Summary: Medicare Patient IVIG Access Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect data on the differences, if any, between: (1) payments to physicians for immune globulins using average sales price payment methodology; and (2) costs incurred by physicians for furnishing these products. Requires the Secretary also to review data on the access of eligible individuals to immune globulins. Requires the Secretary, after completion of the review, to provide, if appropriate, an additional payment to such physicians for all items related to the furnishing of immune globulins as part of hospital outpatient services. Provides for Medicare coverage of and payment for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) administered in the home. Directs the Secretary to contract for the collection of data on the practice of IVIG infusion if the Secretary determines that collection of additional data is necessary. Directs the Secretary to review data collected under such a contract as well as data submitted by members of the medical community related to the current infusion payment codes under part B (SupplementaryMedical Insurance) of SSA title XVIII. Requires the Secretary, upon completion of any data collection and review, to: (1) notify the appropriate Medicare administrative contractors regarding which existing infusion codes shall be used for purposes of part B IVIG reimbursement; or (2) report to Congress and the RBRVS Update Committee (RUC) on why an additional infusion payment code is necessary. Extends the meaning of durable medical equipment to include a disposable pump prescribed, instead of a non-disposable external infusion pump, for administration of a drug used as part of a chemotherapy regimen for treatment of colorectal cancer, if a non-disposable external infusion pump would have been covered to administer the same drug for the same indication as of July 1, 2008.

medicare patient ivig access act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa direct secretary health_and_human_services collect data differences payments physicians immune average sales price payment methodology costs incurred physicians furnishing products requires secretary review data access eligible individuals immune requires secretary completion review provide appropriate additional payment physicians items related furnishing immune hospital outpatient services provides medicare coverage payment intravenous immune ivig administered home directs secretary contract collection data practice ivig infusion secretary determines collection additional data necessary directs secretary review data collected contract data submitted members medical community related current infusion payment codes insurance ssa title xviii requires secretary completion data collection review notify appropriate medicare administrative contractors existing infusion codes shall purposes ivig reimbursement report congress ruc additional infusion payment code necessary extends meaning durable medical equipment include disposable pump prescribed instead non disposable external infusion pump administration drug chemotherapy regimen treatment colorectal cancer non disposable external infusion pump covered administer drug indication july


Summary: SMA Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a national clinical trials network for spinal muscular atrophy by upgrading and unifying spinal muscular atrophy clinical trial sites and recruiting new investigators and sites. Requires the Director to ensure that such network: (1) conducts coordinated, multisite, clinical trials of therapies and clinical approaches to the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) rapidly and efficiently disseminates scientific findings to the field. Requires the Director to: (1) establish a data coordinating center with respect to spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) expand and intensify NIH programs with respect to preclinical translation research related to spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance and support a spinal muscular atrophy patient registry to provide for expanded epidemiological research towards improving awareness, management, treatment, and prevention of spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary to ensure the collection and analysis of longitudinal data related to individuals of all ages. Directs the Secretary to establish the Interagency Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Coordinating Committee. Sets forth the duties of the Committee, including to develop a comprehensive strategy related to spinal muscular atrophy research and other related neurological diseases and disorders. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide information and education on spinal muscular atrophy to health professionals and the general public.

amends public_health_service_act require director national_institutes_of_health nih establish national clinical trials network spinal upgrading spinal clinical trial sites recruiting new investigators sites requires director ensure network conducts coordinated multisite clinical trials therapies clinical approaches treatment spinal rapidly efficiently disseminates scientific findings field requires director establish data coordinating center respect spinal expand intensify nih programs respect preclinical translation research related spinal requires secretary health_and_human_services acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc enhance support spinal patient registry provide expanded epidemiological research improving awareness management treatment prevention spinal requires secretary ensure collection analysis longitudinal data related individuals ages directs secretary establish interagency spinal research coordinating committee sets forth duties committee including develop comprehensive strategy related spinal research related neurological diseases disorders requires secretary establish program provide information education spinal health professionals general public


Summary: Medicare Equity and Accessibility Act of 2009 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to certain factors and indices in geographic adjustments to the fee schedule for determination of payments for physicians' services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the practice expense geographic index to 1.0 for any location for which the practice expense geographic index is less than 1.0. Repeals the current termination date in order to extend permanently the 1.0 floor for the work expense geographic index.

accessibility act amends supplementary_medical_insurance title xviii medicare social security act respect certain factors indices geographic adjustments fee schedule determination payments physicians services directs secretary health_and_human_services increase practice expense geographic index location practice expense geographic index repeals current termination date order extend permanently floor work expense geographic index


Summary: Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with regard to a laboratory-furnished technical component of certain physician pathology services, to treat such component as a service for which payment shall be made to the laboratory, and not as an inpatient hospital or hospital outpatient service for which payment is made to the hospital.

physician_pathology_services continuity act amends title xviii medicare social security act require secretary health_and_human_services regard laboratory furnished technical component certain physician pathology services treat component service payment shall laboratory inpatient hospital hospital outpatient service payment hospital


Summary: Prosthetic and Custom Orthotic Parity Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits as well as benefits for prosthetic devices and components and orthotic devices to offer such prosthetic and orthotic coverage in the same manner as applicable to medical and surgical benefits. Prohibits separate financial requirements or more restrictive treatment limitations. Limits required benefits for prosthetic devices and custom orthotic devices and related services to the most appropriate model that adequately meets the medical requirements of the patient. Requires benefits to include repairs and replacements as determined appropriate by the treating physician. Prohibits any annual or lifetime dollar limitation on benefits for prosthetic devices and custom orthotic devices and related services unless such limitation applies in the aggregate to all benefits.

prosthetic custom orthotic parity act amends employee retirement income security act erisa require group health plan provides medical surgical benefits benefits prosthetic devices components orthotic devices offer prosthetic orthotic coverage manner applicable medical surgical benefits prohibits separate financial requirements restrictive treatment limitations limits required benefits prosthetic devices custom orthotic devices related services appropriate model adequately meets medical requirements patient requires benefits include repairs replacements determined appropriate treating physician prohibits annual lifetime dollar limitation benefits prosthetic devices custom orthotic devices related services limitation applies aggregate benefits


Summary: Optometric Equity in Medicaid Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require Medicaid coverage of medical and other health services of optometrists that are otherwise covered when furnished by a physician.

optometric equity amends title xix medicaid social security act require medicaid coverage medical health services optometrists covered furnished physician


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from applying, during a specified period, certain revised Medicare average hourly wage comparison reclassification criteria to a "subsection (d) hospital" seeking reclassification of its wage index during such period. (Generally a subsection (d) hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

prohibits secretary health_and_human_services applying specified period certain revised medicare average hourly wage comparison reclassification criteria subsection hospital seeking reclassification wage index period generally subsection hospital acute care hospital particularly receives payments medicare inpatient prospective payment system ipps providing covered inpatient services eligible beneficiaries


Summary: GPCI Justice Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to the geographic practice cost index (GPCI) for adjustments to physician fee schedule areas, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the fee schedule areas for California to use the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) iterative Geographic Adjustment Factor methodology, in accordance with specified requirements.

justice act amends title xviii medicare social security act respect geographic practice cost index adjustments physician fee schedule areas direct secretary health_and_human_services revise fee schedule areas california use metropolitan_statistical_area msa methodology accordance specified requirements


Summary: Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act - Transfers marijuana from schedule I to schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act.Provides that no provision of the Controlled Substances Act or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act shall prohibit or otherwise restrict, in a state in which marijuana may, under state law, be prescribed or recommended by a physician for medical use: (1) a physician from prescribing or recommending marijuana for medical use; (2) an individual from obtaining, possessing, transporting, manufacturing, or using marijuana in accordance with such a prescription or recommendation; (3) an individual authorized under state law to do so from obtaining, possessing, transporting, or manufacturing marijuana on an authorized patient's behalf; (4) a pharmacy or other entity authorized to do so from obtaining, possessing, or distributing marijuana to such patients; or (5) an entity established by such a state or local government thereof to do so from producing, possessing, or distributing marijuana for such a prescription or recommendation.

medical marijuana patient protection act transfers marijuana schedule schedule controlled substances act provides provision controlled substances act cosmetic act shall prohibit restrict state marijuana state law prescribed recommended physician medical use physician prescribing recommending marijuana medical use individual obtaining possessing transporting manufacturing marijuana accordance prescription recommendation individual authorized state law obtaining possessing transporting manufacturing marijuana authorized patient behalf pharmacy entity authorized obtaining possessing distributing marijuana patients entity established state local government thereof producing possessing distributing marijuana prescription recommendation


