zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Act

This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to assess, and implement a risk-based strategy to address, threats posed to surface transportation and maritime systems. The TSA shall establish the Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Advisory Committee to develop recommendations for improvements to surface transportation and maritime security.

In addition, the bill:

 allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the TSA's explosives-detection canine-team program; requires the Government Accountability Office to study specified matters related to surface transportation; expands the permissible uses of railroad security improvement grants; requires the TSA to issue a decision on the use of a passenger vetting system by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); requires the TSA to establish processes to improve background checks and terrorism vetting; requires DHS to commission an assessment of its transportation security card program and, if applicable, develop a corrective action plan; with respect to transportation security card applications, establishes priority for members of the Armed Forces; requires DHS to evaluate cargo-container scanning technologies; and revises other provisions related to transportation security.

Date: 2016-09-21
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
9/11 Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare-based eligibility and benefits for individuals with a 9/11 disaster-connected health condition. Prohibits a workers' compensation law or plan from discriminating against an individual by virtue of the individual's entitlement to such benefits. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against an individual regarding hiring, advancement, compensation, or other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment by virtue of the individual's entitlement to such benefits. Makes Medicare the primary payor for 9/11-related coverage. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a consortium to conduct and coordinate screening, monitoring, treatment, and diagnostic research on the 9/11 disaster-connected health conditions.

Date: 2007-02-28
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Personalized Health Information Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to provide financial incentives for the use of interactive qualifying personal health records by Medicare and other patients and their health care providers in order to: (1) provide patients (or their authorized representatives) access to and control over their personal health data and information and educational information; (2) make available to authorized health care providers a more accurate minimum data set of patient information at all points of care; and (3) accomplish other specified objectives. Requires that under the program each qualified physician receive an incentive payment for each qualifying patient. Directs the Secretary to: (1) publish online a list of qualifying physicians who participate in Medicare and have received such payments; and (2) take steps to educate Medicare beneficiaries and providers and other patients about the benefits of qualifying personal health records. Sets forth requirements for a qualified web-based personal health record, including that such record: (1) is controlled solely by the patient; (2) meets minimum security standards; (3) is capable of exchanging standards-based clinical and patient data with other health data sources and users; (4) is capable of sending patient-specific patient education, reminders, and clinical messages to the patient; and (5) is capable of providing de-identified data for public health analysis and research purposes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) set minimum security, privacy, and data use standards for such health records; (2) establish a consumer protection board to recommend standards and procedures to the Secretary; and (3) establish a PHR Incentive Fund to make incentive payments. Authorizes such Fund to accept contributions from: (1) the Secretary for Medicare beneficiaries; (2) drug manufacturers for messages regarding medical adherence programs; and (3) other Fund partners.

Date: 2007-03-07
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Health Care Accountability Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the state Medicaid plan to provide for the annual reporting by the state, using data only from medical assistance applications by individuals, on each employer in the state with 50 or more employees who received Medicaid medical assistance at any time during the previous year.

Date: 2007-07-10
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Military Eye Trauma Treatment Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to establish within the Department of Defense (DOD) the Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Military Eye Injuries to: (1) develop and oversee the Military Eye Injury Registry for tracking the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for each case of eye injury incurred by a member of the Armed Forces while on active duty; and (2) ensure the electronic exchange of Registry information with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) include in the Registry records of members who incurred eye injuries while on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, but before the Registry's establishment; and (2) report to Congress on the Center's establishment. Directs the Secretary and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a cooperative study on neuro-optometric screening and diagnosis of members with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by military medical treatment facilities and VA medical centers for purposes of vision screening, diagnosis, rehabilitative management, and vision research on visual dysfunction related to TBI.

Date: 2007-09-18
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 to delay for six months, from September 30, 2007, through March 31, 2008, the effective date of the requirement to use tamper-resistant prescription pads under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prescribe covered outpatient drugs.

