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Bill· HRH.R. 11518 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Community Mental Health Centers Amendments Act - Enumerates the comprehensive mental health services which shall be provided through a community mental health center. Directs that the provision of comprehensive mental health services through a center shall be coordinated with the provision of services by other health and social service agencies in the center's area. Sets forth the elements to be included in applications for Federal grants to community mental health centers, including assurance that the center will provide an adequate reporting system, provide services responsive to the needs of the local population, develop a plan for adequate financing when assistance under this Act is reduced or terminated, and provide a reasonable volume of services for persons unable to pay for them. Sets forth additional criteria for approval of the application by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private community mental health centers to assist them in meeting their costs of operation during the first five years after their establishment. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to any community mental health center for the costs of providing the consultation and education services described in this Act if the center received a staffing grant under this Act or other grants as provided by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out projects to develop community mental health center programs for areas designated by the Secretary as urban or rural poverty areas. Lists authorized appropriations for grants provided under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make financial distress grants for the operation of community mental health centers. Sets forth criteria for such grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 and $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 for such grants. Directs the Secretary to pay the Federal share of projects for: (1) the acquisition and/or remodeling of facilities for community mental health centers; (2) the leasing of facilities for such centers; (3) the construction of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities for community mental health centers; and (4) the initial equipment of a facility receiving financial assistance through these methods. Sets forth the method of computation of the Federal share. Directs the Secretary, for each fiscal year, to make allotments from the sums appropriated under this Act to the States on the basis of: (1) population; (2) the extent of the need for community mental health centers; and (3) the financial need of the respective States. Provides that such allotment may not be made to a State unless the State has submitted an approved State plan to the Secretary for community mental health centers. Sets forth the necessary elements to be contained in State plans. Provides for judicial review of any disapproval by the Secretary of projects under State plans. Provides for the recovery by the United States of any community mental health center facility remodeled, constructed, or acquired with funds provided under this Act, at any time within twenty years after completion, if such facility: (1) is transferred to any person or entity not qualified to file an application under this Act; or (2) ceases to be used by a community mental health center.
Bill· HRH.R. 11511 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Health Revenue Sharing and Health Services Act - Title I: Health Revenue Sharing - Special Health Revenue Sharing Act - Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $100,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, for the programs providing grants to States for comprehensive public health services under the Public Health Service Act. Title II: Community Mental Health Centers - Community Mental Health Centers Amendments - Presents the finding of the Congress that: (1) community mental health care is the most effective and humane form of care for a majority of mentally ill individuals; and (2) federally funded community mental health centers have had a major impact on the improvement of mental health care by fostering coordination and cooperation between various agencies responsible for mental health care which in turn has resulted in a decrease in overlapping services and more efficient utilization of available resources. Provides that the comprehensive mental health services which shall be provided through a community mental health center under the Community Mental Health Centers Act shall include: (1) services for individuals who are inpatients in a hospital or other health services delivery facility, outpatient services, day care and similar partial hospitalization services, and emergency services; (2) detoxification and referral services for the treatment of alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and other drug abuse and drug dependence problems (including narcotic addiction); (3) consultation and education services for health professionals, schools, State and local law enforcement and correctional agencies, public welfare agencies, health services delivery agencies, and other appropriate entities; (4) assistance to courts and other public agencies in screening residents of the center's catchment area who are being considered for referral to a State mental health facility for treatment to determine if they should be so referred and provision, where appropriate, of treatment for such persons through the center as an alternative to treatment at such a facility; and (5) provision of followup care for residents of its catchment area who have been discharged from a State mental health facility. Authorizes appropriations for grants under such Act. Title III: Family Planning Programs - Family Planning and Population Research Act - Authorizes appropriations for the family planning and population research programs of the Public Health Service Act for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1975 and June 30, 1976. Title IV: Development Disabilities - Developmental Disabilities Amendments - Authorizes appropriations for demonstration and training grants under the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1975 and June 30, 1976. Eliminates specified present requirements of Federal approval of each construction project under such Act. Title V: Migrant Health - Authorizes appropriations under the Public Health Service Act for grants and contracts in the area of migrant health for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1975 and June 30, 1976. Title VI: Neighborhood Health Centers - Defines the term "neighborhood health center" as meaning under the Public Health Service Act an entity which provides primary health services and referral to providers of supplemental health services for all residents of the area it serves, and is organized in the manner prescribed under this Act. Requires the services of a neighborhood health center to be provided directly through its staff and supporting resources or through contracts or cooperative arrangements with public or private entities. Requires primary health services to be available and accessible in the area served by the center promptly, as appropriate, and in a manner which assures continuity. Provides that the governing body of a neighborhood health center shall have at least a majority of its members selected in a democratic manner by the persons receiving services from the center, shall meet at least once a month, shall establish general policies for the center, shall approve the center's annual budget, and shall approve the selection of a director for the center. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to assist in: (1) the establishment and initial operation of neighborhood health centers which will service a medically underserved area or group; and (2) meeting the cost of the continued operation of such centers. Authorizes to be appropriated $220,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $240,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976; for grants under this title.
Bill· HRH.R. 11532 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Repeals, under the Social Security Act, the provisions for the establishment of Professional Standards Review Organizations to review services covered under the medicare and medicaid programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 11516 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Establishes a Department of Health as an executive department to be headed by a Secretary, with an under Secretary and two Assistant Secretaries, all of whom shall be doctors of medicine. Authorizes such department to administer all health programs now under the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Establishes a coordinating commission to be chaired by the Secretary of Health and to consist of such other Secretaries as the President may designate, who shall coordinate all Federal health programs within their departments to avoid duplication of services.
Bill· HRH.R. 11470 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
States that under the Medicare provisions of the Social Security Act the inpatient hospital deductible shall be $72 in the case of any spell of illness beginning before 1975. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to, between July 1 and October 1 of 1974, and of each year thereafter, determine and promulgate the inpatient hospital deductible which shall be applicable in the case of any spell of illness beginning during the succeeding calendar year. Provides that such inpatient hospital deductible shall be equal to $72 multiplied by the ratio of (A) the current average per diem rate for inpatient hospital services for the calendar year preceeding the promulgation, or (B) the current average per diem rate for such services for 1972.
Bill· HRH.R. 11479 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
Hemophilia Act - Provides that any individual suffering from hemophilia may file a claim for benefits under this act with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. States that benefits under this Act shall be paid to, or on behalf of a, claimant, in an amount equal to 100 percent of the actual cost of providing blood, blood products, and services associated with the treatment of hemophilia, less: (1) amounts payable by third parties (including government agencies), and (2) amounts determined by the Secretary (in accordance with this Act) to be payable by the individual suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 1973, and ending June 30, 1976, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of no less than fifteen new centers for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this section $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. Provides that the Secretary shall establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of individuals suffering from hemophilia. States that such program shall be made available through the facilities of the Public Health Service to any individual requesting diagnosis, treatment, or counseling for hemophilia. Permits the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, and to enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals to establish blood fractionation centers, for the purpose of fractionating and making available for distribution blood and blood products, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary to hemophilia treatment and diagnostic centers. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 for this purpose. Establishes in the National Institutes of Health a National Hemophilia Advisory Board composed of twenty members, the purpose of which shall be to: (1) establish guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia; and (2) submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress not later than January 31 of each year on the scope of activities conducted under this part. Requires each recipient of a grant or contract under this part to keep such records as the Secretary may prescribe, including records which fully disclose the amount and disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such grant or contract, the total cost of the project or undertaking in connection with which such grant or contract is made or used, and the amount of that portion of the cost of the project or undertaking supplied by other sources, and such records as will facilitate an effective audit.
Bill· HRH.R. 11471 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
States that under the Medicare provisions of the Social Security Act the inpatient hospital deductible shall be $72 in the case of any spell of illness beginning before 1975. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to, between July 1 and October 1 of 1974, and of each year thereafter, determine and promulgate the inpatient hospital deductible which shall be applicable in the case of any spell of illness beginning during the succeeding calendar year. Provides that such inpatient hospital deductible shall be equal to $72 multiplied by the ratio of (A) the current average per diem rate for inpatient hospital services for the calendar year preceeding the promulgation, or (B) the current average per diem rate for such services for 1972.
Bill· HRH.R. 11492 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
Hemophilia Act - Provides that any individual suffering from hemophilia may file a claim for benefits under this act with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. States that benefits under this Act shall be paid to, or on behalf of a, claimant, in an amount equal to 100 percent of the actual cost of providing blood, blood products, and services associated with the treatment of hemophilia, less: (1) amounts payable by third parties (including government agencies), and (2) amounts determined by the Secretary (in accordance with this Act) to be payable by the individual suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 1973, and ending June 30, 1976, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of no less than fifteen new centers for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this section $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. Provides that the Secretary shall establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of individuals suffering from hemophilia. States that such program shall be made available through the facilities of the Public Health Service to any individual requesting diagnosis, treatment, or counseling for hemophilia. Permits the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, and to enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals to establish blood fractionation centers, for the purpose of fractionating and making available for distribution blood and blood products, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary to hemophilia treatment and diagnostic centers. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 for this purpose. Establishes in the National Institutes of Health a National Hemophilia Advisory Board composed of twenty members, the purpose of which shall be to: (1) establish guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia; and (2) submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress not later than January 31 of each year on the scope of activities conducted under this part. Requires each recipient of a grant or contract under this part to keep such records as the Secretary may prescribe, including records which fully disclose the amount and disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such grant or contract, the total cost of the project or undertaking in connection with which such grant or contract is made or used, and the amount of that portion of the cost of the project or undertaking supplied by other sources, and such records as will facilitate an effective audit.
