zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit payment under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for an item or service furnished: (1) in a state that requires licensure unless the provider or supplier possesses all applicable state licensure, or (2) in a state that does not require licensure unless the provider or supplier meets all qualifications established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Secretary shall designate and approve independent accreditation organizations that apply quality standards for suppliers only if they are Boards for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification or essentially equivalent programs.

Special payment rules for certain prosthetics and custom-fabricated orthotics are extended to custom-fitted orthotics. Such rules do not apply, however, to off-the-shelf orthotics furnished on or after January 1, 2016, which are included in a competitive acquisition program.

Decisions about Medicare coverage of orthotics and prosthetics on or after January 1, 2016, must take into account the complexity of the item as well as supplier qualifications (which do not apply, however, to physicians, occupational therapists, or physical therapists state-licensed to provide such items).

Documentation created by an orthotist or prosthetist is considered part of the patient's medical record.

Requirements for suppliers of orthotics and prosthetics are separated from those for suppliers of durable medical equipment.

Orthotists and prosthetists must have a supplier number for Medicare payment to be made.

Patients are not liable for payment of furnished orthotics or prosthetics where payment may not be made or where payment is denied. Only the orthotists or prosthetists are liable in such circumstances.

The Secretary must publish on the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services specified performance information about each recovery audit contractor (RAC).

The Secretary is prohibited from recouping more than 50% of any overpayments for qualified providers and hospitals in response to a RAC audit until an administrative law judge has rendered a decision.

The Secretary may recoup any overpayments, though, related to or resulting from fraudulent activity on the part of a Medicare provider or supplier.

Only the patient may make the minimal self-adjustment required to qualify off-the-shelf orthotics for Medicare coverage in a competitive acquisition program.

Date: 2015-03-23
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover comprehensive Alzheimer's disease care planning services.

Date: 2015-03-24
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Dental Insurance Fairness Act of 2015

 Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prescribe certain health care coverage value requirements for dental benefits under self-insured group health plans.

Date: 2015-03-26
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Access to Quality Diabetes Education Act of 2015 

 Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize state-licensed or -registered certified diabetes educators or state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who specialize in teaching individuals with diabetes to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the individual's diabetic condition and are certified as a diabetes educator by a recognized certifying body.

Directs the Government Accountability Office to study the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program.

Requires the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and other health care providers as well as the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.

Date: 2015-03-26
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2015

 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 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: 2015-03-26
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to states to: (1) collect data on the prevalence and distribution of sickle cell disease, (2) conduct sickle cell disease public health initiatives to improve access to care and health outcomes, and (3) identify and evaluate strategies for prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease complications.

The demonstration program to improve the prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease is revised, extended indefinitely, and moved from the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 to the Public Health Service Act.

Date: 2015-04-15
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Diagnosis and Treatment Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement a hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT, a genetic vascular bleeding disorder that causes abnormalities of the blood vessels) initiative to improve early detection, screening, and treatment of people who suffer from HHT, focusing on advancing HHT research and increasing physician and public awareness of HHT.

Directs HHS to establish the HHT Coordinating Committee to develop and coordinate implementation of a plan to advance research and understanding of HHT, including by conducting or supporting research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and making recommendations regarding NIH research grants relating to HHT.

Requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out activities with respect to HHT, including conducting surveillance and establishing an HHT resource center to provide comprehensive education on and disseminate information about HHT to health professionals, patients, industry, and the public.

Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to award grants for HHT research, including an analysis of health care expenditures associated with untreated HHT and costs associated with preventable medical events among Medicare beneficiaries with HHT.

Date: 2015-04-16
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income based tax credit of up to $500 in a taxable year for the purchase of a qualified hearing aid that is described in the Code of Federal Regulations, is authorized under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for commercial distribution, and is intended for use by the taxpayer or a dependent of the taxpayer. Disallows such credit for a taxpayer whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 for any taxable year.

Date: 2015-04-16
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Taxation
Steve Gleason Act of 2015

 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as durable medical equipment any eye tracking and gaze interaction accessories for speech generating devices furnished to individuals with a demonstrated medical need for them.

 Payment for speech generating devices or accessories shall be made on a rental basis, or in a lump-sum amount for the purchase of the item, without a cap on the amount in the case of devices furnished on or after October 1, 2015, and before October 1, 2018.

Date: 2015-04-21
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Cancer Care Payment Reform Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Oncology Medical Home Demonstration Project.

