Healthcare

DRUGS Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 December 2021

Domain Reform for Unlawful Drug Sellers Act or the DRUGS Act This bill requires a website domain name registrar (or registry operator) to take down a domain name under the registrar's control upon receiving an eligible notification that the domain name is facilitating illegal online drug sales. Upon receiving an eligible notification, the registrar must lock the domain name within 24 hours and suspend the domain name within seven days. An eligible notification must come from a trusted notifier and include certain information, such as a summary of the alleged illegal activities and a statement that the evidence supporting the allegations is available to be shared with the registrar. The bill defines trusted notifiers as (1) certain government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration or the office of a state attorney general; and (2) qualifying private or nonprofit entities given such status by specified government agencies. The registrant of the affected domain name may appeal a lock or suspension by providing the trusted notifier with information to establish that the registrant's drug sales are legal, such as pharmacy licenses and the licensing information of the prescribing medical practitioners, if applicable. The trusted notifier must conduct a reasonable investigation and consider the information provided by the registrant. If the appeal is successful, the registrar must reverse the lock and suspension within 15 days. The domain name must remain locked and suspended while the appeal is pending.

KO Cancer Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2021

Knock Out Cancer Act or the KO Cancer Act This bill provides additional funding through FY2027 to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for cancer research. The amount of additional funding each fiscal year is equal to 25% of the total amount allocated to the NIH for cancer research in FY2021.

To prohibit the use of Federal funds to establish, maintain, or support any national database identifying individuals as having received or not received any vaccine.

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to establish or maintain a national database that identifies individuals based on whether they have or have not received any vaccine.

To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in French Camp, California, as the "Richard A. Pittman Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in French Camp, California, as the Robert A. Pittman Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic.

Protect America’s Biomedical Research Enterprise Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

Protect America's Biomedical Research Enterprise Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate ways to better protect intellectual property, sensitive medical information, and similar information used in biomedical research and development from national security risks and related threats. In particular, HHS must identify national security risks and potential misuse of proprietary information and develop strategies to prevent or mitigate such risks and misuse in federally funded biomedical research and development. HHS must also develop a framework to identify areas of federally funded biomedical research and development that are emerging areas of interest to state actors and regularly review its recommendations and policies related to the protection of biomedical research and development. In carrying out these activities, HHS must collaborate with relevant federal agencies (such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation) and consult with research institutions, research advocacy organizations, and other experts.

ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2021 This bill establishes additional requirements for assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare shared savings program. Under current law, the program enables ACOs to receive payments for savings stemming from care coordination and management. The bill requires the basis for assignment to reflect beneficiaries' utilization of not only primary care services provided by ACO physicians, but also those provided by other ACO practitioners—specifically, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists.

TRICARE Equality Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

TRICARE Equality Act of 2021 This bill addresses the administration of Department of Defense (DOD) health care programs and benefits in Puerto Rico. Specifically, the bill requires DOD to treat the administration of TRICARE Prime availability in Puerto Rico in a similar manner as a state. The bill also requires DOD to ensure that, in providing travel and transportation allowances related to specialty medical treatment, individuals located in Puerto Rico are eligible to receive such allowances. The Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization Office must coordinate with the Department of Health of Puerto Rico to share health information through the Joint Health Information Exchange.

Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act of 2021 This bill establishes programs, grants, and other activities to address substance use disorders. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a program for purchasing and distributing opioid overdose reversal drugs for states and Indian tribes. HHS must also award grants for and otherwise support addressing substance use, particularly in states, tribes, territories, and localities with disproportionately high drug overdose rates; increasing access to preventive, medical, recovery, and related services; developing innovative models of delivering treatment and harm reduction services; and expanding the treatment capacity of Medicaid providers. In addition, HHS must issue model standards of care for treatment services and recovery residences and may award grants for training health care professionals. The bill also supports prevention and treatment services for workers, addiction and pain management research, and data collection on substance use disorders. Further, dispensers, distributors, and manufacturers of schedule II controlled substances (e.g., oxycodone), with the exception of opioid treatment programs, must certify that they maintain effective drug diversion controls. Violators are subject to specified civil and criminal penalties. Collected penalties shall be used for the grant programs and other substance use disorder activities established under the bill.

Protecting the Health of America’s Older Adults Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

Protecting the Health of America's Older Adults Act This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a program to promote the health and well-being of older adults. To carry out the program, the CDC must, among other activities, regularly assess the health-related needs of older adults, identify disparities in outcomes of older adults based on demographic and other factors, and coordinate the efforts of federal agencies and nonfederal stakeholders with respect to the health of older adults. Additionally, the CDC must award grants or enter into cooperative agreements with health departments and nonprofit community-based organizations to improve the availability of data on older adult populations, link health care and social services sectors, and undertake related efforts.

Preventing Mandates on Toddlers Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

Preventing Mandates on Toddlers Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being used to implement or enforce the Department of Health and Human Services' rule titled Vaccine and Mask Requirements To Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs , published on November 30, 2021, or any substantially similar rule, regulation, or agency statement.

Protecting Patients from Counterfeit Medical Devices Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

Protecting Patients from Counterfeit Medical Devices Act This bill expands provisions in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act pertaining to counterfeit drugs to also cover counterfeit medical devices and addresses related issues. (Current law prohibits trafficking in counterfeit goods generally.) The bill prohibits certain actions, such as selling counterfeit devices or forging labels to make counterfeit medical devices. An individual or entity that makes or sells a counterfeit medical device shall be subject to fines, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Counterfeit medical devices, packaging and labeling for counterfeit medical devices, and items used for making counterfeit medical devices may be seized pursuant to a federal court proceeding.

Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act of 2021 This bill establishes programs, grants, and other activities to address substance use disorders. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a program for purchasing and distributing opioid overdose reversal drugs for states and Indian tribes. HHS must also award grants for and otherwise support addressing substance use, particularly in states, tribes, territories, and localities with disproportionately high drug overdose rates; increasing access to preventive, medical, recovery, and related services; developing innovative models of delivering treatment and harm reduction services; and expanding the treatment capacity of Medicaid providers. In addition, HHS must issue model standards of care for treatment services and recovery residences and may award grants for training health care professionals. The bill also supports prevention and treatment services for workers, addiction and pain management research, and data collection on substance use disorders. Further, dispensers, distributors, and manufacturers of schedule II controlled substances (e.g., oxycodone), with the exception of opioid treatment programs, must certify that they maintain effective drug diversion controls. Violators are subject to specified civil and criminal penalties. Collected penalties shall be used for the grant programs and other substance use disorder activities established under the bill.

Neuroscience Center of Excellence Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

Neuroscience Center of Excellence Act of 2021 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish the Neuroscience Center of Excellence to address neuroscience diseases and disorders (e.g., addiction, Alzheimer's disease, and psychotic disorders). The center must carry out various activities, including (1) coordinating with FDA programs that focus on certain areas, such as drug evaluation; (2) convening periodic public meetings to engage with stakeholders to address challenges associated with developing medical products for neuroscience diseases and disorders; (3) establishing a program to facilitate the collection and systemic use of patient experience data to develop such medical products; and (4) convening a public meeting to discuss how to promote equity and the inclusion of traditionally underrepresented populations in the development of such medical products. The FDA must take actions related to these issues, such as issuing final guidance with recommendations on the collection and use of patient experience data for developing such medical products. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress a study that (1) reviews the participation of traditionally underrepresented populations in clinical trials for such medical products, and (2) provides recommendations for improving the participation of these populations.

National Biosecurity Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

National Biosecurity Improvement Act of 2021 This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report to Congress about policies and past actions of the National Institutes of Health related to enhancing potential pandemic pathogens and similar research that could result in unintended homeland and national security concerns. Among other matters, the study must address how federal agencies ensure that such research is conducted safely and without compromising national security and the extent to which agencies consider national security information in decisions about whether to fund research in other countries.

Expanding Medical Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

Expanding Medical Education Act This bill authorizes the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to award grants to institutions of higher education, or consortia of such institutions, to establish or expand medical schools. In awarding these grants, HRSA must prioritize minority-serving institutions or those that propose to establish or expand schools in medically underserved communities or areas with shortages of health professionals where no such schools exist.

