Healthcare

National Home Health Care Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

National Home Health Care Act of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the individual could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's Medicaid program under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, appointed by the Secretary, with the duties of monitoring specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and maintaining such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients are receiving the care to which they are entitled; (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services; (3) identify abuses against home health patients; (4) receive and expedite complaints by home health patients; (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable; and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Amends the Medicaid program to make children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under such program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Establishes a revolving fund in the Treasury to collect such funds and to distribute such funds. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under such Act. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program.

A bill to require admissions contracts between nursing homes participating in Federal programs and the patients they serve.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities participating in the Medicare program to conclude a contract with each patient upon admission. Specifies that such contract shall cover the rights and duties of the patient and the facility.

A bill to provide for the modification of the medicare reimbursement formula to allow small hospitals in rural areas with low occupancy to provide long-term care but only in those areas where there are no appropriate nursing home beds available.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the creation of an alternative reimbursement formula which will allow participating hospitals with less than 100 beds and less than 60 percent average occupancy located in areas where there is a demonstrated shortage of nursing home beds, to provide long-term care without applying proportional allocation of overhead costs to all patients in such facilities.

A bill to provide increased benefits under part B of the medicare program with respect to the treatment of mental, psychoneurotic, and personality disorders of outpatients.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase to a maximum of $810 the amount of benefits under the Medicare program which may be paid with respect to the treatment of mental, psychoneurotic, and personality disorders of outpatients.

A bill to require the immediate reporting of epidemic diseases or accidents in nursing homes participating in Federal programs.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that nursing homes participating in the Medicare program have in effect procedures for prevention and reporting of epidemic diseases and accidents.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include hearing aids and dentures among the items and services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for hearing aids and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program.

Medicare Long Term Care Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Medicare Long-Term Care Act of 1979 - Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary program to provide long-term care benefits for aged and disabled individuals who elect to enroll under such program, financed from premium payments by enrollees together with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by States. Lists criteria for eligibility for long-term care service benefits. States that the benefits provided to an individual under this Act 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. Enumerates the requirements for certification of a State long-term care agency by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides for the payment of premiums for benefits received under this Act by individuals who elect to participate in the long-term care program. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund. Creates a Board of Trustees of such Trust Fund, composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, all ex officio. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall be the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees and that the Commissioner of Social Security shall serve as the Secretary of the Board. Requires the Board to meet at least once each calendar year. Enumerates the duties of the Board. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual who (a) is eligible for benefits under this part, (b) resides in the area served by such center, and (c) 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 evaluate periodically, but 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. Sets forth a formula by which payments to States for the reimbursement of community long-term care centers may be calculated. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with organizations representing the chief executives of the various States, and other interested parties, to develop and make available to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act on a prospective basis. States that once a community long-term care center elects a particular prospective method, it may not alter its election without the prior approval of the Secretary. Provides that whenever the Secretary finds that the number of community long-term care centers electing a particular prospective payment method promulgated in accordance with this Act is not sufficient to provide an adequate basis for either the operation or evaluation of that method, the Secretary shall withdraw that method and allow the community long-term care centers which have elected such method to select another method within 30 days of notice of such withdrawal. Permits a Governor of a State to certify to the Secretary a method of prospective payment other than those promulgated under this Act. 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. Provides for increases in supplemental security income benefits.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the continued application of the nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that in determining the reasonable reimbursable cost of inpatient nursing care, such coverage, at a minimum, shall include a salary cost differential of at least eight and one-half percent in recognition of the above-average cost of furnishing such care to aged patients.

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to make certain that individuals otherwise eligible for medicaid benefits do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in monthly social security benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure that individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of such Act.

A bill to amend title 19 of the Social Security Act to require States to establish ombudsman programs to investigate nursing home complaints and represent consumer interests.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide that Medicaid payments to a State shall be dependent upon the operation in such State of an ombudsman program empowered to investigate nursing home complaints, inspect nursing homes, and recommend to the State health department license revocation or other disciplinary action against a nursing home.

National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Amends title XI of the Public health Service Act (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to and contracts with public and nonprofit entities for projects for establishing and operating voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling programs, primarily through other existing health programs.

A bill to permit individuals and their relatives to supplement medicaid payments for skilled nursing facility services and intermediate care facility services provided under title XIX of the Social Security Act.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Permits individuals or their relatives to make supplementary payments for medical services provided by a skilled nursing facility or an intermediate care facility without losing payments for such services under the Medicaid Program of title XIX of the Social Security Act.

A bill to amend title VI of the Public Health Service Act to provide for the making of direct loans for the construction and rehabilitation of nursing homes owned and operated by churches and other nonprofit organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title VI of the Public Health Service Act (Assistance for Construction and Modernization of Hospitals and Other Medical Facilities) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make loans to nonprofit organizations, churches, or associations of churches to meet all or part of the cost of constructing or rehabilitating nursing homes owned and operated by such entities.

