Summary:
Next Generation Researchers Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Next Generation of Researchers Initiative in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to coordinate NIH policies and programs aimed at promoting and providing opportunities for new researchers and earlier research independence.

The NIH must: (1) promote policies and programs to improve opportunities for new researchers and promote earlier research independence; (2) develop, modify, or accelerate policies, as needed, to promote opportunities for new researchers and earlier research independence, including policies to enhance training opportunities for research-related career options, strengthen mentorship programs, enhance diversity efforts, and help new researchers obtain renewal funding; (3) coordinate with agencies and academic institutions to improve tracking of career progress of biomedical postdoctoral researchers and students; and (4) request the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study and report on policies affecting the next generation of researchers as part of a study on biomedical and behavioral research personnel.

generation researchers act bill amends public_health_service_act establish national_institutes_of_health nih coordinate nih policies programs aimed promoting providing opportunities new researchers earlier research independence nih promote policies programs improve opportunities new researchers promote earlier research independence develop modify accelerate policies needed promote opportunities new researchers earlier research independence including policies enhance training opportunities research related career options strengthen mentorship programs enhance diversity efforts help new researchers obtain renewal funding coordinate agencies academic institutions improve tracking career progress biomedical postdoctoral researchers students request national_academy_of_sciences conduct comprehensive study report policies affecting generation researchers study biomedical behavioral research personnel


Summary:
Building Opportunity for Student Startups Act or the BOSS Act

This bill directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the role of incubators and accelerators in the commercialization of federally funded research and regional economic development.

The study shall: (1) include an examination of metrics for comparing startups that have, and startups that have not, completed incubator or accelerator programs; (2) include the role of incubators and accelerators in developing regional innovation clusters; and (3) identify best practices in the structure, goals, operation, management, and funding mechanisms of leading incubators and accelerators.

act bill directs secretary enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences conduct study role incubators accelerators commercialization federally funded research regional economic development study shall include examination metrics comparing startups startups completed incubator accelerator programs include role incubators accelerators developing regional innovation clusters identify best practices structure goals operation management funding mechanisms leading incubators accelerators


Summary:
Spectrum Challenge Prize Act of 2015

This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to conduct prize competitions to accelerate the development and commercialization of technology that improves spectrum efficiency and is capable of cost-effective deployment.

Not more than $5 million, in the aggregate, may be awarded to prize competition winners.

The Federal Communications Commission must publish a technical paper providing criteria that may be used for the design of such competitions.

spectrum challenge prize act bill requires national_telecommunications_and_information_administration conduct prize competitions accelerate development commercialization technology improves spectrum efficiency capable cost effective deployment million aggregate awarded prize competition federal_communications_commission publish technical paper providing criteria design competitions


Summary:
Cooperative Research and Development Fund Authorization Act of 2016

 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to make funds available to DOE national laboratories for the federal cost share of cooperative research and development agreements that support the maturing of laboratory technology and the transferring of it to the private sector.

 DOE shall: (1) determine the apportionment of such funds to each DOE national laboratory; (2) ensure that special consideration is given to small business firms and consortia involving such firms in the selection of which agreements will receive such funds; and (3) ensure that the performance evaluation metrics of each laboratory's operating contractor provide incentives for, and measure the effectiveness of, such contractor's cooperative research and development agreement program at maturing laboratory technology and transferring it to the private sector.

authorization act bill directs department_of_energy doe funds available doe national laboratories federal cost share cooperative research development agreements support maturing laboratory technology transferring private sector doe shall determine apportionment funds doe national laboratory ensure special consideration given small business firms consortia involving firms selection agreements receive funds ensure performance evaluation metrics laboratory operating contractor provide incentives measure effectiveness contractor cooperative research development agreement program maturing laboratory technology transferring private sector


Summary:
Nanotechnology Advancement and New Opportunities Act

This bill directs the Department of Commerce, if $100 million is made available from the private sector for establishing a Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, to establish such a Partnership to provide funding for precommercial nanomanufacturing research and development projects.

 The Partnership may provide funding through direct investments in specified mechanisms designed to advance nanomanufacturing.

 Commerce shall establish an advisory board to assist it in carrying out the Partnership.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow a tax credit for the purchase of qualified nanotechnology developer stock.

Commerce may establish within the Technology Administration a grant program to support the establishment and development of incubators (entities affiliated with or housed in degree-granting institutions that provide space and coordinated and specialized services to certain entrepreneurial businesses). Commerce shall establish a Nanotechnology Startup Advisory Council.

 The National Science Foundation (NSF) shall establish a Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center for the development of computer aided design tools for nanotechnology applications.

 The bill requires the establishment of nanotechnology research grant programs by: (1) the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the need for clean, cheap, renewable energy; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency to address technologies for remediation of pollution and other environmental protection technologies; (3) the Department of Homeland Security to address the need for sensors and other materials related to homeland security needs; and (4) the Department of Health and Human Services to address health-related applications of nanotechnology.

 The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall transmit a nanotechnology research strategy establishing priorities for the federal government and industry.

 The bill amends the IRC to: (1) allow a tax credit for nanotechnology education and training program expenses; and (2) revise, for purposes of Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits, the definition of "eligible educational institution" to include commercial nanotechnology training providers.

 The NSF shall establish: (1) a grant program for the development of curriculum materials for interdisciplinary nanotechnology courses at institutions of higher education, and (2) a program to encourage manufacturing companies to enter into partnerships with occupational training centers for the development of training to support nanotechnology manufacturing.

 DOE shall transmit to Congress a strategy for increasing interaction on nanotechnology issues between scientists and engineers at DOE national laboratories and in the informal science education community.

new opportunities act bill directs department_of_commerce million available private sector establishing establish partnership provide funding precommercial nanomanufacturing research development projects partnership provide funding direct investments specified mechanisms designed advance nanomanufacturing commerce shall establish advisory board assist carrying partnership bill amends internal_revenue_code irc allow tax credit purchase qualified nanotechnology developer stock commerce establish technology_administration grant program support establishment development incubators entities affiliated housed degree granting institutions provide space coordinated specialized services certain entrepreneurial businesses commerce shall establish nanotechnology startup advisory council national_science_foundation nsf shall establish nanoscale_science_and_engineering_center development computer aided design tools nanotechnology applications bill requires establishment nanotechnology research grant programs department_of_energy doe address need clean renewable energy environmental_protection_agency address technologies remediation pollution environmental protection technologies department_of_homeland_security address need sensors materials related homeland security needs department_of_health_and_human_services address health related applications nanotechnology national_nanotechnology_coordination_office shall transmit nanotechnology research strategy establishing priorities federal government industry bill amends irc allow tax credit nanotechnology education training program expenses revise purposes hope lifetime_learning tax credits definition eligible educational institution include commercial nanotechnology training providers nsf shall establish grant program development curriculum materials interdisciplinary nanotechnology courses institutions higher education program encourage manufacturing companies enter partnerships occupational training centers development training support nanotechnology manufacturing doe shall transmit congress strategy increasing interaction nanotechnology issues scientists engineers doe national laboratories informal science education community


Summary: This bill prohibits the National Science Foundation from using or providing funds to others to conduct a study to determine which facets of social interaction about politics are most stress-inducing, for which kinds of people, and in which contexts.

bill prohibits national_science_foundation providing funds conduct study determine social interaction politics stress kinds people


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 13, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

NSF Major Research Facility Reform Act of 2016

 (Sec. 3) This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to maintain a Large Facilities Office to support its research directorates in the development, implementation, and assessment of major multi-user research facilities.

 The NSF shall appoint a senior agency official to head the Office, whose responsibility shall be to oversee development, construction, and transfer to operations of major multi-user facilities across the NSF.

The bill requires:

 an external cost proposal analysis for any major multi-user research facility; the resolution of all issues identified, including any unjustified or questionable cost items; and biennial incurred cost audits of any such facility. The NSF shall not make any award which arranges for contributions to an awardee's contingency reserve.

(Contingency is the part of a budget estimate of future costs associated with possible events or conditions arising from causes whose precise outcome is indeterminable at the time of estimate, and that experience shows will likely result, in aggregate, in additional costs for the approved activity or project.) The NSF shall update its Large Facilities Manual and any other applicable guidance for estimating, monitoring, and accounting for contingencies on major multi-user research facilities.

The updated policy shall state that the NSF: (1) may only include contingency amounts in an award meeting specified criteria; and (2) shall retain control over funds budgeted for contingency, but may disburse budgeted contingency funds incrementally to an awardee to ensure project stability and continuity.

An awardee shall: (1) furnish verifiable documentation to support proposed contingency amounts, and (2) support requests for the release of contingency funds with evidence of a bona fide need and reasonable and allowable allocations to the performance baseline.

The NSF shall work with current awardees to: (1) determine if any of their use of contingency funds represents out-of-scope changes for which prior NSF written approval was not obtained, and (2) identify appropriate financial action regarding any out-of-scope changes found.

 The NSF may include management fees under an award for ordinary and legitimate business expenses, not otherwise allowable, only if the awardee furnishes a justification of need.

The NSF shall require award applicants to report:

 income and financial information covering at least three prior years, including cash on hand and net asset information, in support of a request for management fees; and any sources of nonfederal funds received in excess of $50,000 during the award period. The NSF shall require awardees to track and report annually all expenses reimbursed or otherwise paid for with management fee funds.

The bill specifies prohibited uses for management fees.

(Sec. 4) The bill subjects the NSF to the pilot program for enhancement of contractor protection from reprisal for (whistleblower) disclosure of certain information.

The NSF shall arrange for education and training for NSF managers and staff on the pilot program and furnish information on it to all awardees and contractors and their employees.

measure amended reported house june summary version repeated reform act sec bill directs national_science_foundation nsf maintain support research development implementation assessment major multi user research facilities nsf shall appoint senior agency official head office responsibility shall oversee development construction transfer operations major multi user facilities nsf bill requires external cost proposal analysis major multi user research facility resolution issues identified including unjustified cost items biennial incurred cost audits facility nsf shall award arranges contributions awardee contingency reserve contingency budget estimate future costs associated possible events conditions arising causes precise outcome time estimate experience shows likely result aggregate additional costs approved activity project nsf shall update applicable guidance estimating monitoring accounting contingencies major multi user research facilities updated policy shall state nsf include contingency amounts award meeting specified criteria shall retain control funds budgeted contingency disburse budgeted contingency funds incrementally awardee ensure project stability continuity awardee shall furnish verifiable documentation support proposed contingency amounts support requests release contingency funds evidence bona fide need reasonable allowable allocations performance baseline nsf shall work current awardees determine use contingency funds represents scope changes prior nsf written approval obtained identify appropriate financial action scope changes found nsf include management fees award ordinary legitimate business expenses allowable awardee furnishes justification need nsf shall require award applicants report income financial information covering prior years including cash hand net asset information support request management fees sources nonfederal funds received excess award period nsf shall require awardees track report annually expenses reimbursed paid management fee funds bill specifies prohibited uses management fees sec bill subjects nsf pilot program enhancement contractor protection reprisal whistleblower disclosure certain information nsf shall arrange education training nsf managers staff pilot program furnish information awardees contractors employees


Summary: This bill prohibits the National Science Foundation from using or furnishing to others funds to study the history of standards and standardization in the United States, including standards related to uniform systems of weights, measures, timekeeping, electrical units, and product specifications governing everything from screw threads to paper sizes.

bill prohibits national_science_foundation furnishing funds study history standards standardization united_states including standards related uniform systems weights measures electrical units product specifications governing paper sizes


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

National Institute of Standards and Technology Campus Security Act

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Department of Commerce Office of Security to manage the law enforcement and security programs of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) directly through an assigned Director of Security.

This bill shall be carried out without increasing the number of full time equivalent employees of Commerce, including the NIST.

The Director of Security shall make periodic activities and security reports to the Under Secretary for Standards and Technology and to Congress.

The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress, one year after enactment of this bill, on the costs and performance of the NIST Police Services Group.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure security act sec bill requires manage law enforcement security programs national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist directly assigned director security bill shall carried increasing number time equivalent employees commerce including nist director security shall periodic activities security reports secretary congress government_accountability_office shall report congress year enactment bill costs performance


Summary:
Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Act of 2016

This bill authorizes executive agencies to: (1) use crowdsourcing and citizen science approaches to conduct activities designed to advance their missions, (2) accept volunteer services performed as part of a crowdsourcing or citizen science project, and (3) enter into an agreement to share administrative duties for such activities with private sector entities or state, tribal, local, or foreign government agencies.

"Citizen science" means a form of open collaboration in which individuals or organizations participate in the scientific process. "Crowdsourcing" means a method to obtain needed services, ideas, or content by soliciting voluntary contributions from a group of individuals or organizations, especially from an online community.

Agencies shall: (1) make public and promote such projects to encourage broad participation of consenting participants, and (2) endeavor to make data collected through such projects open and available, in machine readable formats, to the public.

The General Services Administration shall identify and develop relevant products, training, and services to facilitate the use of crowdsourcing and citizen science activities.

crowdsourcing bill authorizes executive agencies use crowdsourcing citizen science approaches conduct activities designed advance missions accept volunteer services performed crowdsourcing citizen science project enter agreement share administrative duties activities private sector entities state tribal local foreign government agencies citizen science means form open collaboration individuals organizations participate scientific process crowdsourcing means method obtain needed services ideas content soliciting voluntary contributions group individuals organizations especially online community agencies shall public promote projects encourage broad participation consenting participants endeavor data collected projects open available machine readable formats public general_services_administration shall identify develop relevant products training services facilitate use crowdsourcing citizen science activities


Summary:
NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2016

This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to:

 establish or designate a laboratory to conduct research on premise plumbing in relation to water safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience; conduct an organizational review of all research and other activities related to premise plumbing conducted by federal entities; and appoint one or more officers or employees of the NIST to liaise with non-federal entities that are conducting research or other activities related to premise plumbing. The bill defines "premise plumbing" as the water distribution system within the property lines of a property, including all buildings and permanent structures on such property. This term also includes building supply and distribution pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating and water-using equipment, and all respective joints, connections, devices, and appurtenances.

nist plumbing research act bill directs national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist establish designate laboratory conduct research plumbing relation water safety security efficiency sustainability resilience conduct organizational review research activities related plumbing conducted federal entities appoint officers employees nist non federal entities conducting research activities related plumbing bill defines plumbing water distribution system property lines property including buildings permanent structures property term includes building supply distribution pipes fixtures fittings water heaters water treating water equipment respective connections devices appurtenances


Summary:
American Innovation Act

This bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to require certain adjustments to discretionary spending limits in FY2016-FY2021 to accommodate increases in appropriations for agencies that perform basic science research.

Adjustments are required for the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy Office of Science, Department of Defense science and technology programs, National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientific and Technical Research and Services, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate.

The bill also requires annual appropriations for each of the programs and agencies referenced in this bill to be at least the amount appropriated in FY2015.

The bill exempts appropriations provided pursuant to this bill from sequestration. Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.

american innovation act bill amends balanced_budget emergency deficit control act require certain adjustments discretionary spending limits fy2016 fy2021 accommodate increases appropriations agencies perform basic science research adjustments required national_science_foundation science technology programs national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa science mission directorate bill requires annual appropriations programs agencies referenced bill appropriated fy2015 bill exempts appropriations provided pursuant bill sequestration sequestration process automatic usually board spending reductions budgetary resources permanently cancelled enforce specific budget policy goals


Summary:
Grace Period Restoration Act of 2015

Amends federal patent law to revise the one-year grace period under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) that prohibits certain pre-filing disclosures made during the year preceding the effective filing date of a claimed invention from being considered prior art that would make the claim ineligible for a patent based on lack of novelty or obvious subject matter grounds. (A disclosure that is prior art generally means that a patent cannot be issued for a claimed invention because the invention was already patented, described in a printed publication, in public use, on sale, available to the public, or described in an issued patent or a previously filed application.)

Prohibits an inventor's or any other person's pre-filing disclosure from barring the patentability of certain claims based on lack of novelty or obvious subject matter grounds if, before such disclosure and within the one-year period before the filing date, the claimed invention was already publicly disclosed in a printed publication by the inventor, a joint inventor, or another who obtained the claimed invention from the inventor or a joint inventor. Allows an inventor who discloses an invention in a printed publication in such a manner in the year before filing a patent claim for the invention to remain entitled to the patent, regardless of any subsequent disclosures by third parties.

Excludes certain disclosures from being considered prior art under the revised grace period.

Requires the amendments made by this Act to take effect as if enacted as part of the AIA.

amends federal patent law revise year grace period smith america act prohibits certain pre filing disclosures year preceding effective filing date claimed invention considered prior art claim ineligible patent based lack subject matter grounds disclosure prior art generally means patent issued claimed invention invention patented described printed publication public use sale available public described issued patent previously filed application prohibits person pre filing disclosure barring certain claims based lack subject matter grounds disclosure year period filing date claimed invention publicly disclosed printed publication joint obtained claimed invention joint allows discloses invention printed publication manner year filing patent claim invention remain entitled patent regardless subsequent disclosures parties excludes certain disclosures considered prior art revised grace period requires amendments act effect enacted


Summary:
Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Act of 2015

This bill authorizes each federal agency, or multiple federal agencies working cooperatively, to use crowdsourcing and citizen science approaches to conduct activities designed to advance the agency's mission or the joint mission of the group of agencies.

"Citizen science" means a form of open collaboration in which individuals or organizations participate in the scientific process in various ways, including developing technologies and applications and making discoveries.

"Crowdsourcing" means a method to obtain needed services, ideas, or content by soliciting voluntary contributions from a group of individuals or organizations, especially from an online community.

Each federal agency engaged in a crowdsourcing or citizen science project shall make public and promote it to encourage broad participation of consenting participants.

The General Services Administration shall identify and develop relevant products and services to facilitate the use of crowdsourcing and citizen science activities.

crowdsourcing bill authorizes federal agency multiple federal agencies working cooperatively use crowdsourcing citizen science approaches conduct activities designed advance agency mission joint mission group agencies citizen science means form open collaboration individuals organizations participate scientific process ways including developing technologies applications making discoveries crowdsourcing means method obtain needed services ideas content soliciting voluntary contributions group individuals organizations especially online community federal agency engaged crowdsourcing citizen science project shall public promote encourage broad participation consenting participants general_services_administration shall identify develop relevant products services facilitate use crowdsourcing citizen science activities


Summary:
American Innovators and Entrepreneurs Act

This bill amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2010 to direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to:

 carry out an Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program to award grants for entrepreneurship and commercialization education to science and engineering researchers and students and institutions of higher education to increase the economic impact of federally funded research; and develop and provide access through specified Nodes, Sites, and Teams to I-Corps program curriculum by supporting entrepreneurship and commercialization education and training for faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and other science and engineering researchers. The purpose of grants shall be to increase the capacity of science and engineering researchers and students to engage successfully in entrepreneurial activities and to help transition the results of federally funded research into the marketplace.

The Treasury may:

 locate and recover U.S. government assets on behalf of any executive, judicial, or legislative agency; and retain a portion of recovered amounts to cover administrative and operational costs associated with locating and recovering those assets.

american innovators entrepreneurs act bill amends national_science_foundation_authorization_act direct national_science_foundation nsf carry program award grants entrepreneurship commercialization education science engineering researchers students institutions higher education increase economic impact federally funded research develop provide access specified sites teams corps program curriculum supporting entrepreneurship commercialization education training faculty students postdoctoral fellows science engineering researchers purpose grants shall increase capacity science engineering researchers students engage successfully entrepreneurial activities help transition results federally funded research marketplace treasury locate recover government assets behalf executive judicial legislative agency retain portion recovered amounts cover administrative operational costs associated locating recovering assets


Summary:
Science Prize Competitions Act of 2016

This bill amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 regarding prize competitions, including to allow an agency to waive insurance requirements.

 Each prize competition shall be published on a publicly accessible government website rather than in the Federal Register.

science prize competitions act bill amends prize competitions including allow agency waive insurance requirements prize competition shall published publicly accessible government website federal_register


Summary: Flexible Spending Accounts Growth and Opportunities Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the carryover of up to $1,000 of unused health benefits in a health flexible spending arrangement to the next plan year of such spending arrangement.

flexible spending accounts growth opportunities act amends internal revenue code permit carryover unused health benefits health flexible spending arrangement plan year spending arrangement


Summary: Christopher and Dana Reeve Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): (1) acting through the Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, to expand and coordinate NIH activities on paralysis research; (2) to award grants to plan, establish, improve, and provide basic operating support for Christopher Reeve Paralysis Research Consortia; (3) to educate and disseminate information and receive public comment on NIH programs and research regarding paralysis; (4) acting through the Director of the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development and the National Center for Rehabilitation Research, to expand and coordinate NIH research with implications for enhancing daily function for persons with paralysis; and (5) to make grants to plan, establish, improve, and provide basic operating support for multicenter clinical trial networks to design clinical rehabilitation intervention protocols and measures of outcomes on paralysis. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to study the health challenges associated with paralysis and other physical disabilities and carry out projects and interventions to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of individuals with such conditions. Permits the Secretary to award grants for activities related to paralysis, including to: (1) establish paralysis registries; and (2) disseminate information to the public. Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish Paralysis Research, Education and Clinical Care Centers; and (2) award grants to medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to translate clinical findings and recommendations on paralysis into evidence-based best practices.

christopher paralysis act amends public_health_service_act permit director national_institutes_of_health nih acting director stroke expand coordinate nih activities paralysis research award grants plan establish improve provide basic operating support educate disseminate information receive public comment nih programs research paralysis acting director expand coordinate nih research implications enhancing daily function persons paralysis grants plan establish improve provide basic operating support clinical trial networks design clinical rehabilitation intervention protocols measures outcomes paralysis permits secretary health_and_human_services acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc study health challenges associated paralysis physical disabilities carry projects interventions improve quality life long term health status individuals conditions permits secretary award grants activities related paralysis including establish paralysis registries disseminate information public allows secretary veterans_affairs establish award grants medical centers department_of_veterans_affairs translate clinical findings recommendations paralysis evidence based best practices


Summary: Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restore Medicare treatment of ownership of oxygen equipment that existed prior to the enactment of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Repeals the limitation of Medicare payment to the supplier for such equipment (including portable oxygen equipment) to 36 months of continuous use.

home oxygen patient protection act amends title xviii medicare social security act restore medicare treatment ownership oxygen equipment existed prior enactment deficit reduction act repeals limitation medicare payment supplier equipment including portable oxygen equipment months continuous use


Summary: Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the outpatient therapy cap.

medicare_access_to_rehabilitation_services_act amends title xviii medicare social security act repeal outpatient therapy cap


Summary: Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning services to provide individuals diagnosed with cancer a plan that details all aspects of the care to be provided. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for such services.Directs the Secretary to conduct a two-year demonstration project under which Medicare payments will be made for comprehensive cancer care symptom management services furnished by an eligible entity in accordance with a described plan.Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to: (1) establish new, or expand existing, palliative care and symptom management programs for cancer patients; (2) improve the quality of graduate and postgraduate training of physicians, nurses, and other health care providers in palliative care and symptom management for such patients; and (3) improve the quality of continuing professional education provided to qualified individuals regarding palliative care and symptom management for cancer patients.Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a program of grants for research on palliative care, symptom management, communication skills, and other end-of-life topics for such patients.

comprehensive cancer care improvement act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide coverage comprehensive cancer care planning services provide individuals diagnosed cancer plan details aspects care provided requires secretary health_and_human_services establish standards services directs secretary conduct year demonstration project medicare payments comprehensive cancer care symptom management services furnished eligible entity accordance described plan directs secretary grants eligible entities establish new expand existing palliative care symptom management programs cancer patients improve quality graduate postgraduate training physicians nurses health care providers palliative care symptom management patients improve quality continuing professional education provided qualified individuals palliative care symptom management cancer patients requires director national_institutes_of_health nih establish program grants research palliative care symptom management communication skills end life topics patients


Summary: Physician Assistants Continuity of Care Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a physician assistant, when delegated by a physician, to: (1) certify that inpatient psychiatric hospital services or post-hospital extended care services are required; (2) establish and review a plan for home health services; and (3) certify a terminal illness with respect to hospice care.Covers as hospice care any legally authorized services of a physician assistant performed under a physician's supervision.

physician assistants continuity care act amends title xviii medicare social security act permit physician assistant delegated physician certify inpatient psychiatric hospital services post hospital extended care services required establish review plan home health services certify terminal illness respect hospice care covers hospice care legally authorized services physician assistant performed physician supervision


Summary: Community Cancer Care Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require determination and calculation of the manufacturer's average sales price for a drug or biological on a monthly instead of a quarterly basis. Requires the payment amounts to be updated and applied by the Secretary of Health and Human Services based on the manufacturer's average sales price for the drug or biological calculated for the most recent month for which data are available. Removes prompt pay discounts from the calculation of such price. Provides for an increase in the Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) payment for chemotherapy administration services. Directs the Secretary to make an additional 2% for any drug administration services payment to physicians, taking into account pharmacy facilities management costs. Directs the Secretary to develop new CPT codes for reporting and billing of physician's services associated with pharmacy facilities management and with medical oncology treatment planning.

community cancer care preservation act amends title xviii medicare social security act require determination calculation manufacturer average sales price drug biological monthly instead quarterly basis requires payment amounts updated applied secretary health_and_human_services based manufacturer average sales price drug biological calculated recent month data available removes prompt pay discounts calculation price provides increase medicare supplementary_medical_insurance payment chemotherapy administration services directs secretary additional drug administration services payment physicians taking account pharmacy facilities management costs directs secretary develop new cpt codes reporting billing physician services associated pharmacy facilities management medical treatment planning


Summary: American LIFE Fund for the Medical Treatment of the Uninsured Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish in the Treasury the Health Coverage for the Uninsured Trust Fund to provide health coverage for uninsured individuals with catastrophic illnesses and injuries; and (2) allow individual taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns a portion of any overpayment of tax to such Fund.

amends internal revenue code establish treasury health coverage provide health coverage uninsured individuals catastrophic illnesses injuries allow individual taxpayers designate income tax returns portion overpayment tax fund


Summary: Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the national program for traumatic brain injury registries to make grants for state traumatic brain injury surveillance systems or registries (currently, only for registries) to: (1) determine the incidence and prevalence of traumatic brain injury and related disability; (2) ensure the uniformity of reporting under each such system or registry; (3) link individuals with traumatic brain injury to services and supports; and (4) link such individuals with academic institutions to conduct applied research. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to report to the relevant congressional committees on activities and procedures that can be implemented by the CDC to improve the collection and dissemination of compatible epidemiological studies on the incidence and prevalence of traumatic brain injury in those who were formerly in the military. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to conduct a study to: (1) determine the incidence of traumatic brain injury and prevalence of traumatic brain injury related disability; (2) report national trends in traumatic brain injury; (3) identify common therapeutic interventions which are used for the rehabilitation of individuals with such injuries; (4) identify interventions and therapies that can prevent or remediate the development of secondary neurologic conditions related to traumatic brain injury; and (5) develop practice guidelines for such rehabilitation. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012 for NIH's trauma research program. (Sec. 6) Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), to make grants to states and American Indian consortia (currently, only to states) to improve access to rehabilitation and other services (currently, to health and other services) regarding traumatic brain injury. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY2009-FY2012. Requires the Administrator and the Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities to coordinate the collection of data regarding protection and advocacy services. Directs the Administrator to make a grant for training and technical assistance to protection and advocacy systems, if funds permit. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012.

traumatic brain injury act sec amends public_health_service_act revise national program traumatic brain injury registries grants state traumatic brain injury surveillance systems registries currently registries determine incidence prevalence traumatic brain injury related disability ensure uniformity reporting system registry link individuals traumatic brain injury services supports link individuals academic institutions conduct applied research requires secretary health_and_human_services acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc director national_institutes_of_health nih report relevant congressional committees activities procedures implemented cdc improve collection dissemination compatible epidemiological studies incidence prevalence traumatic brain injury military sec authorizes secretary acting director cdc conduct study determine incidence traumatic brain injury prevalence traumatic brain injury related disability report national trends traumatic brain injury identify common therapeutic interventions rehabilitation individuals injuries identify interventions therapies prevent remediate development secondary conditions related traumatic brain injury develop practice guidelines rehabilitation sec authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2012 nih trauma research program sec allows secretary acting administrator hrsa grants states american indian consortia currently states improve access rehabilitation services currently health services traumatic brain injury authorizes appropriations grants fy2009 fy2012 requires administrator commissioner coordinate collection data protection advocacy services directs administrator grant training technical assistance protection advocacy systems funds permit authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2012


Summary: Community Choice Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require state Medicaid plan coverage of community-based attendant services and supports for certain Medicaid-eligible individuals.Outlines requirements for: (1) an enhanced federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for ongoing activities of early coverage states that enhance and promote the use of community-based attendant services and supports; and (2) increased federal financial participation for certain expenditures incurred by the state for the provision of such services and supports. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) award grants to eligible states which have established a Consumer Task Force to assist the state in its development of real choice systems change initiatives; and (2) conduct a demonstration project for the purpose of evaluating service coordination and cost-sharing approaches with respect to the provision of community-based services and supports to dually eligible individuals.

community choice act amends title xix medicaid social security act ssa require state medicaid plan coverage community based attendant services supports certain medicaid eligible individuals outlines requirements enhanced federal medical assistance percentage fmap ongoing activities early coverage states enhance promote use community based attendant services supports increased federal financial participation certain expenditures incurred state provision services supports directs secretary health_and_human_services award grants eligible states established assist state development real choice systems change initiatives conduct demonstration project purpose evaluating service coordination cost sharing approaches respect provision community based services supports dually eligible individuals


Summary: Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act  Title I: Paralysis Research - (Sec. 101) Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop mechanisms to coordinate NIH paralysis research and rehabilitation activities in order to further advance and avoid duplication of such activities. Authorizes the Director to make grants for the cost of planning, establishing, improving, and providing basic operating support for consortia in paralysis research. Requires the Director to designate each consortium funded as a Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Research Consortium. Authorizes such consortia to: (1) conduct basic, translational, and clinical paralysis research; (2) facilitate and enhance the dissemination of clinical and scientific findings; and (3) replicate the findings of consortia members or other researchers for scientific and translational purposes. Authorizes the Director to provide for a mechanism to educate and disseminate information on NIH paralysis programs and research activities, through which the Director can receive comments from the public. Title II: Paralysis Rehabilitation Research and Care - (Sec. 201) Requires the Director to award grants for multicenter networks of clinical sites that will collaborate to design clinical rehabilitation intervention protocols and measures of outcomes on forms of paralysis that result from central nervous system trauma, disorders, and/or stroke. Authorizes a multicenter network of clinical sites to: (1) focus on areas of key scientific concern, including improving functional mobility; and (2) replicate the findings of network members or other researchers for scientific and translation purposes. Title III: Improving Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis and Other Physical Disabilities - (Sec. 301) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) study the unique health challenges associated with paralysis and other physical disabilities; and (2) carry out projects and interventions to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities, including developing a national paralysis and physical disability quality of life action plan and establishing a population-based database that may be used for longitudinal and other research on paralysis and other disabling conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to state and local health disability agencies to: (1) establish a population-based database that may be used for longitudinal and other research on paralysis and other disabling conditions; (2) develop comprehensive paralysis and other physical action plans and activities; (3) assist state-based programs in collaborating with people with paralysis and other physical disabilities and their constituent organization; (4) coordinate paralysis and physical disability activities with existing state-based disability and health programs; (5) provide education and training opportunities and programs for health professionals and allied caregivers; and (6) develop, test, evaluate, and replicate effective intervention programs to maintain or improve health and quality of life. Allows the Secretary to award grants to private health and disability organizations to: (1) disseminate information to the public; (2) improve access to services for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities and their caregivers; (3) test model intervention programs to improve health and quality of life; and (4) coordinate existing services with state-based disability and health programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011.

christopher title paralysis research sec requires director national_institutes_of_health nih develop mechanisms coordinate nih paralysis research rehabilitation activities order advance avoid duplication activities authorizes director grants cost planning establishing improving providing basic operating support consortia paralysis research requires director designate consortium funded christopher authorizes consortia conduct basic translational clinical paralysis research facilitate enhance dissemination clinical scientific findings replicate findings consortia members researchers scientific translational purposes authorizes director provide mechanism educate disseminate information nih paralysis programs research activities director receive comments public title paralysis rehabilitation research care sec requires director award grants networks clinical sites collaborate design clinical rehabilitation intervention protocols measures outcomes forms paralysis result central nervous system trauma disorders stroke authorizes network clinical sites focus areas key scientific concern including improving functional mobility replicate findings network members researchers scientific translation purposes title iii improving quality life persons paralysis physical disabilities sec authorizes secretary health_and_human_services study unique health challenges associated paralysis physical disabilities carry projects interventions improve quality life long term health status persons paralysis physical disabilities including developing national paralysis physical disability quality life action plan establishing population based database longitudinal research paralysis disabling conditions authorizes secretary award grants state local health disability agencies establish population based database longitudinal research paralysis disabling conditions develop comprehensive paralysis physical action plans activities assist state based programs collaborating people paralysis physical disabilities constituent organization coordinate paralysis physical disability activities existing state based disability health programs provide education training opportunities programs health professionals allied caregivers develop test evaluate replicate effective intervention programs maintain improve health quality life allows secretary award grants private health disability organizations disseminate information public improve access services persons living paralysis physical disabilities caregivers test model intervention programs improve health quality life coordinate existing services state based disability health programs authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2011


Summary: Gulf States Medicare Rehabilitation Unit Access Act of 2007 - Provides for certification of certain rehabilitation units of general acute care hospitals affected by Hurricane Katrina for purposes of the prospective payment system under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes a Katrina-affected hospital, if it seeks treatment as a rehabilitation unit of any such unit that is to be reopened, to provide a written certification that the inpatient population the hospital intends the unit to serve meets certain requirements, instead of showing that the unit has treated such a population during the hospital's most recent cost reporting period in the same manner as a hospital that seeks exclusion of a new rehabilitation unit may provide such a certification.

medicare rehabilitation unit access act provides certification certain rehabilitation units general acute care hospitals affected hurricane katrina purposes prospective payment system title xviii medicare social security act authorizes katrina affected hospital seeks treatment rehabilitation unit unit reopened provide written certification inpatient population hospital intends unit serve meets certain requirements instead showing unit treated population hospital recent cost reporting period manner hospital seeks exclusion new rehabilitation unit provide certification


Summary: Medicare Independent Living Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the in-the-home restriction for Medicare coverage of mobility devices for individuals with expected long-term needs. Deems such devices to be durable medical equipment (DME) if they are used in customary settings for the purpose of normal domestic, vocational, or community activities.

amends title xviii medicare social security act eliminate home restriction medicare coverage mobility devices individuals expected long term needs deems devices durable medical equipment dme customary settings purpose normal domestic vocational community activities


Summary: Medicare Access to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services Improvement Act of 2007 - 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 and lymphedema therapist services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare, including those provided in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers.

medicare access physical medicine rehabilitation services improvement 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 therapist services medicare including provided rural health clinics federally qualified health centers


Summary: Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit local public agencies to act as Medicaid enrollment brokers.

amends title xix medicaid social security act ssa permit local public agencies act medicaid enrollment brokers


Summary: Medicaid Access Project through Information Technology (MAP IT) Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a two-year project to demonstrate the impact of health information technology on chronic disease management under the Medicaid program of title XIX of the Social Security Act.

map act_-_directs secretary health_and_human_services establish year project demonstrate impact health information technology chronic disease management medicaid program title xix social security act


Summary: Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to screen veterans eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, medical, and nursing home care for symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Requires the Secretary to develop and carry out a program of long-term care for post-acute TBI rehabilitation in four geographically dispersed polytrauma network sites designated by the Secretary. Makes eligible for such program veterans who: (1) served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War or during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998; (2) are diagnosed with moderate to severe TBI; and (3) are unable to manage routine daily living activities without supervision or assistance. Requires a program report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans' committees. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a TBI transition office at each polytrauma network site to coordinate the provision of health care and services to veterans who suffer from moderate to severe TBI and are in need of health care and services not immediately offered by the VA; and (2) establish and maintain the Traumatic Brain Injury Veterans' Health Registry. Requires: (1) the Secretary to establish and operate up to five centers for TBI research, education, and clinical activities; (2) the establishment of a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted for the designation of such centers; (3) the VA Under Secretary of Health to ensure that information produced at such centers is disseminated throughout the Veterans Health Administration (VHA); and (4) annual reports from the Secretary to the veterans' committees on the status and activities of the centers. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish within the VHA the Committee on Care of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury. Requires annual reports from the Secretary to the veterans' committees on Committee activities. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to provide veterans' readjustment counseling, related mental health services, benefits outreach, and claims assistance through the use of mobile Vet Centers. Requires: (1) the establishment of two mobile Vet Centers in each of five specified Veterans Integrated Service Network areas; and (2) a pilot program report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans to advise the Secretary with respect to the administration of VA benefits for rural veterans. Requires: (1) the Committee to report to the Secretary on each odd-numbered year through 2013 on VA programs and activities that pertain to rural veterans; and (2) the Secretary to forward each report to Congress.

long term support act sec directs secretary veterans_affairs establish program screen veterans eligible department_of_veterans_affairs hospital medical nursing home care symptoms traumatic brain injury tbi requires secretary develop carry program long term care post acute tbi rehabilitation geographically dispersed polytrauma network sites designated secretary makes eligible program veterans served active duty theater combat operations period war persian_gulf_war period hostilities november diagnosed moderate severe tbi unable manage routine daily living activities supervision assistance requires program report secretary congressional veterans committees directs secretary establish tbi transition office polytrauma network site coordinate provision health care services veterans suffer moderate severe tbi need health care services immediately offered establish maintain traumatic brain injury veterans health registry requires secretary establish operate centers tbi research education clinical activities establishment peer review panel assess scientific clinical merit proposals submitted designation centers secretary health ensure information produced centers disseminated veterans_health_administration vha annual reports secretary veterans committees status activities centers authorizes appropriations directs secretary establish vha committee care veterans traumatic brain injury requires annual reports secretary veterans committees committee activities sec directs secretary carry pilot program provide veterans readjustment counseling related mental health services benefits outreach claims assistance use mobile vet_centers requires establishment mobile vet_centers specified veterans_integrated_service_network areas pilot program report secretary veterans committees sec directs secretary establish advisory_committee rural veterans advise secretary respect administration benefits rural veterans requires committee report secretary odd numbered year programs activities pertain rural veterans secretary forward report congress


Summary: Medicare Access to Complex Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exempt complex rehabilitation products and assistive technology products from the Medicare competititve acquisition program.

medicare access amends title xviii medicare social security act exempt complex rehabilitation products assistive technology products medicare acquisition program


Summary: Geriatric Assessment and Chronic Care Coordination Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) coverage of geriatric assessments and chronic care coordination services for eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach activities to inform likely eligible individuals of such assessments and services. Directs the Secretary to contract for a study and report to Congress and the Secretary on: (1) the effectiveness of such coverage in improving the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions; and (2) the impact of such assessments and services on reducing Medicare expenditures. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of pay-for-performance programs to serve Medicare beneficiaries with multiple conditions; (2) the cost-effectiveness of chronic care coordination under Medicare; and (3) whether the quality measures used for making Medicare part B payments improve the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic illnesses.

chronic care coordination act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide medicare supplementary_medical_insurance coverage geriatric assessments chronic care coordination services eligible individuals directs secretary health_and_human_services conduct outreach activities inform likely eligible individuals assessments services directs secretary contract study report congress secretary effectiveness coverage improving quality care provided medicare beneficiaries chronic conditions impact assessments services reducing medicare expenditures directs secretary study report congress effectiveness pay performance programs serve medicare beneficiaries multiple conditions cost effectiveness chronic care coordination medicare quality measures making medicare payments improve quality care provided medicare beneficiaries multiple chronic illnesses


Summary: Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of home infusion therapy and home infusion drugs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement the Medicare home infusion therapy benefit in a manner that ensures that: (1) Medicare beneficiaries have timely and appropriate access to infusion therapy in their homes; and (2) there is rapid and seamless coordination between drug coverage under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) and home infusion therapy services coverage under Medicare part B (Supplemental Security Income).

medicare_home_infusion_therapy_coverage_act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide medicare coverage home infusion therapy home infusion drugs directs secretary health_and_human_services implement medicare home infusion therapy benefit manner ensures medicare beneficiaries timely appropriate access infusion therapy homes rapid seamless coordination drug coverage medicare voluntary prescription drug benefit program home infusion therapy services coverage medicare supplemental security income


Summary: Qualified Long-term Care Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction from gross income for the cost of long-term care services and long-term care insurance contracts.

care fairness act amends internal revenue code allow tax deduction gross income cost long term care services long term care insurance contracts


Summary: Wounded Heroes' Bill of Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide prompt emergency cash assistance to a member of the Armed Forces or veteran who, on or after September 11, 2001, was or is severely injured while serving on active duty (to be known as a Wounded Hero) and, due to such injury, is undergoing significant financial difficulty. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a business tax credit for employers hiring Wounded Heroes. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide increased protections under such Act for Wounded Heroes and persons in military service. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to ensure the provision of sufficient services to meet the needs of Wounded Heroes without regard to residential geographic location with respect to the following: (1) adult day health care; (2) home health care; (3) respite care; (4) home-based primary care; (5) hospice; and (6) such other noninstitutional extended care services as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to operate and maintain a program in caregiver education, training, and certification for family members of Wounded Heroes. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to furnish care to a Wounded Hero, under certain conditions. Establishes: (1) in the VA an Office for Wounded Heroes Advocate; (2) in the Executive Office of the President an Office for Wounded Heroes; and (3) the Wounded Heroes Independent Review Board. Requires the Board to, among other things, review VA or other federal agency determinations with respect to the scope and intensity of benefits, especially health care or vocational rehabilitation, provided to Wounded Heroes.

wounded heroes bill rights act directs secretary defense provide prompt emergency cash assistance member armed_forces veteran september severely injured serving active duty known wounded hero injury undergoing significant financial difficulty amends internal revenue code provide business tax credit employers hiring amends servicemembers_civil_relief_act provide increased protections act wounded heroes persons military service requires secretary veterans_affairs secretary ensure provision sufficient services meet needs regard residential geographic location respect following adult day health care home health care respite care home based primary care hospice extended care services appropriate directs secretary operate maintain program caregiver education training certification family members authorizes secretary contract non-department_of_veterans_affairs facilities furnish care wounded hero certain conditions establishes executive_office president office wounded heroes requires board things review federal agency determinations respect scope intensity benefits especially health care vocational rehabilitation provided


Summary: Medicare Long-Term Care Patient Safety and Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to define "long-term care hospital" and establish new patient criteria for long-term care hospital prospective payments. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to approve under Medicare distinct part inpatient rehabilitation hospital units in long-term care hospitals, if rehabilitation services are not included within a major diagnostic category. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to the appropriate congressional committees recommendations on the promulgation of national long-term care hospital facility and patient criteria; and (2), after rulemaking, implement them. Amends SSA title XI to require a peer review organization to review on a hospital-specific basis the medical necessity of admissions to, and continued stay at, long-term care hospitals of Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) patients. Directs the Secretary, with certain exceptions, to impose a temporary moratorium on the Medicare certification of new long-term care hospitals (and satellite facilities). Directs the Secretary not to apply the 25% patient threshold payment adjustment to freestanding and grandfathered long-term hospitals. States that payments to an applicable long-term care hospital or satellite facility, located in a rural area or co-located with an urban single or MSA dominant hospital, shall not be subject to any payment adjustment if no more than 75% percent of its Medicare discharges are admitted from a co-located hospital. Provides that payment to an applicable long-term care hospital or satellite facility co-located with another hospital shall not be subject to such payment adjustments, if no more than 50% of its Medicare discharges are admitted from a co-located hospital. Prohibits the Secretary from applying certain proposed amendments to the short-stay outlier payment policy for certain long-term care hospitals. Prohibits the Secretary from making a certain one-time prospective adjustment to long-term care hospital prospective payment rates. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on appropriate quality measures for Medicare patients receiving care in long-term care hospitals.

improvement act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa define long term care hospital establish new patient criteria long term care hospital prospective payments requires secretary health_and_human_services approve medicare distinct inpatient rehabilitation hospital units long term care hospitals rehabilitation services included major diagnostic category directs secretary report appropriate congressional committees recommendations promulgation national long term care hospital facility patient criteria rulemaking implement amends ssa title require peer review organization review hospital specific basis medical necessity admissions continued stay long term care hospitals medicare patients directs secretary certain exceptions impose temporary moratorium medicare certification new long term care hospitals satellite facilities directs secretary apply patient threshold payment adjustment freestanding grandfathered long term hospitals states payments applicable long term care hospital satellite facility located rural area located urban single msa dominant hospital shall subject payment adjustment percent medicare discharges admitted located hospital provides payment applicable long term care hospital satellite facility located hospital shall subject payment adjustments medicare discharges admitted located hospital prohibits secretary applying certain proposed amendments short stay outlier payment policy certain long term care hospitals prohibits secretary making certain time prospective adjustment long term care hospital prospective payment rates directs secretary study report congress appropriate quality measures medicare patients receiving care long term care hospitals


Summary: Long-Term Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an exclusion from gross income of distributions from individual retirement accounts and other employee benefit plans used to pay long-term care insurance premiums.

amends internal revenue code allow exclusion gross income distributions individual retirement accounts employee benefit plans pay long term care insurance premiums


Summary: Veteran's Choice in Nursing Home Care Act - Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into agreements with non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes of the veteran's choice to provide nursing home care to veterans eligible for such care through the VA. Requires the: (1) Secretary to pay the non-VA facility for the provision of such care, with payment limits; and (2) veteran who requests such care to assume responsibility for costs that exceeds the VA limits.

nursing home care act allows secretary veterans_affairs enter agreements non-department_of_veterans_affairs nursing homes veteran choice provide nursing home care veterans eligible care requires secretary pay non facility provision care payment limits veteran requests care assume responsibility costs exceeds limits


Summary: Long-Term Care Affordability and Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) include long-term care insurance as a benefit under tax-exempt employee benefit cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements; and (2) make certain consumer protections applicable to long-term care insurance.

amends internal revenue code include long term care insurance benefit tax exempt employee benefit cafeteria plans flexible spending arrangements certain consumer protections applicable long term care insurance


Summary: Northwest Florida Veterans Health Care Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into a sharing agreement with the Secretary of Defense with respect to joint Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Department of Defense (DOD) use of the inpatient medical facility at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Requires the Secretary to construct a joint VA-DOD outpatient medical facility at such Base.

secretary veterans_affairs secretary enter sharing agreement secretary defense respect joint department_of_veterans_affairs defense dod use inpatient medical facility florida requires secretary construct joint dod outpatient medical facility base


Summary: Long-Term Care Tax Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income distributions from an individual retirement account and other tax-exempt retirement plans used to pay long-term care insurance premiums.

amends internal revenue code exclude gross income distributions individual retirement account tax exempt retirement plans pay long term care insurance premiums


Summary: James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide medical monitoring and treatment benefits to: (1) eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the New York City terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) establish the WTC Health Program Steering Committee and the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (2) institute a program that provides education and outreach on the existence and availability of services under the WTC program; and (3) provide for the uniform collection of data related to WTC-related health conditions.Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish similar programs with respect to the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.Requires the administrator to conduct or support research on: (1) physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks; and (2) diagnosing and treating WTC-related health conditions.Requires the administrator to extend and expand arrangements with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry. Authorizes the administrator to make grants to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to address mental health needs relating to the terrorist attacks.Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to provide, under certain circumstances, for an extension of time for filing claims under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001.

amends public_health_service_act establish wtc program provide medical monitoring treatment benefits eligible emergency responders recovery cleanup workers responded new_york_city terrorist attacks september residents building occupants area workers directly impacted adversely affected attacks requires wtc program administrator establish institute program provides education outreach existence availability services wtc program provide uniform collection data related wtc related health conditions authorizes secretary health_and_human_services establish similar programs respect terrorist attack pentagon september administrator conduct support research physical mental health conditions related september terrorist attacks diagnosing treating wtc related health conditions requires administrator extend expand arrangements provide authorizes administrator grants address mental health needs relating terrorist attacks amends air_transportation_safety_and_system_stabilization_act provide certain circumstances extension time filing claims september victim compensation fund


Summary: Long Term Care Quality Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities to separately report expenditures for wages and benefits for nursing staff (by staff level, breaking out (at a minimum) registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, and certified nurse assistants).

improvement act amends title xviii medicare social security act require skilled nursing facilities separately report expenditures wages benefits nursing staff staff level breaking minimum registered nurses licensed professional nurses certified nurse assistants


Summary: Home Health Care Access Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services and adjustments to it for case mix changes.Prohibits any adjustment in the PPS for payment in 2008. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for any adjustment in a subsequent year, to evaluate changes in case mix using standards developed consistent with specified processes, taking certain criteria into account.Directs the Secretary to convene a Technical Advisory Group to advise on the development of such standards.Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action to implement or otherwise carry out provisions in the final rule published on August 29, 2007, that propose to make a case mix adjustment to the standardized payment amounts under the PPS to account for changes in coding that were not related to an underlying change in patient health status. Directs the Secretary to republish any rates specified in such rule to take into account the application of such prohibition.

amends title xviii medicare social security act respect prospective payment system pps home health services adjustments case mix changes prohibits adjustment pps payment requires secretary health_and_human_services adjustment subsequent year evaluate changes case mix standards developed consistent specified processes taking certain criteria account directs secretary convene technical_advisory_group advise development standards prohibits secretary taking action implement carry provisions final rule published august propose case mix adjustment standardized payment amounts pps account changes coding related underlying change patient health status directs secretary rates specified rule account application prohibition


Summary: Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure the provision of specified substance use disorder treatment services at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center and community-based outpatient clinic. Requires the Secretary to ensure that treatment for a substance use disorder and a comorbid mental health disorder is provided concurrently by a team of experienced clinicians. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program of enhanced care and treatment for veterans with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and (2) establish at least six national centers of excellence on PTSD and substance use disorders. Requires a report on residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Pays tribute to Justin Bailey. Requires a: (1) pilot program on peer outreach and support services, readjustment counseling services, and other mental health services for veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) program of research into comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder; and (3) pilot program on the provision of readjustment and transition assistance to veterans and their families in cooperation with Vet Centers.

mental health improvements act directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure provision specified substance use disorder treatment services department_of_veterans_affairs medical center community based outpatient clinic requires secretary ensure treatment substance use disorder mental health disorder provided concurrently team experienced clinicians requires secretary carry program enhanced care treatment veterans substance use disorders post traumatic stress disorder ptsd establish national centers excellence ptsd substance use disorders requires report residential mental health care facilities veterans_health_administration vha pays requires pilot program peer outreach support services readjustment counseling services mental health services veterans operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom program research ptsd substance use disorder pilot program provision readjustment transition assistance veterans families cooperation vet_centers


Summary: Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Service to conduct a demonstration program requiring a state to establish a process for joint training and education of surveyors and providers for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities at least annually. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow resumption of nursing aid training programs in SNFs after correction of deficiencies. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for SNFs: (1) certain (high cost and low probability) cancer treatment drugs, including antineoplastic drugs, antiemitics, and supportive medications; (2) all ambulance services, including those furnished to an individual in conjunction with renal dialysis services; and (3) other appropriate items and services. Authorizes a physician, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist to certify under Medicare that a prescribed series of blood glucose tests are medically required. Provides for: (1) counting of observation days in application of the Medicare post-hospital requirement for coverage of SNF care; (2) extension of the exceptions process for Medicare therapy caps; and (3) expansion of telehealth services to SNFs. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on developing management alternatives to the Medicare payment cap for physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary to make grants to, and contract with, physical therapy programs for projects to recruit and retain faculty and students, develop curriculum, and support the distribution of physical therapy practitioners in underserved areas; and (2) repeal the limitation to nonprofit entities only in the assignment of nurses under the nursing loan repayment program to private entities. Requires the Secretary to establish a national nursing database to predict future nursing shortages. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the Long Term Care Quality Advisory Commission; and (2) make grants for five demonstration projects to implement and evaluate methods for improving the quality of health care in long-term care settings. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set a 15-year recovery period for qualified long-term care improvement property.

long term directs secretary health_and_human_service conduct demonstration program requiring state establish process joint training education providers skilled nursing facilities snfs nursing facilities annually amends title xviii medicare title xix medicaid social security act allow resumption nursing aid training programs snfs correction deficiencies authorizes secretary exclude medicare prospective payment system pps snfs certain high cost low probability cancer treatment drugs including drugs supportive medications ambulance services including furnished individual conjunction renal dialysis services appropriate items services authorizes physician nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist certify medicare prescribed series blood glucose tests medically required provides counting observation days application medicare post hospital requirement coverage snf care extension exceptions process medicare therapy caps expansion telehealth services snfs directs secretary study report congress developing management alternatives medicare payment cap physical therapy speech language pathology occupational therapy services amends public_health_service_act authorize secretary grants contract physical therapy programs projects recruit retain faculty students develop curriculum support distribution physical therapy practitioners underserved areas repeal limitation nonprofit entities assignment nurses nursing loan repayment program private entities requires secretary establish national nursing database predict future nursing shortages directs secretary establish grants demonstration projects implement evaluate methods improving quality health care long term care settings amends internal revenue code set year recovery period qualified long term care improvement property


Summary: Medicare Part D Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide a long-term care pharmacy benefit under Medicare part D. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process for the immediate enrollment of part D eligible individuals in a prescription drug plan upon the individual's establishment as a resident of a long-term care facility. Eliminates part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals.

medicare long term care patient protection act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act provide long term care pharmacy benefit medicare directs secretary health_and_human_services establish process immediate enrollment eligible individuals prescription drug plan individual establishment resident long term care facility eliminates cost sharing certain non institutionalized benefit dual eligible individuals


Summary: Cancer and Terminal Illness Patient Health Care Act of 2007- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to waive the employee portion of the Social Security tax for any period in which a taxpayer has been certified by a physician as having cancer or a terminal illness or is the primary caregiver for a spouse, parent, or child with cancer or a terminal disease. Reduces by 50 percent the rates of tax levied on a self-employed individual for old age, survivors and disability insurance and hospital insurance if a physician has certified that such individual has a terminal disease or cancer throughout the taxable year or is the primary caregiver for a spouse, parent, or child with a terminal disease or cancer.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code waive employee portion social_security tax period taxpayer certified physician having cancer terminal illness primary caregiver spouse parent child cancer terminal disease reduces percent rates tax levied self employed individual old age survivors disability insurance hospital insurance physician certified individual terminal disease cancer taxable year primary caregiver spouse parent child terminal disease cancer


Summary: Military Pain Care Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services and the Surgeon General of the United States to develop and implement a pain care initiative in all military health care facilities. Requires the initiative to ensure that all active and retired military personnel and dependents receiving treatment in military health care facilities: (1) are assessed for pain at the time of admission or initial treatment, and periodically thereafter, using a professionally recognized pain assessment tool or process; and (2) receive appropriate pain care consistent with recognized means for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain, including, as appropriate, access to specialty pain management services. Requires: (1) Department of Defense (DOD) contracts for medical care for military retirees, dependents, and survivors to include the provision of appropriate care for the treatment of pain; and (2) a Comptroller General study on the adequacy of pain care in DOD health care facilities, services, and programs.

military pain care act directs secretaries defense veterans_affairs health_and_human_services surgeon general united_states develop implement pain care initiative military health care facilities requires initiative ensure active retired military personnel dependents receiving treatment military health care facilities assessed pain time admission initial treatment periodically professionally recognized pain assessment tool process receive appropriate pain care consistent recognized means assessment diagnosis treatment management acute chronic pain including appropriate access specialty pain management services requires department_of_defense dod contracts medical care military retirees dependents survivors include provision appropriate care treatment pain comptroller_general study adequacy pain care dod health care facilities services programs


Summary: Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction from gross income for long-term care insurance premiums; (2) include long-term care insurance in employee benefit cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements; (3) allow a tax credit for certain long-term care costs; and (4) set forth certain consumer protections for long-term care insurance contracts.

security act amends internal revenue code allow tax deduction gross income long term care insurance premiums include long term care insurance employee benefit cafeteria plans flexible spending arrangements allow tax credit certain long term care costs set forth certain consumer protections long term care insurance contracts


Summary: Advance Directive Promotion Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a service provider, Medicare+Choice organization, or prepaid or eligible organization to include the content of an advanced directive in a prominent part of an individual's current medical record. Requires a service provider to give effect to a valid advance directive executed outside the state in which such directive is presented to the same extent as such provider would give effect to a valid advance directive executed under the law of the state in which it is presented. Requires an initial preventative physical examination to include an end-of-life planning consultation. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to operate a clearinghouse and a 24-hour toll free telephone hotline in order to provide consumer information about advance directives, end-of-life decisionmaking, and available end-of-life and hospice care services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary, directly or through grants to public or nonprofit private entities, to conduct a national public education campaign to increase awareness of advance directive planning.

advance directive promotion act amends title xviii medicare xix medicaid social security act require service provider organization prepaid eligible organization include content advanced directive prominent individual current medical record requires service provider effect valid advance directive executed outside state directive presented extent provider effect valid advance directive executed law state presented requires initial preventative physical examination include end life planning consultation directs secretary health_and_human_services acting administrator centers operate clearinghouse hour toll free telephone hotline order provide consumer information advance directives end life decisionmaking available end life hospice care services amends public_health_service_act direct secretary directly grants public nonprofit private entities conduct national public education campaign increase awareness advance directive planning


Summary: Elderly Care Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt recipients of home care services under federally-assisted state or local government home care programs for the elderly or disabled from payment of employment taxes for amounts paid to service providers. Imposes liability for payment of such taxes on the fiscal administrators of such programs.

elderly care tax act amends internal revenue code exempt recipients home care services federally assisted state local government home care programs elderly disabled payment employment taxes amounts paid service providers imposes liability payment taxes fiscal administrators programs


Summary: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2008 - Permits a home health agency to determine the most appropriate skilled service to make the initial assessment visit for an individual who: (1) is eligible for home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; but (2) does not require skilled nursing care as long as that skilled service is included as part of the plan of care for such services. Permits an occupational therapist to make the initial assessment visit in such a case if occupational therapy is included in such plan in the initial physician referral in conjunction with physical therapy or speech language pathology services.

medicare_home_health flexibility act permits home health agency determine appropriate skilled service initial assessment visit individual eligible home health services title xviii medicare social security act require skilled nursing care long skilled service included plan care services permits occupational therapist initial assessment visit case occupational therapy included plan initial physician referral conjunction physical therapy speech language pathology services


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to provide for the direct payment of attorney fees to the attorney representing a prevailing party in civil actions involving Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Claims under titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act. Declares that such fees shall not be subject to offset due to a claim of the United States against the prevailing party.

amends federal judicial code provide direct payment attorney fees attorney representing prevailing party civil actions involving titles survivors disability insurance oasdi xvi supplemental security income ssi social security act declares fees shall subject offset claim united_states prevailing party


Summary: Healthy Firefighters Act - Directs the United States Fire Administration to: (1) contract with a locally based medical research university to conduct long-term medical health monitoring of firefighters who responded to emergencies in a federally declared disaster area; and (2) provide for the treatment of such firefighters who suffer health-related conditions as a result of responding to such emergencies. Requires such monitoring to include: (1) monitoring of pulmonary illness, neurological damage, and cardiovascular damage; and (2) exposure documentation.

united_states_fire_administration contract locally based medical research university conduct long term medical health monitoring firefighters responded emergencies federally declared disaster area provide treatment firefighters suffer health related conditions result responding emergencies requires monitoring include monitoring pulmonary illness neurological damage cardiovascular damage exposure documentation