Summary: Medicare Payment Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to determine a value index for the physician work component for each Medicare physician fee schedule area.

medicare payment improvement act amends title xviii medicare social security act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs determine value index physician work component medicare physician fee schedule area


Summary: Medicare Quality Cancer Care Demonstration Project Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a quality cancer care demonstration project for the purpose of establishing quality metrics and aligning payment incentives under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act in the areas of treating planning and end-of-life care for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer.

medicare quality cancer care demonstration project act directs secretary health_and_human_services establish quality cancer care demonstration project purpose establishing quality metrics aligning payment incentives title xviii medicare social security act areas treating planning end life care medicare beneficiaries cancer


Summary: Restorative and Enhanced Vision Access for Medicare Patients (REVAMP) Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover vision restoration therapy devices and associated software used in the patient's home to treat impaired visual function as durable medical equipment (DME).

restorative enhanced vision access medicare patients revamp act amends title xviii medicare social security act cover vision restoration therapy devices associated software patient home treat impaired visual function durable medical equipment dme


Summary: Cure and Understanding through Research for Alzheimer's Act of 2009 or La Cura Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure sufficient resources for activities relating to Alzheimer's disease and Hispanic communities, including by: (1) increasing efforts in epidemiological work in Hispanic subgroups; (2) allocating resources to the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's disease research centers and other academic centers involved in such research to increase participation of Hispanics and other underrepresented ethnic groups in research and clinical trials in sufficient numbers to draw valid conclusions; and (3) conducting social, behavioral, and health services research to understand the underlying reasons why Hispanic individuals delay diagnosis and underutilize services, to identify culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches to address such delays and underutilization, and to identify approaches for providing, and improving the quality of, culturally competent care. Requires the Director to expand and intensify NIH efforts to educate communities about the importance of research relating to Alzheimer's disease and to respond effectively to cultural concerns about participation in such research.Authorizes appropriations for a program of grants to states to carry out demonstration programs related to Alzheimer's disease. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct an aggressive, evidence-based education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer's disease, particularly to Hispanic populations.

cure understanding research alzheimer act act amends public_health_service_act require director national_institutes_of_health nih ensure sufficient resources activities relating alzheimer disease hispanic communities including increasing efforts epidemiological work hispanic subgroups allocating resources disease research centers academic centers involved research increase participation underrepresented ethnic groups research clinical trials sufficient numbers draw valid conclusions conducting social behavioral health services research understand underlying reasons hispanic individuals delay diagnosis services identify culturally linguistically appropriate approaches address delays identify approaches providing improving quality culturally competent care requires director expand intensify nih efforts educate communities importance research relating alzheimer disease respond effectively cultural concerns participation research authorizes appropriations program grants states carry demonstration programs related alzheimer disease requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs acting centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc conduct aggressive evidence based education outreach program promote public awareness risk reduction respect alzheimer disease particularly hispanic populations


Summary: Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for direct access to qualified audiologists for Medicare beneficiaries, without regard to any requirement that the beneficiary be under the care of (or referred by) a physician or other health care practitioner, or that such services are provided under the supervision of a physician or other health care practitioner. Covers audiology services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).

amends title xviii medicare social security act provide direct access qualified audiologists medicare beneficiaries regard requirement beneficiary care referred physician health care practitioner services provided supervision physician health care practitioner covers audiology services medicare supplementary_medical_insurance


Summary: Obesity Treatment and Wellness Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require Medicaid coverage of medical nutrition therapy to treat or prevent the progression of a chronic condition or disease which an individual is considered as having, or at risk of developing, as the result of being overweight and obese.

wellness act amends title xix medicaid social security act require medicaid coverage medical nutrition therapy treat prevent progression chronic condition disease individual considered having risk developing result overweight obese


Summary: Optometric Fairness in Medicaid Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require Medicaid coverage of professional medical services of optometrists.

optometric fairness amends title xix medicaid social security act require medicaid coverage professional medical services optometrists


