Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 02/15/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2082)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish grant programs to provide for education and outreach on newborn screening and coordinated followup care once newborn screening has been conducted, to reauthorize programs under part A of title XI of such Act, and for other purposes. 2/15/2007--Introduced. Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Associate Administrator of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to awards grants to eligible entities to: (1) provide education and training in newborn screening and congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders to health care professionals and newborn screening laboratory personnel; (2) develop educational programs about newborn screening for parents, families, and patient advocacy and support groups; and (3) establish operate a system to assess and coordinate [...]

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

Bill Text
To provide for the expansion of Federal efforts concerning the prevention, education, treatment, and research activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, including the establishment of a Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. 1/31/2007--Introduced. Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding how officials can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases; (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups; (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public heath [...]

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Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2502-2503)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the regulation and oversight of laboratory tests. 3/1/2007--Introduced. Laboratory Test Improvement Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to deem a laboratory-developed test that is a direct-to-consumer test to be a prescription test if it satisfies the requirements of this Act. Deems any laboratory-developed test to be a medical device.Sets forth labeling and registration requirements for laboratory-developed tests.Requires the manufacturer of a laboratory-developed test that has not been cleared or approved for its intended use to submit the analytical and clinical validity of the test for its intended use to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary to include such information in a public database.Requires the Secretary to provide guidance to: (1) facilitate the use of reviews of the peer-reviewed biomedical literature and other information and data about the clinical validity [...]

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Latest Action: 03/02/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a competitive grant program to build capacity in veterinary medical education and expand the workforce of veterinarians engaged in public health practice and biomedical research.

3/2/2007--Introduced.

Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to veterinary schools or institutions offering training for veterinarians to improve public health preparedness through increasing the number of veterinarians in the workforce.

Requires the Secretary to give preference to applicants that demonstrate a comprehensive approach by involving more than one such school or institution.

Latest Action: 03/08/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2905)

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit human cloning and protect stem cell research. 3/8/2007--Introduced. Human Cloning Ban and Stem Cell Research Protection Act of 2007 - Prohibits: (1) conducting or attempting to conduct human cloning; (2) shipping the product of nuclear transplantation in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of human cloning in the United States or elsewhere; or (3) exporting to a foreign country an unfertilized blastocyst if such country does not prohibit human cloning. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties for violations. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the relevant congressional committees on: (1) actions taken to enforce such prohibitions; (2) actions of state attorneys general to enforce similar state laws; (3) coordination of federal, state, and local enforcement; and (4) international laws relating to human cloning. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require research involving nuclear transplantation to be conducted in accordance [...]

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Latest Action: 05/10/2007 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
An act to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize drug and device user fees and ensure the safety of medical products, and for other purposes. 5/9/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Food and Drug Administration Revitalization Act - Title I: Prescription Drug User Fees - (Sec. 101) - Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to set forth as a purpose that authorized prescription drug fees be dedicated toward expediting the drug development process, the process for the review of human drug applications, and postmarket drug safety. Sets forth reporting requirements, including requiring the Secretary of Human Services (the Secretary) to present to Congress recommendations developed for achieving certain goals for the review process of human drug applications and for reauthorization of user [...]

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Latest Action: 02/27/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the treatment of certain physician pathology services under the Medicare Program.

2/15/2007--Introduced.

Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with regard to a laboratory-furnished technical component of certain physician pathology services, to treat such component as a service for which payment shall be made to the laboratory, and not as an inpatient hospital or hospital outpatient service for which payment is made to the hospital.

Latest Action: 04/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4034-4035)

Bill Text
To provide for health care for every American and to control the cost and enhance the quality of the health care system. 2/27/2007--Introduced. American Health Security Act of 2007 - Establishes the State-Based American Health Security Program to provide every U.S. resident who is a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful resident alien with health care services. Requires each participating state to establish a state health security program. Eliminates benefits under: (1) titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act; (2) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program; and (3) the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Requires each state health security program to prohibit the sale of health insurance in that state that duplicates benefits provided under the program. Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board to: (1) develop policies,[...]

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Latest Action: 01/23/2008 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To establish a competitive grant program to build capacity in veterinary medical education and expand the workforce of veterinarians engaged in public health practice and biomedical research.

2/28/2007--Introduced.

Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to veterinary schools or institutions offering training for veterinarians to improve public health preparedness through increasing the number of veterinarians in the workforce.

Requires the Secretary to give preference to applicants that demonstrate a comprehensive approach by involving more than one such school or institution.

Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide revised standards for quality assurance in screening and evaluation of gynecologic cytology preparations, and for other purposes. 4/8/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise national quality assurance standards to assure consistent performance by laboratories of valid and reliable cytology services in order to include requirements that each clinical laboratory: (1) ensure that all individuals involved in screening and interpreting cytological preparations participate annually in an approved continuing medical education program in gynecologic cytology that provides each participant with gynecologic cytological preparations designed to improve locator, recognition, and interpretive skills; (2) maintain a record of program results; (3) require [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/24/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-496.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations under the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for security assistance for fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/15/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1786-1787)

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to improve the Nation's surveillance and reporting for diseases and conditions, and for other purposes. 9/15/2008--Introduced. National Integrated Public Health Surveillance Systems and Reportable Conditions Act - 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), to: (1) establish the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant Program to assist public health agencies in improving surveillance for, and response to, infectious diseases and other conditions of public health importance; and (2) issue guidelines for public health entities relating to information systems to receive, monitor, and report infectious diseases and other such conditions.Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) address documented workforce shortages in state and local health departments in applied public health [...]

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Latest Action: 09/11/2008 - 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 improve the Nation's surveillance and reporting for diseases and conditions, and for other purposes. 9/11/2008--Introduced. National Integrated Public Health Surveillance Systems and Reportable Conditions Act - 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), to: (1) establish the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant Program to assist public health agencies in improving surveillance for, and response to, infectious diseases and other conditions of public health importance; and (2) issue guidelines for public health entities relating to information systems to receive, monitor, and report infectious diseases and other such conditions.Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) address documented workforce shortages in state and local health departments in applied public [...]

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Latest Action: 07/29/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for enhanced food-borne illness surveillance and food safety capacity. 7/29/2008--Introduced. Improving Food-borne Illness Surveillance and Response Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to strengthen and expand foodborne illness surveillance systems to: (1) inform and evaluate efforts to prevent foodborne illness; and (2) enhance the identification and investigation of, and response to, foodborne illness outbreaks.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance foodborne illness surveillance systems to improve the collection, analysis, reporting, and usefulness of data on foodborne illnesses.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to improve capacity for surveillance in states, including by: (1) supporting outbreak investigations with needed specialty expertise; (2) supporting model practices [...]

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Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the Select Agent Program by amending the Public Health Service Act and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 and to improve oversight of high containment laboratories. 7/30/2008--Introduced. Select Agent Program and Biosafety Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriations for the Select Agent Program, which lists and controls biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety. Requires appropriate training of individuals handling or using such agents and toxins.Includes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) among the federal agencies limited in the disclosure of information related to listed agents or toxins.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review and make recommendations for improving the Select Agent [...]

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Latest Action: 07/11/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 874.

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to extend provisions under Medicare and Medicaid programs, and for other purposes. 7/9/2008--Introduced. Medicare and Medicaid Extension Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend: (1) the physician payment update; (2) the floor on the work geographic adjustment under the Medicare physician fee schedule; (3) the treatment of certain physician pathology services; (4) the exceptions process for therapy caps; (5) the payment rule for brachytherapy and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals; and (6) the accommodation of physicians ordered to active duty in the Armed Services. Delays generally until after 2011 full implementation of the Medicare competitive acquisition program for the purchase of durable medical equipment (DME), prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).Revises such program, dividing its implementation into two rounds, and specifying covered item [...]

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Latest Action: 07/15/2008 - Vetoed by President.

Bill Text
To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to extend expiring provisions under the Medicare Program, to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, to enhance low-income benefit programs, and to maintain access to care in rural areas, including pharmacy access, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on June 24, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 - Title I: Medicare - Subtitle A: Beneficiary Improvements - Part 1: Prevention, Mental Health, and Marketing - (Sec. 101) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to cover additional preventive services. Includes body mass index and end-of-life planning among initial [...]

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Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the Select Agent Program by amending the Public Health Service Act and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 and to improve oversight of high containment laboratories. 6/12/2008--Introduced. Select Agent Program and Biosafety Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriat