Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act

Bill: 117-s-610
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Introduced: 2021-03-04
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Budget deficits and national debt

Budget process

Cancer

Cardiovascular and respiratory health

Congressional oversight

Department of Health and Human Services

Drug, alcohol, tobacco use

Education programs funding

Emergency medical services and trauma care

Government studies and investigations

Health care costs and insurance

Health care quality

Health personnel

Health programs administration and funding

Health promotion and preventive care

Infectious and parasitic diseases

Legislative rules and procedure

Medical education

Medicare

Mental health

Natural disasters

Nursing

Radiation

Worker safety and health
Latest action: action_date: 2021-12-10
text: Became Public Law No: 117-71.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-03-04
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><b>Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act</b></p> <p>This bill establishes grants and requires other activities to improve mental and behavioral health and prevent burnout among health care providers.</p> <p>Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to</p> <ul> <li>train health care providers on suicide prevention, other behavioral health issues, and strategies to improve well-being; and</li> <li>establish or expand programs to promote mental and behavioral health among health care providers involved with COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) response efforts.</li> </ul> <p>HHS must also study and develop policy recommendations on</p> <ul> <li>preventing burnout and improving mental and behavioral health among health care providers,</li> <li>removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and</li> <li>identifying strategies to promote resiliency. </li> </ul> <p>Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must conduct a campaign to encourage health care providers to seek support and treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns.</p>

action_date: 2021-06-08
action_desc: Reported to Senate
text: <p><b>Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act</b></p> <p>This bill establishes grants and requires other activities to improve mental and behavioral health among health care providers.</p> <p>Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to hospitals, medical professional associations, and other health care entities for programs to promote mental health and resiliency among health care providers. In addition, HHS may award grants for relevant mental and behavioral health training for health care students, residents, or professionals.</p> <p>Additionally, HHS must conduct a campaign to encourage health care providers to seek support and treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns and disseminate best practices to prevent suicide and improve mental health and resiliency among health care providers.</p> <p>HHS must also study and develop policy recommendations on</p> <ul> <li>improving mental and behavioral health among health care providers,</li> <li>removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and</li> <li>identifying strategies to promote resiliency. </li></ul>

action_date: 2021-08-06
action_desc: Passed Senate
text: <p><b>Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act</b></p> <p>This bill establishes grants and requires other activities to improve mental and behavioral health among health care providers.</p> <p>Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to hospitals, medical professional associations, and other health care entities for programs to promote mental health and resiliency among health care providers. In addition, HHS may award grants for relevant mental and behavioral health training for health care students, residents, or professionals.</p> <p>Additionally, HHS must conduct a campaign to encourage health care providers to seek support and treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns and disseminate best practices to prevent suicide and improve mental health and resiliency among health care providers.</p> <p>HHS must also study and develop policy recommendations on</p> <ul> <li>improving mental and behavioral health among health care providers,</li> <li>removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and</li> <li>identifying strategies to promote resiliency.</li> </ul> <p>Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which relevant federal grant programs address the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among health care providers.</p>

action_date: 2021-12-07
action_desc: Passed House
text: <p><b>Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act</b></p> <p>This bill makes several budgetary, technical, and procedural changes, particularly in relation to Medicare and increasing the debt limit. </p> <p>Specifically, the bill continues to exempt Medicare from sequestration until March 31, 2022. (Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.) </p> <p>The bill also establishes expedited Senate procedures for considering legislation to increase the debt limit. The procedures limit debate, waive points of order, and prohibit amendments. The procedures may only be used once and expire after January 16, 2022. </p> <p>Additionally, the bill (1) temporarily extends other provisions under Medicare, including a payment increase under the physician fee schedule; and (2) requires any debits recorded for FY2022 on the statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) scorecards to be deducted from the scorecards for 2022 and added to the scorecards for 2023.</p>

action_date: 2021-12-10
action_desc: Public Law
text: <p><b>Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act</b></p> <p>This bill makes several budgetary, technical, and procedural changes, particularly in relation to Medicare and increasing the debt limit. </p> <p>Specifically, the bill continues to exempt Medicare from sequestration until March 31, 2022. (Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.) </p> <p>The bill also establishes expedited Senate procedures for considering legislation to increase the debt limit. The procedures limit debate, waive points of order, and prohibit amendments. The procedures may only be used once and expire after January 16, 2022. </p> <p>Additionally, the bill (1) temporarily extends other provisions under Medicare, including a payment increase under the physician fee schedule; and (2) requires any debits recorded for FY2022 on the statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) scorecards to be deducted from the scorecards for 2022 and added to the scorecards for 2023.</p>

