Healthcare

Worker Infection Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

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) and pandemic influenza. Directs the Secretary of Labor to develop and issue an emergency temporary standard and, not later than six months after such issuance, a permanent standard for the protection of workers at risk of exposure, to prevent occupational exposure to infectious agents and toxins, such as MRSA and pandemic influenza. Sets forth minimum requirements for such standards concerning: (1) influenza exposure; (2) personal protective equipment; (3) training and information; (4) medical surveillance for exposed workers; and (5) immunization against the pandemic influenza virus, if such a vaccine has been approved and is available. Requires the HHS Secretary to revise the provisions of the HHS pandemic influenza plan to conform with the minimum worker protection requirements described in this Act and with the permanent occupational safety and health exposure standard issued by the Secretary of Labor under this Act.

MRSA Infection Prevention and Patient Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

MRSA Infection Prevention and Patient Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations that: (1) define "MRSA" (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus); (2) provide a list of best practices for antibiotic resistant staphylococcus; (3) define "high risk hospital departments" for purposes of applying such practices; and (4) provide screening, recordkeeping, and other requirements as they relate to MRSA reductions. Requires acute care hospitals to screen patients entering intensive care units and other high risk hospital departments. 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, 2012, subject to a waiver; and (2) report to Congress, by January 1, 2009, 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 similar infections. Requires all hospitals to: (1) comply with specified MRSA best practices, including contact precautions and patient isolation; and (2) report by January 1, 2009, the number of cases of hospital-acquired MRSA and other resistant infection rates that occur in the facility. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop systems of identifying infected transferred patients and promptly informing any facility that has transferred an infected patient; and (2) promulgate regulations to develop a program to provide technical assistance and educational materials to non-hospital Medicare providers to assist in preventing 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, subject to specified repayment and certification requirements.

MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (Medikids Program), which creates a program to guarantee comprehensive health care coverage, including prescription drugs for all children meeting specified age requirements. Creates the MediKids Trust Fund. Expands the membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to 19. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a MediKids premium for the taxable year, with an exemption for very low-income taxpayers; and (2) create a refundable tax credit providing a catastrophic limit on MediKids cost-sharing expenses. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to propose a gradual schedule of progressive tax changes to fund the Medikids program, as the number of enrollees grows in the out-years.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the need for additional research into the chronic neurological condition hydrocephalus, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Commends the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for working with leading scientists and researchers to organize the first-ever NIH conference on hydrocephalus (a neurological condition characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain). Urges the Director to continue the current collaboration with respect to hydrocephalus among national research institutes. Calls for: (1) further research into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, disease burden, and improved treatment of hydrocephalus; and (2) increased public awareness and professional education regarding hydrocephalus through partnerships between the federal government and patient advocacy organizations.

To extend for one year parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act to extend until December 31, 2008, 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. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to take all necessary steps to participate in the Federal Payment Levy Program as soon as possible and ensure that: (1) at least 50% of all payments under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) are processed through such program within one year after enactment of this Act; (2) at least 75% of all such payments are processed through such program within two years; and (3) all such payments are processed through such program by September 30, 2011. Requires the Financial Management Service and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide assistance to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure that all payments are included in the Federal Payment Levy Program by the deadlines specified. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for specified expenditures from the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund for payment for physicians' services.

Virtual Screening for Cancer Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Virtual Screening for Cancer Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide Medicare coverage for screening computed tomography as a colorectal screening test; and (2) exclude screening computed tomography colonography from the meaning of "imaging services" for which there is a special rule regarding outpatient services department (OPD) fee schedule payments.

To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the shipment of prescription drugs between the States and the Virgin Islands.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt prescription drugs that have been shipped directly from a state to the U.S. Virgin Islands from restrictions on importation of exported drugs.

