jiayi-li23/proxann_data huggingface dataset:
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2015-10-08 00:00:00

Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures to Restore Integrity to Benefits Act of 2015

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to make several changes related to the prevention of Medicaid fraud.

With respect to the Medicaid Integrity Program (MIP), the bill: (1) specifies that program appropriations may cover costs of equipment, travel, training, and salaries and benefits; and (2) allows the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) flexibility in determining the number of additional staff necessary to carry out the program. (MIP is a federal program aimed at preventing and reducing provider fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid program.)

Under current law, HHS may contract with Medicare administrative contractors (MACs), which are private insurers that process Medicare claims within specified geographic jurisdictions. The bill requires HHS to provide specified incentives for MACs to reduce improper payment error rates within their jurisdictions.

The bill establishes criminal penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and up to $500,000 in fines for illegally purchasing or distributing Medicare, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beneficiary identification or billing privileges.

The bill increases the scope of the Medicare-Medicaid Data Match Program (Medi-Medi Program), an existing program through which contractors and participating governmental agencies collaboratively analyze Medicare and Medicaid billing trends. HHS must establish a plan to encourage states to participate in the Medi-Medi Program.

HHS shall develop and implement a plan to allow states to access relevant data on improper or fraudulent payments made under the Medicare program on behalf of individuals dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2015-10-20 00:00:00

End Surprise Billing Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require a critical access hospital or other hospital to comply, as a condition of participation in Medicare, with certain requirements related to billing for out-of-network services.

With respect to an individual who has health benefits coverage and is seeking services, a hospital must provide notice as to: (1) whether the hospital, or any of the providers furnishing services to the individual at the hospital, is not within the health care provider network or otherwise a participating provider with respect to the individual's health care coverage; and (2) if so, the estimated out-of-pocket costs of the services to the individual. At least 24 hours prior to providing those services, the hospital must document that the individual: (1) has been provided with the required notice, and (2) consents to be furnished with the services and charged an amount approximate to the estimate provided. Otherwise, the hospital may not charge the individual more than the individual would have been required to pay if the services had been furnished by an in-network or participating provider.

With respect to such an individual who is seeking same-day emergency services, a hospital may not charge more than the individual would be required to pay for such services furnished by an in-network or participating provider.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2016-03-17 00:00:00

Medical Loss Ratio Accountability Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to audit a statistically significant and representative selection of health insurers to verify that insurer reports on medical loss ratio are accurate.

This bill amends the Social Security Act to base determinations of the medical loss ratio of a Medicare Advantage plan on information from the HHS audit of the plan, if the plan was audited.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2016-03-17 00:00:00

Medicaid Program Integrity Enhancement Act of 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state Medicaid agency to establish a process by which a provider may appeal a decision by the agency to suspend payment to the provider on the basis of credible fraud allegations.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must revise specified regulations related to such suspensions in order to comply with due process requirements established by the bill.

Specifically, a state Medicaid agency may not suspend payment until the agency: (1) consults with the state's Medicaid fraud control unit or, if the state has no such unit, with the state's attorney general; (2) certifies that it has considered whether the suspension will jeopardize beneficiary access and whether there is good cause not to suspend payment; and (3) furnishes the provider with the agency's reasons for finding no such good cause.

Furthermore, the agency must periodically evaluate whether there is good cause to discontinue a suspension for which an investigation is pending. With specified exceptions, such good cause shall be deemed to exist if the investigation remains unresolved after a suspension has been in effect for 18 months.

CMS must also revise specified regulations to provide that an allegation of fraud shall be considered credible only if the allegation has indications of reliability and the state Medicaid agency: (1) has reviewed all allegations, facts, and evidence carefully; (2) acts judiciously on a case-by-case basis; and (3) has considered the potential impact a payment suspension may have on beneficiary access to care.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2016-04-28 00:00:00

Promoting Integrity in Medicare Act of 2016 or PIMA of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) expand Medicare's prohibition on physician self-referrals to include, with specified exceptions, certain advanced imaging, anatomic pathology, radiation therapy, and physical therapy services; and (2) establish increased civil monetary penalties for violations of the self-referral prohibition with respect to those services.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall conduct a compliance review with respect to such referrals.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2016-05-13 00:00:00

Protecting Seniors from Health Care Fraud Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report annually to Congress and the public on: (1) the ten most prevalent health care fraud schemes targeted to seniors, (2) steps being taken to combat such schemes, and (3) policy suggestions to improve protections for seniors.

HHS may omit certain information from an annual report if public disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or educate criminals rather than seniors.

HHS shall disseminate reports to Medicare beneficiaries as specified by the bill.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2016-06-07 00:00:00

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

Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that each VA physician is informed of the duty to report any covered activity committed by another physician that the physician witnesses or otherwise directly discovers to the applicable state licensing authority within five days.

 Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review any case of professional conduct or competence arising from a VA physician's failure to properly report such activity.

"Covered activity" means any activity occurring in a VA medical facility that consists of or causes the provision of impaired, incompetent, or unethical health care that requires direct reporting under the Code of Medical Ethics of the American Medical Association.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2016-06-21 00:00:00

Health Care Price Transparency Promotion Act of 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to provide that the state will establish and maintain laws to: (1) require disclosure of information on hospital charges, (2) make such information available to the public, and (3) provide individuals with information about estimated out-of-pocket costs for health care services.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2016-09-15 00:00:00

Local Medicaid Enforcement Incentives Act of 2016

This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to award grants to states for the purpose of establishing or expanding programs that: (1) detect and prevent Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse; (2) identify and recover overpayments resulting from such fraud, waste, or abuse; and (3) share recovered overpayments with localities that assist in detection, prevention, or recovery.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2015-01-07 00:00:00

No Obamacare Kickbacks Act of 2015

Applies prohibitions against, and criminal penalties for, false statements and kickbacks in part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to plans and programs established or funded under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including qualified health plans, catastrophic plans, health benefit exchanges, reinsurance programs, the risk corridor program, patient navigators, and contracts with individuals or entities to facilitate enrollment in exchanges.

Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Government Accountability Office to jointly study and report to Congress on the effect of this Act.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2015-03-09 00:00:00

Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act of 2015

 Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the use of certain data by qualified public or private entities to evaluate the performance of service providers and suppliers under Medicare insurance programs.

Authorizes a qualified entity to: (1) use Medicare data, and information derived from service provider and supplier performance evaluations, for additional non-public analyses; or (2) provide or sell such data and analyses to specified health care-related entities for non-public use (including for purposes of assisting service providers and suppliers to develop and participate in quality and patient care improvement activities, particularly development of new models of care).

Conditions such authorization upon a data use agreement between a qualified entity and a specified health care-related entity under which the latter: (1) may not re-sell such data or analyses, and (2) shall comply with the qualified entity's privacy and security policies in using such data or analyses.

Prescribes a civil money penalty for unauthorized use of data and analyses.

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide Medicare claims data to qualified clinical data registries for purposes of linking it with clinical outcomes data and performing and disseminating risk-adjusted, scientifically valid research to support quality improvement.

Prohibits a qualified clinical data registry from reporting publicly any claims data thus made available that individually identifies a service provider or supplier without prior consent.
Topic: Health — Medical Liability
Subject: Health
Date: 2015-03-25 00:00:00

Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures Act of 2015 or the PRIME Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to cover the costs of equipment, salaries and benefits, and travel and training in appropriations for the Medicaid Integrity Program. Allows the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services staff whose duties consist solely of protecting the integrity of the Medicare program under SSAct title XVIII by a number determined necessary to carry out the Program (currently, by 100).

(Sec. 3) Directs HHS to provide incentives for Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) to reduce the improper payment error rates in their jurisdictions.

