Healthcare

A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to request the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study concerning standardizing certain tests for determining potential carcinogenicity, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to request the National Academy of Science to conduct a study regarding the desirability of developing a Federal policy for the determination of the potential carcinogenicity in man of chemicals tested primarily in nonhuman test systems through the standardization of certain tests.

Drug Regulation Improvement Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979

Drug Regulation Improvement Act of 1979 -- Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow submission of a comprehensive summary of investigations in lieu of full reports in the application for approval of a new drug. Specifies the general contents of such a summary. Authorizes an unsuccessful applicant to request a review of a disapproved application by an advisory committee composed of representatives of consumer and health care provider interests and qualified scientific experts. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations requiring any person who intends to conduct a drug research investigation to obtain a drug research registration before dispensing, or allowing to be dispensed, a drug as part of the investigation. Directs the Secretary to determine categories of investigations, and to authorize review of applications and issuance of registrations by institutions primarily engaged in health care research or delivery (excluding an establishment engaged in the manufacture or distribution of a drug for commercial purposes).

National Commission on Alcoholism and Alcohol-Related Problems Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1979

National Commission on Alcoholism and Alcohol-Related Problems Act - Establishes a part-time National Commission on Alcoholism and Alcohol-Related Problems to study alcoholism and alcohol- related problems, including enumerated areas. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the President and Congress within two years of its initial organization.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for occupational therapy services, whether furnished as a part of home health services or otherwise.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for occupational therapy services under the supplementary medical insurance program.

A bill to amend the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979

Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend from 18 months to 54 months after the date of enactment the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not take specified actions to restrict the continued use of saccharin or of any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin.

Child Health Assurance Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979

Child Health Assurance Act of 1979 - Title I: Child Health Assurance Program; Medicaid Eligibility of Poor Children - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a State's Medicaid program to provide medical assistance to any individual under the age of 18 whose resources do not exceed specified levels. Requires a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX to provide for a child health assurance program (CHAP). Requires each such program to: (1) assure the availability to each eligible child of child health assessments which may only be performed by a health care provider who has entered into a specified written agreement with a State; (2) provide, with respect to certain medical services, for the continuing care of eligible children; (3) assure that all eligible children are informed of the need for and availability of dental services, and are referred to providers of such care and services on a timely and periodic basis; and (4) provide "outreach" to children eligible for assessments. Requires a State's Medicaid program to provide the following services for individuals under the age of 18: (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) outpatient hospital services; (3) rural health clinic services; (4) certain laboratory and X-ray services; (5) child health assessment services and the continuing care services of a CHAP; (6) immunizations; (7) prescribed drugs and insulin; (8) diagnosis and treatment of vision and hearing problems, including eyeglasses and hearing aids; (9) certain mental health services; (10) routine dental care services; and (11) physicians' services furnished by a physician. Exempts the individuals eligible for such services from any enrollment fee, premium, deductible, cost sharing, or similar charges with respect to any such services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations establishing a formula for measuring the effectiveness of a State's CHAP. Directs the Secretary to publish a formula to determine a State's Federal medical assistance percentage for ambulatory care and services for children based on the effectiveness of its program. Directs the Secretary to evaluate at least biannually the effectiveness of each State's program based on specified standards. Requires States under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to inform all families receiving AFDC benefits of the availability of child health assurance services under title XIX. Title II: Medicaid Eligibility of Pregnant Women - Requires a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX to make medical assistance available for care and services provided during pregnancy and for 60 days following the termination of pregnancy to women whose resources do not exceed specified levels. Title III: Effective Dates; Regulations - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.

A bill to permit the introduction or delivery for introduction of laetrile into interstate commerce without the approval of a new drug application under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit the introduction, or delivery for introduction, of laetrile (amygdalin) into interstate commerce without the approval of a new drug application.

Medicare Reform Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979

Medicare Reform Act of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health care services under such title. Eliminates prior hospitalization as a condition of eligibility for home health care services under part A (Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such title. Eliminates confinement to home as a requirement for receiving home health care services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such title. Includes "periodic chore services" within those home health services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program. Eliminates the requirements that the months be consecutive in the 24-month Medicare waiting period for railroad retirement disability beneficiaries or old-age, survivors, and disability insurance beneficiaries who are disabled to be eligible for Medicare hospital care benefits. Eliminates payment of the $60 deductible under the Medicare program. Allows reimbursement under the Medicare program for services furnished in qualified community mental health centers and comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation centers. Authorizes payment under the Medicare program for: (1) occupational therapy services; (2) the removal of corns; warts and calluses on the feet; (3) all services of a doctor of dentistry for which such doctor is legally authorized to perform; and (4) eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures; and examinations for the purpose of prescribing such articles.

Veteran Senior Citizen Health Care Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979

Veteran Senior Citizen Health Care Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the increasing demand for geriatric and extended health care and medical services being placed on the Veterans' Administration (VA) hospital system; and (2) to make the VA hospital system foremost in the area of geriatric health care and the repository of gerontology medical knowledge. Directs that within the Office of the Chief Medical Director of the VA one Assistant Chief Medical Director shall be doctor of geriatrics, and shall be responsible for the VA's geriatric services. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to designate 15 VA hospitals as demonstration centers of geriatric research, education, and clinical operations. Stipulates that such centers shall operate until September 30, 1983. Directs the Administrator to provide that: (1) each hospital operating as a geriatric center on the date of enactment of this Act be designated as the location for a demonstration center; (2) the desirability of designating hospitals which are affiliated with an accredited medical school having an organized geriatrics program; and (3) such designated hospitals be geographically dispersed across the United States. Directs the Administrator to establish a Geriatrics and Extended Care Task Force within the VA's Special Medical Advisory Group. Stipulates that such Task Force shall assess: (1) the VA's capability to provide geriatric services on a sustained and growing basis to eligible veterans; and (2) the current and projected needs for geriatric and extended health services among eligible veterans. Requires such Task Force to submit a report to the Administrator and the Special Medical Advisory Group within 18 months after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Administrator to transmit such report (within 90 days of receipt), along with any comments, to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees. Requires a final report to be submitted by such Task Force within four years after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of: (1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1980; (2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1981; (3) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1982; and (4) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1983.

Medicare Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979

Medicare Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to home health care services to eliminate: (1) the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to such services; (2) prior hospitalization as a condition of eligibility for such services; and (3) the $60 deductible. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe regulations which prohibit a physician who has a significant financial relationship with a home health agency from certifying that the services of such agency are required for any individual, and from establishing and reviewing a plan for furnishing such services to such individuals. Requires home health aides to complete a training program approved by the Secretary. Repeals provisions of title XVIII which prohibit the classification, as a home health agency, of a private organization which is not a nonprofit organization unless licensed pursuant to State law. Eliminates the requirement of consecutive months in the 24-month Medicare waiting period for railroad retirement disability beneficiaries, or old-age, survivors and disability insurance beneficiaries who are disabled, to be eligible for Medicare hospital care benefits. Authorizes the President under title XVIII, to enter into agreements establishing reciprocal arrangements between the health insurance program established by such title and the program of any foreign country under which similar services are provided directly to entitled individuals or under which insurance is provided to meet all or part of the expenses of entitled individuals for health services. Requires that any such agreement specify: (1) the nature and extent of payment to be made to or on behalf of individuals entitle to benefits; (2) limitations on the nature and duration of health services and on entitlement of individuals to benefits on a reciprocal basis under an agreement in the United States and in the foreign country;(3) limitations on entitlement of individuals to benefits; and (4) the methods by which the cost of providing health services on a reciprocal basis shall be shared by the United States and the foreign country. Directs the Secretary to make rules and regulations and to establish procedures which are reasonable and necessary to implement and administer any agreement which has been entered into in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into interim arrangements with any hospital in a foreign country which is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, or such other hospitals as the Secretary finds meets specified health and safety standards. Provides Medicare coverage for: (1) all services performed by a dentist which would be covered if performed by a physician; and (2) inpatient hospital services furnished because of the severity of the dental procedure. Authorizes payments under the Medicare program for the cutting or removal of warts on the feet. Allows reimbursement under the Medicare program for services furnished in qualified community mental health centers and comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation centers. Restricts payment for optometrists' services under Medicare to services related to the treatment of aphakia. Directs the Secretary to make recommendations with respect to providing Medicare coverage for the treatment of cataracts and for other services which optometrists may perform. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out demonstration projects to permit reimbursement under title XVIII for services provided by hospices offering comprehensive health service. Directs the Secretary to study methods for providing Medicare coverage for orthopedic shoes. Authorizes payment under the Medicare program for antigens prepared by a physician. Authorizes the Secretary to make payments of such benefits as are necessary to correct the effect of an unintentional or erroneous transfer of an individual from an approved hospital or skilled nursing facility. Includes rural health facility of 50 beds or less within the definition of the term "hospital, under title XVIII." Makes special provisions with respect to nursing services, health, fire, and safety requirements for such facilities. Recognizes podiatrists as physicians for purposes of physician certification and participation in utilization review, where consistent with State law and policies of the health care institutions involved. Allows a speech pathologist, as well as a physician, to establish the plan of treatment for speech pathology services. States that where services are provided for which payment may be made under the Medicare program to an individual who has died and the persons who provided the services do not agree that the reasonable charge is the full charge for the services, payment shall be made on the basis of an itemized bill. Repeals provisions of the Medicare program concerning the presumed coverage for extended care facilities and home health care in specified circumstances. Repeals the existing provisions under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII under which payment to a provider of services shall be the lesser of the reasonable cost of such services or the customary charge with respect to such services, and provides that payment to a provider shall now be based upon the reasonable cost of such services. Limits to a maximum of 30 percent the amount by which the premium for voluntary participation in Medicare insurance may be increased due to late enrollment. Repeals the prohibition against enrolling more than twice in the Supplementary Medical Insurance Program (part B of title XVIII). Authorizes Medicare coverage for certain services furnished by: (1) chiropractors; and (2) clinical psychologists to certain hospital inpatients. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out demonstration projects to determine how to make the services of clinical social workers more generally available under the Medicare program.

A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act with respect to the status of Professional Standards Review Organizations and Statewide Professional Standards Review Councils.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979

Amends part B (Professional Standards Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to provide that no Professional Standards Review Organization and no statewide Professional Standards Review Council shall be considered an agency of the United States Government for purposes of the Administrative Procedure Act.

National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979

National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to establish a National Digestive Diseases Education and Information Clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information respecting digestive diseases and to serve as a national educational resource for patients with digestive diseases. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to medical schools for education and training programs in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of digestive diseases. Establishes a 24-member part-time National Digestive Diseases Advisory Board to advise on the coordination of Federal agencies' efforts in the implementation of the long- range plan of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases, among other specified functions. Terminates such Board on September 30, 1982.

A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to provide that a Professional Standards Review Organization shall not be considered to be an agency of the Federal Government.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979

Amends the Social Security Act to stipulate that a Professional Standards Review Organization shall not be considered to be an agency of the Federal Government by reason of the functions performed by such organization under the Act.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include the cost of drugs requiring a doctor's prescription among the medical expenses with respect to which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for prescription drugs and biologicals under the supplementary medical insurance program.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include dental care, eye care, hearing aids, physical checkups, and foot care among the items and services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program, and to provide safeguards against consumer abuse in the provision of these items and services.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for one comprehensive physical examination a year, dental care including dentures, eye examinations including eyeglasses, hearing aids including examination, and treatment of foot conditions. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to take steps to eliminate unnecessary or excessive medical appliance expenditures under the Medicare program by implementing appliance leasing, auditing of medical appliance manufacturers and providers, and by cross-referencing prevailing medical appliance rates. Includes under the term "medical appliance" hearing aids, eyeglasses, dentures, and similar health aids. States that the Federal Trade Commission should continue and increase scrutiny of the medical appliance industries in the interest of consumer protection. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare should provide increased assistance to encourage the continuing education and training of hearing specialists, clinical audiologists, and physicians to improve the quality of hearing care, and to encourage the provision by State and local governments of more and better hearing care for the elderly, including a network of examination and treatment sites.

National Home Health Clearinghouse Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979

National Home Health Clearinghouse Act of 1979 - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Home Health 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 Federal services and benefits available to the elderly under the Social Security Act, the Older Americans Act of 1965, and other related laws.

A bill to amend the Community Mental Health Centers Act to provide for further research and services with regard to victims of rape.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979

Amends title II of the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 (Community Mental Health Centers) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape, to provide financial and technical assistance to State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations for rape prevention and treatment services, including training programs in counseling techniques, direct treatment, community education, transportation cost, self-help programs, telephone systems, emergency shelter programs, and demonstration projects.

Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979

Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health care services under such title. Includes "periodic chore services" within those home health services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program (Part B of title XVIII). Eliminates the $60 deductible under the supplementary medical insurance program with respect to home health services. Includes services by a community mental health center among the benefits provided under the medicare program for up to: (1) 10 outpatient visits per year; and (2) 60 partial hospitalization visits per year. Stipulates that in determining the 190-day limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services under the Medicare program, one day shall be included for every four partial hospitalization visits to a community mental health center. Sets forth the conditions and limitations on payments for community mental health center services.

Medicare Long Term Care Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979

Medicare Long-Term Care Act of 1979 - Repeals existing provisions for post-hospital home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes, within the hospital insurance program of such title, a program of long-term care benefits to be provided for aged and disabled individuals including all recipients of supplemental security income benefits and to be financed without additional cost to such individuals, through the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, from funds appropriated by the Federal Government. States that the benefits provided to an individual by such program shall consist of: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker services; (3) nutrition services; (4) long-term institutional care services; (5) day care and foster home services; and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Requires that, to the maximum extent possible, such benefits shall be provided by or through community long-term care centers, as defined in this Act; and, in any case where a State has an agency which performs the functions of planning and developing such centers and overseeing their operation the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make grants to the State or State agency to reimburse it for expenses incurred in the performance of such functions. Directs the Secretary to pay 75 percent of the amount expended by a State for the operation of a State long-term care agency. Enumerates the functions of such an agency. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (A) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (B) who resides in the area served by such center and (C) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) perform such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act, including the services to be provided by community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary to develop and promulgate to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations setting forth the standards of care for homemaker and nutritional services. Establishes the Federal Advisory Council on Long-Term Care. Sets forth the qualifications of the five members of such Council. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Secretary on regulations under this Act and on matters of general policy with respect to this Act. States that no regulations of the Secretary under this Act shall become effective unless they have first been approved by the Council. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Authorizes the appropriation to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of such sums as the Secretary considers necessary for any fiscal year for the purposes of the program created by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with institutions to meet the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing long-term health care.