Community-Based Mental Health Infrastructure Improvements Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Community-Based Mental Health Infrastructure Improvements Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities for the construction or modernization of facilities to provide mental health and behavioral health services to individuals. Defines an "eligible entity" as: (1) a state that is the recipient of a Community Mental Health Services Block Grant and a Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant under such Act; or (2) an Indian tribe or a tribal organization. Includes among grant application requirements assurances that facilities will be used for not less than 10 years for community-based mental health or substance abuse services for those who cannot pay for such services. Permits a grant recipient to request permission to transfer such 10-year obligation to another facility. Authorizes a state that receives a grant to award a subgrant to a qualified community program for activities such as: (1) the construction, expansion, and modernization of mental and behavioral health facilities; and (2) the construction and structural modification of facilities to permit the integrated delivery of behavioral health and primary care of specialty medical services to individuals with co-occurring mental illnesses and chronic medical or surgical diseases at a single service site. Requires a grant recipient to agree to make available nonfederal contributions matching federal funds provided.

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007 - Makes technical and clerical corrections to the Internal Revenue Code, including corrections to provisions enacted by: (1) the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006; (2) the Pension Protection Act of 2006; (3) the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005; (4) the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; (5) the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (6) the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; (7) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001; (8) the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999; and (9) the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.

Stop Senior Suicide Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Stop Senior Suicide Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Interagency Geriatric Mental Health Planning Council to coordinate and collaborate on the planning for the delivery of mental health services, to include suicide prevention, to older adults. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase, through 2014 (when it will not be limited), payment for the treatment of mental, psychoneurotic, and personality disorders of an individual who is not an inpatient of a hospital at the time such expenses are incurred. Requires the Secretary to award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to develop strategies for addressing suicide among the elderly. Revises provisions requiring centers to provide appropriate information, training, and technical assistance on youth suicide to require such information, training, and assistance on suicide among all ages, particularly for groups that are at a high risk for suicide. Authorizes additional appropriations to carry out such changes.

Equal Rights for Health Care Act Title 42

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Equal Rights for Health Care Act Title 42 - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability status against any person in the United States under any health care service or research program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Recognizing the need to pursue research into the causes, a treatment, and an eventual cure for primary lateral sclerosis, supporting the goals and ideals of Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Recognizes the need to pursue research into the causes, treatment, and a cure for primary lateral sclerosis. Commends: (1) hospitals, community clinics, educational institutes, and other organizations that are working to increase awareness of, and conducting research for methods to help patients suffering from, the disorder; and (2) the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation for its efforts to educate, support, and provide hope for individuals who suffer from the disorder, while funding research to help find a cure. Expresses support for the designation of a Hardy Brown Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month.

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) and certain related Acts to: (1) increase the physician payment update; and (2) extend through June 30, 2008, specified components of the Medicare program. Amends SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) to extend SCHIP funding through March 31, 2009. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, as amended by Public Law 110-48 and the TMA, Abstinence, Education, and QI Programs Extension Act of 2007 to extend through June 30, 2008, the transitional medical assistance, abstinence education, and qualifying individual programs. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to extend through June 30, 2008, the Medicaid disproportionate hospital share (DSH) allotments for the states of Tennessee and Hawaii, with specified adjustments . Amends SSA title XXI to make appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for adjustments to the annual Bureau of the Census Current Population Survey in order to produce statistically reliable annual state data on the number of low-income children who do not have health insurance coverage. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from taking any action before June 30, 2008, to impose any restrictions relating to Medicaid coverage or payment for rehabilitation services or school-based administration and school-based transportation, if such restrictions are more restrictive in any aspect than those applied to such areas as of July 1, 2007. Makes the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) a congressional agency. Amends the Public Health Service Act to to make appropriations for special diabetes programs for Type I diabetes and for Indians for FY2009.

Skilled Trades Second Responders Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Skilled Trades Second Responders Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a national program for the training, certification, registration, tracking, and integration of skilled construction workers to assist first responders in responding to disasters, including natural and manmade disasters and terrorist attacks. Requires the Director to coordinate and consult with the Department of Homeland Security, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), other relevant agencies, and private organizations, including construction industry contractors, joint labor-management training funds, and building trade unions, that are experienced in providing rescue and recovery assistance to first responders and in the cleanup, demolition, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of disaster sites after recovery operations.

