Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/08/2008 - Signed by President.

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. 4/21/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act - (Sec. 3) 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. Includes among such activities the awarding of grants, contracts or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to: (1) collect,[...]

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Latest Action: 10/02/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 110-906.

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To amend the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to consolidate the housing assistance programs for homeless persons under title IV of such Act, and for other purposes. 2/6/2007--Introduced. Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2007 - Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to consolidate housing assistance programs for homeless persons. Requires the establishment of a community homeless assistance planning board for a geographic area to lead a collaborative planning process to design, execute, and evaluate programs, policies, and practices to prevent and end homelessness. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to designate an entity to be a community board if it has engaged in local homeless housing and services planning and has applied for federal funding for homeless assistance prior to enactment of this Act. Instructs the Secretary to make available technical assistance to governmental [...]

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Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H10796)

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To reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections in correctional facilities, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Justice for the Unprotected Against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed Act of 2007 or the JUSTICE Act of 2007 - Requires the Attorney General to direct the Bureau of Prisons to allow community organizations to distribute sexual barrier protection devices (e.g., condoms) and to engage in sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling and prevention education in federal correctional facilities. Prohibits a federal correctional facility from taking adverse action against a prisoner who possesses or uses a sexual barrier protection device.Expresses the sense of Congress that states should allow for the legal distribution of sexual barrier protection devices in their correctional facilities. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a survey of all educational, testing, and other programs in federal and state [...]

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Latest Action: 06/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

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Supporting the goals and ideals of National HIV Testing Day, and for other purposes.

6/14/2007--Introduced.

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day.

Encourages the use of rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV testing.

Latest Action: 03/07/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

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Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding bone marrow diseases.

3/6/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) individuals diagnosed with bone marrow diseases and their families should have access to a variety of treatment and counseling options; and (2) such families should be linked to support networks and counseling information services provided by nonprofit organizations like the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation.

Calls for the federal government to: (1) raise awareness about the importance of early detection of and proper treatment for such diseases; (2) provide adequate funding for research on such diseases; (3) engage in such public health initiatives as surveillance, education, and awareness of such diseases; and (4) continue to consider ways to improve health care services for such diseases.

Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10781)

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A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the Global War on Terrorism, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Makes a veteran who served on active duty during a period of war eligible for a mental health evaluation and hospital care, medical services, nursing home care, and family and marital counseling for any identified mental health condition, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the condition is attributable to such service. Requires: (1) post-deployment medical and mental health screenings to be conducted within 30 days after a deployment; (2) each member, upon discharge, to be provided an electronic copy of all military records of such member; and (3) the Secretary of Defense to ensure appropriate [...]

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Latest Action: 11/05/2007 - Signed by President.

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To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. 11/5/2007--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 27, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in developing and implementing the comprehensive program outlined in this Act, should take into consideration the special needs of such veterans and of elderly veterans who are at high risk for depression and experience high rates of suicide. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a comprehensive program designed to reduce [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

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To amend the Public Health Service Act regarding residential treatment programs for pregnant and parenting women, a program to reduce substance abuse among nonviolent offenders, and for other purposes. 1/11/2007--Introduced. Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the grant program to provide residential substance abuse treatment to pregnant and postpartum women to include: (1) parenting women substance abuse treatment (including treatment for addiction to methamphetamine); and (2) outpatient treatment services. Requires that such treatment programs be accessible to pregnant and parenting women in health disparity populations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand, intensify, and coordinate efforts to provide treatment for methamphetamine addiction to pregnant and parenting women.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

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To make grants to carry out activities to prevent teen pregnancy in racial or ethnic minority or immigrant communities, and for other purposes. 1/12/2007--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 as compared to the average number of such cases in communities in the state involved. Allows the Secretary to make grants to: (1) provide necessary social and cultural support services regarding teen pregnancy; (2) provide health and educational services related to the prevention of teen pregnancy; (3) promote better health and educational outcomes among pregnant teens; (4) provide training for individuals who plan to work in school-based support programs regarding the prevention of teen pregnancy; and (5) provide public [...]

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Latest Action: 01/31/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1445-1446)

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act and title III of the Public Health Service Act to improve access to information about individuals' health care options and legal rights for care near the end of life, to promote advance care planning and decisionmaking so that individuals' wishes are known should they become unable to speak for themselves, to engage health care providers in disseminating information about and assisting in the preparation of advance directives, which include living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care, and for other purposes. 1/31/2007--Introduced. Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for Medicare coverage of end-of-life planning and consultations as part of an initial preventive physical examination. Requires a service provider, Medicare Advantage organization, or prepaid or eligible organization to give effect [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/09/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend titles V, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act to promote tobacco use cessation under the Medicare Program, the Medicaid Program, and the maternal and child health program.

6/26/2008--Introduced.