Summary: Dietary Supplement Tax Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat amounts paid for foods for special dietary use, dietary supplements, and medical foods as medical expenses for purposes of the medical expense tax deduction.

dietary supplement tax fairness act amends internal revenue code treat amounts paid foods special dietary use dietary supplements medical foods medical expenses purposes medical expense tax deduction


Summary: Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for conducting and supporting research on Alzheimer's disease in FY2010-FY2014. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to: (1) give priority to conducting and supporting Alzheimer's disease research; (2) increase the emphasis on the need to conduct Alzheimer's disease prevention trials within the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (3) ensure that Alzheimer's disease is maintained as a high priority for NIH's neuroscience initiative; and (4) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's disease. Requires the Director to conduct research related to: (1) the early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and its potential precursors; (2) early onset Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (3) the relationship of vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease; and (4) interventions designed to help caregivers and improve patient outcomes. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaborative research among the Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Expands the research of Alzheimer's Disease Centers to include outcome measures and disease management. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a National Summit on Alzheimer's Disease. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct activities related to risk factors and early recognition of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administration on Aging, to award a cooperative grant for the establishment and operation of an Alzheimer's Call Center. Extends and expands demonstration projects relating to Alzheimer's disease.

alzheimer authorizes appropriations conducting supporting research alzheimer disease fy2010 fy2014 amends public_health_service_act require director priority conducting supporting alzheimer disease research increase emphasis need conduct alzheimer disease prevention trials national_institutes_of_health nih ensure alzheimer disease maintained high priority nih neuroscience initiative conduct support cooperative clinical research alzheimer disease requires director conduct research related early detection diagnosis prevention alzheimer disease potential precursors early onset alzheimer disease related dementias relationship vascular disease alzheimer disease interventions designed help caregivers improve patient outcomes authorizes director establish facilitate collaborative research alzheimer disease centers alzheimer expands research alzheimer disease centers include outcome measures disease management directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs convene national summit alzheimer disease requires secretary acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc conduct activities related risk factors early recognition alzheimer disease dementias requires secretary acting administration_on_aging award cooperative grant establishment operation alzheimer center extends expands demonstration projects relating alzheimer disease


Summary: Medicare Chronic Care Practice Research Network Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a Medicare Chronic Care Rapid Learning Network to develop and evaluate evidence-based chronic care management for Medicare beneficiaries with multiple, chronic illnesses, with a focus on beneficiaries under the Medicare fee-for-service program whose care is most costly.

medicare chronic care practice research network act directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish medicare chronic develop evaluate evidence based chronic care management medicare beneficiaries multiple chronic illnesses focus beneficiaries medicare fee service program care costly


Summary: IMPROVE Act - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require provider and supplier payments under Medicare and Medicaid to be made through direct deposit or electronic funds transfer (EFT) at depository institutions that are federally insured or eligible for federal insurance.

titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social security act require provider supplier payments medicare medicaid direct deposit electronic funds transfer eft depository institutions federally insured eligible federal insurance


Summary: Ryan White Grantee Medicaid Payment Equity Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state Medicaid plan to provide for payment for Medicaid services furnished by a recipient of a grant under part C of title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act (Ryan White Part C grantees) under a cost-based prospective payment system.

ryan_white grantee medicaid payment equity act amends title xix medicaid social security act require state medicaid plan provide payment medicaid services furnished recipient grant title xxvi public_health_service_act ryan_white grantees cost based prospective payment system


Summary: Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).

amends supplementary medical insurance benefits aged disabled title xviii medicare social security act repeal medicare competitive acquisition program durable medical equipment prosthetics orthotics supplies dmepos


Summary: Tele-Care Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for coverage under Medicare part B (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of unscheduled physician telephone services by a licensed health care practitioner, subject to certain requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program to test the effectiveness of such coverage.

amends title xviii medicare provide coverage medicare supplemental security income ssi unscheduled physician telephone services licensed health care practitioner subject certain requirements directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish demonstration program test effectiveness coverage


