Summary: Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish and evaluate a grant program to enable states or consortia of states to develop stroke care systems; (2) foster the development of systems of stroke care through total quality improvement of health systems providing primary stroke prevention and identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals who experience a stroke; (3) provide a state, consortia of states, and local agencies technical assistance; and (4) collaborate with appropriate medical and health professional associations to disseminate evidence-based practices on stroke systems of care. Authorizes the Secretary to award matching grants to states or consortia of states to develop and implement stroke care systems that provide high-quality prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Sets forth requirements for each state or consortium, including to: (1) establish, enhance, or expand a statewide stroke care system to promote the total quality improvement of stroke care consistent with evidence-based practices; (2) establish, enhance, or expand stroke care centers; (3) enhance, develop, and implement effective methods for training emergency medical services personnel in the identification, assessment, stabilization, and prehospital treatment of stroke patients; and (4) establish, enhance, or improve a support network to provide assistance to facilities with smaller populations of stroke patients or less advanced on-site stroke treatment resources. Allows each state or consortium to use grant funds to: (1) improve existing stroke prevention programs; (2) conduct a stroke education and information campaign; (3) make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for medical professional development; and (4) develop and implement education programs for appropriate medical personnel and health professionals in the use of evidence-based diagnostic approaches, technologies, and therapies for the prevention and treatment of stroke.Prohibits the Secretary from making payments to a state or consortium unless the state or consortium agrees that the payments will not be expended: (1) to make cash payments to intended recipients of services; (2) to satisfy any federal matching requirements; (3) to provide financial assistance to any entity other than a public or nonprofit private entity; or (4) for construction, alteration, or improvement of any building or facility.Authorizes the Secretary to give special consideration in awarding grants to any state or consortium: (1) in geographic areas in which there is an elevated incidence or prevalence of stroke or disability resulting from stroke or in an area that is underserved by medical specialists; (2) that demonstrates a significant need for assistance in establishing a comprehensive stroke care system; or (3) that will enhance regional cooperation.Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012.

stroke treatment ongoing prevention act sec amends public_health_service_act authorize secretary health_and_human_services establish evaluate grant program enable states consortia states develop stroke care systems foster development systems stroke care total quality improvement health systems providing primary stroke prevention identification treatment rehabilitation individuals experience stroke provide state consortia states local agencies technical assistance collaborate appropriate medical health professional associations disseminate evidence based practices stroke systems care authorizes secretary award matching grants states consortia states develop implement stroke care systems provide high quality prevention diagnosis treatment rehabilitation sets forth requirements state consortium including establish enhance expand statewide stroke care system promote total quality improvement stroke care consistent evidence based practices establish enhance expand stroke care centers enhance develop implement effective methods training emergency medical services personnel identification assessment stabilization prehospital treatment stroke patients establish enhance improve support network provide assistance facilities smaller populations stroke patients advanced site stroke treatment resources allows state consortium use grant funds improve existing stroke prevention programs conduct stroke education information campaign grants public nonprofit private entities medical professional development develop implement education programs appropriate medical personnel health professionals use evidence based diagnostic approaches technologies therapies prevention treatment stroke prohibits secretary making payments state consortium state consortium agrees payments expended cash payments intended recipients services satisfy federal matching requirements provide financial assistance entity public nonprofit private entity construction alteration improvement building facility authorizes secretary special consideration awarding grants state consortium geographic areas elevated incidence prevalence stroke disability resulting stroke area underserved medical specialists demonstrates significant need assistance establishing comprehensive stroke care system enhance regional cooperation authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012


Summary: Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards to ensure the safety and accuracy of medical imaging studies and radiation therapy treatments. Imposes such standards on personnel who perform, plan, or evaluate, or verify patient doses for, medical imaging studies and radiation therapy procedures and not on the equipment used. Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Directs the Secretary to ensure that individuals demonstrate compliance with such standards. Requires the Secretary to provide a method for the recognition of individuals whose training and experience are determined to equal or exceed that of: (1) a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty; or (2) an individual who is regularly eligible to take the licensure or certification examination for that discipline. Directs the Secretary to certify qualified nonprofit organizations as approved bodies to provide accreditation to individuals that demonstrate compliance with such standards. Requires individuals who provide medical imaging services relating to mammograms to continue to meet standards under the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992. Deems state standards for licensure or certification of personnel, accreditation of educational programs, or administration of examinations to be in compliance with the standards under this Act unless the Secretary determines otherwise. Requires the Secretary to establish a process by which a state may appeal such a determination. Requires the Secretary to ensure that all programs under the authority of the Secretary meet such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural areas or health professional shortage areas as appropriate to assure access to quality medical imaging.

consistency accuracy responsibility excellence medical imaging radiation therapy act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services establish standards ensure safety accuracy medical imaging studies radiation therapy treatments imposes standards personnel perform plan evaluate verify patient doses medical imaging studies radiation therapy procedures equipment exempts physicians nurse practitioners physician assistants directs secretary ensure individuals demonstrate compliance standards requires secretary provide method recognition individuals training experience determined equal exceed graduate accredited educational program specialty individual regularly eligible licensure certification examination discipline directs secretary certify qualified nonprofit organizations approved bodies provide accreditation individuals demonstrate compliance standards requires individuals provide medical imaging services relating mammograms continue meet standards mammography quality standards act deems state standards licensure certification personnel accreditation educational programs administration examinations compliance standards act secretary determines requires secretary establish process state appeal determination requires secretary ensure programs authority secretary meet standards authorizes secretary develop alternative standards rural areas health professional shortage areas appropriate assure access quality medical imaging


Summary: Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals with income below 135% of the poverty line who: (1) reside in an assisted living facility, a resident care program facility, a board and care facility, or any other appropriate licenced facility, including a community mental health center, a psychiatric health facility, a mental health rehabilitation center, and a mental retardation developmental disability facility; or (2) receive home and community-based services in a home setting under a home and community-based waiver.

home amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act eliminate cost sharing certain non institutionalized benefit dual eligible individuals income poverty line reside assisted living facility resident care program facility board care facility appropriate facility including community mental health center psychiatric health facility mental health rehabilitation center mental retardation developmental disability facility receive home community based services home setting home community based waiver


Summary: Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize expansion of Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services to diseases, conditions, or disorders other than diabetes or a renal disease.

medicare medical nutrition therapy act amends title xviii medicare social security act authorize expansion medicare coverage medical nutrition therapy services diseases conditions disorders diabetes renal disease


Summary: Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury and Health Programs Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Traumatic Brain Injury - (Sec. 101) Expresses the sense of Congress that, among other things: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should have the capacity and expertise to provide veterans who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with health care, rehabilitation, and community integration; (2) family support is integral to the rehabilitation and community reintegration of such veterans; and (3) the VA should provide a system for life-long case management for such veterans. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop individualized plans for the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans with TBI, and to provide each plan to the individual before their discharge from inpatient care, following transition from active duty to the VA for outpatient care, or as soon as practicable following diagnosis. Requires each plan to be based upon a comprehensive assessment of: (1) the physical, cognitive, vocational, neuropsychological, and social impairments of the individual; and (2) the family education and support needs of the individual after discharge from inpatient care. Requires the Secretary to designate a case manager for each such veteran. Requires: (1) the involvement of family members in plan development; and (2) the Secretary to periodically evaluate plan effectiveness. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with non-VA facilities to provide veterans' rehabilitative treatment and reintegration services when the Secretary is unable to provide such services or when the Secretary determines non-VA treatment is optimal with respect to the veteran's recovery and rehabilitation. (Sec. 104) Requires the Secretary to establish a program on research, education, and clinical care to provide intensive neuro-rehabilitation to veterans with severe TBI, including veterans in a minimally conscious state who would otherwise receive only long-term residential care. Authorizes appropriations. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on research conducted under the program. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to conduct a five-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assisted living services to veterans with TBI to enhance their rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration. Requires: (1) special consideration for veterans residing in rural areas; and (2) a report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans committees on the pilot program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to ensure that veterans' nursing home care is provided in an age-appropriate manner. (Sec. 107) Requires the Secretary to: (1) include research on TBI under ongoing VA research programs; and (2) report to the veterans committees on the TBI research carried out. Title II: Lane Evans Benefits Improvements - (Sec. 201) Extends from two to five years following discharge the period during which a veteran who served in a combat theater of operation during or since the Persian Gulf War shall be eligible for veterans' health care. (Sec. 202) Requires: (1) an annual report from the Secretary to the defense and veterans committees on the VA provision of benefits and services to veterans; and (2) quarterly reports on veterans' claims for service-connected compensation. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and implement a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in VA hospitals; and (2) make available to the public the most current information on the quality and performance of each VA hospital. (Sec. 204) Requires a preliminary mental health evaluation to be provided to recently discharged combat veterans within 30 days after a veteran requests such evaluation. Title III: Health Care Matters - (Sec. 301) States that a VA regulation which prohibited the enrollment of new Priority 8 veterans in the VA patient enrollment system shall have no further force or effect. (Sec. 302) Requires the Secretary, in operating the system of annual VA patient enrollment, to publish annually in the Federal Register notice of which categories of veterans will be eligible to be so enrolled in the next fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the veterans committees on decisions on enrollment for VA health care and to wait 45 days before implementing any change to existing enrollment guidelines. (Sec. 303) Prohibits the collection of copayments or other fees for hospital or nursing home care in the case of catastrophically disabled veterans. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in remote rural areas. Limits individual grant amounts to $50,000. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 305) Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas; and (2) report projects' results to the veterans and appropriations committees. (Sec. 306) Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on matters related to care for veterans who reside in rural areas. (Sec. 307) Repeals VA authority to adjust amounts deducted from VA beneficiary travel allowances for each one-way trip for VA examination, treatment, or care. Increases the beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate from 11 to 28.5 cents per mile (the current government employee rate) for qualifying veterans who travel to VA medical facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust such rate to a rate in excess of the current government rate. Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans committees estimating additional costs that will be incurred by the VA due to such rate increases and adjustments. (Sec. 308) Extends from 90 to 180 days following discharge from active duty the application period for VA dental benefits. (Sec. 309) Exempts hospice care from VA long-term care copayment requirements. Title IV: Homeless Veterans Matters - (Sec. 401) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary adjust the per diem payments made to homeless veterans' service centers to account for the receipt of other sources of income. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to carry out in at least three locations a demonstration program to: (1) identify members of the Armed Forces on active duty who are at risk of becoming homeless after discharge or release from such duty; and (2) provide referral, counseling, and other support services to help prevent such homelessness. Terminates the demonstration program on September 30, 2011. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 403) Amends a demonstration program concerning the VA provision of referral and counseling services for at-risk (of homelessness) veterans transitioning from certain institutions (including penal and mental treatment institutions) to: (1) remove the "demonstration" designation; (2) have such program in at least 12 (under current law, six) locations; and (3) extend the program through FY2011. (Sec. 404) Allows VA grants to service centers for homeless veterans to be used for center personnel costs. (Sec. 405) Directs the Secretary to ensure that VA domiciliary care programs are adequate, with respect to capacity and safety, to meet the needs of women veterans. (Sec. 406) Requires the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible entities (private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives) to provide and coordinate the provision of various supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. Requires: (1) a preference for very low-income veteran families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing; (2) an equitable geographic distribution of such assistance; and (3) the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to participating entities regarding the planning, development, and provision of such services. Includes under such services outreach and case management, as well as assistance in obtaining VA benefits. Requires the Secretary to provide appropriate training and technical assistance to participating entities. Provides funding. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a two-year study of the effectiveness of the assistance program in meeting the needs of such families; and (2) report study results to the veterans committees. Title V: Construction Matters (Sec. 501) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a major medical facility project (project) for a replacement facility for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado. (Sec. 502) Amends the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 to increase the authorization for a project to consolidate the VA medical centers at the University Drive and John Heinz III divisions, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 503) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a project for modernization of the inpatient wards at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia. (Sec. 504) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Construction, Major Projects account for the projects authorized or increased under this title. (Sec. 505) Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at 1 Freedom Way in Augusta, Georgia, as the "Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center." Title VI: Other Matters - (Sec. 601) Reinstates through 2012 the VA's health professionals scholarship program. (The program had been terminated as of the end of 1998.) (Sec. 602) Repeals currently-required VA reports concerning: (1) enhanced retention of experienced nurses; (2) a survey of health care positions; (3) pay for nurses and other health care professionals; (4) long-range health planning; and (5) the sharing of health care resources. (Sec. 603) Defines "post 9/11 global operations" as the period of the Persian Gulf War beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on a date prescribed by presidential proclamation or by law.

veterans traumatic brain injury health programs improvement act title traumatic brain injury sec expresses sense congress things department_of_veterans_affairs capacity expertise provide veterans traumatic brain injury tbi health care rehabilitation community integration family support integral rehabilitation community reintegration veterans provide system life long case management veterans sec requires secretary veterans_affairs develop individualized plans rehabilitation reintegration veterans tbi provide plan individual discharge inpatient care following transition active duty outpatient care soon practicable following diagnosis requires plan based comprehensive assessment physical cognitive vocational social impairments individual family education support needs individual discharge inpatient care requires secretary designate case manager veteran requires involvement family members plan development secretary periodically evaluate plan effectiveness sec directs secretary enter agreements non-va facilities provide veterans rehabilitative treatment reintegration services secretary unable provide services secretary determines non treatment optimal respect veteran recovery rehabilitation sec requires secretary establish program research education clinical care provide intensive rehabilitation veterans severe tbi including veterans minimally conscious state receive long term residential care authorizes appropriations requires report secretary congress research conducted program sec directs secretary conduct year pilot program assess effectiveness providing assisted living services veterans tbi enhance rehabilitation quality life community integration requires special consideration veterans residing rural areas report secretary congressional veterans committees pilot program authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary ensure veterans nursing home care provided age appropriate manner sec requires secretary include research tbi ongoing research programs report veterans committees tbi research carried title lane benefits improvements sec extends years following discharge period veteran served combat theater operation persian_gulf_war shall eligible veterans health care sec requires annual report secretary defense veterans committees provision benefits services veterans quarterly reports veterans claims service connected compensation sec directs secretary establish implement hospital quality report card initiative report health care quality hospitals available public current information quality performance hospital sec requires preliminary mental health evaluation provided recently discharged combat veterans days veteran requests evaluation title iii health care matters sec states regulation prohibited enrollment new priority veterans patient enrollment system shall force effect sec requires secretary operating system annual patient enrollment publish annually federal_register notice categories veterans eligible enrolled fiscal year directs secretary report annually veterans committees decisions enrollment health care wait days implementing change existing enrollment guidelines sec prohibits collection copayments fees hospital nursing home care case catastrophically disabled veterans sec directs secretary establish grant program provide innovative transportation options veterans remote rural areas limits individual grant amounts authorizes appropriations sec requires secretary carry demonstration projects examine alternatives expanding care veterans rural areas report projects results veterans appropriations committees sec directs secretary report annually congress matters related care veterans reside rural areas sec repeals authority adjust amounts deducted beneficiary travel allowances way trip examination treatment care increases beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate cents mile current government employee rate qualifying veterans travel medical facilities authorizes secretary adjust rate rate excess current government rate requires report secretary veterans committees estimating additional costs incurred rate increases adjustments sec extends days following discharge active duty application period dental benefits sec exempts hospice care long term care copayment requirements title homeless veterans matters sec repeals requirement secretary adjust diem payments homeless veterans service centers account receipt sources income sec directs secretary carry locations demonstration program identify members armed_forces active duty risk homeless discharge release duty provide referral counseling support services help prevent homelessness terminates demonstration program september authorizes appropriations sec amends demonstration program concerning provision referral counseling services risk homelessness veterans transitioning certain institutions including penal mental treatment institutions remove demonstration designation program current law locations extend program fy2011 sec grants service centers homeless veterans center personnel costs sec directs secretary ensure domiciliary care programs adequate respect capacity safety meet needs women veterans sec requires secretary provide financial assistance eligible entities private nonprofit organizations consumer cooperatives provide coordinate provision supportive services low income veteran families occupying permanent housing requires preference low income veteran families transitioning homelessness permanent housing equitable geographic distribution assistance secretary provide training technical assistance participating entities planning development provision services includes services outreach case management assistance obtaining benefits requires secretary provide appropriate training technical assistance participating entities provides funding directs secretary conduct year study effectiveness assistance program meeting needs families report study results veterans committees title construction matters sec authorizes secretary carry major medical facility project project replacement facility department_of_veterans_affairs_medical_center denver colorado sec amends veterans benefits health_care information technology act increase authorization project consolidate medical centers divisions pittsburgh pennsylvania sec authorizes secretary carry project modernization inpatient department_of_veterans_affairs_medical_center atlanta georgia sec authorizes appropriations fy2008 construction major projects account projects authorized increased title sec freedom way augusta georgia department veterans affairs medical center title matters sec reinstates health professionals scholarship program program terminated end sec repeals currently required reports concerning enhanced retention experienced nurses survey health care positions pay nurses health care professionals long range health planning sharing health care resources sec defines post global operations period persian_gulf_war beginning september ending date prescribed presidential proclamation law


Summary: Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2007 - Prohibits any federal funds from being provided to a hospital under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or to a state, with respect to hospital services, under title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, unless the hospital meets certain conditions related to a woman who is a victim of sexual assault, including that the hospital: (1) provides the woman with accurate and unbiased information about emergency contraception; (2) offers emergency contraception to the woman; (3) provides the woman such contraception at the hospital on her request; (4) provides the woman with risk assessment, counseling, and treatment for certain sexually transmitted infections; and (5) does not deny any such services because of the inability of the woman or her family to pay.

compassionate assistance rape emergencies act prohibits federal funds provided hospital title xviii medicare social security act state respect hospital services title xix medicaid act hospital meets certain conditions related woman victim sexual assault including hospital provides woman accurate unbiased information emergency contraception offers emergency contraception woman provides woman contraception hospital request provides woman risk assessment counseling treatment certain sexually transmitted infections deny services inability woman family pay


Summary: Medicare Provider Accountability Act - Directs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to: (1) take all necessary steps to participate in the Federal Payment Levy Program as soon as possible; and (2) ensure that at least 50% of all payments under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act are processed through such program within one year of enactment of this Act, and all remaining payments within two years. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to offset Medicare provider payments by the amount of the provider's delinquent federal debt. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make notice and opportunity for hearing before levy requirements inapplicable if the Secretary of the Treasury has approved a levy on specified (Medicare provider) payments.

centers medicare medicaid_services necessary steps participate soon possible ensure payments parts title xviii medicare social security act processed program year enactment act remaining payments years requires department_of_health_and_human_services offset medicare provider payments provider delinquent federal debt amends internal revenue code notice opportunity hearing levy requirements inapplicable secretary treasury approved levy specified medicare provider payments


Summary: Medicare Ambulance Payment Extension Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide an additional 5% increase in Medicare payments for ground ambulance services furnished on or after January 1, 2008, and before January 1, 2010.

title xviii medicare social security act provide additional increase medicare payments ground ambulance services furnished january january


Summary: Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a two-year moratorium on certain Medicare physician payment reductions for imaging services. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress during such moratorium on imaging services furnished under the Medicare program.

access medicare imaging act amends title xviii medicare social security act establish year moratorium certain medicare physician payment reductions imaging services directs comptroller general study report congress moratorium imaging services furnished medicare program


Summary: Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $500 for the purchase of a qualified hearing aid for an individual who is either: (1) age 55 or older; or (2) is claimed as a dependent of the taxpayer.

hearing aid assistance tax credit act amends internal revenue code allow nonrefundable income tax credit purchase qualified hearing aid individual age older claimed dependent taxpayer


Summary: Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from awarding any contracts under the competitive durable medical equipment items and services acquisition program unless: (1) the quality standards have been implemented; and (2) the Secretary has received advice from the program oversight committee. Requires the Secretary (who currently is authorized), in carrying out competitive acquisition programs, to exempt: (1) rural areas and areas with low population density within urban areas that are not competitive, unless there is a significant national market through mail order for a particular item or service; and (2) items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings. Adds to such exemptions smaller metropolitan statistical areas. Modifies requirements for the protection of small suppliers in bidding and contracting. Requires the Secretary to permit suppliers classified as small businesses to continue to participate as suppliers at the single payment amount so long as they submit bids at less than the fee schedule amount otherwise applicable to the items and they otherwise comply with applicable program requirements. Provides for appeal rights (currently denied). Requires the Secretary to exempt from competitive acquisition requirements items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings of at least 10%. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a program with respect to an item or service unless the Secretary demonstrates a probability of achieving significant savings of at least 10%, compared to the fee schedule in effect on January 1, 2006, by including the item or service in the program. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing certain requirements for the payment basis for covered items furnished after January 1, 2009, with respect to the application of rates in an area that is not a competitive acquisition area, unless the Secretary has completed and published in the Federal Register a comparability analysis to ensure the application is appropriate. Requires application of the comparability analysis requirement to certain other part B items and services.

amends title xviii medicare social security act prohibit secretary health_and_human_services awarding contracts competitive durable medical equipment items services acquisition program quality standards implemented secretary received advice program oversight committee requires secretary currently authorized carrying competitive acquisition programs exempt rural areas areas low population density urban areas competitive significant national market mail order particular item service items services application competitive acquisition likely result significant savings adds exemptions smaller metropolitan statistical areas modifies requirements protection small suppliers bidding contracting requires secretary permit suppliers classified small businesses continue participate suppliers single payment long submit bids fee schedule applicable items comply applicable program requirements provides appeal rights currently denied requires secretary exempt competitive acquisition requirements items services application competitive acquisition likely result significant savings prohibits secretary implementing program respect item service secretary demonstrates probability achieving significant savings compared fee schedule effect january including item service program prohibits secretary implementing certain requirements payment basis covered items furnished january respect application rates area competitive acquisition area secretary completed published federal_register comparability analysis ensure application appropriate requires application comparability analysis requirement certain items services


Summary: Voluntary Medicare Quality Reporting Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the quality reporting system under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act as applied for 2007 before transition to a new voluntary Medicare quality reporting system. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts for conducting demonstrations for defining appropriate mechanisms whereby eligible professionals may provide data on quality measures to the Secretary through an appropriate medical registry. Allows eligible professionals to continue to report to the Secretary specified quality measures for professional services in order for the Secretary to refine systems for reporting them. Prohibits use of the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund for quality reporting bonus payments in 2008. Specifies quality measures for covered professional services for the voluntary Medicare quality reporting program.

voluntary medicare quality reporting act directs secretary health_and_human_services evaluate quality reporting system title xviii medicare social security act applied transition new voluntary medicare quality reporting system directs secretary enter contracts conducting demonstrations defining appropriate mechanisms eligible professionals provide data quality measures secretary appropriate medical registry allows eligible professionals continue report secretary specified quality measures professional services order secretary refine systems reporting prohibits use physician assistance quality initiative fund quality reporting bonus payments specifies quality measures covered professional services voluntary medicare quality reporting program


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to create an exception to the 60-day limit on Medicare reciprocal billing arrangements in the case of arrangements between two physicians over a longer continuous period during all of which one of them is ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces. Applies this exception to medical services provided before January 1, 2008.

amends title xviii medicare social security act create exception day limit medicare reciprocal billing arrangements case arrangements physicians longer continuous period ordered active duty member reserve component armed forces applies exception medical services provided january


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to create an exception to the 60-day limit on Medicare reciprocal billing arrangements in the case of arrangements between two physicians over a longer continuous period during all of which one of them is ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces.

amends title xviii medicare social security act create exception day limit medicare reciprocal billing arrangements case arrangements physicians longer continuous period ordered active duty member reserve component armed forces


Summary: Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through either the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to authorize and oversee certain activities relating to Down syndrome or other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed conditions. Includes among such activities the awarding of grants, contracts or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to: (1) collect, synthesize, and disseminate current evidence-based information relating to such conditions; and (2) coordinate the provision of, and access to, new or existing supportive services for patients receiving a positive diagnosis for such conditions. Includes within such supportive services: (1) the establishment of a resource telephone hotline; (2) the expansion of the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities; (3) the expansion of national and local peer-support programs; (4) the establishment of a national registry, or network of local registries, of families willing to adopt newborns with such conditions; and (5) the establishment of awareness and education programs for health care providers who provide, interpret, or inform parents of the results of prenatal tests for such conditions. Requires the Secretary to place an emphasis on funding partnerships between health care professional groups and disability advocacy organizations in distributing funds.Requires a grantee under this Act to make available to health care providers of parents who receive a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis: (1) up-to-date, evidence-based, written information concerning the range of outcomes for individuals living with the diagnosed condition, including physical, developmental, educational, and psychosocial outcomes; and (2) contact information regarding support services, including information hotlines, resource centers or clearinghouses, national and local peer support groups, and other educational and support programs. Requires information provided to be culturally and linguistically appropriate and to be approved by the Secretary.Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress concerning the effectiveness of current health care and family support programs serving as resources for the families of children with disabilities.

prenatally diagnosed conditions awareness act sec amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services acting director national_institutes_of_health nih director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc administrator health_resources_and_services_administration hrsa authorize oversee certain activities relating syndrome prenatally diagnosed conditions includes activities awarding grants contracts cooperative agreements eligible entities collect synthesize disseminate current evidence based information relating conditions coordinate provision access new existing supportive services patients receiving positive diagnosis conditions includes supportive services establishment resource telephone hotline expansion expansion national local peer support programs establishment national registry network local registries families willing adopt newborns conditions establishment awareness education programs health care providers provide interpret inform parents results prenatal tests conditions requires secretary place emphasis funding partnerships health care professional groups disability advocacy organizations distributing funds requires grantee act available health care providers parents receive prenatal diagnosis date evidence based written information concerning range outcomes individuals living diagnosed condition including physical developmental educational psychosocial outcomes contact information support services including information hotlines resource centers clearinghouses national local peer support groups educational support programs requires information provided culturally linguistically appropriate approved secretary requires government_accountability_office gao report congress concerning effectiveness current health care family support programs serving resources families children disabilities


Summary: Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to place limitations on mandatory overtime for nurses, prohibit retaliation against them in any manner with respect to any aspect of employment, and establish civil money penalties for violations of this Act.Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on standards to establish for the maximum number of hours that a nurse may work without compromising the safety of patients.Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to study and report to Congress on the extent to which federally operated medical facilities have in effect practices and policies for overtime requirements for nurses that are inconsistent with the requirements added by this Act.

safe nursing patient care act amends title xviii medicare social security act place limitations mandatory overtime nurses prohibit retaliation manner respect aspect employment establish civil money penalties violations act directs secretary health_and_human_services study report congress standards establish maximum number hours nurse work compromising safety patients requires director office_of_management_and_budget study report congress extent federally operated medical facilities effect practices policies overtime requirements nurses inconsistent requirements added act


Summary: Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as a part D drug any devices approved for home use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe and effective removal, decontamination, and disposal of needles and the disposal of needles and syringes through a sharps-by-mail or similar program as medically appropriate based on volume of usage.

medicare_safe_needle_disposal_coverage_act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act cover drug devices approved home use food_and_drug_administration fda safe effective removal decontamination disposal needles disposal needles syringes sharps mail similar program medically appropriate based volume usage


Summary: Electronic Prescription Drug Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for payments to physicians for writing electronic prescriptions.

electronic prescription drug act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide payments physicians writing electronic prescriptions


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish new separate fee schedule areas for physicians' services in states with multiple fee schedule areas to improve Medicare physician geographic payment accuracy.

amends title xviii medicare social security act establish new separate fee schedule areas physicians services states multiple fee schedule areas improve medicare physician geographic payment accuracy


Summary: Physician Payments Sunshine Act of 2007 - Amends part A of title XI of the Social Security Act to require quarterly transparency reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services of payments to physicians or their employers by manufacturers of covered drugs, devices, or medical supplies under titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)) of the Social Security Act.

physician payments sunshine act amends title social security act require quarterly transparency reports secretary health_and_human_services payments physicians employers manufacturers covered drugs devices medical supplies titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social security act


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit Medicare beneficiaries to continue to rent certain items of complex durable medical equipment.

amends title xviii medicare social security act permit medicare beneficiaries continue rent certain items complex durable medical equipment


Summary: Medicare Access to Community Health Centers (MATCH) Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the definition of "federally qualified health center services" to include ambulatory services furnished by a federally qualified health center (FQHC) for which payment may otherwise be made under Medicare if such services were furnished by a non-FQHC health care provider or health care professional employed by or under contract with an FQHC.Permits payment for hospital-based services. Provides for a Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare-covered services provided by FQHCs.

medicare access community health centers match act amends title xviii medicare social security act revise definition federally qualified health center services include ambulatory services furnished federally qualified health center fqhc payment medicare services furnished health care provider health care professional employed contract payment hospital based services provides medicare prospective payment system pps medicare covered services provided fqhcs


Summary: Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to reimbursement for specified emergency care and services of private institutions for mental diseases subject (under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Medicaid (EMTALA) Program) to certain requirements for examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions.Requires the Medicaid program to reimburse such institutions for care and services required to stabilize an emergency medical condition of an individual between ages 21 and 65, if the treatment is within the range of services that such institution typically provides.

medicaid emergency psychiatric care act amends title xix medicaid social security act respect reimbursement specified emergency care services private institutions mental diseases subject program certain requirements examination treatment emergency medical conditions requires medicaid program reimburse institutions care services required stabilize emergency medical condition individual ages treatment range services institution typically provides


Summary: Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 1997 to extend by one year the moratorium on: (1) implementation of a specified rule relating to the federal-state financial partnership under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)) of the Social Security Act; and (2) the finalization of a certain proposed rule regarding the authority of states to make payments related to graduate medical education (GME payments). Imposes a one-year moratorium on finalization or implementation of a certain proposed rule regarding the scope of permissible Medicaid payments that redefines outpatient hospitals and specifies methodologies for calculation of the outpatient services upper payment limit.

amends katrina_recovery iraq_accountability_appropriations_act extend year moratorium implementation specified rule relating federal state financial partnership titles xix medicaid social security act finalization certain proposed rule authority states payments related graduate medical education gme payments imposes year moratorium finalization implementation certain proposed rule scope permissible medicaid payments redefines outpatient hospitals specifies methodologies calculation outpatient services upper payment limit


Summary: Medicare Respiratory Therapy Initiative Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover the services of a qualified respiratory therapist performed under the general supervision of a physician.

medicare respiratory therapy initiative act amends title xviii medicare social security act cover services qualified respiratory therapist performed general supervision physician


Summary: Deamonte Driver Dental Care Access Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to schools of dentistry and hospitals with accredited training programs in pediatric dentistry. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary to provide for a pilot program to increase access to dental care for underserved populations through the use of new allied dental health professionals. Requires the Secretary to award grants to federally qualified health centers to expand and improve the provision of dental services to medically underserved populations. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to develop, implement, and evaluate public health and clinical strategies to prevent and manage early childhood caries. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for a portion of compensation received for providing dental services under SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) or XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) or from an uninsured individual. Requires the Secretary, acting through the the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct a public education and awareness campaign on preventing, controlling, and ultimately eliminating early childhood caries. Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI to expand reporting requirements with respect to children's dental services. Requires the Comptroller General to study payment rates for dental services provided to individuals under Medicaid or SCHIP. Requires the Secretary to ensure the inclusion of dental health prevention and promotion activities within existing prenatal and maternal child health programs.

amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services grants schools dentistry hospitals accredited training programs pediatric dentistry amends title maternal child health services social security act ssa require secretary provide pilot program increase access dental care underserved populations use new allied dental health professionals requires secretary award grants federally qualified health centers expand improve provision dental services medically underserved populations authorizes secretary award grants develop implement evaluate public health clinical strategies prevent manage early childhood caries amends internal revenue code allow business tax credit portion compensation received providing dental services ssa titles xix medicaid schip uninsured individual requires secretary acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc conduct public education awareness campaign preventing controlling ultimately eliminating early childhood caries amends ssa titles xix xxi expand reporting requirements respect children dental services requires comptroller general study payment rates dental services provided individuals medicaid schip requires secretary ensure inclusion dental health prevention promotion activities existing prenatal maternal child health programs


Summary: Ensuring the Future Physician Workforce Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (the Act), with respect to the formula for calculating payments for physicians' services. Resets to 2007 the base year for application of the sustainable growth rate formula, which shall be eliminated in 2010. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, as amended by the Act, to extend the current transitional bonus payments. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a reporting system for quality measures relating to physicians' services that focus on disease-specific high cost conditions. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to create standards for health information technology (HIT) payment incentives. Amends SSA title XI to create safe harbors to antikickback and civil and criminal penalties for provision of HIT and training services. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the impact of such safe harbors. Amends SSA title XVIII to create an exception to the limitation on certain physician referrals for the provision of HIT and training services to health care professionals. Directs the Secretary to report annually to: (1) each physician information on the physician's total Medicare billings; and (2) each individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) on the amount of Medicare payments made to or on behalf of the individual during the year involved. Directs the Secretary to collect data on annual savings in expenditures in the Medicare program due to physicians' services that resulted in hospital or in-patient diversion. Requires the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to monitor and examine the extent to which the different funding mechanisms under Medicare parts A, B, and D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) provide an appropriate alignment with the program goals of the respective parts. Directs the Secretary to arrange for a study of price inputs and relative values for physicians' services recommended by the AMA/Speciality Society Relative Value Unit Scale Update Committee process. Requires the Secretary to provide for a study of, and report to Congress on, health care disparities in high-risk health condition areas and minority communities with respect to the impact reporting requirements may have on physician penetration in such communities.

ensuring future physician workforce act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa amended medicare medicaid schip extension act act respect formula calculating payments physicians services resets base year application sustainable growth rate formula shall eliminated amends tax relief health care act amended act extend current transitional bonus payments directs secretary health_and_human_services establish reporting system quality measures relating physicians services focus disease specific high cost conditions amends ssa title xviii direct secretary create standards health information technology hit payment incentives amends ssa title create safe harbors antikickback civil criminal penalties provision hit training services directs secretary study report congress impact safe harbors amends ssa title xviii create exception limitation certain physician referrals provision hit training services health care professionals directs secretary report annually physician information physician total medicare billings individual entitled benefits medicare medicare payments behalf individual year involved directs secretary collect data annual savings expenditures medicare program physicians services resulted hospital patient diversion requires board_of_trustees federal_hospital_insurance_trust_fund federal_supplementary_medical_insurance_trust_fund monitor examine extent different funding mechanisms medicare parts voluntary prescription drug benefit program provide appropriate alignment program goals respective parts directs secretary arrange study price inputs relative values physicians services recommended speciality society relative value unit scale update committee process requires secretary provide study report congress health care disparities high risk health condition areas minority communities respect impact reporting requirements physician penetration communities


Summary: Medicaid Levy Enhancement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a continuous levy on payments to Medicaid providers and suppliers for delinquent taxes owed by such providers and suppliers.

medicaid levy enhancement act amends internal revenue code impose continuous levy payments medicaid providers suppliers delinquent taxes owed providers suppliers


Summary: Dental Health Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to condition eligibility for loan repayment programs on dentists meeting any (rather than all) of the following requirements: (1) agreeing to practice in designated dental health professional shortage areas; (2) being dental school graduates and agreeing to serve as public health dentists for the federal, state, or local government; or (3) agreeing to provide services to patients regardless of ability to pay and using a sliding payment scale for patients who are unable to pay the total cost of services.Reauthorizes appropriations for grants to states for programs to address the dental workforce needs of designated dental health professional shortage areas.

dental health improvement act amends public_health_service_act condition eligibility loan repayment programs dentists meeting following requirements agreeing practice designated dental health professional shortage areas dental school graduates agreeing serve public health dentists federal state local government agreeing provide services patients regardless ability pay sliding payment scale patients unable pay total cost services reauthorizes appropriations grants states programs address dental workforce needs designated dental health professional shortage areas


Summary: Medicare Wound Therapy Patient Protection Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exempt from the Medicare competitive acquisition program negative pressure wound therapy pumps and related supplies and accessories, until the Secretary of Health and Human Services can validate, using a panel of wound care clinical experts, the clinical comparability of all such products. Expresses the sense of the Senate that this Act should be deficit neutral over the five-year period beginning on October 1, 2008, through appropriate offsets.

protection act amends title xviii medicare social security act exempt medicare competitive acquisition program negative pressure wound therapy pumps related supplies accessories secretary health_and_human_services validate panel wound care clinical experts clinical comparability products expresses sense senate act deficit neutral year period beginning october appropriate offsets


Summary: Medicare Physician Payment Equity Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize equality of physician work in all geographic areas under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Makes the geographic index 1.0 in all fee schedule areas for physician services furnished on or after January 2010. Requires the Secretary, after calculating the practice expense geographic index, for purposes of payment for services furnished in 2009, to increase the practice expense geographic index to 1.0 for any locality for which such practice expense geographic index is less than 1.0. Requires the practice expense geographic index, for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, to reflect half the difference between the relative costs of employee wages and office rents in each of the different fee schedule areas and the national average of such wages and rents.

amends title xviii medicare social security act recognize equality physician work geographic areas medicare physician fee schedule makes geographic index fee schedule areas physician services furnished january requires secretary calculating practice expense geographic index purposes payment services furnished increase practice expense geographic index locality practice expense geographic index requires practice expense geographic index services furnished january reflect half difference relative costs employee wages office rents different fee schedule areas national average wages rents


Summary: Medicare Imaging Disclosure Sunshine Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to require physicians referring an individual for imaging and other specified radiology services to inform the individual at the time of referral that such services may be obtained from persons other than the referring physician, a member of the referring physician's group practice, or an individual directly supervised by the referring physician or another physician in the group practice. Requires the referring physician to provide the referred individual a written list of suppliers who furnish such services in the area in which the individual resides.

medicare imaging disclosure sunshine act amends title xviii medicare require physicians referring individual imaging specified services inform individual time referral services obtained persons referring physician member referring physician group practice individual directly supervised referring physician physician group practice requires referring physician provide referred individual written list suppliers furnish services area individual resides


Summary: International Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement Act of 2008 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), within 90 days after submitting the annual National Trade Estimate, to develop an action plan for foreign countries that have spent at least one year on the priority watch list that calls for such countries to meet benchmarks designed to assist them to achieve: (1) effective protection of intellectual property rights; and (2) equitable market access for U.S. persons that rely upon intellectual property protection. Authorizes the President to impose certain economic sanctions on foreign countries that do not substantially comply with the benchmarks of an action plan. Directs the President to ensure that an intellectual property attaché with the title of Minister-Counselor is placed in the U.S. embassy of each foreign country that has a commercially significant relationship with the United States.

international intellectual property protection enforcement act amends trade act require united_states_trade_representative ustr days submitting annual develop action plan foreign countries spent year priority watch list calls countries meet benchmarks designed assist achieve effective protection intellectual property rights equitable market access persons rely intellectual property protection authorizes president impose certain economic sanctions foreign countries substantially comply benchmarks action plan directs president ensure intellectual property title placed embassy foreign country commercially significant relationship united_states


Summary: Vision Preservation Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand and intensify programs to increase awareness of vision problems. Directs the Secretary to expand and intensify: (1) activities to establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention, control, and rehabilitation of vision problems and related disabilities; (2) research within CDC on the prevention and management of vision loss; and (3) programs targeted to prevent vision loss, treat eye and vision conditions, and rehabilitate people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted in underserved and minority communities.Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations to enable the Secretary to introduce core performance measures on eye health by incorporating vision screening and examination standards into state programs.Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations for vision rehabilitation professional development.

vision preservation act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services acting centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc health_resources_and_services_administration hrsa national_institutes_of_health nih expand intensify programs increase awareness vision problems directs secretary expand intensify activities establish solid scientific base knowledge prevention control rehabilitation vision problems related disabilities research cdc prevention management vision loss programs targeted prevent vision loss treat eye vision conditions rehabilitate people ages blind partially underserved minority communities amends title maternal child health services social security act authorize appropriations enable secretary introduce core performance measures eye health incorporating vision screening examination standards state programs authorizes secretary grants eligible institutions higher education nonprofit organizations vision rehabilitation professional development


Summary: Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Coordinator Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assign the Chief of its Financial Crimes Section, Criminal Investigative Division, to be the Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Coordinator, who shall oversee all FBI activities related to investigation of mortgage fraud. Directs the Coordinator to: (1) establish regional task forces, consisting of the voluntary participation of federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, to organize initiatives to address mortgage fraud; (2) train such agencies; (3) collect and disseminate mortgage fraud data; and (4) perform other related functions. Authorizes the Coordinator to: (1) establish a toll-free hotline and other information systems for receiving reports and informing the public about mortgage fraud; and (2) creating a database of mortgage industry license suspensions and revocations. Authorizes the Department of Justice, upon consideration of any recommendations by the Coordinator, to: (1) propose legislation to federal, state, and local legislative bodies to assist in the detection, investigation, and prosecution of mortgage fraud, including measures to address mortgage loan procedures and property appraiser practices; and (2) make recommendations to Congress as to the need for additional resources to combat mortgage fraud.

requires director federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi assign chief shall oversee fbi activities related investigation mortgage fraud directs coordinator establish regional task forces consisting voluntary participation federal state local law enforcement prosecutorial agencies organize initiatives address mortgage fraud train agencies collect disseminate mortgage fraud data perform related functions authorizes coordinator establish toll free hotline information systems receiving reports informing public mortgage fraud creating database mortgage industry license suspensions revocations authorizes department_of_justice consideration recommendations coordinator propose legislation federal state local legislative bodies assist detection investigation prosecution mortgage fraud including measures address mortgage loan procedures property appraiser practices recommendations congress need additional resources combat mortgage fraud


Summary: Dental Health Promotion Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow reimbursement from flexible spending accounts for products used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent the onset of tooth decay (caries), periodontal diseases, and conditions ailing the teeth, gums, and mouth, or affecting their functioning.

dental health promotion act amends internal revenue code allow reimbursement flexible spending accounts products diagnose cure mitigate treat prevent onset decay caries diseases conditions teeth mouth affecting functioning


Summary: Medicare Hearing Enhancement and Auditory Rehabilitation (HEAR) Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation services under the Medicare program.

hear act amends title xviii medicare social security act cover hearing aids auditory rehabilitation services medicare program


Summary: National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to seek to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to convene a Conference on Pain to: (1) increase the recognition of pain as a significant public health problem in the United States; (2) evaluate the adequacy of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain in the general population and in identified demographics groups that may be disproportionately affected by inadequacies; (3) identify barriers to appropriate pain care; and (4) establish an agenda for action to reduce such barriers and significantly improve the state of pain care research, education, and clinical care in the United States. Allows the Secretary to enter into an agreement with another appropriate entity if the Institute of Medicine declines. Requires a report summarizing the Conference's findings and recommendations to be submitted to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2011. (Sec. 3) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue and expand, through the Pain Consortium, an aggressive program of basic and clinical research on the causes of and potential treatments for pain. Requires the Pain Consortium to develop and submit to the Director of NIH recommendations on appropriate pain research initiatives that could be undertaken with funds available for such initiatives.Requires the Secretary to establish the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee to coordinate all efforts within Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies that relate to pain research. Directs the Committee to: (1) develop a summary of advances in federal pain care research relevant to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pain and diseases and disorders associated with pain; and (2) identify critical gaps in basic and clinical research on the symptoms and causes of pain. Requires the Secretary to review the necessity of the Committee at least once every two years. (Sec. 4) Allows the Secretary to make awards of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to health professions schools, hospices, and other public and private entities for the development and implementation of programs to provide education and training to health care professionals in pain care. Sets forth information and education that must be included in the program as a condition for receiving a grant. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2012. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary to establish and implement a national pain care education outreach and awareness campaign to educate consumers, patients, their families, and other caregivers with respect to: (1) the incidence and importance of pain as a national public health problem; (2) the adverse physical, psychological, emotional, societal, and financial consequences that can result if pain is not appropriately assessed, diagnosed, treated, or managed; (3) the availability, benefits, and risks of all pain treatment and management options; and (4) having pain promptly assessed, appropriately diagnosed, treated, and managed and regularly reassessed with treatment adjusted as needed. Requires the Secretary, in designing such campaign, to: (1) take into account the special needs of geographic areas and underserved demographic groups; and (2) provide resources that will reduce disparities in access to appropriate diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2012.

national pain care policy act sec requires secretary health_and_human_services seek enter agreement institute_of_medicine convene conference pain increase recognition pain significant public health problem united_states evaluate adequacy assessment diagnosis treatment management acute chronic pain general population identified demographics groups disproportionately affected identify barriers appropriate pain care establish agenda action reduce barriers significantly improve state pain care research education clinical care united_states allows secretary enter agreement appropriate entity institute_of_medicine declines requires report summarizing conference findings recommendations submitted congress authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2011 sec amends public_health_service_act require director national_institutes_of_health nih continue expand aggressive program basic clinical research causes potential treatments pain requires pain consortium develop submit director nih recommendations appropriate pain research initiatives undertaken funds available initiatives requires secretary establish coordinate efforts department_of_health_and_human_services hhs federal agencies relate pain research directs committee develop summary advances federal pain care research relevant diagnosis prevention treatment pain diseases disorders associated pain identify critical gaps basic clinical research symptoms causes pain requires secretary review necessity committee years sec allows secretary awards grants cooperative agreements contracts health professions schools public private entities development implementation programs provide education training health care professionals pain care sets forth information education included program condition receiving grant authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2012 sec requires secretary establish implement national pain care education outreach awareness campaign educate consumers patients families caregivers respect incidence importance pain national public health problem adverse physical psychological emotional societal financial consequences result pain appropriately assessed diagnosed treated managed availability benefits risks pain treatment management options having pain promptly assessed appropriately diagnosed treated managed regularly treatment adjusted needed requires secretary designing campaign account special needs geographic areas underserved demographic groups provide resources reduce disparities access appropriate diagnosis assessment treatment authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2012


Summary: Enhancing Safety in Medicine Utilizing Leading Advanced Simulation Technologies to Improve Outcomes Now Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to conduct and support research, evaluations, initiatives, and demonstration projects, and provide grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements, to enhance the deployment of medical simulation technologies and the incorporation of such technologies and equipment into medical, nursing, allied health, podiatric, osteopathic, and dental education and training protocols.Requires the Director to: (1) establish medical simulation centers of excellence; (2) promote innovation by conducting and supporting research on complex or challenging medical simulation and interdisciplinary simulation technologies and developing an electronic clearinghouse of such technologies; and (3) award grants for purchasing, incorporating, and deploying such technologies for training of physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and qualified students. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Federal Medical Simulation Coordinating Council. Requires the Director to establish an advisory panel to make recommendations on how to structure programs established by this Act.

leading advanced simulation technologies improve outcomes act amends public_health_service_act require director agency healthcare_research quality conduct support research evaluations initiatives demonstration projects provide grants enter contracts cooperative agreements enhance deployment medical simulation technologies incorporation technologies equipment medical nursing allied health podiatric osteopathic dental education training protocols requires director establish medical simulation centers excellence promote innovation conducting supporting research complex challenging medical simulation interdisciplinary simulation technologies developing electronic clearinghouse technologies award grants purchasing incorporating deploying technologies training physicians nurses allied health professionals qualified students establishes department_of_health_and_human_services hhs requires director establish advisory panel recommendations structure programs established act


Summary: Athletic Trainers' Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) access to outpatient occupational and physical therapy services provided incident to a physician's professional services if furnished by an educated or credentialed therapist who does not have a license; and (2) coverage of certified athletic trainer services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare, including those provided in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers.

medicare_act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide access outpatient occupational physical therapy services provided incident physician professional services furnished educated credentialed therapist license coverage certified athletic trainer services medicare including provided rural health clinics federally qualified health centers


Summary: Alzheimer's Family Assistance Act of 2009- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a phased-in tax credit ($2,000 in 2009 increasing by $500 each year until allowing $3,500 in 2012 and thereafter) for family caregivers of spouses and dependents who have long-term care needs; (2) allow a tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums; and (3) apply certain consumer protection standards to long-term care insurance contracts.

alzheimer family assistance act amends internal revenue code allow phased tax credit increasing year allowing family caregivers spouses dependents long term care needs allow tax deduction long term care insurance premiums apply certain consumer protection standards long term care insurance contracts


Summary: Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to take certain actions regarding eating disorder research, including to: (1) implement a scientifically justified budget for research on eating disorders; (2) coordinate and evaluate NIH research activities and programs; (3) expand NIH research on eating disorders; (4) establish a task force on eating disorder research; and (5) provide for centers of excellence for research on eating disorders. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) provide for the collection, analysis, and reporting of epidemiological data on eating disorders; (2) establish a Center of Eating Disorders Epidemiology to collect and analyze information on eating disorders; and (3) establish a CDC clearinghouse for the collection and storage of data generated under this Act. Sets forth provisions providing for education and training on eating disorders, including requirements for: (1) developing and implementing a training program for health professionals on eating disorders; (2) establishing the Task Force on Eating Disorders Prevention in Educational Institutions to develop and provide training on eating disorders identification and prevention for students, faculty, coaches, and staff in schools; and (3) conducting public service announcements. Amends the PHSA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits to also provide coverage for eating disorders. Applies such requirement to coverage offered in the individual market and coverage offered under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program.

federal response eliminate eating disorders act amends public_health_service_act phsa require director national_institutes_of_health nih certain actions eating disorder research including implement scientifically justified budget research eating disorders coordinate evaluate nih research activities programs expand nih research eating disorders establish task force eating disorder research provide centers excellence research eating disorders requires secretary health_and_human_services acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc provide collection analysis reporting epidemiological data eating disorders establish collect analyze information eating disorders establish cdc clearinghouse collection storage data generated act sets forth provisions providing education training eating disorders including requirements developing implementing training program health professionals eating disorders establishing develop provide training eating disorders identification prevention students faculty coaches staff schools conducting public service announcements amends phsa employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code require group health plan provides medical surgical benefits provide coverage eating disorders applies requirement coverage offered individual market coverage offered


Summary: Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit physical therapy to be furnished under the Medicare program to individuals under the care of a dentist.

amends title xviii medicare social security act permit physical therapy furnished medicare program individuals care dentist


Summary: Travel Trailer Residents' Health Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS Secretary) to: (1) establish and maintain a health registry for individuals exposed to formaldehyde in temporary housing units provided by the government when displaced by a major disaster that occurred between August 29, 2005, and December 31, 2009; (2) include in the registry information the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) determines is necessary to ascertain and monitor the health effects of such exposure; (3) develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry; and (4) periodically notify such individuals of significant developments in the study and treatment of conditions associated with exposure. Directs the DHS Secretary to contract with the HHS Secretary to provide health examinations, consultations, and mental health counseling free of charge to each eligible individual.Requires the HHS Secretary to contract with an independent scientific organization to report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of actions taken to collect and maintain information on the health consequences of such exposure; (2) recommendations to improve such collection and maintenance; and (3) the most effective and prudent means of addressing medical needs of eligible individuals.Requires: (1) such health consultation and mental health counseling to provide to each eligible individual information on examination results and on developments; and (2) the Secretary to commence an epidemiological study of the immediate and long-term effects of such exposure sufficient to further understand the medical needs of eligible individuals.

travel trailer residents health registry act directs secretary homeland_security dhs secretary establish maintain health registry individuals exposed formaldehyde temporary housing units provided government displaced major disaster occurred august december include registry information secretary health_and_human_services hhs secretary determines necessary ascertain monitor health effects exposure develop public information campaign inform eligible individuals registry periodically notify individuals significant developments study treatment conditions associated exposure directs dhs secretary contract hhs secretary provide health examinations consultations mental health counseling free charge eligible individual requires hhs secretary contract independent scientific organization report congress effectiveness actions taken collect maintain information health consequences exposure recommendations improve collection maintenance effective prudent means addressing medical needs eligible individuals requires health consultation mental health counseling provide eligible individual information examination results developments secretary commence epidemiological study immediate long term effects exposure sufficient understand medical needs eligible individuals


Summary: Breast Cancer Patient Protect Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits to ensure that inpatient (and in the case of a lumpectomy, outpatient) coverage and radiation therapy are provided for breast cancer treatment. Prohibits such a plan from: (1) restricting benefits for any hospital length of stay to less than 48 hours in connection with a mastectomy or breast conserving surgery or 24 hours in connection with a lymph node dissection, insofar as the attending physician, in consultation with the patient, determines such stay to be medically necessary; or (2) requiring that a provider obtain authorization from the plan or issuer for prescribing any such length of stay. Requires such a plan or issuer to: (1) provide notice to each participant and beneficiary regarding the coverage required under this Act; and (2) ensure that coverage is provided for secondary consultations. Prohibits a group health plan from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this Act. Applies such requirements to health insurance issuers offering coverage in the individual market. Allows a health insurance issuer that provides individual health insurance coverage to nonrenew or discontinue an individual's coverage based on the intentional concealment of material facts regarding a health condition related to the condition for which coverage is being claimed.

breast cancer patient protect act amends employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act internal revenue code require group health plan provides medical surgical benefits ensure inpatient case lumpectomy outpatient coverage radiation therapy provided breast cancer treatment prohibits plan restricting benefits hospital length stay hours connection mastectomy breast conserving surgery hours connection lymph node dissection insofar attending physician consultation patient determines stay medically necessary requiring provider obtain authorization plan issuer prescribing length stay requires plan issuer provide notice participant beneficiary coverage required act ensure coverage provided secondary consultations prohibits group health plan taking specified actions avoid requirements act applies requirements health insurance issuers offering coverage individual market allows health insurance issuer provides individual health insurance coverage discontinue individual coverage based intentional concealment material facts health condition related condition coverage claimed


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) authorize Medicare coverage of and payment for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) administered in the home; and (2) Medicare coverage of disposable pumps for administration of a drug to treat colorectal cancer in certain cases.

amends title xviii medicare social security act authorize medicare coverage payment intravenous immune ivig administered home medicare coverage disposable pumps administration drug treat colorectal cancer certain cases


Summary: Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize qualified physical therapists to provide services for Medicare beneficiaries without the requirement of a physician referral. Provides for treatment of outpatient speech-language pathology services separately from outpatient physical therapy services.

medicare_patient_access physical therapists act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa authorize qualified physical therapists provide services medicare beneficiaries requirement physician referral provides treatment outpatient speech language pathology services separately outpatient physical therapy services


Summary: Global Autism Assistance Act of 2009 - Directs the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish and administer a health and education grant program (Global Autism Assistance Program) to: (1) support activities by nongovernmental organizations and other service providers, including advocacy groups, focused on autism in developing countries; and (2) establish a "teach the teachers" program to train health and education professionals working with autistic children in developing countries.

directs administrator united_states_agency international_development usaid establish administer health education grant program support activities nongovernmental organizations service providers including advocacy groups focused autism developing countries establish teach teachers program train health education professionals working autistic children developing countries


Summary: Medicare Paramedic Intercept Services Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to revise requirements for payment for paramedic intercept service providers in rural communities. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in promulgating regulations for coverage of ambulance services, to cover advanced life support intercept services (ALS intercept services), regardless of the area involved. (Currently they must be provided in a rural area). Includes new conditions of coverage that define ALS intercept services as consisting of a qualified paramedic providing ALS level services in connection with the transport of a patient by an ambulance qualified to provide only a basic life support level of services. Requires that: (1) the entity providing the ambulance transportation be a public, non-profit, or volunteer organization; and (2) the paramedic providing such services is not employed or compensated by the entity providing the ambulance transportation. (Currently the ALS intercept services must be provided under a contract with one or more volunteer ambulance services which are required to be prohibited by state law from billing for any such services.) Requires, in addition, that: (1) such services be medically necessary based on the medical condition for which they are dispatched (currently they must be medically necessary based on the health condition of the individual being transported); and (2) the paramedic providing the intercept services accompanies and provides an ALS assessment or ALS intervention to the patient during the transport. Prohibits the Secretary from taking into account any payments made pursuant to this Act in determining payment amounts under the Medicare ambulance fee schedule, or the aggregate amount of payments under such fee schedule, for any year.

amends balanced budget act revise requirements payment paramedic intercept service providers rural communities changes discretionary mandatory authority secretary health_and_human_services promulgating regulations coverage ambulance services cover advanced life support intercept services intercept services regardless area involved currently provided rural area includes new conditions coverage define intercept services consisting qualified paramedic providing level services connection transport patient ambulance qualified provide basic life support level services requires entity providing ambulance transportation public non profit volunteer organization paramedic providing services employed compensated entity providing ambulance transportation currently intercept services provided contract volunteer ambulance services required prohibited state law billing services requires addition services medically necessary based medical condition currently medically necessary based health condition individual transported paramedic providing intercept services accompanies provides assessment intervention patient transport prohibits secretary taking account payments pursuant act determining payment amounts medicare ambulance fee schedule aggregate payments fee schedule year


Summary: Dental Health Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow reimbursement from flexible spending accounts for products used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent the onset of tooth decay (caries), periodontal diseases, and conditions ailing the teeth, gums, and mouth, or affecting their functioning.


Summary: Diabetes in Minority Populations Evaluation Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report on the research and other public health activities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with respect to diabetes among minority populations. Requires the report to include an evaluation of: (1) research on diabetes among minority populations; (2) surveillance and data collection on diabetes among minority populations; (3) community-based interventions targeting minority populations; (4) education and training of health professionals (including community health workers) on the prevention and management of diabetes and its related complications that is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration; and (5) recommendations for improvement of HHS research and other public health activities with respect to diabetes among minority populations, including recommendations for coordination and comprehensive planning of such research and activities.

diabetes minority populations evaluation act requires secretary health_and_human_services submit congress report research public health activities department_of_health_and_human_services hhs respect diabetes minority populations requires report include evaluation research diabetes minority populations surveillance data collection diabetes minority populations community based interventions targeting minority populations education training health professionals including community health workers prevention management diabetes related complications supported health_resources_and_services_administration recommendations improvement hhs research public health activities respect diabetes minority populations including recommendations coordination comprehensive planning research activities