Summary:
Patients' Access to Treatments Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish cost-sharing limits for health plans that cover prescription drugs and use a formulary or other tiered cost-sharing structure. Prohibits such a health plan from imposing higher cost-sharing requirements, including co-payment and co-insurance, for specialty drugs than for other prescription drugs in a non-preferred brand drug tier. Applies the non-preferred brand drug tier for which beneficiary cost-sharing is lowest, if a formulary used by the health plan contains more than one non-preferred brand drug tier.

patients access treatments act amends public_health_service_act establish cost sharing limits health plans cover prescription drugs use formulary tiered cost sharing structure prohibits health plan imposing higher cost sharing requirements including payment insurance specialty drugs prescription drugs non preferred brand drug tier applies non preferred brand drug tier beneficiary cost sharing lowest formulary health plan contains non preferred brand drug tier


Summary:
Medicare Drug Savings Act of 2015

 Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require drug manufacturers to pay the Secretary of Health and Human Services drug rebates for rebate eligible (low-income) individuals. Excludes from Medicare coverage as a part D drug any drug or biological manufactured by a manufacturer that has not entered into and have in effect a rebate agreement with the Secretary.

Requires a rebate agreement to require a drug or biological manufacturer to provide to the Secretary a rebate, determined according to a specified formula, for each rebate period ending after December 31, 2015, for any covered Medicare part D drug dispensed after that date to any rebate eligible individual for which payment was made by a prescription drug plan sponsor or MedicareAdvantage organization for such period.

Specifies a formula for determination of Medicaid rebate amounts for such drugs or biologicals.

Amends SSAct title XIX (Medicaid) to exclude any amounts paid under a rebate agreement from the determination of best price and average manufacturer price under the Medicaid program.

medicare_drug_savings_act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act ssact require drug manufacturers pay secretary health_and_human_services drug rebates rebate eligible low income individuals excludes medicare coverage drug drug biological manufactured manufacturer entered effect rebate agreement secretary requires rebate agreement require drug biological manufacturer provide secretary rebate determined according specified formula rebate period ending december covered medicare drug dispensed date rebate eligible individual payment prescription drug plan sponsor medicareadvantage organization period specifies formula determination medicaid rebate amounts drugs biologicals amends ssact title xix medicaid exclude amounts paid rebate agreement determination best price average manufacturer price medicaid program


Summary:
Prescription Drug Accountability Act

This bill provides for Department of Veterans Affairs participation in state prescription drug monitoring programs.

prescription drug accountability act bill provides department_of_veterans_affairs participation state prescription drug monitoring programs


Summary:
FEHBP Prescription Drug Oversight and Cost Savings Act

 Prohibits the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from entering a contract or approving a health benefits plan with a carrier that is a party to a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) carrier arrangement to provide or administer prescription drug coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) unless the PBM and the carrier comply with the requirements for PBM carrier arrangements set forth by this Act. Directs OPM to terminate a contract or discontinue a plan that fails to comply with such requirements.

Prohibits: (1) a PBM under a carrier arrangement from being under common corporate control with a prescription drug manufacturer or a retail pharmacy, and (2) OPM from permitting a carrier under common corporate control with a PBM to earn a profit from such control.

Sets forth terms and requirements for PBM carrier arrangements under the FEHBP, including: (1) drug substitution restrictions, (2) PBM reimbursement of carriers, (3) sale by a PBM of utilization and claims data, (4) drug pricing and the basis for reimbursement, (5) PBM provision to plan enrollees of an explanation of benefits statement regarding prescription drugs, (6) nondiscriminatory contracts regarding required participation, (7) OPM access to PBM contract information, and (8) civil monetary penalties for making false statements or claims to the government.

fehbp prescription drug oversight cost savings act entering contract approving health benefits plan carrier party pharmacy benefit manager pbm carrier arrangement provide administer prescription drug coverage federal_employees_health_benefits_program fehbp pbm carrier comply requirements pbm carrier arrangements set forth act directs opm terminate contract discontinue plan fails comply requirements prohibits pbm carrier arrangement common corporate control prescription drug manufacturer retail pharmacy opm permitting carrier common corporate control pbm earn profit control sets forth terms requirements pbm carrier arrangements fehbp including drug substitution restrictions pbm reimbursement carriers sale pbm utilization claims data drug pricing basis reimbursement pbm provision plan enrollees explanation benefits statement prescription drugs nondiscriminatory contracts required participation opm access pbm contract information civil monetary penalties making false statements claims government


Summary:
Personal Drug Importation Fairness Act of 2015

This bill allows a drug to be imported by a person other than the drug's manufacturer if the drug: (1) has the same active ingredients, route of administration, and strength as an approved drug; (2) may be lawfully marketed in, and is imported or reimported from, a country included on a list in this Act that the Food and Drug Administration determines has standards for ensuring drug safety and effectiveness that are at least as protective as U.S. standards; (3) is dispensed by a licensed pharmacist; (4) is shipped directly to, or is imported by, the ultimate consumer; (5) is shipped or imported in quantities that do not exceed a 90-day supply; (6) is accompanied by a copy of a valid prescription; and (7) is not a controlled substance.

bill allows drug imported person drug manufacturer drug active ingredients route administration strength approved drug lawfully marketed imported country included list act food_and_drug_administration determines standards ensuring drug safety effectiveness protective standards dispensed licensed pharmacist shipped directly imported ultimate consumer shipped imported quantities exceed day supply accompanied copy valid prescription controlled substance


Summary:
Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2015

 Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers the prices that may be charged to Medicare part D prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors and MedicareAdvantage (MA) organizations for covered part D drugs for part D eligible individuals who are enrolled under a PDP or under an MA-Prescription Drug plan.

medicare prescription drug price negotiation act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services negotiate pharmaceutical manufacturers prices charged medicare prescription drug plan pdp sponsors medicareadvantage organizations covered drugs eligible individuals enrolled pdp ma-prescription_drug plan


Summary:
Foster Youth Independence Act of 2015

This bill amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to allow the chief executive officer of a state to certify that the state will provide assistance and services under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program to youths who have aged out of foster care and have not attained age 23 if:

 the state has elected to extend the eligibility for foster care to all children up to age 21, or the responsible state agency uses state or other funds not provided under the Program to provide assistance and services comparable to those such youths would receive if the state had made such an election

foster youth independence act bill amends foster care adoption assistance title social security act allow chief executive officer state certify state provide assistance services john chafee foster care independence program youths aged foster care attained age state elected extend eligibility foster care children age responsible state agency uses state funds provided program provide assistance services comparable youths receive state election


Summary:
Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2015

Directs the Federal Trade Commission to require prescribers of animal drugs to verify prescriptions and provide copies of prescriptions to pet owners, pet owner designees, and pharmacies, without the prescriber demanding payment or establishing other conditions. Applies these requirements to medication for a domesticated household animal that consumers are not allowed to purchase without a prescription.

Treats a violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

fairness pet owners act directs federal_trade_commission require prescribers animal drugs verify prescriptions provide copies prescriptions pet owners pet owner designees pharmacies prescriber demanding payment establishing conditions applies requirements medication domesticated household animal consumers allowed purchase prescription treats violation act unfair deceptive act practice federal_trade_commission_act


Summary:
Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2015

This bill amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer one or more Medicare-operated prescription drug plan options.  In doing so, CMS must: (1) negotiate prices with drug manufacturers; (2) establish an appeals process for denials of plan benefits, including the option for external review and determination by an independent entity; and (3) establish and apply a formulary and formulary incentives. In general, a Medicare-operated drug plan must meet the same requirements as apply to any other prescription drug plan.

medicare_prescription_drug_savings choice act bill amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act require centers cms offer medicare operated prescription drug plan options cms negotiate prices drug manufacturers establish appeals process denials plan benefits including option external review determination independent entity establish apply formulary formulary incentives general medicare operated drug plan meet requirements apply prescription drug plan


Summary:
Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2015

This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify provisions related to the affordability of prescription drugs under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Specifically, the bill:

 requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid to negotiate lower prices on behalf of beneficiaries for drugs covered under Medicare Part D; accelerates closure of the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "donut hole," under which beneficiaries who have reached a certain level of yearly drug costs become fully responsible for any additional drug costs up to a certain limit; requires drug manufacturers to issue rebates for prescription drugs dispensed to eligible low-income individuals under Medicare or Medicaid; and expands the application of certain prescription drug rebate requirements under Medicaid to include rebates for generic drugs. The bill also amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) allow the importation by individuals of prescription drugs from Canada and, potentially, other countries; and (2) establish certain conditions on the award of market exclusivity with respect to drugs. Specifically, a drug manufacturer's market exclusivity shall be terminated if the manufacturer commits, or fails to report, a drug-related violation such as misbranding, illegal marketing, or fraud.

In addition, the bill amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to: (1) establish restrictions on certain anticompetitive patent settlements known as "pay-for-delay" agreements, which effectively block generic drug competition; and (2) allow the Federal Trade Commission to initiate proceedings to enforce these restrictions against any parties to such a settlement.The bill also requires drug manufacturers to produce and share annual reports containing specified information related to domestic and foreign sales.

prescription drug affordability act bill amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social security act modify provisions related affordability prescription drugs medicare medicaid programs specifically bill requires centers negotiate lower prices behalf beneficiaries drugs covered medicare accelerates closure medicare coverage gap known donut hole beneficiaries reached certain level yearly drug costs fully responsible additional drug costs certain limit requires drug manufacturers issue rebates prescription drugs dispensed eligible low income individuals medicare medicaid expands application certain prescription drug rebate requirements medicaid include rebates generic drugs bill amends cosmetic act allow importation individuals prescription drugs canada potentially countries establish certain conditions award market exclusivity respect drugs specifically drug manufacturer market exclusivity shall terminated manufacturer commits fails report drug related violation misbranding illegal marketing fraud addition bill amends federal_trade_commission act establish restrictions certain anticompetitive patent settlements known pay delay agreements effectively block generic drug competition allow federal_trade_commission initiate proceedings enforce restrictions parties settlement bill requires drug manufacturers produce share annual reports containing specified information related domestic foreign sales


Summary:
Health Insurance Rate Review Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that federal requirements that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review unreasonable premium increases in health care coverage do not prohibit a state from imposing additional rate requirements on health insurance issuers that are more protective of consumers. The review is expanded to include all rate increases, not only premium increases.

HHS or the relevant state insurance commissioner or state regulator must ensure that any excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected before, or as soon as possible after, implementation, including through mechanisms such as denying rates, modifying rates, or requiring rebates to consumers. HHS may apply civil monetary penalties to health insurance issuers that fail to comply with a corrective action taken by HHS and may make the plan involved ineligible for classification as a qualified health plan.

HHS must determine whether HHS or the state insurance commissioner or regulator will undertake such corrective actions based on whether the state can adequately undertake the actions. This Act applies to health plans grandfathered under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

bill amends public_health_service_act declare federal requirements department_of_health_and_human_services hhs review unreasonable premium increases health care coverage prohibit state imposing additional rate requirements health insurance issuers protective consumers review expanded include rate increases premium increases hhs relevant state insurance commissioner state regulator ensure excessive unjustified unfairly discriminatory rates corrected soon possible implementation including mechanisms denying rates modifying rates requiring rebates consumers hhs apply civil monetary penalties health insurance issuers fail comply corrective action taken hhs plan involved ineligible classification qualified health plan hhs determine hhs state insurance commissioner regulator undertake corrective actions based state adequately undertake actions act applies health plans grandfathered patient_protection affordable care act


Summary:
Protecting Seniors Access to Proper Care Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow an authorized physician or practitioner who is not enrolled as a Medicare provider to, under certain circumstances, prescribe covered drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the physician or practitioner must not be: (1) otherwise disqualified from being enrolled; or (2) a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, unless the doctor's practice prescribes a low-volume of billings for such drugs under Medicare.

bill amends title xviii medicare social security act allow authorized physician practitioner enrolled medicare provider certain circumstances prescribe covered drugs medicare prescription drug benefit specifically physician practitioner disqualified enrolled doctor medicine osteopathy doctor practice prescribes low volume billings drugs medicare


Summary:
Medicare Fair Drug Pricing Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to negotiate with drug manufacturers in determining the price that may be charged for prescription drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Under current law, CMS may not interfere with negotiations between drug manufacturers and prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors. The bill creates an exception to this prohibition with respect to specified drugs that: (1) are single-source or biological, (2) are not both manufactured by more than two drug manufacturers and manufactured by at least one manufacturer as a generic drug, and (3) meet other specified requirements. CMS must promulgate regulations regarding the identification of such drugs.

With respect to these drugs, CMS shall negotiate the price that may be charged to PDP sponsors and Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations for Medicare and MA enrollees. The bill establishes processes for negotiation and price determination in the initial plan year and subsequent plan years.

A manufacturer must participate in the negotiation process as a condition of coverage under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

medicare fair drug pricing act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act require centers cms negotiate drug manufacturers determining price charged prescription drugs medicare prescription drug benefit current law cms interfere negotiations drug manufacturers prescription drug plan pdp sponsors bill creates exception prohibition respect specified drugs single source biological manufactured drug manufacturers manufactured manufacturer generic drug meet specified requirements cms promulgate regulations identification drugs respect drugs cms shall negotiate price charged pdp sponsors medicare_advantage organizations medicare enrollees bill establishes processes negotiation price determination initial plan year subsequent plan years manufacturer participate negotiation process condition coverage medicare prescription drug benefit


Summary: This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from taking any further action on a proposed rule to change how Medicare pays for certain drugs that are typically not self-administered (such as some intravenous medications and chemotherapy drugs).

bill prohibits department_of_health_and_human_services taking action proposed rule change medicare pays certain drugs typically self administered intravenous medications chemotherapy drugs


Summary:
This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to exclude abuse-deterrent formulations of prescription drugs from the requirement that manufacturers of single-source or innovator drugs pay additional rebates to state Medicaid programs.

Under current law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must use predictive modeling and other analytic technologies to identify improper Medicaid claims. The bill prohibits a state agency from using or disclosing such technologies except for purposes of administering a state Medicaid program or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). A state agency shall have in effect adequate data security and control policies to ensure that access to such information is restricted to authorized persons for authorized uses.

The bill places $5 million in the Medicaid Improvement Fund to be available beginning in FY2021.

bill amends title xix medicaid social security act exclude abuse deterrent formulations prescription drugs requirement manufacturers single source innovator drugs pay additional rebates state medicaid programs current law cms use predictive modeling analytic technologies identify improper medicaid claims bill prohibits state agency disclosing technologies purposes administering state medicaid program state agency shall effect adequate data security control policies ensure access information restricted authorized persons authorized uses bill places million medicaid_improvement_fund available beginning fy2021


Summary:
Veterans Preventive Health Coverage Fairness Act

This bill exempts veterans from Department of Veteran Affairs medical copayments for medication or hospital care and medical services related to preventive health services.

bill exempts veterans medical copayments medication hospital care medical services related preventive health services


Summary:
Improving Transparency and Accuracy in Medicare Part D Spending Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit Medicare Prescription Drug Plan sponsors from retroactively reducing payment on clean claims submitted by pharmacies. (A "clean claim" is a Medicare claim that is free of defects such as incomplete documentation.)

improving transparency accuracy medicare spending act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act prohibit medicare prescription drug plan sponsors retroactively reducing payment clean claims submitted pharmacies clean claim medicare claim free defects incomplete documentation


Summary:
Fair Accountability and Innovative Research Drug Pricing Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require manufacturers of certain drugs and biological products to report to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) price increases that result in a 10% or more increase in the price of a drug over a 12-month period. Reports are required for prescription drugs and drugs commonly administered in hospitals, except vaccines, drugs for rare conditions, and drugs with annual sales for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees of less than $1.

Manufacturers that do not submit a required report are subject to a civil penalty. The Inspector General of HHS must review drug price information to determine compliance. Collected penalty funds must be used to carry out activities related to this reporting requirement and to improve consumer and provider information about drug value and drug price transparency.

HHS must publish manufacturer reports, a summary of those reports, and supporting analyses.

innovative research drug pricing act bill amends public_health_service_act require manufacturers certain drugs biological products report department_of_health_and_human_services hhs price increases result increase price drug month period reports required prescription drugs drugs commonly administered hospitals vaccines drugs rare conditions drugs annual sales medicare medicaid enrollees manufacturers submit required report subject civil penalty review drug price information determine compliance collected penalty funds carry activities related reporting requirement improve consumer provider information drug value drug price transparency hhs publish manufacturer reports summary reports supporting analyses


Summary:
Secondary Payer Advancement, Rationalization, and Clarification Act or the SPARC Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to specify recovery rules with respect to secondary claims responsibility under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Under current law, secondary payor provisions apply under the benefit in the same manner as they apply with respect to Medicare Advantage plans.

secondary payer advancement act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act specify recovery rules respect secondary claims responsibility medicare prescription drug benefit current law secondary payor provisions apply benefit manner apply respect medicare_advantage plans


Summary:
Prescription Drug and Medical Device Price Review Board Act of 2016

This bill establishes the Prescription Drug and Medical Device Price Review Board within the Food and Drug Administration. Each manufacturer of a prescription drug or medical device that is sold in the United States must submit to the board:

 each type of prescription drug and medical device that it sells in the United States, or in a country that is a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development; the price charged by the manufacturer for the drug or device; and the costs of the manufacturer to produce them. The board must establish a formula for determining whether the average manufacturer price of a prescription drug or medical device over an annual quarter is an excessive price. Manufacturers may not charge excessive prices. Individuals may petition the board to determine whether the price for a prescription drug or medical device is excessive.

The board may subject violators to reduced patent terms, civil penalties, and increased Medicaid rebates. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the sale of prescription drugs or medical devices that have excessive prices.

The board must allow individuals to import from approved counties prescription drugs and devices that are comparable to prescription drugs and devices with excessive prices.

prescription drug medical device price review board act bill establishes prescription drug medical device price review board food_and_drug_administration manufacturer prescription drug medical device sold united_states submit board type prescription drug medical device sells united_states country member development price charged manufacturer drug device costs manufacturer produce board establish formula determining average manufacturer price prescription drug medical device annual quarter excessive price manufacturers charge excessive prices individuals petition board determine price prescription drug medical device excessive board subject violators reduced patent terms civil penalties increased medicaid rebates bill amends internal_revenue_code impose tax sale prescription drugs medical devices excessive prices board allow individuals import approved counties prescription drugs devices comparable prescription drugs devices excessive prices


Summary:
Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act or the Clay Hunt SAV Act

 Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to arrange for an independent third party evaluation, to be conducted by September 30, 2018, and each fiscal year thereafter, of the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs.

 Directs the Secretary to survey the VA's websites and information resources to publish a website that serves as a centralized source to provide veterans with information regarding the VA's mental health care services.

 Requires the Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to repay the education loans relating to psychiatric medicine that are incurred by individuals who:

 are eligible to practice psychiatric medicine in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) or are enrolled in the final year of a residency program leading to a specialty qualification in psychiatric medicine; demonstrate a commitment to a long-term career as a psychiatrist in the VHA; and agree to a period of two or more years of obligated service with the VHA in the field of psychiatric medicine. Limits the loan repayment to no more than $30,000 for each year an individual performs such obligated service.

 Directs the Secretary to establish a three-year pilot program at not less than five Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) to assist veterans transitioning from active duty and to improve the access of veterans to mental health services. Requires the pilot program at each VISN to include: (1) a community oriented veteran peer support network carried out in partnership with an entity that has experience in peer support programs, and (2) a community outreach team for each medical center in such VISN.

Authorizes the Secretary to collaborate with nonprofit mental health organizations to prevent suicide among veterans. Requires the Secretary and any such organization to exchange training sessions and best practices.

Directs the Secretary to select a VA Director of Suicide Prevention Coordination to undertake any collaboration with nonprofit mental health organizations.

Extends for one year combat veterans' eligibility for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for illnesses that have not been medically proven to be attributable to their service, provided they: (1) were discharged or released from active duty between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2011, and (2) did not enroll to receive such care during the five-year period of eligibility following their discharge or release.

prevention american veterans act requires secretary veterans_affairs arrange independent party evaluation conducted september fiscal year mental health care suicide prevention programs directs secretary survey websites information resources publish website serves centralized source provide veterans information mental health care services requires secretary carry year pilot program repay education loans relating psychiatric medicine incurred individuals eligible practice psychiatric medicine veterans_health_administration vha enrolled final year residency program leading specialty qualification psychiatric medicine demonstrate commitment long term career psychiatrist vha agree period years obligated service vha field psychiatric medicine limits loan repayment year individual performs obligated service directs secretary establish year pilot program veterans_integrated_service_networks visns assist veterans transitioning active duty improve access veterans mental health services requires pilot program visn include community oriented veteran peer support network carried partnership entity experience peer support programs community outreach team medical center visn authorizes secretary collaborate nonprofit mental health organizations prevent suicide veterans requires secretary organization exchange training sessions best practices directs secretary select director suicide prevention coordination undertake collaboration nonprofit mental health organizations extends year combat veterans eligibility hospital care medical services nursing home care illnesses medically proven attributable service provided discharged released active duty january january enroll receive care year period eligibility following discharge release


Summary:
Medicare Drug Savings Act of 2015

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require drug manufacturers to pay the Secretary of Health and Human Services drug rebates for rebate eligible (low-income) individuals. Excludes from Medicare coverage as a part D drug any drug or biological manufactured by a manufacturer that has not entered into and have in effect a rebate agreement with the Secretary.

Requires a rebate agreement to require a drug or biological manufacturer to provide to the Secretary a rebate, determined according to a specified formula, for each rebate period ending after December 31, 2015, for any covered Medicare part D drug dispensed after that date to any rebate eligible individual for which payment was made by a prescription drug plan sponsor or MedicareAdvantage organization for such period.

Specifies a formula for determination of Medicaid rebate amounts for such drugs or biologicals.

Amends SSAct title XIX (Medicaid) to exclude any amounts paid under a rebate agreement from the determination of best price and average manufacturer price under the Medicaid program.

medicare_drug_savings_act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act ssact require drug manufacturers pay secretary health_and_human_services drug rebates rebate eligible low income individuals excludes medicare coverage drug drug biological manufactured manufacturer entered effect rebate agreement secretary requires rebate agreement require drug biological manufacturer provide secretary rebate determined according specified formula rebate period ending december covered medicare drug dispensed date rebate eligible individual payment prescription drug plan sponsor medicareadvantage organization period specifies formula determination medicaid rebate amounts drugs biologicals amends ssact title xix medicaid exclude amounts paid rebate agreement determination best price average manufacturer price medicaid program


Summary:
Medical Electronic Data Technology Enhancement for Consumers’ Health Act or the MEDTECH Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt certain software from requirements for medical devices. The exemption applies to:

 administrative software used in health care facilities; software for maintaining or encouraging a healthy lifestyle unrelated to medical care; electronic patient records that are part of certified health information technology; software for transferring, storing, converting, or displaying medical information; and software that provides medical recommendations and the basis for those recommendations to health care professionals. Software remains subject to regulation as a medical device if: (1) the software acquires, processes, analyzes, or interprets medical information; or (2) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identifies use of the software as reasonably likely to have serious adverse health consequences.

When assessing a medical device that includes a software function exempted from medical device requirements, the FDA may assess the impact of the software on the functioning of the device.

The Department of Health and Human Services must report on the health risks and benefits associated with exempted software.

The FDA must classify a medical device accessory based on its intended function, not based on the classification of the medical device with which it is used.

act sec bill amends cosmetic act exempt certain software requirements medical devices exemption applies administrative software health care facilities software maintaining encouraging healthy lifestyle unrelated medical care electronic patient records certified health information technology software transferring storing converting displaying medical information software provides medical recommendations basis recommendations health care professionals software remains subject regulation medical device software acquires processes analyzes interprets medical information food_and_drug_administration fda identifies use software reasonably likely adverse health consequences assessing medical device includes software function exempted medical device requirements fda assess impact software functioning device department_of_health_and_human_services report health risks benefits associated exempted software fda classify medical device accessory based intended function based classification medical device


Summary:
Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act of 2015

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct any prescription drug plan that has in its network one or more pharmacies located in a health professional shortage area, in a medically underserved area, or among a medically underserved population, and that provides a reduction in coinsurance or copayments for covered part D drugs, to extend to any pharmacy located in that area, or among that population, the option to be an in-network pharmacy under terms and conditions comparable to those the plan has agreed upon with other in-network pharmacies located in the area or among that population.

ensuring seniors access local pharmacies act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act direct prescription drug plan network pharmacies located health professional shortage area medically underserved area medically underserved population provides reduction coinsurance copayments covered drugs extend pharmacy located area population option network pharmacy terms conditions comparable plan agreed network pharmacies located area population


Summary:
Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2015

Directs the Federal Trade Commission to require prescribers of animal drugs to verify prescriptions and provide copies of prescriptions to pet owners, pet owner designees, and pharmacies, without the prescriber demanding payment or establishing other conditions.

Treats a violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

fairness pet owners act directs federal_trade_commission require prescribers animal drugs verify prescriptions provide copies prescriptions pet owners pet owner designees pharmacies prescriber demanding payment establishing conditions treats violation act unfair deceptive act practice federal_trade_commission_act


Summary:
Medicaid Generic Drug Price Fairness Act of 2015

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

fairness act bill amends title xix medicaid social security act increase rebate respect generic drug manner rebate dosage form strength single source drug innovator multiple source drug increased provided special application rules including special rule certain multiple source drugs


Summary:
Value Based Insurance Design Seniors Copayment Reduction Act of 2015

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program to test Value-Based Insurance Design methodologies in Medicare Advantage plans under part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for beneficiaries with chronic clinical conditions.

Defines "value-based insurance design methodology" as one for identifying specific prescription medications and clinical services for which copayments or coinsurance should be reduced or eliminated due to the high-value and effectiveness of such medications and services for specific clinical conditions.

Directs HHS to expand the demonstration program, except in certain circumstances, by issuing regulations to implement, on a permanent basis, those components that are beneficial to Medicare beneficiaries and the Medicare program.

directs_the_department_of_health_and_human_services hhs establish demonstration program test methodologies medicare_advantage plans title xviii medicare social security act beneficiaries chronic clinical conditions defines value based insurance design methodology identifying specific prescription medications clinical services copayments coinsurance reduced eliminated high value effectiveness medications services specific clinical conditions directs hhs expand demonstration program certain circumstances issuing regulations implement permanent basis components beneficial medicare beneficiaries medicare program


Summary:
Joint Formularies for Veterans Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly establish: (1) a uniform formulary with respect to systemic pain and psychotropic drugs that are critical for the transition of an individual from receiving health care services furnished by DOD to health care services furnished by VA, and (2) a uniform formulary for DOD and VA that includes all appropriate systemic pain and psychotropic drugs.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit DOD and VA from each maintaining its own formularies.

joint formularies veterans act bill directs department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs jointly establish uniform formulary respect systemic pain psychotropic drugs critical transition individual receiving health care services furnished dod health care services furnished uniform formulary dod includes appropriate systemic pain psychotropic drugs act shall construed prohibit dod maintaining formularies


Summary:
Safe and Affordable Prescription Drugs Act of 2015

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promulgate regulations within 180 days permitting individuals to import a prescription drug purchased from an approved foreign pharmacy that:

 is dispensed by a pharmacist licensed in that country; is purchased for personal use in quantities not greater than a 90-day supply; is filled using a valid prescription issued by a physician licensed to practice in the United States; and has the same active ingredient or ingredients, route of administration, dosage form, and strength as a prescription drug approved under the FFDCA. Sets forth exceptions, including for controlled substances and biological products.

 Establishes a certification process for approving pharmacies in certain foreign countries. Requires HHS to publish a list of approved foreign pharmacies.

safe affordable prescription drugs act amends cosmetic act ffdca require department_of_health_and_human_services hhs promulgate regulations days permitting individuals import prescription drug purchased approved foreign pharmacy dispensed pharmacist licensed country purchased personal use quantities greater day supply filled valid prescription issued physician licensed practice united_states active ingredient ingredients route administration dosage form strength prescription drug approved ffdca sets forth exceptions including controlled substances biological products establishes certification process approving pharmacies certain foreign countries publish list approved foreign pharmacies


Summary:
Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2015

This bill amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer one or more Medicare-operated prescription drug plan options.  In doing so, CMS must: (1) negotiate prices with drug manufacturers; (2) establish an appeals process for denials of plan benefits, including the option for external review and determination by an independent entity; and (3) establish and apply a formulary and formulary incentives. In general, a Medicare-operated drug plan must meet the same requirements as apply to any other prescription drug plan.

medicare_prescription_drug_savings choice act bill amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act require centers cms offer medicare operated prescription drug plan options cms negotiate prices drug manufacturers establish appeals process denials plan benefits including option external review determination independent entity establish apply formulary formulary incentives general medicare operated drug plan meet requirements apply prescription drug plan


Summary:
Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act

This bill amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to initiate a proceeding against parties to any agreement resolving or settling a patent infringement claim in connection with the sale of a drug. Such an agreement, with specified exceptions, is presumed to have anticompetitive effects and is a violation of this Act if the filer of an abbreviated new drug (generic) application receives anything of value and agrees to limit or forego research, development, manufacturing, marketing, or sales of the generic drug.

An agreement is exempted if the only consideration granted to the generic manufacturer is: (1) the right to market the generic drug prior to the expiration of any statutory exclusivity, (2) a payment for reasonable litigation expenses, and (3) a covenant not to sue on any claim that the generic drug infringes a patent.

An entity subject to an FTC enforcement order may petition for the order be reviewed in federal court. Civil penalties are imposed for violations of this Act.

This bill amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to require a brand name manufacturer and generic manufacturer to submit to the FTC any other agreements the parties enter into within 30 days of entering into an agreement related to the manufacturing, marketing, sale, or exclusivity period of a drug.

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to forfeit the 180-day exclusivity period for a generic drug if the FTC or a court decides that an agreement violated this Act.

The FTC is granted exclusive authority to litigate matters relating to anticompetitive practices in connection with the sale of generic drugs. The FTC may not commence enforcement actions (other than cease and desist requests) more than six years after the FTC is notified of an agreement.

preserve access affordable generics act bill amends federal_trade_commission_act authorize federal_trade_commission ftc initiate proceeding parties agreement resolving settling patent infringement claim connection sale drug agreement specified exceptions presumed anticompetitive effects violation act filer abbreviated new drug generic application receives value agrees limit forego research development manufacturing marketing sales generic drug agreement exempted consideration granted generic manufacturer right market generic drug prior expiration statutory exclusivity payment reasonable litigation expenses covenant sue claim generic drug infringes patent entity subject ftc enforcement order petition order reviewed federal court civil penalties imposed violations act bill amends medicare_prescription_drug improvement modernization act require brand manufacturer generic manufacturer submit ftc agreements parties enter days entering agreement related manufacturing marketing sale exclusivity period drug bill amends cosmetic act forfeit day exclusivity period generic drug ftc court decides agreement violated act ftc granted exclusive authority litigate matters relating anticompetitive practices connection sale generic drugs ftc commence enforcement actions cease desist requests years ftc notified agreement


Summary:
Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2015

This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify provisions related to the affordability of prescription drugs under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Specifically, the bill:

 requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid to negotiate lower prices on behalf of beneficiaries for drugs covered under Medicare Part D; accelerates closure of the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "donut hole," under which beneficiaries who have reached a certain level of yearly drug costs become fully responsible for any additional drug costs up to a certain limit; requires drug manufacturers to issue rebates for prescription drugs dispensed to eligible low-income individuals under Medicare or Medicaid; and expands the application of certain prescription drug rebate requirements under Medicaid to include rebates for generic drugs. The bill also amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) allow the importation by individuals of prescription drugs from Canada and, potentially, other countries; and (2) establish certain conditions on the award of market exclusivity with respect to drugs. Specifically, a drug manufacturer's market exclusivity shall be terminated if the manufacturer commits, or fails to report, a drug-related violation such as misbranding, illegal marketing, or fraud.

In addition, the bill amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to: (1) establish restrictions on certain anticompetitive patent settlements known as "pay-for-delay" agreements, which effectively block generic drug competition; and (2) allow the Federal Trade Commission to initiate proceedings to enforce these restrictions against any parties to such a settlement.The bill also requires drug manufacturers to produce and share annual reports containing specified information related to domestic and foreign sales.

prescription drug affordability act bill amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social security act modify provisions related affordability prescription drugs medicare medicaid programs specifically bill requires centers negotiate lower prices behalf beneficiaries drugs covered medicare accelerates closure medicare coverage gap known donut hole beneficiaries reached certain level yearly drug costs fully responsible additional drug costs certain limit requires drug manufacturers issue rebates prescription drugs dispensed eligible low income individuals medicare medicaid expands application certain prescription drug rebate requirements medicaid include rebates generic drugs bill amends cosmetic act allow importation individuals prescription drugs canada potentially countries establish certain conditions award market exclusivity respect drugs specifically drug manufacturer market exclusivity shall terminated manufacturer commits fails report drug related violation misbranding illegal marketing fraud addition bill amends federal_trade_commission act establish restrictions certain anticompetitive patent settlements known pay delay agreements effectively block generic drug competition allow federal_trade_commission initiate proceedings enforce restrictions parties settlement bill requires drug manufacturers produce share annual reports containing specified information related domestic foreign sales


Summary:
Cody Miller Patient Medication Information Act

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate the authorship, content, format, and dissemination of patient medication information for prescription drugs. (Patient medication information includes the instructional brochures provided to patients when a prescription is filled.)

FDA regulations must require drug patient medication information to be scientifically accurate, to be based on the approved professional labeling, and to include plain language that is not promotional in tone or content and that provides specified information including drug uses and side effects.

The regulations must include standards for: (1) timely reviews and updates of patient medication information, (2) updates to help communicate information that is shared by similar drugs, and (3) assessing the effectiveness of patient medication information in promoting patient understanding and safe and effective use of medications. The FDA must develop a public electronic repository for all patient medication information.

When a prescription drug is sold or dispensed, patient medication information must be provided.

patient medication information act bill amends cosmetic act direct food_and_drug_administration fda regulate authorship content format dissemination patient medication information prescription drugs patient medication information includes instructional provided patients prescription filled fda regulations require drug patient medication information scientifically accurate based approved professional labeling include plain language promotional tone content provides specified information including drug uses effects regulations include standards timely reviews updates patient medication information updates help communicate information shared similar drugs assessing effectiveness patient medication information promoting patient understanding safe effective use medications fda develop public electronic repository patient medication information prescription drug sold dispensed patient medication information provided


Summary:
Reciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a reciprocal marketing approval process that allows for the sale of a drug, biological product, or medical device that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if the product is approved for sale in another country.

For a product to be granted reciprocal marketing approval, the product's sponsor must submit a request to the FDA that demonstrates: (1) the product may be sold in at least one country from a specified list of countries, (2) the FDA and listed countries have not withdrawn approval of the product because of safety or effectiveness concerns, and (3) there is a public health or unmet medical need for the product.

The FDA may: (1) require postmarket studies of a product granted reciprocal marketing approval, or (2) decline to approve a product that is not safe and effective.

The FDA must grant or decline reciprocal marketing approval not later than 30 days after receiving a request. During that period, the FDA and product sponsor must negotiate and finalize product labeling and, for a medical device, classify the device.

Congress may pass a joint resolution to grant reciprocal marketing approval to a product that the FDA declines to approve through this process.

User fees apply to requests for reciprocal marketing approval.

The FDA must encourage the sponsors of potentially eligible products to request reciprocal marketing approval.

reciprocity ensures streamlined use lifesaving treatments act bill amends cosmetic act establish reciprocal marketing approval process allows sale drug biological product medical device approved food_and_drug_administration fda product approved sale country product granted reciprocal marketing approval product sponsor submit request fda demonstrates product sold country specified list countries fda listed countries withdrawn approval product safety effectiveness concerns public health unmet medical need product fda require postmarket studies product granted reciprocal marketing approval decline approve product safe effective fda grant decline reciprocal marketing approval later days receiving request period fda product sponsor negotiate finalize product labeling medical device classify device congress pass joint resolution grant reciprocal marketing approval product fda declines approve process user fees apply requests reciprocal marketing approval fda encourage sponsors potentially eligible products request reciprocal marketing approval


Summary:
Expanding Access to Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act and revises the Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to require a state receiving grant funds for a prescription drug monitoring program to make relevant prescription information available to all individuals authorized by the state to prescribe controlled substances, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

expanding access prescription drug monitoring programs act bill amends public_health_service_act revises harold rogers prescription drug monitoring program require state receiving grant funds prescription drug monitoring program relevant prescription information available individuals authorized state prescribe controlled substances including nurse practitioners physician assistants


Summary:
Preventing Overprescribing for Pain Act of 2016

This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue guidelines for the safe prescribing of opioids for the treatment of acute pain. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications.)

preventing pain act bill requires centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention issue guidelines safe prescribing opioids treatment acute pain opioids drugs effects similar opium certain pain medications


Summary:
Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise provisions regarding review and approval of generic drug applications or supplements to generic drug applications for drugs: (1) for which there is a shortage, or (2) that have not been recently introduced to the market by more than one manufacturer and for which tentative approval has not been granted to more than two applications.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must prioritize the review of such submissions and act on them within 150 days. User fees are waived for such an application unless the drug is under patent. The FDA may expedite the inspection of a facility proposed to manufacture such a drug.

The FDA must award a transferrable generic drug priority review voucher to the sponsor of such an application upon approval. A voucher may be used to have the FDA review and take action upon a generic drug application within 150 days of submission. The FDA may revoke a voucher awarded for a drug that is not marketed within one year of approval. This voucher program is terminated at the end of FY2022.

The FDA must periodically report on generic drug applications filed before FY2016 that are still pending.

For a new drug application to be eligible for a priority review voucher as a tropical disease product application, the application must include new, essential clinical investigations.

The Government Accountability Office must study the FDA's program for drug risk evaluation and mitigation strategies.

increasing competition pharmaceuticals act bill amends cosmetic act revise provisions review approval generic drug applications supplements generic drug applications drugs shortage recently introduced market manufacturer tentative approval granted applications food_and_drug_administration fda prioritize review submissions act days user fees waived application drug patent fda expedite inspection facility proposed manufacture drug fda award generic drug priority review voucher sponsor application approval voucher fda review action generic drug application days submission fda revoke voucher awarded drug marketed year approval voucher program terminated end fy2022 fda periodically report generic drug applications filed fy2016 pending new drug application eligible priority review voucher tropical disease product application application include new essential clinical investigations government_accountability_office study fda program drug risk evaluation mitigation strategies


Summary:
Protecting Americans from Drug Marketing Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for the cost of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. The bill defines "direct-to-consumer advertising" as any dissemination by or on behalf of a sponsor of a prescription drug product of a prescription drug advertisement that is primarily targeted to the general public through: (1) publication in journals, magazines, other periodicals, and newspapers; (2) broadcasting through media such as radio, television, and telephone communication systems; and (3) dissemination on the Internet (including social media).

protecting americans bill amends internal_revenue_code deny tax deduction cost direct consumer advertising prescription drugs bill defines direct consumer advertising dissemination behalf sponsor prescription drug product prescription drug advertisement primarily targeted general public publication periodicals newspapers broadcasting media radio television telephone communication systems dissemination internet including social media


Summary:
This bill exempts from the requirement that veterans pay a Department of Veterans Affairs copayment for:

 any opioid antagonists furnished to a veteran at high risk for overdose of a specific medication or substance in order to reverse the effect of such an overdose, and education on their use.

bill exempts requirement veterans pay department_of_veterans_affairs copayment opioid furnished veteran high risk overdose specific medication substance order reverse effect overdose education use