tv_txt: II 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 610 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 4, 2021 Mr. Kaine (for himself, Mr. Young , Mr. Reed , Mr. Cassidy , Mr. King , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Baldwin , Ms. Collins , Mr. Warner , Ms. Smith , Ms. Rosen , Mrs. Gillibrand , Ms. Sinema , Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Tester , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Kelly , and Mr. Peters ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To address behavioral health and well-being among health care professionals.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act . 2. Behavioral health and well-being training for health care professionals Subpart 1 of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 294n et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 764. Behavioral health and well-being training for health care professionals (a) Grant program The Secretary shall establish a program to award grants to health professions schools, academic health centers, State or local governments, or other appropriate public or private nonprofit entities for funding and participation in health professions and nursing training activities for the training of health care students, residents, or professionals in evidence-informed strategies to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, behavioral health conditions, including mental health conditions and substance use disorders, among health care professionals, and in evidence-informed strategies to improve health care professionals’ well-being and job satisfaction. (b) Eligibility To be eligible for a grant under subsection (a), an entity described in such subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Reporting requirement Each entity awarded a grant under this section shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the activities supported by the grant. (d) Best practices The Secretary may identify and disseminate evidence-informed best practices for reducing and preventing suicide and burnout among health care professionals, and training health care professionals in appropriate strategies and promoting their mental and behavioral health and job satisfaction. Such best practices shall include specific recommendations for reducing and preventing suicide, burnout, and other mental and behavioral health concerns among health care professionals during or in the aftermath of a pandemic, natural disaster, or other crisis. (e) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. . 3. Education and awareness campaign encouraging use of mental and behavioral health services by health care professionals (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary ), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in consultation with the medical professional community, shall establish a national evidence-based education and awareness campaign targeting health care professionals to encourage such professionals to seek support and treatment for their own mental and behavioral health concerns, help such professionals identify risk factors in themselves and others and learn how best to respond to such risks, with the goal of reducing or preventing suicide, burnout, and mental and behavioral health conditions, and to address stigma associated with seeking mental and behavioral health support and treatment. (b) Reporting Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide an update on the campaign’s progress, including a plan for evaluation that includes quantitative and qualitative metrics, and a media and dissemination plan, to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. 4. Grants for health care providers to promote mental and behavioral health among their health professional workforce Subpart 1 of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 294n et seq.), as amended by section 2, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 764A. Grants for health care providers to promote mental and behavioral health among their health professional workforce (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants to health care providers, including medical professional associations, to establish or expand evidence-informed programs dedicated to promoting mental and behavioral health among their employees (including contractors) or members who are working on the front lines of the SARS–CoV–2 pandemic. (b) Use of grant funds A health care provider awarded a grant under subsection (a) shall use amounts under the grant to implement a new program or protocol or expand an existing program or protocol to promote mental and behavioral health among employees (including contractors) or members who have previously treated or otherwise served, or are currently treating or otherwise serving, patients diagnosed with COVID–19, which may include any of the following: (1) Educating employees, including contractors, or membership about risk factors for and signs of self-harm and suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions in accordance with evidence-based practices and standards. (2) Establishing new or enhancing existing evidence-based programs or protocols for preventing mental and behavioral health conditions, suicide, or self-harm. (3) Establishing new or enhancing existing peer-support programs among employees (including contractors) or members. (4) Mental and behavioral health treatment, follow up services and care, or referral for such services identified as appropriate as a result of the screenings or prevention programs and protocol described in paragraphs (1) and (2). (c) Grant Terms A grant awarded under subsection (a)— (1) shall be for a period of 3 years; and (2) may be renewed subject to the requirements of this section. (d) Application submission A health care provider seeking a grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. (e) Priority Priority shall be given to applications from health care providers located in current or former COVID–19 hotspots, as determined by the Secretary or health care providers which have diagnosed or treated a higher share of COVID–19 patients, as determined by the Secretary. (f) Reporting A health care provider awarded a grant under subsection (a) shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the activities supported by the grant. (g) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. . 5. Comprehensive study on health care professional mental and behavioral health and burnout Subpart 1 of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 294n et seq.), as amended by section 4, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 764B. Comprehensive study on health care professional mental and behavioral health and burnout (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with stakeholders, shall conduct a review and submit recommendations to Congress on policies to improve health care professional mental health and prevent burnout. (b) Considerations The study under subsection (a) shall focus on identifying— (1) the factors that contribute to mental and behavioral health conditions and burnout among health care professionals; (2) the barriers to seeking and accessing mental and behavioral health treatment for health care professionals, including stigma and concerns about licensing and credentialing; (3) the implications of poor mental and behavioral health and burnout among health care professionals for the health care system, the health care workforce, and patient outcomes; (4) the impact of the SARS–CoV–2 pandemic on the mental and behavioral health of health care professionals and related preparedness strategies for future health emergencies; (5) the factors that promote mental and behavioral health and resiliency among health care professionals, including programs or protocols that strengthen mental and behavioral health or prevent burnout among health care professionals; and (6) the efficacy of health professional training programs that promote resiliency and improve mental health. (c) Recommendations The study required under subsection (a) shall include recommendations related to— (1) improving mental and behavioral health and preventing burnout among health care professionals; (2) removing barriers to mental and behavioral health care for health care professionals; and (3) strategies to promote resiliency among health care professionals and other employees and contractors in health care settings. (d) Completion The Secretary shall ensure that the study under subsection (a) is completed and submitted to Congress and made publicly available not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this section. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. .

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 69 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 610 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 4, 2021 Mr. Kaine (for himself, Mr. Young , Mr. Reed , Mr. Cassidy , Mr. King , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Baldwin , Ms. Collins , Mr. Warner , Ms. Smith , Ms. Rosen , Mrs. Gillibrand , Ms. Sinema , Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Tester , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Peters , Ms. Murkowski , Ms. Duckworth , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Markey , Mr. Marshall , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Brown , and Mrs. Shaheen ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions June 8, 2021 Reported by Mrs. Murray , with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To address behavioral health and well-being among health care professionals.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act . 2. Behavioral health and well-being training for health care professionals Subpart 1 of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 294n et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 764. Behavioral health and well-being training for health care professionals (a) Grant program The Secretary shall establish a program to award grants to health professions schools, academic health centers, State or local governments, or other appropriate public or private nonprofit entities for funding and participation in health professions and nursing training activities for the training of health care students, residents, or professionals in evidence-informed strategies to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, behavioral health conditions, including mental health conditions and substance use disorders, among health care professionals, and in evidence-informed strategies to improve health care professionals’ well-being and job satisfaction. (b) Eligibility To be eligible for a grant under subsection (a), an entity described in such subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Reporting requirement Each entity awarded a grant under this section shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the activities supported by the grant. (d) Best practices The Secretary may identify and disseminate evidence-informed best practices for reducing and preventing suicide and burnout among health care professionals, and training health care professionals in appropriate strategies and promoting their mental and behavioral health and job satisfaction. Such best practices shall include specific recommendations for reducing and preventing suicide, burnout, and other mental and behavioral health concerns among health care professionals during or in the aftermath of a pandemic, natural disaster, or other crisis. (e) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. . 3. Education and awareness campaign encouraging use of mental and behavioral health services by health care professionals (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary ), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in consultation with the medical professional community, shall establish a national evidence-based education and awareness campaign targeting health care professionals to encourage such professionals to seek support and treatment for their own mental and behavioral health concerns, help such professionals identify risk factors in themselves and others and learn how best to respond to such risks, with the goal of reducing or preventing suicide, burnout, and mental and behavioral health conditions, and to address stigma associated with seeking mental and behavioral health support and treatment. (b) Reporting Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide an update on the campaign’s progress, including a plan for evaluation that includes quantitative and qualitative metrics, and a media and dissemination plan, to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. 4. Grants for health care providers to promote mental and behavioral health among their health professional workforce Subpart 1 of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 294n et seq.), as amended by section 2, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 764A. Grants for health care providers to promote mental and behavioral health among their health professional workforce (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants to health care providers, including medical professional associations, to establish or expand evidence-informed programs dedicated to promoting mental and behavioral health among their employees (including contractors) or members who are working on the front lines of the SARS–CoV–2 pandemic. (b) Use of grant funds A health care provider awarded a grant under subsection (a) shall use amounts under the grant to implement a new program or protocol or expand an existing program or protocol to promote mental and behavioral health among employees (including contractors) or members who have previously treated or otherwise served, or are currently treating or otherwise serving, patients diagnosed with COVID–19, which may include any of the following: (1) Educating employees, including contractors, or membership about risk factors for and signs of self-harm and suicide and mental and behavioral health conditions in accordance with evidence-based practices and standards. (2) Establishing new or enhancing existing evidence-based programs or protocols for preventing mental and behavioral health conditions, suicide, or self-harm. (3) Establishing new or enhancing existing peer-support programs among employees (including contractors) or members. (4) Mental and behavioral health treatment, follow up services and care, or referral for such services identified as appropriate as a result of the screenings or prevention programs and protocol described in paragraphs (1) and (2). (c) Grant Terms A grant awarded under subsection (a)— (1) shall be for a period of 3 years; and (2) may be renewed subject to the requirements of this section. (d) Application submission A health care provider seeking a grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. (e) Priority Priority shall be given to applications from health care providers located in current or former COVID–19 hotspots, as determined by the Secretary or health care providers which have diagnosed or treated a higher share of COVID–19 patients, as determined by the Secretary. (f) Reporting A health care provider awarded a grant under subsection (a) shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the activities supported by the grant. (g) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. . 5. Comprehensive study on health care professional mental and behavioral health and burnout Subpart 1 of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 294n et seq.), as amended by section 4, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 764B. Comprehensive study on health care professional mental and behavioral health and burnout (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with stakeholders, shall conduct a review and submit recommendations to Congress on policies to improve health care professional mental health and prevent burnout. (b) Considerations The study under subsection (a) shall focus on identifying— (1) the factors that contribute to mental and behavioral health conditions and burnout among health care professionals; (2) the barriers to seeking and accessing mental and behavioral health treatment for health care professionals, including stigma and concerns about licensing and credentialing; (3) the implications of poor mental and behavioral health and burnout among health care professionals for the health care system, the health care workforce, and patient outcomes; (4) the impact of the SARS–CoV–2 pandemic on the mental and behavioral health of health care professionals and related preparedness strategies for future health emergencies; (5) the factors that promote mental and behavioral health and resiliency among health care professionals, including programs or protocols that strengthen mental and behavioral health or prevent burnout among health care professionals; and (6) the efficacy of health professional training programs that promote resiliency and improve mental health. (c) Recommendations The study required under subsection (a) shall include recommendations related to— (1) improving mental and behavioral health and preventing burnout among health care professionals; (2) removing barriers to mental and behavioral health care for health care professionals; and (3) strategies to promote resiliency among health care professionals and other employees and contractors in health care settings. (d) Completion The Secretary shall ensure that the study under subsection (a) is completed and submitted to Congress and made publicly available not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this section. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. .