A bill to provide 100 per centum Federal funding of financial audits of facilities participating in medicare and medicaid conducted by State personnel.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide Federal payment of the entire cost of financial audits of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities participating in Federal programs.

A bill to authorize interest subsidy payments to assist nursing homes in repair and renovation in order to comply with Federal standards.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make interest reduction payments with respect to a mortgage covering repair or rehabilitation of a nursing home in order to correct physical deficiencies and comply with Federal minimum standards. States that in order to be eligible for such payments the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare or his designee must certify that the nursing home is in substantial compliance with Federal and State standards except for those deficiencies the sponsor seeks to correct with such payments.

Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 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 and 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 resolution to declare a "state of war" against the dreaded disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Declares a state of war between the people of the United States and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease).

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to the amount of the inpatient hospital deductible applicable to the medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to stipulate that the inpatient hospital deductible: (1) may not exceed $160 for any year prior to 1981; and (2) beginning January 1, 1981, such deductible may not exceed a preceding year's deductible unless the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare promulgates a new deductible and such deductible is approved by both Houses of Congress.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to the types of transportation for patients which may be included in the definition of medical and other health services under such title.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include within the medical and other health services covered by such title the transportation of patients confined to a stretcher or wheelchair in a vehicle which is not equipped as an ambulance but which is adequately equipped to transport such patients.

Drug Benefits for the Aged Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Drug Benefits for the Aged Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a Drug Benefit Program for the Aged to pay for prescription drugs from participating pharmacies. Directs the Secretary, to establish a Drug Benefits List of prescription and nonlegend qualified drugs, limited to specified pharmacological therapeutic categories, which the Secretary deems appropriate for the treatment of conditions, illnesses, or injuries to the person or well-being of aged individuals. Specifies conditions under which participating pharmacies may substitute lower cost, therapeutic equivalents for prescribed drugs. Establishes a Drug Benefits Council to advise the Secretary on policy in general and the content and format of the drug benefits list in particular. Sets conditions for the participation of pharmacies in the program. Prescribes criminal penalties for fraud.

A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to issue a proclamation designating April 6 through 12, 1980, "National Medic Alert Week".

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of April 6 through April 12, 1980, as "National Medic Alert Week."

A bill to provide for further research and services with regard to victims of rape.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 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 through 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 costs, self-help programs, telephone systems, emergency shelter programs, and demonstration projects.

Übernahme der Kosten für behandlungsbedürftige Pflegefälle in Altenkrankenheimen durch die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (G-SIG: 00049610)

Germany · German Bundestag · 9 March 1979

Erfassung der im öffentlichen Gesundheitswesen tätigen Ärzte und Zahnärzte im Statistischen Jahrbuch (G-SIG: 00049587)

Germany · German Bundestag · 9 March 1979

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends title III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a system for the licensing of all clinical laboratories subject to national standards provided for under this Act. Prohibits a clinical laboratory subject to such standards from performing any tests or providing any services without a valid license. Sets forth circumstances under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke a laboratory's license. Directs the Secretary to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories, designed to assure consistent performance of accurate and reliable tests and other procedures and services. Stipulates that such standards shall: (1) require clinical laboratories subject to the standards to maintain appropriate quality control programs; (2) require such laboratories to maintain records, equipment, and facilities necessary for effective operation; (3) include requirements for periodic proficiency testing of laboratories; (4) prescribe qualifications for directors, supervisors, and technical personnel employed in laboratories; and (5) include adequate provisions for the inspection of laboratories and the enforcement of standards. Provides that the standards may vary on the basis of the type of laboratory services provided or the purposes for which the services are performed. Directs the Secretary to develop: (1) job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel; (2) mechanisms to assure the continued competence of such personnel; and (3) standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Provides that the standards provisions relating to personnel qualifications shall not apply for a two-year period to certain clinical laboratories located in rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt from the national standards clinical laboratories which: (1) are operated by a licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist, or a group of not more than five such practitioners, or in a rural health clinic, and in which only routine tests or procedures are performed, or in which more than routine tests or procedures are performed, if the laboratory successfully participates in an approved proficiency-testing program; (2) perform tests or procedures primarily for biomedical or behavioral research; or (3) perform tests or procedures only to assist insurers with respect to insurance contracts. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with: (1) qualified private nonprofit organizations to administer tests and make inspections as provided for under this Act; and (2) States to administer the licensure program provided in this Act under the Medicare program. Subjects Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to the national standards, with certain exceptions. Prohibits: (1) the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure; (2) misrepresentation with respect to the license application or conversion of an application to an unauthorized use; and (3) the solicitation or receipt, or the offer or payment, of any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe, or rebate) with respect to laboratory services. Authorizes the Secretary to enjoin the continuation of any activity by a clinical laboratory required to be licensed under this Act which constitutes a substantial risk to the public health. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Requires the Secretary to designate a Director of Clinical Laboratories who shall be responsible for establishing a uniform regulatory policy with respect to laboratory provisions under this Act, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and Medicare and Medicaid. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to: (1) States to assist their laboratory enforcement capability; and (2) laboratories, including a training program for employees where deficiencies have been documented. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities for projects and studies on laboratory methodology and utilization. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1981 through 1983 for these purposes. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress with respect to the accuracy and costs of laboratory tests and procedures during the previous fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of: (1) existing voluntary certification standards and State licensure laws for laboratory personnel; (2) qualifications of entities that certify such personnel; (3) existing and proposed public and private mechanisms to determine the continued competence of such personnel; (4) existing laboratory proficiency testing methods; and (5) the relationship of requirements for such personnel and of clinical laboratory proficiency testing requirements with clinical laboratory performance. Specifies analyses to be included in such studies, and directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of the studies. Requires the Secretary to reimburse to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund any amount expended from such funds with respect to the licensing of non-Medicare laboratories. Repeals the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1967. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress with respect to the exemption of laboratories from the standards under this Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require all clinical laboratories to be licensed under this Act as a condition for Medicare certification. Sets forth requirements with respect to payment for laboratory tests under Medicare. Stipulates that pathology services shall be considered "physicians' services" to patients for purposes of reimbursement under Medicare only where the physician personally performs or directs such services. Revises the term "medical and other health services" with respect to certain services furnished to inpatients of a provider of services. Disallows charges for physicians' services which are related to a hospital's income or receipts to the extent that they exceed a reasonable salary or fee paid for the service actually performed plus costs. Disallows reimbursement to a hospital for the reasonable costs of services furnished by a physician under an arrangement with the hospital or medical school to the extent that the payment exceeds an amount equal to the salary which would reasonably have been paid for the services if the physician had performed such services in an employment relationship with such hospital.

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide that States may include coverage under medicaid for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical disability.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide medical assistance under the Medicaid program for a severely disabled individual, notwithstanding such individual's performance of "substantial gainful activity" as defined under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of such Act.

Food Additive Safety Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 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 Foreign Register of such a finding and invites public comment; 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.

A bill to extend certain provisions of title XIV of the Public Health Service Act for two years.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Amends title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (Safety of Public Water Systems) to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) research, technical assistance, information, and training of personnel with respect to providing safe drinking water; and (2) grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs and underground water source protection programs.

Asbestos Health Hazards Compensation Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Asbestos Health Hazards Compensation Act - Title I: General Provisions - States the findings and purpose of this Act. Title II: Claims for Benefits Accruing on or before December 31, 1979 - Entitles any person whose occupation involves exposure to asbestos (or a member of such person's household) and whose disability (or death) is due to an asbestos-related disease to benefits for claims accruing and/or arising on or before December 31, 1979. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe standards for determining whether an affected person is disabled due to asbestos-related disease or whether the death of an affected person was due to such disease. Specifies the amounts of benefits to be paid to such person. Entitles any affected person who is not entitled to medical expenses for the treatment of an asbestos-related disease under a State workers' compensation law to such payments under this Act. Title III: Claims for Benefits Accruing After December 31, 1979 - Provides that the responsibility for benefit payments accruing and/or arising on or after January 1, 1980 shall be borne equally by the United States and the "responsible parties," defined to mean any entity engaged in: (1) the manufacture and first sale of any product or substance containing asbestos; (2) the import for sale or distribution of products containing asbestos; and (3) the manufacture and first sale or import for sale or distribution of cigarettes or cigarette tobacco. Establishes within the Department of Labor the Asbestos Health Hazards Compensation Fund for the satisfaction of all valid claims for benefits under this title. Establishes a Board of Directors for the Fund and sets forth the duties of the Board. Provides for the development and maintenance of the Fund by means of equal contributions from the responsible parties and the United States. Classifies responsible parties into three groups, according to the products and substances with which their business is concerned and the likelihood that asbestos dust will be produced. Sets forth the formulas for the contribution of responsible parties in each class to the Fund. Directs the Secretary, with the advice and concurrence of the Director of the Internal Revenue Service, to insure that such contributions are collected from the responsible parties.

Hospital Cost Containment Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979

Hospital Cost Containment Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate annually, beginning January, 1980: (1) a national voluntary percentage limit on hospital expenses; and (2) a voluntary percentage limit on hospital expenses for each State. Specifies the formulas for calculating such limits. Includes as factors for determining the national limit: (1) the average wage increase paid to employees (excluding supervisors and doctors of medicine or osteopathy) of hospitals in the United States; (2) the average price increase in the U.S. paid in appropriate classes of goods and services (to be determined by the Secretary); (3) the percent of hospital expenses attributable to such wage and price increases; (4) the annual increase in the national population; and (5) a one percent allowance for the net increase in hospital service intensity. Includes these factors in the formula for determining the State limits, except bases the average wage increase on employees of hospitals in each State and utilizes the population increase in each State. Directs the Secretary to promulgate annually, beginning January 1980, a voluntary percentage limit for each hospital for the hospital's accounting period ending in 1979. Specifies the formula for calculating such limit. Directs the Secretary to promulgate annually, beginning January, 1981, a voluntary percentage limit for each hospital not subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for the hospital's accounting period ending in the preceding year. Specifies the formula for calculating such limit. Directs the Secretary to determine or estimate before July 1, 1980, and before July 1 of each succeeding year: (1) the difference in dollars between (A) the percentage increase in the expenses of each hospital not subject to a mandatory limit under this Act in the preceding year, and (B) the voluntary percentage limit for the hospital for the accounting period; and (2) the sum of such differences. Provides that: (1) if such sum is zero or less, no hospital shall be subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for its accounting period ending the year; or (2) if such sum is greater than zero, then the Secretary shall determine the sum of the differences in each relevant State. Defines "relevant State" for such purposes. Provides that: (1) if this sum is zero or less in a particular State, no hospital in that State shall be subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for its accounting period ending in the year; or (2) every hospital, for each accounting period beginning after January 1, 1979, and for each succeeding accounting period, shall be subject to a mandatory limit as prescribed by this Act, unless such hospital is otherwise exempted by this Act. Requires the Secretary to exclude the hospitals in a particular State from such mandatory limits at the request of the chief executive of any State, under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt a hospital from such mandatory limit upon a determination that such exemption is necessary to facilitate certain experiments or demonstrations entered into under specified laws. Specifies: (1) the formula for calculating mandatory limits; and (2) the circumstances under which the average reimbursement payable to a hospital by a cost payer per admission, and the average inpatient charges per admission of a hospital, for any accounting period of the hospital subject to a mandatory limit, exceed such limit. Directs the Secretary, in calculating such mandatory limits, to develop: (1) a system of grouping hospitals by appropriate characteristics, such as patient case mix and metropolitan or nonmetropolitan setting; and (2) a method of measuring efficiency within each group that provides for setting a group norm defined in terms of all or certain hospital expenses. Requires the Secretary to assign to each hospital in a group a percentage bonus or penalty related to the extent to which a hospital's expenses differ from the group norm, according to a specified formula. Allows the Secretary to make further adjustments to such percentage bonus or penalty in order to allow for changes in admissions or other factors warranting special consideration. Sets for procedures by which a hospital may request the Secretary to exercise such discretion. Prohibits the reimbursement for inpatient hospital services provided under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) to the extent that it exceeds the applicable mandatory limits established under this Act or under a State mandatory hospital cost containment program of a State whose hospitals have been excluded under this Act. Provides that: (1) payment shall not be made to any State; and (2) payment shall not be required to be made by any State under title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) or title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to any amount paid for inpatient hospital services in excess of the applicable mandatory limits established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose on a hospital an excise tax equal to 150 percent of the amount of excess reimbursement which such hospital has with respect to a cost payer for an accounting period subject to a mandatory limit. Imposes such tax on a private cost payer, if a hospital has such excess reimbursement with respect to such payer. Imposes on a hospital which has excess inpatient charges for an accounting period subject to a mandatory limit, an excise tax equal to the product of 150 percent of the amount of excess inpatient charges of the hospital for the accounting period, and the fraction of such charges not attributable to cost payers. Sets forth procedures for the payment of such taxes, or for the deferral and abatement of such taxes, if a hospital has an escrow account approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or the Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services program a hospital which changes its admission practices in a manner that tends to reduce the proportion of inpatients for whom reimbursement is less than the anticipated inpatient charges applicable to them. Establishes a 15-member, part-time National Commission on Hospital Cost Containment to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of this Act, and other matters affecting hospital expenses or revenues.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for certain services performed by chiropractors.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and for physical examinations, and for related routine laboratory tests.

A bill to name the Veterans' Administration-University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine medical education building to be located on the grounds of the Veterans Administration Hospital, Fresno, California, the "Milo E. Rowell Medical Education Building".

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979

Designates the Veterans' Administration-University of California, San Francisco Medical School medical education building to be located on the grounds of the Veterans' Administration Hospital, Fresno, California, as the "Milo E. Rowell Medical Education Building."

Food Additives Amendment of 1977

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979

Food Additives Amendment of 1977 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the use of a food additive found to induce cancer in animals if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines that such food additive does not present a significant risk to human health. Directs the Secretary to consider certain factors in making such a determination.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit payment under the medicare program for certain types of foot care.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for the trimming of club nails and the cutting and removal of corns, warts, and calluses.

Hospital Cost Containment and Reporting Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979

Hospital Cost Containment Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate annually, beginning January, 1980: (1) a national voluntary percentage limit on hospital expenses; and (2) a voluntary percentage limit on hospital expenses for each State. Specifies the formulas for calculating such limits. Includes as factors for determining the national limit: (1) the average wage increase paid to employees (excluding supervisors and doctors of medicine or osteopathy) of hospitals in the United States; (2) the average price increase in the U.S. paid in appropriate classes of goods and services (to be determined by the Secretary); (3) the percent of hospital expenses attributable to such wage and price increases; (4) the annual increase in the national population; and (5) a one percent allowance for the net increase in hospital service intensity. Includes these factors in the formula for determining the State limits, except that the average wage increase is to be based on employees of hospitals in each State and the annual population increase is based on increases in each State. Directs the Secretary to promulgate annually, beginning January 1980, a voluntary percentage limit for each hospital for the hospital's accounting period ending in 1979. Specifies the formula for calculating such limit. Directs the Secretary to promulgate annually, beginning January, 1981, a voluntary percentage limit for each hospital not subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for the hospital's accounting period ending in the preceding year. Specifies the formula for calculating such limit. Directs the Secretary to determine or estimate before July 1, 1980, and before July 1 of each succeeding year: (1) the difference in dollars between (A) the percentage increase in the expenses of each hospital not subject to a mandatory limit under this Act in the preceding year, and (B) the voluntary percentage limit for the hospital for the accounting period; and (2) the sum of such differences. Provides that: (1) if such sum is zero or less, no hospital shall be subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for its accounting period ending in the year; or (2) if such sum is greater than zero, then the Secretary shall determine the sum of the differences in each relevant State. Defines "relevant State" for such purposes. Provides that: (1) if this sum is zero or less in a particular State, no hospital in that State shall be subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for its accounting period ending in the year; or (2) every hospital, for each accounting period beginning after January 1, 1979, and for each succeeding accounting period, shall be subject to a mandatory limit as prescribed by this Act, unless such hospital is otherwise exempted by this Act. Requires the Secretary to exclude the hospitals in a particular State from such mandatory limits at the request of the chief executive of any State, under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt a hospital from such mandatory limit upon a determination that such exemption is necessary to facilitate certain experiments or demonstrations entered into under specified laws. Specifies: (1) the formula for calculating mandatory limits; and (2) the circumstances under which the average reimbursement payable to a hospital by a cost payer per admission, and the average inpatient charges per admission of a hospital, for any accounting period of the hospital subject to a mandatory limit, exceed such limit. Directs the Secretary, in calculating such mandatory limits, to develop: (1) a system of grouping hospitals by appropriate characteristics, such as patient case mix and metropolitan or nonmetropolitan setting; and (2) a method of measuring efficiency within each group that provides for setting a group norm, defined in terms of all or certain hospital expenses. Requires the Secretary to assign to each hospital in a group a percentage bonus or penalty related to the extent to which a hospital's expenses differ from the group norm, according to a specified formula. Allows the Secretary to make further adjustments to such percentage bonus or penalty in order to allow for changes in admissions or other factors warranting special consideration. Sets forth procedures by which a hospital may request the Secretary to exercise such discretion. Prohibits the reimbursement for inpatient hospital services provided under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) to the extent that it exceeds the applicable mandatory limits established under this Act or under a State mandatory hospital cost containment program of a State whose hospitals have been excluded under this Act. Provides that: (1) payment shall not be made to any State; and (2) payment shall not be required to be made by any State under title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) or title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to any amount paid for inpatient hospital services in excess of the applicable mandatory limits established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose on a hospital an excise tax equal to 150 percent of the amount of excess reimbursement which such hospital has with respect to a cost payer for an accounting period subject to a mandatory limit. Imposes such tax on a private cost payer, if a hospital has such excess reimbursement with respect to such payer. Imposes on a hospital which has excess inpatient charges for an accounting period subject to a mandatory limit, an excise tax equal to the product of 150 percent of the amount of excess inpatient charges of the hospital for the accounting period, and the fraction of such charges not attributable to cost payers. Sets forth procedures for the payment of such taxes, or for the deferral and abatement of such taxes, if a hospital has an escrow account approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or the Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services program a hospital which changes its admission practices in a manner that tends to reduce the proportion of inpatients for whom reimbursement is less than the anticipated inpatient charges applicable to them. Establishes a 15-member, part-time National Commission on Hospital Cost Containment to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of this Act, and other matters affecting hospital expenses or revenues.

A bill to permit regulation of automated blood pressure machines to insure the accuracy and reliability of their performance.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979

Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to classify automated blood pressure machines as class II medical devices under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, notwithstanding requirements under such Act for the classification of a medical device as a class II medical device.

Brown Lung Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979

Brown Lung Benefits Act - Entitles textile workers to claim benefits for death or total disability due to byssinosis (brown lung disease). Specifies the amounts of such payments, which are to be paid by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that such benefits payments shall be reduced by the amount of payments received from certain other sources, such as workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, disability insurance, or a percentage of social security benefits. Requires any such claim to be also filed under the applicable State workers' compensation law. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to assure that the United States is equitably reimbursed by textile plant operators, on the basis of their yearly tonnage of cotton consumption, for the benefits paid under this Act. Stipulates that this Act does not relieve any employer of a textile plant of the duty to comply with any State workers' compensation law and that any such law which provides greater benefits shall not be construed to conflict with this Act.

An act to amend titles XV and XVI of the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the authorities and requirements under those titles for health planning and health resources development, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979

Health Planning Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Revision and Extension of National Health Planning and Development Authority - Amends title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Health Planning and Development) to increase from 15 to 20 the membership of the National Council on Health Planning and Development. Increases from five to eight the minimum number of Council members who must be consumers, including members of urban and rural medical underserved populations. Permits the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area to request that such area contain only part of a standard metropolitan statistical area, without the concurrence of the Governors of the other States which are part of such area, as required under current law. Requires that the national guidelines for health planning issued by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare include standards which reflect the unique circumstances and needs of medical underserved populations including isolated rural communities. Revises the procedures for the redesignation of health service area boundaries. Directs the Secretary to review such boundaries on his own initiative, or at the request of any Governor or health systems agency (HSA), and provides that they may be redesignated if the boundaries of the proposed health service area meet the current requirements in a significantly more appropriate manner. Provides that no proposed revision of a health service area shall comprise an entire State without the prior consent of the Governor. Directs the Secretary to establish by January 1, 1980, criteria for revision of health service area boundaries. Eliminates the provision which gives priority for designation of health service areas which formerly had an area wide Comprehensive Health Planning Agency under previous health planning authority. Requires each health systems agency (HSA) and each Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) to adopt procedures in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary to insure that no conflicts of interest exist with respect to their members, employees, consultants, or agents. Requires HSA staff to have expertise in mental health planning and resources, financial and economic analysis, and public health and disease prevention. Provides that at least one member of such staff shall be responsible for assisting the consumer members of the HSA governing body. 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 concurrent composition requirements; and (2) the opportunity for, and encouragement of, broad participation of the residents of the health service area. Requires such process to prohibit the selection of members by other members of such body or councils. Provides that an HSA that is a public regional planning body or local government unit is not required to delegate to a separate governing body for health planning the exclusive authority to perform certain functions. Revises the requirements for the membership of HSA governing bodies with respect to government representatives. Authorizes such bodies to make advances to HSA members for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of HSA duties. Excepts from the current requirement that HSA governing body meetings be public, meetings dealing with HSA employees which, if public, would be an unwarranted invasion of such employee's privacy. Extends similar scope of protection to HSA personnel records and data and to employees of State health planning and development agencies. Eliminates the current provision that consumers on HSA governing bodies cannot have been health care providers within the 12 months preceding appointment. Permits providers whose principal place of business is in an HSA area to be members of such HSA's governing body. Adds "non-professional health workers" and "other providers of health and mental health care" as additional provider categories with respect to HSA governing body composition. Requires that subcommittees or advisory groups of HSA boards have a consumer majority. Provides that no member, employee, consultant, or agent of a HSA or SHCC shall be personally liable for damages under any Federal or State law if such individual could have reasonably believed that he was acting in an official capacity and acted without gross negligence or malice. Requires any executive committee of a HSA, subarea advisory council, or other entities appointed under a HSA to conduct its business in public, give adequate notice of its meetings, and make its records available, upon request, to the public. Adds to the material to be included in the health systems plan (HSP) of an HSA a description of specified institutional and non-institutional health services and the extent to which facilities and equipment need to be modernized, converted to new uses, constructed, or acquired. Requires that the State health plan prepared by the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) contain similar information and be coordinated with State health plans developed pursuant to certain other Federal laws. Requires certificate of need decisions to be consistent with the State health plan, except in emergency circumstances posing a threat to public health. Requires that the State health plan prepared by the SHCC have the concurrence of the Governor. Prohibits the Secretary from making any grant to a State health planning and development agency (State Agency) which does not have a State health plan in effect. Applies procedures for public comment on proposed health systems plans (HSPs) of an HSA to the annual review and amendment of HSPS. Requires that the same such procedures be used with respect to the annual implementation plans (AIPs) which describe objectives and priorities in achieving HSP goals. Stipulates that HSPs shall: (1) include identifiable alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and mental health components; and (2) address specifically the needs of all medically underserved populations in the HSA. 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, the SHCC, and the Secretary a detailed statement of reasons for any inconsistencies between its HSP and AIP and such guidelines. Directs, rather than allows, HSAs to provide technical assistance in obtaining and filling out necessary forms to applicants applying for projects to achieve the HSP. Allows grants made by an HSA for planning and developing projects to be used in a period succeeding that for which it was granted without being deducted from the subsequent grant award. Requires each HSA to coordinate its activities with entities which review rates and budgets of health care facilities in the health service area and with appropriate agencies on aging, local and regional alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and mental health planning agencies. Directs, rather than allows, the Secretary to provide technical assistance to entities which have the potential to become HSAs. Eliminates the provision giving priority for HSA designation to agencies and regional medical programs formerly authorized under certain other titles of the Public Health Service Act. 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 health systems agencies, including requiring the Secretary to: (1) give priority to an application for HSA designation which has been recommended by the Governor or the Statewide Health Coordinating Council; (2) permit the appropriate State Agency and the SHCC to comment on the performance of an HSA before its designation is renewed; (3) consult with the Governor and the SHCC before terminating an HSA's designation. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate a designation agreement for an HSA whose performance is unsatisfactory. Increases the minimum planning grants to HSAs, and authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Extends eligibility for Federal matching of non-Federal contributions to minimally-funded HSAs. Extends from one to three years the period of the designation of a State health planning and development agency (State Agency). Authorizes the Secretary to terminate such designation (or return such Agency to a conditionally designated status for no more than one year), if the Secretary determines upon an appropriate review that such Agency's performance is unsatisfactory. Reduces by 25 percent per year for each year in which a State has not designated a State Agency, the amount of any allotment, grant, loan, or loan guarantee which has been committed to the State under this Act, the Community Mental Health Centers Act, or the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 for the development of health resources. Provides for judicial review of a final decision rendered by a State Agency under a certificate of need or appropriateness review, and requires affirmance of the State Agency's decision unless it is arbitrary, capricious, or was made not in conformity with applicable law. Requires a State Agency to provide technical assistance in obtaining and filling out the necessary forms to individuals and public and private entities for the development of projects and programs. Directs the appropriate authorities to prepare alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and mental health components to be included in the preliminary State health plan. Requires a State certificate of need program to: (1) be consistent with standards established by the Secretary by regulation; (2) provide for enforcement procedures and penalties; (3) provide for periodic review of certificates which have already been issued in order to monitor the progress of the service or facility; (4) provide for the withdrawal of any such certificate where substantial progress is not being made; and (5) provide for review and determination of need prior to the acquisition of diagnostic or therapeutic equipment under specified circumstances. Prohibits such program from reviewing and determining the need of health maintenance organization (HMO) services except for new institutional health services of hospitals controlled directly or indirectly by HMOs and diagnostic or therapeutic equipment of HMOs. Requires the issuance of certificates to be based solely on the record established in administrative and judicial proceedings. Directs the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) to establish in consultation with the health systems agencies (HSAs) and the State Agency a uniform format for health system plans (HSPs) and annual implementation plans (AIPs). Provides for ex officio representation of the Veterans' Administration on the SHCC when the State has at least one VA facility, instead of two facilities as currently provided. Requires members of the SHCC who are consumers to include individuals from rural and urban medical underserved populations which exist in the State. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for grants to State health planning and development agencies. Extends authorization of appropriations for grants for State rate regulation experiments. Stipulates that an individual shall not be considered an indirect provider of health care (and for this reason a direct provider of health care under current law) solely because such person is a member of a governing board of an entity engaged in the provision of, or research or instruction in, health care, or in the production of drugs. Redefines "institutional health services" for purposes of title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Health Planning and Development) to mean: (1) health services entailing annual operating costs of $50,000 or more which are provided through health care facilities as defined in regulations by the Secretary; and (2) diagnostic or therapeutic equipment valued in excess of $150,000 at time of acquisition and used in the delivery of health care services. Revises procedures and criteria for reviews, including reviews of certificate of need applications and appropriateness of services, by HSAs and State Agencies. Adds to the existing criteria the quality of care provided in the past by existing services or facilities, and the extent to which proposed services will be accessible to all the residents of the area to be served. Establishes criteria under which the certificate of need applications of HMOs are to be reviewed and approved. Extends and increases the authorization of appropriations for grants for planning and developing new centers for health planning. Directs the Secretary in reviewing an HSA and State Agency to consider the comments submitted by any interested person. Provides for Indian self-determination as related to health planning. Defines "health maintenance organization", "medical underserved population", and "rehabilitation facility" for purposes of this Act. Stipulates that the "healthful environment" which an HSA is directed in current law to describe in a detailed statement of goals means primarily with respect to health care equipment, and health services provided by health care institutions, facilities, and other providers and resources. Title II: Revision and Extension of Health Resources Development Authority - Amends title XVI of the Public Health Service Act (Health Resources Development) to require the Governor of a State, as well as the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC), to approve any State medical facilities plan. Provides that the Secretary make funds appropriated but unexpended for allotments in fiscal year 1976 available for special project grants for public hospitals with safety hazards or accreditation problems. Extends and increases the authorization of appropriations for project grants through fiscal year 1982. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for: (1) loan and loan guarantee fund providing loans for medical facilities; and (2) Area Health Services Development Funds (established to enable HSAs to make planning grants). Directs the Secretary to establish a program of financial assistance to encourage the voluntary consolidation of duplicative hospital services and the discontinuance of unneeded hospital inpatient services. Allows any hospital in operation on the date of enactment and which intends to: (1) discontinue providing inpatient health services; (2) discontinue an identifiable unit of the hospital which provides inpatient services; or (3) convert part of the hospital into providing ambulatory care services, long term care services, or any other service designated by the Secretary, to apply for a debt payment, an incentive payment, or a conversion payment, as appropriate. Specifies the authorized uses of the incentive payment. Specifies application procedures and formulas for determining the amounts of such payments. Directs a HSA and a State Agency, in determining the need for the service proposed to be discontinued under such program, to give special consideration to unmet needs and existing access patterns of urban or rural poverty populations. Requires the Secretary of Labor to certify that fair and equitable arrangements have been made to protect the interests of employees affected by the discontinuance of such services before payments can be made. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for the purpose of making payments under such program. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to study the first 25 applications for assistance under such program to determine their effect on the elimination of unneeded hospital services and to report the results of such study to Congress. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Repeals title IX of the Public Health Service Act (Education, Research, Training, and Demonstrations in the Fields of Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Kidney Disease, and Other Related Diseases).

Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979

Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.

Privacy Act Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Privacy Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to require medical service providers to permit individuals to inspect and copy their medical records. Provides for the correction of records at the individual's request. Prohibits disclosure of an individual's name or medical records without such individual's authorization. Permits disclosure of medical records without the individual's authorization in specified circumstances, including employee use, audit and evaluation, statutory requirements, law enforcement functions, parents of minors, health research, and judicial and administrative proceedings. Sets forth limits on disclosures in such circumstances. Authorizes governmental authorities to obtain medical records pursuant to a summons, subpoena, search warrant, or a written request. Requires the individual to be notified of such disclosure. Sets forth the procedure for an individual to challenge such a request. Permits the disclosure of medical records: (1) that are not individually identifiable; (2) in proceedings in which governmental authorities and the individual or medical service provider are parties; (3) in a General Accounting Office investigation of a governmental authority; (4) for intelligence purposes; or (5) in emergency situations. Requires the service provider to notify the individual when medical records are disclosed without such individual's authorization. Requires a warning against unauthorized disclosure to be placed on all written disclosures of medical information. Provides criminal and civil penalties for violations of the disclosure provisions. Stipulates limits on the use of medical information by grand juries. Requires annual reports by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to the appropriate committees of Congress concerning individual challenges of medical record disclosures.

Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1979 - Amends the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to abolish the Office of Drug Abuse Policy and to direct the President, acting through the Domestic Council or through such other mechanism as may be set forth by Executive order, to establish a system for making recommendations with respect to policies for Federal drug abuse functions, and to coordinate the performance of such functions by Federal departments and agencies. Requires the President to designate a single officer or employee of the Domestic Council to be his representative on drug abuse functions and to direct the activities of drug abuse policy coordination. Requires State drug abuse plans to take into account changes in emphasis in its programs resulting from shifts in demographic and drug abuse patterns within the State, and to design such programs to reach the general population and members of particularly vulnerable groups such as minority and poverty groups, women, youth, and the aged. Requires coordination of each State and local drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation needs with its alcohol abuse and alcoholism survey. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Institute on Drug Abuse, to develop a variety of model programs suitable for replication on a cost-effective basis in different types of business concerns and State and local governmental entities. Prohibits discrimination in admission or care against drug abusers suffering from personal, emotional, or social conditions, solely because of their drug abuse or drug dependence, by any private or public social service, mental health, intermediate care, rehabilitation, or other service-related facility which receives Federal financial support. Directs the Secretary, upon a State's request, to furnish technical assistance for developing and improving various program systems. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that appointed members of the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse be selected from a range of professionals and paraprofessionals that includes officers or employees of State and local drug abuse agencies. Extends the authorization of necessary appropriations for formula grants and other specified drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation functions and activities through fiscal year 1981.

A bill to amend Social Security Act to provide that the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration henceforth shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Amends title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to require that the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

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 · 1 March 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 provide payment for drugs and biologicals under part B of the medicare program and with respect to post-hospital home health services.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for prescription drugs biologicals.

Drug Benefits for the Aged Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Drug Benefits for the Aged Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a Drug Benefit Program for the Aged to pay for prescription drugs from participating pharmacies. Directs the Secretary, to establish a Drug Benefits List of prescription and nonlegend qualified drugs, limited to specified pharmacological therapeutic categories, which the Secretary deems appropriate for the treatment of conditions, illnesses, or injuries to the person or well-being of aged individuals. Specifies conditions under which participating pharmacies may substitute lower cost, therapeutic equivalents for prescribed drugs. Establishes a Drug Benefits Council to advise the Secretary on policy in general and the content and format of the drug benefits list in particular. Sets conditions for the participation of pharmacies in the program. Prescribes criminal penalties for fraud.

Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 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.

A bill to amend section 317 of the Public Health Service Act to provide for services for the treatment of hypertension under preventive health services grants.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Amends title III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service), as amended by the Health Services Extension Act of 1978, to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to State health authorities for preventive health service programs for the treatment of hypertension.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for preventive services furnished in the screening, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals for hypertension.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for preventive services furnished in the screening, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals for hypertension.

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require the provision of preventive examinations for hypertension and drugs for the treatment of hypertension under the medicaid program.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for preventive examinations for hypertension and drugs for the treatment of hypertension.

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to treat hair dyes the same as other cosmetics under such Act.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to apply the adulteration and misbranding provisions of such Act to hair dyes.