Healthcare

Orphan Drug Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985

Orphan Drug Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to repeal the requirement that exclusive marketing rights may only be granted to an orphan drug (a drug used in the treatment of a rare disease or condition) if the drug is not patentable. Establishes a National Commission on Orphan Diseases to assess the activities of the National Institutes of Health, the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, other public agencies, and private entities in connection with: (1) basic research relating to rare diseases; (2) the use in research on rare diseases of knowledge developed in other research; (3) applied and clinical research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of rare diseases; and (4) the dissemination of knowledge developed in research relating to rare diseases. Requires the Commission to submit a report by September 30, 1987, to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to each House of the Congress containing the Commission's findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Makes funds available to the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the date of such report. Amends the Orphan Drug Act to allow Federal grants and contracts for animal and human clinical testing of orphan drugs. Authorizes appropriations for such grants and contracts for FY 1986 through 1988.

Health Services Amendments Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985

Health Services Amendments Act of 1985 - Title I: Health Maintenance Organizations - Amends the Public Health Service Act to eliminate the authorization for the following grants and contracts for health maintenance organizations (HMOs): (1) feasibility surveys; (2) planning; and (3) initial development costs. Permits loans and loan guarantees for the initial operating costs of HMOs only to those organizations which received a grant or loan or entered into a contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in FY 1981 through 1985. Eliminates authority for loans and loan guarantees for the acquisition and construction of ambulatory health care facilities. Eliminates from financial assistance application requirements the requirement for health systems agency review. Limits borrowing by the loan guarantee fund to cover only guarantees made by the Secretary prior to October 1, 1985. Eliminates the requirement that HMOs periodically demonstrate their compliance with certain quality standards. Directs the Secretary to update the digest of State laws relating to HMOs annually (formerly quarterly). Eliminates specified reporting provisions. Extends the authorization of appropriations through FY 1989 for grants for training and technical assistance. Title II: Primary Care -Directs the Secretary to prescribe criteria for determining the specific shortages of personal health services of an area or population group. Prohibits the Secretary from designating a medically underserved population or removing such a determination unless the following are given notice and provided an opportunity for comment: (1) the chief executive officer of the State; (2) local officers in the State; and (3) the State organization which represents a majority of community health centers in such State. Permits the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of agreement with a State. Provides that such memorandum may include provisions permitting such State to: (1) analyze the need for primary health services for medically underserved populations; (2) assist in the planning and development of new community health centers; (3) review and comment upon annual program plans and budgets of community health centers; (4) assist communities in the development of clinical practices and fiscal and administrative systems; and (5) share information and data. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988 for such purposes. Limits the expenditure of such appropriations. Repeals the primary care block grant program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for migrant health centers. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Comprehensive Alzheimer's Assistance, Research, and Education Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985

Comprehensive Alzheimer's Assistance, Research, and Education Act of 1985 - Title I : Amendment to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Alzheimer's Education Program to: (1) coordinate education and training programs of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Veterans Administration, other Federal entities, State and local governments, and private organizations; (2) establish an information clearinghouse; (3) provide information to health care providers, organizations, patients, and the general public; and (4) provide technical assistance to States and public and private organizations in the collection and dissemination of information. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such purposes. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to plan, establish, and operate programs to: (1) coordinate the development and operation of diagnostic, treatment, care management, respite care, legal counseling, and education services provided by public and private organizations within the State; (2) provide respite care to patients with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders; (3) provide information to health care providers, organizations, and the general public on treatment and related services for patients and their families; (4) coordinate the development and operation of continuing education for health care providers on the diagnosis, treatment, and care management of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders; (5) review State policies on the financing and reimbursement of health care costs for such patients; (6) review State nursing home regulations as they apply to such patients; and (7) coordinate with the National Alzheimer's Education Program. Limits Federal grants for such programs to the lesser of one half the cost or $1,000,000. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Directs the Secretary to establish a plan for a research program for the study of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with public and private entities for ten to 20 Alzheimer's disease research centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988. Provides for the recovery from Alaska of Federal grants provided under the Public Health Service Act if within 20 years from the date of completion of a medical facility, such facility ceases to be a publicly owned facility operated for the care or treatment of patients under Alaska's mental health program. Title II: Medicare and Medicaid Research, Demonstrations, and Waivers - Directs the Secretary to conduct research, waiver, and demonstration projects under the Medicare and Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act to determine the: (1) coverage of alternative methods of health care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders; (2) coverage of nursing home care; and (3) appropriate reimbursement levels for nursing homes with such patients. Title III: Report - Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within two years after the date of enactment.

Veterans' Health Care Promotion Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1985

Veterans' Health Care Promotion Act of 1985 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to determine the most cost-effective method of acquiring medical facilities for the Veterans Administration (VA) using certain specified methods. Requires the Administrator, not later than January 1, 1987, to enter into contracts to carry out the pilot program. Requires such contracts to be with an appropriate entity to construct and operate a nursing home for the VA. Requires the Administrator to enter into a contract with an appropriate entity to plan for, design, and construct a medical facility for the VA and to lease or sell such facility to the VA as directed by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to also acquire two existing medical facilities. Requires the Administrator to provide the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report on the administration of the pilot program and a final report promptly after the termination of such program. Requires the Administrator, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to report to the same such Committees on: (1) the extent to which the VA furnishes respite care to elderly veterans and disabled veterans; (2) the VA's plans for furnishing such care in the future; and (3) an estimate of the cost of increasing community-based nursing home beds available to the VA by specified percentages. Limits the amount of working reserve funds available to the VA for FY 1986 for the purchase of an urban medical facility. Directs the President to include in the budget submitted to the Congress a statement of the estimated expenditures and appropriations required to carry out the pilot program.

Health Professions Educational Assistance Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985

