Healthcare

Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2010

Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 to extend trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs through June 30, 2012. Extends TAA for firms and farmers through June 30, 2013. Extends the single transition deadline for implementing certain merit-based personnel staffing requirements for state administration of TAA to a date not earlier than June 30, 2012. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to extend through June 30, 2012, the 80% tax credit for health insurance costs (including advance payments) for TAA (as well as Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation [PBGC] pension) recipients. Makes TAA recipients who are in a break in training under a training program, or who are receiving unemployment compensation, eligible for such tax credit for the period through June 30, 2012. Amends the IRC, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to extend through June 30, 2012, the TAA pre-certification period rule disregarding any 63-day lapse in creditable health care coverage for TAA workers. Extends the continued eligibility for the credit for qualifying family members and certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and PBGC pension recipients for COBRA premium assistance through June 30, 2012. Extends through June 30, 2012, coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association established pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court, or by agreement with an authorized representative. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to expand the TAA grant program for community college and career training to include individuals who are, or are likely to become, eligible for unemployment compensation or who remain unemployed after exhausting their unemployment benefits. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to extend certain customs users fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through March 31, 2020, and other specified customs users fees through April 30, 2020. Amends the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act to increase required estimated tax payments of corporations with at least $1 billion in assets in the third quarter of 2015 by 4.5% to 126.0% of such amount.

State Leadership in Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2010

State Leadership in Health Care Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to allow states to apply for a waiver of specified requirements under PPACA with respect to health insurance coverage within that state due to implementation of a state plan that provides comparable coverage for plan years beginning in 2014 (currently, 2017).. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the Secretary of the Treasury to deny waivers only if: (1) the state plan does not meet requirements for granting a waiver; (2) the Secretary of HHS or Treasury notifies the state in writing of the requirements that the state plan did not meet and provides the state with information used in making such a determination; and (3) the state is given an opportunity to appeal. Requires the Secretary of HHS or Treasury to reconsider the determination in the event of an appeal.

Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2010

Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2010 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to permit a health plan to decline coverage of specific items and services that are contrary to the religious beliefs of the sponsor, issuer, or other entity offering the plan or the purchaser or beneficiary (in the case of individual coverage) without penalty.  Declares that such plans are still considered to: (1) be providing the essential health benefits package or preventive health services, (2) be a qualified health plan, and (3) have fulfilled other requirements under PPACA. Declares that nothing in PPACA shall be construed to authorize a health plan to require a provider to provide, participate in, or refer for a specific item or service contrary to the provider's religious beliefs or moral convictions. Prohibits a health plan from being considered to have failed to provide timely or other access to items or services or to fulfill any other requirement under PPACA because it has respected the rights of conscience of such a provider. Prohibits an American Health Benefit Exchange or other official or entity acting in a governmental capacity in the course of implementing PPACA from discriminating against a health plan, plan sponsor, health care provider, or other person because of an unwillingness to provide coverage of, participate in, or refer for, specific items or services. Creates a private cause of action for the protection of individual rights created under this Act. Authorizes any person or entity to assert a violation of this Act as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and investigate complaints of discrimination based on this Act. Makes this Act effective as if it were included in PPACA.

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and revise a research, training, and technical assistance resource center to prevent suicides. Expands the program's focus from youth suicides to suicides among all ages, particularly among groups that are at high risk for suicide. Reauthorizes a program of grants for the development of state or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies. Reauthorizes and revises a grant program to enhance services for students with mental health or substance use disorders at institutions of higher education. Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, to award grants to enhance such services and to develop best practices for the delivery of such services. Permits grant funds to be used for the provision of such services to students and to employ appropriately trained staff. Requires the Secretary to give special consideration to applications for grants that describe programs that demonstrate the greatest need for new or additional mental and substance use disorder services and the greatest potential for replication. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to convene an interagency, public-private sector working group to plan, establish, and begin coordinating and evaluating a targeted public education campaign that is designed to focus on mental health and substance use disorders on college campuses. Requires the Secretary to establish a College Campus Task Force to discuss mental health and substance use disorder concerns on college and university campuses.

Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Institute of Autism Spectrum Disorders for 10 years to conduct and support research, training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs with respect to autism spectrum disorders.  Sets forth the duties of the Director of the Institute, which include making recommendations regarding the consolidation of programs of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Transfers NIH activities on autism spectrum disorders to the Institute.  Expands such activities to include translational research.  Authorizes the Director of NIH to transfer personnel, permit use of facilities, and obtain administrative support for the Institute. Extends grants and programs for autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. Extends and revises provisions related to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Requires the Comptroller General to study federal progress on autism spectrum disorders and autism services, interventions, and treatments. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish grant programs related to autism spectrum disorders, including to: (1) provide services to children, transitioning youth, and adults with autism spectrum disorders; (2) carry out multimedia campaigns; and (3) establish and maintain a national technical assistance center. Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to require the Secretary to make grants to enable protection and advocacy systems to address the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Prepaid Card Consumer Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Prepaid Card Consumer Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to extend its coverage to spending card accounts (prepaid cards) established by a consumer (or on a consumer's behalf): (1) to which recurring electronic fund transfers may be made, at the consumer's direction, and (2) from which payments may be made, at the consumer's direction, through the use of a card, code, or device. Treats as a spending card account any similar asset account operated or managed by a financial institution, or any other person, whose funds: (1) are pooled with the funds of a person other than the one who established the account, or (2) are held in a name other than that of the person who established the account. Excludes from the meaning of spending card account: (1) any nonreloadable general-use prepaid card in an amount under $250; and (2) any general-use prepaid card solely associated with a certain kind of health plan, a qualified transportation fringe, a health savings account or any other healthcare benefit account, a gift certificate, a store gift card, an electronic promise, plastic card, or payment code, or device, a nonreloadable card labeled as a gift card and marketed solely as such, or a nonreloadable loyalty, rebate, or promotional card. Requires a financial institution to offer electronic fund transfer services in connection with a spending card account only if the account is insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and complies with its pass-through deposit insurance requirements. Requires any person that accepts funds in connection with an electronic fund transfer to a spending card account to: (1) transfer them, within 24 hours after accepting them, to an account at an insured depository institution; or (2) credit the spending card account an amount equal to the amount of such funds. Waives the requirement for providing a consumer with a periodic statement if a financial institution, among other things, provides the consumer with access to the account balance through a readily available telephone line and the Internet and at an electronic terminal or other device (ATM machine) that allows the consumer to make a balance inquiry. Prohibits the charging of fees for services required to meet these requirements, other than $1 for an optional periodic statement. Specifies other fees which may and may not be charged in connection with a spending account card.

A bill to preserve Medicare beneficiary choice by restoring and expanding the Medicare open enrollment and disenrollment opportunities repealed by section 3204(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to repeal the allowance for disenrollment, between January 1 and March 15 of each year, only from an MedicareAdvantage plan to elect enrollment in the original Medicare fee-for-service program. Restores the option under previous law to elect to change from a MedicareAdvantage to the original Medicare fee-for-service plan, or from the original Medicare fee-for-service to a MedicareAdvantage plan, once a year during the first three months.

To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Acts.

Drug Safety Enhancement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Drug Safety Enhancement Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand safety and inspection requirements for the manufacture and importation of drugs by: (1) expanding registration requirements for foreign and domestic drug producers; (2) requiring drug manufacturers to have in effect and implement an effective quality system; (3) expanding and equalizing inspection requirements for foreign and domestic drug producers; (4) imposing additional requirements relating to the notification, nondistribution, and recall of adulterated or misbranded drugs; (5) permitting the detention of drugs found to be in violation of drug safety requirements; (6) allowing for the destruction of drugs that pose a significant adverse health effect; (7) providing enhanced civil and criminal penalties and forfeiture for violations of drug safety requirements and enhanced subpoena authority for investigating violations; (8) prohibiting the importation of drugs into the United States lacking documentation of safety; (9) requiring unique identification numbers for drug establishments and importers; and (10) expanding protections for whistleblowers who refuse to violate, or who disclose violations of, this Act.

National Emergency Employment Defense Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

National Emergency Employment Defense Act of 2010 - Replaces Federal Reserve notes with United States Money. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to originate United States Money to address any negative fund balances resulting from a shortfall in available government receipts to fund government appropriations. Subjects to criminal and civil penalties any person who creates or originates United States Money by lending against deposits through "fractional reserve banking." Prohibits borrowing by the Secretary or by any federal agency or department, independent establishment of the executive branch, or any other instrumentality of the United States (other than a national bank, federal savings association, or federal credit union) from any source other than the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to begin to retire all outstanding instruments of U.S. indebtedness by payment in full of the amount legally due the bearer in United States Money. Prescribes requirements for the entry of United States Money into circulation. Directs the Secretary to purchase all net assets in the Federal Reserve System, including the Federal reserve banks. Requires return to any member bank in the form of United States Money of any reserves held by any Federal reserve bank. Establishes: (1) the Monetary Authority to establish monetary supply policy and monitor the nation's monetary status; (2) the Bureau of the Federal Reserve to administer the origination and entry into circulation of United States Money; (3) the Emergency Board to recommend to Congress when a national emergency requires the President to issue a certification of emergency for the exercise of authority by the Monetary Authority as lender of last resort; and (4) a revolving loan fund in the Treasury for relending to banking institutions. Sets forth a conversion process to replace fractional reserve banking with the lending of United States Money. Sets a ceiling on interest rates. Requires the Monetary Authority to instruct the Secretary to disperse monetary grants to states for public infrastructure, education, health care and rehabilitation, pensions, and paying for unfunded federal mandates. Directs the Secretary to make recommendations to Congress for payment of a tax-free Citizens Dividend to all U.S. citizens residing in the United States in order to provide liquidity to the banking system at the commencement of this Act, before governmental infrastructure expenditures have had a chance to work into circulation. Prescribes requirements for federal funding of education programs, coverage of any deficits in Social Security Trust Fund account, a universal health care plan, resolution of aspects of the mortgage crisis, and a program of interest-free lending of United States Money to state and local governmental entities.

Single Food Safety Agency Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Single Food Safety Agency Act of 2010 - Establishes the Food Safety Administration as an independent agency within the executive branch.  Requires the Administrator to: (1) administer and enforce food safety laws; (2) serve as a representative to international food safety bodies and discussions; and  (3) oversee federal food safety efforts.  Transfers all federal food safety duties to the Administration. Requires the Administrator to: (1)  administer a national food safety program to protect public health, and (2) ensure that persons who produce or process food comply with federal laws and regulations to prevent or minimize food safety hazards related to their products. Establishes civil penalties for violations of food safety laws.  Escalates civil and criminal penalties for knowingly violating food safety laws. Requires the President to submit a reorganization plan for the transfer of agencies, personnel, assets, and obligations to the Administration.

Community-Based Mental Health Infrastructure Improvements Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010

Community-Based Mental Health Infrastructure Improvements Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to eligible entities for the construction or modernization of facilities to provide mental health and substance abuse 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 health and substance abuse facilities; (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; and (3) acquiring information technology required to accommodate the clinical needs of primary and specialty care professionals. Requires a grant recipient to agree to make available nonfederal contributions matching federal funds provided.

Excellence in Mental Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010

Excellence in Mental Health Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to set forth criteria for the certification of federally-qualified community behavioral health centers. Amends the PHSA and titles XIX (Medicaid) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make such centers eligible for certain federal programs, including: (1) payments for services under Medicaid; (2) incentives for the adoption of health information technology; and (3) payments for the provision of telehealth services. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award matching grants to states or Indian tribes to expend funds for the construction or modernization of facilities used to provide mental health and substance abuse services to individuals. Expands the 340B drug discount program (a program limiting the cost of covered outpatient drugs to certain federal grantees) to allow participation by entities providing community mental health services or providing treatment services for substance abuse.

Improving Care for Kidney Patients Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010

Improving Care for Kidney Patients Act of 2010 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to kidney disease benefits. Sets at 100% the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) with respect to the placement of an arteriovenous fistula or graft in the hemodialysis treatment of Medicaid beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to study and report to Congress on: (1) the social, behavioral, and biological factors leading to kidney disease; (2) efforts to slow the progression of kidney disease in minority populations that are disproportionately affected by it; and (3) research gaps in the development of quality measures and care management for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including pediatric patients. Amends the Social Security Act, with respect to criminal penalties for certain acts, to exclude from the meaning of illegal remuneration the waiver of any fee or cost-sharing by a renal dialysis facility (RDF) in providing chronic kidney disease screening that meets certain criteria. Treats as a hospital for Medicare purposes an institution providing Medicare or Medicaid patients diagnosed with stage IV or stage V kidney disease with educational materials about treatment. Treats as a person qualified to furnish kidney disease education services an RDF meeting specified criteria. Makes eligible to participate in a shared savings program as an accountable care organization (ACO) a group consisting of RDFs, nephrologists, and other service providers and suppliers that treat patients with kidney disease. Prescribes Medicare requirements for coordination of care between hospitals and RDFs for the discharge planning process for an ESRD patient. Specifies Medicare coverage to specialized occlusive dressings used by a patient receiving dialysis treatment for protection against life threatening catheter-related infections during maintenance of personal hygiene at home. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the transportation barriers facing dialysis patients that result in less than 100% compliance with a Medicare plan of care. Directs the Secretary, in specified circumstances, to accept the results of a state licensure survey for purposes of determining federal certification of an RDF's compliance with the conditions of Medicare participation. Directs the Secretary of HHS to report to Congress on the benefits of recognizing dialysis vascular and peritoneal dialysis access care service sites in order to receive Medicare reimbursement. Revises Medicare requirements for group health plans to: (1) extend the period during which they are primary payers (and Medicare the secondary payer) for ESRD patients; and (2) prohibit denial of a Medigap policy to a ESRD patient. Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to allow a group health plan or health insurance issuer to impose restrictions for kidney failure treatment on a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee only if they are reasonable and assure adequate access to out-of-network providers.

Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost Effectiveness Improvements Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010

Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost Effectiveness Improvements Act of 2010 - Designates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as the primary federal agency for field emergency medical services (field EMS). Defines "field EMS" as emergency medical services provided to patients prior to or outside a medical facility or other clinical setting.  Requires the Administrator of NHTSA to develop and implement a cohesive national strategy to strengthen the development of field EMS at the federal, state, and local levels. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) the EQUIP grant program to promote excellence, quality, universal access, innovation, and preparedness in field EMS;  (2) the SPIA grant program to improve field EMS system performance, integration, and accountability; and (3) national guidelines for medical oversight of field EMS.  Authorizes the Administrator to maintain, improve, and expand the National EMS Information System, including the National EMS Database, to insure that database information is available to federal and state policymakers, EMS stakeholders, and researchers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants for the development, availability, and dissemination of field EMS education programs and courses for field EMS personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) complete an evaluation of alternative delivery models for medical care through field EMS and the integration of field EMS patients with other medical providers and facilities; and (2) conduct or support up to five demonstration projects to evaluate alternative dispositions of field EMS patients (e.g., transporting such patients by ambulance to alternative medical facilities). Amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to include field EMS as a model for testing by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require: (1)  the Director of the Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to establish a Field EMS Evidence-Based Practice Center to support research to promote the highest quality of emergency medical care in field EMS and the most effective delivery system for such care; and (2) the HHS Secretary to establish an Emergency Care Coordination Center to promote and fund research, collaboration, and preparedness in emergency medicine and trauma health care. Requires the Administrator to establish and administer a National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations to federal agencies and a national forum to deliberate on field EMS. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund; and (2) allow taxpayers to designate a portion of any income tax overpayment and make additional contributions to finance such Fund.

STOP Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2010

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act or the STOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and expand the program to reduce underage drinking by: (1) expressing the sense of Congress that the National Minimum Drinking Age Law has been an effective public health and safety policy and has reduced drinking and driving traffic fatalities; (2) expanding the national media campaign to prevent underage drinking; (3) authorizing the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in coordination with the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, to make supplemental grants to eligible entities to enhance collaboration between communities and institutions of higher education to prevent and reduce underage alcohol use; (4) requiring the Administrator to make grants to professional pediatric provider organizations to increase effective practices, including the screening of children and adolescents for alcohol use, to reduce the prevalence of alcohol use among individuals under the age of 21, including college students; (5) expanding data collection and research activites with respect to underage drinking; and (6) requiring the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a review of the research on the influence of drinking alcohol on adolescent brain development and the public policy implications of such research.