Authorizes among such incentives:

 a sliding scale of award fee payments and additional incentives to MACs that either reduce the improper payment rates in their jurisdictions to certain HHS-determined thresholds or accomplish tasks that further improve payment accuracy; and substantial reductions in award fee payments under cost-plus-award-fee contracts for MACs that reach an upper end improper payment rate threshold or fail to accomplish tasks that further improve payment accuracy. (Sec. 4) Requires imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $500,000 ($1 million in the case of a corporation), or both, for without lawful authority knowingly and willfully purchasing, selling, distributing, or arranging for the purchase, sale, or distribution of a beneficiary identification number or unique health identifier for a health care provider under SSAct titles XVIII, XIX, or XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP).

(Sec. 5) Directs HHS to establish a plan to encourage and facilitate the participation of states in the Medicare-Medicaid Data Match Program (Medi-Medi Program). Revises Medi-Medi Data Match Program purposes.

Directs HHS to develop and implement a plan that allows state agencies responsible for administering a state Medicaid plan access to relevant data on improper or fraudulent payments made under the Medicare program for health care items or services provided to dual eligible individuals (eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid).
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Date: 2007-08-04 00:00:00

Blue Collar Computing and Business Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Under Secretary of Technology of the Department of Commerce to award grants to eligible entities (any nonprofit, consortium of nonprofits, or partnership between a for-profit and a nonprofit) to establish up to five Advanced Multidisciplinary Computing Software Centers throughout the United States. Requires each Center to conduct: (1) general outreach to small businesses and manufacturers in all industry sectors within the geographic region assigned to the Center by the Under Secretary; and (2) technology transfer, development, and utilization programs for businesses throughout the United States in the specific industry sector assigned to the Center by the Under Secretary.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Date: 2007-01-04 00:00:00

Satellite and Cable Access Act of 2007 - Amends federal copyright law and the Communications Act of 1934 to allow certain counties and areas to receive broadcast transmissions of network television stations located in the capital of the state in which such counties and areas are located.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Date: 2007-03-05 00:00:00

Four Corners Television Access Act of 2007 - Amends federal copyright law and the Communications Act of 1934 to allow certain counties and areas to receive broadcast transmissions of network television stations located in the capital of the state in which such counties and areas are located. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a satellite carrier, cable system, or translator station that elects to provide secondary transmission only to subscribers in the state who otherwise would not receive the primary transmission because the subscribers are in a designated market area outside of that state if: (1) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) determines that it is in the best interest of the public welfare; and (2) the satellite carrier, cable system, or translator station agrees to also provide the secondary transmission in the assigned designated market area.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Date: 2008-09-26 00:00:00

AmericaView Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to: (1) establish and maintain a nationwide AmericaView Program to advance the availability, distribution, and use of remote sensing data (information acquired from above the surface of the Earth by satellite or airplane) and technology in each state; (2) maintain AmericaView (the national nonprofit collaboration of StateView participants cooperating with the EROS Data Center to achieve the purposes of the AmericaView Program) in each state to develop publicly accessible remote sensing data archive and distribution infrastructure and expand remote sensing education, research, and knowledge; (3) award annual grants to sustain and develop StateView programs (the AmericaView programs of an individual states, comprised of educational institutions and state and local governments); and (4) maintain an advisory committee to advise the USGS Director about the AmericaView Program.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Date: 2009-03-26 00:00:00