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act . 2. Dissemination of best practices The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act as the Secretary ) shall identify and disseminate evidence-based or evidence-informed best practices for preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals, and for training health care professionals in appropriate strategies to promote their mental health. Such best practices shall include recommendations related to preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals. 3. Education and awareness initiative encouraging use of mental health and substance use disorder services by health care professionals (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including medical professional associations, shall establish a national evidence-based or evidence-informed education and awareness initiative to encourage health care professionals to seek support and care for their mental health or substance use concerns, to help such professionals identify risk factors associated with suicide and mental health conditions, and to help such professionals learn how best to respond to such risks, with the goal of preventing suicide, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders, and to address stigma associated with seeking mental health and substance use disorder services. (b) Reporting Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives an update on the activities and outcomes of the initiative under subsection (a), including a description of quantitative and qualitative metrics used to evaluate such activities and outcomes. (c) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. 4. Grants to promote mental health among the health professional workforce Subpart I of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.. 294n et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 764. Grants to promote mental health among the health professional workforce (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants related to improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals. (b) Grants to promote mental health among health care professionals (1) In general The Secretary shall award grants to health care entities, including entities that provide health care services, such as hospitals, community health centers, and rural health clinics, or to medical professional associations, to establish or enhance evidence-based or evidence-informed programs dedicated to improving mental health and resiliency for health care professionals. (2) Use of funds An eligible entity receiving a grant under this subsection shall use amounts under the grant to implement a new program or enhance an existing program to promote mental health among health care professionals, which may include— (A) improving awareness among health care professionals about risk factors for, and signs of, suicide and mental health or substance use disorders, in accordance with evidence-based or evidence-informed practices; (B) establishing new, or enhancing existing, evidence-based or evidence-informed programs for preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals; (C) establishing new, or enhancing existing, peer-support programs among health care professionals; or (D) providing mental health care, follow-up services and care, or referral for such services and care, as appropriate. (3) Priority In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities in health professional shortage areas or rural areas. (c) Training grants The Secretary may establish a program to award grants to health professions schools, academic health centers, State or local governments, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, or other appropriate public or private nonprofit entities (or consortia of entities, including entities promoting multidisciplinary approaches) to support the training of health care students, residents, or health care professionals in evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to address mental and substance use disorders and improve mental health and resiliency among health care professionals. (d) Grant terms A grant awarded under subsection (b) or (c) shall be for a period of 3 years. (e) Application submission An entity seeking a grant under subsection (b) or (c) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. (f) Reporting An entity awarded a grant under subsection (b) or (c) shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the activities supported by the grant. (g) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section and section 5 of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act , there are authorized to be appropriated $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. . 5. Review with respect to health care professional mental health and resiliency (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall conduct a review and, not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report to Congress related to improving health care professional mental health and resiliency and the outcomes of programs authorized under this Act. (b) Considerations The review under subsection (a) shall take into account— (1) factors that contribute to mental health conditions; (2) barriers to seeking and accessing mental health care for health care professionals, which may include consideration of stigma and licensing concerns, and actions taken by State licensing boards, schools for health professionals, health care professional training associations, hospital associations, or other organizations, as appropriate, to address such barriers; (3) the impact of the COVID–19 public health emergency on the mental health of health care professionals and lessons learned for future public health emergencies; (4) factors that promote mental health and resiliency among health care professionals, including programs or strategies to strengthen mental health and resiliency among health care professionals; and (5) the efficacy of health professional training programs that promote resiliency and improve mental health. (c) Recommendations The review under subsection (a), as appropriate, shall identify best practices related to, and make recommendations to address— (1) improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals; (2) removing barriers to mental health care for health care professionals; and (3) strategies to promote resiliency among health care professionals in health care settings.