Preventing Mandates on Toddlers Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021

Preventing Mandates on Toddlers Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being used to implement or enforce the Department of Health and Human Services' rule titled Vaccine and Mask Requirements To Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs , published on November 30, 2021, or any substantially similar rule, regulation, or agency statement.

DRUGS Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2021

Domain Reform for Unlawful Drug Sellers Act or the DRUGS Act This bill requires a website domain name registrar (or registry operator) to take down a domain name under the registrar's control upon receiving an eligible notification that the domain name is facilitating illegal online drug sales. Upon receiving an eligible notification, the registrar must lock the domain name within 24 hours and suspend the domain name within seven days. An eligible notification must come from a trusted notifier and include certain information, such as a summary of the alleged illegal activities and a statement that the evidence supporting the allegations is available to be shared with the registrar. The bill defines trusted notifiers as (1) certain government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration or the office of a state attorney general; and (2) qualifying private or nonprofit entities given such status by specified government agencies. The registrant of the affected domain name may appeal a lock or suspension by providing the trusted notifier with information to establish that the registrant's drug sales are legal, such as pharmacy licenses and the licensing information of the prescribing medical practitioners, if applicable. The trusted notifier must conduct a reasonable investigation and consider the information provided by the registrant. If the appeal is successful, the registrar must reverse the lock and suspension within 15 days. The domain name must remain locked and suspended while the appeal is pending.

ABC Safe Drug Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2021

Anyone But China Safe Drug Act or the ABC Safe Drug Act This bill requires the federal government to maintain a registry of certain foreign-sourced drugs, prohibits federal health care programs from purchasing drugs containing ingredients manufactured in China, and requires drugs to be labeled for country of origin. The Food and Drug Administration shall maintain (1) a list of foreign-sourced drugs and active ingredients that are critical for consumer health and safety, and (2) another list identifying such drugs that are produced exclusively in China or use ingredients produced in China. The bill phases in a restriction on federal health care programs purchasing drugs with active ingredients manufactured in China. By January 1, 2026, such programs may not purchase a drug with any active ingredients from China. The Department of Health and Human Services may issue a waiver for an agency or program that is unable to meet this requirement, but no waiver may apply to drugs purchased in or after 2027. Each drug must have labeling listing the country of origin of each active ingredient, and a drug without this labeling shall be deemed misbranded.

Health Savings Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

Health Savings Act of 2021 This bill modifies the requirements for health savings accounts (HSAs) to rename high deductible health plans as HSA-qualified health plans; allow spouses who have both attained age 55 to make catch-up contributions to the same HSA; make Medicare Part A (hospital insurance benefits) beneficiaries eligible to participate in an HSA; allow individuals eligible for hospital care or medical services under a program of the Indian Health Service or a tribal organization to participate in an HSA; allow members of a health care sharing ministry to participate in an HSA; allow individuals who receive primary care services in exchange for a fixed periodic fee or payment, or who receive health care benefits from an on-site medical clinic of an employer, to participate in an HSA; include amounts paid for prescription and over-the-counter medicines or drugs as qualified medical expenses for which distributions from an HSA or other tax-preferred savings accounts may be used; increase the limits on HSA contributions to match the sum of the annual deductible and out-of-pocket expenses permitted under a high deductible health plan; and allow HSA distributions to be used to purchase health insurance coverage. The bill also (1) exempts HSAs from creditor claims in bankruptcy, and (2) reauthorizes Medicaid health opportunity accounts. The bill allows a medical care tax deduction for (1) exercise equipment, physical fitness programs, and membership at a fitness facility; (2) nutritional and dietary supplements; and (3) periodic fees paid to a primary care physician and amounts paid for pre-paid primary care services.