International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2009 - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to establish a committee under the National Science and Technology Council that has the responsibility of identifying and coordinating international science and technology cooperation that can strengthen U.S. science and technology enterprise, improve economic and national security, and support U.S. foreign policy goals. Requires the committee to be co-chaired by senior level officials from OSTP and the Department of State. Requires the committee to: (1) plan and coordinate interagency international science and technology cooperative research and training activities and partnerships supported or managed by federal agencies; (2) establish federal priorities and policies for aligning such international science and technology cooperative research and training activities and partnerships with the foreign policy goals of the United States; (3) identify opportunities for new international science and technology cooperative research and training partnerships that advance science and technology and U.S. foreign policy priorities; (4) solicit recommendations from non-federal science and technology stakeholders; (5) work with international science and technology counterparts to establish and maintain partnerships; and (6) address broad issues that influence the ability of U.S. scientists and engineers to collaborate with foreign counterparts. Requires the Director of OSTP to report annually to Congress on: (1) the priorities and policies established under this Act; (2) the ongoing and new partnerships identified in the previous year; and (3) how stakeholder input was received.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Date: 2009-04-01 00:00:00

Four Corners Television Access Act of 2009 - Amends federal copyright law and the Communications Act of 1934 to allow satellite or cable retransmission of signals of broadcast television stations located in the capital of a state to counties in that state if the counties meet specified criteria.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Commerce
Date: 2009-03-25 00:00:00

Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to reduce the matching funds requirement for participants in the Hollings Manufacturing Partnership Program from not less than 50% of the costs incurred for the first three years and an increasing share for each of the last three years to 50% of the costs incurred or such lesser percentage as determined by the Secretary, by rule, and authorized by law.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: International affairs
Date: 2010-03-23 00:00:00

International Cybercrime Reporting and Cooperation Act - Directs the President to report annually to Congress regarding: (1) foreign countries use of information and communications technologies (ICT) in critical infrastructure, cybercrime based in each country, the adequacy of each countrys legal and law enforcement systems addressing cybercrime, and online protection of consumers and commerce; (2) multilateral efforts to prevent and investigate cybercrime, including U.S. actions to promote such multilateral efforts; and (3) countries for which action plans have been developed. Directs the President to give priority for assistance to improve legal, judicial, and enforcement capabilities with respect to cybercrime to countries with low ICT levels of development or utilization in their critical infrastructure, telecommunications systems, and financial industries. Directs the President to develop an action plan (with legislative, institutional, or enforcement benchmarks) and annual compliance assessment for each country determined to be a country of cyber concern: (1) from which there is a pattern of cybercrime incidents against the U.S. government, private U.S. entities, or other U.S. persons; and (2) whose government is uncooperative with efforts to combat cybercrime. Urges the President to take restrictive actions against a country that has not complied with the appropriate benchmarks with respect to: (1) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); (2) the Export-Import Bank of the United States; (3) multilateral development financing; (4) the Trade and Development Agency; (5) preferential trade programs; and (6) foreign assistance. Authorizes the President to waive the requirements to develop an action plan or make a determination of cyber concern if in U.S. national interest. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) designate a high-level Department of State employee to coordinate anti-cybercrime activities; and (2) assign an employee to have primary responsibility for cybercrime policy in each country or region significant to U.S. anti-cybercrime efforts.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Taxation
Date: 2011-01-05 00:00:00

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the tax credit for increasing research activities permanent.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Taxation
Date: 2011-04-01 00:00:00

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities, and (2) increase the amount of such credit for taxpayers who earn more than 50% of their gross receipts from domestic production activities.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Date: 2012-02-02 00:00:00

Prohibits a U.S. commercial entity from transferring any proprietary technology or intellectual property researched, developed, or commercialized with federal financial assistance to an entity: (1) owned or controlled by the government of a country which requires any U.S. commercial entity to transfer proprietary technology or intellectual property as a condition of doing business, or (2) in which the citizens of such a country hold 5% interests of the capital structure of that entity. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to waive such prohibition if the transfer would not compromise U.S. economic interests or competitiveness.
Topic: Technology — Science Transfer
Subject: Health
Date: 2014-04-10 00:00:00

US-Israel Global Neuroscience Partnership Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to eligible entities for U.S.-Israel cooperative neuroscience research.

Establishes in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) an International Neuroscience-Related Research Advisory Board.

Terminates the grant program and the Advisory Board seven years after the date of enactment of this Act.