Healthcare

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

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979

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

National Home Health Care Act of 1977

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979

National Home Health Care Act of 1977 - 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 pursuant to the low-income housing program under the United States Housing Act of 1937. 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.

National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979

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

Brown Lung Disease Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1979

Brown Lung Disease Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to compile and publish a list of State workers' compensation laws found to provide adequate coverage for byssinosis ("brown lung disease", arising out of employment in a textile plant), utilizing specified criteria. Subjects such a determination to judicial review in an appropriate circuit court. Requires any claim for death or total disability due to byssinosis to be filed under the State workers' compensation law, but entitles a worker or surviving family members to claim benefits under this Act during any period when such persons are not covered by a State law providing adequate coverage. Specifies the amounts of benefits to which retired and other workers suffering from byssinosis are entitled to be paid by the Secretary. Provides that such benefit 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. Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to establish standards for determining whether a worker is, or deceased worker was, totally disabled from byssinosis. Makes every employer liable for the securing of benefits equal to or greater than those provided by this Act. Sets forth the means by which such an employer shall secure the payment of such benefits during any period in which the State workers' compensation law is not found to provide adequate coverage. Stipulates that this Act does not relieve any employer 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. Provides that during any period in which a State workers' compensation law is not included on the list published by the Secretary, certain provisions of the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act shall be applicable. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with and make grants to public and private agencies and organizations and individuals for the construction, purchase, and operation of fixed site and mobile clinical facilities for the analysis, examination, and treatment of respiratory and pulmonary impairments in active and inactive textile plant workers. Requires the Secretary to initiate research within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and authorizes the Secretary to make research grants to public and private agencies and organizations and individuals for the purpose of devising a simple and effective test to measure, detect, and treat respiratory and pulmonary impairments in active and inactive textile plant workers.

National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1979

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

Catastrophic Health Insurance Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979

Catastrophic Health Insurance Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for individuals. Entitles every individual who: (1) is a resident of the United States; and (2) is a citizen of, or a lawfully admitted alien in, the United States to catastrophic health insurance benefits provided by this Act in cases where the individual is not covered by an employer plan. Delimits the scope of benefits, including therein hospital and related insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital and home health services) and medical and other health services. Provides for a general deductible from: (1) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past 60 days; and (2) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (A) $2,000 or (B) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $100 increments). Permits payments for specified mental health care services. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations prescribing standards designed to assure that services consisting of the furnishing of blood or blood products, or the application of procedures or courses of treatment which are experimental or extraordinarily complex, will be provided only when such services are appropriate to the health care needs of the patient. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. States that individuals covered under approved employer or self-employed plans shall be entitled to those benefits rather than the benefits provided by the catastrophic health insurance plan. Defines the term "employer plan" as meaning an insurance policy, contract, or other arrangement entered into between an employer and a carrier, in consideration of premiums or other periodic payments, undertaken to pay for the costs of health services received by the employer's employees. Requires that the coverage provided under such plans must include a package of benefits which is the same as that provided by the Federal catastrophic health insurance benefits plan established under this Act. Sets forth additional requirements governing employer health plans. Establishes an Actuarial Committee to prepare and recommend annually to the Secretary a Table of Values of Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage, which shall establish the actuarial value of one year's catastrophic health insurance coverage for employers, carriers, and others involved in the programs. Creates a tax on self-employment income and an excise tax on employers. Allows a tax credit up to the entire amount of such taxes under the Internal Revenue Code for the actuarial value of catastrophic health insurance coverage for the self-employed and for the employees covered under approved employer plans. Title II: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - Establishes a program, under the Social Security Act, under which any insurer may submit any health insurance policy to the Secretary for examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall deny certification of any such insurance policy. Requires the Secretary to offer basic Federal health insurance to individuals residing in States in which no private health insurance program has been certified. Title III: Other Amendments - Authorizes payments for immunizations which the Secretary determines are appropriate under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, but only if provided on a scheduled allowance basis, as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Increases the amount of reimbursement under Medicare for outpatient mental health care. Reduces the monthly premium for optional coverage under the Medicare hospital insurance programs. Extends coverage of the renal disease program authorized under such Act to specified individuals not previously covered. Expresses the policy of Congress to encourage and expand philanthropic support for health care.

Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medical Assistance Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979

Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medical Assistance Reform Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for individuals. Entitles every individual who: (1) is a resident of the United States; and (2) is a citizen of, or a lawfully admitted alien in, the United States to catastrophic health insurance benefits provided by this Act in cases where the individual is not covered by an employer plan. Delimits the scope of benefits, including hospital and related insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital and home health services) and medical and other health services. Provides for a general deductible from: (1) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past 60 days; and (2) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (A) $2,000; or (B) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $100 increments). Permits payments for specified mental health care services. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations prescribing standards designed to assure that services consisting of the furnishing of blood or blood products, or the application of procedures or courses of treatment which are experimental or extraordinarily complex, will be provided only when such services are appropriate to the health care needs of the patient. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. States that individuals covered under approved employer or self-employed plans shall be entitled to those benefits rather than the benefits provided by the catastrophic health insurance plan. Defines the term "employer plan" as meaning an insurance policy, contract, or other arrangement entered into between an employer and a carrier, in consideration of premiums or other periodic payments, undertaken to pay for the costs of health services received by the employer's employees. Requires that the coverage provided under such plans must include a package of benefits which is the same as that provided by the Federal catastrophic health insurance benefits plan established under this Act. Sets forth additional requirements governing employer health plans. Establishes an Actuarial Committee to prepare and recommend annually to the Secretary a Table of Values of Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage, which shall establish the actuarial value of one year's catastrophic health insurance coverage for employers, carriers, and others involved in the programs. Creates a tax on self- employment income and an excise tax on employers. Allows a tax credit up to the entire amount of such taxes for the actuarial value of catastrophic health insurance coverage for the self-employed and for the employees covered under approved employer plans. Title II: Medical Assistance Plan for Low-Income People - Replaces the Medicaid program with a plan of medical assistance for low-income people. Requires assistance for low-income individuals and families, for the costs of necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, medical, and other health care services. Guarantees free choice by patients of health services from any person, institution, or agency qualified under this act. Permits individuals the option of obtaining other health insurance protection. Describes the medical assistance plan, what individuals are eligible to receive its health benefits, and the application procedure. Enumerates the scope of benefits under the plan, including: (1) 60 days of inpatient hospital services; (2) medical and other health services; (3) skilled nursing facility services; (4) home health services; (5) intermediate care services; (6) mental health services; (7) pre-natal and well-baby care; (8) family planning assistance; (9) early and periodic screening diagnosis, and treatment for eligible children under age 18; and (10) payment for Medicare Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for recipients of aid under this title. Prescribes the co-payment requirements and procedures of persons eligible for benefits. Creates the Medical Coverage Trust Fund within the Treasury. Makes provisions for State contributions to the Fund. Prohibits exclusion by employers of specified employees from coverage under group health insurance plans. Title III: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - Establishes a program, under the Social Security Act, under which any insurer may submit any health insurance policy to the Secretary for examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall deny certification of any such insurance policy. Requires the Secretary to offer basic Federal health insurance to individuals residing in States in which no private health insurance program has been certified. Title IV: Other Amendments - Authorizes payments for immunizations which the Secretary determines are appropriate under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, but only if provided on a scheduled allowable basis, as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Increases the amount of reimbursement under Medicare for outpatient mental health care. Reduces the monthly premium for optional coverage under the Medicare hospital insurance programs. Extends coverage of the renal disease program authorized under such Act to specified individuals not previously covered. Expresses the policy of Congress to encourage and expand philanthropic support for health care.

Rural Health Needs Planning Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979

Rural Health Needs Planning Act of 1979 - Amends title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Health Planning and Development) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, in issuing national guidelines for health planning, to include separate guidelines and regulations for rural areas served by health systems agencies (HSAs), where the needs of such areas cannot be met by the national guidelines. Provides for representation of rural areas on the National Council on Health Planning and Development, and includes the Assistant Secretary for Rural Development of the Department of Agriculture. Revises the formula for planning grants to designated HSAs. Requires a majority of the members of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council to be State residents who are representative of the population groups and subgroups including rural residents. Requires the Centers for Health Planning, in providing planning assistance to HSAs, to emphasize the needs of rural areas.

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of nitrites as a food preservative on the basis of any carcinogenic effect nitrites may be represented to have until a satisfactory substitute preservative is commercially available.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act or any other law to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect in humans that nitrites may be represented to have, unless validated evidence is made available to the Secretary which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that nitrites as a food preservative have a significant carcinogenic effect on humans. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretary determines, and publishes in the Federal Register, that a food preservative is commercially available: (1) which may be used in the place of nitrites; (2) which is effective in the protection of public health from botulism and other forms of food poisoning; and (3) the use of which is economically feasible for meat processors and the consumer. Requires the Secretary to conduct or support, by grant or contract research and development activities for a food preservative alternative to nitrites.

Occupational Alcoholism Prevention and Treatment Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979

Occupational Alcoholism Prevention and Treatment Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, to make grants to employers, labor organizations, consortiums of employers or labor organizations, and to public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay no more than 50 percent of the cost of establishing and operating occupational alcoholism programs. Authorizes an appropriation not to exceed 2.5 percent of Federal taxes collected on alcohol to finance such programs.

A bill to amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to provide financial assistance to States for their meeting the costs of certain medical care and services provided to undocumented resident aliens.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979

Amends title III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service) to provide grants to States to assist them in providing certain medical assistance to undocumented resident aliens. Sets forth guidelines for such grants concerning applications and payments. Establishes criminal penalties for willful or knowing false statements made in such grant applications.