Bill· HRH.R. 11472 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1973
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health maintenance organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000 or, if higher 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that, after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen, and Indians and Alaskan natives, and veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
Bill· SS. 2695 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
House Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 11444 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Repeals, under the Social Security Act, the provisions for the establishment of Professional Standards Review Organizations to review services covered under the medicare and medicaid programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 11393 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1973
Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Declares the finding of Congress that community care is the most effective and humane form of care for the majority of mentally ill and retarded individuals. States that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to insure the expansion of the community mental health center concept. Authorizes appropriations for grants for facilities of public and nonprofit community mental health centers. Provides for grants for specified portions of the costs of operation of such centers, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. States that where an application for a grant is made, the applicant must provide specified assurances, including that specialized services will be provided for the mental health of children and of the elderly. Sets forth requirements for an applicant providing programs for alcoholism and drug abuse. Limits the amount of appropriations which may be used for the evaluation of programs under this Act. Distinguishes, for purposes of granting assistance, between community mental health centers serving poverty areas and those not serving poverty areas. Provides for grants to community mental health centers for consultation and education services. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for funding such grants . States that no individual, especially alcoholics, narcotic addicts and other persons with drug dependence problems, shall be made the subject of any research carried out with funds provided by specified portions of this Act unless such individual explicitly agrees to become a subject of such research. Repeals specified provisions of the Community Mental Health Centers Act.
Law· HRH.R. 11385 (93rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
Health Services Research, Health Statistics, and Medical Libraries Act - Title I: Health Services Research and Evaluation: Health Statistics - Health Services Research and Evaluation and Health Statistics Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to undertake, through the National Center for Health Services Research and Health Statistics and such other units of the Department as he may select, and support health statistical activities and health services research, evaluation, and demonstrations. Declares that the Secretary may do the following: (1) utilize personnel and equipment, facilities, and other physical resources of the Department, permit appropriate entities and individuals to utilize the physical resources of the Department, provide technical assistance and advice, make grants to public and nonprofit private entities and individuals, and enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals, for health services research, evaluation, and demonstrations and for health statistical activities; (2) admit and treat at hospitals and other facilities of the Service persons not otherwise eligible for admission and treatment at such facilities; (3) secure, from time to time and for such periods as the Secretary deems advisable, the assistance and advice of experts and consultants from the United States or abroad; and (4) acquire, construct, improve, repair, operate, and maintain laboratory, research, and other necessary facilities and equipment, and such other real or personal property (including patents) as the Secretary deems necessary; and acquire, by lease or otherwise, through the Administrator of General Services, buildings or parts of buildings in the District of Columbia or communities located adjacent to the District of Columbia. Establishes in the Department the National Center for Health Services Research and Health Statistics. Declares that the Secretary, acting through the Center, may undertake and support research, evaluation, and demonstration projects respecting: (1) the accessibility, acceptability, organization, distribution, utilization, quality, and financing of health services and systems; (2) the supply and distribution, education and training, quality, utilization, organization, and costs of health manpower; and (3) the design, construction, utilization, organization, and cost of facilities and equipment. Directs the Secretary to collect specified statistics. Provides that the Secretary shall, by grants or contracts, or both, assist public or private nonprofit entities in meeting the costs of planning and establishing new centers, and operating existing and new centers, for multidisciplinary health services research, evaluations, and demonstrations. States that for the purpose of advancing the status of the health sciences in the United States, the Secretary may participate with other countries in cooperative endeavors in biomedical research and the health services research and statistical activities authorized by this Act. Requires the Secretary to call annual conferences of the health authorities of the several States. Provides that not later than September 1 of each year, the Secretary shall make a report to Congress respecting the administration of this Act during the preceeding fiscal year and the current state and progress of health services research and health statistics. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Revision and Extension of Medical Library Assistance Programs - Extends the authorization of appropriation for medical library assistance programs for fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976. Title III: Conforming and Technical Amendments - Directs the Secretary to conduct, encourage, cooperate with, and render assistance to appropriate public entities, scientific institutions, and scientists in the conduct and promotion of the coordination of biomedical research, investigations, experiments, demonstrations, and studies relating to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of physical and mental diseases and impairments of man. States that for the purpose of advancing the status of the medical sciences in the United States the Secretary may participate with other countries in cooperative endeavors in the research activities authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary may authorize persons engaged in research on the use and effect of drugs to protect the privacy of individuals who are the subject of such research by withholding from all persons not connected with the conduct of such research the names or other identifying characteristics of such individuals. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct such studies and investigations as may be necessary to determine the quantities of crude opium, coca leaves, and their salts, derivatives, and preparations, and other drugs subject to control under this title and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, together with reserves thereof, as may be necessary to supply the normal and emergency medical and scientific requirements of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 11387 (93rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Title I: Federal Assistance for State and Local Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse Programs - Authorizes appropriations, for grants to States for alcoholism and alcohol abuse programs, of $60,000,000 for fiscal years 1975 and 1976. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to arrange for the assignment of officers and employees of the Department or provide equipment or supplies in lieu of a portion of the allotment to States. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the National Institute, on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse to, during the period beginning July 1, 1973, and ending June 30, 1976, make grants to States for the implementation of the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act. Provides that the Secretary may not approve an application of a State under this section unless he determines that under the laws of that State and of each of its political subdivisions no individual may be subject to criminal prosecution solely on the basis of his consumption of alcoholic beverages. Provides that for the purpose of making payments for grants, there is authorized to be appropriated $13,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and for each of the next two fiscal years. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Institute, to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities and to enter into contracts with public and private entities and with individuals: (1) to conduct demonstration, service, and evaluation projects; and (2) to provide counseling and education activities on an individual or community basis, for the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse and alcoholism and for the rehabilitation of alcohol abusers and alcoholics. Authorizes, payments for grants and contracts under this section, appropriation of $60,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $75,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. Prohibits alcohol abusers and alcoholics who are suffering from emergency medical conditions from being refused admission or treatment, solely because of their alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, by any private or public general hospital which receives support in any form from any program supported in whole or in part by funds appropriated to any Federal department or agency. States that records of the identity, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of any patient which are maintained in connection with the performance of any program or activity relating to alcoholism or alcohol abuse education, training, treatment, rehabilitation, or research, which is conducted, regulated, or directly or indirectly assisted by any department or agency of the United States shall be confidential and may be disclosed only for the purposes and under the circumstances expressly authorized under this Act. Provides that except as authorized by a court order granted under this Act, no such record may be used to initiate or substantiate any criminal charges against a patient or to conduct any investigation of a patient. Title II: Administration and Coordination of the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Addiction and Mental Health Administration. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administration, to supervise the functions of the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse to assure that the programs carried out through each such Institute receive appropriate and equitable support, and that there is cooperation among the Institutes in the implementation of such programs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Panel on Addiction and Mental Health to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to, the Secretary concerning the activities to be carried out through the Administration. Establishes a National Institute of Mental Health to administer the programs and authorities of the Secretary with respect to mental health functions. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Institute, to develop and conduct comprehensive health, education, training, research, and planning programs for the prevention and treatment of mental illness and for the rehabilitation of the mentally ill. Establishes the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to administer the programs and authorities assigned to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare by this Act and the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Directs the Secretary, to develop and conduct comprehensive health, education, training, research, and planning programs for the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse and alcoholism and for the rehabilitation of alcohol abusers and alcoholics. Establishes the National Institute on Drug Abuse to administer the programs and authorities of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with respect to drug abuse prevention functions. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Institute, to develop and conduct comprehensive health, education, training, research, and planning programs for the prevention and treatment of drug abuse and for the rehabilitation of drug abusers. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Federal Activities for Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. Directs the Committee to evaluate the adequacy and technical soundness of all Federal programs and activities which relate to alcoholism and alcohol abuse and provide for the communication and exchange of information necessary to maintain the coordination and effectiveness of such programs and activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 11345 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
National Comprehensive Health Benefits Act - Requires a health maintenance organization to have a fiscally sound operation or carry insurance which protects its members against the risk of its becoming insolvent. Requires a health maintenance organization to provide basic and supplemental health services to its members. Defines "basic health services" as: (1) physician services (including consultant and referral services by a physician); (2) in-patient and out-patient hospital services; (3) diagnostic laboratory and diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic services; (4) mental health services, up to forty-five ambulatory visits or sessions under a program for the treatment of mental illness, alcoholism, or problems of drug abuse and drug dependence, and twenty-one in-patient hospital days per year; (5) home health services; and (6) preventive health services (including preventive dental care for children and children's eye examinations conducted to determine the need for vision correction). Defines "supplemental health services" as: (1) services of facilities for long-term care; (2) vision care not included under basic health services; (3) dental services not included under basic health services; (4) mental health services in excess of those specified under basic health services; (5) physical medicine and rehabilitative services (including physical therapy); and (6) prescription drugs. States that coverage of a member of a health maintenance organization for Comprehensive Health Care Benefits shall entitle the member to have the carrier pay, in accordance with this Act but subject to the limitations of this Act the approved predetermined charges of the health maintenance organization of which he is a member for services and items furnished to him and covered by such benefits, or the charges of another health maintenance organization or provider that furnished to him medically necessary covered services or items. Provides that such coverage is subject to the carrier's right to reimbursement from the member in the amount of the copayments (if any) payable under this Act, and subject to the other provisions of this Act. Defines the term "comprehensive health care benefits" to consist of benefits for ambulatory services, inpatient services, and catastrophic expense benefits. Provides that, except to the extent that health maintenance organizations operate on a predetermined prepayment charge basis and do not impose separate charges for services and other items covered by Comprehensive Health Care Benefits at the time such services and items are furnished to a covered individual, and except when Catastrophic Expense Benefits are in effect, coverage for Comprehensive Health Care Benefits is subject to the payment, by the covered individual or on his behalf by another person or agency, of copayments in the case of services or items with respect to which copayments are specified, but only if the individual is not a low-income person or a member of a low-income family. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue appropriate regulations. Requires every person who is an employer within the meaning of title II of the Social Security Act (Federal Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) to provide benefits at least equivalent to "basic health services" to each employee and the members of such employee's family. Allows the Secretary to partially reimburse employers for their contribution under certain circumstances. Provides that the Secertary of Labor, in accordance with regulations prescribed in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, shall purchase such coverage for, and determine the methods by which (and the terms and conditions under which) it is to be made available to, unemployed individuals and family members. States that every individual who is a resident of the United States shall be entitled to coverage for comprehensive health care benefits. Establishes various income classes for the purposes of determining amounts of premium contributions. Defines the term "carrier" for purposes of comprehensive health care benefits and requires carriers to participate under state plans. States that each contract with a carrier under this Act, including contracts with health maintenance organizations qualifying as carriers and contracting with respect to their members, shall require the carrier to make such reports, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary or his agents (including participating State health commissions) may require to carry out their functions under this Act and to keep such records and afford such access thereto as the Secretary or his agents may find necessary to assure the correctness and verification of the reports and otherwise to carry out its functions under this Act. Declares that States will be in compliance with this Act, if, and only if: (1) the State has accepted the provisions of this Act and created, as a newly constituted and independent establishment within the executive branch of the State government, a State agency for carrying out the responsibilities devolving upon the State under this Act headed by a multimember governing body hereinafter in this Act referred to as the 'State Health Commission' and has vested in such agency the necessary exclusive authority on behalf of the State; (2) there has been established in that agency a State Advisory Council; and (3) the Secretary has approved a State plan. Provides that the Advisory Council to the State Health Commission of a State shall consult with the commission in the development and implementation of a State plan. Specifies the necessary components of a State plan. Sets forth the regulatory functions of state health commissions. Permits the Federal exercise of State functions in cases of noncompliance by States. Charges the Secretary with responsibility for the planning, administration, operation, coordination, and evaluation of the health care program under this Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe such regulations as he deems necessary to the efficient administration of this Act. Establishes a National Health Services Advisory Council to: (1) advise the Secretary on matters of general policy in the administration of this Act and in the formulation of regulations; and (2) study the operation of this Act and the activities of State Health Commissions, health maintenance organizations, and other providers, with a view to recommending any changes in the administration of this Act or in its provisions which may appear desirable. Requires the Council to make an annual report to the Secretary on the performance of its functions, and the Secretary shall transmit the report to the Congress, together with a report by the Secretary on any administrative recommendations of the Council which have not been followed, and a report by the Secretary of his views with respect to any legislative recommendations of the Council. Provides that the Secretary shall, through contracts with carriers, provide the prepaid coverage for the benefits to which aged, low-income, and certain other individuals and their families are entitled under this Act. Declares it to be one of the purposes of this Act to establish the responsibility of the Secretary to encourage, promote, and assist the establishment, as soon as practicable, of the comprehensive health care delivery system contemplated by this title, by providing financial and technical assistance for studying the feasibility of, and for the planning, development, and initial operation of health maintenance organizations, including incentives for the development and improvement of ambulatory care centers, particularly in poverty and rural areas. Directs the National Health Services Advisory Council to conduct a full and complete study and investigation of methods for supplying supplemental capital and other funding for health maintenance organizations and other health care providers in the United States, with the objective of developing a national program for supplying such funding, giving special emphasis to areas of high priority health care needs both rural and urban, which will effectively carry out the purpose of this Act. Sets forth the effective dates of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 11388 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Declares the finding of Congress that community care is the most effective and humane form of care for the majority of mentally ill and retarded individuals. States that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to insure the expansion of the community mental health center concept. Authorizes appropriations for grants for facilities of public and nonprofit community mental health centers. Provides for grants for specified portions of the costs of operation of such centers, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. States that where an application for a grant is made, the applicant must provide specified assurances, including that specialized services will be provided for the mental health of children and of the elderly. Sets forth requirements for an applicant providing programs for alcoholism and drug abuse. Limits the amount of appropriations which may be used for the evaluation of programs under this Act. Distinguishes, for purposes of granting assistance, between community mental health centers serving poverty areas and those not serving poverty areas. Provides for grants to community mental health centers for consultation and education services. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for funding such grants . States that no individual, especially alcoholics, narcotic addicts and other persons with drug dependence problems, shall be made the subject of any research carried out with funds provided by specified portions of this Act unless such individual explicitly agrees to become a subject of such research. Repeals specified provisions of the Community Mental Health Centers Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 11352 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1973
Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Declares the finding of Congress that community care is the most effective and humane form of care for the majority of mentally ill and retarded individuals. States that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to insure the expansion of the community mental health center concept. Authorizes appropriations for grants for facilities of public and nonprofit community mental health centers. Provides for grants for specified portions of the costs of operation of such centers, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. States that where an application for a grant is made, the applicant must provide specified assurances, including that specialized services will be provided for the mental health of children and of the elderly. Sets forth requirements for an applicant providing programs for alcoholism and drug abuse. Limits the amount of appropriations which may be used for the evaluation of programs under this Act. Distinguishes, for purposes of granting assistance, between community mental health centers serving poverty areas and those not serving poverty areas. Provides for grants to community mental health centers for consultation and education services. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for funding such grants . States that no individual, especially alcoholics, narcotic addicts and other persons with drug dependence problems, shall be made the subject of any research carried out with funds provided by specified portions of this Act unless such individual explicitly agrees to become a subject of such research. Repeals specified provisions of the Community Mental Health Centers Act.
Bill· SS. 2664 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Designates the Miners' Hospital in Raton, New Mexico, as a Public Health Service hospital, to be known as the "Miners' Rehabilitation and Medical Hospital," and to be controlled, managed, and operated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that any person who is or has been engaged in the removal of ores, precious stones, or other materials from pits or excavations, and whose disease, injury, or disability was incurred while so engaged or is related thereto, shall be entitled without charge at the Miners' Hospital. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 11319 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Rural Health to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Enumerates the powers of the Director, including (1) the authority to award grants for projects to examine existing models of rural health care delivery, (2) determination their applicability to other rural areas, and (3) assistance in the planning and demonstration of rural health care delivery models. States that in determining the eligibility of any entity for assistance, the Director will consider specified factors, including (1) identification of the demographic and geographic characteristics which categorize an area as rural; (2) emergency medical care components and systems available to meet the special problems of the rural areas; (3) education programs in rural areas, including health and nutrition education; and (4) development of community planning mechanisms so that the communities can develop health care delivery models appropriate to their needs. Directs the Director to: (1) provide liaison among agencies of the Federal Government for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas, (2) make a periodic evaluation of other Department of Health, Education, and Welfare programs relating to health care in rural areas, and (3) provide technical assistance for the development of rural health care delivery models. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants and contracts year 1974, $100 million for fiscal year 1975, and $125 million for fiscal year 1976. Specifies the terms and conditions under which the Director may approve an application for assistance under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees issued by him and for direct loans to public entities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be required for the fund. Provides that the Director may make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, may enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals, and the Secretary may provide loans to public entities, and may provide loan guarantees to private entities and individuals. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee which shall advise the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health and the general administration of the program created under this Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of Committee members.
Bill· HRH.R. 11308 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
States that under the Medicare provisions of the Social Security Act the inpatient hospital deductible shall be $72 in the case of any spell of illness beginning before 1975. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to, between July 1 and October 1 of 1974, and of each year thereafter, determine and promulgate the inpatient hospital deductible which shall be applicable in the case of any spell of illness beginning during the succeeding calendar year. Provides that such inpatient hospital deductible shall be equal to $72 multiplied by the ratio of (A) the current average per diem rate for inpatient hospital services for the calendar year preceeding the promulgation, or (B) the current average per diem rate for such services for 1972.
Bill· HRH.R. 11271 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1973
Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Declares the finding of Congress that community care is the most effective and humane form of care for the majority of mentally ill and retarded individuals. States that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to insure the expansion of the community mental health center concept. Authorizes appropriations for grants for facilities of public and nonprofit community mental health centers. Provides for grants for specified portions of the costs of operation of such centers, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. States that where an application for a grant is made, the applicant must provide specified assurances, including that specialized services will be provided for the mental health of children and of the elderly. Sets forth requirements for an applicant providing programs for alcoholism and drug abuse. Limits the amount of appropriations which may be used for the evaluation of programs under this Act. Distinguishes, for purposes of granting assistance, between community mental health centers serving poverty areas and those not serving poverty areas. Provides for grants to community mental health centers for consultation and education services. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for funding such grants . States that no individual, especially alcoholics, narcotic addicts and other persons with drug dependence problems, shall be made the subject of any research carried out with funds provided by specified portions of this Act unless such individual explicitly agrees to become a subject of such research. Repeals specified provisions of the Community Mental Health Centers Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 11231 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1973
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1974 for making grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.
Bill· HRH.R. 11219 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1973
Hemophilia Act - Provides that any individual suffering from hemophilia may file a claim for benefits under this part with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in such form and containing such information as he may reasonably require. States that benefits under this part shall be paid to, or on behalf of a claimant, in an amount equal to 100 percent of the actual cost of providing blood, blood products, and services associated with the treatment of hemophilia, less: (1) amounts payable by third parties (including governmental agencies), and (2) amounts determined by the Secretary (in accordance with this Act) to be payable by the individual suffering from hemophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 1973, and ending June 30, 1976, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of no less than fifteen new centers for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals suffering from hempophilia. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this section $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976. Provides the Secretary shall establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of individuals suffering from hemophilia. States that such program shall be made available through the facilities of the Public Health Service to any individual requesting diagnosis, treatment, or counseling for hemophilia. Permits the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, and to enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals to establish blood fractionation centers, for the purpose of fractionating and making available for distribution blood and blood products, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary to hemophilia treatment and diagnostic centers. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976 for this purpose. Establishes in the National Institutes of Health a National Hemophilia Advisory Board to be composed of twenty members. States that it shall be the function of the Board to: (1) establish guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia; and (2) submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress not later than January 31 of each year on the scope of actions conducted under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 11199 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1973
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Rural Health to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Enumerates the powers of the Director, including (1) the authority to award grants for projects to examine existing models of rural health care delivery, (2) determination their applicability to other rural areas, and (3) assistance in the planning and demonstration of rural health care delivery models. States that in determining the eligibility of any entity for assistance, the Director will consider specified factors, including (1) identification of the demographic and geographic characteristics which categorize an area as rural; (2) emergency medical care components and systems available to meet the special problems of the rural areas; (3) education programs in rural areas, including health and nutrition education; and (4) development of community planning mechanisms so that the communities can develop health care delivery models appropriate to their needs. Directs the Director to: (1) provide liaison among agencies of the Federal Government for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas, (2) make a periodic evaluation of other Department of Health, Education, and Welfare programs relating to health care in rural areas, and (3) provide technical assistance for the development of rural health care delivery models. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants and contracts year 1974, $100 million for fiscal year 1975, and $125 million for fiscal year 1976. Specifies the terms and conditions under which the Director may approve an application for assistance under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees issued by him and for direct loans to public entities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be required for the fund. Provides that the Director may make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, may enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals, and the Secretary may provide loans to public entities, and may provide loan guarantees to private entities and individuals. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee which shall advise the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health and the general administration of the program created under this Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of Committee members.
Bill· HRH.R. 11157 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1973
Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Declares the finding of Congress that community care is the most effective and humane form of care for the majority of mentally ill and retarded individuals. States that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to insure the expansion of the community mental health center concept. Authorizes appropriations for grants for facilities of public and nonprofit community mental health centers. Provides for grants for specified portions of the costs of operation of such centers, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. States that where an application for a grant is made, the applicant must provide specified assurances, including that specialized services will be provided for the mental health of children and of the elderly. Sets forth requirements for an applicant providing programs for alcoholism and drug abuse. Limits the amount of appropriations which may be used for the evaluation of programs under this Act. Distinguishes, for purposes of granting assistance, between community mental health centers serving poverty areas and those not serving poverty areas. Provides for grants to community mental health centers for consultation and education services. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for funding such grants . States that no individual, especially alcoholics, narcotic addicts and other persons with drug dependence problems, shall be made the subject of any research carried out with funds provided by specified portions of this Act unless such individual explicitly agrees to become a subject of such research. Repeals specified provisions of the Community Mental Health Centers Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 11156 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1973
Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Declares the finding of Congress that community care is the most effective and humane form of care for the majority of mentally ill and retarded individuals. States that it is the Federal Government's responsibility to insure the expansion of the community mental health center concept. Authorizes appropriations for grants for facilities of public and nonprofit community mental health centers. Provides for grants for specified portions of the costs of operation of such centers, under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. States that where an application for a grant is made, the applicant must provide specified assurances, including that specialized services will be provided for the mental health of children and of the elderly. Sets forth requirements for an applicant providing programs for alcoholism and drug abuse. Limits the amount of appropriations which may be used for the evaluation of programs under this Act. Distinguishes, for purposes of granting assistance, between community mental health centers serving poverty areas and those not serving poverty areas. Provides for grants to community mental health centers for consultation and education services. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for funding such grants . States that no individual, especially alcoholics, narcotic addicts and other persons with drug dependence problems, shall be made the subject of any research carried out with funds provided by specified portions of this Act unless such individual explicitly agrees to become a subject of such research. Repeals specified provisions of the Community Mental Health Centers Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 11095 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Rural Health to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Enumerates the powers of the Director, including (1) the authority to award grants for projects to examine existing models of rural health care delivery, (2) determination their applicability to other rural areas, and (3) assistance in the planning and demonstration of rural health care delivery models. States that in determining the eligibility of any entity for assistance, the Director will consider specified factors, including (1) identification of the demographic and geographic characteristics which categorize an area as rural; (2) emergency medical care components and systems available to meet the special problems of the rural areas; (3) education programs in rural areas, including health and nutrition education; and (4) development of community planning mechanisms so that the communities can develop health care delivery models appropriate to their needs. Directs the Director to: (1) provide liaison among agencies of the Federal Government for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas, (2) make a periodic evaluation of other Department of Health, Education, and Welfare programs relating to health care in rural areas, and (3) provide technical assistance for the development of rural health care delivery models. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants and contracts year 1974, $100 million for fiscal year 1975, and $125 million for fiscal year 1976. Specifies the terms and conditions under which the Director may approve an application for assistance under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees issued by him and for direct loans to public entities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be required for the fund. Provides that the Director may make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, may enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals, and the Secretary may provide loans to public entities, and may provide loan guarantees to private entities and individuals. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee which shall advise the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health and the general administration of the program created under this Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of Committee members.
Bill· HRH.R. 11087 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
National Healthcare Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to improve the organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all Americans by increasing health personnel, promoting ambulatory care, strengthening health planning, establishing national standards of health care benefits, encouraging provisions of such benefits through comprehensive health care insurance, and by assisting persons of low income or in poor health to secure that insurance. Title II: Provisions To Increase The Supply And Improve The Distribution Of Health Care Personnel - Allows a medical student to borrow the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs. Provides that the loan will be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent a year in return for practice in an area found by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the appropriate State comprehensive planning agency to be in need of physicians, optometrists, or dentists. Authorizes $100 million a year for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975 for this purpose. Grants loans to student nurses covering the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies and other related costs. Directs that up to half of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit private institution or agency and that up to 100 percent of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a substantial shortage of nurses. Authorizes $75 million a year for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975 for this purpose. Provides that scholarship grants may, in accordance with regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, be awarded according to the needs of the individual, up to the full cost of his tuition, fees, books, equipment and living expenses. Authorizes for this purpose $50 million a year for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Allows loans for students in the allied health professions covering the full cost of tuition fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs. Provides that up to half of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit private institution or agency and that up to 100 percent of the loan may be forgiven at the rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a substantial shortage of allied health professionals. Authorizes $40 million for fiscal year 1973, $60 million for fiscal year 1974, and $75 million for fiscal year 1975 for this purpose. Includes junior colleges, colleges and universities which offer training in health care center administration or curriculums providing the allied health-professionals needed to operate comprehensive ambulatory health care centers within the training grant provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Establishes a new program of special project grants to help education institutions meet the cost of developing curriculums and training programs to develop the skills needed to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Authorizes $40 million for fiscal year 1973, and $50 million a year for fiscal years 1974 and 1975 for this purpose. Establishes a program of Federal grants to medical personnel in return for service in urban and rural areas of critical need to alleviate the distribution of health care personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to contract with individual health professionals, nurses, or allied health professionals who agree to provide health care services for a period of at least two years in an area designated by the Secretary as having a critical need for those services. Provides that the amount of the grant is that amount which, when added to the recipient's income from providing health care services for each contract year, provides a total income equal to 110 percent of the national annual median income for persons of comparable education and training, or 110 percent of his earnings from providing health care services in the previous year, whichever is greater. Provides that in determining the precise amount of the grant the Secretary may consider such factors as he deems relevant. Requires that he must consider, however: (1) the national median annual income for the applicant's profession; (2) the cost of living in the area of need; (3) the background, training, and education of the applicant; (4) the amount of income the applicant can reasonably expect to receive from service in the area; (5) the number of persons of applicant's profession needed in the area; and (6) where appropriate, cost of equipment, supplies, and facilities. Provides that title II becomes effective upon enactment. Title III: Provisions To Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Provides grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Sets up a special category of grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers which offer a greater range of medical services than current law now specifies for "out-patient facilities" grants. Revises the declaration of purpose of title VI of the Public Health Service Act to recognize specifically the concept of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Provides that for fiscal years commencing after June 30, 1971 there is authorized an additional $200 million in grant authority to be used for the construction of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities. Provides this sum through a new allotment category which is separate from existing allotment categories for construction and modernization of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that a portion of the funds available for grants hereunder be used to assist nearly-constructed facilities to pay initial start-up and operation expenses during the first three years of operation of such centers. Directs that funds available for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers will be allotted to the several states on the same basis as allotments are now made for construction of hospitals and other medical facilities. Provides that transfers from allotments for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care facilities to allotments for the construction of other types of facilities are not authorized. Permits carryovers of unused allotments from one fiscal year to the other. Requires that priorities for awarding grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers be given to proposed facilities in densely populated areas now lacking such facilities. Provides that, in its evaluation of the health needs of its citizens, the State health planning agency would be required to determine as part of its planning process the number of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed in the State and a plan for distribution of such centers. Requires the adoption of a program providing for construction of those comprehensive ambulatory health care centers identified as needed in its State plan, or for modernizing such existing facilities. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of health facilities from which recovery of Federal funds may be made by the Federal government from facilities which no longer qualify. Adds comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to the list of types of facilities which qualify for Public Health Service Act loans, guarantees and interest subsidies for construction or modernization of health facilities. Defines comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to encompass only facilities which provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for ambulatory patients and thus relieve overutilization of general hospitals and make health care more accessible. Title IV: Provisions To Strentthen Health Care Planning - Provides that the President shall make a health report to the Congress no later than July 1 of each year on the status of the nation's health needs and health care system with a program for meeting those needs. Creates a three-man Council of Health Policy Advisers in the Executive Office of the President, its members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Council to hire officers, employees and such experts and consultants as may be needed. Requires the Council to make an annual health report to the President not later than April 1 of each year to be transmitted to the Congress as a supplement to the next Health Report of the President to the Congress. Provides that in its first report to the President the Council shall specifically review and advise the President on health programs. Requires the Council to develop and recommend goals for a national health policy to promote efficiency, eliminate waste and duplication in the utilization of health facilities and resources, and to recommend specific programs to streamline and consolidate health manpower programs. Directs the Council to consult with the National Advisory Health Council, and other advisory councils or committees as well as such representatives of the private sector as it deems advisable and to utilize the services, facilities and information of other public and private organizations to the fullest extent to avoid unnecessary overlapping or duplication of effort. Provides that the Chairman shall be compensated at the rate of Level II and the other members at the rate of Level IV of the Executive Schedule Pay Rates. Authorizes such sums as are needed to enable the Council to function, not to exceed $1 million in any fiscal year. Requires every agency of the Federal Government to include, to the fullest extent possible, in each report on proposals for legislation or other major Federal action significantly affecting health or the health care system, the impact of the proposal on the nation's health care system, adverse effects, alternatives, the relative priority established by the Council of Health Policy Advisers, and any irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources involved. Provides that prior to making this report the responsible Federal official shall consult with and obtain the comments of any Federal agency which has jurisdiction by law or special expertise relative to the health impact of the proposal. Provides that these comments, with comments of appropriate Federal, State and local agencies, shall be made available to the President, the Council, and the public, and shall accompany the proposal through the existing agency review process. Provides that these provisions shall not affect the obligations imposed on Federal agencies by other Federal statutes. Adopts for purposes of the entire Public Health Service Act the definition of "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" provided in this bill. Provides that in order to qualify for the comprehensive health planning grants that a State plan for comprehensive State health planning must, in addition to existing requirements, provide for the project certification procedures established by this Act. Increases the funds authorized for project grants for areawide health planning to $60 million for fiscal year 1973. Directs that to be eligible for the grants the agency must be prepared to function as the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" for the area or region. Requires the agency to be prepared to play a strengthened role in coordinating areawide health affairs, including the determination of health needs, capital expenditures programs, cooperative use of facilities, optimum use of available manpower and improved management techniques. Requires the agency to provide for consultation with the areawide health planning council and other groups, for the representation of health care facilities and physicians for enlisting public support, and for educating the public concerning the proper use of facilities and services available. Provides that in the case of applications for Federal grants, loans, or other financial aid involving more than $100,000 which require certification by the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency, the application may be approved by the Secretary only after he is satisfied that the review provisions of this section have been met. Requires that the agency have reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the application and has certified to its essential need and high priority. Provides that if the "appropriate comprehensive health planning agency" is a metropolitan or other local planning agency, that agency, after reviewing the application, must have communicated its comments to both the applicant and the State agency. Directs the State planning agency to make its own determination that the application fits in with the State's overall needs and priorities as expressed in the State plan. Requires that if two or more States are involved, each State agency must make a separate certification as to the need and priority of the project in its State. Provides that in the case of a project affecting an entire State, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the agency designated in the State plan. Provides that in the case of a project affecting a region, metropolitan area, or other local area, the appropriate comprehensive health planning agency is the areawide comprehensive health planning agency or such other public or nonprofit private agency determined in accordance with regulations to be performing the required health planning functions. Requires that benefits paying for not less than the health care required under the minimum standards must be included in private or State established health care plans as a condition of eligibility for the Federal tax or other public financial assistance accorded under this bill. Permits additional benefits and allows a qualified private health care plan to provide for a covered individual's payment of medical expenses exceeding established deductible and co-payment standards. Permits qualifying health care plans to include various other optional provisions. Assures that the minimum standards of health care required to be provided to needy and uninsurable individuals will be no less than those required for others. Requires the timing of benefit implementation to be faster under publicly assisted plans for needy and uninsurable individuals than under private qualified plans. Bars higher co-payments for ambulatory-treatment of a given condition than for institutional treatment of the same condition. Assigns one of three "priority designations" to each of the benefits in the Table of Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits and requires benefits in the several priority categories to be phased-in in accordance with a schedule prescribed in the law. Authorizes the President, under restricted conditions stated in the law, to defer the scheduled time for phase-in of benefits that have not become legislatory at the time he acts. Specifies the initial Minimum Standards Healthcare Benefits for individuals covered under qualified private plans and those for individuals covered under qualified public plans. Places a limit on the total amount of co-payments that may be required in any one year. Provides that in the absence of a Presidential deferral those Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits that are initially provided individuals covered under qualified public plans but not private plans will become available to individuals covered under qualified private plans on January 1, 1976, and that the proposed 1976 improvements in the Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits for qualified private plans in 1979. Revises the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Federal income tax deduction otherwise allowable to an employer for any amount paid or incurred by the employer for medical care of any employee or his dependents. Restricts this deduction to 50 percent of the described expense for the medical care of the employee. Provides that if the employer establishes and maintains a Qualified Employee Healthcare Plan the restriction will not apply, and 100 percent of the described expense is deductible. Applies such provision to taxable years after December 31, 1972, except that, in the case of any employer plan providing medical care for employees which was established pursuant to a collectively-bargained agreement, the restrictions on the deduction will not apply until the expiration of the agreement, or December 31, 1975, whichever occurs first. Requires that each Qualified Employee Healthcare Plan provide at least the Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits described in this Act and be in writing, adopted by the employer, and communicated to his employees. Provides that substantially all active full-time employees eligible to be covered, and the coverage must continue upon certain terminations of employment or certain temporary absences of the employee. Requires that a coordination of benefits provision be included in a qualified plan to avoid costly duplication of coverage and also the plan must permit eligible employees to seek coverage instead from any approved health maintenance organization in cases where specified conditions are satisfied. Allows 100 percent of medical care insurance permiums as an income tax deduction, if such expenses are paid by an individual who is covered by a Qualified individual Healthcare Plan, a Qualified Employee Healthcare Plan, or a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Requires that each Qualified Individual Healthcare Plan provide at least the Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits described in this Act. Requires that a qualified individual insurance contract contain provisions which obligate the insurer to renew the policy, and allows covered dependents to continue their coverage under the policy after the death of the insured as if he were still alive. Adds a new title XX to the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of publicly subsidized health care insurance plans on a State by State basis. Provides that each State will have a health insurance pool, which all private entities in that State (both profit and non-profit) which currently indemnify the cost of health care would be required to underwrite. Directs that one or more private insurance carriers will be designated by the State to administer the State plan on a retention accounting basis. Provides that these State plans will guarantee that Minimum Standard Healthcare Benefits are made available to individuals and families who previously were unable to purchase health care insurance, either because of their low income or their extremely poor health. Provides that, in order to encourage a State to establish a plan, Federal appropriations otherwise payable to the State pursuant to titles V and XIX of the Social Security Act are conditioned on the State's having in operation a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Provides that individuals or families who are eligible to receive public cash assistance under a program financed in whole or in part by Federal funds will be enrolled in the State plan automatically, and without cost. Permits those individuals who are financially capable of procuring health insurance, but who are uninsurable because of poor health, to enroll in the State plan at their own expense; however, these individuals may not be charged more than the established rate for other individuals enrolled in that State plan. Provides that enrollment of other individuals and families who had low incomes the previous year (less than $8,000 for single individuals, less than $4,500 for a family of two, and less than $6,000 for a family of three or more) is voluntary. Allows such individuals and families to elect to be enrolled once each year and requires them to make contributions toward the cost of insuring their own health care, depending on the size of their family and the amount of their income. Provides that the premiums to be charged for each policy year under a State plan will be actuarially determined in each State, and for each family size risk category. Directs that if the established premiums are found to be unjustified within a particular State, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may direct a reduction in the Federal appropriation for that State's premium cost. States that each State has the primary obligation to provide the uncontributed premium cost for its plan; but if the State implements and utilizes controls which are designed to promote the delivery of lower-cost, higher-quality institutional health care services, if it exempts Qualified State Healthcare Plan transactions from State taxation, and if it eliminates discriminatory State tax treatment of health care insurers, then the State will receive Federal appropriations reimbursing it for a percentage of its total uncontributed premium cost. Provides that the base figure may be between 70 and 90 percent, depending on the State's per capita income, but further adjustments to this percentage may be made if institutional rates charged in any particular State for health care services are unjustifiably high in comparison with other States. Gives States the authority to review in advance the rates to be charged by health care institutions for their services, and to refuse to approve these rates for payment under the State plan. Controls the cost and quality of health care services provided by physicians and other medical practitioners in each State. Provides that a professional service, otherwise covered by these State plans, shall be reimbursed only if it falls within professionally established utilization guidelines or is found to be necessary health care by a qualified peer review committee. Asserts that no charge for a necessary service shall be reimbursed to the extent that it exceeds the prevailing charge in a locality for similar services. Provides that if the premiums collected and other monies received under the State plan are not sufficient to pay the claims incurred and the other costs of operating the State plan, the private underwriters of the plan shall bear the losses to the extent of 3 percent of the premiums collected for that year. Directs the State to bear the excess losses equal to the base Federal percentage for that State's premium costs. Provides that enrollment is not available to those individuals or families covered under a Qualified Employee Healthcare Plan. Makes provisions to protect the Federal government against having to bear such part of the cost of a Qualified State Healthcare Plan as may be attributable to a State's decision to have the plan provide greater benefits than the minimum required for qualification under title XX. Provides that applicants for enrollment in the State plan must provide and certify all information required to make an eligibility determination. States that any federal or State agency may be required to furnish information deemed by the administering carrier to be necessary to verify eligibility. Revises title V of the Social Security Act (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Excludes payment for items and services now covered under title V, if they also would be covered under a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Provides that title V will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by Qualified State Healthcare Plans. Revises section 1887 of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove existing limitations on Medicare Part B enrollment which prevent otherwise eligible State plan enrollees from qualifying for Qualified State Healthcare Plan to pay the premium for supplementary medical insurance benefits under Part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act for individuals and families who are eligible to enroll in Part B program and who are also eligible to receive public cash assistance under a federally financed program. Revises section 1843 of title XVIII to allow a State to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to which all of these indigent State plan enrollees will be enrolled under the program established by Part B of title XVIII. Revises title XIX of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs) to avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of federally subsidized health care programs. Provides that on July 1, 1973, or upon a State's establishment of a Qualified State Healthcare Plan, whichever occurs first, payment for items and services now covered under title XIX would be excluded if they would be covered under a Qualified State Healthcare Plan. Directs that title XIX will continue to pay for items and services which are not covered by Qualified State Healthcare Plans. Establishes standards for strenghtening controls over the quality and cost to enrollees for health care service provided by physicians or other medical practitioners and for health care services rendered to State plan enrollees in health care institutions. Provides that these standards shall apply to determine "reasonable cost" under the existing federally subsidized health care programs established by title V, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act. Requires that the premiums and other monies received pursuant to the operation of a Qualified State Healthcare Plan will, to the extent feasible, be invested by the administering carrier in interest-bearing obligations and other income-yielding securities. Exempts this interest or other income from Federal income taxation. Requires insurance carriers to pool their efforts and resources to insure that all individuals and families will receive higher-quality, lower-cost health care benefits. Provides that these carriers will not be subject to Federal or State antitrust legislation solely as a result of their efforts to comply with the provisions of title V of the bill.
Bill· HRH.R. 11080 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Rural Health to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Enumerates the powers of the Director, including (1) the authority to award grants for projects to examine existing models of rural health care delivery, (2) determination their applicability to other rural areas, and (3) assistance in the planning and demonstration of rural health care delivery models. States that in determining the eligibility of any entity for assistance, the Director will consider specified factors, including (1) identification of the demographic and geographic characteristics which categorize an area as rural; (2) emergency medical care components and systems available to meet the special problems of the rural areas; (3) education programs in rural areas, including health and nutrition education; and (4) development of community planning mechanisms so that the communities can develop health care delivery models appropriate to their needs. Directs the Director to: (1) provide liaison among agencies of the Federal Government for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas, (2) make a periodic evaluation of other Department of Health, Education, and Welfare programs relating to health care in rural areas, and (3) provide technical assistance for the development of rural health care delivery models. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants and contracts year 1974, $100 million for fiscal year 1975, and $125 million for fiscal year 1976. Specifies the terms and conditions under which the Director may approve an application for assistance under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees issued by him and for direct loans to public entities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be required for the fund. Provides that the Director may make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, may enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals, and the Secretary may provide loans to public entities, and may provide loan guarantees to private entities and individuals. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee which shall advise the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health and the general administration of the program created under this Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of Committee members.
Bill· HRH.R. 11076 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1973
National Cancer Research Act; Title I: Short Title and Declaration of Policy - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to carry out within five years the goal that cancer research activities of the United States shall be priority oriented and shall be conducted so as to contribute materially to one or more of the following objectives: (1) the expansion of human knowledge of methods in which to detect, prevent, and cure cancer; (2) the development of cancer preventative vaccines, or other preventatives; (3) the improvement of the usefulness and of the dissemination of information from, all cancer-related research activities conducted in the United States; and (4) the development and operation of cancer research facilities, equipment, and supplies, capable of making significant advances in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and cure. Title II: Coordination of Cancer Research Activities - Estabishes, for five years, in the Executive Office of the President the National Cancer Research Council to be composed of the Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Administrators of the National Cancer Research Administration, and Director of the National Institutes of Health. Directs the Council to develop a comprehensive program of cancer research and to resolve differences among various agencies with respect to cancer research. Establishes, for five years, the National Cancer Research Administration, the administrator of which shall plan, direct, and conduct the cancer research activities of the United States; and disseminate information concerning its activities. Authorizes the Administration to acquire property, enter into contracts, use facilities of federal agencies, and appoint personnel. Requires semiannual reports from the Administration to the Congress. Title III: Miscellaneous - Allows the President to transfer to the Administration for five years any functions of any other department, agency, or officer of the United States which relate primarily to the functions, powers and duties of the Administration. Requires information obtained by the Administration to be available for public inspection. Provides for retention of property rights and patenting by the United States of inventions made in the performance of any work under any contract with the Administration. Allows the administrator to waive all or part of the rights of the United States to an invention if he determines that the interest of mankind and the United States will thereby be served, subject to reservation of an irrevocable, nontransferrable, royalty-free license for the practice of such invention by the United States. Allows the administrator to make a monetary award to any person for any medical, scientific, or technical contribution to the Administration, not exceeding $10,000. Title IV: Funding - Imposes on the income of every individual, estate, trust, and corporation a tax equal to 2 percent of the adjusted tax for the taxable year. Authorizes withholding of such tax according to tables prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Appropriates to such fund, sums as are necessary. Terminates such fund on January 1, 1979.
Bill· HRH.R. 11034 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1973
Establishes the Fire Protection Assistance Administration which shall make annual grants to any fire protection district or department for maintenance, improvement, or expansion of its equipment and services. Establishes eligibility requirements for such units in order to receive grants. Prohibits employment discrimination by units receiving grants. Sets forth a distribution of funds schedule which requires that 30 percent of grant funds be used for fire equipment and 50 percent for maintaining or improving firefighting personnel's pay. Limits a firefighting grant to any one unit to $3,000,000. Requires the Administration to establish the National Fire Protection Advisory Council which shall establish minimum training standards for firefighting personnel, recommended ambulance rescue service standards, and equipment standards for rescue and firefighting. Provides that the Advisory Council shall terminate on June 30, 1976. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Prohibits the impoundment of such funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 10997 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1973
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Rural Health to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Enumerates the powers of the Director, including (1) the authority to award grants for projects to examine existing models of rural health care delivery, (2) determination their applicability to other rural areas, and (3) assistance in the planning and demonstration of rural health care delivery models. States that in determining the eligibility of any entity for assistance, the Director will consider specified factors, including (1) identification of the demographic and geographic characteristics which categorize an area as rural; (2) emergency medical care components and systems available to meet the special problems of the rural areas; (3) education programs in rural areas, including health and nutrition education; and (4) development of community planning mechanisms so that the communities can develop health care delivery models appropriate to their needs. Directs the Director to: (1) provide liaison among agencies of the Federal Government for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas, (2) make a periodic evaluation of other Department of Health, Education, and Welfare programs relating to health care in rural areas, and (3) provide technical assistance for the development of rural health care delivery models. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants and contracts year 1974, $100 million for fiscal year 1975, and $125 million for fiscal year 1976. Specifies the terms and conditions under which the Director may approve an application for assistance under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees issued by him and for direct loans to public entities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be required for the fund. Provides that the Director may make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, may enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals, and the Secretary may provide loans to public entities, and may provide loan guarantees to private entities and individuals. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee which shall advise the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health and the general administration of the program created under this Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of Committee members.
Bill· HRH.R. 10985 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1973
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to take such action as may be necessary to provide for the continued operation of the Public Health Service hospitals which are located in Seattle, Washington, Boston, Massachusetts, San Franciso, California, Galveston, Texas, New Orleans, Louisiana, Baltimore, Maryland, Staten Island, New York, and Norfolk, Virginia.
Bill· HRH.R. 10986 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1973
Health Maintenance Organization Act - Defines health maintenance organization as a public or private entity organized to provide basic and supplemental health services to its members. States that each member of such organization is to be provided basic health services for a basic health services payment which: (1) is to be paid on a regular basis without regard to the dates such services are provided; (2) is fixed without regard to the frequency, extent, or kind of health service furnished; and (3) is established under a community rating system. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit private entities for projects for surveys or other activities to determine the feasibility of developing or expanding health maintenance organizations which will serve residents of medically underserved areas. Provides that no grant may be made under this Act unless an application therefor has been submitted to, and approved by, the Secretary. States that such application shall be in such form, and submitted in such manner, as the Secretary shall by regulation provide. States that, in considering applications for feasibility grants and contract proposals under this Act, the Secretary shall give priority to applications and contract proposals for projects and health maintenance organizations which will serve residents of medically underserved areas. Provides that, if a feasibility project has been assisted with a grant or contract under this Act, the Secretary may not make any other grant or enter into any other contract for such project. Stipulates that any project under this Act must be completed within twelve months from the date the grant is made or the contract entered into. Provides that the amount to be paid by the United States for a feasibility grant made, or contract entered into, under this Act shall be determined by the Secretary except that the amount to be paid by the United States for any single grant or contract shall not exceed $50,000 or 90 percent of the project cost. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with public or nonprofit private entities, and to make loans to public entities, for planning projects for the establishment of health maintenance organizations or for significant expansion of the membership of, or area served by, health maintenance organizations. Allows the Secretary to guarantee to non-Federal lenders payment of the principal of and the interest on loans made to any private entity for such a planning project. States that, in considering applications for grants and contract proposals for planning projects under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applications and contract proposals for projects for health maintenance organizations which will serve residents of medically underserved areas. Provides that the Federal share of such planning project grants or contracts shall not exceed $125,000 or 90 percent of the cost of such project. Specifies the amounts to be paid by the United States for any initial development projects for a health maintenance organization under any grant or contract, or both. Provides that the United States shall be entitled to recover from an applicant for a loan guarantee under this title the amount of any payment made pursuant to such guarantee, unless the Secretary for good cause waives such right of recovery. States that guarantees of loans under this Act shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be necessary to assure that the purposes of this Act will be carried out. Authorizes the Secretary, with due regard to the financial interests of the United States, to sell loans made by him under this title. Establishes within the Treasury a loan guarantee fund which shall be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation, in such amounts as may be specified from time to time in appropriation Acts, to enable him to discharge his responsibilities under loan guaranties issued by him under this Act. States that no funds appropriated under any provision of this Act other than this title may be used: (1) for grants or contracts for surveys or other activities to determine the feasibility of developing or expanding health maintenance organizations or other entities which provide, directly or indirectly, health care to a defined population on a prepaid basis; (2) for grants, loans, or contracts, or for payments under loans guarantees, for planning projects for the establishment or expansion of such organizattions or entities; (3) for grants, loans, or contracts, or for payments under loan guarantees, for projects for the initial development or expansion of such organizations or entities, or (4) for loans or for payments under loan guarantees, to assist in meeting the costs of the initial operation after establishment or expansion of such organizations or entities. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate the operations of at least fifty of the health maintenance organizations for which assistance was provided under this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress the results of the evaluation not later than ninety days after at least fifty of such health maintenance organizations have been operation for at least thirty-six months. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to the Congress on the program of assistance under this Act.
Bill· SS. 2587 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1973
Employees Comprehensive Respiratory Disease Compensation and Registration Act - Title I: General Provisions - Expresses the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title II: Claims for Benefits Filed on or Before December 31, 1976 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make payments of benefits in respect of total disability of any worker due to a respiratory disease arising out of his employment in a health-hazard industry, and in respect of the death of any worker whose death was due to such disease or who at the time of his death was totally disabled by such disease. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards for determining when a worker is totally disabled due to a respiratory disease. States that the disabled worker shall be paid benefits during the disability at a rate not less than 66 2/3 per cent of the employees' average weekly wage, subject to specified limitations. Makes provisions in the case of death of a worker for benefits to be paid to his widow, children and dependents. Provides that benefit payments shall be reduced by an amount equal to any payment received under the workmen's compensation, unemployment compensation, or disability insurance laws on account of the disability. Enumerates the circumstances under which no claim for benefits shall be considered, including: (1) the claimant has also filed a claim under the applicable State workmen's compensation law; and (2) the claim is filed on or before June 30, 1975, in the case of a claimant who is a widow, within six months after the death of her husband or by June 30, 1975, whichever is the later. Prescribes specific rules governing the procedures for any claim for benefits under this title filed during the period from July 1, 1975, to December 31, 1975. Title III: Claims for Benefits After December 31, 1976 - Provides that on and after January 1, 1976, any claim for benefits shall be filed pursuant to the applicable State workmen's compensation law, except that when claimants are not covered by a State workmen's compensation law which provides adequate coverage for such disease, they shall be entitled to claim benefits under this title. Prescribes the conditions under which a State workmen's compensation law shall not be deemed to provide adequate coverage. Directs the Secretary to publish a list of State workmen's compensation laws which provide adequate coverage for one or more such respiratory diseases. Provides that during any period after December 31, 1976, in which a State workmen's compensation law is not included on such list, benefits shall be paid by each employer. Directs each such employer to secure the payment of benefits for which he is liable by: (1) qualifying as a self-insurer; or (2) insuring and keeping insured the payment of such benefits with any stock company or mutual company or association, or with any person or fund, authorized to insure workmen's compensation. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue such regulations as each deems appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for specified purposes of this Act $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated for additional purposes such sums as are necessary. Provides that no employer employing workers in a health-hazard industry shall discharge or in any other way discriminate against any worker by reason of the fact that such worker is suffering from a respiratory disease associated with such industry. Sets forth the procedures to be followed by any worker who believes he has been discharged or discriminated against in violation of this Act. Title IV: Nationwide Register of Employee Exposure - Directs the Secretary of Labor, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to issue regulations for the collection and maintenance of a national register of persons exposed to the risk of disease of the respiratory tract and related tissues arising out of their employment in a health-hazard industry. Requires that such regulations make appropriate provision for each employee or former employee to have access to information in the register as indicates his own exposure. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of Labor such sums as may be necessary to carry out his responsibilities under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 10957 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1973
Public Health Service Act Amendment - States that fulfillment of our national purpose depends on promoting and assuring the highest level of health attainable for every person in an environment which contributes positively to healthful individual and family living. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint such advisory councils or committees for such periods of time as he deems desirable for the purpose of advising him in connection with any of his functions. States that, upon appointment of any such council or committee, the Secretary may transfer such of the functions of the National Advisory Health Council relating to grants for research or training projects or programs in the areas or fields with which such council or committee is concerned as he deems appropriate. States that the Public Health Service shall be composed of a Regular and Reserve Corps which shall be administered by the Surgeon General under the supervision and direction of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to accept from State and local authorities any assistance in the enforcement of warranty regulations. Directs the Secretary to assist the States in the prevention and suppression of communicable diseases. Requires the Secretary to conduct such studies and investigations as may be necessary to determine the quantities of crude opium, coca leaves, and their salts , derivatives, and preparations, and other drugs subject to control under this Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, as may be necessary to supply the normal and emergency medical and scientific requirements of the United States. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the States for the purposes of aiding them to serve their narcotic drug problems and to give authorized representatives of the States the benefits of his experience in the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of narcotic addicts. Authorizes the Secretary to participate with other countries in cooperative endeavors in biomedical health research and health services research. Sets forth the general research authority of the Secretary relating to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and control and prevention of physical and mental diseases and impairments of man. States that the Secretary may authorize persons engaged in research on the use and effect of drugs to protect the privacy of individuals who are the subject of such research by withholding from all persons not connected with the conduct of such research the names or other identifying characteristics of such individuals. Restricts the Federal share for construction of public health service facilities for persons with developmental disabilities to 66 2/3 percent of the costs of the construction of such project. Makes provisions for judicial review of a refusal of the Secretary to approved any such project. Requires each recipient of such assistance to keep such records as the Secretary shall prescribe. Makes provisions with respect to the Federal share of the cost of construction of community mental health centers which provide services for the prevention or diagnosis of mental illness, care and treatment of the mentally ill, or rehabilitation of such persons. Prohibits the Secretary from making any such grant, loan guarantee, or interest subsidy to, or for the benefit of, any school of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, school of nursing, or any training center for allied health personnel unless the Secretary receives satisfactory assurances that the school or training center will not discriminate on the basis of sex in the admission of individuals.
Bill· HRH.R. 10956 (93rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1973
Emergency Medical Services Systems Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects which include both studying the feasibility of establishing and operating an emergency medical services system, and planning the establishment and operation of such a system. Requires that the reports of the results of any study and planning project assisted under this Act shall be submitted to the Secretary and the Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for the establishment and initial operation of emergency medical services systems. Sets forth the standards for such grants and contracts. States that, in considering applications which demonstrate exceptional need for financial assistance, the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications submitted for emergency medical services systems for rural areas. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services systems, including the acquisition of equipment and facilities, the modernization of facilities, and other projects to expand and improve such systems. States that the amount of any grant or contract under this section for a project shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of that project. Stipulates that the Secretary may make grants to public or private nonprofit entities, and enter into contracts with private entities and individuals, for the support of research in emergency medical techniques, methods, devices, and delivery. States that no grant may be made or contract entered into under this section for amounts in excess of $35,000, unless the application therefore has been recommended for approval by an appropriate peer review panel designated or established by the Secretary. Sets forth general provisions with respect to grants and contracts authorized under this Act. Establishes specified requirements for emergency medical services systems. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for grants and contracts made pursuant to this Act for the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976. Directs the Secretary to establish an Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services to evaluate the adequacy and technical soundness of all Federal programs and activities which relate to emergency medical services. Directs the Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary respecting the administration of contracts under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit annually to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, and nursing and training centers for allied health professions, and other appropriate educational entities to assist in meeting the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing emergency medical services. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making payments pursuant to grants and contracts under this section.
Bill· HRH.R. 10951 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1973
Provides, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, medicare coverage in all possible cases involving hospital or skilled nursing home care for United States citizens outside the United States
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 603 (93rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1973
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 10586) to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the use of health maintenance organizations in providing health care. States that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Provides that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.
Bill· HRH.R. 10905 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Title I: Addiction and Mental Health Administration - Establishes the Addiction and Mental Health Administration in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the Administration shall consist of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute of Mental Health. Establishes the National Panel on Addiction and Mental Health consisting of three members appointed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. States that the Panel shall advise the Director of the Addiction and Mental Health Administration. Title II: Federal Assistance for State and Local Programs - Extends the authorization for grants to States for the three fiscal years ending June 30, 1976. Allows a State to request and receive personnel or equipment from H.E.W. in lieu of cash Permits special grants to States who have adopted the basic provisions of the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act. Limits the amount of such a grant for any one fiscal year. Authorizes the appropriation of $13,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974 and each of the two following years for the purpose of making special grants to States. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities and to enter into contracts with public and private entities and with individuals: (1) to conduct demonstration, service, and evaluation projects, (2) to provide education and training, (3) to provide programs and services in cooperation with schools, courts, penal institutions, and other public agencies, and (4) to provide counseling and education activities on an individual or community basis, for the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse and alcoholism and for the rehabilitation of alcohol abusers and alcoholics. Authorizes appropriations for grants to public and nonprofit private entities at $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and 75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that alcohol abusers and alcoholics who are suffering from emergency medical conditions shall not be refused admission or treatment, solely because of their alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, by any private or public general hospital which receives support in any form from any program supported in whole or in part by funds appropriated to any Federal department or agency. Provides that records of the identity, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of any patient which are maintained in connection with the performance of any function authorized or assisted under any provision of this Act or any Act amended by this Act shall be confidential. Title III: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes certain technical and conforming amendments.