A bill to amend Title 18, United States Code to provide guidance to law enforcement officers and others regarding the confidentiality of medical records.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1979

Prohibits the disclosure to any person of: (1) medical information with a patient identifier; (2) a patient identifier; or (3) medical information if there is reason to believe that the recipient may have a patient identifier for such information. Requires medical service providers to notify patients of the disclosures of medical information that may be made without the patient's authorization. Sets forth the procedure by which a patient may consent to the disclosure of medical information. Prohibits the disclosure of medical information without the patient's consent, except in specified circumstances, including employee use, audits and evaluations, statutory requirements, bona fide medical emergencies, health research, and pursuant to administrative or judicial subpoenas. Stipulates that prescriptions for drugs shall be considered confidential and subject to this Act. Requires all nonoral disclosures of medical information to warn against unauthorized disclosure. Provides civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs medical service providers to allow the patients full access to their medical records. Requires such service providers to establish procedures which allow patients to challenge and correct their medical records.

Drug Regulation Reform Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979

Drug Regulation Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the definition of "person" subject to the coverage of the Act to include an agency of government. Establishes civil penalties for any violation of such Act and criminal penalties for negligent commission of prohibited acts. Requires any new drug to meet standards of identity, stability, and bioavailability, as well as of strength, quality, and purity. Requires drug manufacturers and distributors to prepare information labeling for patients containing: (1) a summary of the benefits and risks of use of a drug; (2) adequate directions for use; and (3) information about proper storage and handling. Requires pharmacies to keep a book available to patients containing the labeling information for the 100 most frequently sold prescription drugs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education,and Welfare to require retail drug sellers to post the retail prices of designated prescription drugs. Requires manufacturers and distributors to prepare information labeling for practitioners regarding indications, contraindications, and other pertinent matters. Directs the Secretary to afford private organizations the opportunity to prepare, publish, and distribute an index of all prescription drugs and revisions thereof; and if, at the end of three years following enactment, no private index is forthcoming, to prepare one with drugs arranged by diagnostic and therapeutic categories and listed by established name. Permits the Secretary, by order, to require adequate notification to patients, practitioners, and all other necessary persons regarding any substantial risk of illness or injury posed by a drug, if such notification is an effective means to eliminate or reduce such risk. Authorizes the Secretary to disseminate information regarding the safety, effectiveness, and proper use of drugs, and to determine therapeutically equivalent or nonequivalent prescription drugs. Specifies requirements for any promotion labeling issued by or on behalf of a drug manufacturer or any other person under whose proprietary name the drug is distributed. Prohibits the provision of any services or transfer of any property worth more than $5.00 by a manufacturer or distributor with the intent to influence any specified person to buy, prescribe, or dispense one or more particular drugs. Prohibits the distribution of free samples by a manufacturer or distributor, except in specified circumstances. Prohibits any pharmacist or agent from disclosing any prescription information to any person except the patient, the practitioner, another pharmacist for purposes of filling or refilling it, or a State or Federal officer or employee under certain circumstances. Prohibits manufacturers and distributors from obtaining or attempting to obtain prescription information. Changes the ground for immediate suspension of approval of a drug application from "imminent hazard to the public health" to "unreasonable risk of illness or injury to any segment of the population." Requires clinical investigators to obtain voluntary informed consent, in writing, of all human beings, or their representatives, to whom a drug is administered in order to investigate the benefits and risks of such drug. Directs the Secretary to issue written, non-mandatory guidelines regarding protocols and methods for conducting drug investigations. Specifies factors of the health benefits versus risks analysis required for the determination of the safety of a drug. Requires the Secretary to approve the application for a drug proven safe but not proven effective if it is to be prescribed to treat a life-threatening or severely debilitating condition, there is no other effective method of treatment, and there is significant, if not substantial, scientific evidence that such drug is effective. Eliminates existing specified requirements for the certification of drugs containing insulin and antibiotic drugs. Allows the Secretary discretion to impose specified additional requirements as a condition for approval of any drug application. Authorizes the appointment of advisory committees to assist in making the determinations authorized by such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to subpoena witnesses and records in any matter relating to implementation or enforcement of such Act. Allows the manufacture for export, or export of, a drug without an export permit if it is manufactured, packaged, labeled, and distributed in compliance with specified requirements. Title II: National Center for Drug Science - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the National Center for Drug Science, with a Division of Policy and Research and a Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Training. Directs the Center to conduct an ongoing program of drug science policy research, either directly or by grant or contract, and an ongoing review and analysis of drug use in the United States which shall result in an annual Drug Experience Assessment Report. Directs the Director of the Center to make grants to schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, nursing and training centers for allied health professions for the expansion of existing programs and the establishment of new programs. Authorizes appropriations for demonstration projects, traineeships, and fellowships. Establishes a National Advisory Board on Drug Science to assist the Director and to review and comment on the activities of the Center. Title III: Establishment of the Food and Drug Administration - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the Food and Drug Administration. Transfers to the Administration specified functions under specified Acts.

A bill to extend for one fiscal year the current authorization of appropriations for programs of assistance under the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979

Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to extend through fiscal year 1980 the current level of authorization of appropriations for programs of assistance under such Acts. Requires that at least ten percent of the funds appropriated be obligated for primary prevention programs. Encourages the development of prevention and treatment programs for women and the elderly.

Health Planning and Resources Development Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979