Summary:
Reducing Existing Costs Associated with Pharmaceuticals for Seniors Act of 2016 or the RxCAP Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate beneficiary cost-sharing above the Medicare prescription benefit's annual out-of-pocket threshold beginning in plan year 2018. Under current law, the Medicare prescription drug benefit provides coverage above that threshold only with cost-sharing in the form of either copayment or coinsurance.

reducing existing costs associated pharmaceuticals seniors act act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act eliminate beneficiary cost sharing medicare prescription benefit annual pocket threshold beginning plan year current law medicare prescription drug benefit provides coverage threshold cost sharing form copayment coinsurance


Summary:
Improving Transparency and Accuracy in Medicare Part D Spending Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit Medicare Prescription Drug Plan sponsors from retroactively reducing payment on clean claims submitted by pharmacies. (A "clean claim" is a Medicare claim that is free of defects such as incomplete documentation.)

improving transparency accuracy medicare spending act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act prohibit medicare prescription drug plan sponsors retroactively reducing payment clean claims submitted pharmacies clean claim medicare claim free defects incomplete documentation


Summary:
Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2016

This bill amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to indefinitely extend Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients. Under current law, such coverage is limited to 36 months following a transplant.

comprehensive immunosuppressive drug coverage kidney transplant patients act bill amends titles old age survivors disability_insurance xviii medicare social security act indefinitely extend medicare coverage immunosuppressive drugs kidney transplant recipients current law coverage limited months following transplant


Summary: College Student Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to phase-in cuts in the interest rate charged undergraduate student borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Loan (DL) programs, thereby reducing such rate from 6.8% in July 2006 to 3.4% in July 2011. Limits FFEL lender insurance to 95% of the unpaid balance of such loans. (Currently, 97% of a FFEL issued after June 2006 is federally-insured.) Provides for graduated reductions in the percentage of defaulted FFEL loan collections a guaranty agency is allowed to retain until, beginning in October 2010, it is equal to the average rate paid to collection agencies that have contracts with the Secretary of Education. Eliminates exceptional performer status for lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies, which rewards such entities for high due diligence in FFEL collection. Reduces special allowance payments made to FFEL lenders to compensate them for the difference between FFEL interest rates and market rates. Exempts small lenders from such reduction. Increases the loan fee charged FFEL lenders from .5% to 1% of the principal amount of loans disbursed after June 2007. Prohibits its collection from borrowers. Increases, after June 2007, the rebate fee charged a holder of FFEL consolidated loans, provided that at least 90% of the total principal and accrued unpaid interest outstanding on loans held by such holder are such loans.

college student relief act amends higher education act phase cuts interest rate charged undergraduate student borrowers federal_family_education_loan ffel direct_loan programs reducing rate july july limits ffel lender insurance unpaid balance loans currently ffel issued june federally insured provides graduated reductions percentage defaulted ffel loan collections guaranty agency allowed retain beginning october equal average rate paid collection agencies contracts secretary education eliminates exceptional status lenders servicers guaranty agencies rewards entities high diligence ffel collection reduces special allowance payments ffel lenders compensate difference ffel interest rates market rates exempts small lenders reduction increases loan fee charged ffel lenders principal loans disbursed june prohibits collection borrowers increases june rebate fee charged holder ffel consolidated loans provided total principal accrued unpaid interest outstanding loans held holder loans


Summary: 401Kids Family Savings Act of 2007 - Amends the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 to extend through 2015 provisions allowing increased annual contributions to Coverdell education savings accounts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow tax-free distributions from a Coverdell education savings account for first-time homebuyer expenses; (2) permit rollovers from Coverdell education savings accounts to Roth individual retirement accounts (Roth IRAs); and (3) rename Coverdell education savings accounts as 401Kids Savings Accounts.

family savings act amends economic growth tax relief reconciliation act extend provisions allowing increased annual contributions coverdell education savings accounts amends internal revenue code allow tax free distributions coverdell education savings account time homebuyer expenses permit rollovers coverdell education savings accounts roth individual retirement accounts roth iras rename coverdell education savings accounts


Summary: Veterans' Equity in Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to calculation of financial assistance for which a student receiving veterans' education benefits may be eligible. Reduces, for the first year a student receives such benefits, the factor in the eligibility formula representing estimated educational financial assistance already received by the student by the amount of military pay deductions for such benefits made by or on behalf of the student while on active duty in the U.S. armed forces or in the Selective Reserve.

amends higher education act respect calculation financial assistance student receiving veterans education benefits eligible reduces year student receives benefits factor eligibility formula representing estimated educational financial assistance received student military pay deductions benefits behalf student active duty armed forces


Summary: Higher Education Science and Technology Competitiveness Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award grants to public institutions of higher education to establish and implement statewide articulation agreements that provide a seamless transition for the transfer of students from two-year institutions to four-year institutions through a common core curricula in math, science, engineering, and technology that reflects the workforce needs of private industry.

higher education act direct secretary education award grants public institutions higher education establish implement statewide articulation agreements provide seamless transition transfer students year institutions year institutions common core curricula math science engineering technology reflects workforce needs private industry


Summary: G.I. Advanced Education in Science and Technology Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly stipend to each individual who is entitled to veterans' basic educational assistance and is pursuing full-time a doctoral degree in the sciences of engineering, mathematics, or other technology disciplines. Allows such payment in addition to any other authorized Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance. Makes such payment $1,200 a month (adjusted for inflation for fiscal years after 2005) for up to 60 months.

secretary veterans_affairs pay monthly stipend individual entitled veterans basic educational assistance pursuing time doctoral degree sciences engineering mathematics technology disciplines allows payment addition authorized educational assistance makes payment month adjusted inflation fiscal years months


Summary: David Shick Honesty in Campus Justice Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to require an institution of postsecondary education to disclose to the alleged victim of any crime of violence or a nonforcible sex offense (or to a deceased victim's next of kin) the final results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by such institution against a student who is the alleged perpetrator. (Current law states that such disclosure is not prohibited.)

campus justice act_-_amends general education provisions act require institution postsecondary education disclose alleged victim crime violence sex offense deceased victim kin final results disciplinary proceeding conducted institution student alleged perpetrator current law states disclosure prohibited


Summary: Make College Affordable Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers, their spouses, dependents, and grandchildren a tax deduction from gross income for certain higher education expenses and for interest on certain student loans. Includes as higher education expenses undergraduate tuition and fees and reasonable living expenses while attending an institution of higher education.

college affordable act amends internal revenue code allow taxpayers spouses dependents grandchildren tax deduction gross income certain higher education expenses interest certain student loans includes higher education expenses undergraduate tuition fees reasonable living expenses attending institution higher education


Summary: Cybersecurity Education Enhancement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Cybersecurity, to establish a program awarding competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) and consortia of IHEs for: (1) cybersecurity professional development programs; (2) associate degree programs in cybersecurity; and (3) the purchase of equipment to provide training in cybersecurity for professional development and degree programs. Gives grant priority to consortia of IHEs and such consortia that include IHEs eligible to receive funds under title III (Institutional Aid) or V (Developing Institutions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Authorizes FY2009-FY2010 appropriations for the grant program. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to establish a DHS Cybersecurity Fellows program to bring state, local, tribal, and private sector officials to participate in the work of the National Cybersecurity Division in order to assist with Department of Homeland Security's stated cybersecurity missions and capabilities. Urges the House of Representatives to designate a committee to serve as the single, principal point of cybersecurity oversight and review.

directs secretary homeland_security acting assistant secretary cybersecurity establish program awarding competitive grants institutions higher education ihes consortia ihes cybersecurity professional development programs associate degree programs cybersecurity purchase equipment provide training cybersecurity professional development degree programs gives grant priority consortia ihes consortia include ihes eligible receive funds title developing institutions higher education act authorizes fy2009 fy2010 appropriations grant program amends homeland security act direct secretary establish dhs cybersecurity fellows program bring state local tribal private sector officials participate work order assist department_of_homeland_security stated cybersecurity missions capabilities urges house_of_representatives designate committee serve single principal point cybersecurity oversight review


