zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to exclude (provide safe harbors for) the practical or other advantages resulting from health information technology or related installation, maintenance, support, or training services from the ban on hospital payments to physicians (kickbacks) to induce reduction or limitation of services, which are subject to antikickback civil penalties. Exempts related nonmonetary remunerations meeting specified requirements from criminal penalties. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assess and report to Congress on the effect of these safe harbors on the health system, especially the adoption of health information technology. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to except from the limitation on certain physician referrals the provision of health information technology and training services to health care professionals. Requires the Secretary to assess and report to Congress similarly on the impact of this exception on the health system, especially the adoption of health information technology.

Date: 2009-11-03
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Emergency Influenza Containment Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to ensure that American workers are allowed to follow, without financial harm, employer and public health authority recommendations to stay home when they have symptoms of a contagious disease that may put co-workers, customers, or the public at risk. Requires an employer to provide paid sick leave to an employee for each workday, or portion of workday, that the employer directs the employee to leave work, or not come in to work, because the employee has symptoms of a contagious illness, or has been in close contact with an individual who has such symptoms. Limits paid sick leave up to a maximum of 5 days per 12-month period. Makes it unlawful for an employer to discharge, discipline, or otherwise discriminate against an employee who: (1) complies with this Act; or (2) has filed a complaint or instituted a proceeding under this Act, or has testified or is about to testify in such a proceeding. Subjects an employer to certain penalties for unpaid sick leave to, or unlawful termination of, an employee.

Date: 2009-11-03
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Labor and employment
Diabetes Prevention Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish a national diabetes prevention program targeted at persons at high risk for diabetes. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to recognized eligible entities to: (1) support community-based diabetes prevention program model sites that work with the health care delivery system to identify such high risk persons and to refer them to, or provide them with, cost-effective group-based lifestyle intervention programs; and (2) evaluate methods for ensuring the scalability of recognized community-based diabetes prevention program sites nationally, the health and economic benefits of a national diabetes prevention program for high risk persons in certain age groups, emerging approaches to identify and engage persons at high risk in health care and community-based programs, novel strategies for linking community-based program delivery with existing clinical services, and the costs and cost effectiveness of clinic-community linkages. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement: (1) a program under which the Secretary recognizes, annually, eligible entities that deliver community-based diabetes prevention programs; (2) a curriculum development and training program for diabetes prevention master and lifestyle intervention instructors; (3) community outreach programs to identify community and provider groups to participate in the national diabetes prevention program and coordinate quality assurance programs at the local level in partnership with community-based organizations; and (4) a national partner outreach program to identify and work with national partners to identify workers in the community to complete instructor training and to facilitate the recognition of eligible entities to deliver community-based diabetes prevention programs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide quality assurance for each community-based diabetes prevention program model site funded under this Act and for other recognized community-based diabetes prevention programs; and (2) award grants to eligible entities to conduct diabetes prevention research. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct or support studies to manage, reduce, and prevent type-2 diabetes in at-risk populations.

Date: 2009-11-19
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Increasing Access to Voluntary Screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) allow a higher payment to states for routine HIV/AIDS and STI (sexually transmitted infections recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]) screening services; and (2) require coverage of low-income HIV/AIDS infected individuals. Directs the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to adopt a broad policy for voluntary HIV/AIDS and STI screening for all Medicare beneficiaries who are 13 years of age or older. Authorizes the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to federally qualified health centers to provide voluntary HIV/AIDS and STI screening. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require group and individual health plans to provide routine HIV/AIDS and STI screening. Requires the Director of the CDC to: (1) track national HIV/AIDS and STI screening trends and the burdens of HIV/AIDS and STIs among people with disabilities; (2) make sex education materials that promote voluntary screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs accessible to the deaf and hearing loss community and to people with intellectual disabilities; (3) ensure that national screening guidelines for cervical cancer state that women who have sex with women should have the same guidelines as women who have sex only with men; and (4) improve information collection concerning the transmission, morbidity, and screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs in transgender communities.

Date: 2009-11-19
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income government payments to a taxpayer for the replacement of, or remediation relating to, hazardous or defective drywall installed in the taxpayer's principal residence after September 1, 2006, and prior to the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2009-12-16
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Taxation
Thomas J. Manton Prostate Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states to carry out: (1) prostate cancer prevention programs (including screening and referrals for treatment); and (2) demonstration projects to provide preventive health services with respect to prostate cancer (including blood pressure and cholesterol screenings). Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide medical assistance to individuals who have been screened for prostate cancer under this Act and who need treatment for prostate cancer. Applies provisions related to breast and cervical cancer programs to programs under this Act.

Date: 2009-12-16
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Minority Diabetes Initiative Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary 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. Requires the Secretary to ensure that such 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: 2009-12-16
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
SNAP Education and Outreach Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to eligible entities for outreach and enrollment efforts to increase supplemental nutrition assistance program participation. Obligates 10% of such amounts for a national enrollment campaign.

Date: 2010-01-12
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise (LIFE) Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to carry out a national program to conduct and support activities regarding individuals who are overweight or obese in order to make progress toward the goal of significantly reducing obesity in the United States. Requires such activities to include: (1) training health professionals; (2) educating the public; and (3) developing and demonstrating intervention strategies for use at worksites and in community settings.

Date: 2010-01-13
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act of 2010 - Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA): (1) to complete a study to examine the classification of ultraviolet tanning lamps as class I medical devices; and (2) not later than one year after completion of such study, to either issue a rule providing for the reclassification of an ultraviolet tanning lamp as a class II or class III device or submit to Congress a report providing a justification for not issuing such a rule. Requires the Commissioner to: (1) complete a study on the adequacy of performance standards established for ultraviolet tanning lamps; and (2) either issue a rule providing for more stringent performance standards for such lamps, including with respect to the strength of ultraviolet rays emitted by such devices and the amount of time a user should remain exposed to such devices, or submit to Congress a report providing a justification for not issuing such a rule. Directs the Commissioner to carry out recommendations made in a report on labeling requirements for indoor tanning devices regarding ultraviolet tanning lamps. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commissioner with regard to an ultraviolet tanning lamp.

Date: 2010-01-26
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
National Nurse Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Public Health Service an Office of the National Nurse, headed by a registered nurse appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Directs the Secretary to: (1) initially appoint the individual serving as the Chief Nurse Officer of the Public Health Service as of this Act's enactment as the first National Nurse; and (2) thereafter appoint the National Nurse in accordance with Commissioned Corps Instruction CC23.4.6 (relating to Chief Professional Officer Nominations), as in effect on February 13, 2008. Grants the National Nurse the same rank and grade as the Deputy Surgeon General.Lists duties of the National Nurse, including to provide leadership and coordination of Public Health Service nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and other agencies of the Service, to conduct media campaigns, and to provide guidance and leadership for activities that will increase public safety and emergency preparedness. Requires the National Nurse to: (1) identify annual health priorities; (2) encourage volunteerism and strengthen the relationship between government agencies and health-related national organizations; and (3) encourage community-based, nonprofit organizations to seek grants for the purpose of education and interventions to address the annual priorities (including evaluating the activities encouraged by the National Nurse and conducted by such organizations, and disseminating information to governmental agencies, schools, and organizations interested in health promotion and improving public health through community action).

Date: 2010-02-04
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Older Americans HIV Information and Prevention Act of 2010 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include routine screening, prevention and mitigation programs, and information relating to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the disease prevention and health promotion services authorized by such Act.

Date: 2010-02-23
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Safeguarding Access to Preventative Services Act of 2010 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using any recommendation of the Preventive Services Task Force to deny or restrict coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program (including Medicare, Medicaid, and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program). Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) prohibit a group health plan from using any recommendation of that Task Force to deny or restrict coverage; (2) require the sponsor of a group health plan, in determining which preventive items and services to provide coverage for, to consult the medical guidelines and recommendations of relevant professional medical organizations of relevant practice areas, including those relating to the coverage of women's preventive services; and (3) require the plan administrator to disclose such guidelines and recommendations as part of a summary of benefits and coverage provided to participants. Amends PHSA to apply such requirements to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market in the same manner it applies to coverage offered in the group market.

Date: 2010-03-09
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Communities of Color Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to eligible entities for new and existing program interventions to provide youth in racial or ethnic minority or immigrant communities the information and skills needed to reduce teenage pregnancies and develop healthy relationships. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to carry out multimedia campaigns to provide public education and increase public awareness regarding teenage pregnancy and related social and emotional issues. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants for research on teenage pregnancy that includes: (1) investigating the incidence and prevalence of teenage pregnancy and births in racial and ethnic minority or immigrant communities; and (2) examining factors that lead to teenage pregnancy among youth in foster care or juvenile justice systems.

Date: 2010-04-15
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Healthy Communities through Helping to Offer Incentives and Choices to Everyone in Society Act of 2010 - Revises federal health law to address obesity, including through: (1) routine collection of data needed to calculate body mass index (BMI); (2) expansion of coverage for obesity under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP); (3) programs to promote healthy eating behaviors and physical activity; and (4) training of health care professionals on how to treat and prevent obesity and aid individuals who are obese or overweight. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to expand the nutritional requirements of food offered through child and adult food programs. Includes a physical activity component for children's food programs. Sets forth provisions to expand physical activity through: (1) programs to connect children and families with the outdoors; (2) guidelines for physical education in elementary and secondary schools; (3) inclusion of physical education as a core academic subject in schools; (4) tax incentives for employer provided membership to athletic or fitness facilities; and (5) enrichment programs, such as summer camps, for children on Indian reservations and tribal lands. Sets forth provisions to improve knowledge of and access to healthy foods through: (1) educating consumers about physical activity and lifestyles; (2) infrastructure improvements to food programs; (3) expansion of retail food stores offering affordable, nutritious foods in underserved communities; and (4) expansion of urban community gardens. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make grants to assist local planning decisions and policies that increase the access of individuals to physical activity. Expands the program to provide safe routes to schools to include high school students. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to provide for the: (1) collection of data for determining the fitness levels and energy expenditures of children and youth; and (2) analysis of data collected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and other data sources.

Date: 2010-05-05
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Gestational Diabetes Act of 2010 or the GEDI Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop a multisite gestational diabetes research project within the diabetes program of the CDC to expand and enhance surveillance data and public health research on gestational diabetes.  Requires such research project to address: (1) procedures to establish accurate and efficient systems for the collection of gestational diabetes data; (2) the progress of collaborative activities with the National Vital Statistics System, the National Center for Health Statistics, and state health departments to improve surveillance of gestational diabetes; (3) postpartum methods of tracking women with gestational diabetes after delivery and targeted interventions to lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes in such women; (4) variations in the distribution of diagnosed and undiagnosed gestational diabetes; and (5) factors and culturally sensitive interventions that influence risks and reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and related complications during childbirth. Requires the Secretary, not later than two years after the enactment of this Act, to report on the findings and recommendations of the research project. Requires the Secretary to expand and intensify public health research on gestational diabetes, including; (1) developing and testing novel approaches for improving postpartum testing or screening and for preventing type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes; and (2) conducting research to further understanding of the factors and health systems that influence the risk of gestational diabetes and the development of type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to: (1) award grants on a competitive basis for demonstration projects that implement evidence-based interventions to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes, the recurrence of such disease in subsequent pregnancies, and the development of type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes; and (2) report to Congress, not later than four years after the enactment of this Act, on the results of the demonstration projects. Sets forth priorities for awarding grants and requirements for the use of grant funds for carrying out demonstration projects. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to work with state and Indian tribal-based diabetes prevention and control programs assisted by the CDC to encourage postpartum follow-up after gestational diabetes to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and its recurrence, the development of type 2 diabetes in at-risk women, and related complications. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016.