Health Professions Educational Assistance Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 1988 for the following: (1) the Federal health education loan insurance program; (2) health professions student loans; (3) scholarships for students of exceptional financial need; (4) medical school departments of family medicine; (5) area health education centers; (6) training of physician assistants; (7) training programs in general internal medicine and general pediatrics; (8) training programs in family medicine and the general practice of dentistry; (9) educational assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; (10) conversion and curriculum grants; (11) assistance to schools of medicine and other health related professions in serious financial distress; (12) graduate programs in health administration; (13) traineeships for students in specified graduate programs; (14) public health traineeships; and (15) grants for training in preventive medicine. Includes schools of chiropractic as health profession schools eligible to participate in educational assistance programs for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Amends the definition of physician assistants to require an individual trained as such to be qualified to provide primary health care under the supervision of a physician and to have training in disease prevention, health promotion, geriatric medicine, and home health care. Includes colleges and institutions providing additional training in a science related to health care within the definition of a school of allied health. Defines the term "graduate program in clinical psychology" for the purpose of such Act. Makes such programs eligible for the educational assistance program for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Changes the composition of the National Advisory Council on Health Professions Education. Permits the Secretary to use funds appropriated under such Act to provide technical assistance for any authority under such Act. Provides for the recovery of Federal construction assistance under specified circumstances. Requires the transferor of a facility which received such assistance to notify the Secretary of the sale, transfer, or change of use. Prescribes a formula for determining the recoverable amount. Allows the Secretary to waive such recovery for good cause. Requires eligible borrowers under the health education assistance loan program (HEAL) and the health professions student loan program to submit to registration under the Military Selective Service Act. Provides that the repayment of HEAL loans shall begin nine to 12 months after the borrower: (1) ceases to be a participant in an accredited internship or residency program of not more than four years in duration; (2) completes the fourth year of an accredited internship or residency program of more than four years in duration; (3) ceases to carry a full-time academic workload; or (4) ceases to be a participant in a fellowship training program. Allows a two year (formerly three) deferral for service as a full-time volunteer under title I of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. Prescribes the method for determining interest on such loans. Makes students in public or nonprofit schools of public health, chiropractic, or in an accredited graduate program in clinical psychology eligible for health professions student loans. Requires matching funds for the Federal contribution to loans for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Provides for the repayment of such loans to begin one year after the student ceases to pursue a full-time course of study. Allows deferrals for: (1) up to three years for uniformed service or service under the Peace Corps Act; (2) internships and residencies; or (3) up to two years for full-time educational activity directly related to the health profession for which that individual is preparing. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to carry out such Act. Allows a school to assess a charge to cover the costs of insuring against the cancellation of such loan. Allows the school to impose a penalty of up to six percent of the installment payment for the failure to make such payment when due. Authorizes the Secretary to collect any loan under such Act which is in default. Directs the school to make specified loan information available to student borrowers. Requires the Secretary to provide the school with notice of the intention to terminate an agreement under such Act. Provides procedures for appealing such terminations. Provides a stipend of $400 per month for students receiving scholarships for first-year students of exceptional financial need. Limits such scholarship award to the costs of attending a particular educational institution. Directs the Secretary to make grants to schools of public health for the support of education programs. Describes the method for determining the amount of such a grant. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such grants. Imposes certain eligibility requirements for receiving such grants. Gives priority for family medicine instruction grants to applicants that demonstrate a commitment to family medicine. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts with schools of medicine and osteopathy for specified programs through area health education centers. Gives priority for grants for training, traineeships, and fellowships in general internal medicine and general pediatrics to applicants that demonstrate a commitment to general internal medicine and general pediatrics in their medical education training programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the planning, development, and operation of approved advanced educational programs in the general practice of dentistry. Gives priority for such grants to applicants that demonstrate a commitment to family medicine in their medical education training program. Includes public and nonprofit schools of chiropractic and schools with graduate programs in clinical psychology as eligible to participate in the program of education assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Directs the Secretary to make grants to schools which provide the first or last two years of education leading to the doctor of medicine or osteopathy. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts for the following projects: (1) health promotion and disease prevention; and (2) curriculum development and training in health policy and policy analysis. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to schools of veterinary medicine for: (1) the development of curriculum for training in the care of animals used in research; (2) the provision of such training; and (3) large animal care and research. Allows the Secretary to enter into contracts with schools seeking advanced financial distress assistance that submit a plan to achieve financial solvency within six (previously five) years. Eliminates the following current programs; (1) advanced funding; (2) grants for family medicine, training, traineeships, and fellowships, and computer health care demonstrations; (3) education of returning U.S. students from foreign medical schools; (4) occupational health training and education centers; and (5) financial distress grants. Directs the Secretary to include in the report scheduled for October 1, 1987, an analysis of the financial disincentives to graduates of health professions schools which affect the specialty of practice chosen or the decision to practice in an area which lacks an adequate number of health care professionals, and recommendations to correct any such disincentives. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine if health professions schools comply with the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the delivery of inpatient and outpatient health care services to homeless individuals.

A bill to revise and extend the programs of assistance under title X of the Public Health Service Act.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1985

Amends title X (Population Research and Voluntary Family Planning Programs) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for family planning services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for personnel training. States that such personnel training shall include clinical training for obstetric-gynecologic nurse practitioners and training for educators and counsellors. Repeals existing formula grant provisions. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and make grants and contracts for contraceptive development and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations. States that research grants and contracts may be made for improving the clinical management and direct delivery of family planning services. Authorizes the Secretary to make informational and educational grants and contracts available for projects respecting pregnancy, human sexuality, and parenthood. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to collect data annually on: (1) the numbers and age, sex, and family income of persons who receive family planning services; (2) the types of services chosen; (3) the number of low-income persons and teenagers at risk of unintended pregnancies; and (4) the sources of funding for subsidized family planning services in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or contracts for such data collection. Requires that such information be made available to the public.

Ausgaben der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung im ambulanten Bereich und Anzahl der Krankenhauseinweisungen im Jahr 1984 (Bund und Länder) (G-SIG: 10051651)

Germany · German Bundestag · 26 April 1985

Veterans' Health Care Promotion Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985

Veterans' Health Care Promotion Act of 1985 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to determine the most cost-effective method of acquiring medical facilities for the Veterans Administration (VA) using certain specified methods. Requires the Administrator, not later than January 1, 1987, to enter into contracts to carry out the pilot program. Requires such contracts to be with an appropriate entity to construct and operate a nursing home for the VA. Requires the Administrator to enter into a contract with an appropriate entity to plan for, design, and construct a medical facility for the VA and to lease or sell such facility to the VA as directed by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to also acquire two existing medical facilities. Requires the Administrator to provide the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report on the administration of the pilot program and a final report promptly after the termination of such program. Requires the Administrator, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to report to the same such Committees on: (1) the extent to which the VA furnishes respite care to elderly veterans and disabled veterans; (2) the VA's plans for furnishing such care in the future; and (3) an estimate of the cost of increasing community-based nursing home beds available to the VA by specified percentages. Limits the amount of working reserve funds available to the VA for FY 1986 for the purchase of an urban medical facility. Directs the President to include in the budget submitted to the Congress a statement of the estimated expenditures and appropriations required to carry out the pilot program.

National Health Service Corps Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985

National Health Service Corps Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations for the National Health Service Corps Program. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1991 for new and continuing National Health Service Corps scholarships. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from removing an area from those determined to be health manpower shortage areas under such Act until interested groups and persons are afforded the opportunity to provide data and information. Provides, with regard to scholarship-obligated service deferrals for advanced clinical training, that the Secretary: (1) shall grant deferrals upon requests for contracts entered into before October 1, 1985; (2) may grant such deferrals for contracts entered into after such date; and (3) shall not count such periods of advanced training toward satisfying the service obligation. Revises special private practice assistance provisions to: (1) limit such assistance to loans (presently grants and loans); (2) extend the minimum obligated service period from one to two years; and (3) apply such provisions to obligated- and unobligated-service National Health Service Corps members. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees by October 1, 1986, a plan for the recruitment, employment, and retention of personnel for the National Health Service Corps. Authorizes the Secretary to assist States in collecting data related to the designation of health manpower shortage areas. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes through FY 1988.

FDA Approval Labeling Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985

FDA Approval Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved new drugs to include on their label the statement "FDA Approved." Requires that such a drug include such statement on its label if it is manufactured after the 18-month period following the enactment of this Act. Permits the use of such statement in the drugs' advertising and any labeling.