A bill to ensure that families of members of the National Guard and Reserve have full access to mental health care during the mobilization, deployment, and demobilization of such members, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense (DOD) should undertake actions to ensure that family members of National Guard and Reserve personnel who are deployed have full access to mental health care during the periods of mobilization, deployment, and demobilization. Requires the Secretary of Defense to undertake an initiative to increase access to mental health care, including education concerning mental health challenges and information on available resources, for family members of such personnel who are mobilized. Requires reimbursement under the TRICARE program for certain mental health care services, including chemical dependency treatment, provided to a family member of a covered Guard or Reserve member during a period of deployment on active duty for more than 30 days in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom who, while on such duty, is covered by the TRICARE program on a for self and family basis. Requires regular reports from the Secretary assessing the access and quality of such family mental health care services and recommendations for legislative and administrative action.

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit increases in the monthly Medicare premium, including the Medicare Advantage prescription drug program premium, to 25% of any Social Security cost of living increase.

Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise national quality assurance standards to assure consistent performance by laboratories of valid and reliable cytology services, to include requirements that each clinical laboratory: (1) ensure that all individuals involved in screening and interpreting cytological preparations participate annually in an approved continuing medical education program in gynecologic cytology that provides each participant with gynecologic cytological preparations designed to improve locator, recognition, and interpretive skills; (2) maintain a record of program results; (3) require the laboratory director to consider such results and other performance metrics in reviewing the performance of individuals involved in screening and interpreting cytological preparations; and (4) submit the continuing education program results for each individual and plans for corrective action or remedial training in a timely manner to the laboratory's accrediting organization for purposes of review and ongoing monitoring. Requires the Secretary to terminate individual proficiency testing that was in effect before enactment of this Act.

National Diabetes Coordinator Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

National Diabetes Coordinator Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the position of National Diabetes Coordinator, whose duties shall be to: (1) serve as the Secretary's principal advisor on reducing the rates of diabetes and its complications; (2) develop a measurement for the incidence of diabetes; (3) develop and coordinate implementation of a national strategy to reduce the incidence, progression, and impact of diabetes and its complications; (4) provide leadership and coordination to ensure that diabetes-related programs and policies of HHS are coordinated internally and with those of relevant federal, state, and local agencies with a goal of avoiding duplication of effort, maximizing impact, and marshaling all government resources; and (5) coordinate public and private resources to develop and lead a public awareness campaign regarding the prevention and control of diabetes and its complications. Requires reports to the President: (1) from the HHS Secretary on a national strategy to reduce the incidence, progression, and impact of diabetes and its complications; (2) from the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on negotiations with health plans to include appropriate standards and activities to reduce risk factors for diabetes and encourage prevention and early treatment; and (3) from the Secretary of Agriculture on ways in which food programs and nutritional support can be better targeted at concerns specific to those at risk for diabetes or those already diagnosed whose complications could be reduced by more effective diet.

Medicare Wound Therapy Patient Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Medicare Wound Therapy Patient Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exempt from the Medicare competitive acquisition program negative pressure wound therapy pumps and related supplies and accessories, until the Secretary can validate, using a panel of wound care clinical experts, the clinical comparability of all such products.

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Social Security COLA Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit increases in the monthly Medicare premium, including the Medicare Advantage prescription drug program premium, to 25% of any Social Security cost of living increase.

Accountability and Transparency in Medicare Marketing Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Accountability and Transparency in Medicare Marketing Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop standardized marketing requirements for Medicare Advantage organizations with respect to Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors with respect to Medicare PDPs. Requires such requirements to prohibit certain activities including the cross-selling of non-Medicare products or services with products or services offered by a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare PDP. Provides for state certification prior to waiver of licensing requirements under the Medicare PDP. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request NAIC to establish a committee to study and make recommendations to the Secretary and Congress on the establishment of standardized benefit packages for Medicare Advantage plans and for Medicare PDPs and their regulation.

To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal limiting charges under the Medicare Program for non-participating physicians and to preempt State laws that prohibit balance billing.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2007

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the limitiation on actual charges to a beneficiary under Medicare for services by a nonparticipating physician or nonparticipating supplier or other person who does not accept payment on an assignment-related basis for a physician's service. Prohibits a state from imposing a limit on the amount of charges, in relation to recognized payment amounts under any health plan or otherwise, a physician may impose for services furnished. Preempts any such limit.

HIV Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2007

HIV Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) bar to U.S. admission. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) convene a panel of public health experts to review immigration policies regarding HIV as a communicable disease of public health significance (and thus a health-related ground for inadmissibility); and (2) make a determination and report to Congress regarding the continued listing of HIV as a health-related ground for inadmissibility.

Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2007

Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) include physical therapy within the definition of "primary health services"; and (2) make physical therapists eligible for the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (to assure an adequate supply of physical therapists among other health professionals).

Improved Vaccine Supply Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Improved Vaccine Supply Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop a plan for the purchase, storage, and rotation of a six-month supply of vaccines routinely recommended for children and adults and vaccines that contribute to public health preparedness efforts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) fully implement the plan; and (2) require manufacturers of vaccines included in such supply to provide at least one year notice of a discontinuance of the manufacture of a vaccine.

Vaccines for the Uninsured Adult Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Vaccines for the Uninsured Adult Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program for the free distribution of adult vaccines through states to adults who do not have health insurance coverage, who receive such vaccines at federally-qualified health centers or federal, state, or local correctional institutions, and who are uninsured with respect to such vaccines; (2) require the Secretary to develop and maintain a plan to respond to vaccine shortages and to implement a plan to educate the public about adult immunization; and (3) allocate funds for state programs to provide free adult immunization and to require states receiving federal funding to develop plans to respond to vaccine shortages. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit co-payments and cost-sharing charges for adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish standards for the measurement of use by Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries of routinely recommended adult immunizations; and (2) study including adult immunization by Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries as a performance measure under quality initiatives; (3) establish standards for the measurement of use by health care workers of adult immunizations for influenza; (4) study the best practices of health insurers and managed care organizations to encourage the use of adult immunizations; and (5) study the feasibility and advisability of including health care worker immunization rates as a performance measure for accreditation under Medicare. Requires coverage of adult immunization services under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

A bill to rename the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development as the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Amends the Public Health Service Act to rename the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development as the "Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development."

Medicare Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Medicare Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) to include federally recommended vaccines under Medicare part B.

Catalyst to Better Diabetes Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Catalyst to Better Diabetes Care Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to: (1) review uptake and utilization of diabetes screening benefits to identify and address problems with utilization and data collection mechanisms; (2) establish an outreach program to identify existing efforts to increase awareness among seniors and providers of such benefits; and (3) maximize cost-effectiveness in increasing utilization of such benefits. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an advisory group to examine and recommend best practices of employee wellness and disease management programs. Directs the Secretary to prepare, biennially, a diabetes report card for the nation and for each state. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) promote the education and training of physicians on how to properly complete birth and death certificates and the importance of such data; (2) encourage state adoption of the latest standard revisions of birth and death certificates; and (3) work with states to reengineer their vital statistics systems to provide cost-effective, timely, and vital systems data. Allows the Secretary to promote improvements to the collection of diabetes mortality data. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of the impact of diabetes on the practice of medicine in the United Sates and the level of diabetes medical education that should be required prior to licensure, board certification, and board recertification.

Health Care Choice Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Health Care Choice Act of 2007 - 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 the conditions of this Act. Exempts issuers from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the issuer in such state, subject to certain restrictions imposed by such state. Specifies the notice that an issuer must provide in any insurance coverage offered in a secondary state and at renewal of the policy. Requires each issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage in both primary and secondary states to submit to: (1) the insurance commissioners of such states a copy of the plan of operation or feasibility study and written notice of any change in its designation of its primary state and of its compliance with all the laws of the primary state; and (2) the insurance commission of each secondary state a copy of the issuer's quarterly financial statement that was submitted to the primary state. Prohibits an issuer from offering, selling, or issuing individual health insurance coverage in a secondary state if the state insurance commissioner does not use a risk-based capital formula for the determination of capital and surplus requirements for all issuers. Gives sole jurisdiction to the primary state to enforce the primary state's covered laws in the primary state and any secondary state. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effect of this Act on specified health insurance issues.