Quit Smoking for Life Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to cover diagnostic, therapy, and counseling services, furnished by or under a physician's supervision, for cessation of tobacco use. Provides for payment of 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or the fee schedule amount. Eliminates the deductible.

Includes tobacco cessation agents as covered drugs under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program).

Amends SSA titles V (Maternal and Child Health Services) and XIX (Medicaid) also to cover counseling and medication for cessation of tobacco use. Requires inclusion of anti-tobacco messages in health promotion counseling as part of quality maternal and child health services.

Latest Action: 06/27/2008 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6330-6331)

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A resolution designating June 27, 2008, as National HIV Testing Day.

6/27/2008--Introduced.

Designates June 27, 2008, as National HIV Testing Day.

Encourages: (1) state and local governments to recognize such day, publicize its importance, encourage individuals to undergo counseling and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and establish and maintain effective linkages to care and treatment services for individuals testing positive; (2) use of rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a fast and efficient method of HIV testing; (3) media organizations to carry messages in support of the Day; and (4) the President to emphasize the importance of addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic among all individuals in the United States, especially among minority communities.

Expresses support for the development of a national AIDS strategy with clear goals and objectives to reduce new HIV infections, especially among minorities.

Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to prevent and cure diabetes and to promote and improve the care of individuals with diabetes for the reduction of health disparities within racial and ethnic minority groups, including the African-American, Hispanic American, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. 5/6/2008--Introduced. Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) conduct, coordinate, and support research and other activities with respect to pre-diabetes and diabetes in minority populations; and (2) conduct and support programs to treat diabetes in minority populations.Requires the Director of NIH, through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to provide for: (1) health care professionals' mentoring; and (2) minority health professionals' participation in diabetes-focused [...]

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Latest Action: 05/27/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To make technical corrections regarding the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007.

5/27/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries)

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

Amends the Public Health Service Act to make technical corrections to the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007. Revises the authorizations of appropriations from FY2008-FY2012 to FY2009-FY2013.

Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To establish a program to evaluate HIV/AIDS programs in order to improve accountability, increase transparency, and ensure the delivery of evidence-based services.

2/25/2008--Introduced.

PEPFAR Accountability and Transparency Act - Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to direct the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally to: (1) establish a mechanism to evaluate global HIV/AIDS programs financed by the U.S. government in order to improve accountability, increase transparency, and ensure the delivery of evidence-based services; and (2) develop a five-year strategic plan for program monitoring, operations research, and impact evaluation research.

Latest Action: 01/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S547)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a program to evaluate HIV/AIDS programs in order to improve accountability, increase transparency, and ensure the delivery of evidence-based services.

1/31/2008--Introduced.

PEPFAR Accountability and Transparency Act - Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to direct the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally to: (1) establish a mechanism to evaluate global HIV/AIDS programs financed by the U.S. government in order to improve accountability, increase transparency, and ensure the delivery of evidence-based services; and (2) develop a five-year strategic plan for program monitoring, operations research, and impact evaluation research.

Latest Action: 02/18/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To improve the palliative and end-of-life care provided to children with life-threatening conditions, and for other purposes. 1/29/2008--Introduced. Children's Compassionate Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to: (1) provide training in pediatric palliative care and related services for children with life-threatening conditions; and (2) implement or expand pediatric palliative care programs for such children. Authorizes the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to award training grants to expand the number of physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, and appropriate allied health professionals and specialists with interdisciplinary pediatric palliative clinical training and research experience. Allows the Secretary to award grants to enhance pediatric palliative [...]

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Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide mental health services to certain veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Rural Veterans Health Care Access Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to establish and implement a pilot program to provide mental health counseling services to eligible veterans at non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Defines "eligible veteran" as one who: (1) served on active duty in support of a contingency operation; (2) is eligible to receive hospital care and medical services; (3) has been diagnosed with a mental health condition and recommended to receive mental health counseling; and (4) resides at least 30 miles from a VA medical facility that employs a full-time mental health professional. Requires the Secretary to issue to an eligible veteran a six-month supply of vouchers to be used to pay for [...]

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Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure the provision of specified substance use disorder treatment services at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center and community-based outpatient clinic. Requires the Secretary to ensure that treatment for a substance use disorder and a comorbid mental health disorder is provided concurrently by a team of experienced clinicians. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program of enhanced care and treatment for veterans with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and (2) establish at least six national centers of excellence on PTSD and substance use disorders. Requires a report on residential mental health care facilities [...]

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Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, promote, and support a comprehensive prevention, education, research, and medical management program that will lead to a marked reduction in liver cirrhosis and a reduction in the cases of, and improved survival of, liver cancer caused by chronic hepatitis B infection. 10/23/2007--Introduced. National Hepatitis B Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for hepatitis B prevention, control, and medical management. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) support the integration of testing, counseling, immunization, and medical referral activities into existing clinical and public health programs at state, local, and tribal levels; and (2) provide hepatitis B coordinators to health departments in order to ensure the [...]

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