Date: 2010-05-20
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Virtual Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide Medicare coverage for screening computed tomography colonography (CTC) as a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test; and (2) exclude screening CTC from the meaning of "imaging services" for which there is a special rule regarding outpatient services department (OPD) fee schedule payments. Directs the Comptroller General to study, by CRC screening procedure type, and report to Congress on: (1) the effect of the addition of the screening CTC benefit under this Act; (2) the effect of the addition of such benefit as part of an overall set of CRC screening made available to relevant Medicare population, including individuals over age 50 and over age 75; and (3) any other relevant questions involving access to, beneficiary preference of, and value of, screening CTC for Medicare beneficiaries.

Date: 2010-05-28
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Birth Defects Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act of 2010 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement a birth defects prevention and public awareness program to award matching grants to states or organizations for the provision of pregnancy and breastfeeding information services. Directs the Secretary to give preference in awarding grants, in the case of states or or organizations that are otherwise equally qualified, to: (1) states that made pregnancy and breastfeeding information services available on January 1, 2006; and (2) organizations that will provide pregnancy and breastfeeding information services in such states. Directs the Secretary to ensure that activities carried out using a grant under this Act are coordinated with other federal birth defects prevention and environmental health activities, including activities carried out by the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with respect to pediatric environmental health specialty units and children's environmental health centers. Directs the Secretary to evaluate pregnancy and breastfeeding information services to identify efficient and effective models of: (1) providing information; (2) raising awareness and increasing knowledge about birth defects prevention measures; (3) modifying risk behaviors; or (4) other outcome measures as determined appropriate by the Secretary. Defines the term "pregnancy and breastfeeding information services" to include only: (1) information services to provide accurate, evidence-based, clinical information regarding maternal exposures during pregnancy or breastfeeding that may be associated with birth defects or other health risks to an infant that is breastfed, such as exposures to medications, chemicals, infections, foodborne pathogens, illnesses, nutrition, or lifestyle factors; (2) the provision of accurate, evidence-based information weighing the risks of exposures during breastfeeding against the benefits of breastfeeding; and (3) the provision of such information through counselors, websites, fact sheets, telephonic or electronic communication, community outreach efforts, or other appropriate means. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016.

Date: 2010-05-28
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Cancer Centers Assistance for Renovations and Expansion Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program that provides loans to qualifying cancer centers for payment of the capital costs of projects for the improvement of research, prevention, or patient care infrastructure. Sets the maximum amount of such loans at: (1) $50 million for any cancer center or comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute; and (2) $100 million for any entity that is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a cancer hospital meeting certain requirements for a subsection (d) hospital. (Generally, a subsection [d] hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system [IPPS] when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

Date: 2010-07-26
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for the purpose of reducing the number of undiagnosed seniors with diabetes or prediabetes, to: (1) review utilization of diabetes screening benefits under HHS programs to identify and address any existing problems with regard to such utilization and related data collection mechanisms; and (2) make recommendations on outreach activities carried out by the Secretary to ensure awareness among seniors and health care providers of such diabetes screening benefits and the advantages of knowing one's diabetic or prediabetic status for the purpose of self-management. Directs the Secretary to carry out this section in consultation with: (1) the heads of appropriate health agencies and offices in HHS; and (2) entities with an interest in diabetes, including industry, voluntary health organizations (such as diabetes advocacy groups and other related stakeholders), trade associations, and professional societies. Sets forth reporting requirements.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2010 - Requires each state educational agency, in order to be eligible to receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 in FY2013 or subsequent fiscal years, to issue regulations establishing the following minimum requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions. Requires each local educational agency in the state to develop and implement a standard plan for concussion safety and management that includes: (1) the education of students, parents, and school personnel about concussions; (2) supports for students recovering from a concussion; and (3) best practices designed to ensure the uniformity of safety standards, treatment, and management. Requires each public elementary and secondary school to post on school grounds and make publicly available on the school website information on concussions, including information on risks, responses, symptoms, and effects. Requires public school personnel who suspect that a student has sustained a concussion during a school-sponsored activity to: (1) remove the student from the activity and prohibit such student from participating in school athletic activities until the student submits a written release from a health care professional; and (2) report to the student's parent or guardian regarding such injury and the treatment provided. Prohibits a student who has sustained a concussion in a school-sponsored athletic activity from resuming participation in school-sponsored athletic or academic activities until the school receives a written release from a health care professional that: (1) states that the student is capable of resuming participation; and (2) may require the student to follow a plan designed to aid such individual in recovering and resuming participation in a manner that is coordinated with periods of cognitive and physical rest, and that reintroduces cognitive and physical demands on a progressive basis, based on the student's symptoms.

Date: 2010-09-22
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Education
Generating Antibiotic Incentives Now Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) extend for five years the exclusivity period for the first licensure of a qualified infectious disease product; (2) grant priority review to an application for approval or licensure of a qualified infectious disease product (i.e., review and action on such application not later than six months after receipt); and (3) deem a qualified infectious disease product as a fast track product, for review and approval purposes.  Defines "qualified infectious disease product" as an antibiotic drug, or a diagnostic test including a point-of-care diagnostic test, for treating, detecting, preventing, or identifying a qualifying pathogen.  Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to review the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the conduct of clinical trials for antibiotic drugs and revise such guidelines to reflect developments in medical information and technology.  Allows the sponsor of a drug intended to be used to treat, detect, prevent, or identify a qualifying pathogen, as defined by this Act, to request that the Secretary provide written recommendations for nonclinical and clinical investigations before such drug may be approved for use or licensed.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act of 2010 - Amends the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 to include within the standards to assure the safety and accuracy of mammography the requirement that: (1) facilities that perform mammograms provide the patient with a summary of the report of the mamography results that includes information regarding the patient's individual measure of breast density based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System established by the American College of Radiology and used by the National Cancer Institute, or as specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) based upon new scientific knowledge, technological advances, or other updated medical procedures where the use of such screening developments is consistent with the practice of medical experts in the field; (2) the summary convey to the patient his or her increased risk of developing breast cancer based on that person's individual measure of breast density analyzed by the patient's interpreting physician; and (3) the report include a notice to the patient stating that he or she might benefit from supplementary screening tests for expanded detection if his or her mammogram demonstrates dense breast tissue, that a report of the mammography results has been sent to his or her treating physician's office, and and the patient should contact that physician regarding any questions or concerns about the report.

Date: 2010-11-15
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Rural Preventive Health Care Training Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants and enter into contracts for preventive health care training of rural health care practitioners.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to implement a comprehensive program to achieve a 50% reduction in the mortality rate of lung cancer by 2016. Includes within such program: (1) a strategic review and prioritization of research grants; (2) an expansion of research programs, such as on predispositions to lung cancer; and (3) the expedited development of computer assisted diagnostic, surgical, treatment, and drug testing innovations. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to provide incentives for the development of chemoprevention drugs for precancerous conditions of the lung, drugs for targeted therapeutic treatments and vaccines for lung cancer, and new agents to curtail or prevent nicotine addiction. Provides for compassionate access to drugs, biological products, and devices under the lung cancer mortality reduction program. Requires the Secretary to establish an early disease research and management program targeted at the high incidence and mortality rates among minority and low income populations.Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to coordinate with the Secretary in: (1) the development of the lung cancer mortality reduction program under this Act; (2) the implementation of an early detection and disease management research program for military personnel and veterans whose smoking history and exposure to carcinogens during active duty service has increased their risk for lung cancer; and (3) the implementation of coordinated care programs for military personnel and veterans diagnosed with lung cancer.Requires the Secretary to establish a Lung Cancer Advisory Board to monitor the programs established under this Act.

Date: 2009-01-27
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Research Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Cancer Institute to enter into cooperative agreements with, or make grants to, public or nonprofit entities to establish and operate Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Centers of Excellence to conduct research on biomarkers for use in risk stratification for, and the early detection and screening of, ovarian cancer. Permits federal funds to be used for research on: (1) the development and characterization of new biomarkers and the refinement of existing biomarkers, for ovarian cancer; (2) the clinical and laboratory validation of such biomarkers; (3) the development and implementation of clinical and epidemiological research on the utilization of such biomarkers; and (4) the development and implementation of repositories for new tissue, urine, serum, and other biological specimens. Requires the Director to: (1) make available for research banked serum and tissue specimens from clinical research regarding ovarian cancer that was funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and (2) establish an Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Clinical Trial Committee to assist in designing and implementing national clinical trials to determine the utility of using such biomarkers. Requires a national data center to be established in and supported by the Institute to conduct statistical analyses of trial data, and to store such analyses and data. Requires such data and statistical analyses to be used to establish clinical guidelines to provide the medical community with information regarding the use of validated biomarkers.

Date: 2009-03-31
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a national minimum payment amount for CPT code 77080 (relating to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DXA, the most widely accepted method of measuring bone mass to predict fracture risk) and CPT code 77082 (relating to vertebral fracture assessment, or VFA), and any successor to such codes as identified by the Secretary (bone mass scans). Directs the Secretary to arrange with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on: (1) the ramifications of Medicare reimbursement reductions for DXA and VFA on beneficiary access to bone mass measurement benefits; and (2) the methods to increase use of bone mass measurement by Medicare beneficiaries.

Date: 2009-04-01
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Eliminating Disparities in Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide for: (1) ongoing research and other activities with respect to pre-diabetes and diabetes in minority populations; and (2) programs to treat diabetes in minority populations. Requires the Director of NIH, through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the National Diabetes Education Program, to provide for: (1) health care professionals' mentoring; and (2) minority health professionals' participation in diabetes-focused research programs. Requires the Director to make grants for a pipeline from high school to professional school that will increase minority representation in diabetes-focused health fields. Directs the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee to assess federal activities and programs related to diabetes in minority populations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) conduct research on diabetes in minority populations; (2) direct the Division of Diabetes Translation to educate the public on the causes and effects of diabetes in minority populations; and (3) carry out diabetes health promotion and prevention programs for minority populations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to educate health professionals on the causes and effects of diabetes in minority populations. Sets forth additional requirements for the Secretary related to: (1) factors that may influence health promotion, diabetes management, and prevention; (2) data collection on diabetes treatment, care, prevention, and services to the American Indian population; (3) increased participation of minority populations in clinical trials; and (4) specialized care for children with diabetes.

Date: 2009-04-21
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Preparation Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national voluntary influenza vaccination program for adults and children under which any individual may receive an influenza vaccine at no cost at any federally qualified health center, public or private hospital, physician office, clinic, or other entity determined appropriate by the Secretary. Sets forth provisions governing reimbursements for the costs of administering such vaccines. Declares that participation by an entity in such program is voluntary. Requires the Secretary to award grants to state and local health departments, public hospitals, and other entities to facilitate the establishment of influenza vaccination programs in partnerships with private entities, including pharmacies and private employers. Requires vaccines provided under a grant to be at no cost to the individual. Authorizes an entity participating in the grant program to seek reimbursement from the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to award grants to facilitate the development of influenza vaccination programs for students and families of students in partnership with local primary and secondary educational institutions. Directs the Secretary, under Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP), to develop an immunization plan with immunization target numbers for the respective populations served under such programs. Requires the Secretary to provide bonus payments to eligible health care providers and other entities who meet immunization targets established by the Secretary in such plans. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish and implement a national public affairs campaign to increase influenza immunization rates.

Date: 2009-05-01
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009 or EARLY Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct a national evidence-based education campaign: (1) to increase public awareness regarding the threats posed by breast cancer to young women, including the particular risks faced by certain racial, ethnic and cultural groups; and (2) focusing on awareness of risk factors and achieving early detection through community-centered informational forums, public service advertisements, and media campaigns. Directs the Secretary to award grants to entities to establish national multimedia campaigns that: (1) will encourage young women to be aware of their personal risk factors, strategies and methods for increasing early detection and self awareness, genetic counseling and testing, imaging-based screening methods, evidence based preventative lifestyle changes, and other appropriate breast cancer early detection and risk reduction strategies; (2) will encourage young women of specific higher-risk populations to talk to their medical practitioners about those risks and methods for appropriate screening and surveillance; and (3) may include advertising through specified media. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) establish an advisory committee to assist in creating and conducting the public education campaign; (2) conduct an education campaign to increase awareness among health care professionals; and (3) conduct prevention research. Directs the Secretary to award grants to organizations and institutions to provide to young women diagnosed with breast cancer substantive assistance and health information from credible sources on: (1) education and counseling regarding fertility preservation; (2) social, emotional, psychosocial, financial, lifestyle, and caregiver support; (3) familial risk factors; and (4) risk reduction strategies to reduce recurrence or metastasis.

Date: 2009-05-07
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Immunization Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) allow states to purchase vaccines recommended for routine use at rates negotiated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a demonstration program to improve the delivery of vaccines recommended for routine use; (3) reauthorize the program for free immunizations for children, adolescents, and adults; (4) require group health plans to provide coverage for routine immunizations without cost sharing (i.e., copayments or deductibles); and (5) require the improvement and expansion of immunization information systems as part of the health information technology infrastructure. Amends the Social Security Act to provide: (1) Medicare and Medicaid coverage for vaccines recommended for routine use; and (2) reimbursement to health care providers for administering vaccines to children under the Vaccines for Children program. Requires the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC Director to jointly review and update the regional maximum charge for state vaccine administration established under the Vaccines for Children program.

Date: 2009-05-07
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Strengthening America's Public Health System Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) establish the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant Program to assist public health agencies in improving surveillance for, and response to, infectious diseases and other conditions of public health importance; and (2) issue guidelines for public health entities relating to information systems to receive, monitor, and report infectious diseases and other such conditions. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) address documented workforce shortages in state and local health departments in applied public health epidemiology and public health laboratory science and informatics; and (2) provide for the expansion of applied epidemiology training programs.Requires the Director, upon request, to assist the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists in developing or improving a process for states to conduct surveillance and submit reports to the Director on nationally notifiable diseases and conditions.Requires the Secretary to adopt and use guidelines to develop improved standards and protocols for binational epidemiology, surveillance, laboratory analyses, and control of infectious diseases between the United States and Mexico.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish a committee to: (1) evaluate best practices in public health surveillance; and (2) assess systems needed for improving coordination among public health surveillance and monitoring systems.

Date: 2009-05-13
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health
Obesity Prevention, Treatment, and Research Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a United States Council on Overweight-Obesity Prevention with duties to include developing strategies to comprehensively prevent, treat, and reduce overweight and obesity. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish a grant demonstration and pilot program to address overweight and obesity issues, including through promoting increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award grants to promote health behaviors for women and children in target populations. Provides for the collection and analysis of data on fitness levels, health, and nutrition. Includes community education programs designed to address and prevent overweight, obesity, and eating disorders as activities states may carry out under preventive health services and health services block grants. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to update and reform federal oversight of food and beverage labeling. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to provide additional funding to make free fresh fruits and vegetables available in elementary schools. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP), and Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant titles of the Social Security Act to cover certain services related to overweight and obesity, including diet and exercise counseling, medical nutrition therapy services, and weight and body mass index (BMI) measurement and monitoring. Directs the HHS Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to issue guidelines concerning the development of pediatric obesity prevention programs for at-risk populations.

Date: 2009-05-18
Topic: Health (Disease Prevention)
Subject: Health