Bill· HRH.R. 10893 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Rural Health to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Enumerates the powers of the Director, including (1) the authority to award grants for projects to examine existing models of rural health care delivery, (2) determination their applicability to other rural areas, and (3) assistance in the planning and demonstration of rural health care delivery models. States that in determining the eligibility of any entity for assistance, the Director will consider specified factors, including (1) identification of the demographic and geographic characteristics which categorize an area as rural; (2) emergency medical care components and systems available to meet the special problems of the rural areas; (3) education programs in rural areas, including health and nutrition education; and (4) development of community planning mechanisms so that the communities can develop health care delivery models appropriate to their needs. Directs the Director to: (1) provide liaison among agencies of the Federal Government for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas, (2) make a periodic evaluation of other Department of Health, Education, and Welfare programs relating to health care in rural areas, and (3) provide technical assistance for the development of rural health care delivery models. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants and contracts year 1974, $100 million for fiscal year 1975, and $125 million for fiscal year 1976. Specifies the terms and conditions under which the Director may approve an application for assistance under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees issued by him and for direct loans to public entities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be required for the fund. Provides that the Director may make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, may enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals, and the Secretary may provide loans to public entities, and may provide loan guarantees to private entities and individuals. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee which shall advise the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health and the general administration of the program created under this Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of Committee members.
Bill· HRH.R. 10892 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, that blood donations shall be considered as charitable contributions deductible from gross income in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 170(i))
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 593 (93rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1973
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 9681) to authorize and require the President of the United States to allocate crude oil and refined petroleum products to deal with existing or imminent shortages and dislocations in the national distribution system which jeopardize the public health, safety, or welfare; to provide for the delegation of authority; and for other purposes. States that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule, and that it shall be in order to consider the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce now printed in the bill as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule. Requires, at the conclusion of such consideration, the Committee to rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. States that the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. States that after the passage of H.R. 9681, the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce shall be discharged from the further consideration of the bill S. 1570, and it shall then be in order in the House to move to strike out all after the enacting clause of the said Senate bill and insert in lieu thereof the provisions contained in H.R. 9681 as passed by the House.
Bill· HRH.R. 10826 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1973
Title I: Office of Rural Health Care - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office of Rural Health Care. Provides that such office shall be utilized by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to: (1) administer all Federal laws for which the Secretary has administrative responsibility and which provide for or authorize the making of, grants to health care programs in rural areas; (2) provide a liaison with the activities carried on by other Federal agencies relating to health care programs in rural areas; and (3) coordinate training for necessary manpower for health care programs in rural areas. Requires the placing of representatives of the Office in each regional office of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for the purpose of providing technical assistance to rural communities and to entities and individuals interested in the improvement of health care in rural areas. Title II: National Council on Rural Health - Directs the Secretary to appoint a National Council on Rural Health. Provides that such Council shall study and report within twenty-four months of its appointment to the Secretary and the Congress on: (1) the health of persons residing in rural areas of the United States; (2) health care delivery to such persons; and (3) the extent of Federal involvement in the improvement of the health of such persons and health care delivery for them.
Bill· HRH.R. 10789 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1973
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to take such action as may be necessary to provide for the continued operation of the Public Health Service hospitals which are located in Seattle, Washington, Boston, Massachusetts, San Franciso, California, Galveston, Texas, New Orleans, Louisiana, Baltimore, Maryland, Staten Island, New York, and Norfolk, Virginia.
Bill· HRH.R. 10802 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1973
Public Health Act - Title I: Health Service Research and Development - Health Services Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to undertake and support research, development, and demonstrations respecting health services. Directs the Secretary to give appropriate emphasis to research, development and demonstrations respecting: (1) the determinants of an individual's health; (2) the impact of the environment on individual health and on health care; and (3) the accessibility, acceptability, organization, distribution, utilization, quality, and financing of systems for the delivery of health care. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a National Center for Health Services Research and Development. Directs the Secretary to act through such Center in undertaking and supporting the research and demonstration projects under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to assist, by grants or contracts, private nonprofit entities in meeting the costs of planning and establishing new centers, and operating existing centers and new centers, for multi-disciplinary health services research, development, demonstrations, and evaluations respecting the matters covered under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $80,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $90,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 to carry out programs under this title. Establishes in the Department a National Center for Health Statistics. Provides for the duties of such Center. Makes authorizations of appropriations for such Center. Provides for the Secretary to annually call a conference of the health authorities of the several States. Title II: Revision and Extension of Medical Library Assistance Programs - Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts under this title. Title III: Conforming and Technical Amendments - Declares the position of the Congress that Federal financial assistance must be directed to support the marshaling of all health resources to assure comprehensive health services of high quality for every person. Authorizes the Secretary to accept from State and local authorities any assistance in the enforcement of programs pursuant to this Act which such authorities may be able and willing to provide. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or nonprofit private entity to cover all or any part of the cost of projects for training to provide improved or more effective comprehensive health planning throughout the Nation.
Bill· HRH.R. 10790 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1973
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Office of Rural Health to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary. Enumerates the powers of the Director, including (1) the authority to award grants for projects to examine existing models of rural health care delivery, (2) determination their applicability to other rural areas, and (3) assistance in the planning and demonstration of rural health care delivery models. States that in determining the eligibility of any entity for assistance, the Director will consider specified factors, including (1) identification of the demographic and geographic characteristics which categorize an area as rural; (2) emergency medical care components and systems available to meet the special problems of the rural areas; (3) education programs in rural areas, including health and nutrition education; and (4) development of community planning mechanisms so that the communities can develop health care delivery models appropriate to their needs. Directs the Director to: (1) provide liaison among agencies of the Federal Government for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas, (2) make a periodic evaluation of other Department of Health, Education, and Welfare programs relating to health care in rural areas, and (3) provide technical assistance for the development of rural health care delivery models. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants and contracts year 1974, $100 million for fiscal year 1975, and $125 million for fiscal year 1976. Specifies the terms and conditions under which the Director may approve an application for assistance under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under guarantees issued by him and for direct loans to public entities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund from time to time such amounts as may be required for the fund. Provides that the Director may make grants to public and nonprofit private entities, may enter into contracts with public and private entities and individuals, and the Secretary may provide loans to public entities, and may provide loan guarantees to private entities and individuals. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee which shall advise the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health and the general administration of the program created under this Act. Sets forth the composition and compensation of Committee members.
Bill· HRH.R. 10775 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Extends the coverage of the National Labor Relations Act to include employees of nonprofit hospitals. States that when a collective bargaining agreement is in effect between a health care institution and a labor organization representative the agreement shall continue in full force and effect, without recourse to strikes, picketing or lockouts, except as expressly permitted by this Act. Prescribes the procedure to be followed in negotiations for renewal of any such agreements. Provides that when a health care institution and a labor organization which is the bargaining representative of its employees enter into negotiations for an initial collective bargaining agreement, such negotiations shall be conducted in accordance with specified procedures without recourse to strikes, picketing or lockouts, except as expressly permitted. Describes the conduct which constitutes unfair labor practices. Provides for not more than four bargaining units in health care institutions (in addition to security guards): (1) professional employees, (2) technical employees, (3) clerical employees, and (4) service and maintenance employees. Gives unfair labor practice charges involving strikes and picketing at health care institutions priority over other cases in NLRB regional offices. Provides a course of action for private persons for injury due to unlawful strikes or lockouts.
Bill· HRH.R. 10745 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Emergency Medical Services Systems Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects which include both studying the feasibility of establishing and operating an emergency medical services system, and planning the establishment and operation of such a system. Requires that the reports of the results of any study and planning project assisted under this Act shall be submitted to the Secretary and the Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for the establishment and initial operation of emergency medical services systems. Sets forth the standards for such grants and contracts. States that, in considering applications which demonstrate exceptional need for financial assistance, the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications submitted for emergency medical services systems for rural areas. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible entities for projects for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services systems, including the acquisition of equipment and facilities, the modernization of facilities, and other projects to expand and improve such systems. States that the amount of any grant or contract under this section for a project shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of that project. Stipulates that the Secretary may make grants to public or private nonprofit entities, and enter into contracts with private entities and individuals, for the support of research in emergency medical techniques, methods, devices, and delivery. States that no grant may be made or contract entered into under this section for amounts in excess of $35,000, unless the application therefore has been recommended for approval by an appropriate peer review panel designated or established by the Secretary. Sets forth general provisions with respect to grants and contracts authorized under this Act. Establishes specified requirements for emergency medical services systems. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for grants and contracts made pursuant to this Act for the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976. Directs the Secretary to establish an Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services to evaluate the adequacy and technical soundness of all Federal programs and activities which relate to emergency medical services. Directs the Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary respecting the administration of contracts under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit annually to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, and nursing and training centers for allied health professions, and other appropriate educational entities to assist in meeting the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing emergency medical services. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making payments pursuant to grants and contracts under this section.
Bill· HRH.R. 10754 (93rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1973
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health maintenance organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000 or, if higher 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that, after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen, and Indians and Alaskan natives, and veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.