Summary: Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and implement a National Bone Health Program for the control, prevention, and surveillance of osteoporosis and related bone diseases and to coordinate and carry out national education and outreach activities in support of such program; (2) authorize the Secretary to award grants to states and Indian tribes for comprehensive osteoporosis and related bone disease control and prevention programs; and (3) award grants or enter into cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on osteoporosis and related bone diseases. including osteogenesis imperfecta and Paget's disease of bone. Requires the Secretary to establish the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disease Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health on conducting activities related to the National Bone Health Program. Directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) expand and intensify NIH research programs for osteoporosis and related bone diseases, including osteogenesis imperfecta, Paget's disease of bone, and rare bone diseases; and (2) award planning grants or contracts for the establishment or enhancement of research programs for osteoporosis and related bone diseases.

amends public_health_service_act authorize secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop implement control prevention surveillance osteoporosis related bone diseases coordinate carry national education outreach activities support program authorize secretary award grants states indian tribes comprehensive osteoporosis related bone disease control prevention programs award grants enter cooperative agreements collection analysis reporting data osteoporosis related bone diseases including disease bone requires secretary establish advise secretary assistant secretary health conducting activities related directs director national_institutes_of_health nih expand intensify nih research programs osteoporosis related bone diseases including disease bone rare bone diseases award planning grants contracts establishment enhancement research programs osteoporosis related bone diseases


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on February 24, 2010. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to extend through February 28, 2011, provisions: (1) granting roving surveillance authority under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) where the court finds that the actions of the target may thwart the identification of a specified person or other persons (by using multiple devices or modes of communication, among other means); and (2) authorizing the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to apply for a court order requiring production of tangible things (including books, records, papers, and documents), not merely business records, for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend through February 28, 2011, an amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) that redefines "agent of a foreign power" to include any non-U.S. person who engages in international terrorism or activities in preparation for such terrorism ("lone wolf" provision).

measure amended passed senate february summary version repeated amends usa_patriot_improvement reauthorization act extend february provisions granting roving surveillance authority foreign_intelligence_surveillance_act fisa court finds actions target thwart identification specified person persons multiple devices modes communication means authorizing director federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi apply court order requiring production tangible things including books records papers documents merely business records foreign intelligence international terrorism investigations amends intelligence_reform_and_terrorism_prevention_act extend february amendment foreign_intelligence_surveillance_act fisa redefines agent foreign power include non person engages international terrorism activities preparation terrorism lone wolf provision


Summary: Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand treatment services for patients with Alzheimer's disease and training and support services for families and caregivers of such patients.

alzheimer treatment caregiver support act amends public_health_service_act authorize secretary health_and_human_services hhs grants public nonprofit private health care providers expand treatment services patients alzheimer disease training support services families caregivers patients


Summary: Medicare SGR Improvement and Reform Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide an increased annual update for the Sustainable Growth Mechanism (SGR) formula for determining rates in the fee schedule for Medicare physician payments. Sets a three-year time limit for the commencement of a health care lawsuit. Prescribes requirements for: (1) unlimited damages for a claimant's actual economic losses in health care lawsuits; (2) court supervision of arrangements for payment of such damages, including limitation of contingent attorney fees; (3) restrictions on punitive damages; and (4) payment of future damages to claimants in health care suits. Terminates funding of the Medicare Improvement Fund as of January 1, 2010. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prescribe requirements for the licensure of biological products as biosimilar or interchangeable. Includes under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act fees relating to the licensure of a biological product. Amends patent law with respect to biosimilar products. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to adopt a single set of consensus-based operating rules for each health information transaction.

reform act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide increased annual update sgr formula determining rates fee schedule medicare physician payments sets year time limit commencement health care lawsuit prescribes requirements unlimited damages claimant actual economic losses health care lawsuits court supervision arrangements payment damages including limitation contingent attorney fees restrictions punitive damages payment future damages claimants health care suits terminates funding medicare_improvement_fund january amends public_health_service_act prescribe requirements licensure biological products biosimilar interchangeable includes cosmetic act fees relating licensure biological product amends patent law respect biosimilar products directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs adopt single set consensus based operating rules health information transaction


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize continued use of 2009 Medicare practice expense relative value units for certain cardiology services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with an independent entity to study and report to Congress on the practice expense methodology used to determine relative value units under this Act to determine whether the cost finding, indirect cost allocation, scaling, and budget neutrality methodologies used: (1) are consistent with generally accepted accounting principles; (2) distribute the burden of any necessary budget neutrality adjustments proportionally among all physicians' services; and (3) result in allowances that accurately reflect the relative direct and indirect resources involved in the provision of various physicians' services.

