paths of dispersal; (3) provide technical assistance for disease prevention and control programs; (4) provide analytical disease findings to the Influenza Branch of CDC and other federal GNAIS partners; and ( 5) manage, map, and make available on an Internet database all results and information gathered under this Act. Directs the Secretary to request accredited colleges of veterinary medicine and other GNAIS partners to train members of the GNAIS network to: (1) monitor important bird areas around the world; and (2) test for the presence or arrival of avian influenza and other significant avian pathogens of zoonotic concern.
Bill· HRH.R. 4469 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005
Community Health Workers Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to promote positive health behaviors for women in target populations, especially racial and ethnic minority women in medically underserved communities. Permits such funds to be used to support community health workers to: (1) educate, guide, and provide outreach regarding health problems among women and especially among racial and ethnic minority women; (2) educate, guide, and provide experiential learning opportunities that target behavioral risk factors, including poor nutrition and tobacco use; (3) educate and guide regarding effective strategies to promote positive health behaviors within the family; (4) educate and provide outreach regarding enrollment in health insurance; (5) promote community wellness and awareness; and (6) educate and refer target populations to appropriate health care agencies and community based programs and organizations. Requires the Secretary to give priority to experienced applicants who propose to target geographic areas: (1) with a high percentage of uninsured or underinsured residents who are eligible for health insurance; (2) with a high percentage of families for whom English is not their primary language; and (3) that encompass the United States-Mexico border region. Requires the Secretary to: (1) encourage community health worker programs to collaborate with academic institutions; and (2) establish guidelines for assuring the quality of the training and supervision of community health workers under programs funded under this Act and for assuring the cost-effectiveness of such programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4450 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005
Hospital and ASC Price Disclosure and Litigation Protection Act of 2005 - Prohibits a charge-related legal action from being brought by an individual against a hospital or ambulatory surgical center if the hospital or center: (1) has met the requirements under this Act; (2) has entered into an agreement with the uninsured individual before treatment that sets the maximum price that will be charged for such treatment; and (3) has met the terms of such agreement. Sets forth disclosures that a hospital or center must provide to an individual who is scheduled to receive treatment and include in any itemized bill, including: (1) the estimated price or the price charged for the treatment; (2) the payment rate for the treatment negotiated with the network plan or managed care plan that has the largest number of enrollees; and (3) the Medicare payment rate for the treatment. Excludes from such requirements a treatment for which there exists a third-party price arrangement unless the individual involved requests such information. Requires a hospital or ambulatory surgical center to report data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding: (1) the frequency of performing certain services and administering certain drugs; (2) the charge by the hospital or center for such services or drugs; (3) the negotiated rate of payment for the treatment by the plan with the largest number of enrollees; and (4) the Medicare payment rate for the treatment. Requires the Secretary to: (1) publicly post such information on the Internet in a manner that promotes charge comparisons among hospitals and centers; and (2) select which services or drugs are to be reported based on the frequency with which the services are performed or the drugs are administered.
Bill· HRH.R. 4447 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005
Medicaid Indian Health Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) apply 100% of the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to services furnished to an Indian by an urban Indian health program; (2) prohibit the imposition of premiums, deductibles, copayments, and other cost-sharing on Indians; (3) prohibit recovery against estates of Indians; (4) require consultation with Indian tribes prior to approval of "Section 115" waivers; (5) provide for the treatment of medical expenses paid by or on behalf of an Indian by an Indian health program as medical care costs for purposes of determining medically needy eligibility; and (6) give states the option to exempt Indians from reductions in eligibility or benefits. Requires a Medicaid managed care organization contracting with an Indian Health Service (IHS) facility or program that is not a federally-qualified health center or a rural health clinic to provide payment at the highest level and amount that it would make for the services if they were furnished by a provider that is not an IHS facility or program.
Bill· SS. 2074 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Medicaid Indian Health Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) apply 100% of the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to services furnished to an Indian by an urban Indian health program; (2) prohibit the imposition of premiums, deductibles, copayments, and other cost-sharing on Indians; (3) prohibit recovery against estates of Indians; (4) require consultation with Indian tribes prior to approval of "Section 115" waivers; (5) provide for the treatment of medical expenses paid by or on behalf of an Indian by an Indian health program as medical care costs for purposes of determining medically needy eligibility; and (6) give states the option to exempt Indians from reductions in eligibility or benefits. Requires a Medicaid managed care organization contracting with an Indian Health Service (IHS) facility or program that is not a federally-qualified health center or a rural health clinic to provide payment at the highest level and amount that it would make for the services if they were furnished by a provider that is not an IHS facility or program.
Bill· SS. 2071 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Community and Rural Medical Residency Preservation Act of 2005 - 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 and direct graduate medical education 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.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 327 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Remembers and commemorates the lives and work of Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kazel and lay missionary Jean Donovan, and extends sympathy and support for the families, friends, and religious communities of the four U.S. churchwomen. Calls upon the people of the United States and religious congregations to participate in local, national, and international events commemorating the 25th anniversary of their martyrdom. Calls upon the President, the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the heads of other U.S. agencies to support the government of El Salvador and private sector, nongovernmental, and religious organizations to reduce poverty and to promote educational opportunity, health care, and social equity for the people of El Salvador.
Bill· HRH.R. 4399 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries' Informed Choice Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend the annual enrollment periods of the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and under the Medicare Advantage program. Suspends Medicare prescription drug late enrollment penalties for two years after the initial enrollment period.
Bill· HRH.R. 4406 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2005
Medicare Plan Enrollment Fraud Protection Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a criminal penalty for fraud in connection with enrollment under an Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan.