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Bill· HRH.R. 6220 (96th)referred

Diabetes Research and Training Amendments and National Diabetes Advisory Board Extension Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979

Diabetes Research and Training Amendments and National Diabetes Advisory Board Extension Act of 1979 - Establishes within the National Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases Advisory Council separate subcommittees on diabetes and related endocrine and metabolic diseases, arthritis, digestive diseases, and kidney diseases. Directs the subcommittees to: (1) review applications made to the Director of the Institute for research projects relating to such diseases and make recommendations to the Advisory Council; and (2) review and evaluate programs directed at such diseases. Establishes within the Institute the position of Associate Director for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases. Sets forth the duties of the Associate Director, including: (1) having primary responsibility for all diabetes-mellitus-related activities supported or conducted by the National Institutes of Health; (2) providing information to public and private agencies with respect to such activities; and (3) reporting and making recommendations to the Director of the National Institutes of Health with respect to other enumerated functions. Extends the authorization of appropriations for diabetes research and training centers in the following amounts: $14,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $17,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1983. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly Health, Education, and Welfare) to provide from such amounts up to ten training stipends through each center in any fiscal year. Makes the ex officio members of the National Diabetes Advisory Board nonvoting members. Adds as ex officio members of such Board the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development or his designee and the Associate Director for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases. Revises the terms of appointed members of the Board. Directs the Board to amend the Diabetes Plan (formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act) as is necessary to insure its continuing relevance. Extends the current level of authorizations for the purposes of the Board ($300,000 per fiscal year) through fiscal year 1983. Extends the expiration date of the Board from September 30, 1980, to September 30,1983.

Bill· HRH.R. 6194 (96th)referred

Medicaid Community Care Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979

Medicaid Community Care Act of 1980 - Authorizes a State with a plan approved under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to have Federal payments for home health care services, nursing services, home health aid services, medical equipment for use in the home, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology services, endiology services, adult day health services, respite care, short-term full-term nursing care, homemaker services, and nutrition counseling made at a higher rate the the rate for other care and services provided under the State plan. Specifies that the Federal medical assistance percentage for such services and the comprehensive assessments provided for in this Act shall be the lesser of: (1) the Federal medical assistance percentage determined under title XIX plus 25 percent; or (2) 90 percent of the cost of such services and assessments. Requires an application to be accompanied by a community care plan which: (1) provides for a comprehensive assessment of each individual eligible or applying for Medicaid who is likely to need long-term skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility services; (2) makes available, under title XIX, the care and services for which the higher Federal payment may be made to individuals determined pursuant to a comprehensive assessment to be in need of long-term facility services and for whom such assistance is a feasible alternative to long-term facility services; and (3) coordinates the services provided under this Act with similar services provided under the Older Americans Act of 1965, and under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress with respect to the program established under this Act. Permits a State, for the purposes of title XIX, to treat a noninstitutionalized individual the same as an individual who is in a long-term care facility if the noninstitutionalized individual meets the income and resources standards for long-term facility residents and has been determined, pursuant to an assessment under this Act, to need long-term facility services.

Bill· HRH.R. 6176 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to allow certain former seamen to receive medical care and treatment at Public Health Service hospitals and stations.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1979

Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that seamen employed on vessels of the United States registered, enrolled, "or" licensed (currently "and") under the maritime laws are entitled to medical treatment at Public Health Service hospitals and stations. Extends such coverage to any person retiring as a seaman: (1) after age 60; or (2) by reason of being rated by the Service as unfit for active sea duty by reason of permanent disability, but stipulates that such person shall reimburse the Service to the extent that the cost of treatment is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other public assistance or private health insurance.

Bill· HRH.R. 6164 (96th)referred

Reyes Syndrome Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1979

Reye's Syndrome Act of 1979 - Amends title IX of the Public Health Service Act (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, through the National Institute of Neurological, Communicative Disorders, and Stroke, the Reye's Syndrome Coordinating Committee to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities for a three-year project to establish two comprehensive Reye's syndrome diagnostic and treatment centers. Includes among the duties of such centers: (1) the conduct of basic and clinical research; (2) the development of new and improved treatments; (3) the provision of physician training programs; and (4) informational services, with respect to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Reye's syndrome. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within six months of the end of the project with respect to its accomplishments. Authorizes the Committee to provide financial assistance to public agencies, nonprofit private entities, and entities and individuals not associated with the centers, to conduct research on Reye's syndrome.

Bill· SS. 2144 (96th)referred

Health Professions Educational Assistance and Nurse Training Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1979

Health Professions Educational Assistance and Nurse Training Act of 1980 - Title I: Health Professions and Allied Health Personnel - Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1980 - Repeals title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) except for current provisions relating to: (1) student loan administration; (2) the National Health Service Corps scholarship program; (3) project grants for family medicine; (4) area health education centers; (5) grants for returning United States students from foreign medical schools; (6) programs for physician assistants; (7) grants for general internal medicine and pediatrics; (8) occupational health training and education centers; (9) grants for family medicine and the general practice of dentistry; (10) educational assistance to the disadvantaged; (11) project grant authority for start-up assistance; and (12) emergency medical service training. Redesignates title VII as "Training of Health Professions and Allied Health Personnel." Establishes a 21-member National Advisory Council on Health Professions and Allied Health Education to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly Health, Education, and Welfare) with respect to regulations and policy matters arising in the administration of this title. Requires schools, programs, and training centers receiving support under this title to provide assurances that they do not discriminate on the basis of sex or race in admission to their programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the National Center for Health Statistics and the Bureau of Health Manpower jointly, a program to collect data on health personnel, including a uniform health professions data reporting system. Places restrictions upon the collection, maintenance, and transmittal of individually identifiable personal data under this title. Creates a program of grants (not to exceed three for any school) to assist schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, or public health which are in serious financial distress to meet the cost of operation, to maintain accreditation, and to carry out appropriate reforms. Provides for advanced grants for such schools which are in serious financial distress and have previously received one or more financial distress grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) new schools of veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, or public health for the purposes of meeting national or regional needs; and (2) public or nonprofit private two-year schools of medicine that intend to become schools accredited to grant the degree of doctor of medicine. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of federally insured loans and interest subsidies for students in schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, nursing, and public health. Limits such loans to full-time students in good standing for tuition and other reasonable educational and living expenses. Establishes periods during which repayment of principal and interest may be deferred. Sets the maximum annual interest rate at the lesser of: (1) the average 91-day Treasury note rate plus 2.5 percent; or (2) 15 percent. Establishes a student loan insurance and interest payments fund to pay interest subsidies and defaults. Entitles students who have demonstrated financial need, as determined by their school, to interest subsidies during specified periods sufficient to reduce the effective interest rate to seven percent. Makes such subsidies available for students while in school, for up to three years of residency or advanced training in primary care, for certain periods of practice in primary care or research, and for other specified periods. Limits the amount a student may borrow under this program (generally, $20,000 per year and $80,000 aggregate). Limits the aggregate amount of all new loans which may be insured in any year, starting at $25,000,000 in fiscal year 1981 and increasing through fiscal year 1984. Establishes a loan forgiveness program to discharge part of the loan liabilities of certain health professions students, graduates, and former students. Creates a student loan forgiveness fund for such purpose. Specifies who may receive loan forgiveness, and sets forth priorities if insufficient funds are available. Authorizes the Secretary to make special project grants and contracts to health professions schools and other entities. Directs the Secretary to add to the Federal share of the cost of such a project an additional 20 percent if the school or program provides assurances that certain conditions will be met. Specifies the conditions which schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, public health, and allied health must meet to receive such additional amounts. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and contracts to: (1) schools of medicine and osteopathy for programs relating to internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine; (2) schools of dentistry for dental residency training programs and traineeships in the general practice of dentistry; (3) schools of medicine and osteopathy for projects relating to clinical instruction in family medicine; (4) schools of medicine, osteopathy, and public health for physician residency programs in preventive medicine; and (5) schools of medicine and osteopathy for physician residency programs in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and contracts to: (1) schools of medicine and osteopathy for the planning, development, and operation of area health education center programs; (2) schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, and pharmacy for projects providing remote site clinical training; (3) schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry for projects providing support services to physicians or dentists practicing in medically underserved areas; (4) schools of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry for projects for the training of physician assistants and expanded function dental auxiliaries; (5) health profession, allied health, or nurse training institutions for cooperative interdisciplinary training among the various health professions schools; and (6) schools of allied specified projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and contracts to: (1) schools of veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry to improve clinical training by specified projects; (2) schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, and allied health for projects relating to the teaching of health policy and health care economics; (3) schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, allied health, and public health, and graduate programs in health administration for projects relating to continuing education and methods of reducing the total cost of education in such schools; and (4) schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, and pharmacy for projects to expand instruction in specified areas, such as geriatrics, nutrition, occupational and environmental health, and toxicology. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and contracts to schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, public health, and allied health and other public or private nonprofit health or educational entities for the purpose of increasing health education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to establish or expand State service scholarship programs modeled on the National Health Service Corps Scholarship program. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress with respect to such programs. Specifies minimum requirements for the expenditure by States of funds under such programs, including the required service commitment and penalties. Sets forth the formula for the allocation of grant money to States for such purpose. Establishes a grant program for: (1) the renovation, modernization, or conversion of existing facilities for use as training and research facilities at health professions schools; (2) conversion of existing facilities for use as ambulatory primary care teaching facilities for physicians and dentists; and (3) construction of teaching and research facilities at new health professions schools which meet certain criteria. Sets forth administrative provisions with respect to such grants, including limits on the amounts of grants and recapture of payments by the Government under certain circumstances. Creates a program of loan guarantees and interest subsidies to health professions schools for the same types of projects. Title II: Nurse Training - Nurse Training Act of 1980 - Amends in its entirety title VIII of the Public Health Service Act (Nurse Training). Establishes a 19-member National Advisory Council on Nurse Training to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly Health, Education, and Welfare) with respect to regulations and policy matters arising in the administration of this title. Requires schools of nursing and other entities receiving support under this title to provide assurances that they do not discriminate on the basis of sex or race in admission to their programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the National Center for Health Statistics and the Bureau of Health Manpower jointly, a program to collect data on nurses and nurse training, including a uniform nursing data reporting system. Places restrictions upon the collection, maintenance, and transmittal of individually identifiable personal data under this title. Creates a program of grants (not to exceed three for any school) to assist schools of nursing which are in serious financial distress to meet the cost of operation, to maintain accreditation, and to carry out appropriate reforms. Provides for advanced grants for such schools which are in serious financial distress and have previously received one or more financial distress grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to new schools of nursing for the purposes of meeting national and regional needs for nurses. Provides for the continuation of the Nurse Training Student Loan Fund. Limits the amount a student may borrow to $2,500 per year and $10,000 aggregate. Makes such loans available to full-time or half-time students. Establishes periods during which repayment of principal and interest may be deferred. Sets the interest rate on the loan during repayment at seven percent per year. Continues existing provisions relating to loan forgiveness. Provides for a capital distribution of the assets of the Nurse Training Student Loan Fund after September 30, 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to make special project grants and contracts to schools of nursing and other eligible entities. Directs the Secretary to add to the Federal share of the cost of such a project an additional 20 percent if the school provides assurances that certain conditions will be met. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and contracts to: (1) collegiate schools of nursing to develop, expand, or maintain programs for the advanced training of nurses; (2) schools of nursing to develop, expand, or maintain programs to train nurse practitioners; (3) schools of nursing for traineeships for participants in programs of advanced nurse training; (4) schools of nursing and other public or private nonprofit health or educational entities for the purpose of increasing nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; (5) schools of nursing for projects to expand instruction in specified areas, such as health policy and health care economics, maternal and child health, geriatrics, and nutrition; (6) schools of nursing for projects relating to continuing education and retraining; and (7) schools of nursing to improve nursing education by specified types of projects. Establishes a grant program for: (1) the renovation, modernization, or conversion of existing facilities for use in the training of nurses; and (2) the construction of teaching facilities at new nursing schools. Sets forth administrative provisions with respect to such grants, including limits on the amounts of grants and recapture of payments by the Government under certain circumstances. Creates a program of loan guarantees and interest subsidies to nursing schools for the same types of projects. Makes this title effective on October 1, 1980.

Bill· SS. 2133 (96th)referred

A bill to provide that Federal matching for compensation and training of nursing home inspectors under the medicaid program shall be made permanent.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to make permanent the 100 percent Federal reimbursement level for the cost of compensating or training personnel to conduct health and safety inspections of institutions providing long-term care to Medicaid recipients.

Bill· HRH.R. 6145 (96th)referred

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to permit States to limit medicaid eligibility with respect to individuals who dispose of resources.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize a State to declare an individual ineligible for Medicaid for specified periods if within 24 months of applying for such benefits the individual disposed of resources which, if retained, would have caused the individual to be ineligible for such benefits. Sets forth guidelines for determining the length of time such benefits shall be denied, based upon the dollar amount of assets disposed. Authorizes a State to recover from an individual who was provided Medicaid benefits during a period when such individual should not have received such benefits because of the individual's disposal of assets.

Bill· HRH.R. 6143 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Social Security Amendments of 1972 to extend for an additional year the program of 100 percent reimbursement of States for sums expended for inspection of institutions providing long-term care to recipients of medical assistance.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend, until September 30, 1981, the 100 percent Federal reimbursement level for the cost of compensating or training personnel to conduct health and safety inspections of institutions providing long-term care to Medicaid recipients.

Bill· HRH.R. 6139 (96th)referred

A bill to amend title XIV of the Public Health Service Act to authorize States with primary enforcement responsibility for drinking water standards to grant variances from turbidity requirements for certain public water systems.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979

Amends the drinking water provisions of the Public Health Service Act to authorize a State with primary enforcement responsibility for drinking water standards to grant variances from turbidity requirements to public water systems within their jurisdictions upon a finding that due to compelling factors, including economic factors, the public system is unable to comply with such requirements with respect to not more than one percent of the users of such system and the granting of such variance will not result in an unreasonable risk to health.

Bill· HRH.R. 6077 (96th)referred

Federal Employees Dental Benefits Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979

Federal Employees Dental Benefits Act of 1979 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract for the following dental benefits plans for Federal employees (including United States Postal Service employees): (1) a service benefit plan; (2) an indemnity benefit plan; (3) employee organization plans; and (4) health maintenance organization plans. Requires that the benefits under such plans include: (1) diagnostic services; (2) preventive care; (3) emergency dental care services; (4) fillings; and (5) extractions. Permits a plan, subject to approval of the OPM, to: (1) offer additional benefits; (2) require copayments not exceeding 50 percent of the value of such additional benefits; (3) limit the amount a beneficiary may be paid during a calendar year under such a plan; and (4) impose a calendar year deductible for each beneficiary. Allows the OPM to enter into contracts for such plans without regard to specified provisions of Federal law requiring competitive bidding. Sets forth requirements concerning: (1) the length and rates of such a contract; and (2) obligations of any carrier of such a plan. States that such contracts are not subject to the Federal Procurement Regulations. Directs the OPM to establish audit requirements which do not conflict with such regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Allows an employee to enroll in a dental benefits plan as an individual or for self and family. Permits certain annuitants to continue enrollment in such a plan under conditions of eligibility prescribed by regulations of the OPM. Prohibits an individual from enrolling both as an employee or annuitant and as a member of the family. Specifies conditions under which an employee may change enrollment. Specifies the biweekly contributions of the Government and the enrolled individual toward the subscription charge of a dental benefits plan. Directs the OPM to provide individuals who are eligible for such a plan with sufficient information to enable the individual to make an informed choice among the types of plans. Requires that each enrolled individual receive a document summarizing: (1) the benefits of the plans; (2) the procedure for obtaining benefits; and (3) all provisions of the plan affecting the individual. Creates the Employees Dental Benefits Fund into which the contributions of the Government and enrolled individuals shall be paid. Directs the OPM to: (1) administer this Act; (2) make a continuing study of the operation of this Act and of the plans under this Act; and (3) transmit an annual report of its findings to Congress. Authorizes expenditures from the Employees Life Insurance Fund to pay administrative expenses of the OPM in carrying out provisions of this Act. Requires the reimbursement of such expenditures plus interest from the Federal Employees Dental Benefits Fund.

Bill· SS. 2098 (96th)referred

A bill to amend section 431 of the Public Health Service Act to provide funds to the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke for research in the area of regeneration of the spinal cord.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1979

Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to stipulate that the institute currently authorized to conduct research on neurological diseases shall be named the "National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke." Requires at least $16,000,000 of the sums appropriated for such Institute to be obligated for research in the area of regeneration of the spinal cord.

Bill· SS. 2096 (96th)open

A bill to provide for a study by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare of the long-term health effects in humans of exposure to dioxins.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979

Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide for the design of a protocol for and the conduct of an epidemiological study to determine the long-term adverse health effects in persons of various populations (such as chemical, agricultural, and Forest Service workers) who were exposed to dioxins produced during the manufacture of phenoxy herbicides. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to: (1) approve or disapprove such a protocol and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report explaining the basis of such action; and (2) monitor the conduct of such a study and submit to the committees a report on such monitoring. Directs the Secretary to submit within two years of the approval of the protocol (and annually thereafter) to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the results of such study and recommendations. Requires the President to assure that such study is fully coordinated with other studies pertaining to the health effects of dioxins.

Bill· HRH.R. 6057 (96th)referred

Consumer Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979

Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate within one year of enactment radiation protection standards for: (1) the accreditation of educational programs conducted by institutions for persons administering radiologic procedures; and (2) the certification of persons who administer radiologic procedures. Provides for Federal agency compliance with standards promulgated under this Act. Requires each Federal agency which is authorized to extend assistance for radiologic procedures to provide such assistance three years after enactment only in States administering accreditation and certification programs which meet the minimum Federal standards promulgated under this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to States in establishing programs to achieve the purposes of this Act, including the preparation of model law for consumer-patient radiation safety. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) institutions conducting educational programs which meet the criteria required by this Act; and (2) private, nonprofit, autonomous organizations for accreditation or certification activities; and (3) States for the planning, development, and operation of accreditation or certification activities.

Bill· HRH.R. 6036 (96th)referred

A bill to provide medicare benefits with respect to services furnished to medicare beneficiaries who require enterally or parenterally administered chemically defined elemental formula diets.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage under the Medicare program for services and supplies furnished in connection with enterally or parenterally administered chemically defined elemental formula diets.

Bill· HRH.R. 6016 (96th)referred

A bill to amend part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide emergency assistance to medicare participating hospitals to enable them to continue to provide vital medical and other health services.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Resources (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to make grants to hospitals meeting specified requirements for their provision of health services during a one year period to individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid (title XIX of the Act), are not covered by insurance, and are otherwise unable to pay for such services.

Bill· HRH.R. 6023 (96th)referred

Patient Radiation Health, Safety, and Training Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979

Patient Radiation Health, Safety, and Training Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate: (1) Federal radiation guidelines with respect to consumer-patient radiation matters directly or indirectly affecting public health; (2) guidelines regarding medical and dental exposure to consumer-patients; and (3) criteria and guidelines with respect to: (A) the application of diagnostic X-rays to consumer-patients; (B) the therapeutic application of radiation to consumer-patients; and (C) the application of radiation to consumer-patients in the treatment of disease. Transfers the consultative and advisory functions of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to radiation matters affecting health to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Directs the Secretary to promulgate voluntary minimum standards for: (1) the accreditation of educational institutions conducting education programs in radiologic services; and (2) the licensing of radiologic technologists. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to States in establishing programs to achieve the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that such assistance shall include model laws and may include educational curriculum and teaching aids. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to educational programs accredited under this Act, States, professional organizations, and State radiation protection agencies to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides for Federal agency compliance with standards promulgated under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5978 (96th)referred

A bill to provide for an epidemiological study of fluorosis in certain areas where fluoride occurs naturally in drinking water systems and to suspend the application of the fluoride standard in such areas under the Safe Drinking Water Act pending the completion of such study, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1979

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct an epidemiological study of the occurrence of fluorosis in areas served by public water systems subject to the Safe Drinking Water Act in which fluoride from natural sources occurs in concentrations greater than the maximum contaminant level specified in regulations issued pursuant to such Act. Exempts from such regulations, until the date of submission of the required report, any drinking water system which serves an area described in this Act. Requires a report on the results of the study conducted pursuant to this Act to be submitted to Congress as promptly as possible.

Bill· SS. 2037 (96th)referred

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Compensation Commission Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1979

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Compensation Commission Act - Establishes the Guillain-Barre Syndrome Compensation Commission to fairly and expeditiously hear, determine, and pay claims against the United States for individuals who contracted such syndrome after immunization pursuant to the swine flu program. Sets forth the composition and operating procedures of such Commission. Authorizes the Commission to appoint a director and staff and procure other necessary personnel. Directs the Commission to hold hearings at times and places necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to issue subpenas relative to procuring evidence of the liability of the United States for damages to a claimant. Provides judicial procedures for refusal to obey such subpenas. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Commission to secure any information from Federal agencies not exempted from disclosure by rule of law. Directs that any claim for relief under this Act shall be submitted to the Commission within 12 months after the date of enactment of such Act. Requires the Commission, within 120 days of receipt of such claim, to hold a hearing to determine the eligibility and amount of damages due any such claimant. Declares a claimant eligible for damages if: (1) a timely claim has been filed; (2) the Guillain-Barre Syndrome was contracted within 20 weeks after immunization; and (3) the claimant has not received a full settlement of such claim against the United States. Specifies time periods under which the Commission shall make a final determination pursuant to any claim and payment of damages due any claimant. Declares that any payment to a claimant shall be in full settlement of all claims of such claimant against the United States arising out of the swine flu program. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the President and each House of Congress pursuant to its operations under this Act, within three years after the date of enactment of such Act. Declares that the Commission shall terminate on a date determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Bill· HRH.R. 5935 (96th)failed

Federal Privacy of Medical Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979

Federal Privacy of Medical Information Act - States the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to establish procedures allowing patients to inspect and amend medical information about them; (2) to define the circumstances under which individually identifiable medical information may be disclosed with or without patient consent; and (3) to make it a crime to request or obtain medical information from medical care facilities under false pretenses. Title I: Privacy of Medical Information - Part A - Definitions, Effect on Other Law, and Rights of Minors and Incompetents - Defines "accounting", with regard to medical information disclosure, as the recording of the date, nature, and purpose of such disclosure; and the name and business address of the person to whom the disclosure was made. Defines "aggravated property destruction" as property damage (in excess of $500) causing a significant impairment of use. Defines "audit" as an evaluation relating to: (1) the applicability of legal, medical, fiscal, or scientific standards; (2) the licensing or certification of medical facilities or personnel; or (3) medical peer review. Defines "employee" to include students or faculty members of a school affiliated with a medical care facility. Defines "government authority" as any Federal, State, or local entity, officer, employee, or agent. Defines "health research project" as a biomedical, epidemiologic, or health services research or statistics project. Defines "institutional review board" as: (1) a board established in accordance with regulations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare); (2) a similar board established under regulations of another Federal Government authority; or (3) a similar board which meets such requirements as the Secretary may specify. Defines "appropriate institutional review board" (with respect to a health research project intending to use medical information maintained by a researcher or facility) as: (1) the institutional review board for the organization sponsoring the project; (2) the institutional review board for the facility or researcher; (3) the institutional review board for another medical facility or institution which maintains medical information also intended to be used in the project; or (4) an institutional review board established or designated by the Secretary. Defines "medical information" as material that: (1) contains information relating to the health, examination, care, or treatment of a patient, or is to be added to such material under the provisions of this title; and (2) is in a form enabling the patient to be identified. Defines "law enforcement inquiry" as a lawful investigation or official inquiry into a violation or failure to comply with any criminal or civil statute, or related regulation, rule, or order. Defines "medical care facility" as: (1) a hospital or skilled nursing facility; (2) an intermediate care facility certified by a State agency for participation in a program under title XIX of the Social Security Act; (3) an intermediate care facility, outpatient clinic, or ambulatory care facility operated by a Federal Government authority; or (4) an outpatient clinic or ambulatory care facility receiving funds from a Federal Government authority under a grant or contract under the Public Health Service Act, title V of the Social Security Act, the Community Mental Health Centers Act, the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970, or the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972, if the clinic or facility is subject to the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that such term does not include any prison facility or any facility located outside the United States. Prohibits any State or local law from authorizing or compelling the disclosure of medical information protected under this Act. Sets forth the rights of incompetents and minors. Part B - Rights of Inspection, Correction, and Notice, and Authorized Disclosure - Requires medical care facilities to permit individuals to inspect and get copies of their medical records. States that the medical care facility may: (1) require a written request for the inspection and copying of such information; (2) not charge an inspection fee; and (3) charge a reasonable copying fee. Requires a medical facility to reply to such an information or copy request within 30 days. States that such a request may not be compiled with if: (1) inspection or copying of the information would, in the medical judgment of the facility, harm the patient; (2) the information concerns mental health treatment and the facility does not permit disclosure of such information without the patient's authorization, or only under compulsion of law; (3) the information concerns mental health treatment of an individual other than a patient; (4) the information is used for administrative purposes; or (5) the information is compiled in connection with a civil suit. Requires a written statement explaining the reasons for any such request denial to be provided by the facility to the patient (or designated representative). Sets forth procedures for a patient to correct or supplement such medical information. Requires a medical care facility to prepare a written notice of information practices describing: (1) disclosures that may be made without a patient's written authorization; and (2) related rights and procedures. Requires a facility to provide such information upon request, and to make reasonable efforts to inform patients of the existence and availability of such information. Prohibits a medical care facility from disclosing medical information: (1) to anyone other than a patient or designated representative, unless so authorized by the patient or otherwise permitted under this Act; and (2) to anyone not properly identified. Sets forth patient disclosure requirements, including: (1) particularity of information, recipient, and facility; and (2) written, dated, and signed (by the patient) authorization. Permits such authorization to be revoked or amended by the patient. Part C - Disclosure of Medical Information Without Specific Information - Authorizes a medical care facility to disclose patient information without authorization: (1) to aid a facility employee in the performance of his/her duties; (2) to a medical professional in connection with the care of a specific patient; (3) for admission and health status purposes; (4) for use in specified health research projects; (5) for purposes of specified audits; (6) to assist in the identification of a dead person; (7) to alleviate emergency circumstances affecting a person's health or safety, or involving imminent danger of aggravated property destruction; (8) pursuant to legal requirements concerning public health, child abuse, law enforcement, court-ordered examinations, or Federal medical facilities; (9) for specified Secret Service and foreign intelligence purposes (with a written certification specifying the information requested); (10) to the next of kin; (11) for specified law enforcement purposes (with a written certification specifying the information requested); (12) pursuant to a subpena, summons, warrant or search warrant; and (13) with regard to certain veterans' or uniformed services' benefits, or other specified Federal medical care facilities or services. States that medical information disclosed without patient authorization to a Federal grand jury shall: (1) be returnable on a date when the grand jury is in session; (2) be used only to decide to issue an indictment or report, or for prosecuting a crime for which such indictment has been issued, or for specified purposes the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure; and (3) not be maintained by any government authority, other than in the sealed records of the grand jury, unless such information has been used in the prosecution of a crime for which the grand jury issued an indictment or for a specified purpose authorized by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Part D - Access Procedures, Challenge Rights, and Reporting - Prohibits a governmental authority from obtaining medical information about a person for use in a law enforcement inquiry pursuant to an administrative summons, subpena, or warrant, or a judicial summons or subpena unless: (1) reasonable grounds exist for believing such information to be relevant to the inquiry; (2) a copy of such summons or subpena has been served upon the person (or to his/her last known address), together with notice of such person's right to challenge such summons or notice; and (3) ten days have passed from the date of service, or 14 days from the date of mailing, and no such challenge has been initiated, or disclosure is ordered by a court. Requires a governmental authority that secures medical information about a person from a medical facility pursuant to a search warrant to serve a copy of the warrant upon such person within 45 days. Permits a governmental authority to delay notifying an individual regarding a summons or subpena if a court finds that: (1) the governmental inquiry is lawful; (2) reasonable grounds exist to believe that the medical information is relevant to such inquiry; (3) the government's need outweighs the individual's privacy interest; and (4) reasonable grounds exist to believe that notifying the individual will result in endangering someone's life or safety, flight from prosecution, destruction of evidence, or intimidation of witnesses. Authorizes an individual to challenge a governmental summons or subpena requesting medical information about such individual. Requires a court in weighing a governmental request against a patient's challenge to consider: (1) the purpose for which the medical information was gathered; (2) the degree to which disclosure injures or invades the patient's privacy; (3) the effect of disclosure upon the patient's future treatment; (4) the importance of the governmental inquiry, and the importance of the information to that inquiry; and (5) any other relevant factors. Places the burden on the individual to show that his/her privacy interest outweighs the governmental interest. Authorizes the court to assess attorney and related fees against the Federal authority if the challenging patient prevails. Sets forth access and challenge procedures for obtaining medical information pursuant to an administrative summons subpena, or warrant or a judicial summons, subpena, or search warrant. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States courts to include in his annual report to Congress information regarding the number of patient challenges and delays of notice sought by the government. Part E - Enforcement - Establishes criminal penalties of: (1) not more than $10,000 and/or six months imprisonment for falsely obtaining or requesting medical information; (2) not more than $30,000 and/or five years imprisonment for falsely obtaining or requesting, and intentionally selling, such information; and (3) not more than $30,000 and/or five years imprisonment for unlawfully taking such information and selling it. Authorizes an individual whose rights have been violated under this Act to maintain a civil suit against a governmental officer or employee, the governmental authority, or the medical care facility or personnel. Provides that United States district courts shall have jurisdiction in such actions. Authorizes in specified circumstances, the awarding of punitive damages and attorney and related fees. Directs the Secretary to publish a model notice of information practices describing the disclosures and rights of patients required to be included in the notices of information practices required by this Act. Title II: Amendment to Title 5, United States Code - Exempts medical information maintained by a medical care facility subject to title I of this Act from certain agency disclosure provisions. Title III: Transition and Effective Dates - States that the provisions of this Act shall: (1) continue to apply to medical information obtained by a medical care facility no longer in operation; and (2) become effective with regard to Federal medical care facilities on the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning more than one year after the date of enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5934 (96th)referred

Consumer Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979

Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate: (1) Federal radiation guidance with respect to consumer-patient radiation matters directly or indirectly affecting public health; (2) guidelines regarding medical and dental exposure to consumer-patients; and (3) criteria and guidelines with respect to: (A) the application of diagnostic X-rays to consumer-patients; and (B) the therapeutic application of radiation to consumer-patients; and (C) the application of radiation to consumer-patients in the treatment of disease. Transfers the consultative and advisory functions of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to radiation matters affecting health to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Directs the Secretary to promulgate voluntary minimum standards for: (1) the accreditation of educational institutions conducting education programs in radiologic services; and (2) the licensing of radiologic technologists. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to States in establishing programs to achieve the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that such assistance shall include model laws and may include educational curriculum and teaching aids. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to educational programs accredited under this Act, States, professional organizations, and State radiation protection agencies to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides for Federal agency compliance with standards promulgated under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5836 (96th)referred

Infant Formula Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979

Infant Formula Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth requirements for infant formulas. States that formulas which do not conform to such requirements shall be deemed to adulterated. Requires each manufacturer of an infant formula to annually submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare) reports or test results which show that the formula meets such requirements. Directs the Secretary to notify the manufacturer if such Secretary determines the formula is adulterated. Requires such manufacturer to give the Secretary satisfactory assurances of initiating a recall to all retail purchasers of such formula within 48 hours of receiving notification of the Secretary's determination. Directs the Secretary to initiate actions for the seizure of such formula should the manufacturer fail to make such assurances. Permits an inspector enforcing the provisions of this Act access to specified test records of the manufacturer at all times. Makes the failure to submit required reports and test results a prohibited act under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5838 (96th)referred

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Compensation Commission Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Compensation Commission Act - Establishes the Guillain-Barre Syndrome Compensation Commission to fairly and expeditiously hear, determine, and pay claims against the United States for injuries to individuals who contracted such syndrome after immunization pursuant to the swine flu program. Sets forth the composition and operating procedures of such Commission. Authorizes the Commission to appoint a director and staff and procure other necessary personnel. Directs the Commission to hold hearings at times and places necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to issue subpenas relative to procuring evidence of the liability of the United States for damages to a claimant. Provides judicial procedures for refusal to obey such subpenas. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Commission to secure any information from Federal agencies not exempted from disclosure by rule of law. Directs that any claim for relief under this Act shall be submitted to the Commission within 12 months after the date of enactment of such Act. Requires the Commission, within 120 days of receipt of such claim, to hold a hearing to determine the eligibility and amount of damages due any such claimant. Declares a claimant eligible for damages if: (1) a timely claim has been filed; (2) the Guillain-Barre Syndrome was contracted within 20 weeks after immunization; and (3) the claimant has not received a full settlement of such claim against the United States. Specifies time periods under which the Commission shall make a final determination pursuant to any claim and to make payment of damages due any claimant. Declares that any payment to a claimant shall be in full settlement of all claims of such claimant against the United States arising out of the swine flu program. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the President and each House of Congress pursuant to its operations under this Act, within three years after the date of enactment of such Act. Declares that the Commission shall terminate on a date determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Bill· HRH.R. 5839 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to strengthen the authority under that Act to assure the safety and nutrition of infant formulas.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that infant formulas contain specified nutrients at specified levels. States that an infant formula not containing such levels of nutrients be deemed to be adulterated. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to establish nutrient levels for fluoride, chromium, selenium, and molybdenum in such formulas. Permits the Secretary to waive or modify such required nutrient levels in formulas to be used by infants having unusual medical or dietary problems. Directs each processor of an infant formula to submit to the Secretary, at specified times, reports or test results satisfactorily demonstrating that such formula meets the requirements as set forth. Requires a processor who has information that any infant formula leaving his control may be adulterated or misbranded to promptly notify the Secretary or institute a recall and then notify the Secretary. Prohibits the use of any information contained in such notification in a proceeding against such processor for a violation of such Act. Directs each processor of infant formula to establish and implement a food coding system to effect and monitor recalls of formula and to notify the Secretary of such system. Permits the Secretary to exempt specified processors from such requirements. Sets forth the requirements of a coding system. Permits the Secretary to provide technical assistance upon request to revise such a system to bring it into compliance. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to effectuate the requirements of such provisions. Directs each processor of an infant formula to make, retain, and make available to the Secretary such records as may be necessary to effect and monitor recalls and facilitate inspections. Permits the Secretary to promulgate regulations setting forth requirements with regard to such records. Makes a failure to submit specified reports, test results, or notices, or to revise a food coding system a prohibited act under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. States that infant formulas not packaged in accordance with the requirements set forth shall be deemed to be misbranded.

Bill· SS. 1977 (96th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate certain restrictions and limitations imposed for the receipt of home health services and to make more accessible home health services to those in need, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1979

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase benefits under the home health services program by: (1) providing for the services of a homemaker-home health aide in lieu of a home health aide; and (2) providing home health services to an individual while in a nonprofit adult day care center if such individual cannot leave his or her residence without the assistance of another person.

Bill· SS. 1968 (96th)referred

Health Incentives Reform Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1979

Health Incentives Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include in a taxpayer's gross income any contribution to him or on his behalf by his employer to a health benefit plan, or dental benefit plan, or both, for any month: (1) to the extent that such contribution amount exceeds a specified limitation; or (2) if such employer fails to comply during that month with any of certain specified requirements. Limits the employer's contribution to: (1) $50 for employee-only coverage, adjusted according to a specified formula for fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index medical care component; (2) $100 for employee-and-spouse coverage, adjusted similarly; and (3) $125 for family group-coverage, adjusted similarly. Requires any employer having a total of more than 100 employees covered under any health benefit plan offered by such employer to provide that such plan offers at least three options for coverage, each of them offered by a separate carrier. Prescribes application of such requirement to component members of a controlled group of corporations. Requires the employer to make the same amount of contribution for each option offered, regardless of differences. Requires continuity of coverage for family members following the death, termination, or divorce of the employee. Requires minimum benefits from each plan (or option thereof) which comprise the same types of services for which coverage is provided under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Requires each plan (or option) to provide for payment of 100 percent of the cost of services during a catastrophic benefit period.

Bill· HRH.R. 5780 (96th)referred

A bill to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a program to alert women who received DES while pregnant of the health hazards of such drug to them and their daughters and to reimburse such women and to their daughters for one-half the diagnosis and treatment costs resulting from receiving such drug.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1979

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and administer a program: (1) to alert women who received diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant of the health hazards of such drug to them and to their daughters; and (2) under which such women and their daughters may be reimbursed for one-half the diagnosis and treatment costs incurred by them as a result of receiving such drug.

Bill· HRH.R. 5756 (96th)referred

A bill to provide for the delegation of duties by Professional Standards Review Organizations under title XI of the Social Security Act.

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1979

Amends part B (Professional Standards Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to permit a Professional Standards Review Organization to delegate its review responsibilities when: (1) a hospital or skilled nursing facility is able to carry out its own review responsibility; (2) some members of an institution approved by the organization can carry out such responsibilities at a related institution; or (3) the delegated long-term review staff is part of the same hospital delegated review staff. Requires such delegation of review responsibilities to be approved by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.

Bill· SS. 1947 (96th)referred

Federal Physicians Comparability Allowance Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1979

Federal Physicians Comparability Allowance Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Federal Physicians Comparability Allowance Act of 1978 to extend by two years: (1) the deadline by which a Federal agency may enter into an agreement providing a bonus allowance for services of a physician; and (2) the termination date of any such agreement. Includes: (1) any physician paid under the Senior Executive Service, the Merit Pay System, or the Panama Canal Commission within the definition of "Government physician"; and (2) the Library of Congress within the definition of "agency" for purposes of such Act. Prohibits the aggregate amount paid by the Government to any such physician in a fiscal year from exceeding the annual rate payable for positions at level I of the Executive Schedules.

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