Healthcare

Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2008

Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a small house nursing home loan program under which the Secretary makes grants for the establishment, renovation, and construction of small house nursing homes that meet the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) a Small House Advisory Panel to evaluate applications for loans under the program in conjunction with lenders; and (2) an evaluation tool and evaluation criteria with which to prioritize borrowers. Sets forth eligibility criteria for a loan under this Act, including that that home: (1) is designed to establish substantive culture change; (2) has been approved to operate a skilled nursing facility or a nursing facility; and (3) ensures that at least 30% of the residents of the facility are Medicaid-funded individuals. Requires the Secretary to develop model small house nursing home guidelines. Sets forth requirements for a small house nursing home that obtains proceeds from a direct loan under this Act, including that the home provides specified training to all staff. Gives priority in awarding loans to nursing homes that have a certain residential structure, such as private bedrooms, and to homes with a legally binding collective bargaining agreement. Terminates this program 25 years after the date on which amounts are initially appropriated.

PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH: THE KEY TO TRANSFORMING OUR SICKCARE SYSTEM

United States · United States Senate · 10 December 2008

Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2008

Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand training for health professionals in the fields of geriatrics, long-term care, and chronic care management. Requires an analysis of the health and long-term care workforce. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide for information to adults and dislocated workers about health care and long-term care occupations. Provides for information to veterans about training, internship, and employment opportunities in geriatrics, gerontology, and long-term care. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Assistant Secretary for Aging to: (1) develop family caregiver training materials; and (2) provide for the establishment and operation of a National Resource Center on Volunteers, Students, and Seniors to promote partnerships between entities in the aging network and institutions of higher education and secondary schools. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide for the development of core training competencies for personal or home care aides and additional training content for nurse aides and home health aides; and (2) establish a panel of long-term care workforce experts. Provides for the development of information and referral protocols for family caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of assessments of family caregiver support needs. Provides for studies on: (1) the mental health workforce; (2) the aging network's capacity to meet current and future needs; (3) retention and tenure of nurse aides and home health aides; and (4) spending by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on conditions and illnesses that disproportionately impact the health of older individuals.

Protecting Patients and Health Care Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2008

Protecting Patients and Health Care Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finalizing, enforcing, implementing, or taking other action in furtherance of specified proposed regulations regarding conscience clause protections for health care workers and facilities (under the authority of provisions commonly referred to as the Church Amendments and the Weldon Amendment).

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), upon the conclusion of a resource-sharing agreement between the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to transfer to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the Navy ambulatory care center, parking structure, supporting facilities, and related medical personal property and equipment in Great Lakes, Illinois. Designates such facility and supporting facilities as the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (Center). Provides a reversionary interest to the Secretary if the property is not used in accordance with the resource-sharing agreement or in the event of lack of facilities integration. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the VA functions necessary for Center operation. Extends through FY2020 a joint Department of Defense (DOD)-VA program to identify, implement, and evaluate creative health care coordination and sharing initiatives at the facility, intraregional, and nationwide levels. Deems the Center a military facility for purposes of the eligibility of members of the Armed Forces to receive care and services there.

A bill to make a technical correction in the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008

Changes the effective date of amendments made by the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 for group health plans maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements.

Medicare Early Access Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008

Medicare Early Access Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part E (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals 55 to 65 Years of Age). Provides access to Medicare benefits for individuals 55 to 64 years of age who do not have coverage under a federal health insurance program or under a group plan. Requires enrollees to pay a premium to receive Medicare coverage. Requires the Secretary to base the premium on the Secretary's estimate of the average, national annual per capita amount of the cost of providing services to the population. Allows early retirees with access to retiree coverage to enroll under this part while keeping their federal or state COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation coverage. Allows an employer that offers employment-based retiree health coverage to an individual who enrolls under this part to modify such coverage to provide for: (1) employer payment of items and services for which payment may not be made under Medicare; and (2) employer payment of 25% of the monthly premium applicable to the individual after enrollment. Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund to hold the premiums collected under this Act and to support the new program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow program enrollees to receive a 75% advance, refundable credit to offset Medicare early access premium costs (thus requiring program enrollees in the Medicare early access program to be responsible for 25% of the monthly premiums).

Protecting Patients and Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008

Protecting Patients and Health Care Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finalizing, enforcing, implementing, or taking other action in furtherance of specified proposed regulations regarding conscience clause protections for health care workers and facilities (under the authority of provisions commonly referred to as the Church Amendments and the Weldon Amendment).

To direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make payments for certain treatments of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008

Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to: (1) each establish a process to provide payments for treatments of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) received by members of the Armed Forces or veterans in health care facilities other than Department of Defense (DOD) or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities; (2) jointly develop and maintain a patient database involving the use of a treatment under this Act; and (3) ensure that the database ensures patient confidentiality.

Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008

Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions related to: (1) addressing workforce shortages for primary care health professions; and (2) assisting underrepresented minorities or disadvantaged students to enter health professions. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) make grants for the training of primary care physicians teaching in community-based settings; (2) provide for programs that improve clinical teaching and research in primary care; (3) provide for community health needs assessments; (4) provide for the establishment of Primary Care Training Institutes within academic health centers; and (5) provide for approved professional training programs in the field of general or pediatric dentistry. Revises provisions governing area health education centers, including to require the Secretary to make awards to improve the effectiveness and capabilities of existing programs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the development and implementation of interdisciplinary training of psychology graduate students to provide behavioral and mental health services. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis; (2) designate regional workforce analysis centers; (3) award grants or contracts to regional centers for research on high-priority workforce questions; (4) provide for monitoring of the supply, need for, and diversity and distribution of health professionals; and (5) establish the Advisory Committee on Health Workforce Information, Evaluation, and Assessment. Requires the Secretary, acting in conjunction with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award competitive grants to establish Academic Health Departments to provide for collaboration between the academic and practice aspects of public health.

Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2008

Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions related to: (1) addressing workforce shortages for primary care health professions; and (2) assisting underrepresented minorities or disadvantaged students to enter health professions. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) make grants for the training of primary care physicians teaching in community-based settings; (2) provide for programs that improve clinical teaching and research in primary care; (3) provide for community health needs assessments; (4) provide for the establishment of Primary Care Training Institutes within academic health centers; and (5) provide for approved professional training programs in the field of general or pediatric dentistry. Revises provisions governing area health education centers, including to require the Secretary to make awards to improve the effectiveness and capabilities of existing programs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the development and implementation of interdisciplinary training of psychology graduate students to provide behavioral and mental health services. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis; (2) designate regional workforce analysis centers; (3) award grants or contracts to regional centers for research on high-priority workforce questions; (4) provide for monitoring of the supply, need for, and diversity and distribution of health professionals; and (5) establish the Advisory Committee on Health Workforce Information, Evaluation, and Assessment. Requires the Secretary, acting in conjunction with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award competitive grants to establish Academic Health Departments to provide for collaboration between the academic and practice aspects of public health.

ConTACT Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2008

Concussion Treatment and Care Tools Act of 2008 or the ConTACT Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states for: (1) establishing, disseminating, and ensuring the implementation by schools of concussion management guidelines with respect to the prevention, identification, treatment, and management of sports-related concussions in student athletes, including standards for student athletes to return to play after a concussion; and (2) funding implementation by schools of computerized preseason baseline and post-injury neuropsychological testing for student athletes. Directs states to utilize, to the extent practicable, applicable expertise and services offered by local chapters of national brain injury organizations. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to convene a conference of medical, athletic, and educational stakeholders to establish model concussion management guidelines with respect to student athletes.

21st Century Wellness Trust Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2008

21st Century Wellness Trust Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Wellness Trust within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be headed by the Trust Fund Board. Requires the Trustees to submit to Congress and make publicly available reports on: (1) a system for certification and recertification of prevention health workers to complement the health system; (2) payment methodologies and options for paying certified prevention health workers for clinical preventive care; and (3) the amount of money spent on prevention by public health, public and private health insurers, and applicable self-insured health plans during the most recent year for which such data is available. Requires the Trustees to: (1) establish a plan for delivering and financing prevention priorities and implement pilot programs; and (2) issue a ranked list of designated prevention priorities based on the potential of an activity to improve health and the activity's cost effectiveness. Directs the Trustees to establish, support, and sustain the infrastructure for an effective wellness system that includes: (1) an information clearinghouse on prevention priorities; (2) an electronic prevention record or registry; and (3) training for prevention health workers. Establishes in the Treasury a Wellness Trust Fund. Sets forth funding sources. Requires the Trust to enter into contracts to reimburse certified prevention health workers for the prevention services designated by the Trustees as prevention priorities. Directs the Trustees to: (1) develop targets for and determine payment methodologies for prevention priorities.

Acknowledging the 40th anniversary of the election of Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, the first African-American woman in Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2008

Acknowledges the 40th anniversary of the election of Shirley Anita St. Hill Chishom, the first African-American woman in Congress. Recognizes her dedicated work in promoting the rights of all individuals in the United States, particularly in the areas of education, employment, and health care.

Preserving Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2008

Preserving Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act of 2008 - Declares that between October 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, specified regulations regarding the formula for determining the federal rate for inpatient hospital capital-related costs under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) shall apply without the mandatory phase out of the indirect medical education adjustment factor. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay for six months following enactment of this Act any implementation of the Medicaid outpatient hospital services regulation proposed on September 28, 2007. Prohibits the Secretary from phasing out or eliminating the Medicare hospice wage index budget neutrality adjustment factor before April 1, 2009. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and upon the request of the state of California, to extend approval, and full federal financial participation, of the state's Medicaid family planning demonstration project until June 30, 2009, under the eligibility requirements and processes that were in place before the project's first extension period. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund.

Providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 1424) to amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2008

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 1424) to amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment.

21st Century Wellness Trust Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2008

21st Century Wellness Trust Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Wellness Trust within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be headed by the Trust Fund Board. Requires the Trustees to submit to Congress and make publicly available reports on: (1) a system for certification and recertification of prevention health workers to complement the health system; (2) payment methodologies and options for paying certified prevention health workers for clinical preventive care; and (3) the amount of money spent on prevention by public health, public and private health insurers, and applicable self-insured health plans during the most recent year for which such data is available. Requires the Trustees to: (1) establish a plan for delivering and financing prevention priorities and implement pilot programs; and (2) issue a ranked list of designated prevention priorities based on the potential of an activity to improve health and the activity's cost effectiveness. Directs the Trustees to establish, support, and sustain the infrastructure for an effective wellness system that includes: (1) an information clearinghouse on prevention priorities; (2) an electronic prevention record or registry; and (3) training for prevention health workers. Establishes in the Treasury a Wellness Trust Fund. Sets forth funding sources. Requires the Trust to enter into contracts to reimburse certified prevention health workers for the prevention services designated by the Trustees as prevention priorities. Directs the Trustees to: (1) develop targets for and determine payment methodologies for prevention priorities.

Preserving Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2008

Preserving Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act of 2008 - Declares that between October 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, specified regulations regarding the formula for determining the federal rate for inpatient hospital capital-related costs under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) shall apply without the mandatory phase out of the indirect medical education adjustment factor. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay for six months following enactment of this Act any implementation of the Medicaid outpatient hospital services regulation proposed on September 28, 2007. Prohibits the Secretary from phasing out or eliminating the Medicare hospice wage index budget neutrality adjustment factor before April 1, 2009. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and upon the request of the state of California, to extend approval, and full federal financial participation, of the state's Medicaid family planning demonstration project until June 30, 2009, under the eligibility requirements and processes that were in place before the project's first extension period. Directs the Secretary to delay until April 1, 2009, implementation of a proposed rule published on June 27, 2008 (or any similar rule), relating to: (1) decertification of rural health clinics under the Medicare program that are no longer in nonurbanized areas; and (2) changes in the Medicare payment methodology for rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with regard to mechanized claims processing and information retrieval systems, to require states to incorporate compatible methodologies of the National Correct Coding Initiative for claims filed after October 1, 2009. Directs the Secretary to identify such methodologies. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund.

Research, Hazard Intervention, and National Outreach for Healthier Homes Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2008

Research, Hazard Intervention, and National Outreach for Healthier Homes Act of 2008 - Directs the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the health effects of housing-related health hazards for which limited research or understanding of causes or associations exists. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement studies by the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control of the assessment, prevention, and control of housing-related health hazards. Directs the Administrator of the EPA to study how sustainable building features in existing housing affect the quality of the indoor environment, the prevalence of housing-related health hazards, and the health of occupants. Directs the Secretary of HUD to complete the analysis of data collected for the National Survey on Lead and Allergens in Housing and the American Healthy Housing Survey. Directs the Administrator of the EPA to expand current indoor environmental monitoring efforts to establish baseline levels of indoor chemical pollutants and their sources. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the data and resources needed to establish a healthy housing data collection system. Directs the Secretary of HUD to: (1) develop improved methods for evaluating, reducing, and preventing health hazards in housing; (2) support development of objective measures for a healthy residential environment; (3) promote the incorporation of healthy housing principles in post-disaster environments as well as ongoing practices and systems, and of health considerations into green and energy-efficient construction and rehabilitation; (4) improve the dissemination of healthy housing information; and (5) promote state and local level healthy housing efforts. Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to the CDC Program Capacity on Housing-Related Health Hazard. Directs the Administrator of the EPA, acting through the director of the Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education, to address health hazards in the home environment, with particular attention to children, the elderly, and families with limited resources. Directs the Secretary of HUD to award health hazard reduction grants to reduce significant structural, health, and safety hazards in the home. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, to establish a competitive grant program to promote education and outreach on housing-related health hazards. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 with respect to enforcement of the lead disclosure rule. Establishes within the EPA voluntary products and materials and housing labeling programs. Specifies the duties of the EPA Administrator with respect to the Healthy Home Seal of Approval. Directs the EPA Administrator to provide public education and outreach on environmental health risks experienced by the elderly, and low-cost methods for addressing them. Directs the Secretary of HUD to award funds for a Health Hazards Outreach competitive grant program. Directs the Secretary of HUD, the Director of the CDC, and the Administrator of the EPA to establish a national healthy housing media campaign.

Protecting Hospital Outpatient and Community Clinic Services Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2008

Protecting Hospital Outpatient and Community Clinic Services Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from taking any action before April 1, 2009 (including promulgation of regulations, issuance of regulatory guidance, use of federal payment audit procedures, or other administrative action, policy, or practice, including a Medical Assistance Manual transmittal or letter to state Medicaid directors), to impose any restrictions relating to a specified proposed regulation, if such restrictions are more restrictive in any aspect than those that applied to the subject matter of the proposed regulation as of September 27, 2007. Identifies the proposed regulation as the one published on September 28, 2007, relating to the outpatient clinic and hospital facility services definition and upper payment limit under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal Act of 2008 - Makes any organ donor, or the family of any organ donor, eligible for a Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to establish an application procedure, determine eligibility, and arrange for the presentation of medals. Allows only one medal per family. Requires that such medal be presented to the donor or, in the case of a deceased donor, the family member who signed the consent form authorizing the organ donation. Authorizes the Network to collect funds to offset expenditures relating to the issuance of medals. Prohibits federal funds from being used to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medals using certain specifications. Provides that a medal under this Act shall not be treated as valuable consideration for purposes of prohibiting transferring human organs for valuable consideration.

Veterans Combat Stress Healthcare Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Veterans Combat Stress Healthcare Improvement Act - Revises the veterans' health professionals educational assistance program to provide a selection priority under various program components for those seeking to obtain the specialized training necessary to treat combat stress. Provides a similar priority for individuals who have completed the degree requirements necessary for qualification as a licensed mental health professional, are employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in positions related to the treatment of combat stress, and owe any principal or interest on loans used to pay costs related to earning the degree. Reauthorizes the program's scholarship program for FY2009-FY2011.

Medical Information and Treatment Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Medical Information and Treatment Access Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to utilize an Internet site to: (1) consolidate and translate health care information that is available to the public from federal agencies, linking the various health-related Internet sites of such agencies; and (2) assist in the translation and reporting of disease or condition protocols for physicians and lay persons. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to establish programs to gather information from health care practitioners and make such information publicly available regarding off-label uses of new drugs and surgical procedures. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to establish a program to gather information on alternative medicine from health care practitioners and make such information publicly available. Requires the Director of the Center to include information that relates to the effects of dietary supplements and food on diseases and disorders.

Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2009: (1) the tax deductions for state and local sales taxes, qualified tuition and related expenses, and certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (2) the exemption from withholding of tax of interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends received from a regulated investment company (RIC) and the special rule for RIC stock held in the estate of nonresidents; (3) tax-free distributions from individual retirement plans for charitable purposes; (4) the inclusion of an RIC within the definition of "qualified investment entity" for income tax purposes; and (5) the additional standard tax deduction for real property taxes. Extends through 2009 certain business-related tax provisions, including: (1) the tax credits for increasing research activities, Indian employment, railroad track maintenance, and the new markets tax credit; (2) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for motorsports racing track facilities, and for business property on Indian reservations; (3) expensing of environmental remediation and film and television production costs; (4) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities in Puerto Rico; (5) special rules for related controlled foreign corporations and for the tax treatment of certain payments to tax-exempt organizations by a controlled subsidiary; (6) issuance authority for qualified zone academy bonds; (7) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia; (8) the economic development credit for American Samoa; (9) the expanded tax deductions for charitable contributions of food and book inventories by noncorporate taxpayers; (10) the tax deduction for contributions of computer technology and equipment for educational purposes; (11) the special rule for reductions in the basis of S corporation stock for charitable contributions; (12) work opportunity tax credit eligibility for Hurricane Katrina employees (through August 28, 2009); (13) the subpart F income exemption for active financing income; and (14) the increase in alcohol excise taxes payable to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Makes permanent the authority of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to: (1) disclose tax return information related to terrorist activities; and (2) conduct undercover operations. Lowers in 2008 (from $10,000 to $8,500) the earned income threshold amount for determining the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Modifies certain provisions relating to the tax deduction for domestic film and television productions. Exempts from the excise tax on bows and arrows certain arrow shafts. Modifies the standards for imposing penalties on tax return preparers for understatements of tax. Modifies provisions of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 and authorizes appropriations for such Act. Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan that provides both medical and surgical benefits and mental health or substance use disorder benefits to ensure parity in the provision of such benefits. Extends through 2009 the 0.2% Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) surtax. Increases and extends through 2017 the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate. Requires the inclusion in gross income for income tax purposes of employee compensation deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan of certain foreign entities when there is no substantial risk of forfeiture of the rights to such compensation. Delays until 2018 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase the estimated tax payment due in the third quarter of 2012 for corporations with assets of at least $1 billion.

To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit increases in Medicare Advantage payment rates to 2 percent per year until parity achieved with Medicare fee-for-service program.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit Medicare Advantage payment rate increases (except for Programs of All-inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE)) to 2% per year until parity is achieved with the Medicare fee-for-service capitation rate.

Empowered at Home Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Empowered at Home Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the income eligibility level for home and community-based (HCBS) services for elderly and disabled individuals. Revises the income eligibility limit for the state option to provide HCBS services under a waiver. Replaces the income limit of 150% of the poverty line with a limit of 300% of the supplemental security income (SSI) benefit rate. Authorizes a state to offer HCBS services under a waiver to eligible individuals that differ in type, amount, duration, or scope from the HCBS waiver services offered to other such individuals so long as they are within the scope of services for which the Secretary has authority to approve a waiver and do not include room or board. Increases the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for the provision of HCBS waiver services under Medicaid through the state plan option. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually to Congress on the extent to which state Medicaid plans have adopted a state plan amendment for medical assistance for HCBS waiver services for elderly and disabled individuals. Reauthorizes Medicaid investment grants (currently called transformation grants) at increased funding and specifies additional permissible uses to facilitate the provision of HCBS and other long-term care (LTC) services. Directs the Secretary to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible states to conduct an evidence- and community-based health promotion program. Amends SSA title XIX, with respect to treatment of the income and resources of HCBS waiver services recipients who would otherwise be institutionalized, to repeal the state option, and thus require, application to such individuals of spousal impoverishment protection requirements. Directs states to elect to exclude up to six months of the average cost of nursing facility services from assets or resources for purposes of eligibility for HCBS waiver services. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to revise certain data reporting forms and systems to ensure uniform and consistent state reporting under this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the provision of home health services under different state Medicaid plans; and (2) the extent to which states offer consumer self-direction of such services, or allow for other consumer-oriented policies with respect to them.

Medical Information and Treatment Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2008

Medical Information and Treatment Access Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to utilize an Internet site to consolidate and translate federal health care information for the public. Authorizes health care practitioners to provide unapproved treatments to their patients under specified conditions, including that: (1) the drug used must be an active ingredient in an approved drug or an unapproved drug that is approved for commercial distribution in a foreign country; (2) the practitioner receives informed consent from the patient; (3) the practitioner submits a registration to the Secretary before providing the treatment; and (4) the Secretary determines that there is no clear and convincing evidence that the treatment is unsafe. Deems the registration to be cleared if the Secretary fails to act within 90 days. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to maintain information regarding registrations under this Act. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to establish a program to gather information from practitioners regarding surgical procedures and make such information publicly available. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to establish a program to gather information from health care practitioners regarding alternative medicine and make such information publicly available. Gives a drug or device company immunity from federal and state liability claims for: (1) the use of a relevant unapproved treatment by a practitioner under a cleared registration; and (2) the provision by the company of information upon the request of a practitioner if the company reasonably believes the information to be accurate.

National Obesity Prevention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

National Obesity Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Obesity Initiatives. Requires the National Coordinator to implement and coordinate a national strategy to eliminate the occurrence of obesity in the United States. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a take force on obesity to: (1) establish and implement a government-wide strategy for preventing and reducing obesity; and (2) coordinate effective interagency actions and priority for action among federal agencies. Allows the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Obesity to provide recommendations to the task force for purposes of establishing such a strategy. Directs the head of each federal agency to: (1) conduct a review to determine how agency programs and budgets impact physical activity, nutrition, and obesity in the United States; and (2) determine ways in which the agency should adopt aspects of the strategy established under this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to review the programs and budgets of each federal agency to determine how programs and budgets impact physical activity, nutrition, and obesity in the United States.

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide: (1) medical monitoring and treatment benefits to eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) screening and treatment benefits to residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) implement a quality assurance program; (2) establish the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (3) establish the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee; (4) provide for education and outreach on services under the WTC program; (5) provide for the uniform collection of data related to WTC-related health conditions; (6) conduct research on physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks; and (7) extend and expand arrangements with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry. Authorizes the administrator to make grants to the Department to address mental health needs relating to the terrorist attacks. Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to: (1) make individuals eligible for compensation under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 for harm as a result of debris removal; and (2) extend the deadline for making a claim for compensation. Sets forth provisions governing the application of the economic substance doctrine to transactions.

Life Sustaining Treatment Preferences Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Life Sustaining Treatment Preferences Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, to extend Medicare coverage to consultations regarding an order for life sustaining treatment for qualified individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible entities to: (1) establish new programs for orders regarding life sustaining treatment in a state or locality; (2) expand or enhance an existing program; or (3) set up a clearinghouse of information on programs for such orders and consultative services for the development or enhancement of such programs.

E-Centives Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

E-Centives Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make enhanced matching payments to states that provide incentive payments to physicians, hospitals, and community health centers that exhibit meaningful use of certified health information technology. Limits such payments to each state that establishes a program to: (1) design, develop, install, maintain, and operate electronic information and eligibility systems and patient registries for the purpose of disease screening; and (2) train providers in the use of such systems and registries. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on Medicaid transformation payments.

Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award recruitment incentive grants or contracts to graduate medical schools to enable them to improve primary care education and training for medical students. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to: (1) award grants to critical shortage health facilities to enable them to provide scholarships to individuals who agree to serve as physicians at such facilities after completing a residency in the field of family practice, pediatrics, or internal medicine; and (2) establish an educational loan repayment program for individuals who agree to serve as primary care physicians in an area that is not a health professional shortage area. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for deferment of education loans during medical residency and internships in family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatric medicine. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to make permanent the Conrad State J-1 Visa Waiver Program. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from the H-1 B Visa Limitation individuals awarded a medical speciality certification in internal medicine, pediatrics, or family medicine by the appropriate medical board based on post-doctoral training and experience in the United States. Amends the PHSA to direct the Secretary to award grants to eligible state and local government entities for the development of informational materials that promote careers in primary care. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow the use of Medicaid transformation payments for methods for improving medical assistance under Medicaid and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) by encouraging certain medical practices to qualify as patient centered medical homes. Establishes the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to: (1) increase budget neutrality limits under the physician fee schedule to account for anticipated savings resulting from payments for certain services and the coordination of beneficiary care; and (2) require a separate Medicare payment for designated primary care services and comprehensive care coordination services. Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, to cover patient-centered medical home services. Directs the Secretary to develop a methodology to increase payments for designated evaluation and management services provided by primary and principal care physicians. Requires: (1) additional incentive payments for primary care services furnished in health professional shortage areas; (2) permanent extension of the floor on the Medicare work geographic adjustment under the physician fee schedule; and (3) permanent extension of the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the process for determining relative value under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Eliminates cost sharing for preventive benefits and the time restriction for initial preventive physical examination. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) facilitating the receipt of Medicare preventive services by Medicare beneficiaries; and (2) increasing the ability of the physician to assist Medicare beneficiaries in obtaining needed prescriptions under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Requires additional payments to physicians for services to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Requires various specified studies.

Recognizing and congratulating the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the new official site of the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service and the "Tree of Life" National EMS Memorial honoring emergency medical services personnel who have died in the line of duty.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Congratulates the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the new official site of the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service and the Tree of Life National EMS Memorial, honoring emergency medical services personnel who have died in the line of duty.

Measuring American Poverty Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Measuring American Poverty Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Bureau of the Census, in collaboration with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to calculate modern poverty thresholds and modern poverty rates for each calendar year. Declares that the modern poverty threshold for a reference family consisting of two adults and their two related children shall be an amount equal to the average of 120% of the 33rd percentile of the distribution of annual expenditures by such families on food, clothing, and shelter during each of the three most recent years for which data is available from the Consumer Expenditure Survey, a superior federal government source of data, or some combination of such sources. Prescribes requirements for determining modern poverty rates. Directs the Bureau of the Census, in collaboration with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), to contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to develop and publish methods of: (1) calculating a decent living standard threshold; and (2) measuring the extent to which the income of families in the United States is sufficient to meet it. Directs the Bureau of the Census, in collaboration with BLS, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to contract with NAS to develop and publish a method of: (1) measuring the extent of medical care risk in the United States; and (2) calculating the number and percentage of individuals in the United States who lack adequate health insurance, leaving them at risk of being unable to afford needed treatment.

Transparency in Drug Labeling Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Transparency in Drug Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a drug to be misbranded unless the labeling of such drug lists the identity of the country of manufacture of each active ingredient and each inactive ingredient of the drug, listed in descending order based on the percentage of the number of such ingredients in the final dosage form manufactured in such countries.

Independence at Home Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Independence at Home Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary Independence at Home chronic care coordination demonstration project under the Medicare fee-for-service program for high-cost Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into agreements with at least two unaffiliated Independence at Home organizations to provide chronic care coordination services for a period of three years in: (1) each of the 13 highest cost states and the District of Columbia; and (2) 13 additional states representative of other regions of the United States.

Medically Fragile Children's Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Medically Fragile Children's Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a program of all-inclusive care for medically fragile children as a Medicaid state plan option. Makes a child eligible if he or she is: (1) medically fragile based on health status and related indicators or is diagnosed as having one or more chronic conditions; (2) requires daily monitoring of a significant medical condition necessitating overall care planning in order to achieve or maintain optimum health and developmental status, and achieve community integration to the maximum extent possible; and (3) requires both medical assistance and at least two additional services furnished under an all-inclusive program as a result of functional deficits.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize extended benefits for certain autistic dependents of certain retirees.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Revises TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to authorize the Secretary of Defense to provide extended health care services and treatment, by way of contract with private providers, for dependent autism-diagnosed children of military retirees not entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and not enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of such title.

Medicaid Services Restoration Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Medicaid Services Restoration Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend medical assistance coverage to therapeutic foster care services. Allows reasonable and efficient payment methodologies, including fee-for-service payments, case rates, daily rates, or other forms of capitated payment, as means of reimbursement for rehabilitative services. Includes medical or remedial services for attainment and retention of functional status among rehabilitative services. Includes among inpatient psychiatric hospital services for children early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. Allows payment for medical assistance for diagnostic, screening, preventive, and rehabilitative services or optional targeted case management services furnished by qualified providers under non-medical programs, provided a state or local agency administering such plan complies with certain requirements. Allows reasonable and efficient payment methodologies for reimbursement for case management and targeted case management services. Authorizes the state to: (1) require case management services for each beneficiary; and (2) limit the case managers available in order to ensure that the case managers for eligible individuals are capable of ensuring that such individuals receive needed services. Allows staff of non-medical programs, or contractors with non-medical programs, to offer such services, so long as: (1) such individuals are state-qualified providers; and (2) the case management services are distinct from the non-medical program's direct services. Redefines case management services to mean those furnished to assist eligible individuals, who reside in a community setting or are transitioning to a community setting, in gaining access to needed medical, social, educational, and other services. Allows a state to provide case management or targeted case management services through multiple case managers to: (1) any qualified individual; (2) specific classes of individuals; or (3) individuals who reside in specified areas selected by the state.

Nursing Home Transparency and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Nursing Home Transparency and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities to make available, upon request, ownership and additional disclosable parties information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other responsible parties. Outlines accountability requirements for such institutions. Requires specified additional information to appear on the Department of Health and Human Services Nursing Home Compare Website. Requires SNFs to separately report expenditures for wages and benefits for direct care staff. Directs the Secretary to develop a standardized form for use by a resident (or a person acting on the resident's behalf) in filing a complaint about a SNF with a state survey and certification agency or long-term care ombudsman program. Requires a state to establish a complaint resolution process. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for SNFs and nursing facilities to report direct care staffing information based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data. Increases certain civil monetary penalties for SNF and nursing facility violations. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the potential benefit and feasibility of applying independent monitoring requirements to interstate and large intrastate chains of SNFs and nursing facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on best practices for, and barriers to, the appointment of temporary management for SNFs with a record of poor care. Requires a an individual SNF license holder to notify the Secretary and other responsible parties of an impending closure of the facility. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects on culture change and use of information technology in SNFs and nursing facilities. Directs the Secretary, among requirements for the approval of nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs, to include requirements for dementia management training and patient abuse prevention training. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on training for certified nurse aides and supervisory staff of SNFs and nursing facilities.

American Health Care Access Improvement, Portability, and Cost Reduction Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

American Health Care Access Improvement, Portability, and Cost Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow qualified primary care physicians or qualified nurse practitioners a tax credit of $1,000 for each month such providers provide services in a health professional shortage area. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make changes to the conversion factor for FY2010 for physicians Medicare payments. Allows a refundable tax credit for qualified health insurance coverage. Provides for advance payment of such credit. Revises IRC provisions relating to health savings accounts (HSAs) to: (1) allow HSAs to incorporate flexible spending and health reimbursement arrangements; (2) increase the annual HSA contribution limitation; (3) permit the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance; (4) allow the payment of certain medical expenses incurred before the establishment of an HSA; (5) allow veterans eligible for service-connected disability benefits to establish an HSA; and (6) allow spouses to make increased catch-up contributions to a single HSA. Requires the inclusion of education information about advance directives in the annual notice of Medicare benefits sent to eligible individuals. Revises provisions concerning Medicare+Choice private fee-for-service plans related to access standards under the plans and utilization.

Medicare Beneficiary Freedom to Choose Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Medicare Beneficiary Freedom to Choose Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to revise requirements for the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries under which no Medicare claims shall be made. Requires any such contract to be in writing and signed by the Medicare beneficiary. Allows individuals to choose to opt out of the Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance), and makes them eligible for health savings accounts.

National Childhood Brain Tumor Prevention Network Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

National Childhood Brain Tumor Prevention Network Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Director of the National Cancer Institute, to establish, administer, and coordinate a National Childhood Brain Tumor Prevention Network to: (1) provide grants for research on the causes of and risk factors associated with childhood brain tumors; (2) assemble a panel of experts to provide ongoing guidance and recommendations on research funded by the Network, including on a common study design and standard protocols; and (3) designate a central laboratory to collect, analyze, and aggregate data with respect to research funded by the Network and to make such data and analysis available to researchers.

Independence at Home Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Independence at Home Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary Independence at Home chronic care coordination demonstration project under the Medicare fee-for-service program for high cost Medicare beneficiaries with multiple conditions.

To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act with respect to the qualification of the director of food services of a Medicare skilled nursing facility or a Medicaid nursing facility.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the full-time director of food services at a Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) or a Medicaid nursing facility, if not a qualified dietitian, to be a Certified Dietary Manager meeting the requirements of the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers or have equivalent military or academic qualifications.

Several Approaches to Reduce the Uninsured Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Several Approaches to Reduce the Uninsured Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for state comprehensive programs under which: (1) state residents are required to obtain qualified health insurance coverage; and (2) employers are required to establish a group health plan offering such coverage. Sets forth provisions governing health coverage buy-in arrangements between states and individuals and between large and small employers for the purchase of health insurance coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish a qualified coverage buy-in arrangement credit. Health Partnership Through Creative Federalism Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a State Health Coverage Innovation Commission to facilitate state health care expansion and improvement programs. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to establish demonstration projects to provide coverage under SCHIP for children who would be targeted low-income children but for coverage as beneficiaries under a group health plan as the children of participants by virtue of a qualifying employer's contribution. Requires the Secretary to facilitate the establishment of regional state arrangements under which states band together in order to increase their purchasing pooling power and offer affordable health coverage to their citizens. Provides for automatic enrollment of uninsured individuals. Preexisting Condition Exclusion Patient Protection Act of 2008 - Amends ERISA, the Public Health Service Act, and the IRC to allow a health plan to impose a preexisting condition exclusion only for: (1) a condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within 30 days of the enrollment date; and (2) three months, or nine months for a late enrollee, after the enrollment date.

Expanding Availability of VA Health Care Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Expanding Availability of VA Health Care Act of 2008 - Makes eligible for health care under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system veterans with incomes not exceeding 200% of the maximum for treatment as a low-income family. (Currently, only veterans with incomes not exceeding the maximum for treatment as a low-income family are so eligible.)

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) prior to donation, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) the individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and received no financial or other inducements. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to issue guidelines on research involving human embryonic stem cells. Authorizes the Director to issue guidelines on research involving other human stem cells, as scientifically warranted. Provides for updates of guidelines under this Act. Directs the Secretary to take into consideration guidelines on human stem cell research developed by nationally- and internationally- recognized scientific organizations. Requires NIH research to comply with guidelines under this Act. Requires the Director to: (1) determine the extent to which the guidelines under this Act apply to research on human embryonic stem cells derived before the effective date of such guidelines; and (2) include in its biennial report to Congress a summary of research activities on human stem cells.

Rachel's Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Rachel's Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to award a prize payment to the first person who develops a cure for clear cell sarcoma of the tendons and aponeuroses.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require State Medicaid plans to continue to cover non-emergency transportation to medically necessary services.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to continue to cover non-emergency transportation to medically necessary services.