Ausdehnung des deutsch-griechischen Abkommens über Soziale Sicherheit auf die nach den Gesetzen über die Krankenversicherung der Landwirte und der Studenten sowie nach dem Gesetz über die Sozialversicherung Behinderter versicherten Personen (G-SIG: 00049094)

Germany · German Bundestag · 2 February 1979

Entlastung der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung von Kosten aus Skiunfällen durch die Verpflichtung zu eigenverantwortlichem Abschluß von Unfall- und Haftpflichtversicherungen (G-SIG: 00049059)

Germany · German Bundestag · 2 February 1979

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to reimbursement of physicians' services in teaching hospitals.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude from inpatient hospital services provided under such title the services of a physician in a teaching hospital only if: (1) the hospital elects to receive any payment due under Medicare for reasonable costs of such services; and (2) all physicians in the hospital agree not to bill charges for professional services rendered in such hospital to individuals covered by Medicare.

Nurse Training Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979

Title I: Nurse Training - Nurse Training Amendments of 1979 - Amends title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend the assistance program for nurse training and students, generally at current levels of authorization through fiscal year 1980. Increases and extends the authorization for special project grants and contracts for nurse training programs from $15,000,000 per fiscal year to $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Establishes a new assistance program for training nurse anesthetists. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for such purpose. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) arrange for the conduct of a study, either with the National Academy of Sciences (if such body agrees) or with another public or nonprofit private entity (if the Academy declines), to determine the need to continue a specific Federal assistance program for nursing education, taking into account specified factors; and (2) report to Congress on such study by October 1, 1979. Title II: Other Health Professions Programs - Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to increase the ceiling on federally insured loans in any academic year to a medical student in a school of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry from $10,000 to $15,000 upon a determination that educational costs require such increase. Increases the aggregate insured unpaid principal amount for all such insured loans made to any such borrower from $50,000 to $60,000. Authorizes the Secretary to defer the date used with respect to service requirements for National Health Service Corps scholarships for students of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry for a period longer than the current three-year limit for such deferment. Exempts a medical or osteopathic school participating in an area health education center program from the requirement that such school conduct a program for training physician assistants or nurse practitioners which emphasizes enrolling individuals from the area served by the center of the program, if another school participating in the same program meets such requirement. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the sums which may be obligated for schools of medicine and other types of health care which are financially distressed or unaccredited, from the total authorizations for start-up assistance, financial distress training, and curriculum development of medical schools. Amends the Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 to extend authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for certain area health education programs which were funded under the Public Health Service Act.

National Health Care Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979

National Health Care Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - States the findings and purposes of the Act. Title II: Provisions to Strengthen Health Planning - Amends title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Health Planning and Development) to direct State health planning and development agencies (State Agencies) to designate as surplus, institutional health services which are found to be unneeded according to certificate-of-need standards. Provides that such designation shall have the effect of certificate-of-need denial for purposes of the State certificate-of-need program and the limitation on Federal participation for capital expenditures under the Social Security Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to institutions which have discontinued such surplus health services. Directs State Agencies to establish health data consortiums to serve the common data needs of itself and specified groups, including health care institutions, insurance companies underwriting health insurance plans, and health systems agencies. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines to be used in establishing certificate-of-need programs, including specified criteria. Requires the governing body or executive committee of a health systems agency to have at least one member representing a service benefit plan and one member representing an insurance company underwriting health plans. Revises the formula for planning grants to designated health systems agencies. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for: (1) planning grants to health systems agencies and State Agencies; (2) grants to State Agencies for rate regulation; (3) grants for centers for health planning; (4) State allotments for health resources development; and (5) the loan guarantee fund for health resources development. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Amends title VI of the Public Health Service Act (Assistance for Construction and Modernization of Hospitals and Other Medical Facilities) to authorize grants for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Places priority upon the construction of such facilities located in densely populated areas where such facilities do not now exist. Authorizes and places priority upon grants to train persons to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Title IV: Provisions to Assure a Coordinated National Health Policy - Directs the President to transmit to the Congress an annual health report setting forth the present status of the health care system of the Nation with an appraisal of trends and a review of the programs and activities of the Federal, State, and local governments. Establishes a Health Policy Board to advise the President with respect to such report and other health care issues. Directs all agencies of the Federal Government to include in every recommendation with respect to legislation or other actions, statements regarding the effect of such action on the Nation's health care. Title V: Provisions to Make Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Available to All - Establishes minimum standard health care benefits. Specifies that such standard shall be 100 percent of specified examinations, X-rays and laboratory tests and 80 percent of specified hospital, surgical, professional, and ambulatory health care. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit, after a transitional period, any tax deduction by an employer for payments to an employee health care plan unless the plan offers coverage to the employee's family, the employer pays at least 50 percent of the plan's cost, and the plan provides the minimum health care benefits specified by this title. Allows an unlimited personal tax deduction for premiums paid by the taxpayer for a health care plan covering himself or his dependents which provides the minimum benefits specified by this Act. Specifies such minimum health care benefits, including basic dental, maternal, child, family planning and mental health care, which must be extended by health plans in order to qualify for the income tax deductions provided by this Act. Requires that such plans provide an annual deductible of $100, with a carryover of any unused portion. Prohibits the award of damages for the cost of remedial services for which a party is compensated under this Act, in any malpractice action arising out of the furnishing of services covered under a health care plan or under the Social Security Act. Adds to the Social Security Act, "Title XXI - Grants to States for Qualified State Health Care Plans for the Needy". Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as necessary to provide comprehensive health care insurance to needy individuals and families. Allows individuals or families eligible for enrollment in the qualified State health care plan to elect coverage under an arrangement between the administering carrier and an approved health maintenance organization. States that every resident individual or family who is not eligible to enroll in a qualified employee health care plan, who is enrolled in the supplementary medical insurance program for the aged and who meets the requirements concerning income, shall be eligible to enroll in the qualified State health care plan. Sets forth a formula for determining premium rates to be paid by participating individuals and families. States that in the operation of a qualified State health care plan no charge for services rendered or supplies furnished by any hospital, skilled nursing facility, or home health agency shall be reimbursed to the extent that such charges exceed the rates approved by a State health care institution cost commission established pursuant to this Act. Makes it the duty of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review the level of rates of institutional reimbursement, approved by the commission, for such categories of health care institutions as shall be established by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to order a reduction in the level of rates approved for a given category of health care institution upon a determination that such rates are unjustifiably high. Stipulates that each State must establish a health care benefits pool. Directs that the premiums collected pursuant to Title XXI, as introduced in this Act, be paid into the pool. Makes such pool available to pay claims and other specified expenses associated with the program. Prohibits any class of individuals or families receiving all, or substantially all, of their medical care under a Federal program from receiving coverage under a qualified State health care plan unless the Federal Government provides payment as required by the Act. Makes the State insurance commissioner responsible for assuring the establishment and regulation of a facility to underwrite or reinsure minimum standard health care benefits for individuals, families, and groups of less than 50 employees or members to whom such benefits would not otherwise be available.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for optometric and medical vision care.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.

A bill to delay any action which may be taken by the Secretary of Agriculture respecting nitrites used as a food preservative on the basis of any carcinogenic effect nitrites may be represented to have.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act or any other law to ban the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect they may be represented to have in humans, until three months after the submission of the results of the study required by the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act.

A bill to amend section 1861(e)(5) of the Social Security Act to extend to 1982 the waiver of the 24-hour nursing service requirement permitted for certain rural hospitals.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend until 1982 the waiver, permitted to certain rural hospitals, of the requirement that a hospital must have 24 hour nursing service in order to qualify as a hospital under the Medicare program.

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to broaden the discretion of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare respecting certain food additives found to induce cancer in animals.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the use of a food additive for dietary management of health disorders or disease, even though such additive is found to induce cancer in animals, if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines the benefits to human health of such use outweigh the risks. Directs the Secretary to take into account in making such a determination: (1) all scientific data and information on the additive; (2) the scientific validity and analysis of the tests of such additive; and (3) current knowledge about the reliability of predicting cancer in humans from use of an additive found to induce cancer in animals.

A bill to reduce the fiscal year 1980 authorization for appropriations for the Special Supplemental Food Program.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979

Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to reduce from $800,000,000 to $750,000,000 the fiscal year 1980 authorization for the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC program).

National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 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.

Nurse Training Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979

Title I: Nurse Training - Nurse Training Amendments of 1979 - Amends title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend the assistance program for nurse training and students through fiscal year 1981. Establishes a new assistance program for training nurse anesthetists. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for such purpose. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) arrange for the conduct of a study, either with the National Academy of Sciences (if such body agrees) or with another public or nonprofit private entity (if the Academy declines), to determine the need to continue a specific Federal assistance program for nursing education, taking into account specified factors; and (2) report to Congress on such study by October 1, 1980. Title II: Other Health Professions Programs - Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to increase the ceiling on federally insured loans in any academic year to a medical student in a school of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry from $10,000 to $15,000 upon a determination that educational costs require such increase. Increases the aggregate insured unpaid principal amount for all such insured loans made to any such borrower from $50,000 to $60,000. Authorizes the Secretary to defer the date used with respect to service requirements for National Health Service Corps scholarships for students of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry for a period longer than the current three-year limit for such deferment. Exempts a medical or osteopathic school participating in an area health education center program from the requirement that such school conduct a program for training physician assistants or nurse practitioners which emphasizes enrolling individuals from the area served by the center of the program, if another school participating in the same program meets such requirement. Amends the Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 to extend authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for certain area health education programs which were funded under the Public Health Service Act.

A joint resolution authorizing and requesting the President to issue a proclamation designating the month of June as "National First Aid Month".

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the month of June of each year as "National First Aid Month."

Veterans Health Care Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979

Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Health Services Programs - Provides that medical examinations for service-connected disability compensation claims be included in the third priority category for veterans' outpatient care. Extends outpatient dental care benefits eligibility to all war veterans who were prisoners of war for more than six months or who have 100 percent service-connected disabilities. Provides for the establishment of a program of readjustment counseling for any veteran who served on active duty during the Vietnam era who requests such counseling within two years from discharge or within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in the event of another declaration of war, to recommend to the Congress within six months of such declaration whether the readjustment counseling program should be extended to veterans of such war. Authorizes necessary follow-up mental health services, including services for family members of eligible veterans. Directs the Veterans' Administration (VA) to provide upon request referral services for non-VA mental health services to former service personnel not eligible for such readjustment counseling because of an other than honorable discharge. Directs the Administrator to cooperate with the Secretary of Defense in notifying veterans of potential eligibility under such readjustment counseling program. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct a five-year pilot program for the treatment and rehabilitation in community-based treatment facilities of veterans with alcohol or drug dependencies. Requires the Administrator to report not later than March 31, 1983, to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs regarding the first three years of such pilot program. Authorizes the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of Labor and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, to help rehabilitated former addict veterans find employment. Directs the VA to provide upon request referral services for non-VA services to former service personnel not eligible for such alcohol and drug treatment services because of an other than honorable discharge. Provides that active service military personnel with an alcohol or drug dependence cannot be transferred to a VA treatment center without such person's written request, and that such request can only be made during the last 30 days of enlistment. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a five-year pilot program of preventive health services for certain veterans with a 50 percent or more disability rating, and for veterans receiving treatment involving a service-connected disability. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress with regard to such program. Authorizes the Administrator to provide hospital care, nursing home care, and medical services in VA facilities in the United States for new Philippine Scouts and Commonwealth Army veterans for service-connected disabilities. Title II: Contract-Care Programs - Provides: (1) that if specified conditions for providing contract outpatient care are satisfied veterans eligible for regular aid-and-attendance or household benefits may be provided such care if, on the basis of a medical examination, it is determined that such medical condition precludes proper treatment in a VA or other Government facility; (2) for the VA to contract for diagnostic services necessary to determine eligibility for treatment at independent VA outpatient clinics; and (3) for specified mental health services for veterans in Alaska or Hawaii. Requires an annual report to the appropriate Congressional committees regarding the VA's contract care authority. Authorizes the Administrator to contract with veterans' organizations recognized by the VA to furnish emergency medical services at the national conventions of such organizations. Title III: Construction, Alteration, Lease, and Acquisition of Medical Facilities - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in carrying out his duties under this Act: (1) to provide for the construction and acquisition of medical facilities equitably throughout the United States with due regard for the comparative urgency of the need for each particular facility; and (2) to give due consideration to excellence of architecture and design. States that no appropriation shall be made to construct, alter, or otherwise acquire any medical facility which involves a total expenditure of more than $2,000,000 unless such construction, alteration, or acquisition is first approved by resolution adopted by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, respectively. Stipulates that no appropriation shall be made to lease any space at an average annual rental of more than $500,000 for use for a medical facility unless such lease is first approved by resolutions adopted by such committees. Directs the Administrator to submit a prospectus, including cost estimates and facility description, with regard to the funding of any such proposed medical facility. States that if funds for such facility are not appropriated within one year after approval, either of such committees may rescind approval. Enumerates structural requirements for any medical facility constructed pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an annual report regarding the construction, alteration, and leasing of medical facilities. Requires such report to contain: (1) a five-year plan for those medical facilities most in need of construction, replacement and alteration; (2) a priority list of at least ten such hospitals; and (3) general plans for each medical facility in the five-year plan or the list. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and operate not less than 125,000 beds for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans in facilities over which the Administrator has direct jurisdiction. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) carry out construction or alteration of medical facilities pursuant to this Act; (2) make contributions to local authorities for safe ingress or egress to such facilities; (3) construct and operate parking facilities; (4) enter into agreements for the mutual use of Armed Forces facilities; (5) partially relinquish, on behalf of the United States, legislative jurisdiction to the State in which such medical facility may be located; and (6) use certain federally owned facilities. Authorizes the President to accept any building or grounds suitable for the use of disabled persons. Title IV: Benefits Payable to Persons Residing Outside the United States - States that in order for VA benefits to be paid on behalf of a child adopted and residing outside the United States, such child must: (1) be under age 18 at the time of adoption; (2) be receiving at least one half of its annual support from the veteran; (3) not be residing with its natural parent unless the natural parent is the veteran's spouse; and (4) be residing with the veteran except in certain specified circumstances. States that after the veteran's death such an adoption would be recognized for veterans' benefits purposes only if the veteran was entitled to or receiving a dependent's allowance for the child at any time during the year before such veteran's death, if such requirements were met for at least one year prior to the veteran's death. Requires the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to carry out a study of veterans' benefits payable to persons residing outside the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the payment by non-Federal agencies, organizations, and individuals for travel expenses of certain employees of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery in connection with their official duties in specified circumstances. Transfers the authority to appoint the Deputy Administrator of Veterans' Affairs from the Administrator to the President by and with the advice of the Senate. Amends specified provisions relating to benefits for overseas VA employees and the salary schedule of the Department of Medicine and Surgery.

Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979

Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act of 1979 - 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.

Confidentiality of Medical Records Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979

Confidentiality of Medical Records Act - Prohibits an officer, employee, or agent of the United States or of any Professional Standards Review Organization from inspecting or requiring the disclosure of any individually identifiable medical records unless: (1) the individual (or his agent) who is the subject of the records authorizes inspection or disclosure; (2) such inspection or disclosure is made upon the request of a State official who is authorized under State law to inspect or require the disclosure of such records or of the chief public health official of a State if such official is not specifically prohibited from inspecting or requiring the disclosure of such records under State law; (3) such inspection or disclosure is necessary to meet a medical emergency which poses an immediate threat to human life. Exempts from the coverage of such Act medical records relating to care paid for or provided by an agency of the United States to the extent inspection or disclosure of such records is required: (1) by medical personnel to provide such medical care; (2) by a Professional Standards Review Organization to carry out its review of medical services; (3) to verify payment for medical care; or (4) to investigate or prosecute fraud or abuse in the provision of, or payment for such medical care. Exempts further such medical records to the extent that inspection or disclosure of such records is authorized under titles 10 (Armed Forces) and 38 (Veterans' Benefits) of the United States Code or is required pursuant to a lawful court order or subpoena. Authorizes inspection or disclosure of an individual's medical records only if he (or his agent), in a signed and dated statement, (1) authorizes such inspection or disclosure for a specified period of time; (2) identifies the records that may be inspected or disclosed; (3) specifies the purposes for which the records may be inspected or disclosed; (4) specifies the agencies which may inspect the records. Prescribes criminal penalties for intentional violations of such Act and permits injunctive relief for violations or threatened violations.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Act Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XI of the Public Health Service Act (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to revise the current information services program with respect to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), including requirements that: (1) a reporting system to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare be implemented; (2) coordinated clearinghouse activities be carried out on all aspects of SIDS; and (3) grant applications provide for parent self-help group involvement. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) submit annually to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive report on the administration of the program, including the extent of allocations made to rural and urban areas; and (2) conduct a study on State laws, practices, and systems relating to death investigation and their impact on sudden infant deaths and report the results to Congress. Extends and increases the authorization of appropriations for such program in the following amounts: $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, and $9,000,000 for fiscal year 1981. Directs the Secretary to distribute such appropriations equitably among the regions of the Nations. Directs the Secretary to assure that there are applied adequate amounts from sums appropriated to the national institute on Child Health and Human Development to make maximum feasible progress toward the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome, and to report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to sudden infant death syndrome research.

Nurse Training Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Title I: Nurse Training - Nurse Training Amendments of 1979 - Amends title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend the assistance program for nurse training and students, generally at reduced levels of authorization through fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) arrange for the conduct of a study, either with the National Academy of Sciences (if such body agrees) or with another public or nonprofit private entity (if the Academy declines), to determine the need to continue a specific Federal assistance program for nursing education, taking into account specified factors; and (2) report to Congress on such study by January 15, 1980. Title II: Other Health Professions Programs - Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to increase the ceiling on federally insured loans in any academic year to a medical student in a school of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry from $10,000 to $15,000 upon a determination that educational costs require such increase. Increases the aggregate insured unpaid principal amount for all such insured loans made to any such borrower from $50,000 to $60,000. Authorizes the Secretary to defer the date used with respect to service requirements for National Health Service Corps scholarships for students of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry for a period longer than the current three-year limit for such deferment. Exempts a medical or osteopathic school participating in an area health education center program from the requirement that such school conduct a program for training physician assistants or nurse practitioners which emphasizes enrolling individuals from the area served by the center of the program, if another school participating in the same program meets such requirement. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the sums which may be obligated for schools of medicine and other types of health care which are financially distressed or unaccredited, from the total authorizations for start-up assistance, financial distress training, and curriculum development of medical schools. Amends the Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 to extend authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for certain area health education programs which are funded under the Public Health Service Act prior to October 12, 1976.

Medical Assistance Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Medical Assistance Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate all the deductibles, coinsurance, and time limitations presently applicable to benefits thereunder. Eliminates medicare taxes as the method of financing hospital insurance benefits and premium payments as the method of financing supplementary medical insurance benefits. Includes within the coverage of title XVIII eye care, dental care, hearing aids, prescription drugs, prosthetics, one physical checkup a year, preventive care, diagnosis of breast cancer, services of clinical psychologists, and services of registered nurses. Establishes a system of administrative and judicial review of claims which arise under the supplementary medical insurance program. Amends title VII of the Social Security Act to prohibit sex discrimination under any program or activity authorized by the Act or under any program receiving Federal assistance under this Act.

Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) establish a Federal task force to ascertain the extent of the danger from asbestos materials in schools to children or employees; (2) require States to establish programs for asbestos inspection in schools; (3) provide scientific and technical assistance to States and local school boards; (4) provide loans for the mitigation of serious asbestos hazards in schools; and (5) assure that no disciplinary action be taken against employees for calling attention to such hazards. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an Asbestos Hazards Schools Safety Task Force within 30 days of enactment. States that the duties of such Task Force shall include: (1) preparing educational materials; (2) compiling and disseminating medical, scientific, and technical materials to State and local entities; (3) reviewing and approving State plans for loans and reimbursements; (4) establishing criteria for levels of asbestos hazards in schools; and (5) making recommendations to the Secretary for technical assistance grants. Requires States to submit an asbestos safety plan no later than September 1, 1979. States that such plan shall include: (1) a timetable for identifying imminent asbestos health hazards; (2) a description of the procedures to be used to locate and identify such hazards; (3) a timetable for the removal of such hazards; (4) procedures for recordkeeping; and (5) the identification of a State agency to prepare and administer such plan. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Detection Fund in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires all companies engaged in the mining, manufacture, or importation of asbestos between 1946 and 1972 to make payments to such fund. Requires such companies to make available to the Secretary: (1) an audit of the amount of asbestos produced in the period 1946-1972; (2) a description of the products and their use; and (3) other information the Secretary may require. Authorizes the Secretary and the Attorney General of the United States to subpena such records. Provides that local governmental units responsible for the administration and safety of schools may be reimbursed for up to one half of their asbestos hazards detection expenses. Directs the Secretary to determine those costs that are reimbursable. Authorizes contributors to such funds, upon approval by the Secretary, to provide asbestos testing services in lieu of up to 50 percent of their financial contribution. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to 20 percent of such asbestos detection funds for use in education and technical assistance programs. Requires recipients of such asbestos detection funds to file a report with the Secretary describing detection and testing activities undertaken, the results, and the plan for correcting any discovered asbestos hazards. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Control Loan Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Stipulates that loans from such program shall be: (1) available only to correct imminent asbestos hazards in schools to school children or school employees; (2) limited to projects covering more than 2,500 square feet; (3) for a period not exceeding 20 years; and (4) interest free. Requires applications for such loans to describe: (1) the nature of the asbestos problem; (2) the results of preliminary testing; and (3) the methods to be used to correct such problem. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such loan program. Stipulates that the United States be subrogated to any legal rights to recover on any such loans. Prohibits any such loans to be made without such stipulation. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and distribute to the States safety standards and procedures for testing the level of asbestos in schools and for determining the likelihood of the leakage of asbestos into the school environment. Stipulates that no employer receiving funds under this Act shall discriminate against or discipline any worker who focuses public attention on an asbestos problem in his or her school district. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall restrict any other legal rights in connection with the purchase or installation of asbestos materials in schools, or with any claim or disability or death from exposure to asbestos in a school setting.

A bill to amend the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is prohibited from taking certain actions restricting the continued use of saccharin as a food, drug, or cosmetic.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend to January 3, 1981 (or to the enactment, if earlier, of any law changing the conditions under which a food additive shall not be deemed safe) of the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is prohibited from taking specified actions restricting the continued use of saccharin as a food, drug, or cosmetic. Declares void of all legal force or effect any such prohibited action which the Secretary may have taken after the expiration of the initial 18-month prohibition period.

A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to issue a proclamation designating April 1 through 7, 1979, "National Medic Alert Week".

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of April 1 through 7, 1979, as "National Medic Alert Week."

A bill to require the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations requiring certain modes of public transportation in interstate commerce to reserve some seating capacity for passengers who do not smoke.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe rules and regulations requiring air carriers, railroads, and motor carriers carrying passengers for hire in interstate commerce to set aside areas for the exclusive use of nonsmokers.

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 · 24 January 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 amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of enterostomal therapy services on the same basis as physical therapy services under medicare.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

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

A bill to provide the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare with the authority to make grants to States and local communities to pay for the costs of eye examination programs to detect glaucoma for the elderly.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to State and local communities to pay the full costs of eye examinations provided under a program carried out under the auspices of private nonprofit or public agencies to detect glaucoma, for residents who are at least 65 years of age.

National Comprehensive Vision Care Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

National Comprehensive Vision Care Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a program of grants to States for vision screening programs for public school students, including annual vision tests, followup services, and training of personnel.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of a National Sickle Cell Anemia Institute.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to establish in the Public Health Service a National Sickle Cell Anemia Institute for the purpose of conducting and supporting programs for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sickle cell anemia. Establishes an advisory council to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on matters relating to the Institute.

Health Care Expenditures Regulation Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Health Care Expenditures Regulation Review Act - Requires any officer or agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government to submit all proposed health care regulations to each House of Congress. Sets forth the procedure by which a proposed health care regulation shall become effective. Directs the head of any Federal department or agency to give 60 days notice to the relevant committees of the House of Representatives and Senate, prior to initial publication of any regulation which relates to: (1) costs or expenditures of, or reimbursements to, individuals or providers of health care; or (2) the fixing of any rate or charge.

A bill to increase alternatives to institutionalization for senior citizens.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide, through demonstration projects, payments to individuals who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, benefits with respect to post-hospital extended care services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or intermediate care facility services or skilled nursing facility services under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, who do not require 24-hour nursing care or supervision, and who desire to establish noninstitutional living arrangement which will meet their medical and other needs. Requires payments received to be used to finance appropriate noninstitutional living arrangements which meet the medical and other needs of the individual. Provides that such payments shall not be includable in gross income under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary to design demonstration projects for the purpose of determining: (1) the feasibility of transferring inpatients of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities to noninstitutional living arrangements; (2) the types and percentage of such inpatients who could live effectively in a noninstitutional living arrangement; and (3) the types and percentages of such inpatients who would benefit economically and qualitatively from transferring to a noninstitutional living arrangement. Directs that funds for such payments be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Fund established under the Social Security Act and from funds appropriated for Medicaid.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for optometric and medical vision care.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.

Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) establish a Federal task force to ascertain the extent of the danger from asbestos materials in schools to children or employees; (2) require States to establish programs for asbestos inspection in schools; (3) provide scientific and technical assistance to States and local school boards; (4) provide loans for the mitigation of serious asbestos hazards in schools; and (5) assure that no disciplinary action be taken against employees for calling attention to such hazards. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an Asbestos Hazards Schools Safety Task Force within 30 days of enactment. States that the duties of such Task Force shall include: (1) preparing educational materials; (2) compiling and disseminating medical, scientific, and technical materials to State and local entities; (3) reviewing and approving State plans for loans and reimbursements; (4) establishing criteria for levels of asbestos hazards in schools; and (5) making recommendations to the Secretary for technical assistance grants. Requires States in order to participate in programs under this Act to submit an asbestos safety plan no later than September 1, 1979. States that such plan shall include: (1) a timetable for identifying imminent asbestos health hazards; (2) a description of the procedures to be used to locate and identify such hazards; (3) a timetable for the removal of such hazards; (4) procedures for recordkeeping; and (5) the identification of a State agency to prepare and administer such plan. Provides that local governmental units responsible for the administration and safety of schools may be reimbursed for up to one half of their asbestos hazards detection expenses. Directs the Secretary to determine those costs that are reimbursable. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) waive such reimbursement limitation; and (2) allocate up to 20 percent of such asbestos detection funds for use in education and technical assistance programs. Requires recipients of such asbestos detection funds to file a report with the Secretary describing detection and testing activities undertaken, the results, and the plan for correcting any discovered asbestos hazards. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Control Loan Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Stipulates that loans from such program shall be: (1) available only to correct imminent asbestos hazards in schools to school children or school employees; (2) limited to projects covering more than 2,500 square feet, in which the asbestos level is at a level specified by the Secretary; (3) for a period not exceeding 20 years; (4) interest free; and (5) used to cover not more than half the cost of correcting such asbestos hazards (although the Secretary may waive such limitation). Requires applications for such loans to describe: (1) the nature of the asbestos problem; (2) the results of preliminary testing; and (3) the methods to be used to correct such problem. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such loan program. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and distribute to the States safety standards and procedures for testing the level of asbestos in schools and for determining the likelihood of the leakage of asbestos into the school environment. Stipulates that no employer receiving funds under this Act shall discriminate against or discipline any worker who focuses public attention on an asbestos problem in his or her school district. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall restrict any other legal rights in connection with the purchase or installation of asbestos materials in schools, or with any claim or disability or death from exposure to asbestos in a school setting.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under part B of Medicare for routine Papanicolaou tests for the diagnosis of uterine cancer.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.

Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1978

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1978 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health care services under such title. Eliminates prior hospitalization as a condition of eligibility for home health care services under part A (Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such title. Eliminates confinement to home as a requirement for receiving home health care services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such title. Includes "periodic chore services" within those home health services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program.

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

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

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

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize financial assistance for projects and programs to train physicians and other health personnel to identify and deal with the special medical problems related to the mentally retarded and to improve the ability of such personnel to provide health care to the mentally retarded.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide assistance for projects and programs to train physicians and other health personnel to identify and deal with the special medical problems related to the mentally retarded.

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 · 24 January 1979

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.

A bill to provide for quality assurance and utilization control in home health care under the medicare, medicaid, and social services programs in accordance with a plan to be developed by a commission specifically established for that purpose.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish the Special Commission on Quality Assurance and Utilization Control in Home Health Care. Outlines the duties of the Commission including a study, investigation, and review of the provision of home health care and services to individuals in the United States. Requires that on the basis of such study, investigation, and review, the Commission shall develop a detailed plan for quality assurance and utilization control in home health care. Requires that such plan be presented to the Congress no later than one year after the majority of the members of the Commission have been appointed. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, within 90 days after the submission of the Commission's plan, to issue regulations modifying the standards, conditions, and requirements of titles XVIII, XIX (Medicaid) and XX (Grants to States for Services) relating to home health agencies and home health care as may be necessary to implement such plan and carry out the Commission's accompanying recommendations.