Date: 2007-09-24
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Patient-Controlled Health IT Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program to provide financial incentives to providers and health information exchange networks for the use of qualifying personal health records (QPHRs). Requires the Secretary to provide for activities to educate qualifying providers about the patient, provider, and overall health care benefits of using QPHRs and participating in electronic health information exchange networks.Requires access to the record to be controlled solely by the patient. Authorizes the patient to add personal health information to the record, but not alter information entered by any qualifying provider.Limits access to the record to only: (1) a health care provider who is authorized by the patient to access the record; and (2) the minimum data set specified by the patient.Deems the patient to have provided authorization for health care providers to access a limited information set concerning the patient for emergency response purposes, unless the patient specifies that such information may not be so accessed.Provides for: (1) the use of de-identified data for public health analysis, postmarket safety surveillance of prescription drugs, and research purposes; and (2) a messaging system to send messages to patients, including education messages, reminders, and messages concerning health care or benefits from federal agencies.Sets forth security and privacy standards, policies, and practices for the demonstration program.Requires the Secretary to establish a PHR Incentive Fund to receive contributions from Fund partners, such as health care payers, drug and device manufacturers, and government agencies, including the Medicare program.

Date: 2008-06-23
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to revise the definition of "dispense" to include the delivery of a controlled substance through the use of an intrathecal pump by a practitioner acting in the usual course of professional practice.

Date: 2008-11-20
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
National Academies of Practice Recognition Act of 2007 - Grants a federal charter to the National Academies of Practice (a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the District of Columbia).

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Healthy Places Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency working group to discuss environmental health concerns, particularly concerns disproportionately affecting disadvantaged populations.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish a program at the National Center of Environmental Health at CDC focused on advancing the field of health impact assessment.Requires the Director to develop guidance for the assessment of potential health effects of land use, housing, and transportation policy and plans.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) establish a program to provide funding and technical assistance to state or local governments affected or potentially affected by an activity or proposed activity to prepare health impact assessments; and (2) establish and maintain a health impact assessment database.Requires the Director to establish a grant program to award grants to state or local communities for environmental health improvement activities. Requires grantees to: (1) establish a planning and prioritizing council; and (2) conduct environmental health assessment.Requires the Secretary to provide grants to public or private nonprofit institutions to conduct and coordinate research on the built environment and its influence on individual and population-based health.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Healthy Communities Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Advisory Committee on Environmental Health to review environmental health data and studies to: (1) assess the impact of federal laws, policies, and practices on environmental health and justice; and (2) identify and recommend ways to change or ensure compliance with federal laws, address gaps in federal environmental health research, and prevent or mitigate harm from federal policies, programs, and practices that may adversely affect environmental health or justice. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prepare a biennial Environmental Health Report Card for the nation and for each state. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish the Health Action Zone Program to award grants to at-risk communities for comprehensive environmental health improvement activities; and (2) expand and intensify environmental health research. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to provide grants and technical assistance to enable states to develop or expand activities related to biomonitoring of exposure to environmental toxicants and pollutants. Requires the Secretary to: (1) promote translation and dissemination of findings; and (2) incorporate the data collected under this Act with existing data collection efforts. Requires the Director to expand training and educational activities relating to environmental health and justice for health professionals and public health practitioners.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Worker Infection Protection Act - Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly develop and issue workplace standards, recommendations, and plans to protect health care workers and first responders and other workers at risk of workplace exposure to infectious agents and drug resistant infections, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and pandemic influenza.Directs the Secretary of Labor to develop and issue an emergency temporary standard and, not later than six months after such issuance, a permanent standard for the protection of workers at risk of exposure, to prevent occupational exposure to infectious agents and toxins, such as MRSA and pandemic influenza. Sets forth minimum requirements for such standards concerning: (1) influenza exposure; (2) personal protective equipment; (3) training and information; (4) medical surveillance for exposed workers; and (5) immunization against the pandemic influenza virus, if such a vaccine has been approved and is available.Requires the HHS Secretary to revise the provisions of the HHS pandemic influenza plan to conform with the minimum worker protection requirements described in this Act and with the permanent occupational safety and health exposure standard issued by the Secretary of Labor under this Act.

Date: 2007-12-19
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt fixed-wing aircraft used to provide acute care emergency medical services from certain restrictions on tax-exempt bond financing.