June 8, 2021 Reported with an amendment

tv_txt: 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 610 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To address behavioral health and well-being among health care professionals.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act . 2. Dissemination of best practices The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act as the Secretary ) shall identify and disseminate evidence-based or evidence-informed best practices for preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals, and for training health care professionals in appropriate strategies to promote their mental health. Such best practices shall include recommendations related to preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals. 3. Education and awareness initiative encouraging use of mental health and substance use disorder services by health care professionals (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including medical professional associations, shall establish a national evidence-based or evidence-informed education and awareness initiative to encourage health care professionals to seek support and care for their mental health or substance use concerns, to help such professionals identify risk factors associated with suicide and mental health conditions, and to help such professionals learn how best to respond to such risks, with the goal of preventing suicide, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders, and to address stigma associated with seeking mental health and substance use disorder services. (b) Reporting Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives an update on the activities and outcomes of the initiative under subsection (a), including a description of quantitative and qualitative metrics used to evaluate such activities and outcomes. (c) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. 4. Grants to promote mental health among the health professional workforce Subpart I of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.. 294n et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 764. Grants to promote mental health among the health professional workforce (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants related to improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals. (b) Grants to promote mental health among health care professionals (1) In general The Secretary shall award grants to health care entities, including entities that provide health care services, such as hospitals, community health centers, and rural health clinics, or to medical professional associations, to establish or enhance evidence-based or evidence-informed programs dedicated to improving mental health and resiliency for health care professionals. (2) Use of funds An eligible entity receiving a grant under this subsection shall use amounts under the grant to implement a new program or enhance an existing program to promote mental health among health care professionals, which may include— (A) improving awareness among health care professionals about risk factors for, and signs of, suicide and mental health or substance use disorders, in accordance with evidence-based or evidence-informed practices; (B) establishing new, or enhancing existing, evidence-based or evidence-informed programs for preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals; (C) establishing new, or enhancing existing, peer-support programs among health care professionals; or (D) providing mental health care, follow-up services and care, or referral for such services and care, as appropriate. (3) Priority In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities in health professional shortage areas or rural areas. (c) Training grants The Secretary may establish a program to award grants to health professions schools, academic health centers, State or local governments, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, or other appropriate public or private nonprofit entities (or consortia of entities, including entities promoting multidisciplinary approaches) to support the training of health care students, residents, or health care professionals in evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to address mental and substance use disorders and improve mental health and resiliency among health care professionals. (d) Grant terms A grant awarded under subsection (b) or (c) shall be for a period of 3 years. (e) Application submission An entity seeking a grant under subsection (b) or (c) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. (f) Reporting An entity awarded a grant under subsection (b) or (c) shall periodically submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the activities supported by the grant. (g) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section and section 5 of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act , there are authorized to be appropriated $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024. . 5. Review with respect to health care professional mental health and resiliency (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall conduct a review and, not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report to Congress related to improving health care professional mental health and resiliency and the outcomes of programs authorized under this Act. (b) Considerations The review under subsection (a) shall take into account— (1) the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions among health professionals, and factors that contribute to those mental health conditions; (2) barriers to seeking and accessing mental health care for health care professionals, which may include consideration of stigma and licensing concerns, and actions taken by State licensing boards, schools for health professionals, health care professional training associations, hospital associations, or other organizations, as appropriate, to address such barriers; (3) the impact of the COVID–19 public health emergency on the mental health of health care professionals and lessons learned for future public health emergencies; (4) factors that promote mental health and resiliency among health care professionals, including programs or strategies to strengthen mental health and resiliency among health care professionals; and (5) the efficacy of health professional training programs that promote resiliency and improve mental health. (c) Recommendations The review under subsection (a), as appropriate, shall identify best practices related to, and make recommendations to address— (1) improving mental health and resiliency among health care professionals; (2) removing barriers to mental health care for health care professionals; and (3) strategies to promote resiliency among health care professionals in health care settings. 6. GAO report Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall report to Congress on the extent to which Federal substance use disorder and mental health grant programs address the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among health professionals. Such report shall include an analysis of available evidence and data related to such conditions and programs, and shall assess whether there are duplicative goals and objectives among such grant programs.

Passed the Senate August 6 (legislative day, August 5), 2021. Secretary

tv_txt: 117th CONGRESS 1st Session In the House of Representatives, U. S., December 7, 2021 AMENDMENT:

That the bill from the Senate (S. 610) entitled An Act to address behavioral health and well-being among health care professionals. , do pass with the following Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert: 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act . 2. Adjustments to Medicare sequestration reductions (a) Extension of temporary suspension through March 2022 (1) In general Section 3709(a) of division A of the CARES Act ( 2 U.S.C. 901a note) is amended— (A) in the subsection header by inserting and adjustment after suspension ; and (B) by striking December 31, 2021 and inserting March 31, 2022 . (2) Effective date The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if enacted as part of the CARES Act ( Public Law 116–136 ). (b) Adjustments to Medicare program sequestration reduction with respect to fiscal years 2022 and 2030 Section 251A(6) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 ( 2 U.S.C. 901a(6) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (E); and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraphs: (C) Notwithstanding the 2 percent limit specified in subparagraph (A) for payments for the Medicare programs specified in section 256(d), the sequestration order of the President under such subparagraph for fiscal year 2022 shall be applied to such payments so that with respect to the period beginning on April 1, 2022, and ending on June 30, 2022, the payment reduction shall be 1.0 percent. (D) Notwithstanding the 2 percent limit specified in subparagraph (A) for payments for the Medicare programs specified in section 256(d), the sequestration order of the President under such subparagraph for fiscal year 2030 shall be applied to such payments so that— (i) with respect to the first 6 months in which such order is effective for such fiscal year, the payment reduction shall be 2.25 percent; and (ii) with respect to the second 6 months in which such order is so effective for such fiscal year, the payment reduction shall be 3 percent. . 3. Extension of support for physicians and other professionals in adjusting to Medicare payment changes (a) In general Section 1848 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–4 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(iv)(V), by striking 2021 and inserting 2021 or 2022 ; and (2) in subsection (t)— (A) in the subsection header, by striking 2021 and inserting 2021 and 2022 ; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking during 2021 and inserting during 2021 and 2022 ; and (ii) by striking for such services furnished on or after January 1, 2021, and before January 1, 2022, by 3.75 percent. and inserting for— (A) such services furnished on or after January 1, 2021, and before January 1, 2022, by 3.75 percent; and (B) such services furnished on or after January 1, 2022, and before January 1, 2023, by 3.0 percent. ; and (C) in paragraph (2)(C)— (i) in the subparagraph header, by striking 2021 and inserting 2021 and 2022 ; (ii) by inserting for services furnished in 2021 or 2022 after under this subsection ; and (iii) by inserting or 2022, respectively before the period at the end. (b) Report Section 101(c) of division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ( Public Law 116–260 ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence— (A) by striking April 1, 2022 and inserting each of April 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023 ; and (B) by striking , as added by subsection (a) and inserting furnished during 2021 or 2022, respectively ; and (2) in the second sentence— (A) by striking Such report and inserting Each such report ; and (B) by inserting with respect to 2021 or 2022, as applicable after under such section . 4. Preserving patient access to critical clinical lab services (a) Revised phase-in of reductions from private payor rate implementation Section 1834A(b)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(b)(3) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking through 2024 and inserting through 2025 ; and (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (ii), by striking for 2021 and inserting for each of 2021 and 2022 ; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking 2022 through 2024 and inserting 2023 through 2025 . (b) Revised Reporting Period for Reporting of Private Sector Payment Rates for Establishment of Medicare Payment Rates Section 1834A(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(a)(1)(B) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by striking December 31, 2021 and inserting December 31, 2022 ; and (2) in clause (ii)— (A) by striking January 1, 2022 and inserting January 1, 2023 ; and (B) by striking March 31, 2022 and inserting March 31, 2023 . 5. Delay to the implementation of the radiation oncology model under the Medicare program Section 133 of Division CC of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ( Public Law 116–260 ) is amended by striking January 1, 2022 and inserting January 1, 2023 . 6. Medicare Improvement Fund Section 1898(b)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395iii(b)(1) ) is amended by striking fiscal year 2021 and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting fiscal year 2021, $101,000,000. . 7. PAYGO annual report For the purposes of the annual report issued pursuant to section 5 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 ( 2 U.S.C. 934 ) after adjournment of the first session of the 117th Congress, and for determining whether a sequestration order is necessary under such section, the debit for the budget year on the 5-year scorecard, if any, and the 10-year scorecard, if any, shall be deducted from such scorecard in 2022 and added to such scorecard in 2023. 8. Expedited procedures for considering an increase in the debt limit (a) Definition In this section, the term joint resolution means a joint resolution— (1) that is introduced by the Majority Leader of the Senate, or a designee, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2021; (2) which does not have a preamble; (3) the title of which is as follows: Joint resolution relating to increasing the debt limit. ; and (4) the matter after the resolving clause of which is as follows: That the limitation under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, as most recently increased by Public Law 117–50 ( 31 U.S.C. 3101 note), is increased by $_________. , the blank space being appropriately filled in with the dollar amount of the increase. (b) Expedited consideration in Senate (1) Placement on calendar Upon introduction in the Senate, the joint resolution shall be placed immediately on the calendar. (2) Proceeding to consideration (A) In general Notwithstanding rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, it is in order, not later than January 15, 2022 (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution. (B) Procedure For a motion to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution— (i) all points of order against the motion are waived; (ii) the motion is not debatable; (iii) the motion is not subject to a motion to postpone; (iv) a motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order; and (v) if the motion is agreed to, the joint resolution shall remain the unfinished business until disposed of. (3) Floor consideration (A) In general If the Senate proceeds to consideration of the joint resolution— (i) all points of order against the joint resolution (and against consideration of the joint resolution) are waived; (ii) debate on the joint resolution, and all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which shall be divided equally between the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Finance; (iii) an amendment to the joint resolution is not in order; (iv) a motion to postpone or a motion to commit the joint resolution is not in order; and (v) a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business is not in order. (B) Vote on passage The vote on passage shall occur immediately following the conclusion of the debate on the joint resolution and a single quorum call if requested in accordance with the rules of the Senate. (C) Rulings of the chair on procedure Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of this paragraph or the rules of the Senate, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to the joint resolution shall be decided without debate. (D) Single measure authorized It shall not be in order to consider more than 1 joint resolution under the procedures under this paragraph. (E) Sunset It shall not be in order to consider a joint resolution under the procedures under this paragraph after January 16, 2022. (4) Rules of the Senate This subsection is enacted by Congress— (A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate, and as such is deemed a part of the rules of the Senate, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in the Senate in the case of a joint resolution, and supersede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent with such rules; and (B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of the Senate to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of the Senate) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of the Senate.

Lorraine Miller Clerk.

tv_txt: One Hundred Seventeenth Congress of the United States of America 1st Sess. Begun and held at the City of Washington on Sunday, the third day of January, two thousand and twenty one S. 610 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To address behavioral health and well-being among health care professionals.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act . 2. Adjustments to Medicare sequestration reductions (a) Extension of temporary suspension through March 2022 (1) In general Section 3709(a) of division A of the CARES Act ( 2 U.S.C. 901a note) is amended— (A) in the subsection header by inserting and adjustment after suspension ; and (B) by striking December 31, 2021 and inserting March 31, 2022 . (2) Effective date The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if enacted as part of the CARES Act ( Public Law 116–136 ). (b) Adjustments to Medicare program sequestration reduction with respect to fiscal years 2022 and 2030 Section 251A(6) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 ( 2 U.S.C. 901a(6) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (E); and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraphs: (C) Notwithstanding the 2 percent limit specified in subparagraph (A) for payments for the Medicare programs specified in section 256(d), the sequestration order of the President under such subparagraph for fiscal year 2022 shall be applied to such payments so that with respect to the period beginning on April 1, 2022, and ending on June 30, 2022, the payment reduction shall be 1.0 percent. (D) Notwithstanding the 2 percent limit specified in subparagraph (A) for payments for the Medicare programs specified in section 256(d), the sequestration order of the President under such subparagraph for fiscal year 2030 shall be applied to such payments so that— (i) with respect to the first 6 months in which such order is effective for such fiscal year, the payment reduction shall be 2.25 percent; and (ii) with respect to the second 6 months in which such order is so effective for such fiscal year, the payment reduction shall be 3 percent. . 3. Extension of support for physicians and other professionals in adjusting to Medicare payment changes (a) In general Section 1848 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–4 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(iv)(V), by striking 2021 and inserting 2021 or 2022 ; and (2) in subsection (t)— (A) in the subsection header, by striking 2021 and inserting 2021 and 2022 ; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking during 2021 and inserting during 2021 and 2022 ; and (ii) by striking for such services furnished on or after January 1, 2021, and before January 1, 2022, by 3.75 percent. and inserting for— (A) such services furnished on or after January 1, 2021, and before January 1, 2022, by 3.75 percent; and (B) such services furnished on or after January 1, 2022, and before January 1, 2023, by 3.0 percent. ; and (C) in paragraph (2)(C)— (i) in the subparagraph header, by striking 2021 and inserting 2021 and 2022 ; (ii) by inserting for services furnished in 2021 or 2022 after under this subsection ; and (iii) by inserting or 2022, respectively before the period at the end. (b) Report Section 101(c) of division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ( Public Law 116–260 ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence— (A) by striking April 1, 2022 and inserting each of April 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023 ; and (B) by striking , as added by subsection (a) and inserting furnished during 2021 or 2022, respectively ; and (2) in the second sentence— (A) by striking Such report and inserting Each such report ; and (B) by inserting with respect to 2021 or 2022, as applicable after under such section . 4. Preserving patient access to critical clinical lab services (a) Revised phase-in of reductions from private payor rate implementation Section 1834A(b)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(b)(3) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking through 2024 and inserting through 2025 ; and (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (ii), by striking for 2021 and inserting for each of 2021 and 2022 ; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking 2022 through 2024 and inserting 2023 through 2025 . (b) Revised Reporting Period for Reporting of Private Sector Payment Rates for Establishment of Medicare Payment Rates Section 1834A(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(a)(1)(B) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by striking December 31, 2021 and inserting December 31, 2022 ; and (2) in clause (ii)— (A) by striking January 1, 2022 and inserting January 1, 2023 ; and (B) by striking March 31, 2022 and inserting March 31, 2023 . 5. Delay to the implementation of the radiation oncology model under the Medicare program Section 133 of Division CC of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ( Public Law 116–260 ) is amended by striking January 1, 2022 and inserting January 1, 2023 . 6. Medicare Improvement Fund Section 1898(b)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395iii(b)(1) ) is amended by striking fiscal year 2021 and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting fiscal year 2021, $101,000,000. . 7. PAYGO annual report For the purposes of the annual report issued pursuant to section 5 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 ( 2 U.S.C. 934 ) after adjournment of the first session of the 117th Congress, and for determining whether a sequestration order is necessary under such section, the debit for the budget year on the 5-year scorecard, if any, and the 10-year scorecard, if any, shall be deducted from such scorecard in 2022 and added to such scorecard in 2023. 8. Expedited procedures for considering an increase in the debt limit (a) Definition In this section, the term joint resolution means a joint resolution— (1) that is introduced by the Majority Leader of the Senate, or a designee, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2021; (2) which does not have a preamble; (3) the title of which is as follows: Joint resolution relating to increasing the debt limit. ; and (4) the matter after the resolving clause of which is as follows: That the limitation under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, as most recently increased by Public Law 117–50 ( 31 U.S.C. 3101 note), is increased by $_________. , the blank space being appropriately filled in with the dollar amount of the increase. (b) Expedited consideration in Senate (1) Placement on calendar Upon introduction in the Senate, the joint resolution shall be placed immediately on the calendar. (2) Proceeding to consideration (A) In general Notwithstanding rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, it is in order, not later than January 15, 2022 (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution. (B) Procedure For a motion to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution— (i) all points of order against the motion are waived; (ii) the motion is not debatable; (iii) the motion is not subject to a motion to postpone; (iv) a motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order; and (v) if the motion is agreed to, the joint resolution shall remain the unfinished business until disposed of. (3) Floor consideration (A) In general If the Senate proceeds to consideration of the joint resolution— (i) all points of order against the joint resolution (and against consideration of the joint resolution) are waived; (ii) debate on the joint resolution, and all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which shall be divided equally between the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Finance; (iii) an amendment to the joint resolution is not in order; (iv) a motion to postpone or a motion to commit the joint resolution is not in order; and (v) a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business is not in order. (B) Vote on passage The vote on passage shall occur immediately following the conclusion of the debate on the joint resolution and a single quorum call if requested in accordance with the rules of the Senate. (C) Rulings of the chair on procedure Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of this paragraph or the rules of the Senate, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to the joint resolution shall be decided without debate. (D) Single measure authorized It shall not be in order to consider more than 1 joint resolution under the procedures under this paragraph. (E) Sunset It shall not be in order to consider a joint resolution under the procedures under this paragraph after January 16, 2022. (4) Rules of the Senate This subsection is enacted by Congress— (A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate, and as such is deemed a part of the rules of the Senate, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in the Senate in the case of a joint resolution, and supersede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent with such rules; and (B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of the Senate to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of the Senate) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of the Senate.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate