Summary: Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the management of pain experienced by veterans, including department-wide management of acute and chronic pain, the standard of care, the consistent application of pain assessments, health care personnel education and training, and education for veterans and their families.

veterans pain care act directs secretary veterans_affairs develop implement comprehensive policy management pain experienced veterans including department wide management acute chronic pain standard care consistent application pain assessments health care personnel education training education veterans families


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a geographic adjustment in the Medicare hospice payment cap, increasing the work geographic index to 1.00 for any locality for which such index is less than 1.00.Requires hospice programs to report comprehensive data on hospice care.

amends title xviii medicare social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services provide geographic adjustment medicare hospice payment cap increasing work geographic index locality index hospice programs report comprehensive data hospice care


Summary: Tax Relief for Long-Term Care Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for long-term care insurance premiums and for care provided by a caregiver to a family member or dependent with long-term care needs who resides with such caregiver. Phases in a maximum credit amount of $3,000 between 2009 and 2013. Reduces such credit amount for a taxpayer whose adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return).

tax relief long term care act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit long term care insurance premiums care provided caregiver family member dependent long term care needs resides caregiver phases maximum credit reduces credit taxpayer adjusted gross income exceeds case joint return


Summary: Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2008 - Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to revise the medical criteria for evaluating disability caused by adult-onset and juvenile Huntington's Disease. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility for individuals disabled by Huntington's Disease.

huntington disease parity act directs commissioner social_security revise medical criteria evaluating disability caused adult onset juvenile huntington disease amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act eliminate month waiting period medicare eligibility individuals disabled huntington disease


Summary: Helping Housing, Awareness, and Navigation Demonstration Services for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders Act of 2008 or the Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary), in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Secretary) and the Secretary of Education, to establish a demonstration program to award grants to eligible entities to develop an autism navigator program to create a more efficient, effective, coordinated use of the health, housing, education, and social service systems for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Requires: (1) an eligible entity that receives a grant to develop an autism navigator program that will recruit, employ, train, assign, and supervise autism navigators; and (2) the HHS Secretary to provide for evaluations to determine the effects of navigator services.Directs the HHS Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) develop, demonstrate, and disseminate a standard curriculum for training first responders in assisting individuals with autism and other cognitive behavioral disabilities and their families during emergencies; and (2) award grants to states and local governments to train first responders in providing assistance to such individuals in emergency situations.Requires the HUD Secretary to convene a task force to establish a housing demonstration grant program to award grants to entities to provide a program aimed at providing individualized housing and services to adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

helping hands autism act amends public health service act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs secretary coordination secretary housing_and_urban_development hud secretary secretary education establish demonstration program award grants eligible entities develop autism navigator program create efficient effective coordinated use health housing education social service systems individuals autism spectrum disorder requires eligible entity receives grant develop autism navigator program recruit employ train assign supervise autism navigators hhs secretary provide evaluations determine effects navigator services directs hhs secretary coordination director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc develop demonstrate disseminate standard curriculum training responders assisting individuals autism cognitive behavioral disabilities families emergencies award grants states local governments train responders providing assistance individuals emergency situations requires hud secretary convene task force establish housing demonstration grant program award grants entities provide program aimed providing individualized housing services adults autism spectrum disorder


Summary: Veterans' Health Care Policy Enhancement Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Prohibits the collection by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of copayments or other fees for hospital or nursing home care in the case of catastrophically disabled veterans. (Sec. 3) Repeals a current requirement that, in order for a family member of a non-service-connected disabled veteran to be eligible for counseling services, the counseling must be essential to permit the discharge of the veteran from the hospital. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the management of pain experienced by veterans enrolled for VA health care services; (2) periodically revise the policy; and (3) report annually through FY2018 to the congressional veterans' committees on policy implementation. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary, within five years after the enactment of this Act, to establish up to seven consolidated patient accounting centers for conducting industry-modeled regionalized VA billing and collection activities. (Sec. 6) Repeals a provision of the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 requiring written informed consent for HIV testing among veterans.

sec prohibits collection department_of_veterans_affairs copayments fees hospital nursing home care case catastrophically disabled veterans sec repeals current requirement order family member non service connected disabled veteran eligible counseling services counseling essential permit discharge veteran hospital sec directs secretary veterans_affairs develop implement comprehensive policy management pain experienced veterans enrolled health care services periodically revise policy report annually fy2018 congressional veterans committees policy implementation sec requires secretary years enactment act establish seven consolidated patient accounting centers conducting industry modeled billing collection activities sec repeals provision veterans benefits services act requiring written informed consent hiv testing veterans


Summary: Caregiver Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow caregivers of family members or dependents with long-term care needs a refundable income-based tax credit of $2,500 for each such family member or dependent.

caregiver tax relief act amends internal revenue code allow caregivers family members dependents long term care needs refundable income based tax credit family member dependent


Summary: Timley Due Process for the Disabled Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) establish time frames, within specified limits, to ensure timely disability determinations; and (2) establish a program for the monitoring of disability determinations in reconsideration.

process disabled act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act direct commissioner social_security establish time frames specified limits ensure timely disability determinations establish program monitoring disability determinations reconsideration


Summary: James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008 - 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 World Trade Center 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. Provides for cost-sharing with workers' compensation and health insurance plans, but not with eligible individuals.Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) implement a quality assurance program; (2) review the program's health care expenditures to detect fraudulent or duplicate billing and payment for inappropriate services; (3) establish the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (4) establish the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee; (5) institute a program that provides education and outreach on the existence and availability of services under the WTC program; and (6) 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 physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks.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 Department 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 world_trade_center terrorist attacks september residents building occupants area workers directly impacted adversely affected attacks provides cost sharing workers compensation health insurance plans eligible individuals requires wtc program administrator implement quality assurance program review program health care expenditures detect fraudulent duplicate billing payment inappropriate services establish 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 requires administrator extend expand arrangements provide authorizes administrator grants department 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: Caring Family Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income-based tax credit for providing care to family members and dependents with long-term care needs. Allows a $3,000 tax credit for each family member or dependent (not exceeding two in any taxable year) who has reached age 60 and for whom the taxpayer provides long-term care services.

caring family act amends internal revenue code allow individual taxpayers income based tax credit providing care family members dependents long term care needs allows tax credit family member dependent exceeding taxable year reached age taxpayer provides long term care services


Summary: Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) the position of Director of Physical Therapy Service; and (2) degree and license requirements for appointment to a physical therapist position. Establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs Geriatric, Amputee, Polytrauma, and Rehabilitation Research Fellowships Program to assist in the recruitment of qualified physical therapists for VHA positions specializing in the areas of geriatrics, amputee rehabilitation, polytrauma care, and rehabilitation research.

veterans physical therapy services improvement act establishes veterans_health_administration vha department_of_veterans_affairs position director degree license requirements appointment physical therapist position amputee polytrauma assist recruitment qualified physical therapists vha positions specializing areas geriatrics amputee rehabilitation polytrauma care rehabilitation research


Summary: Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise conditions of and limitations on payment for home health care services. Allows payment for home health services to Medicare beneficiaries by: (1) a nurse practitioner; (2) a clinical nurse specialist working in collaboration with a physician in accordance with state law; (3) a certified nurse-midwife; or (4) a physician assistant under a physician's supervision.

home_health_care_planning_improvement_act amends title xviii medicare social security act revise conditions limitations payment home health care services allows payment home health services medicare beneficiaries nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist working collaboration physician accordance state law certified nurse midwife physician assistant physician supervision


Summary: Medicare Hospice Protection Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from phasing out or eliminating the budget neutrality adjustment factor in the Medicare hospice wage index before October 1, 2009. Directs the Secretary to recompute and apply the final Medicare hospice wage index for FY2009 as if there had been no reduction in the budget neutrality adjustment factor.

prohibits secretary health_and_human_services phasing eliminating budget neutrality adjustment factor medicare hospice wage index october directs secretary apply final medicare hospice wage index fy2009 reduction budget neutrality adjustment factor


Summary: Elder Caregiver Support and Information Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize additional FY2009-FY2011 appropriations for the family caregiver support program. Authorizes additional FY2009-FY2011 appropriations for the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information.

elder caregiver support information enhancement act amends older americans act authorize additional fy2009 fy2011 appropriations family caregiver support program authorizes additional fy2009 fy2011 appropriations national_clearinghouse long-term_care_information


Summary: Comprehensive Long-Term Care Support Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income (available for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions) for the cost of long-term care premiums for the taxpayer and certain family members, including the taxpayer's spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants. Phases in the deduction by allowing the deduction of 50 percent of the cost of premiums in 2009, 75 percent in 2010, and 100 percent in 2011 or thereafter. Allows long-term care insurance as a benefit under tax-qualified cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements.Allows a tax credit for caregivers of individuals with long-term health care needs. Phases in a $3,000 credit amount for 2013 or thereafter, beginning with $1,000 in 2009, $1,500 in 2010, $2,000 in 2011, and $2,500 in 2012. Reduces the amount of the credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint returns), adjusted for inflation after 2009. Increases funding for the the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Native American Caregiver Support Program.

comprehensive long term care support act amends internal revenue code allow deduction gross income available taxpayers itemize deductions cost long term care premiums taxpayer certain family members including taxpayer spouse ancestors lineal descendants phases deduction allowing deduction percent cost premiums percent percent allows long term care insurance benefit tax qualified cafeteria plans flexible spending arrangements allows tax credit caregivers individuals long term health care needs phases credit beginning reduces credit taxpayers adjusted gross incomes joint returns adjusted inflation increases funding national_family_caregiver_support_program


Summary: Independence at Home Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary Independence at Home chronic care coordination demonstration project under the Medicare fee-for-service program for high cost Medicare beneficiaries with multiple conditions.

independence home act amends title xviii medicare social security act establish voluntary independence home chronic care coordination demonstration project medicare fee service program high cost medicare beneficiaries multiple conditions


Summary: Life Sustaining Treatment Preferences Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, to extend Medicare coverage to consultations regarding an order for life sustaining treatment for qualified individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible entities to: (1) establish new programs for orders regarding life sustaining treatment in a state or locality; (2) expand or enhance an existing program; or (3) set up a clearinghouse of information on programs for such orders and consultative services for the development or enhancement of such programs.

preferences act amends title xviii medicare social security act amended medicare_improvements_for_patients_and_providers_act extend medicare coverage consultations order life sustaining treatment qualified individuals directs secretary health_and_human_services grants eligible entities establish new programs orders life sustaining treatment state locality expand enhance existing program set clearinghouse information programs orders consultative services development enhancement programs


Summary: Empowered at Home Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the income eligibility level for home and community-based (HCBS) services for elderly and disabled individuals. Revises the income eligibility limit for the state option to provide HCBS services under a waiver. Replaces the income limit of 150% of the poverty line with a limit of 300% of the supplemental security income (SSI) benefit rate. Authorizes a state to offer HCBS services under a waiver to eligible individuals that differ in type, amount, duration, or scope from the HCBS waiver services offered to other such individuals so long as they are within the scope of services for which the Secretary has authority to approve a waiver and do not include room or board. Increases the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for the provision of HCBS waiver services under Medicaid through the state plan option. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually to Congress on the extent to which state Medicaid plans have adopted a state plan amendment for medical assistance for HCBS waiver services for elderly and disabled individuals. Reauthorizes Medicaid investment grants (currently called transformation grants) at increased funding and specifies additional permissible uses to facilitate the provision of HCBS and other long-term care (LTC) services. Directs the Secretary to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible states to conduct an evidence- and community-based health promotion program. Amends SSA title XIX, with respect to treatment of the income and resources of HCBS waiver services recipients who would otherwise be institutionalized, to repeal the state option, and thus require, application to such individuals of spousal impoverishment protection requirements. Directs states to elect to exclude up to six months of the average cost of nursing facility services from assets or resources for purposes of eligibility for HCBS waiver services. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to revise certain data reporting forms and systems to ensure uniform and consistent state reporting under this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the provision of home health services under different state Medicaid plans; and (2) the extent to which states offer consumer self-direction of such services, or allow for other consumer-oriented policies with respect to them.

empowered home act amends title xix medicaid social security act ssa revise income eligibility level home community based hcbs services elderly disabled individuals revises income eligibility limit state option provide hcbs services waiver replaces income limit poverty line limit supplemental security income ssi benefit rate authorizes state offer hcbs services waiver eligible individuals differ type duration scope hcbs waiver services offered individuals long scope services secretary authority approve waiver include room board increases federal medical assistance percentage fmap provision hcbs waiver services medicaid state plan option directs secretary health_and_human_services report annually congress extent state medicaid plans adopted state plan amendment medical assistance hcbs waiver services elderly disabled individuals reauthorizes medicaid investment grants currently called transformation grants increased funding specifies additional permissible uses facilitate provision hcbs long term care ltc services directs secretary award grants competitive basis eligible states conduct community based health promotion program amends ssa title xix respect treatment income resources hcbs waiver services recipients institutionalized repeal state option require application individuals spousal impoverishment protection requirements directs states elect exclude months average cost nursing facility services assets resources purposes eligibility hcbs waiver services directs secretary acting administrator centers revise certain data reporting forms systems ensure uniform consistent state reporting act directs comptroller general study report congress provision home health services different state medicaid plans extent states offer consumer self direction services allow consumer oriented policies respect


Summary: Fostering Independence Through Technology Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct pilot projects under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for the purpose of providing incentives to home health agencies to utilize home monitoring and communications technology.

fostering independence technology act directs secretary health_and_human_services conduct pilot projects title xviii medicare social security act purpose providing incentives home health agencies utilize home monitoring communications technology


Summary: Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of items and services under a cardiac rehabilitation program and a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

pulmonary cardiac rehabilitation act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide coverage items services cardiac rehabilitation program pulmonary rehabilitation program


Summary: Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prescribe requirements for a long-term care hospital (LTCH) and patient criteria for prospective payment to an LTCH.Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) determine a list of medical conditions associated with a high severity of illness of patients who are appropriate for treatment in long-term care hospitals, as indicated by the presence of clinical comorbidities in accordance with a methodology specified by the Secretary; and (2) study and report to Congress on appropriate quality measures for Medicare beneficiaries receiving care in LTCHs. Directs the Secretary to choose three quality measures from the study for LTCHs to report. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 to require annual updates of LTCH base rates and wage indices and the reweighting of LTCH-DRGs. Prohibits the Secretary from extending application of the 25% (or applicable percentage) patient threshold payment adjustment to freestanding LTCHs. Directs the Secretary to permit up to 75% of the discharged Medicare inpatient population: (1) of an applicable hospital to be admitted from a co-located urban single or co-located MSA dominant hospital without adjustment to the hospital's LTCH prospective payment system payment in a specified manner; and (2) of an applicable hospital located in a rural area to be admitted from a co-located hospital without such an adjustment, either.

amends title xviii medicare social security act prescribe requirements long term care hospital ltch patient criteria prospective payment secretary health_and_human_services determine list medical conditions associated high severity illness patients appropriate treatment long term care hospitals indicated presence clinical accordance methodology specified secretary study report congress appropriate quality measures medicare beneficiaries receiving care ltchs directs secretary choose quality measures study ltchs report amends medicare medicaid schip benefits improvement protection act require annual updates ltch base rates wage indices ltch prohibits secretary extending application applicable percentage patient threshold payment adjustment freestanding ltchs directs secretary permit discharged medicare inpatient population applicable hospital admitted located urban single located msa dominant hospital adjustment hospital ltch prospective payment system payment specified manner applicable hospital located rural area admitted located hospital adjustment


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: Choices in Child Care Act - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to five to seven states for demonstration projects to provide at-home infant care benefits to low-income families. Allows grants to Indian tribes. Requires the Secretary to seek to ensure geographic diversity among participants and to give priority to states that demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of infant care and the choices available to parents of infants, that have relevant experience, and that have a shortage of infant care.Requires states, to participate in the demonstration project, to certify to the Secretary that the state: (1) will not reduce expenditures for child care services while carrying out the project; (2) will not give priority or preference to low-income families seeking to receive at-home infant care benefits over other families on a waiting list for child care assistance through other state programs, but will select a combination of such families; and (3) will ensure that applicants are permitted to choose between receipt of at-home care subsidies and certificates for child care needed for employment.Sets forth eligibility requirements for families seeking assistance, including having a parent who had a recent work history prior to the application for benefits. Requires states to permit two-parent families to participate in the project, but prohibits states from limiting participation in the project to such families.

choices child care act amends child care development block grant act require secretary health_and_human_services award grants seven states demonstration projects provide home infant care benefits low income families allows grants indian tribes requires secretary seek ensure geographic diversity participants priority states demonstrate commitment improving quality infant care choices available parents infants relevant experience shortage infant care requires states participate demonstration project certify secretary state reduce expenditures child care services carrying project priority preference low income families seeking receive home infant care benefits families waiting list child care assistance state programs select combination families ensure applicants permitted choose receipt home care subsidies certificates child care needed employment sets forth eligibility requirements families seeking assistance including having parent recent work history prior application benefits requires states permit parent families participate project prohibits states limiting participation project families


Summary: Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Consolidated Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the consolidated coverage of home infusion therapy under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).

amends title xviii medicare social security act provide consolidated coverage home infusion therapy medicare supplementary_medical_insurance


Summary: Heroes at Home Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a protocol for the assessment and documentation of the cognitive (including memory) functioning of each member of the Armed Forces deployed in Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom before such deployment in order to facilitate their cognitive functioning upon their return. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program on training and certification of family caregivers of veterans and members with traumatic brain injury. Authorizes such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a demonstration project to assess the feasibility and advisability of using telehealth technology to assess cognitive functioning of members who have sustained head trauma in order to improve their diagnosis and treatment; and (2) conduct an ongoing study of all matters relating to the telehealth and telemental health services of the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, respectively.

heroes home act directs secretary defense establish protocol assessment documentation cognitive including memory functioning member armed_forces deployed operations enduring freedom iraqi freedom deployment order facilitate cognitive functioning return directs secretary veterans_affairs establish program training certification family caregivers veterans members traumatic brain injury authorizes secretaries jointly establish demonstration project assess feasibility advisability telehealth technology assess cognitive functioning members sustained head trauma order improve diagnosis treatment conduct ongoing study matters relating telehealth telemental health services departments_of_defense veterans_affairs respectively