Date: 2015-04-22
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Research for All Act of 2015

This bill directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that the clinical trials for products granted expedited approval to treat a serious or life-threatening condition are sufficient to determine the safety and effectiveness of the products for men and women using subgroup analysis.

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the FDA, at the request of the drug sponsor, to facilitate development and expedite review of a new drug that is:

 intended to avoid serious adverse events or to treat a serious or life-threatening condition, intended for safer or more effective treatment for either men or women than a product approved to treat the general population or the other sex, and supported by results of clinical trials that separately examine outcomes for men and women. This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure that, when appropriate, basic research projects include both male and female cells, tissues, or animals. In such projects, results must be disaggregated according to sex and sex differences must be examined and analyzed. NIH must update guidelines on inclusion of women and minorities in research.

The Department of Health and Human Services may support the continued operation and expansion of Special Centers of Research on Sex Differences.

The Government Accountability Office must update the reports entitled “Women's Health: NIH Has Increased Its Efforts To Include Women in Research” and “Women's Health: Women Sufficiently Represented in New Drug Testing, But FDA Oversight Needs Improvement,” and include specified examinations.

Date: 2015-04-29
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Medicaid Generic Drug Price Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to increase the amount of rebate with respect to each generic drug in the manner that the rebate for a dosage form and strength of a single source drug or an innovator multiple source drug is increased, except as provided in special application rules, including a special rule for certain noninnovator multiple source drugs.

Date: 2015-05-18
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in addition to qualified primary care physicians and other primary care practitioners, to cover intensive behavioral therapy for obesity furnished by: (1) a physician who is not a qualified primary care physician; (2) an evidence-based, community-based HHS-approved lifestyle counseling program; or (3) any other appropriate health care provider (including a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, a clinical psychologist, and a registered dietitian or nutrition professional).

Allows coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity furnished by another appropriate health care provider or program only if it is furnished: (1) upon referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner in a primary care or other HHS-specified setting; and (2) in an office setting, a hospital outpatient department, a community-based site that complies with the federal regulations concerning the privacy of individually identifiable health information, or another HHS-specified setting.

Authorizes HHS to cover under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) medication for treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for an overweight individual with one or more related comorbidities.

Date: 2015-05-18
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Anna Westin Act of 2015

This bill requires the Office on Women's Health of the Department of Health and Human Services to revise, promote, and make freely available the BodyWise Handbook and BodyWorks obesity prevention program. The handbook must include information about eating disorders relating to males as well as females.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must award grants: (1) to integrate training on eating disorders into existing curricula for health, mental health, and public health professionals; and (2) to states, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and educational institutions for seminars for school personnel on eating disorders and to make resources available to individuals affected by eating disorders.

The National Institute of Mental Health must make public service announcements on eating disorders.

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and Internal Revenue Code to prohibit health insurance coverage from permanently excluding a particular condition from mental health or substance use disorder benefits. Mental health and substance use disorder benefits include residential treatment.

The Federal Trade Commission must submit to Congress a report that contains a strategy and recommendations to reduce the use in advertising of images that have been altered to change the physical characteristics of the individuals depicted.

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Breast Cancer Patient Education Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for the planning and implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery about 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.

Date: 2015-05-21
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Eliminating Disparities in Diabetes Prevention, Access, and Care Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health to: (1) expand, intensify, and support activities regarding prediabetes and diabetes, particularly type 2, in minority populations; (2) award grants for a mentoring program for health care professionals to be more involved in weight counseling, obesity research, and nutrition; (3) provide for the participation of minority health professionals in diabetes-focused research programs; and (4) award grants for programs to establish a pipeline from high school to professional school that will increase minority representation in diabetes-focused health fields.

The Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee must report on federal activities regarding prediabetes and diabetes in minority populations and prepare a plan to address prediabetes and diabetes in minority populations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must conduct and support research and public health activities regarding diabetes in minority populations. The Division of Diabetes Translation must educate the public on diabetes in minority populations and educate minority populations on diabetes. The National Diabetes Education Program must educate specific minority populations through culturally and linguistically appropriate information campaigns.

The Health Resources and Services Administration must educate health professionals on diabetes in minority populations.

The Indian Health Service must: (1) conduct and support research and other activities regarding diabetes; and (2) coordinate the collection of data on clinically and culturally appropriate diabetes services.

The Department of Health and Human Services must arrange for the National Academy of Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) to update its report entitled "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care."

Date: 2015-06-04
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine Act or the FAST Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) expand access to certain stroke telehealth services to any originating site at which the eligible telehealth individual is located at the time the service is furnished, regardless of where the site is located; and (2) waive the facility fee for certain such originating sites.

Date: 2015-06-17
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand training and support services for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Date: 2015-07-16
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Mary Jo Lawyer Spano Mesothelioma Patient Registry Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to develop a patient registry to collect data on mesothelioma.

The Agency shall use the registry to:

 enhance and expand infrastructure and activities for tracking the epidemiology of mesothelioma patients; collect, consolidate, and report on health information on mesothelioma patients; describe the incidence and prevalence of mesothelioma in the United States; facilitate research on mesothelioma; examine factors that may be associated with mesothelioma; outline key demographic factors associated with mesothelioma; and make information available to the public to facilitate and enhance research on, and the prevention and treatment of, mesothelioma. The Agency: (1) shall provide for the collection and storage of information on the incidence and prevalence of mesothelioma in the United States and information concerning demographics and other information associated with mesothelioma, such as geographic location and family history, risk factors, and diagnosis and progression markers; (2) may provide for the collection and storage of information relevant to analysis on mesothelioma, such as information concerning the epidemiology, natural history, and prevention of the disease, the detection, management, and treatment approaches for the disease, and the development of outcomes measures; and (3) shall make registry information available to federal agencies and the public.

Date: 2015-07-29
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2015

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to pay states 50% of their costs for providing education on the risk of renal medullary carcinoma to individuals with sickle cell disease. Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare kidney disease usually found in individuals with the sickle cell trait.

Date: 2015-07-29
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Interagency Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinating Committee. The committee must monitor research and annually summarize research and medical advances regarding pulmonary hypertension.

The committee must develop a comprehensive strategic plan to improve health outcomes for individuals with pulmonary hypertension. The plan must include recommendations regarding pulmonary hypertension diagnosis, research, transplantation criteria, public awareness, and health care delivery.

HHS must report on activities related to improving health outcomes for individuals with pulmonary hypertension. The report must include information regarding pulmonary hypertension epidemiology, treatment, support available to individuals, and research.

Date: 2015-09-16
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Risk Assessment, and Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop, publish, and disseminate to school personnel, state and local health departments, health professionals, and others public education and awareness materials and resources that include: (1) background information to increase education and awareness of cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle) among school administrators, educators, and families; (2) a cardiomyopathy risk assessment worksheet for use by parents, guardians, or other caregivers; (3) guidelines regarding the placement of automated external defibrillators in schools and child care centers; (4) training information on defibrillators and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (commonly known as "CPR"); and (5) recommendations for how schools and child care centers can develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan.

The CDC must update these materials and resources as necessary and, in support of such effort, HHS is encouraged to establish an advisory panel and engage in a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with a national nonprofit advocacy organization with expertise in cardiomyopathy.

Date: 2015-11-16
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Minority Diabetes Initiative Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to provide treatment for diabetes in minority communities. HHS must ensure that these grants cover a variety of diabetes-related health care services, including routine care for diabetic patients, public education on diabetes prevention and control, eye care, foot care, and treatment for kidney disease and other complications of diabetes.

Date: 2015-12-10
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
National Prostate Cancer Plan Act

Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the National Prostate Cancer Council on Screening, Early Detection, Assessment, and Monitoring of Prostate Cancer to: (1) develop and implement a strategic plan for the accelerated development of diagnostic tools for prostate cancer, (2) review the effectiveness of diagnostic tools for prostate cancer, (3) coordinate prostate cancer research and services across federal agencies, (4) evaluate all active federal prostate cancer programs, and (5) ensure the inclusion of men at high risk for prostate cancer in clinical, research, and service efforts.

Directs the Council to submit annual reports. Requires the first report to include recommendations based on an evaluation of prostate cancer research and gaps in the development and validation of diagnostic tools for prostate cancer. Requires subsequent reports to include an outline for a national research plan, roles for specified agencies, an analysis of the disparities in the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in high-risk men, and a review of the progress towards the realization of the strategic plan.

Terminates the Council on December 31, 2020.

Date: 2015-01-21
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Hyde Amendment Codification Act

This bill prohibits federal funds from being expended for abortion or health coverage that includes coverage of abortion. Abortions are eligible for federal funding only in cases of rape or incest, or where a physical condition endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed. Currently, federal funding of abortion and health coverage that includes abortion is prohibited, with the same exceptions.

Date: 2015-01-21
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission to evaluate and recommend solutions regarding better coordination and leveraging of federal programs that relate to supporting appropriate clinical care for people with pre-diabetes, diabetes, and the chronic diseases and conditions that are complications of or caused by diabetes.

The duties of the Commission include:

 evaluating HHS programs regarding the utilization of preventive health benefits, identifying current activities and critical gaps in federal efforts to support clinicians in providing integrated care, making recommendations regarding the development and coordination of federally funded clinical practice support tools, recommending clinical pathways for new technologies and treatments, evaluating and expanding education and awareness to health care professionals regarding prevention of diabetes, and reviewing and recommending appropriate methods for outreach and dissemination of educational resources. The Commission must submit an operating plan to HHS and Congress within 90 days of its first meeting.

Date: 2015-02-26
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise Medicare payments for dialysis services provided to individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and acute kidney injury. Makes individuals with ESRD eligible for Medicare Advantage.

Allows dialysis facilities to provide kidney disease education services and allows physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists to refer individuals to those services.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an ESRD Care Coordination program to provide higher Medicare payments to nephrologists, dialysis facilities, and other providers that reduce spending on ESRD by being part of a coordinated care organization.

Amends the Public Health Service Act to include dialysis as a service provided by the National Health Service Corps in health professional shortage areas. Makes nephrologists and non-physician practitioners who provide dialysis eligible for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program and Loan Repayment Program.

Requires the Government Accountability Office to submit a report identifying gaps in chronic kidney disease research and comparing research funding to expenditures on disease treatment. Requires HHS to report on: (1) the causes of kidney disease and efforts to treat kidney disease in disproportionately affected minority populations, and (2) disincentives in Medicare payment systems that create barriers to kidney transplants and post-transplant care for beneficiaries with ESRD.

Date: 2015-02-26
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
21st Century Women's Health Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants for family planning service projects, expansion of family planning preventive health services, and training of nurse practitioners specializing in women's health care.

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid programs to offer free preventive care, including contraceptives.

A hospital cannot receive federal funds unless it promptly provides information about emergency contraception to any woman arriving at the hospital who is a victim of sexual assault. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration must develop and disseminate information on emergency contraception. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality must study sexual assault survivors' access to emergency contraception.

The PHSA is amended to establish an Office of the Ombudsperson on Women's Health in HHS to handle complaints involving HHS regarding women's health services and to study the adequacy of health plan provider networks for women's health services.

HHS must coordinate a national public education campaign regarding preventive health services for women and families.

HHS must award states grants to establish maternal mortality review committees to investigate pregnancy-related deaths.

The National Institutes of Health must organize a national workshop on severe maternal morbidity.

To eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes, HHS must conduct research, expand access to services that improve maternity care, and compare and implement interventions for reducing disparities.

Date: 2015-03-04
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Diagnostic Imaging Services Access Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from applying a multiple procedure payment reduction policy to the professional component of imaging services furnished: (1) after a specified date in the year this Act is enacted; or (2) in any subsequent year before the Secretary conducts and publishes, as part of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for a year, an analysis of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale Data Manager information used to determine what, if any, efficiencies exist within the professional component of imaging services when two or more studies are performed on the same patient on the same day.

Date: 2015-04-21
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2015

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 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: 2015-04-23
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Breast Cancer Patient Education Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for the planning and implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery about 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.

Date: 2015-05-05
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
National Nurse Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the Public Health Service as the National Nurse for Public Health within the Office of the Surgeon General.

Includes among the duties of this position: (1) providing leadership and coordination of Public Health Service nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and other agencies of the Public Health Service, (2) conducting outreach and education, and (3) providing guidance and leadership for activities that will increase public safety and emergency preparedness.

Requires the National Nurse for Public Health to: (1) participate in identification of national health priorities, (2) encourage volunteerism of nurses and strengthen the relationship between government agencies and health-related national organizations, and (3) promote the dissemination of evidence-based practice in educating the public on health promotion and disease prevention activities.

Date: 2015-05-06
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection surveillance, education, and testing programs.

Requires HHS to establish a national system regarding HBV and HCV infections, with its goals being to:

 determine the prevalence of infections, increase the number of individuals tested and made aware of their status, develop and disseminate public information and education programs, improve the training of health professionals, and provide referrals for counseling and medical treatment and ensure the provision of follow-up services. Directs HHS to determine the populations that are considered at high risk for HBV or HCV infection.

Requires HHS to develop benchmarks for activities conducted under the Action Plan for the Prevention, Care, & Treatment of Viral Hepatitis.

Directs HHS to establish and support public-private partnerships that facilitate HBV and HCV surveillance, education, screening, testing, and linkage to care programs.

Requires the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to convene the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force every three years to review its recommendation for HBV and HCV screening.

Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide certain veterans with an HBV and HCV risk assessment, and, as needed, an evaluation and information regarding their need for treatment, vaccination, or other therapy.

Date: 2015-05-12
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Access to Quality Diabetes Education Act of 2015 

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize state-licensed or -registered certified diabetes educators or state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who specialize in teaching individuals with diabetes to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the individual's diabetic condition and are certified as a diabetes educator by a recognized certifying body.

Directs the Government Accountability Office to study the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program.

Requires the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and other health care providers as well as the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.

Date: 2015-05-14
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research, and Education Act of 2015 or the CCM-CARE Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen and coordinate its efforts concerning cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). (CCM is a condition in which blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord become enlarged, which can lead to seizures, paralysis, hearing or vision loss, or bleeding in the brain.) The NIH may award grants and enter into cooperative agreements for CCM research.

The NIH must: (1) award grants and contracts to plan and provide support for a network of CCM Clinical Research Centers; (2) identify and support additional centers to facilitate medical research to develop a cure for CCM and enhance medical care for CCM; and (3) convene a Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Research Consortium to develop programs for clinicians, scientists, and patients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may award grants and enter into cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on CCM.

The Department of Health and Human Services must award grants and enter into cooperative agreements for epidemiological activities related to CCM and must provide for a national CCM surveillance program.

The Food and Drug Administration must: (1) coordinate with clinical centers, investigators, and advocates to support investigational new drug applications in order to hasten clinical trials for CCM, and (2) support appropriate requests for designation of drugs for use in rare subpopulations of CCM patients as orphan drugs. (Orphan drugs are drugs developed to treat rare medical conditions and are eligible for certain incentives.)

Date: 2015-05-20
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Recovery Enhancement for Addiction Treatment Act or the TREAT Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to revise the requirements for a practitioner to administer, dispense, or prescribe narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment in an office-based opioid treatment program. Currently, a practitioner must notify the Department of Health and Human Services and certify that he or she is a qualifying physician (i.e., a state-licensed physician with certain expertise), has the capacity to refer patients for appropriate counseling and ancillary services, and will comply with a patient limit. The patient limit is how many patients the practitioner can treat under the office-based treatment program at one time.

This bill expands qualifying practitioners to include licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants who have expertise and prescribe medications for opioid use disorder in collaboration with or under the supervision of a qualifying physician, if required by state law.

It increases the maximum patient limit for a qualifying practitioner and requires compliance with recordkeeping requirements.

(Sec. 4) The amendments made by this bill do not preempt a state law that modifies the patient limit or requires a qualifying practitioner to comply with additional requirements.

(Sec. 5) DOJ must update regulations with respect to waived practitioners to include nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

(Sec. 6) The Government Accountability Office must evaluate the effectiveness of this bill.

Date: 2015-05-22
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee to advise HHS on how to: (1) ensure coordination with other federal agencies, private organizations, and constituency groups regarding efforts to address Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases; (2) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is considered in public health policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is based on the best available science; and (3) advise federal agencies on priorities related to tick-borne diseases.

HHS must coordinate federal activities related to tick-borne diseases and conduct or support activities related to tick-borne diseases, including:

 developing diagnostic tools and tests, improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic tests, surveillance and reporting, providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information, increasing public education, creating a physician education program on the latest research and treatment options for Lyme disease, research on tick repellents and strategies for the control of ticks, exploring the potential for vaccines, establishing epidemiological research objectives, and determining the effectiveness of different treatments. HHS must report on scientific conferences that cost the federal government more than $100,000 and address tick-borne diseases.

Date: 2015-06-04
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in addition to qualified primary care physicians and other primary care practitioners, to cover intensive behavioral therapy for obesity furnished by: (1) a physician who is not a qualified primary care physician; (2) an evidence-based, community-based HHS-approved lifestyle counseling program; or (3) any other appropriate health care provider (including a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, a clinical psychologist, and a registered dietitian or nutrition professional).

Allows coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity furnished by another appropriate health care provider or program only if it is furnished: (1) upon referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner in a primary care or other HHS-specified setting; and (2) in an office setting, a hospital outpatient department, a community-based site that complies with the federal regulations concerning the privacy of individually identifiable health information, or another HHS-specified setting.