Opioid Treatment Access Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

Opioid Treatment Access Act of 2022 This bill expands access to substance use disorder treatment by modifying the regulation of opioid treatment programs and narcotic drugs used for treatment, including with respect to a patient's unsupervised use of such drugs. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must issue regulations to further increase patients' access to unsupervised use or handling of drugs for treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) must study the effects of these revisions, and HHS must, as appropriate, promulgate additional regulations based on the study's findings. SAMHSA must also study the impact of certain exemptions from certification requirements for opioid treatment programs that were granted as part of COVID-19 response efforts, including any additional costs or savings that resulted from the exemptions. The bill also (1) allows specified types of health care providers to prescribe (subject to certain requirements) methadone that is dispensed through pharmacies for a patient's unsupervised use, and (2) provides statutory authority for a regulation that allows registered opioid treatment programs to operate mobile medication units without separately registering the unit.

Protect Black Women and Girls Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

Protect Black Women and Girls Act of 2021 This bill establishes an Interagency Task Force to examine the conditions and experiences of Black women and girls to identify and assess the efficacy of policies and programs of federal, state, and local governments designed to improve outcomes for such individuals and to make recommendations to improve such policies and programs. The task force shall (1) cover issues involving Black women and girls in education, economic development, health care, justice and civil rights, and housing; and (2) submit recommendations at specified intervals to Congress, the President, and each state or local government on policies, practices, programs, and incentives that may be adopted to improve outcomes. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights shall conduct a comprehensive study and collect data with respect to the effects on Black women and girls of a wide range of specified economic, health, criminal justice, and social services factors.

Bree’s Law

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

Bree's Law This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 certain adolescent health demonstration projects, and it changes their focus from reducing violence among minority males to reducing teen dating violence. The bill also establishes an interagency work group to examine and report on federal efforts for reducing and preventing teen dating violence.

COVID–19 Vaccine Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Accountability Act This bill excludes manufacturers of a mandated COVID-19 vaccine from certain liability protections that apply to manufacturers of medical countermeasures (i.e., medical products that may be used to treat, prevent, or diagnose conditions associated with emerging infectious diseases or chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear agents). It also retroactively limits to $10,000 the liability of the United States for a death or injury caused by a COVID-19 vaccine administered on or after January 1, 2020.

Clarifying Authority over Nicotine Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

Clarifying Authority over Nicotine Act of 2021 This bill expands the statutory authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products by amending the definition of such products. Currently, the statute defines tobacco products as products intended for human consumption that are made or derived from tobacco. The bill amends the definition to also include products that contain nicotine from any source, excluding foods that only contain trace amounts of naturally occurring nicotine. Beginning 30 days after this bill's enactment, existing laws, regulations, and related FDA guidance pertaining to tobacco products shall apply to tobacco products as defined under this bill.

Expressing support for the designation of "National Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

This resolution supports the designation of National Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome Awareness Day. (Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome or AMPS is a medical condition that causes individuals to experience an abnormal pain reflex that causes constriction of blood vessels, which deprives muscles of oxygen and results in acid buildup.)

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act This bill establishes and provides funds for a demonstration project for state Medicaid programs to improve outpatient care for individuals with sickle cell disease, with a focus on young adults and pregnant women. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must award planning grants to at least 10 states and must select between 5 and 10 states to participate in the project. Participating states must provide specified services and support for individuals with sickle cell disease, including multidisciplinary care teams, appropriate treatments, mental health services, and specialist services. The bill provides a 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for services provided through the project.

Emergency Use Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

Emergency Use Transparency Act This bill expands existing statutory provisions requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to publish notices of authorizations, terminations, or revocations of emergency use authorizations for medical products. Specifically, the bill requires the FDA to publish such notices on its website. The bill also allows the FDA's disclosures to include a summary of data or information from additional types of submissions.

Medical Device Integrity Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

Medical Device Integrity Act This bill provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to request records and information from an establishment that manufactures or otherwise prepares medical devices. Currently, the FDA only has statutory authority to make such requests to establishments that manufacture or otherwise prepare drugs. The bill also requires the FDA to include in its requests a rationale for requesting the information in question.

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

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month and decreasing the prevalence of diabetes in the United States through increased research, treatment, and prevention.

CCM–CARE Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research, and Education Act of 2021 or the CCM-CARE Act of 2021 This bill requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies to expand and coordinate their efforts to research cerebral cavernous malformation. (Cerebral cavernous malformation is a condition in which blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord become enlarged, which can lead to seizures, paralysis, hearing or vision loss, and bleeding in the brain.) The NIH must (1) award grants for medical, clinical, and pharmacological research; (2) award grants to support a network of clinical research centers intended to develop a cure for the condition; and (3) convene a Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Research Consortium to develop programs for clinicians, scientists, and patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must award grants to research entities for collecting and reporting data about cerebral cavernous malformation. The Food and Drug Administration must accelerate the clinical trial process for cerebral cavernous malformation by supporting (1) appropriate laboratory indicators of the condition, (2) the qualification of clinical outcome measures related to quality of life, (3) investigational drug applications, and (4) expedited peer-review pathways.

Recognizing the maternal health crisis among indigenous women in the United States, which includes American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women, recognizing the importance of reducing mortality and morbidity among indigenous women, and calling for urgent Federal funding changes to ensure comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally competent maternal health and family planning services are available.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2021

This resolution acknowledges the maternal health crisis disproportionately affecting American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and calls for actions to address disparities.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of September 2021 as "Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month" in order to educate communities across the United States about sickle cell disease and the need for research, early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell disease and conditions related to sickle cell disease.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2021

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder than can lead to pain, anemia, infections, and stroke.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and care for covered children. Under the bill, a covered child is an individual, regardless of age or marital status, who is the natural child of a Vietnam veteran or a veteran of specified service in Korea or Thailand who was conceived after the date on which the veteran entered service in Vietnam, Korea, or Thailand. The bill requires the VA to establish an advisory council on health care and benefits for covered children. Additionally, the VA must establish care and coordination teams for covered children. At least every 180 days, the teams must conduct outreach to ensure the continued care of the children and assist with any necessary changes in care. The VA must report to Congress a list of conditions that will trigger outreach to covered children, and contact such children as soon as practicable after the identification of a condition. The bill requires the VA to provide a covered child with health care and benefits for the duration of the child's life, regardless of the death of a parent preceding the death of the child. The Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration must enter into a memorandum of understanding to better assist covered children and establish conditions to be included in the report required by this bill.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination".

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination , which was issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on November 5, 2021. The rule requires health care providers, as a condition of Medicare and Medicaid participation, to ensure that staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination".

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination , which was issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on November 5, 2021. The rule requires health care providers, as a condition of Medicare and Medicaid participation, to ensure that staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

VET CARE Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations Act of 2021 or the VET CARE Act of 2021 This bill addresses dental care programs for veterans. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish administrative support to a dental care provider that provides services to a veteran that would not be covered by VA benefits. The bill also requires the VA to implement a pilot program to provide free outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, to eligible veterans. Eligible veterans are those who are (1) enrolled in the VA health care system but are not eligible for VA dental care, (2) not receiving regular periodontal care, (3) between 40 and 70 years old, and (4) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Capping Prescription Costs Act of 20 21 This bill caps the monthly cost-sharing amount permitted for prescription drugs under qualified health plans and group health plans.

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2021 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing, subject to civil penalties. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment. The bill specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, including if such animal testing (1) is conducted outside the United States to comply with a foreign regulatory authority; (2) is pursuant to a specified finding that there are no nonanimal alternatives to test the safety of a potentially dangerous cosmetic product or ingredient; (3) is of a product or ingredient for a drug or device subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (4) is required for a noncosmetic purpose pursuant to a state, federal, or foreign regulatory authority. Further, no animal-testing evidence may be used to establish the safety of a cosmetic product or ingredient that is regulated by the FDA after the effective date of this bill, subject to limited exceptions.

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act This bill establishes and provides funds for a demonstration project for state Medicaid programs to improve outpatient care for individuals with sickle cell disease, with a focus on young adults and pregnant women. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must award planning grants to at least 10 states and must select between 5 and 10 states to participate in the project. Participating states must provide specified services and support for individuals with sickle cell disease, including multidisciplinary care teams, appropriate treatments, mental health services, and specialist services. The bill provides a 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for services provided through the project.

Telehealth Extension Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Telehealth Extension Act of 2021 This bill expands and otherwise modifies coverage of telehealth services under Medicare. Specifically, the bill permanently (1) removes geographic restrictions on originating sites (i.e., the location of the beneficiary), (2) allows the home of the beneficiary to serve as the originating site for all services, and (3) allows federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner). The bill also extends any Medicare telehealth flexibilities that were granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency until two years after the emergency ends and generally allows such flexibilities to be granted during any public health emergency. In addition, the bill (1) allows for Medicare payment of outpatient critical access hospital services consisting of telehealth behavioral therapy until two years after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends; and (2) after the emergency ends, conditions payment for certain high-cost laboratory tests and durable medical equipment that are ordered via telehealth on at least one in-person visit during the preceding six-month period.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Impact Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Impact Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to contract with the National Academy of Sciences for a study on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) transmission in schools and day cares. In particular, the study must evaluate the impact of RSV on the economy, including through parents' absences from work. RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms although it may be more serious for infants, older adults, and other vulnerable populations.

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2021 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing, subject to civil penalties. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment. The bill specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, including if such animal testing (1) is conducted outside the United States to comply with a foreign regulatory authority; (2) is pursuant to a specified finding that there are no nonanimal alternatives to test the safety of a potentially dangerous cosmetic product or ingredient; (3) is of a product or ingredient for a drug or device subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (4) is required for a noncosmetic purpose pursuant to a state, federal, or foreign regulatory authority. Further, no animal-testing evidence may be used to establish the safety of a cosmetic product or ingredient that is regulated by the FDA after the effective date of this bill, subject to limited exceptions.

Improving Coordination for Healthy Moms Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Improving Coordination for Healthy Moms Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to implement a coordinated approach for monitoring and sharing information about its maternal health efforts. The bill also tasks the Healthy People Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Workgroup and the Maternal Health Working Group with providing recommendations for establishing the approach.

THE FUTURE OF BIOMEDICINE: TRANSLATING BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INTO PERSONALIZED HEALTH CARE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 December 2021

Wildfire Smoke Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2021

Wildfire Smoke Relief Act This bill provides for assistance for the purchase of smoke inhalation prevention equipment to specified individuals at risk of wildfire smoke-related illness. The President, in carrying out the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), shall provide (1) assistance to a state or local government, local public health authority, or a coordinated care organization to purchase and provide such equipment to at-risk individuals; and (2) cost-efficient transitional shelter assistance to at-risk individuals in any case in which such equipment is insufficient to mitigate the risk of illness.

Protecting the American Taxpayer and Medicare Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2021

Protecting the American Taxpayer and Medicare Act This bill makes several budgetary and technical changes, particularly in relation to Medicare. Specifically, the bill continues to exempt Medicare from sequestration until March 31, 2022. (Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.) Additionally, the bill (1) temporarily extends other provisions under Medicare, including a payment increase under the physician fee schedule; and (2) requires any debits recorded for FY2022 on the statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) scorecards to be deducted from the scorecards for 2022 and added to the scorecards for 2023.

Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2021

Capping Prescription Costs Act of 20 21 This bill caps the monthly cost-sharing amount permitted for prescription drugs under qualified health plans and group health plans.

PAAW Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2021

Preventing Animal Abuse and Waste Act of 2021 or the PAAW Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from conducting or supporting research that causes significant pain or distress to a dog. The bill also requires reporting about the use of dogs in research studies. First, the National Institutes of Health must report on ongoing or prospective research conducted or supported by NIAID that causes significant pain or distress to a dog and the amount of funds obligated for such research. Second, NIAID must report on efforts to phase out the use of dogs in the research it conducts or supports.

Religious Exemptions for Social Security and Healthcare Taxes Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2021

Religious Exemptions for Social Security and Healthcare Taxes Act This bill allows taxpayers who have a religious objection to participation in the Social Security system a credit or refund of employment taxes deducted to fund benefits under such system.

No COVID–19 Vaccination Mandate Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2021

No COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate Act of 2021 This bill prohibits any governmental or private entity from establishing or enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. This includes requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, school enrollment, or receipt of services.