Latest Action: 05/02/2008 - Cleared for White House.

Bill Text
To make technical corrections regarding the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007.
Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - S.AMDT.4380 Amendment SA 4380 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 41 - 57. Record Vote Number: 79.

Bill Text
An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. 3/14/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. (Sec. 102) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013.[...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1627-1659, H1661-1684)

Bill Text
Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013. 3/13/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; [...]

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S.2376 Sponsored by Richard Durbin
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14621-14622)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a demonstration project to provide for patient-centered medical homes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency in providing medical assistance under the Medicaid program and child health assistance under the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

11/16/2007--Introduced.

Medical Homes Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a three-year demonstration project under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act for the implementation of a patient-centered medical home program to improve the effectiveness and efficiency in providing Medicaid and SCHIP assistance to an estimated 500,000 to 1 million targeted beneficiaries.

Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of community and healthcare-associated infections (CHAI), with a focus on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Community and Healthcare-Associated Infections Reduction Act of 2007 - Directs the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop best-practices guidelines for internal infection control plans to prevent, detect, control, and treat community and healthcare-associated infections at hospitals.Requires AHRQ to: (1) establish best practices with supporting justification, including the establishment of an infection control oversight committee; (2) collaborate with other agencies and organizations whose area of expertise is the identification, treatment, and prevention of infectious disease; (3) publish proposed guidelines; (4) provide for a comment period of not less than 90 days; and (5) establish final [...]

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S.2278 Sponsored by Richard Durbin
Latest Action: 10/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13629-13630)

Bill Text
A bill to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of community and healthcare-associated infections (CHAI), with a focus on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 10/31/2007--Introduced. Community and Healthcare-Associated Infections Reduction Act of 2007 - Directs the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop best-practices guidelines for internal infection control plans to prevent, detect, control, and treat community and healthcare-associated infections at hospitals.Requires AHRQ to: (1) establish best practices with supporting justification, including the establishment of an infection control oversight committee; (2) collaborate with other agencies and organizations whose area of expertise is the identification, treatment, and prevention of infectious disease; (3) publish proposed guidelines; (4) provide for a comment period of not less than 90 days; and (5) establish [...]

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Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
A bill to protect public health and safety in the event that testing of nuclear weapons by the United States is resumed. 10/19/2007--Introduced. Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act - Deems the resumption of underground nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site or the use of any other location for such testing to be a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for which a separate environmental impact statement is required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Outlines information required to be included in such statement, including: (1) the possibility of radiation containment failure and the effects of such failure; (2) possible long-term effects on the water table from underground radiation leakage; and (3) information with respect to categories of weapons subject to testing.Prohibits the United States from resuming any such testing unless authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture.

Bill Text
To optimize the delivery of critical care medicine and expand the critical care workforce. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to conduct research to assess: (1) the standardization of critical care protocols, intensive care unit layout, equipment interoperability, and medical informatics; and (2) the impact of differences in staffing, organization, size, and structure of intensive care units on access, quality, and efficiency of care. Requires the Secretary to undertake demonstration projects to: (1) optimize the provision of critical care services to Medicare beneficiaries through innovations in such areas as staffing and utilization of technology; and (2) measure and evaluate outcomes derived from a "family-centered" approach to the provision of inpatient critical care services that includes direct [...]

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H.R.3800 Sponsored by Anna G. Eshoo
Latest Action: 10/10/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2108-2109)

Bill Text
To advance the adoption of nationwide interoperable health information technology and to improve health care quality and reduce health care costs in the United States. 10/10/2007--Introduced. Promoting Health Information Technology Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology. Establishes a public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement to recommend specific actions to achieve a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Provides for the adoption by the federal government of standards for the electronic exchange of health information.Establishes the American Health Information Community to provide advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of any relevant federal agencies concerning the policy considerations related to health information technology.Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the: (1) purchase [...]

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H.R.3812 Sponsored by Barbara Lee
Latest Action: 10/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to assist countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the effort to achieve internationally recognized goals in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other major diseases and the reduction of maternal and child mortality by improving human health care capacity and improving retention of medical health professionals in sub-Saharan Africa, and for other purposes.

10/10/2007--Introduced.

African Health Capacity Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance, including through international or nongovernmental organizations, for programs to improve human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Directs the President to develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring assistance programs for human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.

H.R.3643 Sponsored by Nancy Pelosi
Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network, and for other purposes. 9/24/2007--Introduced. Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and with the involvement of other federal agencies, state and local health departments, and an advisory committee, to establish and operate a Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network.Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify, expand, and coordinate among existing data and surveillance systems, surveys, registries, and other federal public health and environmental infrastructure; (2) provide for public access to an electronic national database that accepts data from the State Environmental Public Health Network (established by this Act), subject to privacy requirements; (3) prepare [...]

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H.R.3635 Sponsored by Wm. Lacy Clay
Latest Action: 09/24/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Organ and Tissue Donor Registry Resource Center, to authorize grants for State organ and tissue donor registries, and for other purposes. 9/24/2007--Introduced. Everson Walls and Ron Springs Gift for Life Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish a National Organ Tissue Donor Registry Resource Center, which shall: (1) advance the development, expansion, and evaluation of state organ and tissue donor registries; (2) facilitate timely access to, and the exchange of accurate donor information between, such registries 24 hours a day; (3) ensure that funded registries comply with requirements; (4) provide technical assistance to states for such registries; and (5) maintain a registry information clearinghouse.Requires the Secretary to award grants or [...]

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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To correct technical errors in the enrollment of the bill H.R. 3580.

9/25/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Makes corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 3580 (Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007): (1) to include devices as well as drugs within the scope of provisions regarding an expanded clinical trial registry data bank; and (2) to require that consideration of a citizen petition or a petition for stay of agency action be made separately from review and approval of any application.

Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11860-11861)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network, and for other purposes. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and with the involvement of other federal agencies, state and local health departments, and an advisory committee, to establish and operate a Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network.Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify, expand, and coordinate among existing data and surveillance systems, surveys, registries, and other federal public health and environmental infrastructure; (2) provide for public access to an electronic national database that accepts data from the State Environmental Public Health Network (established by this Act), subject to privacy requirements; (3) prepare [...]

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Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to enhance the postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Public Law.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 - Title I: Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 101) Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to include postmarket safety activities within the process for the review of human drug applications or supplements, including: (1) developing and using improved adverse event data collection systems and improved analytical tools to assess potential [...]

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H.R.3558 Sponsored by John Boozman
Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To provide for the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Military Eye Injuries, and for other purposes. 9/18/2007--Introduced. Military Eye Trauma Treatment Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to establish within the Department of Defense (DOD) the Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Military Eye Injuries to: (1) develop and oversee the Military Eye Injury Registry for tracking the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for each case of eye injury incurred by a member of the Armed Forces while on active duty; and (2) ensure the electronic exchange of Registry information with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) include in the Registry records of members who incurred eye injuries while on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, but before the Registry's establishment; and (2) report to Congress [...]

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Latest Action: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. 9/17/2007--Introduced. James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide medical monitoring and treatment benefits to: (1) eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the New York City terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) establish the WTC Health Program Steering Committee and the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (2) institute a program that [...]

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S.1999 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Military Eye Injuries, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to establish within the Department of Defense (DOD) the Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Military Eye Injuries to: (1) develop, implement, and oversee a registry for tracking the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for each case of eye injury incurred by a member of the Armed Forces in combat that requires surgery or other operative intervention; and (2) ensure the electronic exchange of registry information with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) include in the registry records of members who incurred eye injuries in combat in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom before the registry's establishment; and (2) report to Congress [...]

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H.R.3370 Sponsored by Paul Ryan
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the commi

Bill Text
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the quality and efficiency of health care, to provide the public with information on provider and supplier performance, and to enhance the education and awareness of consumers for evaluating health care services through the development and release of reports based on Medicare enrollment, claims, survey, and assessment data. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Medicare Quality Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for the development of reports, based on Medicare and private data that is publicly available or is provided by the entity requesting the report, concerning national, regional, and service provider- and supplier-specific performance, which may be in a provider- or supplier-identifiable format. Requires specified reporting procedures to provide for secure disclosure of Medicare data to Medicare Quality Reporting Organizations meeting certain requirements under contract with the Secretary of Health [...]