Date: 2009-02-04
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Taxation
Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the impacts of climate change on health systems. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) publish a national strategic action plan to assist health professionals to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change on public health in the United States and other nations, particularly developing nations; (2) revise such plan periodically to reflect new information on the impacts of climate change on public health; (3) establish a permanent science advisory board to provide advice and recommendations on the domestic and international impacts of climate change on public health; and (4) contract with the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine to prepare a report that assesses the needs for health professionals to prepare for and respond to climate change impacts on public health.

Date: 2009-05-07
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Specifies how loss of earning is to be calculated for vaccine-related injuries to individuals under the age of 18.Increases the award for vaccine-related deaths.Allows compensation under the Program for expenses for family counseling and for establishing and maintaining a guardianship, conservatorship, or trust for an individual with a vaccine-related injury.Allows a special master to make an interim award of attorneys' fees and costs under certain circumstances. Allows such award to be payable directly to the petitioner's attorney. Extends the statute of limitation for vaccine-related injury or death to six years after the date of injury or onset of symptoms. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of expenses for administering the Program that are allowed to be paid from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. Allows the payment from the Trust Fund of administrative and personnel expenses that the Bureau of Public Debt incurs for financial services for the Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to include a public service announcement in efforts to inform the public about the Program.

Date: 2009-05-18
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Protect Patients and Physicians Privacy Act - Grants individuals the ability to opt out of any federally mandated, created, or funded electronic system for maintaining health care information. Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to repeal: (1) the requirement that the Secretary of Health and Human Servives adopt standards providing for standard unique health identifiers; and (2) the offense of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. Prohibits the use of federal funds to support, encourage, or otherwise promote the use of standard unique health identifiers in any federal, state, or private health care plan. Requires informed consent for the sharing from electronic medical records of any information created pursuant to a federally mandated, created, or funded program. Prohibits health information from an individual medical record from being placed in a federally mandated, created, or funded electronic system of health information, absent a signed, informed consent from the patient involved. States that the federal government may not require a health care provider to participate in any federally mandated, created, or funded electronic system of maintaining health care information. Prohibits sanctions against a health care provider for failing to participate in such a system.

Date: 2009-05-21
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Ed Thomas Act of 2010 - Allows a covered entity to disclose protected health information, including the date of discharge, to a law enforcement agency if: (1) an individual is accompanied by a law enforcement official at the time such individual seeks care from the covered entity; (2) such official requests, in writing, that the entity disclose to the official protected health information relating to such individual; and (3) such written request is made during the period that begins when such individual seeks such care and ends 24 hours after such individual is discharged from such care or otherwise stops receiving such care.  Applies provisions applicable to a covered entity in response to administrative requests to the disclosure of information under this Act, including provisions requiring that: (1) the information sought is relevant and material to a legitimate law enforcement inquiry; and (2) the request is specific and limited in scope to the extent reasonably practicable in light of the purpose for which the information is sought.

Date: 2010-07-14
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to conduct research to assess: (1) the standardization of critical care protocols, intensive care unit layout, equipment interoperability, and medical informatics; and (2) the impact of differences in staffing, organization, size, and structure of intensive care units on access, quality, and efficiency of care. Requires the Secretary to undertake demonstration projects to: (1) optimize the provision of critical care services to Medicare beneficiaries through innovations in such areas as staffing and utilization of technology; and (2) measure and evaluate outcomes derived from a "family-centered" approach to the provision of inpatient critical care services that includes direct and sustained communication and contact with the beneficiary family members, involvement of family members in the critical care decisionmaking process, and responsiveness of critical care providers to family requests. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for FY2010-FY2015 for augmenting the delivery of critical care services in the rural or other medically underserved area inpatient setting through the use of telecommunications systems that allow for consultation with critical care providers not located in the rural or other medically underserved area facility regarding the care of such patients. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to give preference in awarding telehealth grant funds to entities to develop plans for, or to establish, such critical care telehealth networks. Requires the Secretary to undertake an initiative to recruit providers of critical care services into the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

Date: 2009-05-12
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Special Care Dentistry Act of 2011 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state to provide oral health coverage for aged, blind, or disabled individuals through a separate state adult dental program.

Date: 2011-04-15
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Veterans' Telehealth and Telemedicine Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to increase the use of: (1) teleconsultation, telemedicine, telehealth, and home telehealth by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (2) teleretinal imaging in each Veterans Integrated Services Network. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require each VA facility involved in the training of medical residents to work with each university concerned to develop an elective rotation in telemedicine for such residents, and (2) provide VA health care professionals with education and training in the use of telemedicine to provide care for veterans in rural areas. Requires the Secretary to modify the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system to: (1) provide incentives for the use of teleconsultation, teleretinal imaging, telemedicine, and telehealth coordination services; and (2) require the inclusion of all telemedicine visits in the calculation of facility workload. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the imposition or collection of copayments for teleconsultation, telemedicine, teleretinal imaging, telehealth, and home telehealth visits of veterans.

Date: 2012-02-14
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
School Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to, and enter contracts with, eligible entities to train elementary and secondary school nurses to serve as first responders and crisis managers in the event of: (1) a biological or chemical attack affecting individuals in a school building or on school grounds, or (2) an outbreak of pandemic influenza among students, faculty, or other individuals under their care. Requires any such training to prepare school nurses to: (1) take necessary measures, particularly in critical early stages, to protect and preserve life; (2) notify public health authorities as appropriate to help contain or mitigate the effects of an attack or outbreak; and (3) preserve evidence of a biological or chemical attack.

Date: 2012-05-09
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Health Care Safety Net Enhancement Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem a hospital or an emergency department and a physician or physician group of such hospital or emergency department to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise due to providing emergency and post-stabilization services on or after January 1, 2014.

Date: 2013-01-03
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Reducing Barriers to Veterans' Benefits Act - Presumes a service connection, for veterans' benefits purposes, for diagnosed hearing loss, tinnitus, or both, for veterans who, during active military service: (1) were assigned to a military occupational specialty in which the veterans were likely to be exposed to a level of acoustic trauma sufficient to result in permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or both; or (2) served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities.

Date: 2013-01-23
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
States' Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), within six months of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) a recommendation on the listing of marijuana within the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and to recommend listing it as other than a Schedule I or Schedule II substance.

Requires the Administrator of DEA, within one year of enactment of this Act, based upon such recommendation, to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for the rescheduling of marijuana within the CSA, which shall include a recommendation to list marijuana as other than a Schedule I or Schedule II substance.

Declares that no provision of the CSA or the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act shall, in a state in which the medical use of marijuana is legal under state law, prohibit or otherwise restrict: (1) the prescription or recommendation of marijuana for medical use by a medical professional or the certification by a medical professional that a patient has a condition for which marijuana may have therapeutic benefit; (2) an individual from obtaining, manufacturing, possessing, or transporting within his or her state marijuana for medical purposes, provided the activities are authorized under state law; (3) a pharmacy or other entity authorized to distribute medical marijuana from obtaining, possessing, or distributing marijuana to authorized individuals; or (4) an entity authorized by a state or local government from producing, processing, or distributing marijuana for such purposes.

Requires the Attorney General to delegate responsibility for control over access to marijuana for research into its potential therapeutic and medicinal uses to an entity of executive branch that is not focused on researching the addictive properties of substances. Requires such entity to take appropriate actions to ensure that an adequate supply of marijuana is available for therapeutic and medicinal research.

Date: 2013-02-14
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Optometric Equity in Medicaid Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require coverage under Medicaid of services of optometrists.

Date: 2013-02-27
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission to evaluate and make recommendations regarding better coordination and leveraging of federal programs that relate in any way to supporting appropriate clinical care for people with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Sets forth the duties of the Commission, which shall include: (1) evaluating HHS programs, (2) identifying current activities and critical gaps in federal efforts to support clinicians in providing care to people with pre-diabetes and diabetes, (3) recommending how an outcomes-based registry may be developed and then used to evaluate various care models and methods, (4) evaluating and expanding education and awareness to health care professionals regarding clinical practices for the prevention of diabetes and the precursor conditions of diabetes, and (5) reviewing and recommending appropriate methods for outreach and dissemination of educational resources related to diabetes prevention and treatments.

Requires the Commission to submit an operating plan to the Secretary and Congress within 90 days of its first meeting.

Date: 2013-03-12
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require personnel (excluding physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) who furnish the technical component of either medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures for medical purposes (except certain exempt individuals) to possess current: (1) certification in each medical imaging or radiation therapy modality and service they furnish from a certification organization designated under this Act; and (2) state licensure or certification where such services and modalities are within the profession's scope of practice as defined by the state, and where requirements for licensure, certification, or registration meet or exceed standards established by the certification organization designated under this Act.

Gives individuals enrolled in specified training or certification programs when the list of approved certification organizations is published an additional six months after completion of a training program to become fully qualified under this Act.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish a program for designating certification organizations after consideration of specified criteria; (2) provide a process for individuals whose training or experience is determined to be equal to, or in excess of, that of a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty to demonstrate that their experience meets the educational standards for qualified personnel in their imaging modality or radiation therapy procedures; and (3) publish a list of designated certification organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to waive standards under this Act or to develop alternative standards for rural or health professional shortage areas as appropriate.

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow Medicare payment for medical imaging and radiation therapy services only if the examination or procedure is furnished by an individual who meets this Act's requirements.

Date: 2013-03-13
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize Medicare payment for the services of qualified radiologist assistants.

Date: 2013-03-14
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Charles August Long Undiagnosed Diseases Research and Collaboration Network Act of 2013 or CAL Undiagnosed Diseases Research and Collaboration Network Act of 2013 - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish and maintain an undiagnosed diseases patient network. Includes among the purposes of the CAL Network to: (1) provide physicians who are handling cases of undiagnosed diseases with a means to search for similar cases and to network and collaborate with physicians handling similar cases, (2) better enable and examine cross-disease research, (3) better describe the types and prevalence of cases of undiagnosed diseases in the United States, and (4) provide such data necessary to better understand the length of time for a diagnosis to be rendered and to identify barriers to diagnoses and reasons for misdiagnosis of diseases.

Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public or private nonprofit entities for: (1) the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on cases of undiagnosed diseases and other disorders that can often go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed as other diseases or disorders; and (2) the establishment of separate undiagnosed disease programs.

Date: 2013-04-17
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Rehabilitative Therapy Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act - Allows rehabilitative authority provided for beneficiaries under the Department of Defense (DOD) TRICARE program (a DOD managed care program) to include therapeutic exercises or activities included in the authorized plan of care of the individual receiving such therapy.

Allows such activities or exercises to further include therapies provided on a horse, balance board, ball, bolster, and bench.

Date: 2013-04-24
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Dental Insurance Fairness Act of 2013 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prescribe certain health care coverage value requirements for dental benefits under self-insured group health plans.

Date: 2013-04-26
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Family Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50% of qualified infertility treatment expenses. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $12,970 for taxable years beginning in 2013, with a phase-out of such credit for taxpayers based on adjusted gross income. Defines "qualified infertility treatment expenses" as amounts paid for the treatment of infertility via in vitro fertilization if such treatment is provided by a licensed physician, surgeon, or other medical practitioner and is administered with respect to a diagnosis of infertility by a physician licensed in the United States.

Date: 2013-05-07
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Taxation
Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a member who is: (1) entitled to medical care provided through DOD, and (2) diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury.

Allows the Secretary to furnish such therapy through contracted private facilities.

Date: 2013-05-09
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Breast Cancer Patient Education Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for the planning and implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery regarding the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses, and other options, with a focus on informing patients who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.

Requires such campaign to include dissemination of the following information: (1) breast reconstruction is possible at the time of breast cancer surgery or at a later time; (2) prostheses or breast forms may be available; (3) federal law mandates that both public and private health plans include coverage of breast reconstruction and prostheses; (4) the patient has a right to choose the provider of reconstructive care, including the potential transfer of care to a surgeon that provides breast reconstructive care; and (5) the patient may opt to undergo breast reconstruction at a time after surgery for personal or medical reasons during treatment or after completion of all other breast cancer treatments.

Requires the information required to be disseminated by this Act to be be posted on the Internet websites of relevant federal agencies, including the Office of Women's Health, the Office of Minority Health, and the Office of Rural Health Policy.

Prohibits such campaign from specifying, or being designed to serve as a tool to limit, the health care providers available to patients.

Requires biennial reports to Congress describing and evaluating the activities carried out under this Act.

Date: 2013-05-15
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Medical Neutrality Protection Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of State to compile and update at least annually a list of those foreign governments that the Secretary determines have engaged in violations of medical neutrality and to provide a formal notification to a foreign government included in such list. Defines a “violation of medical neutrality” to include government-sanctioned actions, and actions not authorized by a government policy but which are not independently investigated, including: (1) militarized attacks on health care facilities, health care service providers, or individuals in the course of receiving medical treatment; (2) wanton destruction of medical supplies, facilities, records, or transportation services; (3) willful obstruction of medical ethics; (4) coercion of medical personnel to commit acts in violation of their ethical responsibilities; (5) deliberate misuse of health care facilities, transportation services, uniforms, or other insignia; (6) deliberate blocking of access to health care facilities and health care professionals; or (7) arbitrary arrest or detention of health care service providers or individuals seeking medical care.

Prohibits specified presidential authorities, including the authority to transfer excess defense articles, furnish military training and education, or finance the procurement of defense articles, from being used to provide assistance to, and prohibits licenses for direct commercial sales of military equipment from being issued to, the government of a country that has engaged in a violation of medical neutrality. Makes such prohibition on assistance effective for a minimum of one fiscal year, after which the President may reinstate such assistance. Authorizes the President to temporarily waive the prohibitions in the interest of national security.

States the policy of the United States concerning the protection of medical neutrality.

Requires the Secretary to deny the issuance of a visa to any alien that is or was engaged in or has organized any act that is a violation of medical neutrality.

Directs the heads of U.S. diplomatic and consular missions to investigate all reports of violations of medical neutrality.

Date: 2013-05-16
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: International affairs
Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an Interagency Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinating Committee to make recommendations on, and coordinate, all efforts within HHS concerning pulmonary hypertension.

Requires the Committee to: (1) develop and update annually a summary of pulmonary hypertension advances in medical research and treatment development and improvement, early and accurate diagnosis, appropriate and timely intervention, transplantation, and access to care and therapies for patients; (2) monitor federal activities respecting pulmonary hypertension; (3) make recommendations regarding appropriate changes to such activities as well as stakeholder participation in decisions relating to pulmonary hypertension; and (4) develop and update annually a comprehensive strategic plan to cooperatively improve health outcomes for pulmonary hypertension patients.

Date: 2013-05-21
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to take certain actions regarding eating disorder research, including to: (1) implement a scientifically justified budget for research on eating disorders, (2) coordinate and evaluate NIH research activities and programs, (3) expand NIH research on eating disorders, (4) establish a task force on eating disorder research, and (5) provide for centers of excellence for research on eating disorders.

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) provide for the collection, analysis, and reporting of epidemiological data on eating disorders; (2) establish a Center of Eating Disorders Epidemiology to collect and analyze information on eating disorders; and (3) establish a CDC clearinghouse for the collection and storage of data generated under this Act.

Sets forth requirements for providing education and training on eating disorders, including: (1) developing and implementing a training program for health professionals on eating disorders; (2) establishing the Task Force on Eating Disorders Prevention in Educational Institutions to develop and provide training on eating disorders identification and prevention for students, faculty, coaches, and staff in schools; and (3) conducting public service announcements.

Amends the PHSA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits to also provide coverage for eating disorders. Applies such requirement to coverage offered under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program.

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to expand coverage for eating disorders.

Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to award grants for patient advocacy to help individuals with eating disorders obtain adequate health care services and insurance coverage.

Date: 2013-05-22
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Provides, for any fiscal year after FY2013 for which appropriations are made to carry out the program under title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act (popularly known as the Ryan White CARE Act), regarding emergency relief under the HIV Health Care Services Program, but for which the authorizations of appropriations have not been extended, that: (1) requirements limiting the reduction of grants from the prior fiscal year are extended, and (2) certain funding rules applicable to metropolitan areas that are transitional areas and to states shall apply in the same manner as they apply for FY2013.