A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide for the therapeutic use of marihuana, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985

Amends the Controlled Substances Act to transfer marihuana from schedule I (abuse potential, no accepted medical use) to schedule II (accepted medical use) under such Act. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an Office for the Supply of Internationally Controlled Drugs, to be responsible for regulating the domestic production and distribution of marihuana. Establishes procedures for the production and use of medical marihuana. Permits the distribution of medical marihuana only to hospitals and pharmacies registered to dispense schedule II controlled substances for the purposes of treating glaucoma or cancer or research approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Provides for a marihuana abuse prevention and information program through the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Health Services Amendments Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985

Health Services Amendments Act of 1985 - Title I: Health Maintenance Organizations - Amends the Public Health Service Act to eliminate the authorization for the following grants and contracts for health maintenance organizations (HMOs): (1) feasibility surveys; (2) planning; and (3) initial development costs. Permits loans and loan guarantees for the initial operating costs of HMOs only to those organizations which received a grant, or loan, or entered into a contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in FY 1981 through 1985. Eliminates authority for loans and loan guarantees for the acquisition and construction of ambulatory health care facilities. Eliminates from financial assistance application requirements the requirement for health systems agency review. Limits borrowing by the loan guarantee fund to cover only guarantees made by the Secretary prior to October 1, 1985. Eliminates the requirement that HMOs periodically demonstrate their compliance with certain quality standards. Directs the Secretary to update the digest of State laws relating to HMOs annually (formerly quarterly). Eliminates specified reporting provisions. Extends the authorization of appropriations through FY 1989 for: (1) grants for training and technical assistance; and (2) meeting the obligations of the loan fund. Title II: Primary Care - Directs the Secretary to prescribe criteria for determining the specific shortages of personal health services of an area or population group. Prohibits the Secretary from designating a medically underserved population or removing such a determination unless the following are given notice and provided an opportunity for comment: (1) the chief executive officer of the State; (2) local officers in the State; and (3) the State organization which represents a majority of community health centers in such State. Permits the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of agreement with a State. Provides that such memorandum may include provisions permitting such State to: (1) analyze the need for primary health services for medically underserved populations; (2) assist in the planning and development of new community health centers; (3) review and comment upon annual program plans and budgets of community health centers; (4) assist communities in the development of clinical practices and fiscal and administrative systems; and (5) share information and data. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988 for such purposes. Limits the expenditure of such appropriations. Directs the Secretary to make payments under allotments to States for: (1) improving access to primary health services for medically underserved populations; (2) improve the delivery of primary health services; and (3) improve the health status of medically underserved populations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such purposes. Sets forth a formula for determining the amounts to be allotted to States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for each fiscal year. Provides that such grants may be used for: (1) providing primary health services to medically underserved populations; (2) research and demonstrations; and (3) developing methods to evaluate medical health services. Prohibits the use of such allotments for: (1) certain administrative purposes; (2) providing inpatient care; (3) cash payments to intended recipients of health services; (4) the purchase or improvement of land, buildings, or other facilities; (5) the purchase of major medical equipment; (6) satisfying any requirement for the expenditure of non-Federal funds; and (7) providing financial assistance to any entity which is not a public or nonprofit entity. Requires each State wishing to receive such an allotment to submit an application to the Secretary. Describes the application procedure. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988 for migrant health centers. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to revise veterans' eligibility for health care from the Veterans' Administration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1985

Revises provisions concerning the provision of hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care and medical treatment to include as eligible for such care veterans: (1) who are former prisoners of war, for any disability; (2) of the Spanish-American War, Indian wars, Mexican border period, or of World War I, for any disability; and (3) for a non-service-connected disability, if such veteran is unable to defray the expenses of necessary hospital or nursing home care. Defines as sufficient evidence to qualify for such health care the fact that a veteran has income and assets, when combined with the income and assets of all those living with him/her in the household, equal to or less than twice the maximum annual rate of pension as provided under veterans' pension provisions. Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations identifying the circumstances under which the Administrator will consider a veteran to be unable to defray expenses of needed care. Outlines provisions to be included in such regulations, including a schedule of unreimbursed medical expense contributions that a veteran will be expected to make before he or she will be deemed unable to defray expenses of needed care.

Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985

Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Persons Act of 1985 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should review and revise its law to ensure that mental health patients receive the protection and services they require. Declares that States should consider the recommendations of the President's Commission on Mental Health in making such revisions. Sets forth a bill of rights for mental health patients which includes the right to: (1) appropriate treatment; (2) an individualized treatment plan; (3) freedom from restraint or seclusion; (4) confidentiality of and access to records; and (5) privacy. Declares that a patient's attorney or legal representative shall have access to: (1) the patient; (2) the facility; and (3) subject to the patient's written authorization, the records. Permits States to apply for an allotment to establish a system to protect the rights of the mentally ill. Requires such a system to include the establishment of an advisory board to advocate the rights of the mentally ill. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe a formula for making such allotments. Directs the Secretary to report on the activities, accomplishments, and expenditures of such systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987. Repeals title V (Mental Health Rights and Advocacy) of the Mental Health Systems Act.

Food, Drug, and Device Amendments of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1985

Food, Drug, and Device Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to combine into a single class I those medical devices currently in class I (for which general controls are sufficient) and class II (for which performance standards are required). Redesignates current class III devices (devices for which premarket approval is required) as class II. Revises procedures for establishing medical device performance standards. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish performance standards for any medical device regardless of its classification. (Under present law, the Secretary may establish performance standards only for class II devices.) Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards by informal notice-and-comment rulemaking in consultation with an appropriate advisory committee. Allows the Secretary to obtain injunctions against the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit drugs and the making, selling, or concealing of the equipment used to make counterfeit drugs. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary, upon request of a manufacturer, certify batches of antibiotics for conformity to applicable standards of identity strength, quality, and purity. Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal requirements that the Secretary: (1) study and report to the Congress on State and Federal control of health hazards from electronic product radiation; and (2) submit an annual report on the administration of the electronic product radiation control program. Repeals the Filled Milk Act.

Cocaine and Health Report Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1985

Cocaine and Health Report Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transmit a report to the Congress, by September 30, 1986, regarding: (1) the health consequences of cocaine use; (2) the number of cocaine users; (3) specified consequences and effects of cocaine use; and (4) appropriate recommendations.

Health Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1985

Health Service Act - Title I: Establishment and Operation of the United States Health Service - Establishes the United States Health Service as an independent agency of the executive branch. Directs the President to appoint an Interim National Health Board to govern the service during the months before a Permanent National Health Board is appointed. Requires the Interim Board to establish health care delivery regions throughout the United States, with an interim regional board for each region which shall in turn establish health care delivery districts and communities. Specifies procedures for the election of community boards by the community users and health care workers, and subsequent appointment of permanent district and regional boards, culminating, by this selection process from the bottom up, in the appointment of the permanent National Health Board from among regional users. Title II: Delivery of Health Care and Supplemental Services - Enumerates the basic health rights which the Service shall ensure in the delivery of services to users, among them: (1) the right to receive high quality health care and supplemental services without charge or discrimination; (2) the right to choose the health facilities from which to receive such services; (3) the right of access to all health information; (4) the right to an explanation of benefits and risks; (5) the right, in the event of terminal illness, to die with a maximum degree of dignity; and (6) the right to legal assistance to enforce these rights. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to entitle each employee of an employer engaged in commerce to one hour of necessary health care services for every 35 hours of employment. Lists the range of services which the Health Service shall provide. Makes all individuals within the United States and its territories eligible to receive them. Requires: (1) each community board to establish community health care facilities providing certain primary and specialized services; (2) each district board to establish a general hospital; and (3) each regional board to establish a regional medical facility with highly specialized services. Specifies additional duties of regional, district, and community boards, including education on personal health matters and environmental monitoring services. Prohibits any individual employed by a health board from engaging in the private delivery of health care services. Title III: Health Labor Force - Makes the Health Service the sole judge of the qualifications of its employees, pre-empting all State or local laws to the contrary. Directs the National Health Board to issue guidelines for the classification, certification, and employment of health workers by job category. Requires each regional board to establish a health team school for the education of health workers in its region. Applies certain Federal standards to labor-management relations within the Service, including collective-bargaining procedures and agreements. Provides for the defense of malpractice and negligence suits brought against Service employees. Title IV: Other Functions of Health Boards - Directs the National Board to establish a health rights legal service program to assist users and workers with legal problems related to health rights and health care services. Requires each regional, district, and community board to set up a health advocacy program to ensure full realization of health rights. Provides a grievance procedure for users and workers before a regional board or the National Board. Directs the National Board to oversee occupational safety and health programs at the regional level and to contribute to the development and administration of standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Requires the establishment of regional occupational safety and health programs and community safety and health action councils (COSHACs). Requires employers to provide a health facility in or near any workplace. Grants employees in any workplace with 25 or more employees the right to establish workplace occupational health and safety committees. Transfers the National Institutes of Health to the National Health Board, and requires the creation of additional National Institutes of: (1) Epidemiology; (2) Evaluative Clinical Research; (3) Health Care Services; (4) Pharmacy and Medical Supply; and (5) Sociology of Health and Health Care. Directs the National Board to formulate one-year and five-year national health plan budgets based on data collected and evaluated by the community, district, and regional boards. Requires the publication of a National Pharmacy and Medical Supply Formulary listing drugs, therapeutic devices and other medical equipment, and a comprehensive dictionary of health care terms for users. Title V: Financing of the Service - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose additional income taxes (health service taxes) on individuals and corporations to finance the health service program. Denies exclusion from gross income of amounts paid by employers on behalf of their employees to accident and health plans which provide insurance for medical expenses covered by this Act. Eliminates income tax deductions for certain health care expenses and charitable contributions to medical and hospital facilities where the services paid for could have been provided by the Health Service. Repeals the hospital insurance tax. Creates in the Treasury the Health Service Trust Fund. Transfers to such Fund all the assets and liabilities of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the National Board to prepare a national health budget for each fiscal year based on plans and budgets submitted annually by the regional, district, and community boards. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes conforming amendments to specified Acts.

Family Planning Amendments of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985

Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through FY 1988 for the following programs: (1) project grants and contracts for family planning services; (2) training grants and contracts; and (3) informational and educational materials.

National Childhood Vaccine Improvement Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985

National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program as an elective alternative remedy to judicial action for specified vaccine-related injuries. Prescribes the contents of any petition for compensation. Grants sole authority to determine eligibility and compensation to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Sets forth injuries deemed vaccine-related for compensation purposes. Sets compensation limits. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct studies on pertussis and rubella vaccines, and develop related information materials. Establishes an Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines to advise the Secretary on the implementation of such program and recommend research priorities and changes in vaccine-related injury standards. Establishes in the Treasury a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. Authorizes FY 1985 funds. Requires the Secretary to establish annual surcharges on vaccine manufacturers to finance the Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an insurance pool to cover injury claims relating to vaccines for which adequate general liability and product liability insurance is unavailable. Provides for Federal reinsurance of insurance companies participating in such a pool. Prescribes a procedure for determining the necessity of and for establishing such a pool. Authorizes the Secretary to establish in the Treasury a National Childhood Vaccine Fund to pay reinsurance claims. Requires health care providers who vaccinate patients and the manufacturers of specified vaccines to keep specified records. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make a pediatric vaccine-risk study; (2) determine the circumstances under which any such vaccine should be delayed or not given; and (3) direct pediatric health care providers to distribute such information to parents and legal guardians. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage the development of vaccines that result in fewer major adverse reactions than those currently on the market; and (2) assure improvements in the vaccine industry to reduce the risks of major adverse reactions. Directs the Secretary to provide grants for the education, treatment, and care of multiple handicapped persons, with priority given to the needs of persons with vaccine-related neurological impairments. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through FY 1990. Entitles any person to commence a civil action against the Secretary where the Secretary allegedly has failed to perform a duty under this Act. Provides for judicial review of the Secretary's regulatory actions in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

Health Care Cost Containment Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1985

Health Care Cost Containment Act of 1984 - Grants an antitrust exemption to health care insurers for the purposes of: (1) acquiring data on health care costs and services; (2) collecting and distributing insurance claims for health care services; and (3) entering into service and cost agreements with health care providers. Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate such joint activities to determine whether they conform to this Act.

Die Haltung der Bundesregierung zum alarmierenden Kostenanstieg im Gesundheitswesen nach der Konzertierten Aktion (G-SIG: 10002387)

Germany · German Bundestag · 29 March 1985

Aussprache auf Verlangen der Fraktion der SPD, unabhängig von einer Fragestunde

Health Care Coordination Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Health Care Coordination Act of 1985 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize any State, subject to a waiver being granted, to establish as a component of its State plan a comprehensive program under which individuals who are eligible for benefits under Medicaid and under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act (other than an individual having end stage renal disease) shall be furnished health care and other services as described by such program. Requires any such program to provide at least the following services: (1) all services for which payment would be made under title XVIII; (2) all medical assistance for which an individual would otherwise be eligible under the State Medicaid plan; (3) case management, including assessments and periodic reassessments; and (4) to the extent the State determines such services to be required by an individual enrolled in the program, homemaker and home health aid services, and adult day health care services. Authorizes a State to provide, in addition, any other community-based services necessary to maintain an enrolled individual in the community who would otherwise be institutionalized. Provides that: (1) a program established under this Act need not be in effect statewide; and (2) in any case in which more than one program is in effect in a State, each program shall be considered independently for purposes of meeting program requirements. Requires all services provided under the program to be provided by providers qualified under title XVIII or XIX. Makes any individual eligible for coverage under the program who is eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare (excluding those with end stage renal disease). Makes enrollment optional with the individual. Prohibits enrollment of any individual who is an inpatient in a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility if more than 25 percent of the individuals enrolled in the program already are inpatients in such facilities. Requires the percentage of individuals enrolled in a program who are disabled or frail elderly individuals to be approximately equal to or greater than the percentage of the population of such individuals eligible under Medicare and Medicaid in the area served by the program. Provides that the amounts and methods of payment under the program may be any one of several specified methods used under titles XVIII and XIX. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant a waiver of Medicaid and Medicare requirements to any State as may be necessary to establish a program or programs if such State provides satisfactory assurances that: (1) the total cost to State and Federal governments will not exceed the total cost which would have been incurred if the program were not in effect; (2) quality of and access to health care under the program will be maintained; and (3) the program meets the requirements of this paragraph. Permits a waiver of: (1) the skilled care, intermittent care, and homebound requirements for the provision of home health services under Medicare; (2) the skilled care and post hospital requirement for extended care under Medicare; (3) Medicaid requirements relating to state coverage, comparability of services, and freedom of choice of providers; (4) any Medicaid or Medicare provision relating to methods and amounts of reimbursement; and (5) specified other Medicare and Medicaid requirements relating to amount and duration of covered services, enrollment fees, premiums, deductions, cost sharing, and similar charges. Requires a State to provide for quality assurance review of any program established under this Act. Directs the Secretary to make payments to a State on a per capita basis with respect to each individual enrolled in a program. Provides that the amount of such payment shall be 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost of institutionalized individuals as determined for purposes of Medicare health maintenance organization reimbursements in the case of any individual who is an inpatient in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility, or who: (1) has been determined to require the level of care provided in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility, but for the provision of home or community-based services under this program; and (2) is dependent on personal assistance on a daily basis for at least two of the following activities: eating, bathing, use of the toilet, transferring to and from bed, or dressing. Requires the State to pay the premium under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII for each individual enrolled in the program. Requires: (1) each State with a program under this Act to report to the Secretary at least annually; and (2) the Secretary to report to the Congress one year after enactment, and then again three years after enactment.

Cocaine and Health Report Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Cocaine and Health Report Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transmit a report to the Congress by September 30, 1986, regarding: (1) the health consequences of cocaine use; (2) the number of cocaine users; (3) specified consequences and effects of cocaine use; and (4) appropriate recommendations.

A joint resolution designating the Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems at the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems at the University of Maryland as the National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Designates the Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems at the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems at the University of Maryland as the National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems.

Federal Health Care Cost Cutting Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Federal Health Care Cost Cutting Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to report to the Congress concerning actions taken to implement the recommendations of the September 1, 1982, GAO report entitled "Millions Can Be Saved Through Better Energy Management in Federal Hospitals." Amends part B (Peer Review of the Utilization and Quality of Health Care Services) of title XI and titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require second opinions with respect to elective surgery procedures.

Medicare Solvency and Health Care Financing Reform Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Medicare Solvency and Health Care Financing Reform Act of 1985 - Adds a new title XXI to the Public Health Service Act entitled "Programs for Reforming the Health Care Financing System." Sets forth part A of such title entitled "State Health Care Programs." Provides that if a State transmits to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, within one year of the enactment of this Act, a statement that the State intends to submit a health care plan (described below), for purposes of making payments to the State under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act the Federal medical assistance percentage shall be 102 percent of such percentage as otherwise determined under Medicaid for such State for up to one year. Directs the Secretary to exempt hospitals in a State from the prospective payment limits established under this Act for certain time periods occurring during the first year of the transition period (defined in part C of title XXI as the 24-month period beginning January 1986) if: (1) the State requests such treatment; (2) the State indicates an intention to have implemented a State plan under title XXI which will provide for a recoupment of any revenues received in excess of the amounts permitted under part A; and (3) the State has agreed, with respect to such hospitals, that if a State plan under this Act is not implemented by the end of the first year of the transition period, then the Secretary shall provide for such adjustment in the prospective payment limits under part I of part B as will provide for recoupment in the subsequent year of any revenues received in excess of amounts permitted. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary for the approval of a health care plan for the State for an initial period of up to three years, subject to disapproval. Authorizes extensions of such initial period for up to two additional years. Provides that, for any one-year period, in the case of any State with an approved plan: (1) the transitional period provisions of subpart I of part B of title XXI shall not apply; (2) requirements for reimbursement (other than those relating to beneficiary cost sharing) under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act shall be waived; and (3) for purposes of making payments to a State under Medicaid the Federal medical assistance percentage shall, for the year the plan is in effect, be 103 percent (or 104 percent in the case of an unrestricted Medicaid plan) of the amount of the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined under Medicaid and 102 percent (or 103 percent in the case of an unrestricted Medicaid plan) for any subsequent year (except for any extension period) of the amount of the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined. Defines "unrestricted Medicaid plan" as a State Medicaid plan which does not impose any limitation on the scope or duration of inpatient hospital services other than requiring that such services be medically necessary. Directs the Secretary to annually review each approved plan. Requires the continued approval, for a certain time, of a plan not in compliance, if the State certifies that it will comply within a stated time period. Permits a further extension of approval if there is a trend towards compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Federal program with respect to hospitals for a State which cannot comply. Requires a State plan, in order to be approved, to meet the general requirements set forth below and, if applicable, certain requirements relating to ratesetting plans. Permits a plan, in meeting the general requirements, to be designed in a manner that meets such requirements through a ratesetting system, a voluntary system, or through the use of competitive mechanisms. Requires a plan to be designed in a manner so as to provide, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that: (1) the amount of the total revenues per discharge for all hospitals in the State for each year beginning before 1987 in which the plan is in effect may not exceed the base general hospital revenues per discharge increased by the sum of the compounded sum of the percentage limits for a year and the previous years for which the State plan was in effect, and the population-discharge factor; and (2) the amount of the total revenues per discharge for all services furnished to hospital inpatients for all hospitals in the State for each year beginning after 1986 in which the plan is in effect may not exceed the sum of the base general hospital revenues per discharge increased by the sum of the compounded sum of the percentage limits for a year and the previous years for which the State plan was in effect, and the population-discharge factor, plus the base physician-related hospital revenues per discharge increased by the sum of the compounded sum of the percentage limits for a year and the previous years for which the plan is in effect and provided for a limitation under this clause (2), and the population-discharge factor. Authorizes a State, at its option, to apply the test specified in clause (2) instead of the test specified in clause (1) with respect to years prior to 1986. Permits a plan, instead of meeting the above requirements, to meet such other alternative test of constraint of health care costs as the Secretary determines will not result in a greater expenditure of funds under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and by private payers than would have been made if the plan met the above requirements. Requires a plan to be designed so as to provide that the amount of revenues for inpatient hospital services and physicians' services to hospital inpatients and individuals entitled to benefits under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII of the Social Security Act may not exceed the amount which would otherwise be payable (including copayments and deductibles) for such services under title XVIII. Permits a plan (other than a plan providing for the establishment of rates of hospital reimbursement for hospital inpatient services) to provide that payment under title XVIII for inpatient hospital services and for other services furnished to hospital inpatients shall continue to be made in the amounts and in the manner otherwise provided under Medicare. Requires that the unreimbursed costs incurred by hospitals in providing services to low-income, uninsured or underinsured patients (other than Medicare or Medicaid patients) be paid pursuant to a plan in an amount which must, in the aggregate, be the same proportion of total revenues as such unreimbursed costs are of total costs of patients who are neither Medicare nor Medicaid patients. Provides that such unreimbursed costs shall be paid through distribution of funds pooled at the statewide level, through a higher payment rate, or through another method approved by the Secretary. Requires a plan to have a mechanism for providing fair hearings for hospitals and any other entities aggrieved by determinations made under the plan. Requires a State to provide for the appointment of a panel, consisting of members with expertise in health care economics and service delivery, to advise in the development and implementation of its plan, periodically review and propose modifications to the plan, and establish the methodology for establishing the percentage limit used to compute hospital revenues. Requires such methodology to include the use of appropriate external price indicators, the use of data from major collective-bargaining agreements for nonsupervisory hospital employees, and other appropriate indicators of wage costs. Requires the methodology to be approved by the Secretary. Requires a plan, to the extent that it provides for meeting plan requirements through a system which provides for the establishment of rates for hospital reimbursement for hospital inpatient services by an entity other than the hospital, to meet the following additional requirements: (1) except as provided in clause (2), the plan must provide equitable treatment of all entities that pay for health services covered under the plan, of hospital employees, and of patients; (2) if the plan is established under State law, the plan must take into account the proportion of costs associated with, and services covered by, the different payors, including Medicare and Medicaid, and may not permit undue shifting of proportions of costs among the different payors; (3) the plan may not make available any discount in price to any purchaser unless the discount accurately reflects economic benefits to a hospital resulting from a service arrangement with a purchaser and the discount is made available to all other purchasers who can satisfy such service; and (4) the plan must provide a procedure whereby, upon the request of a hospital, an adjustment can be considered to the rate limitation applicable under the plan to that hospital to reflect a significant change in the inpatient hospital services, increased costs for the compensation of employees, funds necessary to provide for the efficient operation of a hospital which the State has determined should remain in operation, and higher expenses associated with a regional tertiary care institution, teaching hospital, or children's hospital. Directs the Secretary, in reviewing a plan which provides for control of hospital inpatient costs through a competitive mechanism, to take into account the degree to which the plan provides for the following or other measures to improve price competition among providers: (1) the plan provides for open enrollment periods; (2) the plan provides for the dissemination of information concerning different health benefits plans; (3) the plan encourages innovation and public incentives to new forms of health care delivery and financing; (4) there are negotiated prices and risk-sharing between insurers and health care providers; and (5) the laws of the State do not impose legal barriers to competition in negotiated and other arrangements among insurers and health care providers. Sets forth part B of title XXI entitled "Residual Federal Program, subpart I, Transition Period." Provides that, subject to the provisions of subpart I, for any accounting period of a hospital subject to subpart I, the total revenues for inpatient hospital services may not exceed the total of such revenues that are permitted on the basis of prospective payment limits established under subpart I for the hospital's discharges as classified by diagnosis-related groups. Requires each hospital subject to a limitation on revenues under subpart I to provide for the publication of a price list which establishes the price per discharge which any payor may pay for inpatient hospital services. Requires a hospital to submit its price list to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to determine (for each accounting period) a prospective payment limit for inpatient hospital services for discharges classified by diagnosis-related groups. Sets forth the method for determining and adjusting the limit for each hospital for discharges. Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of a hospital, to increase the allowable revenues for an accounting period or provide for an increase in the base number of discharges otherwise permitted under subpart I to allow for higher revenues than would otherwise be permitted if: (1) a major renovation or replacement of physical plant or significant change in the capacity of the hospital has occurred; (2) the hospital is a sole community provider or provides a disproportionate percentage of its services to low-income or Medicare patients, the hospital would otherwise be insolvent, and the State has determined that the hospital should remain open; (3) a larger revenue increase is needed because the hospital is a regional tertiary care institution, teaching hospital, or children's hospital; and (4) there has been a significant change in the characteristics of the hospital's mix of patients. Subjects a hospital which has total inpatient revenues for an accounting period in excess of its applicable limit to a civil penalty, unless the excess is deposited in an escrow account. Permits withdrawals from the account upon the Secretary's certification that the total inpatient revenues of a hospital for an accounting period fall below the applicable limit for that period. Establishes a civil penalty for a physician or other person or entity (other than a hospital) who has charged any person or entity for services which are required by law to be billed to a hospital. Sets forth provisions relating to notice, opportunity for a hearing, and appeal of such penalties. Prohibits a hospital from engaging in an admission practice that results in: (1) a refusal to admit a patient who is unable to pay for inpatient hospital services; (2) the refusal to admit a patient who would be expected to require unusually costly or prolonged treatment; or (3) the refusal to provide emergency services to any person in need of such services. Sets forth penalties, including exclusion from Medicare or Medicaid participation, for hospitals committing such admissions violations. Sets forth subpart II of Part B entitled "Post-Transition Period." Provides that in the case of a State not having a plan approved under part A and in effect for any period beginning after the transition period, the Secretary shall establish and implement a health care plan for such State for such period which meets the requirements of part A, with specified differences. Sets forth definitions under part C of title XXI. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Health Care Technologies and Procedures. Directs the Advisory Committee to examine the appropriateness of the various interventions and the conditions under which they are needed, the safety and efficacy of alternative therapeutic and preventive regimens, and the standards for availability and utilization of various technologies, and to publicly report on whether or not payments should be made for such services and, if so, under what conditions and frequency of service. Exempts individuals enrolled in health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans from the limits established under title XXI on revenues and discharge of a hospital if: (1) the organization elects such treatment; or (2) the organization annually pays for more than 20 percent of the number of bed-days of care with respect to that hospital. Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to employees' health benefits plans to provide that if an employer makes a contribution with respect to the costs of a health benefits plan of an employee and the employer offers the option of membership in a health maintenance organization or a competitive medical plan, which membership provides benefits at least actuarially equivalent to those provided under the other health benefits plan, the employer shall: (1) contribute at least as much towards the membership as the maximum amount of the employer's contribution to the other plan; (2) provide for a cash rebate if the contribution with respect to any other health benefits plan exceeds the cost of membership with the organization; and (3) provide information to employees that reasonably compares the benefits and costs of different plans. Exempts from the provisions of the previous sentence employees of an employer represented by a collective bargaining representative or other employee representative selected under any law. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans, to provide that the annual per capita rate of payment for each class of members shall be 100 percent in the case of individuals enrolled with an eligible organization in an area where at least 30 percent of the individuals eligible to enroll with an organization are enrolled. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to exempt a health maintenance organization which is a public entity from the requirement that at least 75 percent of its membership be Medicaid eligible or insured under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII or under both parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B of title XVIII. Directs the Secretary, under the prospective payment provisions of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, to provide that in the case of a State health care plan approved under Part A of title XXI of the Public Health Service Act payments with respect to services covered under title XXI: (1) may, at the State's option, be made in accordance with title XXI rather than Medicare; or (2) shall be made in accordance with title XXI rather than Medicare in the case of a plan which provides for the control of hospital costs through a title XXI ratesetting mechanism. Provides for increased Medicare payments to a hospital for its operating costs if the number of admissions for an accounting period exceeds the hospital's admissions during a specified base period. Directs the Secretary to determine a regionally adjusted capital-related prospective payment rate for each inpatient hospital discharge in accordance with a specified formula. Directs the Secretary, for each diagnosis-related group, to estimate the average per discharge amount of charges recognized under part B of title XVIII attributable to items and services furnished to inpatients within such group during 1983. Provides that, subject to the part B deductible and subject to other provisions of the Medicare prospective payment rate provisions, with respect to each individual entitled to benefits under part A and enrolled under part B of title XVIII who is a hospital inpatient and whose discharge is classified within a diagnosis-related group, the Secretary shall provide for payment to the hospital of an amount equal to 80 percent of a specified rate in lieu of payments otherwise made under part B for inpatient services. Requires that: (1) payments for health care services furnished to inpatients be made to or through a hospital as a condition of the hospital's participation in the Medicare payment; and (2) the Secretary provide for notice to the public and to individuals enrolled under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act of such requirement. Permits the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to borrow at any time from other social security trust funds if it can repay the loan within ten years. Provides for the periodic transfer to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of amounts which the Secretary determines to be equal to a specified fraction of the total revenues of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to conduct and report to the Congress on seven studies relating to: (1) health care costs, quality, delivery, and services; and (2) the effects of this Act.

Foods Are Not Drugs Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Foods Are Not Drugs Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exclude from the definition of "drug" and of "food additive" foods for special dietary use.

Employee Health Care Cost Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985

Employee Health Care Cost Reduction Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow trustees of individual retirement accounts maintained for the benefit of employees to extend credit for the payment of medical expenses, with such accounts as security for such credit. Allows such extension of credit only in cases where the individual agrees to accept a high-deductible option under a group health insurance plan offered by the employer of such individual in return for contributions by the employer to such account.

National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985

National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Childhood Vaccine-Injury Compensation Program (Program). Prohibits the filing of a civil action for damages for vaccine-related injuries unless the procedures of this Act have been followed. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe rules governing the content of claims for vaccine-related injuries and procedures for filing such claims. Sets forth deadlines by which: (1) the Secretary must send the claimant and respondent lists of persons eligible to serve on hearing panels; (2) the respondent may join additional respondents; and (3) the claimant and respondent are to select persons for the hearing panel. Provides for the selection and replacement of additional hearing panel members. Permits each respondent to file a consent waiving his or her rights to a judge or jury trial. Allows the hearing panel to hear a claim if each respondent has filed consent. Allows the claimant to file an action for damages in a State or Federal court where none of the respondents have filed such consents. Permits the hearing panel to hear the claim against participating respondents where some, but not all, of the respondents filed consents. Allows the claimant to file an action in a State or Federal court against the nonparticipating respondents. Declares that such court action shall be stayed on any party's motion until the proceedings against the participating respondents are completed. Empowers the hearing panel to determine whether any alleged injuries are vaccine-related and, if appropriate, to award compensation. Sets an aggregate limit of $1,000,000 per person for such awards, including $100,000 for damages arising from pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Allows the claimant to reject the decision of the hearing panel by filing an objection within 60 days. Permits the respondent to appeal the decision of the hearing panel to a Federal district court within 30 days thereafter if no such objection is filed by the claimant. Directs the district court to affirm the hearing panel decision, unless: (1) the decision was procured by corruption or fraud; (2) the hearing panel exceeded its authority; or (3) the hearing panel denied a fair hearing to any party. Permits a claimant who has filed a timely objection to the hearing panel decision to maintain an action for damages in an appropriate State or Federal court. Permits the decision of the hearing panel to be admitted into evidence, unless: (1) the decision was procured by corruption or fraud; (2) the hearing panel exceeded its authority; or (3) the hearing panel denied a fair hearing to any party. Allows a plaintiff to recover a judgment for monetary damages to the full extent provided by State or Federal law where: (1) the respondent did not file a consent pursuant to this Act; or (2) the parties waived compliance with the procedures prescribed by this Act. Limits recovery to the extent provided by this Act where the respondent has filed a consent. Permits a respondent who has paid an award, judgment, or settlement to file a civil action in a U.S. district court seeking to recover all or part of it. Permits third-party impleaders and cross-claims. Allows a party to file an action for contribution or indemnification if that party: (1) did not file a consent pursuant to this Act or waived compliance; and (2) discharged a vaccine-injury claim. Declares that claims filed more than two years after the first manifestation of a vaccine-related injury shall be barred. Defines "covered vaccine" to include vaccines against diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Establishes an Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines to: (1) advise the Secretary on the implementation of the Program; (2) study and recommend ways to encourage the availability of safe and effective vaccines; (3) survey information gathering programs and advise the Secretary on how to obtain useful information; and (4) recommend research. Directs the Secretary to develop parent information materials within one year of enactment of this Act. Describes the information to be included in such materials. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage the development of vaccines that result in fewer major adverse reactions than those currently on the market; and (2) assure improvements in the vaccine industry to reduce the risks of major adverse reactions. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees biennially.

A joint resolution authorizing the President to designate the third week of June 1985 as "National Veterans' Health Care Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the third week of June 1985 as National Veterans' Health Care Awareness Week.

National Home Health Care Clearinghouse Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985

National Home Health Care Clearinghouse Act of 1985 - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services a Home Health Care Clearinghouse to gather and disseminate information concerning the various public and private agencies providing home health care and related services to the elderly. Directs the Clearinghouse to: (1) establish a computerized system for such purposes; and (2) publish current descriptions of home health care services and benefits available to the elderly under the Social Security Act, the Older Americans Act of 1965, and other related laws. Requires a cost report to the Congress within one year. Authorizes appropriations.

A joint resolution designating the Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems at the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems at the University of Maryland as the "National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems".

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985

Designates the Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems at the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems at the University of Maryland as the National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems.

A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to designate the month of January 1986 as "National Eye Health Care Month".

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the month of January 1986 as National Eye Health Care Month.

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to strengthen the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to control the use of drugs which present risks to the public and to secure data on adverse reactions to drugs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose restrictions on the distribution, dispensing, and administration of a prescription drug if such drug poses significant risks to health without such restrictions. Directs the Secretary to require the informed consent of a patient before such patient uses such a drug if it would involve a risk of serious illness or injury. Requires the Secretary to review restrictions every two years to determine if they are still necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to continue to require information from an applicant for a new drug, including its effects on individuals and other clinical experience. Requires the manufacturers of nonprescription drugs to collect, maintain, and report to the Secretary on information on the effects on individuals and other clinical experience with such drugs. Directs the Secretary to establish in the Food and Drug Administration a National Center for Drug Surveillance to maintain the information submitted to it by the drug manufacturers. Grants the Secretary enforcement power concerning the collection and maintenance of such information. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress the information acquired concerning adverse reactions to drugs and the actions taken by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, through the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, to establish and implement a program to encourage physicians, institutional health care providers, and patients to report adverse drug reactions to the Center.

A bill to require that diet drugs containing phenylpropanolamine be dispensed only upon prescription.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985

Requires diet drugs containing phenylpropanolamine to be dispensed only in accordance with the prescription drug requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

A joint resolution directing that the National Institute of Health and the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration receive full funding in fiscal year 1985 for grants for individual investigator-initiated research.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985

Directs that funds be made available from appropriations under the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1985 to enable the National Institutes of Health and the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration to award 7,083 new competitive research grants in FY 1985.

A bill to make it unlawful for an individual to obtain a position as a physician or resident in a hospital receiving Federal funds if the individual's license to practice medicine was obtained through intentional misrepresentations.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985

Prohibits any individual from obtaining a position as a graduate medical student or a physician in any federally funded hospital or medical facility if such individual's license to practice medicine was procured through an intentional misrepresentation of a material fact (including cheating on an examination required for licensing).

Compassionate Pain Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985

Compassionate Pain Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program under which heroin shall be made available to individuals for the relief of pain from terminal cancer. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, to provide for the manufacture of heroin for such program. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations making heroin available for use in such program. Directs the Secretary to assure the purity of such drug. Permits physicians, hospital pharmacies, and hospice pharmacies registered under the Controlled Substances Act to prescribe heroin to terminally ill cancer patients. Requires the registration, by the Attorney General, of: (1) manufacturers of heroin to be used in the program; (2) hospice and hospital pharmacies which dispense such drug; and (3) physicians who prescribe it. Provides penalties for those who knowingly violate regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees regarding: (1) activities under the program; and (2) research and training in pain management funded by the National Institutes of Health. Provides for the program's termination.

Breast Cancer Treatment Informed Consent Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985

Breast Cancer Treatment Informed Consent Act - Requires any State receiving funds under titles V (Maternal and Child Health Block Grant) or XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act or under the preventive health service provisions of the Public Health Service Act to require any physician or surgeon licensed to practice medicine in such State to inform any breast cancer patient of alternative methods of treatment for breast cancer before such treatment is begun. Requires that the patients be informed by means of: (1) a standardized written summary in layman's language and in a language understood by the patient of alternative methods of treatment; and (2) an explanation of the treatment options described in such written summary together with the risks associated with each procedure relative to each patient's particular medical circumstances.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that Medicare be commended on its 20th anniversary for the success of the program in protecting older Americans against the high cost of health care.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985

Commends Medicare on its 20th anniversary.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that local governments should follow the lead established by the village of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, in curbing alcohol consumption by teenagers.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985

Expresses the sense of the Congress that local governments should adopt a parental responsibility liquor ordinance which would make parents and homeowners responsible for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on their premises by individuals under the legal drinking age.

A bill to provide funding for the ACTION Drug Prevention Program in the Department of Health and Human Services out of proceeds received by the Customs Forfeiture Fund and the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1985

Amends the Comprehensive Forfeiture Act of 1984 to make funds available to the Secretary of Health and Human Services from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Customs Forfeiture Fund for the ACTION Drug Prevention Program through FY 1987.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to guarantee or insure loans under such Act in the full amount provided by law.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985

Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make commitments to guarantee or insure authorized loans in the full amount provided by law subject only to: (1) the availability of qualified applicants; and (2) limitations in appropriation Acts.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to clarify the meaning of least restrictive setting for the mentally ill and to require as a condition to the receipt of grants for mental health that States have in effect plans governing the release of individuals in inpatient mental health facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985

Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the meaning of least restrictive setting for the mentally ill for purposes of community mental health grants. Requires States to have plans in effect governing the release of individuals from inpatient mental health facilities in order to receive such grants.

Micronesian Fellowship Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985

Micronesian Fellowship Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide fellowships to U.S. physicians to enable them to: (1) provide health care or health care training in Micronesia; or (2) undertake medical research in Micronesia on the health effects of nuclear weapons testing. Sets a limit of no more than 100 fellowships in any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to provide, upon request, assistance to private professional organizations providing physicians to serve health needs in Micronesia. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988.

A bill to provide that the effectiveness requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act shall not apply to laetrile in certain cases.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt the use of laetrile for the treatment of pain under the direction of a physician from the effectiveness requirements of such Act.