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H.R.3339 Sponsored by Betty McCollum
Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the health risks posed by asbestos-containing products, and for other purposes. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct studies and report on the health effects of non-asbestiform minerals and elongated mineral particles.Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a plan to: (1) increase awareness of the dangers posed by asbestos-containing materials and products and contaminants in homes and workplaces and by asbestos-related diseases; (2) provide information to, and encourage participation in research and treatment endeavors by, asbestos-related disease patients and their families and front-line health care providers; and (3) encourage health care providers and researchers to provide to patients [...]

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Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to improve the health and healthcare of racial and ethnic minority groups. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop an Internet Clearinghouse within the Office of Minority Health; (2) provide for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minorities; and (3) support demonstration projects designed to improve the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority groups through improved access to health care, patient navigators, primary prevention activities, health promotion and disease prevention activities, and health literacy education and services.Provides for grants to: (1) promote positive health behaviors; (2) implement culturally and linguistically appropriate, evidence-based, and community-driven sustainable strategies to eliminate [...]

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H.R.3285 Sponsored by Steve Cohen
Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the health risks posed by asbestos-containing products, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Introduced. Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct a study that: (1) describes the science concerning the disease mechanisms and health effects of exposure to asbestos and other biopersistent durable fibers and methods for measuring and analyzing asbestos; (2) describes labeling practices relating to asbestos-containing material; and (3) recommends future asbestos-related disease research and exposure assessment practice needs. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations that prohibit the importing, manufacturing, processing, or distributing of asbestos-containing products, subject to limited exemption upon petition and specified exemptions sought by the Department [...]

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S.1893 Sponsored by Max Baucus
Latest Action: 07/27/2007 - Committee on Finance. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Baucus. Without written report.

Bill Text
An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. 7/27/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Title I: Financing of CHIP - (Sec. 101) Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reauthorize the CHIP program (also known as SCHIP) through FY2012 at increased levels. (Sec. 102) Provides for the determination of allotments for the 50 states and the District of Columbia for FY2008-FY2012. (Sec. 103) Makes a one-time appropriation of additional funds to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for FY2012. (Sec. 104) Revises funding [...]

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H.R.3192 Sponsored by Lincoln Davis
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.

Bill Text
To provide for programs that reduce the need for abortion, help women bear healthy children, and support new parents. 7/26/2007--Introduced. Pregnant Women Support Act - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states for collecting and reporting abortion surveillance data. Requires health facilities that perform abortions to obtained informed consent from a pregnant woman seeking an abortion. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to allow states to extend health care coverage to an unborn child. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a health insurance issuer offering individual coverage from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion or a waiting period or otherwise discriminating against a woman on the basis that she is pregnant. Allows the Secretary to make grants [...]

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H.R.3163 Sponsored by Brian Baird
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To provide affordable, guaranteed private health coverage that will make Americans healthier and can never be taken away. 7/24/2007--Introduced. Healthy Americans Act - Requires each adult individual to have the opportunity to purchase a Healthy Americans Private Insurance Plan (HAPI). Makes individuals who are not enrolled in another specified health plan and who are not opposed to coverage for religious reasons responsible for enrolling themselves and their dependent children in a HAPI plan offered through their state of residence. Sets forth penalties for failure to enroll. Establishes standardized coverage and state options for HAPI plans. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate guidelines concerning the benefits, items, and services to be covered. Sets forth requirements for setting premiums. Requires the Secretary to establish the Healthy America Advisory Committee to provide annual recommendations concerning modifications to the benefits,[...]

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Latest Action: 09/04/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 338.

Bill Text
To amend titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the children's health insurance program, to improve beneficiary protections under the Medicare, Medicaid, and the CHIP program, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Reported to House amended, Part I.    (There are 2 other summaries) Children's Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act of 2007 - Title I: Children's Health Insurance Program - (Sec. 100) States that it is the purpose of this title to provide dependable and stable funding for children's health insurance under titles XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) (also known as SCHIP) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) in order to enroll all six million uninsured children who are eligible, but not enrolled, for coverage today. Subtitle A: Funding - (Sec. 101) Prescribes formulae for new base CHIP allotments for states and territories beginning with FY2008. (Sec. [...]

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Latest Action: 04/23/2008 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to increase the provision of scientifically sound information and support services to patients receiving a positive test diagnosis for Down syndrome or other prenatally diagnosed conditions. 7/19/2007--Introduced. Prenatally Diagnosed Condition Awareness Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through either the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to authorize and oversee certain activities relating to Down syndrome or other prenatally diagnosed conditions, including the awarding of grants, contracts or cooperative agreements to: (1) collect, synthesize, and disseminate current scientific information; and (2) coordinate the provision of, and access to, supportive services for patients affected, which [...]

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S.1824 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9617)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative under the Medicare program to assess and report on health care quality in hospitals.

7/19/2007--Introduced.

Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative under the Medicare program to report on health care quality in subsection (d) hospitals.

Directs the Administrator to establish the Hospital Quality Advisory Committee to advise on the submission, collection, and reporting of quality measures data.

S.1810 Sponsored by Sam Brownback
Latest Action: 04/21/2008 - Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Kennedy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to increase the provision of scientifically sound information and support services to patients receiving a positive test diagnosis for Down syndrome or other prenatally and postnatally diagnosed conditions. 7/18/2007--Introduced. Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through either the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to authorize and oversee certain activities relating to Down syndrome or other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed conditions, including the awarding of grants, contracts or cooperative agreements to: (1) collect, synthesize, and disseminate current scientific information; and (2) coordinate the provision of, and access to,[...]

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S.1814 Sponsored by Patrick J. Leahy
Latest Action: 07/18/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9500-9513)

Bill Text
A bill to provide individuals with access to health information of which they are a subject, ensure personal privacy with respect to health related information, promote the use of non-identifiable information for health research, impose criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized use of protected health information, to provide for the strong enforcement of these rights, and to protect States' rights. 7/18/2007--Introduced. Health Information Privacy and Security Act - Requires a person who holds, uses, or discloses protected health information to: (1) permit an individual who is the subject of such information to inspect and copy the information; (2) establish safeguards and procedures to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of such information; and (3) establish and maintain a record of each protected health information disclosure.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support demonstration projects to improve the [...]

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S.1798 Sponsored by Jeff Bingaman
Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 7/18/2007 S9473-9474)

Bill Text
A bill to establish grant programs to improve the health of border area residents and for all hazards preparedness in the border area including bioterrorism in the border area including bioterrorism and infectious disease, and for other purposes. 7/17/2007--Introduced. Border Health Security Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the U.S. members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, to award grants to improve border residents' health. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states, local or tribal governments, trauma centers, regional trauma center coordinating entities, or public health entities for all hazards preparedness in the border area, including bioterrorism and infectious disease. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act. Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security in establishing a [...]

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S.1790 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 07/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to make grants to carry out activities to prevent the incidence of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among teens in racial or ethnic minority or immigrant communities, and for other purposes. 7/16/2007--Introduced. Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for projects to prevent teen pregnancies in racial, ethnic minority, or immigrant communities with a substantial incidence or prevalence of cases of teen pregnancy compared to the average number in communities in the state.Allows the Secretary to make grants to: (1) carry out activities to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among teens; (2) provide necessary social and cultural support services regarding teen pregnancy; (3) provide health and educational services related to the prevention of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among teens; (4) promote [...]

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S.1783 Sponsored by Michael B. Enzi
Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10757-10758)

Bill Text
A bill to provide 10 steps to transform health care in America. 7/12/2007--Introduced. Ten Steps to Transform Health Care in America Act - Directs states to implement mechanisms to automatically enroll uninsured individuals in health coverage.Requires each health insurance issuer in a state to offer a certified qualified core plan that provides coverage required by the state with a standard premium.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a standard deduction or a refundable tax credit for health insurance.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to provide for the establishment in each state of a single market for all health plans offered in the state.Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations governing small business health plans.Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the HHS Secretary to establish the Health [...]

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H.R.2991 Sponsored by Dennis Moore
Latest Action: 07/11/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the commi

Bill Text
To improve the availability of health information and the provision of health care by encouraging the creation, use, and maintenance of lifetime electronic health records of individuals in independent health record trusts and by providing a secure and privacy-protected framework in which such records are made available only by the affirmative consent of such individuals and are used to build a nationwide health information technology infrastructure. 7/11/2007--Introduced. Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe standards for the establishment, certification, operation, and interoperability of independent health record trusts (IHRTs).Establishes a fiduciary duty requiring an IHRT to act for the benefit and interest of participants and of the IHRT as a whole. Sets forth penalties for any knowing or reckless breach of such duty. Sets forth permitted uses for an electronic health record, including: (1) [...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 270.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to enhance the postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs, and for other purposes. 7/11/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 - Title I: Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 101) Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to include postmarket safety activities within the process for the review of human drug applications or supplements, including: (1) developing and using improved adverse event data collection systems and improved analytical tools to assess potential safety problems; (2) implementing and enforcing provisions relating to postapproval studies, clinical trials, labeling changes, and risk [...]

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S.1710 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 06/29/2007 - Star Print ordered on the bill.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 6/27/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related agencies for FY2008. Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration, including training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans;[...]

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Latest Action: 10/15/2007 - Ms. Baldwin moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. 10/15/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Recognizes: (1) the value of the identification of Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA) in identifying implications of cancer predisposition and understanding human development and the molecular basis for certain birth defects; and (2) the importance of centers providing complete care and treatment leading to an increase in correct and early diagnosis.Commends: (1) Schneider Children's Hospital for providing the first DBA Comprehensive Clinical Care Center and developing the DBA Patient Registry; and (2) the Daniella Maria Arturi Foundation and the Diamond-Blackfan Anemia Foundation for their efforts to facilitate collaboration among the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to achieve a successful multidisciplinary approach aimed at shortening [...]

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Latest Action: 06/27/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to improve newborn screening activities, and for other purposes. 6/27/2007--Introduced. Screening for Health of Infants and Newborns Act or the SHINE Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop guidelines that states may follow in reporting data from newborn screening tests. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop guidelines to: (1) monitor and evaluate newborn screening activities; and (2) coordinate the results of surveillance activities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC and the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, to develop a surveillance system for newborn screening. Directs the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases in Newborns [...]

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Latest Action: 06/27/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8615-8616)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve newborn screening activities, and for other purposes. 6/27/2007--Introduced. Screening for Health of Infants and Newborns Act or the SHINE Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop guidelines that states may follow in reporting data from newborn screening tests. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop guidelines to: (1) monitor and evaluate newborn screening activities; and (2) coordinate the results of surveillance activities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC and the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, to develop a surveillance system for newborn screening. Directs the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases in Newborns [...]

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Latest Action: 10/01/2007 - By Senator Kennedy from Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions filed written report. Report No. 110-187.

Bill Text
A bill to enhance the adoption of a nationwide interoperable health information technology system and to improve the quality and reduce the costs of health care in the United States. 8/1/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Wired for Health Care Quality Act - Title I: Improving the Interoperability of Health Information Technology - (Sec. 101) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology. Requires the Office to: (1) ensure that key health information technology initiatives are coordinated across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) enhance the use of health information technology to improve the quality of health care in the prevention and management of chronic disease and to address population health; (3) develop a strategic plan for implementing a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure; and (4) [...]

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H.R.2860 Sponsored by Earl Pomeroy
Latest Action: 06/26/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect and preserve access of Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes. 6/26/2007--Introduced. Health Care Access and Rural Equity (H-CARE) Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (2) payment for clinical laboratory tests furnished by critical access hospitals; (3) rebasing for sole community hospitals; (4) establishment of a rural community hospital program; (5) hold harmless provisions for small rural hospitals and sole community hospitals under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services; (6) coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance); (7) permanent treatment of certain physician [...]

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Latest Action: 09/11/2007 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 110-152.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for global pathogen surveillance and response. 9/11/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Prohibits assistance under this Act to an eligible developing country that does not: (1) permit World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) personnel to investigate infectious disease outbreaks within its borders; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. and international agencies and organizations. Authorizes the Secretary of State (Secretary) to waive such prohibition if in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 5) Prohibits any participating foreign national from having unsupervised access to specified agents or toxins that may be used in [...]

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H.R.2749 Sponsored by Bart Gordon
Latest Action: 06/15/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a transition to a new voluntary quality reporting program for physicians and other health professionals. 6/15/2007--Introduced. Voluntary Medicare Quality Reporting Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the quality reporting system under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act as applied for 2007 before transition to a new voluntary Medicare quality reporting system. Allows eligible professionals to continue to report to the Secretary specified quality measures for covered professional services in order for the Secretary to refine systems for reporting them. Prohibits use of the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund for quality reporting bonus payments in 2008. Specifies quality measures for covered professional services for the voluntary Medicare quality reporting program. Revises requirements for medical registry-based reporting [...]

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H.R.2723 Sponsored by Diana DeGette
Latest Action: 06/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish programs to improve the quality, performance, and delivery of pediatric care. 6/14/2007--Introduced. Children's Health Care Quality Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to: (1) identify quality and performance measures for pediatric service providers; and (2) award grants or contracts for the development, validation, and testing of new and emerging measures. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to establish demonstration projects to award grants to states to improve the delivery of health care services to children under Medicaid and SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP). Requires demonstration projects in the categories of: (1) health information technology systems; (2) disease management for children with [...]

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S.1605 Sponsored by Kent Conrad
Latest Action: 06/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7642-7643)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect and preserve access of Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers under the Medicare program, and for other purposes. 6/13/2007--Introduced. Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (2) revision of the temporary increase in payments to certain rural hospitals (Medicare hold harmless provision); (3) the definition of low-volume hospital for purposes of the Medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment; (4) Medicare wage index reclassifications for certain hospitals; (5) Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospitals in certain rural areas; (6) critical access hospitals; (7) the capital infrastructure revolving loan program; (8) the Medicare incentive [...]

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S.1606 Sponsored by Carl Levin
Latest Action: 07/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9858)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the establishment of a comprehensive policy on the care and management of wounded warriors in order to facilitate and enhance their care, rehabilitation, physical evaluation, transition from care by the Department of Defense to care by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and transition from military service to civilian life, and for other purposes. 6/18/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act - Title I: Policy on Care, Management, and Transition of Servicemembers With Serious Injuries or Illnesses - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs (Secretaries) to: (1) jointly develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the care and management of members of the Armed Forces (members) who are undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, are in medical hold or holdover status, or are otherwise on the temporary disability retired [...]

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H.R.2626 Sponsored by Tom Price
Latest Action: 06/07/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To provide for incentives to encourage health insurance coverage, and for other purposes. 6/7/2007--Introduced. Comprehensive Health Coverage and Reform Enhancement Act of 2007 or the Comprehensive HealthCARE Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit and a deduction for qualified health insurance. Imposes a tax on any employer who fails to contribute to any health insurance provider elected by an employee in lieu of the employer's group health coverage.Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to revise government contribution amounts such that the amount of contribution does not change based on the health benefits plan in which the individual is enrolled.Quality Health-Care Coalition Act of 2007 - Treats health care professionals negotiating with health plans as collective bargaining units for purposes of antitrust laws. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the covered laws of the primary state to individual [...]

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Latest Action: 06/07/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7350)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve the health and healthcare of racial and ethnic minority groups. 6/7/2007--Introduced. Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop an Internet Clearinghouse within the Office of Minority Health; (2) provide for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minorities; and (3) support demonstration projects designed to improve the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority groups through improved access to health care, patient navigators, primary prevention activities, health promotion and disease prevention activities, and health literacy education and services.Provides for grants to: (1) promote positive health behaviors; (2) implement culturally and linguistically appropriate, evidence-based, and community-driven sustainable strategies to elimina