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Bill· HRH.R. 4097 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 4081 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the entrance into or operation within the United States of any civil supersonic aircraft engaged in commercial service which generates a noise level in excess of the level in effect for new subsonic aircraft.
Bill· HRH.R. 4098 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 4099 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 4078 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care including eyeglasses, under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4009 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4008 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4010 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
Bill· HRH.R. 4006 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - 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 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. 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 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 4015 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Communicative Health Care Amendments -- Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include in the coverage under such Title health care for communicative disorders including preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative functions. Provides that payments presently made to hospitals under the Medicare program for services provided by an outside resource shall be payable directly to such outside resource provider. Defines the term "communicative services' to include speech pathology and audiology services furnished by a physician or other qualified health professional.
Bill· HRH.R. 4011 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Extends coverage to all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished. Extends coverage to: (1) comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered; (2) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency; and (3) pathology and radiology services as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Extends coverage to two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Lists approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and those available for use outside such organized settings. Declares that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Extends coverage to professional services of optometrists and podiatrists, subject to regulations, and diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law; and (2) services of a professional practitioner if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program becomes eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals. Makes psychiatric hospitals eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Allows the participation of the following as providers of health services under this Act: (1) a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients; (2) a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society; and (3) community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of medical services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when acting as an employee. Allows reimbursement for any services furnished by such institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other professional and nonprofessional health personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs that three separate accounts be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Make provision for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Stipulates that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Directs the Board to divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Stipulates that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Stipulates that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies shall be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Stipulates that a health organization shall be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires that the members be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services and the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent. Adds a new one percent Health Security Tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commission shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3917 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and removes 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. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of home health services in a State's Medicaid program and permit the payment of rent under such program for elderly and handicapped persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. 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. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs 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, handle, 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. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of extending to the Medicare program the prospective cost-related method of computing payments to nursing homes and home health agencies which is currently provided under the Medicaid program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3938 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program to include services furnished by physician extenders and clinical staff of community mental health centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 3916 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and removes 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. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of home health services in a State's Medicaid program and permit the payment of rent under such program for elderly and handicapped persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. 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. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs 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, handle, 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. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of extending to the Medicare program the prospective cost-related method of computing payments to nursing homes and home health agencies which is currently provided under the Medicaid program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3904 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3903 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Requires an employer to contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of an electing employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium, with the employee contributing the balance. Establishes, for low-income employees, a program of certificates of entitlement or income tax credit in the amount by which the portion of the premium payable by such an employee exceeds the premium for which he would be liable under the program of health insurance for the unemployed or self-employed as established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll cost due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. States that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of the annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Sets forth a plan of health insurance providing hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and their families. Establishes, as a means of implementing such plan, a program of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax for the premium for qualified health care insurance. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to the income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides qualified health care insurance for an individual or family with no tax liability for the base year. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under such plan for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accommodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for catastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary, programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established by this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3882 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act - Prohibits smoking in specified areas of Federal facilities and in interstate passenger carrier facilities. Requires the effective separation of smokers from non-smokers in certain areas of such facilities. Requires that nonsmoking employees in Federal facilities be given the opportunity to be assigned to physically distinct offices or workplaces from those who smoke, whenever possible. Makes the executive head or chief administrative officer of each instrumentality responsible for the enforcement of these prohibitions in any Federal facility in which such instrumentality maintains offices. Requires such officers to submit an annual report on the enforcement of these prohibitions to the Administrator of General Services. Establishes civil penalties for individuals who smoke in any area of an interstate passenger carrier facility where smoking is prohibited under this Act. Requires that "No Smoking" signs be posted in specified areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 3878 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act - Makes it unlawful, under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, for any person to manufacture, import, or package for sale or distribution within the United States any cigarettes the package of which (1) fails to bear the required health warning statement; and (2) fails to bear a statement of the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette in such package, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated any cigarette advertisement which fails to contain the required statements and which is either disseminated by United States mails or in commerce or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly, the purchase in, or have an effect upon, commerce of cigarettes. Requires cigarettes for export to contain the required statements in the language of the country to which such package is exported.
Bill· SS. 754 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Health Services Research, Health Statistics, Medical Libraries, Biomedical Research and Research Training Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for: health services, research, evaluation, and demonstration activities supported by such Act; health statistics medical libraries; cancer control programs; the National Cancer Institute; heart, blood, lung, and blood disease prevention and control programs; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and National Research Service Awards.
Bill· SS. 755 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Health Services, Hemophilia and Health Planning and Development Extension Act - Title I: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 the assistance programs for comprehensive public health services, migrant health, community health centers, hemophilia programs, and national health planning and development and health resources development. Repeals the provision of the Public Health Service Act which authorizes project grants to public and nonprofit private agencies for training, studies, and demonstrations for developing comprehensive health plans. Title II: Amendments to the Community Mental Health Centers Act - Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 grants for community mental health centers planning and operations. Extends the time period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare must act on an application for a grant to plan a community mental health center to 120 days after the date of submission of the application.
Bill· HRH.R. 3782 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3779 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
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.
Bill· HRH.R. 3735 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to establish the Special Commission on Quality Assurance and Utilization Control in Home Health Care. States that the Commission shall be composed of 20 members appointed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth the fields of experience and expertise from which Commission members are to be drawn, including five representatives of professional groups with expertise in accreditation and three who are recipients of benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, or under a State plan of services. Requires Senate approval of the member designated chairman of the Commission. States that the function and duty of the Commission shall be: (1) to conduct a full and complete study, investigation, and review of the provision of home health care and services to individuals in the United States, including care and services furnished by agencies which do not qualify as providers of services under the Social Security Act as well as care and services furnished by agencies which do so qualify, with the particular objective of determining: (a) the extent to which additional quality assurance and utilization control in the provision of such care and services is needed; and (b) the manner in which the standards, conditions, and requirements of Title XVIII, Title XIX, or Title XX should be modified in order to provide additional assurance and control; and (2) to develop, on the basis of such study, investigates and review a detailed plan for quality assurance and utilization control in home health care. Directs the submission to the Secretary and the Congress of the required plan within one year of the appointment of the majority of the members of the Commission. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days of the submission of such plan, to issue regulations making such modifications in the Social Security Act as may be necessary to implement the plan and carry out the Commission's accompanying recommendations, and to submit to the Congress any recommendations which would require a change in existing law.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 121 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that every individual who has undergone extensive radiation treatment for tonsil, adenoid, thymus, or similar problems should be made aware of the potential risk of developing cancer because of such treatments, and of the need for regular physical checkups as a result of the risk.
Bill· SS. 751 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1977
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund to agricultural producers in the United States who sustain losses incurred on or after January 1, 1973, as a direct result of contamination of their food crops, animal feedcrops, livestock (including poultry), or livestock products by toxic chemicals at levels dangerous to the public health or at such levels that the Secretary determines that the contamination has adversely affected the economic viability of the farming operation. Sets a maximum loan amount of $250,000, a term of seven years, and leaves the interest rate to the Secretary's discretion, not to exceed three percent. Requires repayment of the loan up to the amount of the compensation within three months of the receipt of any compensation for losses for which the loan was made. Permits the Secretary to postpone all but a nominal amount of principal and interest payments for up to three years.
Bill· HRH.R. 3697 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow medical facilities to be reimbursed by the Federal Government for emergency medical treatment given aliens unlawfully in the United States if such aliens are unable to pay the cost of such treatment or can pay only a part of the cost and the aliens or medical facilities which provided such treatment are not eligible under any public assistance program for payment or reimbursement of such cost. Requires that an application for reimbursement be submitted to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth criteria for determining whether such an application shall be approved.
Bill· HRH.R. 3653 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Requires an employer to contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of an electing employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium, with the employee contributing the balance. Establishes, for low-income employees, a program of certificates of entitlement or income tax credit in the amount by which the portion of the premium payable by such an employee exceeds the premium for which he would be liable under the program of health insurance for the unemployed or self-employed as established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll cost due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. States that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of the annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Sets forth a plan of health insurance providing hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and their families. Establishes, as a means of implementing such plan, a program of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax for the premium for qualified health care insurance. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to the income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides qualified health care insurance for an individual or family with no tax liability for the base year. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under such plan for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accommodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for catastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary, programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established by this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3699 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Life Support Centers Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize and direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to make grants to the health agencies of States, or political subdivisions thereof, or to any qualified nonprofit agency for programs of: (1) prenatal health care to adolescents; (2) health care to infants of adolescent mothers; (3) family planning services; (4) social services for adolescent mothers; and (5) funds to purchase adoption services for adolescent mothers. Stipulates that the Federal share of assistance to programs under this section shall not exceed 75 percent of the cost of a program. Sets forth procedures by which application may be made for grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act for fiscal year 1978 and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years.
Bill· HRH.R. 3641 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - 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 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. 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 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 3683 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for one physical checkup a year under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3667 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled of such Title.
Bill· HRH.R. 3635 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program to include physician extender services.
Bill· HRH.R. 3569 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Extends the coverage for dental services provided under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include any services which may be performed by a doctor of dental surgery or of dental medicine and to authorize payment under the Medicare program for all inpatient hospital services furnished in connection with dental procedures requiring hospitalization.
Bill· HRH.R. 3592 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
DNA Research Act - Expresses the finding of Congress that all research with regard to DNA is either in interstate commerce or substantially affects such commerce. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate guidelines for research involving DNA. Prohibits the granting of a patent on any procedure or organism resulting from such research unless all guidelines have been adhered to, and full disclosure has been made, regarding such process or organism. Imposes strict civil liability on persons carrying out such research for all injury to persons or property caused by such research. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses for research involving DNA. Prohibits any person from soliciting or accepting any specimen for research involving DNA or conducting such research unless a license for such research has been issued. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke, suspend, or limit such licenses for specified violations. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to bring suit to enjoin any activity by a research facility, licensed under this Act, which is believed by the Secretary to be unreasonably hazardous to the public health. Gives the Secretary authority to inspect facilities engaged in DNA research. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes the court to render any person or entity convicted of such violation ineligible for Federal funds. Prohibits any research facility employer from discharging or discriminating against any employee because such employee is involved in a proceeding under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3591 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
DNA Research Act - Expresses the finding of Congress that all research with regard to DNA is either in interstate commerce or substantially affects such commerce. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate guidelines for research involving DNA. Prohibits the granting of a patent on any procedure or organism resulting from such research unless all guidelines have been adhered to, and full disclosure has been made, regarding such process or organism. Imposes strict civil liability on persons carrying out such research for all injury to persons or property caused by such research. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses for research involving DNA. Prohibits any person from soliciting or accepting any specimen for research involving DNA or conducting such research unless a license for such research has been issued. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke, suspend, or limit such licenses for specified violations. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to bring suit to enjoin any activity by a research facility, licensed under this Act, which is believed by the Secretary to be unreasonably hazardous to the public health. Gives the Secretary authority to inspect facilities engaged in DNA research. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes the court to render any person or entity convicted of such violation ineligible for Federal funds. Prohibits any research facility employer from discharging or discriminating against any employee because such employee is involved in a proceeding under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3598 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Health Services Extension Act - Amends the public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for grants: (1) to States for comprehensive public health services; (2) for hypertension programs; (3) for planning, development and operation of migrant health centers; (4) for planning, development and operation of community health centers; (5) for training and research of family planning projects; (6) for infant sudden death syndrome programs; (7) for hemophilia programs; and (8) for blood separation centers. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 appropriations for: (1) planning and operation of community health centers; and (2) the National Center for Prevention and Control of Rape. Amends the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for maternal and child health and crippled children's services for fiscal year 1978, and for each fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes appropriations for home health services and home health services training under the Social Security Act for fiscal year 1978.