A joint resolution directing that the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration receive full funding in fiscal year 1985 for new and competing research grants.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985

States that appropriations from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 1985 shall be made available to enable the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration to award 583 new and competing research grants.

A bill to permit individuals who received National Health Service Corps scholarships to perform obligated service in such units of the Department of Defense as the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services may determine by agreement.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985

Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit persons who received National Health Service Corps scholarships to perform obligated service in such units of the Department of Defense as the Secretaries of Defense and of Health and Human Services may determine by agreement.

Health Care Catastrophic Loss Prevention Act of 1985

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985

Health Care Catastrophic Loss Prevention Act of 1985 - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) remove the limits on inpatient hospital stays; (2) increase from 100 to 150 days coverage for post-hospital extended care services; (3) reduce the deductible for inpatient hospital services; and (4) reduce coinsurance for post-hospital extended care. Requires the amount of the monthly premium under part A for a year to be an amount such that the aggregate amount of premiums will cover the costs to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of such additional benefits and reduced deductibles and coinsurance. Provides that if an individual has a private insurance plan that would cover the additional benefits provided by this Act, then that individual will not be entitled to the additional benefits provided through part A and shall not be required to pay a premium under part A for such benefits. Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII to permit any individual enrolled under part B to pay a premium which would provide catastrophic benefits. Requires the individual to have incurred a specified amount of out-of-pocket expenses annually before the catastrophic benefits are payable. Requires the premiums under part B for a year to be an amount that will cover the costs to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of such additional benefits. Provides for automatic enrollment for such benefit when an individual enrolls under part B, unless an individual notifies the Secretary of Health and Human Services that he or she does not wish to be enrolled. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Commission on Long-Term Care Services to conduct a study of extended care services. Requires the Secretary to report the results of the study to the appropriate House and Senate committees.

Indian Health Care Amendments of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1985

Indian Health Care Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for specified Indian health programs for FY 1986 through 1989, including scholarship programs and continuing education allowances. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) from denying scholarship assistance solely on the basis of an applicant's scholastic achievement if such applicant has been admitted to, or maintained good standing at, an accredited health professions institution. Directs the Secretary to grant Indian Health Scholarships to Indians enrolled full-time in certain schools for health professionals. States that the active duty service requirements of the Public Health Service can be met by specified services, including: (1) service under a contract pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; and (2) the private practice of a health professional if such practice is in a health professional shortage area and addresses the health care needs of a substantial number of Indians. Title II: Health Services - Enumerates the health services for which the Secretary is authorized to expend Indian Health Care Improvement Fund appropriations. Prohibits the use of such funds to offset or limit appropriations made under other Acts. Conditions the allocation of such funds upon the health resource deficiency level of the affected Indian tribes. Allocates such funds on a service unit basis. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a current health services priority system report, including the methodology for determining tribal health resources deficiencies, and the funds needed to raise all service units to a zero level deficiency. Directs the Secretary to establish a review mechanism for tribal petitions regarding the health resource deficiency level of a tribe. Requires the Secretary to provide a current update of tribal specific health plans. Requires at least one percent of the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund appropriation to be expended for research. Makes programs administered by tribal organizations under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act eligible for specified funds on an equal basis with programs administered directly by the Indian Health Service. Directs the President to include with the submission of the budget a separate statement which specifies the amounts obligated to implement enumerated health services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 for specified health services. Designates such appropriations the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund. Establishes an Indian Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund to meet extraordinary medical costs for victims of disasters or catastrophic illness. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the competitive procurement requirements for health services upon certification by the responsible Chief Medical Officer that such requirements would compromise the quality of health services. Title III: Health Facilities - Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a health facilities priority system report regarding the construction or renovation needs of the ten top priority inpatient and ambulatory care facilities. Requires the Secretary to consult with any Indian tribe that might be affected by an expenditure for health facilities before the Secretary makes a commitment for such an expenditure. Conditions the closure of any health care facility upon the Secretary's submission to the Congress of an impact assessment one year prior to the contemplated closing. Enumerates the data to be included in such assessment. Directs the Secretary to implement a ten-year plan to provide safe water and sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal facilities to Indian homes and communities. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the Indian Health Service's current Indian sanitation facility priority system and the funds needed to raise all communities or tribes to a zero level of deficiency. Authorizes specified appropriations to provide sanitation facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance for the operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities, utility organizations, and emergency repairs of sanitation facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Authorizes tribes to expend certain non-Indian Health Service funds for the renovation of Indian health facilities, subject to specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to exchange certain real property with the Bethel Native Corporation (Alaska). Specifies conditions under which the Secretary is required to negotiate an agreement to sell to such corporation a specified Service hospital and appurtenant facilities. Conditions such sale upon a lease-purchase agreement whereby the Corporation shall purchase the hospital and its facilities and the Service shall lease and operate such hospital and its facilities. Title IV: Access to Health Services - Extends the authorization for specified appropriations for grants and contracts with tribal organizations from FY 1986 through 1989. Title V: Urban Indian Health Services - Directs the Secretary to contract with urban Indian organizations to administer health services programs in urban areas. Sets forth specified requirements to be included in such contracts. Details eligibility criteria for the selection of such organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to determine the health status and unmet health care needs of urban Indians in affected urban areas. Delineates the requirements of such contracts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop evaluation procedures for the performance of such contracts; and (2) conduct annual onsite evaluations of each contracting urban Indian organization. Prescribes guidelines for the renewal of health care or referral services contracts. Prohibits renewal of contracts for determination of unmet health needs if their performance has been non-compliant or otherwise unsatisfactory and problems cannot be resolved. Requires certain reports to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 for purposes of carrying out such contracts. Title VI: Organizational Improvements - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services the Office of Indian Health Service to administer all Indian health programs and authorities assigned to the Secretary or the Surgeon General, including such programs and authorities under this Act and other specified Acts. Places the Office of Indian Health Service under the direction of an Assistant Secretary for Indian Health who shall be responsible for the conduct and operation of Indian health matters. Transfers the Indian Health Service to the Office of Indian Health Service (thus terminating the Indian Health Service as part of the Health Resources and Services Administration). Provides that the assignment of commissioned corps personnel to service within the Office of Indian Health Service shall not be affected except as specifically provided in this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish an automated management information system for the Indian Health Service. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into legal agreements with Indian tribes or tribal organizations in order to provide compensation for facility space costs associated with the administration and delivery of health services by the Indian Health Service or tribally operated programs. Directs the Secretary to coordinate efforts with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Education to develop programs to combat alcohol and drug abuse among Indian juveniles, including preventive education programs in schools operated by or under the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse within the Indian Health Service. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the Office of Technology Assessment, to conduct a study of health hazards faced by Indians and Indian miners exposed to nuclear resource developments on or near Indian communities. Directs the Secretary and the Indian Health Service to develop a health care plan which addresses the results of such study. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress both the health hazard study and the ensuing health care plan, within certain times. Authorizes appropriations for such study. Extends from FY 1984 to 1989 the time during which Arizona is designated as a contract health service delivery area. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Extends eligibility for health services of specified Indians in the State of California from FY 1984 through 1988. Establishes eligibility guidelines for certain California Indian and for certain persons who are otherwise ineligible for medical benefits provided by either the Indian Health Service or by tribes contracting with the Service. Designates the State of California as a contract health service delivery area. Lists programs eligible for Indian Health Service funds. Restricts circumstances under which the Secretary may remove a member of the National Health Service Corps who is performing obligated service in a health facility operated by or under the Indian Health Service. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary must develop and implement a plan to reduce Indian infant and maternal mortality rates to that of the general population. Directs the Secretary to provide contract health services to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians who reside in the Trenton Service Area of specified counties in the States of North Dakota and Montana.