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 each network to: (1) focus on areas of key scientific concern, including improving functional mobility; and (2) replicate the findings of network members 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 focus areas key scientific concern including improving functional mobility replicate findings network members 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: Clinical Social Work Medicare Equity Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude clinical social worker services from coverage under the Medicare skilled nursing facility prospective payment system (thus permitting direct payment under the Medicare program for clinical social worker services provided to residents of skilled nursing facilities).

medicare equity act amends title xviii medicare social security act exclude clinical social worker services coverage medicare skilled nursing facility prospective payment system permitting direct payment medicare program clinical social worker services provided residents skilled nursing facilities


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: Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise conditions of and limitations on payment for home health care services. Allows payment for home health services to Medicare beneficiaries by: (1) a nurse practitioner; (2) a clinical nurse specialist working in collaboration with a physician in accordance with state law; (3) a certified nurse-midwife; or (4) a physician assistant under a physician's supervision.

home_health_care_planning_improvement_act amends title xviii medicare social security act revise conditions limitations payment home health care services allows payment home health services medicare beneficiaries nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist working collaboration physician accordance state law certified nurse midwife physician assistant 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: Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Patient Safety and Improvement Act of 2007 - Creates a cross reference to provisions in the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 and the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 for the prospective payment of long-term care hospitals.Makes the base rate for a long-term care hospital for the rate year 2008 the same as that used for discharges in the previous rate year. Defines "long-term care hospital" and establishes new patient criteria for long-term care hospital prospective payment. Requires the Secretary to approve distinct part rehabilitation units in certain long-term care hospitals if rehabilitation services are not included within one of the major diagnostic categories.Requires the Secretary to recommend to Congress and, after rulemaking, implement national long-term care hospital facility and patient criteria.Directs the Secretary to contract with one or more appropriate utilization and quality control peer review organizations to review the medical necessity of long-term care admissions and continued stays for individuals entitled to benefits under Medicare part A. Creates a separate classification for certain long-stay cancer hospitals, including satellites or remote locations if certain requirements are met.

improvement act creates cross reference provisions medicare medicaid medicare medicaid schip benefits improvement protection act prospective payment long term care hospitals makes base rate long term care hospital rate year discharges previous rate year defines long term care hospital establishes new patient criteria long term care hospital prospective payment requires secretary approve distinct rehabilitation units certain long term care hospitals rehabilitation services included major diagnostic categories requires secretary recommend congress rulemaking implement national long term care hospital facility patient criteria directs secretary contract appropriate utilization quality control peer review organizations review medical necessity long term care admissions continued stays individuals entitled benefits medicare separate classification certain long stay cancer hospitals including satellites remote locations certain requirements met


Summary: Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Service to conduct a demonstration program under which the Secretary shall require a state to establish a process for joint training and education of surveyors and providers for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities at least annually.Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to set forth provisions related to resumption of nursing aid training programs for skilled nursing facilities after correction of deficiencies.Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from the Medicare prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities: (1) high cost and low probability cancer treatment drugs; and (2) all ambulance 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.Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to establish a national nursing database to predict future nursing shortages. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for a 15-year recovery period for qualified long-term care improvement property; (2) establish an investment tax credit for long-term care facility information technology; (3) establish tax-exempt long-term care trust accounts; (4) allow cash contributions to such accounts up to $5,000 annually; (5) allow an exclusion from gross income for certain distributions, including for long-term care services for chronically-ill individuals; (6) impose penalties for excess contributions to such accounts and for failure to provide required reports on such accounts; and (7) allow a refundable tax credit for 10% of the annual contributions to such accounts.

long term requires secretary health_and_human_service conduct demonstration program secretary shall require state establish process joint training education providers skilled nursing facilities nursing facilities annually amends title xviii medicare title xix medicaid social security act set forth provisions related resumption nursing aid training programs skilled nursing facilities correction deficiencies authorizes secretary exclude medicare prospective payment system skilled nursing facilities high cost low probability cancer treatment drugs ambulance services authorizes physician nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist certify medicare prescribed series blood glucose tests medically required amends public_health_service_act require secretary establish national nursing database predict future nursing shortages amends internal revenue code provide year recovery period qualified long term care improvement property establish investment tax credit long term care facility information technology establish tax exempt long term care trust accounts allow cash contributions accounts annually allow exclusion gross income certain distributions including long term care services chronically ill individuals impose penalties excess contributions accounts failure provide required reports accounts allow refundable tax credit annual contributions accounts


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to establish within the Department of Defense (DOD) the Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Military Eye Injuries to: (1) develop, implement, and oversee a registry for tracking the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for each case of eye injury incurred by a member of the Armed Forces in combat that requires surgery or other operative intervention; and (2) ensure the electronic exchange of registry information with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) include in the registry records of members who incurred eye injuries in combat in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom before the registry's establishment; and (2) report to Congress on the Center's establishment. Directs the Secretary and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a cooperative study on neuro-optometric screening and diagnosis of members with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by military medical treatment facilities and VA medical centers for purposes of vision screening, diagnosis, rehabilitative management, and vision research on visual dysfunction related to TBI.

directs secretary defense secretary establish department_of_defense dod develop implement oversee registry tracking diagnosis treatment follow case eye injury incurred member armed_forces combat requires surgery operative intervention ensure electronic exchange registry information secretary veterans_affairs requires secretary include registry records members incurred eye injuries combat operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom registry establishment report establishment directs secretary department_of_veterans_affairs conduct cooperative study optometric screening diagnosis members traumatic brain injury tbi military medical treatment facilities medical centers purposes vision screening diagnosis rehabilitative management vision research visual dysfunction related tbi


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: Caregiver Assistance and Relief Effort Act of 2007 or the CARE Act of 2007 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase and extend, through FY2011, the authorization of appropriations for the national family caregiver support program, including caregiver support programs for Native Americans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow caregivers a tax credit for family members with long-term care needs; (2) allow a tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums; and (3) apply certain consumer protection provisions to long-term care insurance contracts.

caregiver assistance relief effort act care act amends older americans act increase extend fy2011 authorization appropriations national family caregiver support program including caregiver support programs native americans amends internal revenue code allow caregivers tax credit family members long term care needs allow tax deduction long term care insurance premiums apply certain consumer protection provisions long term care insurance contracts


Summary: Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 - Title I: Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Care - (Sec. 101) Enacts this title in tribute to Justin Bailey, who, after returning to the United States from service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, died in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) domiciliary facility while receiving care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a substance use disorder. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure the provision of the following services and treatment to each veteran enrolled in the VA health care system and in need of services and treatment for a substance use disorder: (1) screening for substance use disorder in all settings, including primary care; (2) short-term motivational counseling; (3) marital and family counseling; (4) intensive outpatient or residential care; (5) relapse prevention; (6) ongoing aftercare and outpatient counseling; (7) opiate substitution therapy; (8) pharmacological treatments to reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol; (9) detoxification and stabilization; (10) coordination with groups providing peer-to-peer counseling; and (11) such other services as considered appropriate by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to ensure that amounts available for such care are allocated to ensure a full continuum of such care, treatment, or services to all veterans without regard to the location of their residences. (Sec. 104) Requires the Secretary to ensure that treatment for a substance use disorder and a comorbid mental health disorder is provided concurrently through a health professional with training and expertise in the treatment of both disorders, by separate services for each disorder, or by a team of experienced clinicians. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to conduct a two-year pilot program on the feasibility and advisability of providing veterans who seek treatment for substance use disorders access to a computer-based self-assessment, education, and treatment program through a secure Internet website operated by the Secretary. Makes eligible for such program volunteer veterans who have served in Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom. Requires a program report from the Secretary to Congress. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 106) Requires the Secretary to conduct a: (1) review of all Veterans Health Administration (VHA) residential mental health care facilities; and (2) follow-up review, within two years after the first review, to evaluate any improvements made or problems remaining with respect to such facilities. Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees after the initial review. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to conduct a three-year pilot program on the provision of the following services to veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, particularly to those who served as a member of the National Guard or Reserve: (1) peer outreach; (2) peer support provided by licensed providers or veterans with personal experience with mental illness; (3) readjustment counseling; and (4) other mental health services. Requires: (1) the Secretary to conduct training programs for veterans and clinicians providing such services; (2) annual reports to the Secretary from entities participating in the program; and (3) the Secretary to design and implement a strategy for evaluating the program. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Mental Health Research - (Sec. 201) Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of research into comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder through the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Amends the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984 to extend through 2012 (currently, 2008) the reporting requirement for the Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Title III: Assistance For Families of Veterans - (Sec. 301) Includes marriage and family counseling within authorized VA care for veterans. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to carry out, through a non-VA entity, a three-year pilot program (with authorized one-year extensions) to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing readjustment and transition assistance to veterans and their families in cooperation with ten VA Vet Centers. Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees at the conclusion of the pilot program. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Health Care Matters - (Sec. 401) Repeals a requirement that the Secretary adjust the amounts deducted from payments or allowances made by the VA for beneficiary travel expenses in connection with health care whenever the payment or allowance is adjusted. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of travel reimbursement, to use the mileage reimbursement rate for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees on official business. Authorizes the Secretary to use a rate in excess of such rate, subject to the availability of appropriations. Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees on additional costs incurred by the VA due to implementation of this section. (Sec. 402) Requires (under current law, authorizes) the Secretary to reimburse a veteran for the costs of emergency treatment received in a non-VA facility prior to transfer to a VA facility. (Sec. 403) Directs the Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to provide, through qualifying non-VA health care providers, VA-authorized hospital care or medical, rehabilitative, or preventive health services to veterans who reside in highly rural areas. Requires annual reports during the program period from the Secretary to the veterans' committees assessing the program. (Sec. 404) Directs the Secretary to designate at least four and up to six VA health-care facilities as locations for epilepsy centers of excellence. Requires the: (1) VA's Under Secretary for Health to establish a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted for designation as such a center; and (2) Secretary to follow the panel's determinations in making designations. Directs the Secretary to designate an individual in the VHA as a national coordinator for VHA epilepsy programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 405) Establishes as qualifications for appointment as a peer specialist within the VHA that the person: (1) be a veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition; and (2) is certified as having met the criteria for such position. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with nonprofit entities to provide peer specialist training and certification for veterans. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretary to establish up to seven patient accounting centers for conducting industry-modeled regionalized VA billing and collection activities. (Sec. 407) Amends the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 to repeal a limitation on VA authority to conduct HIV testing in connection with the care of certain patients. (Sec. 408) Requires the Secretary to provide comprehensive health care coverage through the VA for a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida. (Current law requires the Secretary to provide such child such health care as the Secretary determines is needed by the child for the spina bifida or any disability associated with such condition.) (Sec. 409) Prohibits the Secretary from collecting a copayment from a veteran being furnished inpatient or outpatient hospice care by the VA. Title V: Pain Care - (Sec. 501) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the management of pain experienced by veterans enrolled for VA health care services; (2) periodically update the policy; and (3) report annually through FY2018 to the veterans' committees on such policy. Title VI: Homeless Veterans Matters - (Sec. 601) Increases from $130 million to $150 million the annual authorization of appropriations for VA comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans. (Sec. 602) Revises provisions establishing a demonstration program of referral and counseling services for at-risk veterans transitioning from institutional living to: (1) remove the "demonstration" designation; (2) require the program to be carried out in at least 12 (currently, six) locations; and (3) extend the program through FY2012. (Sec. 603) Requires the Secretary to ensure that VA domiciliary care programs are adequate, with respect to capacity and safety, to meet the needs of women veterans. (Sec. 604) Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible entities (private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives) to provide and coordinate the provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing. Requires: (1) an assistance preference with respect to families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing; (2) equitable geographic distribution of such assistance; and (3) the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to participating entities regarding the planning, development, and provision of such services. Includes within authorized services outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other federal, state, or local benefits. Provides funding. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a two-year study of the effectiveness of the assistance program in meeting the needs of very low-income veteran families; and (2) report study results to the veterans' committees. Title VII: Authorization of Medical Facility Projects and Major Medical Facility Leases - (Sec. 701) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out major medical facility projects (projects) in FY2009 in: (1) Palo Alto, California; (2) San Antonio, Texas; and (3) San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Sec. 702) Amends the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 to: (1) increase amounts authorized for projects at VA medical centers in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Denver, Colorado; and (2) repeal the authority for a project at the VA medical center in Gulfport, Mississippi. Increases amounts authorized for projects at the following locations in connection with the Capital Asset Realignment Initiative: (1) Gainesville, Florida; (2) Las Vegas, Nevada; (3) Lee County, Florida; (4) Orlando, Florida; and (5) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 703) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases (leases) in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. (Sec. 704) Authorizes appropriations for projects and leases authorized under this title. (Sec. 705) Increases from $600,000 to $1 million the threshold before a VA major medical facility lease must receive congressional approval. (Sec. 706) Amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 to authorize the city of Aurora, Colorado, to convey by donation to the United States nonfederal lands consisting of parcel I of the former United States Army Garrison Fitzsimons, Colorado, and the parcel of land described in a related quitclaim deed, for construction of a veterans' medical facility. (Sec. 707) Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees on the progress of the VA's Director of Construction and Facilities Management in carrying out required duties. (Sec. 708) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the veterans committees detailing information on VA community-based outpatient clinics and other outpatient clinics. (Sec. 709) Designates the James A. Haley Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center's spinal cord injury center in Tampa, Florida, as the "Michael Bilirakis Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury Center." Title VIII: Extension of Certain Authorities - (Sec. 801) Makes permanent the temporary authority to consider noninstitutional extended care services as covered VA medical services. (Sec. 802) Extends through FY2013 VA authority to conduct audits of payments made for non-VA care and services furnished to veterans through contracts and fee-based arrangements. (Sec. 803) Makes permanent (under current law, expires at the end of 2008) the authority to provide hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to certain veterans who participated in Department of Defense (DOD) chemical and biological testing. (Sec. 804) Extends through FY2010 VA authority to collect: (1) specified copayments for each day of hospital or nursing home care provided to certain veterans; and (2) from third-party insurers the cost of certain care and services provided by the VA to veterans with non-service-connected disabilities. (Sec. 805) Extends through 2013 VA authority to provide nursing home care to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 70% or higher, and to veterans in need of nursing home care for their service-connected disabilities. (Sec. 806) Extends permanently (under current law, terminates at the end of 2008) VA authority to establish research corporations. (Sec. 807) Extends through 2012 the annual report requirement of the Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans. (Sec. 808) Makes permanent (under current law, terminates in 2008) a required biannual report from the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. (Sec. 809) Amends the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 to extend through FY2009 a pilot program on VA expansion and improvement of caregiver assistance services. Title IX: Other Matters - (Sec. 901) Makes technical amendments.

care improvements act title substance use disorders mental health care sec enacts title returning united_states service operation iraqi freedom died department_of_veterans_affairs domiciliary facility receiving care post traumatic stress disorder ptsd substance use disorder sec directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure provision following services treatment veteran enrolled health care system need services treatment substance use disorder screening substance use disorder settings including primary care short term counseling marital family counseling intensive outpatient residential care prevention ongoing aftercare outpatient counseling opiate substitution therapy pharmacological treatments reduce drugs alcohol detoxification stabilization coordination groups providing peer peer counseling services considered appropriate secretary requires secretary ensure amounts available care allocated ensure continuum care treatment services veterans regard location residences sec requires secretary ensure treatment substance use disorder mental health disorder provided concurrently health professional training expertise treatment disorders separate services disorder team experienced clinicians sec directs secretary conduct year pilot program feasibility advisability providing veterans seek treatment substance use disorders access computer based self assessment education treatment program secure internet website operated secretary makes eligible program volunteer veterans served operations enduring freedom iraqi freedom requires program report secretary congress authorizes appropriations sec requires secretary conduct review veterans_health_administration vha residential mental health care facilities follow review years review evaluate improvements problems remaining respect facilities requires report secretary veterans committees initial review sec directs secretary conduct year pilot program provision following services veterans operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom particularly served member peer outreach peer support provided licensed providers veterans personal experience mental illness readjustment counseling mental health services requires secretary conduct training programs veterans clinicians providing services annual reports secretary entities participating program secretary design implement strategy evaluating program authorizes appropriations title mental health research sec directs secretary carry program research ptsd substance use disorder stress disorder authorizes appropriations sec amends extend currently reporting requirement stress disorder title iii assistance families veterans sec includes marriage family counseling authorized care veterans sec directs secretary carry non-va entity year pilot program authorized year extensions assess feasibility advisability providing readjustment transition assistance veterans families cooperation requires report secretary veterans committees conclusion pilot program authorizes appropriations title health care matters sec repeals requirement secretary adjust amounts deducted payments allowances beneficiary travel expenses connection health care payment allowance adjusted requires secretary determining travel reimbursement use mileage reimbursement rate use privately owned vehicles government employees official business authorizes secretary use rate excess rate subject availability appropriations requires report secretary veterans committees additional costs incurred implementation section sec requires current law authorizes secretary reimburse veteran costs emergency treatment received non-va facility prior transfer facility sec directs secretary carry year pilot program provide qualifying non-va health care providers authorized hospital care medical rehabilitative preventive health services veterans reside highly rural areas requires annual reports program period secretary veterans committees assessing program sec directs secretary designate health care facilities locations centers excellence requires secretary health establish peer review panel assess scientific clinical merit proposals submitted designation center secretary follow panel determinations making designations directs secretary designate individual vha national coordinator vha programs authorizes appropriations sec establishes qualifications appointment peer specialist vha person veteran recovered recovering mental health condition certified having met criteria position authorizes secretary enter contracts nonprofit entities provide peer specialist training certification veterans sec directs secretary establish seven patient accounting centers conducting industry modeled billing collection activities sec amends veterans benefits services act repeal limitation authority conduct hiv testing connection care certain patients sec requires secretary provide comprehensive health care coverage child vietnam veteran suffering spina bifida current law requires secretary provide child health care secretary determines needed child spina bifida disability associated condition sec prohibits secretary collecting copayment veteran furnished inpatient outpatient hospice care title pain care sec directs secretary develop implement comprehensive policy management pain experienced veterans enrolled health care services periodically update policy report annually fy2018 veterans committees policy title homeless veterans matters sec increases million million annual authorization appropriations comprehensive service programs homeless veterans sec revises provisions establishing demonstration program referral counseling services risk veterans transitioning institutional living remove demonstration designation require program carried currently locations extend program fy2012 sec requires secretary ensure domiciliary care programs adequate respect capacity safety meet needs women veterans sec directs secretary provide financial assistance eligible entities private nonprofit organizations consumer cooperatives provide coordinate provision supportive services low income veteran families occupying permanent housing requires assistance preference respect families transitioning homelessness permanent housing equitable geographic distribution assistance secretary provide training technical assistance participating entities planning development provision services includes authorized services outreach case management assistance obtaining federal state local benefits provides funding directs secretary conduct year study effectiveness assistance program meeting needs low income veteran families report study results veterans committees title vii sec authorizes secretary carry major medical facility projects projects fy2009 palo_alto california san_antonio texas san_juan puerto_rico sec amends veterans benefits health_care information technology act increase amounts authorized projects medical centers new_orleans louisiana denver colorado repeal authority project medical center mississippi increases amounts authorized projects following locations connection gainesville florida las_vegas nevada florida florida pittsburgh pennsylvania sec authorizes secretary carry specified major medical facility leases leases arizona california colorado florida georgia illinois ohio oregon puerto_rico south_carolina wisconsin sec authorizes appropriations projects leases authorized title sec increases million threshold major medical facility lease receive congressional approval sec amends consolidated_appropriations_act authorize city aurora colorado convey donation united_states nonfederal lands consisting parcel colorado parcel land described related quitclaim deed construction veterans medical facility sec requires report secretary veterans committees progress director carrying required duties sec directs secretary report annually veterans committees detailing information community based outpatient clinics outpatient clinics sec designates james department veterans_affairs_medical_center spinal cord injury center florida michael department veterans affairs spinal cord injury center title viii extension certain authorities sec makes permanent temporary authority consider extended care services covered medical services sec extends fy2013 authority conduct audits payments non-va care services furnished veterans contracts fee based arrangements sec makes permanent current law expires end authority provide hospital care medical services nursing home care certain veterans participated department_of_defense dod chemical biological testing sec extends fy2010 authority collect specified copayments day hospital nursing home care provided certain veterans party insurers cost certain care services provided veterans non service connected disabilities sec extends authority provide nursing home care veterans service connected disabilities rated higher veterans need nursing home care service connected disabilities sec extends permanently current law terminates end authority establish research corporations sec extends annual report requirement chronically mentally sec makes permanent current law terminates required biannual report advisory_committee_on_women_veterans sec amends veterans benefits health_care information technology act extend fy2009 pilot program expansion improvement caregiver assistance services title matters sec makes technical amendments


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: Long Term Care Insurance Integrity Act of 2007 - Requires an insurance issuer that offers a long term care insurance plan to implement claims dispute resolution procedures that: (1) are designed to expeditiously resolve disputes; (2) provide for alternative means of dispute resolution involving independent third-party review by entities that are mutually acceptable to the issuer and the enrollee, with the reviewer's decision being binding on the issuer; and (3) ensure that an enrollee is eligible to obtain claims review only to the extent and in the manner provided for in the applicable insurance contract. Allows an enrollee to appeal the decision of an independent reviewer to an appropriate state court as provided for under state law.

requires insurance issuer offers long term care insurance plan implement claims dispute resolution procedures designed expeditiously resolve disputes provide alternative means dispute resolution involving independent party review entities mutually acceptable issuer enrollee reviewer decision binding issuer ensure enrollee eligible obtain claims review extent manner provided applicable insurance contract allows enrollee appeal decision independent reviewer appropriate state court provided state law


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: Veterans Mental Health Treatment First Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of mental health care and rehabilitation for veterans who: (1) are diagnosed by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physician with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, anxiety, or substance abuse that is either related to the PTSD or service-related; and (2) agree to participation conditions, including compliance with a treatment regimen and rehabilitation plan prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires each participant to be paid a stipend during successful program participation, limiting to $11,000 the total stipend paid to each individual.

act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry program mental health care rehabilitation veterans diagnosed department_of_veterans_affairs physician post traumatic stress disorder ptsd depression anxiety substance abuse related ptsd service related agree participation conditions including compliance treatment regimen rehabilitation plan prescribed secretary veterans_affairs requires participant paid stipend successful program participation limiting total stipend paid individual


Summary: Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2008 - 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: Medicare Access to Complex Rehabilitative and Assistive Technology Act of 2008 - 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 complex rehabilitative assistive technology act amends title xviii medicare social security act exempt complex rehabilitation products assistive technology products medicare acquisition program


Summary: Helping Housing, Awareness, and Navigation Demonstration Services for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders Act of 2008 or the Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary), in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Secretary) and the Secretary of Education, to establish a demonstration program to award grants to eligible entities to develop an autism navigator program to create a more efficient, effective, coordinated use of the health, housing, education, and social service systems for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Requires: (1) an eligible entity that receives a grant to develop an autism navigator program that will recruit, employ, train, assign, and supervise autism navigators; and (2) the HHS Secretary to provide for evaluations to determine the effects of navigator services.Directs the HHS Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) develop, demonstrate, and disseminate a standard curriculum for training first responders in assisting individuals with autism and other cognitive behavioral disabilities and their families during emergencies; and (2) award grants to states and local governments to train first responders in providing assistance to such individuals in emergency situations.Requires the HUD Secretary to convene a task force to establish a housing demonstration grant program to award grants to entities to provide a program aimed at providing individualized housing and services to adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

helping hands autism act amends public health service act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs secretary coordination secretary housing_and_urban_development hud secretary secretary education establish demonstration program award grants eligible entities develop autism navigator program create efficient effective coordinated use health housing education social service systems individuals autism spectrum disorder requires eligible entity receives grant develop autism navigator program recruit employ train assign supervise autism navigators hhs secretary provide evaluations determine effects navigator services directs hhs secretary coordination director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc develop demonstrate disseminate standard curriculum training responders assisting individuals autism cognitive behavioral disabilities families emergencies award grants states local governments train responders providing assistance individuals emergency situations requires hud secretary convene task force establish housing demonstration grant program award grants entities provide program aimed providing individualized housing services adults autism spectrum disorder


Summary: Ensuring Home Health Care for Seniors Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services. Establishes a new formula for payment of such services (other than a covered osteoporosis drug) as the lesser of: (1) the reasonable cost of such services; or (2) the customary charges for them. Requires such services to be free of charge or at only a nominal charge if they are furnished by a public service provider or by another provider a significant portion of whose patients are low-income.

amends title xviii medicare social security act eliminate prospective payment system pps home health services establishes new formula payment services covered osteoporosis drug lesser reasonable cost services customary charges requires services free charge nominal charge furnished public service provider provider significant portion patients low income


Summary: Empowered at Home Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the income eligibility level for home and community-based (HCBS) services for elderly and disabled individuals.Gives states the option to provide HCBS services under a waiver to eligible individuals whose income does not exceed 300% of the supplemental security income (SSI) benefit rate.Gives states the option to provide HCBS waiver services to individuals for whom such services are likely to prevent, delay, or decrease the likelihood of an individual's need for institutionalized care.Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award assistance grants to states electing to provide HCBS waiver services under Medicaid through the state plan amendment option.Reauthorizes Medicaid transformation grants at increased funding and specifies additional permissible uses to facilitate the provision of HCBS and other long-term care (LTC) services. Directs the Secretary to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible states to conduct an evidence- and community-based health promotion program.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax deduction for premiums on qualified LTC insurance contracts; and (2) a tax credit for certain caregivers taking care of individuals with LTC needs. Revises requirements for the model regulation and model Act concerning LTC insurance consumer protections and the excise tax for failing to meet requirements for such protections.Amends SSA title XIX, with respect to treatment of the income and resources of HCBS waiver services recipients who would otherwise be institutionalized, to repeal the state option for (thus requiring) application to such individuals of spousal impoverishment protection requirements.Allows states to elect to exclude up to six months of the average cost of nursing facility services from an individual's assets or resources for purposes of eligibility for HCBS waiver services.Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to revise certain data reporting forms and systems to ensure uniform and consistent state reporting under this Act.Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the provision of home health services under different state Medicaid plans; and (2) the extent to which states offer consumer self-direction of such services, or allow for other consumer-oriented policies with respect to them.

empowered home act amends title xix medicaid social security act ssa revise income eligibility level home community based hcbs services elderly disabled individuals gives states option provide hcbs services waiver eligible individuals income exceed supplemental security income ssi benefit rate gives states option provide hcbs waiver services individuals services likely prevent delay decrease likelihood individual need institutionalized care directs secretary health_and_human_services award assistance grants states electing provide hcbs waiver services medicaid state plan amendment option transformation grants increased funding specifies additional permissible uses facilitate provision hcbs long term care ltc services directs secretary award grants competitive basis eligible states conduct community based health promotion program amends internal revenue code allow tax deduction premiums qualified ltc insurance contracts tax credit certain caregivers taking care individuals ltc needs revises requirements model regulation model act concerning ltc insurance consumer protections excise tax failing meet requirements protections amends ssa title xix respect treatment income resources hcbs waiver services recipients institutionalized repeal state option requiring application individuals spousal impoverishment protection requirements allows states elect exclude months average cost nursing facility services individual assets resources purposes eligibility hcbs waiver services directs secretary acting administrator centers revise certain data reporting forms systems ensure uniform consistent state reporting act directs comptroller general study report congress provision home health services different state medicaid plans extent states offer consumer self direction services allow consumer oriented policies respect


Summary: Hospice Protection Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from phasing out or eliminating the budget neutrality adjustment factor in the Medicare hospice wage index before October 1, 2009.

hospice protection act prohibits secretary health_and_human_services phasing eliminating budget neutrality adjustment factor medicare hospice wage index october


Summary: Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2008 - 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: Medicaid Services Restoration Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend medical assistance coverage to therapeutic foster care services.Allows reasonable and efficient payment methodologies, including fee-for-service payments, case rates, daily rates, or other forms of capitated payment, as means of reimbursement for rehabilitative services. Includes medical or remedial services for attainment and retention of functional status among rehabilitative services.Includes among inpatient psychiatric hospital services for children early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services.Allows payment for medical assistance for diagnostic, screening, preventive, and rehabilitative services or optional targeted case management services furnished by qualified providers under non-medical programs, provided a state or local agency administering such plan complies with certain requirements.Allows reasonable and efficient payment methodologies for reimbursement for case management and targeted case management services.Authorizes the state to: (1) require case management services for each beneficiary; and (2) limit the case managers available in order to ensure that the case managers for eligible individuals are capable of ensuring that such individuals receive needed services. Allows staff of non-medical programs, or contractors with non-medical programs, to offer such services, so long as: (1) such individuals are state-qualified providers; and (2) the case management services are distinct from the non-medical program's direct services.Redefines case management services to mean those furnished to assist eligible individuals, who reside in a community setting or are transitioning to a community setting, in gaining access to needed medical, social, educational, and other services. Allows a state to provide case management or targeted case management services through multiple case managers to: (1) any qualified individual; (2) specific classes of individuals; or (3) individuals who reside in specified areas selected by the state.

medicaid services restoration act amends title xix medicaid social security act extend medical assistance coverage therapeutic foster care services allows reasonable efficient payment methodologies including fee service payments case rates daily rates forms capitated payment means reimbursement rehabilitative services includes medical remedial services attainment retention functional status rehabilitative services includes inpatient psychiatric hospital services children early periodic screening diagnostic treatment services allows payment medical assistance diagnostic screening preventive rehabilitative services optional targeted case management services furnished qualified providers non medical programs provided state local agency administering plan complies certain requirements allows reasonable efficient payment methodologies reimbursement case management targeted case management services authorizes state require case management services beneficiary limit case managers available order ensure case managers eligible individuals capable ensuring individuals receive needed services allows staff non medical programs contractors non medical programs offer services long individuals state qualified providers case management services distinct non medical program direct services redefines case management services mean furnished assist eligible individuals reside community setting transitioning community setting gaining access needed medical social educational services allows state provide case management targeted case management services multiple case managers qualified individual specific classes individuals individuals reside specified areas selected state


Summary: Independence at Home Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary Independence at Home chronic care coordination demonstration project under the Medicare fee-for-service program for high-cost Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into agreements with at least two unaffiliated Independence at Home organizations to provide chronic care coordination services for a period of three years in: (1) each of the 13 highest cost states and the District of Columbia; and (2) 13 additional states representative of other regions of the United States.

independence home act amends title xviii medicare social security act establish voluntary independence home chronic care coordination demonstration project medicare fee service program high cost medicare beneficiaries multiple chronic conditions directs secretary health_and_human_services enter agreements unaffiliated independence home organizations provide chronic care coordination services period years highest cost states district_of_columbia additional states representative regions united_states