Bill· HRH.R. 3568 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include within the meaning of the term "outpatient physical therapy services" any provider, clinic or agency which provides only speech pathology services.
Bill· HRH.R. 3570 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3539 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Biomedical Research Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 the assistance programs for: cancer control programs; the National Cancer Institute; heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood disease prevention and treatment programs; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and the National Research Service awards.
Bill· HRH.R. 3538 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Health Planning, Health Services Research, Statistics, and Medical Libraries Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for health systems agencies, State health planning and development agencies, centers for health planning, construction of State medical facilities, area health services development, health services, the National Center for Health Statistics, and medical libraries.
Bill· HRH.R. 3499 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for nutritional counseling under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3484 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
Bill· HRH.R. 3480 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Brown Lung Benefits Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay benefits to any textile worker who has been totally disabled by byssinosis and to the surviving dependents of any such worker whose death was caused by byssinosis. Defines the term "byssinosis" to mean a chronic dust disease of the lung arising out of employment in a textile plant. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards for determining whether a textile worker is totally disabled by byssinosis and for determining whether the death of a textile worker was caused by byssinosis. Sets forth the employment conditions under which there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a worker's byssinosis arose out of such employment. Directs the Secretary to make benefit payments as follows: (1) in the case of total disability of a textile worker due to byssinosis, the disabled worker shall be paid benefits during the disability at a rate equal to 50 percent of the minimum monthly payment to which a Federal employee in grade GS-2, who is totally disabled is entitled; (2) in the case of death of a textile worker due to byssinosis or of a textile worker receiving benefits under this Act, benefits shall be paid to his widow (if any) at the rate the deceased worker would receive such benefits if he were totally disabled; and (3) in the case of an individual entitled to benefit payments who has one or more dependents, the benefit payments shall be increased at the rate of 50 percent of such benefit payments, if such individual has one dependent, 75 percent if such individual has two dependents, and 100 percent if such individual has three or more dependents. Prohibits the payment of benefits pursuant to this Act unless a claim has been filed before December 31, 1979. Prohibits the consideration of such claim unless a claim has been filed under the applicable State workmen's compensation law prior to or at the same time that a claim was filed for benefits under this Act. 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 consumed, for benefits paid under this Act. States that nothing in this Act shall relieve any operator of a textile plant of the duty to comply with any State workmen's compensation law, except insofar as such State law is in conflict with the provisions of this Act and the Secretary, by regulation, so prescribes.
Bill· HRH.R. 3472 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that every hospital and clinic or other station of the Public Health Service, every hospital and outpatient dispensary facility of the Veterans' Administration, and every hospital for which a grant, loan, or loan guarantee is made under the Public Health Service Act furnish noncovered prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, at prices not exceeding the actual cost thereof to any individual entitled to hospital insurance benefits under the Medicare program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3483 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3482 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
Bill· SS. 701 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Emergency Educational Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make basic grants to educational institutions to pay 50 percent of the costs related to energy conservation measures, including the cost of insulation, remodeling, and renovation of school facilities. Authorizes the appropriation for such basic grants of $300,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 1978 and for each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1981. Sets forth a formula and procedure by which the grants are to be allocated among the States and certain U.S. possessions. Permits the basic grants made to an educational institution to be used in accordance with application approved by the Commissioner. Requires the filing of an application with the Commissioner before any payments may be made for basic grants. Stipulates that such application shall include: (1) assurances that the high cost of fuel, energy shortage, or harsh weather conditions placed the applicant in need of assistance; (2) a full description of the energy conservation measures to be taken; (3) a statement of the policy and procedures to be utilized to assure proper use of such basic grants; (4) procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of the assistance given under such Act; (5) procedures for fiscal control and fund accounting; and (6) a provision requiring the furnishing of reports and the keeping of such records as the Commissioner may reasonably require. Permits the Commissioner to approve an application only if it meets such requirements and it has first been submitted to the appropriate State agency for comment. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for 66.6 percent of the costs of demonstration projects involving the development and use of energy conservation measures which show unusual promise of promoting the objectives of this Act. Directs the Commissioner, to the extent practicable, to provide for the equitable distributions of aid among the States for demonstration projects. Prohibits the making of a grant for such project unless the Commissioner: (1) determines that assistance is necessary because of high energy costs, energy shortages, or harsh weather conditions; and (2) has an application submitted to him containing such information as he may reasonably require and specifically including (a) assurances that the project is economically feasible (b) the comparative rate of return of the energy component of such project before and after any changes that have been made; and (c) a description of the feasibility of using such project in other communities. Authorizes the appropriations, for such projects, of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and for each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1981. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for 50 percent of the costs of providing technical assistance for energy conservation measures. Prohibits the making of grants for technical assistance unless the Commissioner determines (1) that such assistance is necessary because of high energy costs, the shortage of energy or harsh weather conditions; and (2) the application contains such information as the Commissioner reasonably may require and specifically includes provisions designed to insure such technical assistance will be shared, to the extent practicable, with private schools in the school district of such agency. Authorizes the appropriation for such assistance of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and for each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1981. Permits the Commissioner to waive such percentage limitations placed upon approved applications for basic grants or technical assistance and pay the full costs of such projects if he determines that the applicant is suffering from extreme financial need and could not carry out such project. Permits the Commissioner to withhold grants made under such act if after a hearing he finds that an applicant has substantially failed to comply with the requirements of such Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing payments for religious worship or instruction. Directs the Commissioner to consult with specified officials and groups before promulgating regulations for the submission and approval of applications under such Act.
Bill· SS. 705 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel, and to develop mechanisms designed to assure the continued competence of such personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in business in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards over clinical laboratories not engaged in interstate commerce and those that are engaged in interstate commerce and located or doing business within the State when responsibility is specifically delegated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to the national standards promulgated by the Secretary. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which such laboratory may perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other such laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has in effect equally stringent standards. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. 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. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States to assist in meeting the cost of enforcing the standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories. States that the purpose of such Office shall be: (1) to establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) to provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, including but not limited to grants to or contracts with hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities, or in connection with the procurement and reimbursement for clinical laboratory services, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals, reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, for the provision of clinical laboratory services by persons who provide such services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
Bill· SS. 708 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the aged and Disabled of such Title.
Bill· HRH.R. 3335 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Saint Elizabeths Hospital Corporation Act - Creates the Saint Elizabeths Hospital Corporation to administer Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Sets forth the powers of the Corporation. Provides for the transfer of functions and property from the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Specifies the duties of the Corporation, among them: (1) to assure that high-quality mental health care is provided by Saint Elizabeths Hospital; (2) to achieve full accreditation of Saint Elizabeths Hospital at the earliest possible time; (3) to work toward integration of services for the mentally ill in the District of Columbia, (4) to provide for separate facilities and staff for the treatment of the criminally insane; and (5) to sell or lease any land or building it determines to be unnecessary for the operation and expansion of Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Directs that a comprehensive plan for the operation of Saint Elizabeths Hospital be prepared by the Board, and that the plan be submitted to Congress, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Mayor and City Council of the District of Columbia. Directs the National Capital Planning Commission to prepare and transmit to the Board, a land use plan for the land area transferred to the Board. Specifies that certain reports be prepared by the Board, and be filed with Congress, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Mayor and City Council of the District of Columbia. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make available to the Board such sums as may be necessary for the renovation and restoration of certain historic buildings at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Authorizes appropriations for construction and operating expenses.