Omnibus Trade Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2010

Omnibus Trade Act of 2010 - Amends the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 to extend trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs until July 1, 2012. Extends TAA for firms and farmers through June 30, 2013. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to extend the 80% tax credit for health insurance costs (including advance payments) for TAA recipients for eligible coverage months beginning before July 1, 2012. Makes TAA recipients who are not enrolled in a training program, or who are receiving unemployment compensation, eligible for such tax credit for the period between enactment of this Act and July 1, 2012. Amends the IRC, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to extend until July 1, 2012, the TAA pre-certification period rule disregarding any 63-day lapse in creditable health care coverage for TAA workers. Extends the continued eligibility for the credit for qualifying family members and certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) recipients for COBRA premium assistance through June 30, 2012. Extends until July 1, 2012, coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association established pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court, or by agreement with an authorized representative. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to expand the TAA grant program for community college and career training to include individuals who are, or are likely to become, eligible for unemployment compensation or who remain unemployed after exhausting their unemployment benefits. Extends duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences through June 30, 2012. Amends the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), as amended and expanded by Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), to extend duty-free treatment or other preferential treatment of the products of Colombia and Ecuador through June 30, 2012. Extends through FY2012 preferential treatment for apparel articles assembled in one or more ATPDEA beneficiary countries from regional fabrics or regional components, and specified other type apparel (brassieres). Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for duty suspensions and reductions through December 31, 2012, for specified chemicals and other products. Imposes and increases and/or decreases the duty on certain chemicals and other products through December 31, 2012. Extends the existing duty suspensions on certain cotton shirting fabrics. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to extend the Pima Cotton Trust Fund through December 31, 2013. Amends the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 to require the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary, unless otherwise noted) to transfer from the Treasury to the Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund certain amounts sufficient to restore specified payment levels from the Trust Fund for 2010. Directs the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide for: (1) the liquidation or reliquidation (refund of duties) on certain entries of orange juice from Brazil during the periods August 24, 2005-February 28, 2007, and March 1, 2007-February 29, 2008; and (2) the reliquidation of, and the refund of collected excess antidumping duties (including interest) to the importer of record on certain entries of industrial nitrocellulose from the United Kingdom. Prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), or any other person, from requiring repayment of, or attempting to recoup, duties that were distributed pursuant to the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000 in an attempt to offset any amount to be refunded.

Medicare Enhancements for Needed Drugs Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2010

Medicare Enhancements for Needed Drugs Act of 2010 - Directs the Comptroller General to review and report to Congress on the retail cost of prescription drugs in the United States during 2004 through 2010, with an emphasis on the prescription drugs most utilized for individuals age 65 or older. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an ongoing study that compares the average retail cost in the United States for each of the 20 most utilized prescription drugs for individuals age 65 or older with: (1) the average prices at which private health plans, the Department of Defense (DOD) under the Defense Health Program, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acquire each such drug; and (2) the average negotiated price for each such drug that eligible beneficiaries have access to under a Medicare prescription drug plan providing only basic prescription drug coverage. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include in the comparative plan information for beneficiaries under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) a comparison of average aggregate prescription drug plan beneficiary costs and savings with such costs for a beneficiary with no prescription drug plan. Repeals the prohibition against interference by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors. Authorizes the Secretary instead, like other federal entities that purchase prescription drugs in bulk, to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs. Requires the use of the resulting savings to the Medicare Prescription Drug Account to strengthen the part D program and to reduce the federal deficit. Requires the Secretary to ensure that each part D eligible individual has: (1) a choice of enrollment in a comprehensive prescription drug plan in the area in which the individual resides; or (2) in any case in which such a plan is not available, the opportunity to enroll in a comprehensive fallback prescription drug plan.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prevent the catastrophic loss of wage index reclassification.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2010

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend through FY2013 the reclassification to a specific Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or New England County Metropolitan Area of any hospital so reclassified for FY2010 by the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board, if: (1) that hospital would no longer qualify for such reclassification for FY2011; and (2) for FY2011 the average wage index for the geographic area in which such hospital is located is at least 0.1 less than the hospital's average wage index for FY2010. Declares that such extension shall not result in the recalculation of any diluted wage index for hospitals otherwise utilizing the wage index of the geographic area to which such hospital is reclassified.

Disapproving a rule submitted by the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Health Insurance Issuers Implementing Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Requirements Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act".

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2010

Disapproves and nullifies the rule submitted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) relating to "Health Insurance Issuers Implementing Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Requirements Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."

Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2010

Medicare Beneficiary Preservation of Choice Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to repeal the allowance for disenrollment, between January 1 and March 15 of each year, only from an MedicareAdvantage plan to elect enrollment in the original Medicare fee-for-service program. Restores the option under previous law to elect to change from a MedicareAdvantage to the original Medicare fee-for-service plan, or from the original Medicare fee-for-service to a MedicareAdvantage plan, once a year during the first three months.

A resolution recognizing the 20th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health and the continuing leadership and achievements of the Office on Women's Health in conducting and supporting biomedical research to improve women's health.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2010

Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH). Commends ORWH for its leadership in women's health research, research training, and science-based education programs. Recognizes: (1) the ORWH-supported scientists whose studies have improved women's health and whose research continues to yield promising discoveries; and (2) the volunteers who participate in clinical studies and the patient and professional health organizations that contribute to the shared research goals of preventing, treating, and curing the diseases and disorders within the scope of ORWH's mission. Reaffirms the Senate's support for ORWH and its continued commitment to carrying out research to improve women's health.

ACCESS ADAP Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2010

Addressing Cost Containment Measures To Ensure the Sustainability and Success of ADAP Act or the ACCESS ADAP Act - Requires specified funds to be transferred to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from discretionary amounts appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that remain unobligated, to be obligated during the FY2010 grant period under the AIDS Drug Assistance Program to provide assistance in reducing waiting lists and to address other cost containment measures that state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs implement after January 1, 2009. Requires amounts transferred under this Act to be used by states in a manner consistent with their state programs. Requires the Secretary, in allocating such funds, to: (1) give special consideration to the total scope and the basis of a state's needs, including the total number of patients on a waiting list, eligibility requirements, and other cost containment measures; and (2) ensure that funds be used only to provide treatments to individuals who were eligible to participate in the state program on the date of enactment of this Act or who would have been eligible to participate in the state program  but were not so eligible because of the implementation of cost-containment measures after January 1, 2009.

Native Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2010

Native Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2010 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide full reimbursement (100% of the federal medical assistance percentage or FMAP) for medical assistance given to a Native Hawaiian through a federally-qualified health center or a Native Hawaiian health care system.

Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health and its continuing leadership and achievements in conducting and supporting biomedical research to improve women's health.

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2010

Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH). Commends ORWH for its leadership in research, research training, and science-based education programs. Recognizes: (1) the ORWH-supported scientists whose studies have improved health and whose research continues to yield promising discoveries; and (2) the volunteers who participate in clinical studies and the health organizations who contribute to the shared research goals of preventing, treating, and curing the diseases and disorders within ORWH's mission. Reaffirms support for ORWH and its continued commitment to research to improve women's health.

ANTITRUST LAWS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, INSURERS AND PATIENTS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 December 2010

Dependent Care Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2010

Dependent Care Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide health care for the physical and mental injuries suffered by a spouse, child, or dependent parent victim of abuse by a veteran who is enrolled in the VA patient enrollment system and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, as long as such victim is not eligible for medical coverage under a federal or state program or otherwise covered by a private medical insurance policy. Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans committees addressing any VA challenges or concerns in verifying psychological abuse in such individuals.

Supporting the goals and ideals of World AIDS Day.

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2010

Recognizes the 22nd anniversary of observing World AIDS Day. Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of World AIDS Day; (2) continued funding for prevention, care, treatment services, and research programs for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria; (3) implementation of a national AIDS strategy; (4) the goals of providing universal access to comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support programs and protecting human rights for all people, including vulnerable and marginalized populations; and (5) efforts to address the factors that make populations vulnerable to HIV/AIDS by decreasing poverty and hunger, expanding educational opportunities for children, and empowering women. Commends: (1) the President and state and local governments for recognizing World AIDS Day and for encouraging individuals to undergo HIV testing; (2) media organizations for carrying messages in support of World AIDS Day; and (3) the work of AIDS service organizations and community and faith based organizations that are providing treatment, care, and support services to people living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

To amend section 1848 of the Social Security Act to provide for a 4-year transition in reductions in relative value units for certain newly bundled services to allow physician practice time to adjust to new payment rates.

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2010

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for determining the relative value of physicians' services for fee payment purposes. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for a 4-year transition applicable in the case of codes (for services) for which: (1) a single code is used for payment for services for which multiple codes were previously used; and (2) a change in relative value units results in a reduction in such units of 10% or more. Applies this 4-year transition to the number of percentage points of the reduction in excess of 10%.

First Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010

First Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that: (1) prohibit a health plan offering group or individual health insurance coverage from rescinding coverage once an enrollee is covered, and (2) require prior notice to an enrollee before coverage is cancelled.

Fifth Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010

Fifth Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that prohibit a health plan offering group or individual health insurance coverage from imposing any preexisting condition exclusion with respect to enrollees who are under 19 years of age.

Fourth Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010

Fourth Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that prohibit group and individual health plans from imposing any preexisting condition exclusion with respect to enrollees who are 19 years of age or older, effective as of the date of the enactment of such Act.

Third Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010

Third Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that prohibit a health plan offering group or individual health insurance coverage from establishing lifetime limits on the dollar value of benefits for any participant or beneficiary.

Second Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010

Second Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that prohibit a health plan offering group or individual health insurance coverage from establishing annual limits on the dollar value of benefits for any participant or beneficiary.

Sixth Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010

Sixth Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that require a health plan offering group or individual health insurance coverage that provides dependent coverage of children to continue to make such coverage available until the child turns 26 years old.

Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2010

Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2010 - Permits a home health agency to determine the most appropriate skilled service to make the initial assessment visit for an individual who: (1) is eligible for home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; but (2) does not require skilled nursing care as long as that skilled service is included as part of the plan of care for such services. Permits an occupational therapist to make the initial assessment visit in such a case if occupational therapy is included in such plan in the initial physician referral in conjunction with physical therapy or speech language pathology services.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Protecting Seniors' Access to Doctors Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Protecting Seniors' Access to Doctors Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to set at 1% from December 1, 2010, through December 31, 2011, the update to the single conversion factor in the formula for determining the physician fee payment schedule.

GEDI Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Gestational Diabetes Act of 2010 or the GEDI Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop a multisite gestational diabetes research project within the diabetes program of the CDC to expand and enhance surveillance data and public health research on gestational diabetes.  Requires such research project to address: (1) procedures to establish accurate and efficient systems for the collection of gestational diabetes data; (2) the progress of collaborative activities with the National Vital Statistics System, the National Center for Health Statistics, and state health departments to improve surveillance of gestational diabetes; (3) postpartum methods of tracking women with gestational diabetes after delivery and targeted interventions to lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes in such women; (4) variations in the distribution of diagnosed and undiagnosed gestational diabetes; and (5) factors and culturally sensitive interventions that influence risks and reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and related complications during childbirth. Requires the Secretary to expand and intensify public health research on gestational diabetes, including; (1) developing and testing novel approaches for improving postpartum testing or screening and for preventing type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes; and (2) conducting research to further understanding of the factors and health systems that influence the risk of gestational diabetes and the development of type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to: (1) award grants for demonstration projects that implement evidence-based interventions to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes, the recurrence of such disease in subsequent pregnancies, and the development of type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes; and (2) work with state and Indian tribal-based diabetes prevention and control programs assisted by the CDC to encourage postpartum follow-up after gestational diabetes to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and its recurrence, the development of type 2 diabetes in at-risk women, and related complications.

A resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of sickle cell disease by Dr. James B. Herrick.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Commemorates the 100th anniversary of the discovery of sickle cell disease. Recognizes the biomedical research community's contributions to improvement in its diagnosis and treatment.

Gulf of Mexico Economic and Environmental Restoration Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Gulf of Mexico Economic and Environmental Restoration Act of 2010 - Establishes the Gulf of Mexico Recovery Council, consisting of each member of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. Directs the Council to: (1) establish guidelines for, approve or disapprove, and annually review Gulf state comprehensive restoration plans that address the effects in such a state of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused by the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon that began on April 20, 2010, with regard to the economy, the environment, and public health; (2) distribute funds to states whose plans are approved; (3) establish a Gulf of Mexico Observation System, to be implemented through a Gulf of Mexico Exploration Research Center, to increase observation and monitoring capabilities in the Gulf; (4) establish a Gulf of Mexico sea grant program to fund Gulf coast restoration projects carried out by sea grant colleges or institutions located in the Gulf states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi); (5) establish a Gulf of Mexico seafood marketing program and a Gulf of Mexico Seafood Marketing Board to submit a seafood marketing plan; (6) establish a Gulf of Mexico clean energy program to make grants for qualified clean energy projects and energy efficiency projects; (7) establish a Gulf coast-based working group to implement policies and programs to accomplish Gulf coast economic development, ecosystem restoration, and public health rehabilitation; (8) coordinate the sharing of scientific information and other research associated with Gulf coast economic development, ecosystem restoration, and public health rehabilitation; and (9) submit an annual report to Congress. Establishes in the Treasury a Gulf of Mexico Economic and Environmental Recovery Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into the Fund not less than 80% of any amounts collected as penalties, settlements, or fines under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) in relation to the oil spill. Requires the Fund to be made available to the Council only for activities related to Gulf coast economic development, ecosystem restoration, and public health rehabilitation that are not inconsistent with the regional ecosystem restoration strategy developed by the Task Force.

No Health Care Subsidies for Illegal Aliens Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

No Health Care Subsidies for Illegal Aliens Act of 2010 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with respect to procedures for determining eligibility for participation in a state health care insurance exchange (Exchange), to: (1) require an applicant for enrollment in a qualified health plan (enrollee) to appear in person at an Exchange and submit a sworn statement, under penalty of perjury, that the enrollee is a citizen or national of the United States or an eligible alien; (2) require enrollees to provide satisfactory documentary evidence of citizenship or nationality or satisfactory immigration status; (3) require Exchanges to verify citizenship or immigration status of enrollees based on satisfactory documentary evidence and (4) eliminate the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to modify the methods used by Exchanges to verify enrollee eligibility.

Partnering to Improve Maternity Care Quality Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Partnering to Improve Maternity Care Quality Act of 2010 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a maternity care quality measurement program for care provided to childbearing women and newborns for use by: (1) a state in administering a state Medicaid plan or a state child health plan under SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP); (2) health insurance issuers and managed care entities contracting with states to administer such plans; and (3) providers of items and services. Directs the Secretary to identify and publish an initial core set of maternity care quality measures for use in data collection and reporting by such entities. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to enter into grants, contracts, or intergovernmental agreements with qualified measure development entities for the purpose of developing, testing, and validating maternity care quality measures, including eMeasures (for which measurement data will be collected electronically), in areas not adequately covered by the measures identified. Directs the AHRQ, in order to measure the care experiences of childbearing women and newborns, to adapt the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems program surveys of providers, facilities, and health plans. Directs the Secretary to encourage voluntary and standardized reporting on their performance by clinicians, facilities, accountable care organizations, and health plans. Requires report data to be made available to: (1) patients to use in maternity care decision making; and (2) policymakers and purchasers to assess the quality of maternity care services under Medicaid and CHIP. Prescribes requirements for conversion of endorsed measures for the care of childbearing women and newborns to eMeasures. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project to evaluate the use of alternative Medicaid payment methods. Directs the Secretary to seek to enter an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to identify essential services for childbearing women and newborns.

Medicare Physician Payment Update Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Medicare Physician Payment Update Extension Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) continue the existing 2.2% physician payment update that expires November 30, 2010, for an additional month through December 31, 2010; and (2) set at 1% the update to the single conversion factor that would otherwise apply for 2011.

Empowering States to Innovate Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010

Empowering States to Innovate Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to: (1)  allow states to apply for waivers of certain health insurance coverage requirements in such Act (including requirements for the establishment of qualified health plans and health insurance exchanges) for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2014 (currently, January 1, 2017); and (2) require the waiver application process to begin not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act.

Graduate Medical Education Reform Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010

Graduate Medical Education Reform Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement procedures under which the amount of payments that a hospital would otherwise receive for indirect medical education (IME) costs for discharges occurring during an applicable period is adjusted based on the performance of the hospital on specified measures of health care work force priorities. Requires bonus payments to a hospital if at least 33% of its full-time equivalent residents were enrolled in medical residency programs in primary care during the applicable period. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of payments to eligible hospitals for direct and indirect expenses associated with operating graduate medical residency training programs. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress and the National Health Care Workforce Commission on the graduate medical education (GME) payments that hospitals receive under the Medicare program. Establishes in the Treasury the Medical Education Trust Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the fees on insured and self-insured health plans to provide partial financing for the Trust Fund.

Medicare Premium Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010

Medicare Premium Fairness Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) premium for 2011. Makes such premium, and the related monthly actuarial rate, the same as those for 2009.

Honoring the commitment and service of the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Southwest Airlines, and the Philadelphia International Airport for helping families dealing with autism gain confidence in public places and honoring the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Gray Center for contributions to the Autism Accessibility Program housed at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2010

Honors the commitment and service of the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Southwest Airlines, and the Philadelphia International Airport for helping families dealing with autism gain confidence in public places.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2010

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month, including encouraging people to fight diabetes through public awareness about prevention and treatment options, and increasing education about the disease; and (2) decreasing the prevalence of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes in the United States through increased research, treatment, and prevention. Recognizes the importance of early detection, awareness of the symptoms, and the risk factors that often lead to the development of diabetes.

Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2010

Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act of 2010 - Amends the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 to include within the standards to assure the safety and accuracy of mammography the requirement that: (1) facilities that perform mammograms provide the patient with a summary of the report of the mamography results that includes information regarding the patient's individual measure of breast density based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System established by the American College of Radiology and used by the National Cancer Institute, or as specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) based upon new scientific knowledge, technological advances, or other updated medical procedures where the use of such screening developments is consistent with the practice of medical experts in the field; (2) the summary convey to the patient his or her increased risk of developing breast cancer based on that person's individual measure of breast density analyzed by the patient's interpreting physician; and (3) the report include a notice to the patient stating that he or she might benefit from supplementary screening tests for expanded detection if his or her mammogram demonstrates dense breast tissue, that a report of the mammography results has been sent to his or her treating physician's office, and and the patient should contact that physician regarding any questions or concerns about the report.