Health Planning and Resources Development Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Revision of Health Planning Authority - Amends title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Planning and Development) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review annually the national guidelines for health planning promulgated under such Act. Requires the Secretary to determine whether health care delivery systems are meeting the standards and goals set forth in such guidelines and to publish periodically a summary of changes in resources needed to meet such goals. Directs health systems agencies (HSAs) and State health planning and development agencies (State Agencies) to provide such data as will enable the Secretary to carry out such duties. Adds to the list of subjects deserving priority consideration in the formulation of national health planning goals: (1) the discontinuance of duplicative or unneeded services and facilities; (2) the adoption of policies to contain the rising costs of health care delivery; (3) the improvement of mental health care, including eliminating of inappropriate placement of persons with mental health problems in institutions and emphasizing outpatient mental health services by assuring access to community mental health centers; and (4) the development and use of cost saving technology. Requires that at least one voting member of the National Council on Health Planning and Development be an administrator of a private hospital. Sets forth a finding that extensive coverage of health services, particularly inpatient services, and the prevailing method of third-party payment for health services have diminished the effect of market forces on the supply of services and have encouraged excessive use of services and facilities. States that the HSAs and State Agencies should perform their functions with regard to the extent to which such market forces appropriately allocate the supply of services. Revises the procedures for the redesignation of health service area boundaries, including redesignation if the boundaries of the proposed health service area would better meet certain current requirements. Eliminates the provision which gives priority for designation of health service areas which formerly had an areawide Comprehensive Health Planning Agency under previous health planning authority. Revises the status of Puerto Rico for the purposes of the health planning program by bringing it under the special provision which allows the State Agency to perform the functions of the HSA. Extends from one to three years the period of the designation and redesignation of an HSA. Revises the procedures for the designation and termination of HSAs, including requiring the Secretary to: (1) give priority to an application for HSA designation which has been recommended by the Governor; (2) permit the appropriate State Agency to comment on the performance of an HSA before its designation is renewed; and (3) consult with the Governor and the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) before terminating an HSA's designation. Authorizes the Secretary, after consultation with the National Council on Health Planning and Development, to terminate a designation agreement with an HSA under certain circumstances. Revises the criteria for the determination by the Secretary of the amount of the grant to be made in each fiscal year to each HSA. Sets forth a declining per capita funding formula. Increases the minimum planning grants to HSAs. Allows grants made to designated State Agencies for rate regulation and which are unobligated in the fiscal year for which they were made to be used in the succeeding fiscal year. States that the HSA governing body members who are residents of the health service area "shall include" individuals representing the principal social, economic, linguistic, handicapped, and racial populations and geographic areas and major purchasers of health care (replacing the current provision that such members be "broadly representative" of such groups). Permits providers whose principal place of business is in a health service area to be members of such HSA's governing body. Revises the provider categories with respect to HSA governing body composition to require the representation of podiatrists, physician assistants, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and an accredited school of medicine which may be in the health service area. Increases from one-third to one-half the proportion of the providers of health care who are members of the governing body or executive committee of an HSA who must be direct providers of health care. Makes additional revisions in the composition of an HSA governing body, including that the membership consist of individuals knowledgeable about mental health services and representative of: (1) any qualified health maintenance organizations which may be in the health service area; and (2) the Veterans Administration if the area has at least one VA health care facility. Stipulates that consumers on HSA governing bodies cannot have been "direct" health care providers within the 12 months preceding appointment, instead of "health care providers" as currently provided. Redefines "provider of health care" for purposes of the Act. Requires that subcommittees of advisory groups of HSA boards have a consumer majority. Directs each HSA to establish and make public a process for the selection of the members of its governing body and any subarea advisory councils which assures: (1) selection in accordance with current composition requirements; and (2) the opportunity for, and encouragement of, broad participation of the residents of the HSA. Requires such process to limit the selection of consumer and provider members by other members of such body or councils. Extends the immunity from damages currently given HSA employees to the HSA itself, but excepts from such immunity bodily injuries and physical damages to property. Excepts from the current requirement that HSA governing body meetings be public, meetings dealing with information of a personal nature or relating to the agency's participation in a judicial proceeding. Requires each HSA to have an identifiable program of providing assistance to the members of a governing body or other decision-making entity. Provides that at least one member of the HSA staff shall be responsible for assisting the consumer members of the HSA governing body. Authorizes HSA governing bodies to make advances to HSA members for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of HSA duties. Prohibits any member of a governing body of an HSA or any member of a SHCC from voting on any matter with which such member has any substantial ownership, employment, fiduciary, contractual, creditor, or consultative relationship. Requires HSA staff to have, to the extent feasible, expertise in financial and economic analysis and disease prevention. Adds to the functions of a SHCC the establishment of a uniform format for health systems plans (HSPs). Adds to the material to be included in the HSP goals for the delivery of mental health services. Requires the HSP and the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) to include a statement of changes in personnel, facilities, and other resources which are necessary to meet the agency's objectives. Requires that each State Agency determine statewide health needs after consultation with appropriate State authorities. Requires an HSA to conduct a public hearing on the establishment or revision of its AIP and to give interested parties an opportunity to submit their views orally and in writing. Provides for Indian self-determination as related to health planning. Eliminates the requirement that the HSP of an HSA be consistent with the national guidelines issued by the Secretary, but requires the HSA to submit to the State Agency and the SHCC a detailed statement of reasons for any inconsistencies between its HSP and AIP and such guidelines. Authorizes the Governor of a State to disapprove the State health plan approved by the SHCC upon a determination that the plan does not effectively meet the statewide health needs determined by the State Agency. Changes the frequency of the HSA, State Agency, and SHCC reviews from annually to biennially. Requires plans established under the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to be consistent with the State health plan, and conditions grants made under the Community Mental Health Centers Act on such plan being in effect. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to direct the State mental health authority to: (1) establish minimum standards for community mental health centers; (2) establish a program for such centers which is based on the need for comprehensive mental health services, consistent with the State health plan; (3) make such reports as the Secretary may require; and (4) designate a State advisory council to aid in carrying out such functions and the health planning provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Revises the review functions of the SHCCs. Enumerates additional criteria for HSA, State Agency, and SHCC review, including the accessibility to residents of the proposed services. Specifies the requirements of the certificate of need program established by a State Agency. Applies such program to major medical equipment, institutional health services, and capital expenditures. Prohibits the conditioning of the issuance of a certificate of need upon compliance with a requirement not directly related to the determination of need. Authorizes a State Agency to withdraw a certificate under certain circumstances. Requires such program to provide an appeals mechanism for review of decisions of a State Agency not to issue a certificate. Authorizes the program to compare and establish priorities for approval of applications. Sets a 90-day time limit for completion of review. Exempts from the certificate of need program, health maintenance organizations and other providers offering services on a prepaid basis, but requires such entities to notify the HSA and the State Agency of the offering of an institutional health service, the acquisition of major medical equipment, or the obligation of a capital expenditure. Stipulates that a certificate of need shall not be required for the acquisition of major medical equipment which will not be owned by or located in a health care facility unless a notice requirement is not met or unless the State Agency finds that such equipment will be used for inpatient services. Requires an HSA and State Agency to conduct appropriateness review of institutional health services which have been designated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, instead of "all" institutional services as currently provided. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State Agencies to develop programs to reduce excess hospital capacity. Establishes procedures which allow the Governor of a State to review an HSA decision disapproving a proposed use of Federal funds, and to authorize such use after considering any comments by the State Agency. Requires each health systems agency to coordinate its activities with any State entity which reviews rates and budgets of health care facilities. Requires HSAs located within the same standard metropolitan statistical area to coordinate their activities. Directs the Secretary to give each designated HSA within a State an opportunity to comment on the performance of a State Agency before renewing its designation. Extends from one to three years the period of the designation and redesignation of a State Agency. Revises the procedures for the termination of designated State Agencies, including that the Secretary consult with the National Council on Health Planning and Development. Modifies the current penalty provisions relating to the designation of State Agencies to link the cut-off of funds under certain Acts to the time of the promulgation of certificate of need regulations. Revises the composition of the Statewide health coordinating councils (SHCC). Provides for proportional representation of interstate HSAs on the SHCC. Authorizes the Governor to select the chairman of the SHCC (with the approval of the appropriate State legislative body). Increases from one-third to one-half the proportion of members of the SHCC who must be direct providers of health. Extends through fiscal year 1982 authorizations for: (1) planning grants; (2) State health planning and development; (3) rate regulation; (4) centers for health planning; and (5) area health services development funds. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of reviews conducted with respect to improvements in health care and restraints on increases in health care costs. Title II: Revision of Authority for Health Resources Development - Amends title XVI of the Public Health Service Act (Health Resources Development) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make loans through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) modernization of medical facilities; (2) construction of new outpatient medical facilities; (3) construction of new hospitals in areas experiencing rapid population growth or a reduction of hospital beds due to merger or closure of medical facilities; and (4) conversion of existing facilities to outpatient or long-term care facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee for such period the payment of principal and interest to: (1) non-Federal lenders for their loans to nonprofit private entities for medical facilities projects; and (2) the Federal Financing Bank for loans to nonprofit private entities for such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for construction or modernization projects designed to: (1) eliminate or prevent imminent safety hazards; or (2) avoid noncompliance with State or voluntary licensure or accreditation standards, with respect to medical facilities owned or operated by public entities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit entities for projects for: (1) construction of outpatient medical facilities providing services for medically underserved populations; and (2) conversion of existing medical facilities to provide such services. Directs the Secretary to assure, by regulation, the effective execution and management of projects carried out under this Act. Title III: Program to Assist and Encourage the Discontinuance of Unneeded Hospital Services - Amends title XVI of the Public Health Service Act (Health Resources Development) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a new program for providing grants and technical assistance to assist and encourage hospitals to discontinue the provision of unneeded hospital services. Directs the Secretary to study the effect of such program on the elimination of unneeded hospital services and to report the results of such study to Congress. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prescribe guidelines for the protection of employees affected by the discontinuance of such services.

A joint resolution to provide for the designation of February 3 through 9, 1980, as "National Scleroderma Week".

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of February 3 through February 9, 1980, as "National Scleroderma Week."

A bill to provide that no regulation establishing a uniform reporting system for a type of health care institution shall be effective until 120 days after a regulatory analysis for the regulation, or a determination that such an analysis is not required, has been made under Executive Order 12044, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979

States that no regulation, established by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under provisions of part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act which requires uniform reporting on costs, services, and assets for health services facilities and organizations to which payment may be made under such Act, shall be effective until 120 days after a regulatory analysis, or a determination that such analysis is not required, has been made under the Executive Order requiring an analysis of regulations identified as having major economic consequences for the general economy, individual industries, geographical regions, or government.

Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979

Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act of 1979 - Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Rural Health. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Rural Health to: (1) award grants, contracts, loans, and loan guarantees to public nonprofit public entities for projects to examine existing models of rural health care delivery; (2) determine the applicability and transferability of such projects to other rural areas; and (3) assist in the study, planning, development, experimentation, and demonstration of rural health care delivery models. Conditions the provision of such assistance on a determination by the Director that it will increase the availability of health care services in rural areas where the Director has determined that adequate services are not available. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund for the purposes of this Act. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Director with respect to the policies of the Office and the administration of this Act. Directs the Committee to report annually to Congress on the accomplishments of this Act.

A bill to amend the Health Programs Extension Act of 1973 to provide for unbiased consideration of applicants to federally supported health professional schools.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979

Amends the Health Program Extension Act of 1973 to prohibit any entity which receives financial assistance under the Public Health Service Act, the Community Mental Health Centers Act, or the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act from discriminating against any applicant for training or study because of such applicant's reluctance or willingness to counsel, assist, or in any way participate in the performance of abortions or sterilizations contrary to his or her religious belief or moral convictions.

Drug Regulation Reform Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979

Drug Regulation Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Drug Regulation Reform - Prohibits the manufacture, importation, export, or distribution of a drug entity or a drug product without the prior issuance by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of a monograph containing a description of such drug and requirements and guidelines for the contents of information labeling for the forms of drug products eligible for licensing under such monograph. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require, in a monograph, postmarketing surveillance of any drug, old or new, for a period of up to five years. Limits the issuance of such monographs to drugs determined safe and effective. Defines "safe" as meaning the health benefits of the drug entity or product clearly outweigh the risks it presents, taking into account pertinent standards and requirements. Defines "effective" to mean that a drug entity when incorporated into a drug product used in accordance with the use conditions set forth on the drug label, will have the effect represented. Provides for amendment, suspension, or revocation of a monograph under specified conditions. Authorizes the provisional issuance of a monograph (not to exceed five years) for any drug entity intended to be used in treatment of a life-threatening or severely debilitating disease when: (1) no other effective methods of treatment exist; or (2) such drug entity offers a major advantage to patients compared to the benefits of alternative methods; and (3) delaying issuance would present significantly greater risks to patients affected by such disease. Requires significant evidence of effectiveness and safety for such provisional issuance. Establishes a monograph-petition review procedure requiring a public hearing on the issuance, amendment, or revocation of any monograph, followed by a review of the evidence and issues by a drug science advisory committee, whose recommendations shall be forwarded to the Secretary for his final decision. Authorizes judicial review of a final order of the Secretary by a United States Court of Appeal. Requires, with specified exceptions, the registration of domestic and foreign establishments engaged in the manufacture, importation, export, or distribution of any drug entity or drug product. Prohibits for five years after the issuance date of a monograph the licensure of any drug product without: (1) written authorization from the monograph petitioner; or (2) data and information independent of the monograph which would support a determination that the monograph could be issued. Permits the licensure of a drug product, after the expiration of such five year period, without the making of necessary animal and clinical studies already made to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug product under the original monograph. Requires registration of any drug to be used in a drug investigation, and revocation of registration if the human participants in the investigation are subject to unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury. Specifies standards and requirements for such investigations. Requires the informed consent of participants in such investigations unless the immediate use of the drug product is, in the investigator's opinion, needed to preserve the participant's life, and time is not sufficient to obtain consent from either the participant or his legal representative. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) issue written guidelines regarding protocols and methods for conducting investigations; and (2) review and advise, upon request, specified aspects of a drug investigation. Requires unlicensed drug products and drug entities not subject to monographs to obtain permits for export to foreign countries. Specifies requirements for such exports. Exempts homeopathic drug entities and products from monograph, licensure, and investigational use requirements if manufactured or imported in accordance with import/export registration requirements of this Act. Requires: (1) patient information labeling in layperson's language of the risks, benefits, side effects and so forth of any drug entity or product; and (2) practitioner information labeling that identifies the licensee, registrant, permittee and manufacturer of such drug. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a compendium of all prescription drugs eligible for licensing under issued monographs. Prohibits the promotional labeling of any prescription drug product indication for use, comparisons with other drug products, or dosage recommendations not contained in the information labeling of such product. Prohibits drug product licensees and their agents from: (1) distributing sample prescription drug products without charge; and (2) providing services or transferring items to specified medical personnel or their families, if the value of the service or item is at least $5.00, and no charge is made. Requires disclosure of the sponsorship by a drug product licensee or distributor of medical and scientific educational materials (other than labeling). Forbids the disclosure by pharmacists and their agents of prescriptions of information contained in prescriptions to anybody but the patient, the prescribing practitioner, or other specified persons. Prohibits licensees and their agents from obtaining or attempting to obtain such information. Prescribes civil, criminal, and administrative penalties, and subjects drug entities and products to seizure, for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses in any matter relating to implementation or enforcement of this Title. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect drug manufacturing and distributing establishments to determine compliance with this Title. Title II: National Center for Clinical Pharmacology; Evaluation of the Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Center for Clinical Pharmacology to conduct and support, by grants: (1) research in clinical pharmacology and clinical pharmacy; and (2) an ongoing review and analysis of the use of drug products in the United States. Directs the Secretary to contract for an independent evaluation of Title I and its effect on: (1) protection of the public against adverse reactions from and misuse of drug products; (2) innovation in drug research; (3) the economics of the pharmaceutical industry; (4) the cost of drug products; (5) prescribing practices; and (6) the time required for the issuance of monographs. Requires a report on such evaluation to the appropriate Committees of Congress within seven years of enactment.

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 to extend through fiscal year 1982 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) implementation of the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act (makes the amount of such grants discretionary with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare); (2) financial assistance for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism; and (3) National Alcohol Research Centers. Extends authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for alcoholism research and review of such research. Revises: (1) certain reporting requirements under title I of such Act (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism); and (2) the duties of the Interagency Committee on Federal Activities for alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Defines State for purposes of such Act. Amends the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for drug abuse special project grants and contracts. Revises certain reporting requirements under such Act. Repeals: (1) the general grant program to States under title III of the Comprehensive Alcohol and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act; (2) titles I (Civil Commitment of 1970; in Lieu of Prosecution), III (Civil Commitment of Persons Not Charged with any Criminal Offense), and IV (Rehabilitation and Post-hospitalization Care Programs) of the Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act of 1966; (3) the Marihuana and Health Reporting Act; and (4) the formula grant program under the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972. Amends titles III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties) to establish a grant program to States for the costs of planning, establishing, conducting, and coordinating alcohol abuse and alcoholism, drug abuse, and mental health prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation activities.

A bill to require that imported meat and meat food products made in whole or in part of imported meat be subjected to certain tests and that such meat or products be labeled "imported" at all stages of distribution until delivery to the final consumer; to require that the cost of conducting such tests, and the cost of conducting certain inspections and identification procedures on imported meat and meat food products, be borne by the exporters of such articles; to require certain eating establishments, which serve imported meat, to inform customers of that fact; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979

Title I; Meat Labeling and Inspection - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling as imported of any imported meat or meat product, which is capable of use as human food, or its container. Requires that such products: (1) meet the same health standards as domestically produced meat; and (2) be tested in the exporting country. Requires periodic tests of such products in the United States by the Department of Agriculture as well. Title II: Requirement of Certain Eating Establishments to Inform Customers that Imported Meat or Meat Food Products are Served in Such Establishment - Requires eating establishments serving imported meat to inform customers of this fact.

Medicare Mental Illness Non-Discrimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979

Medicare Mental Illness Non-Discrimination Act - Makes findings that mental illness is more prevalent in elderly persons than in younger adults and that the social security coverage for mental illness is not on an equal basis with coverage for other types of illnesses. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) eliminate the 190 day lifetime limit for in-patient psychiatric care; and (2) limit the amount which a provider of services may charge a Medicare patient for mental health care services to 20 percent of the amount customarily charged for such services.

Food Additive Safety Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979

Food Additive Safety Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem any food additive safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days after such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive or its proposed use. Authorize the Secretary to include in any food additive regulation a labelling requirement to identify the additive and its degree of risk. Prohibits the Secretary from denying a petition for a food additive regulation solely on the basis of evidence of tumors developed in test animals where the dosage levels used on such animals exceeds one hundred times the reasonably expected maximum human consumption of such additive. Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend from 18 to 36 months the period following enactment during which restrictions may not be imposed on the sale or distribution of saccharin, or any food, drug, or cosmetic containing it.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make more realistic the determination of reasonable charges under the supplementary medical insurance program, to require that patients be given advance estimate of the reimbursement they will receive for services rendered under such program, and to provide for the conduct of pilot projects to test new methods and procedures for determining reasonable charges under such program.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that individuals receiving services under such title be provided with an estimate of the reasonable charge for each of the services involved prior to the receipt of such services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish and carry out pilot projects to test methods and procedures for determining reasonable charges for services.

Maternal and Child Health Protection Benefits and Catastrophic Medical Expense Reimbursement Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979

Maternal and Child Health Protection Benefits and Catastrophic Medical Expense Reimbursement Act - Title I: Comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Protection Program - Extends eligibility for benefits to any child under six years of age and to any woman during the period from the date of pregnancy through the twelfth week after the end of the pregnancy, and who is: (1) a United States citizen; or (2) a legal alien resident. Includes as benefits: (1) for a child, comprehensive health care services, including mental health; and (2) for a woman, all health care services related to the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy. Allows such benefits to be provided: (1) by qualified health care practitioners who elect to participate in the program; or (2) by persons contracting with such practitioners. Excludes certain services, such as custodial care and cosmetic surgery, from covered benefits. Stipulates that the health service areas (HSAs) established under title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Health Planning and Development) shall be used for the purposes of this title, but allows the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to subdivide such areas with the approval of the Maternal and Child Health Board established by this title. Allows any carrier to contract with the Secretary to provide services for eligible individuals residing in a health service area. Prohibits any such carrier from denying enrollment to any eligible individual. Provides as full payment to a participating carrier a uniform per capita amount (to be fixed by the Secretary with the advice of the Board) with respect to each individual enrollee. Sets forth additional requirements for participation by a carrier, including that the carrier establish procedures whereby an eligible enrollee who is denied a payment of $100 or more is given an opportunity for a fair hearing. Directs the Secretary to establish a special program for residents in any health service area who do not have an adequate opportunity of securing benefits by enrolling with a participating carrier. Sets forth a policy that: (1) like benefits furnished or paid for by other persons shall take precedence over benefits provided by this program; and (2) the benefits of this program shall take precedence over like benefits furnished or provided by other Federal or federally-funded State or local programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make an agreement with any State for the utilization of State agencies for determining whether an agency or institution is eligible to be a qualified provider of services; and (2) utilize the administrative units used under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) to administer this title. Establishes within the Department of HEW a nine-member Maternal and Child Health Board, appointed by the President, to advise the Secretary and Congress with respect to this title. Directs the Secretary to establish in each health service area a Maternal and Child Health Protection Office to: (1) furnish information to the public with respect to this title; (2) investigate and suggest corrective measures in connection with complaints received from enrollees relating to such program; and (3) make recommendations to the Secretary. Directs the Board to appoint for each of the areas established or utilized for administering this title a ten-member Area Advisory Board, including representatives of health care practitioners, providers of service, carriers, and individuals (constituting a majority of such Board) who do not have any financial interest in any business which provides benefits under this title. Requires such Area Boards to advise the National Maternal and Child Health Board with respect to all matters relating to the administration of this title. Applies the provisions of part B of title XI of the Social Security Act (Professional Standards Review) to services provided under this title. Directs the Secretary to assure an appropriate system of review where: (1) there is no Professional Standards Review Organization (PSRO) in an health service area; or (2) the PSRO is not properly performing its functions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the allowance of deductions for personal exemptions by $100 during a period within the taxable year in which benefits under title I of this Act were authorized to be provided to eligible individuals enrolled with participating carriers. Title II: Catastrophic Illness Benefits Program - Extends eligibility for benefits to any United States citizen or a legal alien resident. Entitles such persons to be reimbursed for health care expenses in an amount equal to: (1) 50 percent of those expenses constituting more than ten percent up to 20 percent of such individual's yearly income; and (2) 100 percent of those expenses constituting more than 20 percent of such income. Includes as covered services: (1) hospital, surgical, medical, and dental services; (2) prescriptions and prosthetic devices; (3) other medical supplies and services, as the Secretary determines is appropriate for full physical and mental health care; and (4) health insurance premiums for insurance covering such services. Excludes certain services, such as custodial care and cosmetic surgery, from covered benefits. Sets forth a policy that like benefits furnished or paid for by other persons (including payments under public programs) shall take precedence over benefits provided by this program. Stipulates that health service areas shall be used for the purposes of this title, but allows the Secretary to subdivide such areas with the approval of the Catastrophic Medical Expense Reimbursement Board established by this title. Directs the Secretary to contract with carriers to administer the benefits under this title with respect to particular health service areas. Sets forth additional requirements for participation by a carrier, including that the carrier establish procedures whereby an eligible enrollee who is denied a payment of $100 or more is given an opportunity for a fair hearing. Stipulates that such contracts shall provide for payment by the Secretary to the carrier of a uniform per capita amount (to be fixed by the Secretary with the advice of the Board) with respect to each individual enrollee. Directs the Secretary to provide like benefits during any period in which there is not in effect in any health service area a contract providing the benefits authorized by this title. Defines "income" for purposes of this title. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make an agreement with any State for the utilization of State agencies for determining whether an agency or institution is eligible to be a qualified provider of services; and (2) utilize, to the maximum extent practicable, the administrative units under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) to administer this title. Establishes within the Department of HEW a five-member Catastrophic Medical Expense Reimbursement Board, appointed by the President, to advise the Secretary and Congress with respect to this title. Directs the Secretary to establish in each health service area a Catastrophic Medical Expense Reimbursement Office to: (1) furnish information to the public with respect to this title; (2) investigate and suggest corrective measures in connection with complaints received from enrollees relating to such programs; and (3) make recommendations to the Secretary. Directs the Board to appoint for each of the areas established or utilized for administering this title a ten-member Area Advisory Board, including representatives of health care practitioners, providers of service, carriers, and individuals (constituting at least four of the members of the Board) who do not have any financial interest in any business which provides benefits under this title. Requires such Area Boards to advise the National Medical Expense Reimbursement Board with respect to all matters relating to the administration of this title. Applies the provisions of part B of title XI of the Social Security Act (Professional Standards Review) to services provided under this title. Directs the Secretary to assure an appropriate system of review where: (1) there is no PSRO in an health service area; or (2) the PSRO is not properly performing its functions. Title III: General Provisions - Entitles an organization or person who is dissatisfied with a determination that such organization or person is not qualified to participate in the programs of this Act to a hearing by the Secretary and subsequent judicial review in Federal court, pursuant to specified procedures. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the medical deduction. Establishes criminal penalties for specified activities, including misrepresentation and bribery, relating to the programs established by this Act.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include, as a home health service, nutritional counseling provided by or under the supervision of a registered dietitian.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for nutritional counseling as part of the home health services provided under the supplementary medical insurance program.

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to disqualify individuals from medical assistance if they voluntarily transferred more than $3000 worth of assets during the 24 months before they applied for such assistance.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979

States that no individual shall be eligible for a month for medical assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act if: (1) within the 24 month period immediately preceding the month, the individual disposed of some of his or her assets in any manner by which the fair market value of the assets disposed of exceeded the amount received for the assets by more than $3,000; (2) retention of such assets would cause such individual to be ineligible for Medicaid; and (3) such assets were disposed of in order for the individual to become eligible for Medicaid.

A bill to amend Title XI of the Social Security Act to limit civil liability of health care providers for damages arising in connection with health care treatment paid for under the Social Security Act to the extent that such damages include the cost of health care services for which payment may be made under that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979

Amends the Social Security Act to exclude from the civil liability of any health care practitioner or provider of health care services under any law of the United States, of any State, or of any political subdivision thereof, in any action for damages arising out of care or treatment for which payment has been made (in whole or in part) under the Social Security Act, costs incurred or anticipated for health care services for which payment may be made under this Act.

Health Programs Extension Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979

Health Science Promotion Act of 1979 - Title I: President's Council on the Health Sciences - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to replace the National Advisory Health Council with a new 15-member President's Council for the Health Sciences. Directs the Council, after consideration of specified criteria, to prepare a National Health Sciences Plan to be simultaneously transmitted to the President, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Congress, by November 30 of each year. Requires such Plan to set forth a recommended budget for health sciences research with the Department of HEW for the coming fiscal year, and priorities for research expenditure for the subsequent four years. Terminates the Council on December 31, 1985. Title II: National Institutes of Health - Establishes in the Public Health Service the National Institutes of Health (which was abolished as a statutory entity by Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1966). Sets forth the goals of the Institutes, and authorizes the Director of the Institutes to perform specified functions to achieve such goals. Requires the Director to: (1) assure that not less than 45 percent of all funds expended by the Institutes in any given year shall be used to support research by individual investigators who are not full-time employees of the Institutes and whose applications for such grants were unsolicited; and (2) establish a program of demonstrations and experimentations with alternative methods for conducting peer review of research grant applications. Requires selected peer review groups to include individuals experienced in non-biomedical sciences and lay persons. Makes uniform the statutory authority for the 11 categorical Institutes of the National Institutes of Health (National Cancer Institute, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Dental Research, National Institute on Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Eye Institute, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke). Establishes under each of the categorical Institutes (except the National Cancer Institute and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) the following Advisory Councils: National Dental Research Advisory Council, National Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases Advisory Council, National Child Health and Human Development Advisory Council, National General Medical Sciences Advisory Council, National Eye Advisory Council, National Aging Advisory Council, National Allergy and Infectious Diseases Advisory Council, National Environmental Health Sciences Advisory Council, and National Neurological, Communicative Disorders, and Stroke Advisory Council. Includes within the uniform authority for such categorical Institute the following select provisions: (1) each Advisory Council shall (A) review research projects and programs submitted under its jurisdiction, (B) collect information in its field, and (C) certify to the Secretary approval of projects and applications for grants-in-aid; (2) each Council shall include 18 members appointed by the Secretary for four-year terms; (3) the Director of the Institutes, in consultation with each Advisory Council, shall prepare a report for the Secretary, the President, and Congress with respect to the activities of the Institutes relating to the objectives of each categorical Institute; and (4) the categorical Institutes and Advisory Councils shall expire on September 30, 1983. Extends the authorizations through fiscal year 1983 for: (1) activities of the National Cancer Institute and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; (2) diabetes research and training centers and the National Diabetes Advisory Board; and (3) arthritis demonstration projects and data system, multipurpose arthritis centers, and the National Arthritis Advisory Board. Title III: Paperwork - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health to conduct experimental programs to reduce paperwork associated with the application for, and administration of, research grants.

Kostenanstieg im Gesundheitswesen im Zuge der Empfehlungen der Konzertierten Aktion zur Erhöhung der Gesamtvergütungen für Ärzte und Zahnärzte (G-SIG: 00049977)

Germany · German Bundestag · 20 April 1979

Krankenversicherung für Auszubildende aus der Landwirtschaft, die eine Fremdlehre ableisten (G-SIG: 00049897)

Germany · German Bundestag · 20 April 1979

Zuständigkeitsverlagerung für Kinderkuren auf die Träger der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (G-SIG: 00049946)

Germany · German Bundestag · 20 April 1979

DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION on the conclusion of the Agreement on a concerted action project in the field of registration of congenital abnormalities (medical and public health research) (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

European Union · European Commission · 19 April 1979

A bill to extend for three fiscal years the programs under section 789 and title XII of the Public Health Service Act relating to emergency medical services and to authorize assistance for poison control and assistance centers.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to extend through fiscal year 1982 the current authorization for grants for training in emergency medical services. Amends title XII of such Act (Emergency Medical Services Systems) to extend through fiscal year 1982 the authorization of appropriations (at reduced levels) for assistance for emergency medical services systems. Limits the number of grants or contracts which a system may receive and the use of such assistance for the acquisition of equipment or facilities acquired with previous assistance. Extends through fiscal year 1982 the current authorization for grants for burn injury programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide financial assistance to public and nonprofit entities to establish and maintain poison control information and treatment centers.

A bill to amend title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend for one fiscal year the program of assistance for nurse training, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Title I: Nurse Training - Nurse Training Amendments of 1979 - Amends title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend the assistance program for nurse training and students, generally at reduced levels of authorization for fiscal year 1980. Establishes a new assistance program for training nurse anesthetists. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to arrange for the conduct of a study, either with the National Academy of Sciences (if such body agrees) or with another public or nonprofit private entity (if the Academy declines), to determine the need to continue a specific Federal assistance program for nursing education, taking into account specified factors, and to report the results of such study to Congress. Title II: Other Health Professions Programs - Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to increase the ceiling on federally insured loans in any academic year to a medical student in a school of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry from $10,000 to $15,000 upon a determination that educational costs require such increase. Increases the aggregate insured unpaid principal amount for all such insured loans made to any such borrower from $50,000 to $60,000. Authorizes the Secretary to defer the date used with respect to service requirements for National Health Service Corps scholarships for students of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry for a period longer than the current three-year limit for such deferment. Exempts a medical or osteopathic school participating in an area health education center program from the requirement that such school conduct a program for training physician assistants or nurse practitioners which emphasizes enrolling individuals from the area served by the center of the program, if another school participating in the same program meets such requirement. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the sums which may be obligated for schools of medicine and other types of health care which are financially distressed or unaccredited, from the total authorizations for start-up assistance, financial distress training, and curriculum development of medical schools. Title III: Public Health Service Administration - Public Health Service Administrative Amendments of l979 - Amends title II of the Public Health Service Act (Administration) to revise the administration of the Public Health Service. Permits warrant officers to be appointed to the Public Health Service. Establishes two additional positions of Assistant Surgeon General (the Chief Nurse Officer of the Service and the Chief Pharmacist Officer of the Service). Revises the severance requirements with respect to the promotion of officers of the Regular Corps. Authorizes the Surgeon General to detail service personnel to congressional committees. Makes certain revisions with respect to the reimbursement of the Service by an officer who voluntarily leaves the Service after receiving educational assistance. Allows commissioned officers of the Service additional benefits which are provided for commissioned officers of the Army. Entitles a commissioned officer of the Reserve Corps who is released from active duty for specified reasons to a severance payment. Increases the pay grade of the Surgeon General from 0-8 to 0-9. Allows service credit for certain commissioned officers of the service who attain educational degrees before entry or reentry into active service. Authorizes: (1) advance pay to be made to members of the Public Health Service; and (2) a uniform allowance to certain commissioned officers of the Service.

National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Amends title XVII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Information and Health Promotion) to extend through fiscal year 1982 the authorization of appropriations for grants and contracts under such title, including financial assistance provided by the Office of Health Information, Health Promotion and Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine (established by title V of the Health Services and Centers Amendments of 1978). Changes the name of such Office to the "Office of Health Promotion." Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to increase from $3,000,000 to $20,000,000 the level of authorization for fiscal year 1980 for consultation and education services. Extends the current level of authorization through fiscal year 1980 for financial distress grants for community mental health centers.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include, as a home health service, nutritional counseling provided by or under the supervision of a registered dietitian.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for nutritional counseling as part of the home health services provided under the supplementary medical insurance program.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for grants to public and private nonprofit hospitals in imminent danger of closure for their provision of certain health care services.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XIX: "Grants for Maintenance of Essential Health Services Provided by Hospitals in Imminent Danger of Closing." Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public or private nonprofit hospitals serving predominantly health manpower shortage areas or medically underserved areas for their provision of certain essential health services, during a one-year period, to individuals, including undocumented aliens, who are not eligible for medical assistance under Medicaid nor covered by insurance and who are unable to pay for such service. Includes among the eligibility criteria for receipt of such grants that: (1) at least 60 percent of the hospital's outpatient and emergency room visits during the three-year period preceding such hospital's application have been by such individuals; (2) the hospital will be unable, without such a grant, to continue operations for more than six months from the date of application; and (3) the hospital enters into an agreement with the Secretary to carry out specified activities, including the elimination of excessive inpatient services.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for grants to hospitals for their provision of certain health care services to undocumented aliens.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XIX: "Hospital Services Provided to Undocumented Aliens." Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public or private nonprofit hospitals for their provision of certain essential health services to undocumented aliens.

A bill to require that imported meat and meat food products made in whole or in part of imported meat be subjected to certain tests and that such meat or products be identified as having been imported; to require the inspection of imported dairy products and that such products comply with certain minimum standards of sanitation; to require that the cost of conducting such tests, inspections, and identification procedures on imported meat and meat food products and on dairy products, as the case may be, be borne by the exporters of such articles; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Title I: Meat and Meat Products - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling as imported of the package or container of any imported meat or meat product capable of use as human food. Requires that such products: (1) meet the same health standards as domestically produced meat; and (2) be tested in the exporting country. Requires periodic tests of such products in the United States by the Department of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe necessary assessments and fees. Title II: Dairy Products - Prohibits the importation of dairy products into the United States unless certified wholesome and pure by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the Secretary to establish standards for such products comparable to standards imposed on domestic dairy products. Directs the Secretary to inspect imported dairy products and to require a certificate of compliance to accompany them. Requires imported dairy products to comply with United States labeling and packaging requirements, and to carry indications on their labeling that they are imported.

A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to extend the patent term for new drugs and new animal drugs.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Extends the patent term for new drugs and new animal drugs by setting the termination of such a patent on the earlier of: (1) a date 17 years after initial approval by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare of an application for such drug; or (2) a date 27 years after the date the patent was issued.