Vaccine Shortage Preparedness Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Vaccine Shortage Preparedness Act of 2008 - Amends the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to sell to public health departments or back to the manufacturers such quantities of the six-month supply of pediatric vaccines acquired for unanticipated needs as the Secretary determines appropriate. Makes proceeds of such sales available only for purposes of procuring pediatric vaccine stockpiles. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require: (1) a manufacturer of an approved vaccine to notify the Secretary 12 months prior to discontinuing manufacture of the vaccine, with exceptions; and (2) the Secretary, promptly after receiving such notice and after determining that a reduction applies, to inform the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to declare a public health emergency if there is: (1) a shortage of an approved vaccine for an infectious disease; and (2) a significant risk of a significant outbreak of such disease. Requires: (1) each manufacturer or distributor of such vaccine to then provide the Secretary with the location of vaccine supplies; and (2) the Secretary, upon request, to provide such information to a state, provided the state agrees to restrict use of the information to facilitating access to vaccines and to otherwise keep such information confidential. Requires the Secretary to study successful models and alternatives for tracking and facilitating reallocation of vaccine at the local level in times of shortage or emergency.

Vaccines for Children Access Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Vaccines for Children Access Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for the inclusion of all public clinics for distribution of pediatric vaccines under Medicaid.

Nursing Home Quality and Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Nursing Home Quality and Transparency Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose, through the use of the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the identities of those long-term care facilities that appear on the list of special focus facilities (poor-performing nursing homes) under the Special Focus Facility Program of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Medicare Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Medicare Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) to include federally recommended vaccines under Medicare part B.

Vaccine Shortage Preparedness Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Vaccine Shortage Preparedness Act of 2008 - Amends the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to sell to public health departments or back to the manufacturers such quantities of the six-month supply of pediatric vaccines acquired for unanticipated needs as the Secretary determines appropriate. Makes proceeds of such sales available only for purposes of procuring pediatric vaccine stockpiles. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require: (1) a manufacturer of an approved vaccine to notify the Secretary 12 months prior to discontinuing manufacture of the vaccine, with exceptions; and (2) the Secretary, promptly after receiving such notice and after determining that a reduction applies, to inform the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to declare a public health emergency if there is: (1) a shortage of an approved vaccine for an infectious disease; and (2) a significant risk of a significant outbreak of such disease. Requires: (1) each manufacturer or distributor of such vaccine to then provide the Secretary with the location of vaccine supplies; and (2) the Secretary, upon request, to provide such information to a state, provided the state agrees to restrict use of the information to facilitating access to vaccines and to otherwise keep such information confidential. Requires the Secretary to study successful models and alternatives for tracking and facilitating reallocation of vaccine at the local level in times of shortage or emergency.

Cancer and Terminal Illness Patient Health Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Cancer and Terminal Illness Patient Health Care Act of 2007- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to waive the employee portion of the Social Security tax for any period in which a taxpayer has been certified by a physician as having cancer or a terminal illness or is the primary caregiver for a spouse, parent, or child with cancer or a terminal disease. Reduces by 50 percent the rates of tax levied on a self-employed individual for old age, survivors and disability insurance and hospital insurance if a physician has certified that such individual has a terminal disease or cancer throughout the taxable year or is the primary caregiver for a spouse, parent, or child with a terminal disease or cancer.

Congressional Disclosures Protections Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Congressional Disclosures Protections Act of 2007 - Amends federal personnel law to: (1) define "covered disclosure" with respect to federal whistleblower protections to mean a disclosure of information made by an employee to either House of Congress or to a congressional committee or staff member which such employee reasonably believes evidences a violation of any law, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; (2) allow federal employees to seek de novo review of their whistleblower claims within one year of filing such claims; (3) expand legal remedies for whistleblowers, including triple damages for lost wages, triple attorney fees, and triple compensatory damages; and (4) require the Office of Special Counsel to provide legal representation to whistleblowers, upon request. Amends the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No Fear Act) to expand the reporting requirements of federal agencies relating to reimbursement of the expenses of employees who have filed whistleblower claims.

Vaccines for the Uninsured Adult Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Vaccines for the Uninsured Adult Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program for the free distribution of adult vaccines through states to adults who do not have health insurance coverage, who receive such vaccines at federally-qualified health centers or federal, state, or local correctional institutions, and who are uninsured with respect to such vaccines; (2) require the Secretary to develop and maintain a plan to respond to vaccine shortages and to implement a plan to educate the public about adult immunization; and (3) allocate funds for state programs to provide free adult immunization and to require states receiving federal funding to develop plans to respond to vaccine shortages. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit co-payments and cost-sharing charges for adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish standards for the measurement of use by Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries of routinely recommended adult immunizations; and (2) study including adult immunization by Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries as a performance measure under quality initiatives; (3) establish standards for the measurement of use by health care workers of adult immunizations for influenza; (4) study the best practices of health insurers and managed care organizations to encourage the use of adult immunizations; and (5) study the feasibility and advisability of including health care worker immunization rates as a performance measure for accreditation under Medicare. Requires coverage of adult immunization services under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

Vaccines for Children Access Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Vaccines for Children Access Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include all public clinics for distribution of pediatric vaccines under Medicaid.

To codify the definition of terms used in subheading 1604.14 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Amends the U.S. Notes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to codify the terms "in airtight containers" and "in bulk or in immediate containers weighing with their contents over 6.8 kg each" as they relate to imported ready tuna products to reflect existing practice and promote public health and safety.

Medicare Part D Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Medicare Part D Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide a long-term care pharmacy benefit under Medicare part D. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process for the immediate enrollment of part D eligible individuals in a prescription drug plan upon the individual's establishment as a resident of a long-term care facility. Eliminates part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals.

Influenza Vaccine Security Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007

Influenza Vaccine Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) determine an annual production target for influenza vaccine; (2) coordinate with the private market to encourage the production of such vaccine in amounts that will meet the annual target; and (3) establish an influenza vaccine buyback protocol to purchase excess stocks of influenza vaccine to be used for specified late-season mass vaccination exercises and vaccinations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) increase the amount of antiviral medications, N-95 respirator masks, and other protections and treatments to treat and prevent pandemic influenza, particularly among responders and the pediatric population, in the strategic national stockpile; and (2) direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and publish a model standing order for administering influenza vaccine. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to: (1) carry out activities to increase communication between the agency and the scientific community regarding vaccine development and regulation; and (2) develop a regulatory roadmap to address issues surrounding emergency use authorization of influenza vaccine. Requires the Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases to: (1) coordinate efforts regarding specified influenza vaccine education, outreach, surveillance, and research activities in support of the goal of increasing overall influenza vaccination rates; and (2) coordinate educational efforts with the National Vaccine Program Office, state, and local health departments, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other relevant entities. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) establish an electronic tracking system for the influenza vaccine; (2) revise and expand influenza-related education materials; and (3) carry out specified influenza immunization education and outreach activities.

A bill to extend by one year the moratorium on implementation of a rule relating to the Federal-State financial partnership under Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program and on finalization of a rule regarding graduate medical education under Medicaid and to include a moratorium on the finalization of the outpatient Medicaid rule making similar changes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007

Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 1997 to extend by one year the moratorium on: (1) implementation of a specified rule relating to the federal-state financial partnership under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)) of the Social Security Act; and (2) the finalization of a certain proposed rule regarding the authority of states to make payments related to graduate medical education (GME payments). Imposes a one-year moratorium on finalization or implementation of a certain proposed rule regarding the scope of permissible Medicaid payments that redefines outpatient hospitals and specifies methodologies for calculation of the outpatient services upper payment limit.

Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007

Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe standards for appointment and practice as a physician within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires: (1) applicants to provide certain information, including each lawsuit, civil action, or other claim against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence, and their results; (2) each appointee to disclose any judgments against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence and any payments made; and (3) physicians already employed within the VHA to disclose such information. Prohibits a new appointment without: (1) approval of the regional director of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (Network) in which the individual will serve; (2) board certification in the specialties in which the individual will practice; and (3) a license to practice medicine in that state. Requires: (1) the VHA's Under Secretary of Health to designate a National Quality Assurance Officer for the VHA quality assurance program; (2) each Network regional director to appoint a quality assurance officer; and (3) the director of each VHA medical facility to appoint a quality assurance officer. Directs the Secretary to review VA policies for maintaining health care quality and patient safety at VA medical facilities. Requires the Secretary, in order to recruit and retain VHA physicians in hard-to-fill positions, to: (1) repay certain educational loans for individuals who agree to serve for at least three years as a VHA physician; (2) reimburse tuition for medical students who agree to serve as a VHA physician after such education; and (3) enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program an individual who agrees to serve as a VHA physician for at least five days per month. Encourages the Secretary to undertake additional incentives to encourage individuals to serve or practice as VHA physicians.

Health Care Choice Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2007

Health Care Choice Act of 2007 - 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 the conditions of this Act. Exempts issuers from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the issuer in such state, subject to certain restrictions imposed by such state. Specifies the notice that an issuer must provide in any insurance coverage offered in a secondary state and at renewal of the policy. Requires each issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage in both primary and secondary states to submit to: (1) the insurance commissioners of such states a copy of the plan of operation or feasibility study and written notice of any change in its designation of its primary state and of its compliance with all the laws of the primary state; and (2) the insurance commission of each secondary state a copy of the issuer's quarterly financial statement that was submitted to the primary state. Prohibits an issuer from offering, selling, or issuing individual health insurance coverage in a secondary state if the state insurance commissioner does not use a risk-based capital formula for the determination of capital and surplus requirements for all issuers. Gives sole jurisdiction to the primary state to enforce the primary state's covered laws in the primary state and any secondary state. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effect of this Act on specified health insurance issues.

THE SUNSHINE IN LITIGATION ACT: DOES COURT SECRECY UNDERMINE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY?

United States · United States Senate · 11 December 2007

[ERRATA] THE SUNSHINE IN LITIGATION ACT: DOES COURT SECRECY UNDERMINE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY?

United States · United States Senate · 11 December 2007

Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007

Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit a court from entering an order restricting the disclosure of information obtained through discovery, approving a settlement disagreement that would restrict such disclosure, or restricting access to court records in a civil case, unless the court has found that: (1) such order would not restrict the disclosure of information which is relevant to the protection of public health or safety; or (2) the public interest in the disclosure of potential health or safety hazards is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information, and the requested protective order is no broader than necessary to protect the privacy interest. Prohibits any party from requesting, as a condition for the production of discovery, that another party stipulate to an order that would violate this Act. Prohibits a court from: (1) approving or enforcing an order prohibited under this Act, or any provision of an agreement between parties to a civil action, that restricts a party from disclosing information to any federal or state agency with authority to enforce laws regulating an activity relating to such information; or (2) enforcing any provision of a settlement agreement that prohibits a party from disclosing that a settlement was reached or the terms of the settlement, other than the amount paid, or from discussing a case or evidence that involves matters related to public health or safety, except where the court finds that the public interest in disclosure of potential health and safety hazards is outweighed by a confidentiality interest.

First Step Forward Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007

First Step Forward Act of 2007 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to: (1) require information on the number of juveniles (under age 21) released from prison and their living arrangements upon release in the annual report of the Administrator of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Office; (2) require states seeking juvenile justice grants to adopt procedures to assure the availability of post-release programs and services for juvenile offenders; and (3) require research and evaluation on outcomes for juvenile offenders who have been released from custody and reintegrated into communities. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) award grants to states to establish programs to identify juveniles likely to be released before attaining age 21 and to help such juveniles attain self-sufficiency; (2) develop outcome measures to assess the performance of states in operating juvenile offender reentry programs and track services provided to such offenders; and (3) conduct evaluations of state juvenile offender reentry programs. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to continue health care benefits for juvenile offenders after release from incarceration.

Underage Drinking Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007

Underage Drinking Prevention Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) understanding which programs are effective in reducing underage drinking will maximize scarce federal resources and help confront underage drinking in a more effective, cost-efficient manner; (2) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration should explore ways to expand and improve evaluation efforts; and (3) federal agencies should strive to evaluate all federally funded underage drinking programs and modify programs as needed to reach maximum effectiveness. Requires the Director of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs to award grants to states and local governments to implement and evaluate enforcement and public education programs aimed at reducing the provision of alcohol by social sources to underage drinkers as part of the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as Chair of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking, to: (1) work with members of that Committee to improve federal data collection by ensuring that federally funded surveys related to underage drinking collect and report data in a consistent manner; and (2) establish a federal data improvement committee. Requires the Secretary of Education to: (1) award grants on a competitive basis to local educational agencies to develop and implement innovative and effective programs to increase parental awareness and involvement in reducing underage drinking in elementary and secondary schools; and (2) identify existing, effective, national programs that increase parent-child interaction to prevent underage drinking and disseminate that information to such agencies for replication at the local level.