Authorizes HHS to cover under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) medication for treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for an overweight individual with one or more related comorbidities.

Date: 2015-06-04
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require a group or individual health plan that covers anticancer medications administered by a health care provider to provide no less favorable coverage for anticancer medications administered by a patient. A plan may apply to patient-administered anticancer medications only the cost-sharing and limitations that apply to anticancer medications administered by a health care provider.

These requirements apply to medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration that is prescribed based on a finding by the treating physician that the medication is medically necessary for cancer treatment and is clinically appropriate in terms of type, frequency, extent site, and duration.

To comply with these requirements, health plans may not, for anticancer medications: (1) change or replace benefits to increase out-of-pocket costs; (2) reclassify benefits to increase costs; or (3) apply more restrictive limitations to orally administered medications than to intravenously administered or injected medications.

Date: 2015-06-11
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Primary Care Enhancement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit an individual to pay primary care service arrangement costs from a health savings account; (2) allow an eligible taxpayer enrolled in a high-deductible health plan to take a tax deduction for cash paid into a health savings account, even if the taxpayer is simultaneously enrolled in a primary care service arrangement; and (3) for purposes of certain tax-deductible expenses for medical care, expand the definition of "medical care" to include periodic provider fees. A "primary care service arrangement" is an exchange of ongoing primary care services for a fixed periodic fee which is not billed to any third party on a fee-for-service basis.

The bill also amends title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI) to test a primary care medical home model for payment and service delivery. Under this type of model, qualified direct primary care medical home practices are reimbursed a periodic fee for serving Medicare enrollees. In selecting qualified direct primary care medical home practices to participate, CMI shall give priority to practices seeking to enroll dual-eligible individuals.

CMI must conduct the model for at least three years, but, if specified conditions are met, CMI shall expand the model on a nationwide basis and a participating practice may continue permanently.

Date: 2015-08-05
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Ensuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer's Act or the EUREKA Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish EUREKA prize competitions to achieve high-priority breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease and dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.

The NIH must: (1) convene an advisory council of nongovernmental experts in Alzheimer's disease and dementia to develop the EUREKA prize competitions, and (2) appoint a panel of judges to evaluate submissions. The council and panel are not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Support for EUREKA prize competitions may be provided by private organizations and individuals.

Date: 2015-09-22
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Lymphedema Treatment Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover certain lymphedema compression treatment items as durable medical equipment under Medicare. (Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling that is caused when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked.)

Date: 2015-12-08
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Strengthening Medicare Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements related the approval of intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for purposes of Medicare coverage.

To be approved by CMS as an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program under current law, a program must show that it: (1) positively affected the progression of coronary heart disease or reduced the need for either coronary bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary interventions, and (2) accomplished a significant reduction in other specified health measures. The bill instead requires a program to show that it: (1) reversed the progression of coronary heart disease or reduced the need for coronary bypass surgery; and (2) accomplished, in addition to a significant reduction in other specified health measures, a significant increase in the measure of blood flow to the heart. The bill further requires a program to show, using research of its own program, that these measures were accomplished by lifestyle changes alone.

The bill removes the specific requirement that such a program be "physician-supervised" but retains other existing requirements for program supervision.

A program that was approved by CMS as an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program prior to August 1, 2015, shall be deemed to have met these requirements.

To be eligible for an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program under current law, an individual must have had one of several specified conditions or interventions. The bill adds to the list of qualifying conditions: (1) stable, chronic heart failure; and (2) any additional condition that CMS determines shall be covered under such a program.

Date: 2015-12-09
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Health
Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin an 18-month pilot program in at least three Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) under which veterans use an Internet website to schedule and confirm appointments at VA medical facilities.

The pilot program's duration may be extended and the number of VISNs may be increased.

Date: 2016-06-09
Topic: Health (Other)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Vaccines for the Future Act of 2007- Directs the President to establish a strategy to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines and microbicides for neglected diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, which shall: (1) expand public-private partnerships; (2) create economic incentives for such vaccines' research, development, and manufacturing; (3) include the negotiation of advanced market commitments; (4) address related intellectual property and regulatory approval issues; (5) maximize U.S. capabilities to support clinical trials in developing countries; (6) expand the purchase and delivery of existing vaccines; and (7) address the challenges of advance delivery of vaccines in developing countries. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into negotiations with the World Bank, the International Development Association, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations, and other interested parties to establish advanced market commitments to purchase such vaccines and microbicides.

Date: 2007-03-07
Topic: International Affairs (Developing Countries)
Subject: International affairs