Date: 2013-07-16
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Communities United with Religious leaders for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act of 2013 or CURE Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, to make grants to eligible health entities (i.e., a public health agency, a health center, including a center operated by an Indian tribe or organization, a community-based organization, or a faith-based organization) for: (1) HIV/AIDS education and outreach activities, (2) HIV/AIDS prevention and access to treatment, and (3) HIV/AIDS testing activities. Grants priority to grant applications that serve one or more minority groups (i.e., American Indians [including Alaska Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts], Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, Blacks, and Hispanics) with a specified HIV occurrence rate.

Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to make grants to eligible health entities to provide HIV testing, counseling, and referral for medical treatment to youth who are members of minority groups, are not more than age 18, are HIV positive or at risk for HIV/AIDS, including young men of racial minorities who have sex with men, and are engaged in substance abuse.

Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to eligible health entities for public health intervention and prevention activities with respect to one or more minority groups, including: (1) rapid HIV testing, (2) measures and activities to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and minimize its symptoms, (3) outreach activities targeting both females and males, and (4) referrals to health and mental health resources and health organizations.

Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to: (1) expand and intensify HIV/AIDS prevention and education activities for minority groups, and (2) implement a national media outreach campaign that urges sexually active individuals who are members of minority groups to be tested for and know their HIV/AIDS status.

Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to make grants to public or private organizations with one or more published studies on behaviors to study behavioral factors that lead to increased HIV/AIDS prevalence in minority groups.

Date: 2013-07-31
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2013 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as a part D drug any devices approved for home use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe and effective containment, removal, decontamination, and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destructive device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program.

Date: 2013-08-01
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Directs the Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish and administer a health and education grant program (Global Autism Assistance Program) to: (1) support activities by nongovernmental organizations and other service providers, including advocacy groups, focused on autism in developing countries; and (2) establish a "teach the teachers" program to train health and education professionals working with autistic children in developing countries.

Date: 2013-08-02
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: International affairs
Help Extend Auditory Relief (HEAR) Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover aural rehabilitation services, hearing aids as durable medical equipment (DME), audiology rehabilitation services, and related hearing services.

Date: 2013-09-19
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Authorizes the appointment of hearing aid specialists in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires an eligible person to: (1) hold an associate's degree in hearing instrument sciences or its equivalent from a college or university approved by the VA Secretary or have successfully completed an approved hearing aid specialist apprenticeship program, and (2) be licensed as a hearing aid specialist or its equivalent in a state.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit an annual report on timely access to hearing health services and on contracting policies with respect to providing hearing health services in non-VA facilities, and (2) update and reissue the VHA handbook entitled "VHA Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Services" to reflect the requirements of this Act.

Date: 2013-11-15
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to commence a project to demonstrate and evaluate the impact of covering low vision devices under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act in the same or similar manner as coverage is provided for durable medical equipment under such part.

Date: 2013-12-12
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Veterans Dialysis Pilot Program Review Act of 2014 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from expanding the dialysis pilot program (established by the Secretary in 2009 to provide dialysis care to patients at certain Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] outpatient facilities) or creating any new dialysis capability provided by the VA in any facility other than an initial facility (one of four outpatient facilities the Secretary identified to participate in the program) until after: (1) the Secretary has implemented the pilot program at each initial facility for at least two years, (2) an independent analysis of the program has been conducted at each initial facility, and (3) the Secretary has submitted a report on such analysis to Congress.

Requires the Secretary, in order to increase the access of veterans to dialysis care and decrease the travel time required to receive such care, to fully use existing VA dialysis resources, including any community dialysis provider with which the Secretary has entered into a contract or agreement to provide such care.

Date: 2014-01-09
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Recruiting Individuals to Drive Our Elders Act of 2014 or RIDE Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish an interim final rule to revise certain Medicaid transportation regulations to allow a state plan under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide, at state option, reimbursement for costs attributable to providing no-load volunteer travel services to Medicaid-eligible individuals who require transportation to receive non-emergency medical treatment.

Date: 2014-01-16
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health