Summary: Cellulosic Ethanol Development and Implementation Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) a grants program for eligible entities to implement research, development, and demonstration projects relating to the use of cellulosic ethanol fuel for motor vehicles; and (2) a pilot program to provide grants to eligible entities for use in installing infrastructure (such as pumps) that would enable retail gas stations to sell and dispense ethanol fuel. Requires an eligible entity to provide matching funds in the amount of 20% of the total amount of the grant.

cellulosic ethanol development implementation act amends clean air act direct secretary energy establish grants program eligible entities implement research development demonstration projects relating use cellulosic ethanol fuel motor vehicles pilot program provide grants eligible entities use installing infrastructure pumps enable retail gas stations sell dispense ethanol fuel requires eligible entity provide matching funds total grant


Summary: Independent Study of Distance Education Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the quality of distance education, as compared to campus-based education programs, at institutions of higher education. Requires the study to identify the types of students that derive the most benefit from each program and the types that do not benefit from distance education.

directs secretary education enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences evaluate quality distance education compared campus based education programs institutions higher education requires study identify types students derive benefit program types benefit distance education


Summary: Fairness in Higher Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit the provision of federal funding under such Act to institutions of higher education located in states whose law expressly authorizes the provision of state student aid, including in-state tuition, to illegal aliens.

fairness higher education act amends higher education act prohibit provision federal funding act institutions higher education located states law expressly authorizes provision state student aid including state tuition illegal aliens


Summary: College Affordability and Transparency Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner of Education Statistics, in redesigning the College Opportunity On-Line (COOL) website, to identify and include the data of greatest importance to prospective and enrolled students, and their families. Requires the Secretary of Education to publish, on such website, additional college affordability information comparing the change in each school's student costs with the change in the consumer price index (CPI) over the most recent three-year period. Requires a school whose prices increase at more than twice the percentage change in the CPI over such time period to: (1) report an explanation to the Secretary; and (2) establish a quality-efficiency task force to review the school's operations, if the school's price increase is in the top 5% of such schools. Places schools on affordability alert status if their prices continue to exceed the CPI by such amount for two additional years. Requires publication of the explanatory reports, task force analyses, and affordability alerts on the COOL website. Changes the student aid recipient survey to require that it be conducted at least once every four, rather than every three, years and include information on the effect students' costs and debt have on student school and career choices. Authorizes the Secretary to select up to 100 schools to participate in a College Affordability Demonstration Project allowing increased innovation in the delivery of higher education and student financial aid to test the ability of innovations such as accelerated degree programs, distance education, and school collaborations with other schools and organizations, to reduce costs for students and schools.

college affordability transparency act amends higher education act direct commissioner college opportunity line cool website identify include data greatest importance prospective enrolled students families requires secretary education publish website additional college affordability information comparing change school student costs change consumer price index cpi recent year period requires school prices increase twice percentage change cpi time period report explanation secretary establish quality efficiency task force review school operations school price increase schools places schools affordability alert status prices continue exceed cpi additional years requires publication explanatory reports task force analyses affordability alerts cool website changes student aid recipient survey require conducted years include information effect students costs debt student school career choices authorizes secretary select schools participate college affordability demonstration project allowing increased innovation delivery higher education student financial aid test ability innovations accelerated degree programs distance education school collaborations schools organizations reduce costs students schools


Summary: Military Educational Parity Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education, as a condition of their participation in the student aid program, to grant students who are called or ordered to active duty a military leave of absence while serving on active duty and for one year after conclusion of such service. Entitles students receiving such leave, upon release from active duty, to be restored to prior educational status attained without loss of academic credits earned, scholarships or grants awarded, or tuition or fees paid, unless those have been refunded. Requires institutions to give such students certain refunds of tuition or fees paid prior to active duty. Includes as active duty, in the case of National Guard members, active state duty. Excludes training or attendance at a service school from treatment as active duty.

military educational parity act amends higher education act require institutions higher education condition participation student aid program grant students called ordered active duty military leave absence serving active duty year conclusion service entitles students receiving leave release active duty restored prior educational status attained loss academic credits earned scholarships grants awarded tuition fees paid refunded requires institutions students certain refunds tuition fees paid prior active duty includes active duty case national_guard members active state duty excludes training attendance service school treatment active duty


Summary: Student Financial Readiness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from $2,000 to $5,000 the annual contribution limit to Coverdell education savings accounts; (2) adjust such contribution limit for inflation after 2007; and (3) prohibit contributions by individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns).

amends internal revenue code increase annual contribution limit coverdell education savings accounts adjust contribution limit inflation prohibit contributions individuals modified adjusted gross income exceeds married couples filing joint tax returns


Summary: Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution participating in any program under the Act to provide to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, an annual fire safety report containing specified information about the campus fire safety practices and standards of that institution. Requires such institutions to: (1) record all on-campus fires, including the nature, date, time, and general location of each fire and all unwanted and false fire alarms; and (2) open such information to public inspection. Requires the institutions to report on such information annually to the campus community in a manner that will aid the prevention of similar occurrences. Directs each institution to require the national organizing bodies of the fraternities, sororities, and other student groups they recognize to collect specified fire safety information for each student housing facility they own, control, or occupy and report such information to the Secretary of Education, all current members, and to any interested party upon request. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on fire safety systems and standards in institution and student housing facilities, and on exemplary fire safety education and training programs at such institutions.

campus fire safety right know act amends higher education act require institution participating program act provide current students employees applicant enrollment employment request annual fire safety report containing specified information campus fire safety practices standards institution requires institutions record campus fires including nature date time general location fire unwanted false fire alarms open information public inspection requires institutions report information annually campus community manner aid prevention similar occurrences directs institution require national organizing bodies fraternities sororities student groups recognize collect specified fire safety information student housing facility control occupy report information secretary education current members interested party request requires secretary report congress fire safety systems standards institution student housing facilities exemplary fire safety education training programs institutions


Summary: Community College Partnership Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Community College Opportunity program to help students at community or technical colleges transfer to four-year institutions and complete bachelor's degrees. Directs the Secretary of Education to award program grants to eligible partnerships that include one or more community or technical colleges that award associate's degrees, one or more institutions of higher education (IHEs) that offer a baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate degree not awarded by the partner colleges, and a state agency overseeing or coordinating IHEs. Requires such grants to be used for: (1) the development of policies and programs that expand opportunities for community or technical college students to earn bachelor's degrees, including those that promote the transfer of academic credits between institutions and expand articulation and guaranteed transfer agreements between IHEs; (2) support services to students participating in the program, including tutoring, mentoring, academic and personal counseling, and transition facilitation; (3) academic program enhancements at the community or technical college that increase program quality and the number of student participants in the dual enrollment program offered in cooperation with a baccalaureate degree-granting institution; and (4) programs to identify barriers that inhibit student transfers.

community college partnership act amends higher education act establish program help students community technical colleges transfer year institutions complete bachelor degrees directs secretary education award program grants eligible partnerships include community technical colleges award associate degrees institutions higher education ihes offer baccalaureate postbaccalaureate degree awarded partner colleges state agency overseeing coordinating ihes requires grants development policies programs expand opportunities community technical college students earn bachelor degrees including promote transfer academic credits institutions expand articulation guaranteed transfer agreements ihes support services students participating program including tutoring mentoring academic personal counseling transition facilitation academic program enhancements community technical college increase program quality number student participants dual enrollment program offered cooperation baccalaureate degree granting institution programs identify barriers inhibit student transfers


Summary: Earning and Learning Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to enter into agreements with private for-profit organizations for the provision of work-study employment, except as otherwise permitted by regulations of the Secretary of Education. (Current law allows such institutions to enter into such agreements at their own option.)

earning learning act amends higher education act require institutions higher education enter agreements private profit organizations provision work study employment permitted regulations secretary education current law allows institutions enter agreements option


Summary: Student Loan Interest Full Deductibility Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the current dollar limitations on the tax deduction of interest on education loans.

act amends internal revenue code repeal current dollar limitations tax deduction interest education loans


Summary: FAFSA Fix for Homeless Kids Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to deem a student independent for financial aid purposes if such student has been verified as both a homeless child or youth and an unaccompanied youth by: (1) a local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youth; (2) a director of a homeless shelter, transitional shelter, or independent living program; or (3) a financial aid administrator. Requires such a verification to take place during the school year in which the application for such aid is submitted.

fafsa fix homeless kids act amends higher education act deem student independent financial aid purposes student verified homeless child youth unaccompanied youth local educational agency liaison homeless children youth director homeless shelter transitional shelter independent living program financial aid administrator requires verification place school year application aid submitted


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to provide grants and related assistance to certain institutions of higher education that have an undergraduate enrollment that is at least 10% Asian American or Pacific Islander, for activities to improve their capacity to serve such students. Requires applicants for such assistance to submit a five-year plan for improving the assistance they provide to such students. Gives priority to eligible institutions that serve a significant percentage of low-income Asian American and Pacific Islander students.

amends higher education act direct secretary education provide grants related assistance certain institutions higher education undergraduate enrollment asian american pacific islander activities improve capacity serve students requires applicants assistance submit year plan improving assistance provide students gives priority eligible institutions serve significant percentage low income asian american students


Summary: Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to certain tax-exempt social clubs (e.g., college fraternities and sororities) so long as all of the active members of such clubs are full-time students at the college or university with which such clubs are associated. Defines "collegiate housing and infrastructure grants" to include grants to provide, improve, operate, or maintain collegiate housing.

collegiate housing infrastructure act amends internal revenue code allow tax exempt charitable educational organizations collegiate housing infrastructure improvement grants certain tax exempt social clubs college fraternities sororities long active members clubs time students college university clubs associated defines collegiate housing infrastructure grants include grants provide improve operate maintain collegiate housing


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Labor to make a grant, to a public university with specified characteristics, to establish the Center for the Study of Women and Workplace Policy. Requires the Center to: (1) compile and analyze available data and data sets on the difference between the earnings of men and women, including the Panel Study of Income Dynamics housed at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; (2) identify factors which affect differences in earnings; and (3) disseminate findings, maintain a website as a clearinghouse, and publish an annual best practices guide.

directs secretary labor grant public university specified characteristics establish requires center compile analyze available data data sets difference earnings men women including housed identify factors affect differences earnings disseminate findings maintain website clearinghouse publish annual best practices guide


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

amends internal revenue code permanent tax deduction qualified tuition related expenses


Summary: Community College Partnership Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Community College Opportunity program to help students at community or technical colleges transfer to four-year institutions and complete bachelor's degrees. Directs the Secretary of Education to award program grants to eligible partnerships that include one or more community or technical colleges that award associate's degrees and one or more institutions of higher education (IHEs) that offer a baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate degree not awarded by the partner colleges. Authorizes the inclusion of a state agency overseeing or coordinating IHEs. Requires such grants to be used for: (1) the development of policies and programs that expand opportunities for community or technical college students to earn bachelor's degrees, including those that promote the transfer of academic credits between institutions and expand articulation and guaranteed transfer agreements between IHEs; (2) support services to students participating in the program, including tutoring, mentoring, academic and personal counseling, and transition facilitation; (3) academic program enhancements at the community or technical college that increase program quality and the number of student participants in the program offered in cooperation with a baccalaureate degree-granting institution; and (4) programs to identify barriers that inhibit student transfers.

community college partnership act amends higher education act establish program help students community technical colleges transfer year institutions complete bachelor degrees directs secretary education award program grants eligible partnerships include community technical colleges award associate degrees institutions higher education ihes offer baccalaureate postbaccalaureate degree awarded partner colleges authorizes inclusion state agency overseeing coordinating ihes requires grants development policies programs expand opportunities community technical college students earn bachelor degrees including promote transfer academic credits institutions expand articulation guaranteed transfer agreements ihes support services students participating program including tutoring mentoring academic personal counseling transition facilitation academic program enhancements community technical college increase program quality number student participants program offered cooperation baccalaureate degree granting institution programs identify barriers inhibit student transfers


Summary: Increasing Access to Higher Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the maximum Pell Grant award to $4,810 for each of the academic years 2007-2008 through 2013-2014.

increasing access higher education act amends higher education act increase maximum pell_grant award academic years


Summary: Diploma Integrity Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make available to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the heads of other appropriate federal agencies a list of: (1) accrediting agencies and associations recognized by the Secretary or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; (2) institutions of higher education eligible under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program; and (3) foreign institutions of higher education whose authority to issue degrees is accepted in their home country and that the Secretary deems to be academically equivalent to FFEL participants in this country. Conditions a school's eligibility for student assistance funding under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 on its providing notice on its internet website of its recognition by the Secretary as a legitimate degree-granting institution for immigration and federal employment purposes. Requires an accreditation agency or association to be on such list for its authority to be recognized for any federal purpose. Requires the Secretary to establish the Diploma Mill Task Force to develop: (1) guidelines for distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent degree-granting institutions for federal purposes; (2) a strategic diploma integrity protection plan to address the sale and use of fraudulent degrees; and (3) legislative language to effectuate such plan. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to define as an unfair and deceptive act or practice: (1) the offering of a degree by an entity that is not recognized as a legitimate degree-granting institution in accordance with the Task Force's guidelines; or (2) the issuing of any accreditation by an entity not recognized by the Secretary, any other appropriate federal agency, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or, in the case of a foreign entity, by the appropriate agency in its home country. Requires the Secretary to study: (1) both legitimate and fraudulent degree-granting institutions that are not properly accredited; and (2) steps taken by the Secretary to repair vulnerabilities of the FFEL program to fraudulent degree-granting institutions.

directs secretary education available secretary homeland_security heads appropriate federal agencies list accrediting agencies associations recognized secretary council_for_higher_education_accreditation institutions higher education eligible federal_family_education_loan ffel program foreign institutions higher education authority issue degrees accepted home country secretary deems academically equivalent ffel participants country conditions school eligibility student assistance funding title higher education act providing notice internet website recognition secretary legitimate degree granting institution immigration federal employment purposes requires accreditation agency association list authority recognized federal purpose requires secretary establish develop guidelines distinguishing legitimate fraudulent degree granting institutions federal purposes strategic diploma integrity protection plan address sale use fraudulent degrees legislative language effectuate plan directs federal_trade_commission define unfair deceptive act practice offering degree entity recognized legitimate degree granting institution accordance task_force guidelines issuing accreditation entity recognized secretary appropriate federal agency council_for_higher_education_accreditation case foreign entity appropriate agency home country requires secretary study legitimate fraudulent degree granting institutions properly accredited steps taken secretary repair vulnerabilities ffel program fraudulent degree granting institutions


Summary: National Endowment for Workforce Education in Renewables and Agriculture Act of 2007, or NEW ERA Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants to community colleges and advanced technology education centers located in Iowa or other midwestern states to support the education and training of technicians in the fields of bioenergy and other agricultural, renewable energy resources. Requires grant applicants to demonstrate the ability to leverage existing partnerships and develop educational and occupation outreach and training programs with secondary schools, four-year institutions of higher education, and the agricultural extension system. Gives funding priority to specified occupational education and training initiatives, which include: (1) improving the capacity of bioenergy service industry technicians to meet the needs of agricultural bioenergy businesses; (2) teacher training in agricultural bioenergy research, efficiency, and conservation; (3) the identification of agricultural bioenergy employment opportunities; and (4) the development of partnerships with nonprofit organizations dedicated to bioenergy education and training. Requires grant applications to include a comprehensive education and training evaluation component.

agriculture act authorizes secretary agriculture competitive grants community colleges advanced technology education centers located iowa states support education training technicians fields bioenergy agricultural renewable energy resources requires grant applicants demonstrate ability leverage existing partnerships develop educational occupation outreach training programs secondary schools year institutions higher education agricultural extension system gives funding priority specified occupational education training initiatives include improving capacity bioenergy service industry technicians meet needs agricultural bioenergy businesses teacher training agricultural bioenergy research efficiency conservation identification agricultural bioenergy employment opportunities development partnerships nonprofit organizations dedicated bioenergy education training requires grant applications include comprehensive education training evaluation component