amends title xviii medicare social security act authorize continued use medicare practice expense relative value units certain services directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs contract independent entity study report congress practice expense methodology determine relative value units act determine cost finding indirect cost allocation scaling budget neutrality methodologies consistent generally accepted accounting principles distribute burden necessary budget neutrality adjustments proportionally physicians services result allowances accurately reflect relative direct indirect resources involved provision physicians services


Summary: Cancer Screening Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to provide coverage for certain types of cancer screening. Includes under such coverage mammograms, clinical breast examinations, pap tests and pelvic examinations, colorectal screening procedures, and prostate screening tests, at specified intervals and through specified procedures for certain age groups in appropriate genders. Prohibits related eligibility discrimination, monetary incentives to individuals, and penalties or incentives to providers. Requires such plans and issuers to provide certain disclosures to participants and beneficiaries, including regarding covered benefits, cost sharing, and participating providers. Applies the requirements of this Act to coverage offered in the individual market and under the federal employees health benefits plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to modify coverage requirements under this Act to incorporate new scientific and technological advances, practice pattern changes, or other updated medical practices regarding cancer screening.

cancer screening coverage act amends public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code require group health plan provide coverage certain types cancer screening includes coverage mammograms clinical breast examinations tests examinations colorectal screening procedures prostate screening tests specified intervals specified procedures certain age groups appropriate prohibits related eligibility discrimination monetary incentives individuals penalties incentives providers requires plans issuers provide certain disclosures participants beneficiaries including covered benefits cost sharing participating providers applies requirements act coverage offered individual market federal employees health benefits plan authorizes secretary health_and_human_services hhs modify coverage requirements act incorporate new scientific technological advances practice pattern changes updated medical practices cancer screening


Summary: Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Savings Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to lymphedema diagnosis and treatment services.

diagnosis treatment cost savings act amends title xviii medicare social security act extend coverage diagnosis treatment services


Summary: Patients' Right to Know Act - Requires each entity offering a health benefits plan to make available to enrollees and potential enrollees specified information, including covered items and services, a list of limitations and restrictions, the claims appeal process, out-of-pocket cost-sharing, among other things. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the state Medicaid plan to provide that the state will establish and maintain laws to require disclosure to the public and the Secretary of information on hospital and ambulatory surgical center prices and quality.

patients right know act requires entity offering health benefits plan available enrollees potential enrollees specified information including covered items services list limitations restrictions claims appeal process pocket cost sharing things amends title xix medicaid social security act require state medicaid plan provide state establish maintain laws require disclosure public secretary information hospital ambulatory surgical center prices quality


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report to Congress on the Medicare DSH (disproportionate share hospital) payment system, taking into account the impact of the health care reforms under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (HCERA), in reducing the number of uninsured individuals. Requires the Secretary to make specified adjustments to the Medicare DSH payment system, including an additional payment to hospitals based on the amount of uncompensated care they have provided, if there is a significant decrease in the national rate of uninsurance as a result of corrected PPACA. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by PPACA and HCERA, to eliminate certain current requirements for adjustments to Medicare DSH payments. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid), as amended by PPACA and HCERA, to postpone specified Medicaid DSH reductions scheduled for FY2014-FY2020 until FY2018-FY2024.

directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs report congress medicare dsh disproportionate share hospital payment system taking account impact health care reforms patient_protection affordable care act ppaca amended health_care_and_education reconciliation act reducing number uninsured individuals requires secretary specified adjustments medicare dsh payment system including additional payment hospitals based uncompensated care provided significant decrease national rate result corrected ppaca amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa amended ppaca eliminate certain current requirements adjustments medicare dsh payments amends ssa title xix medicaid amended ppaca postpone specified medicaid dsh reductions scheduled


Summary: Custom Fabricated Prosthetic Breast Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to custom fabricated breast prostheses after a mastectomy.

breast act amends title xviii medicare social security act extend coverage custom fabricated breast prostheses mastectomy


Summary: Quality Cancer Care for Life Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to improve the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors by expanding CDC cancer control programs, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and the National Program of Cancer Registries. Requires the Director of CDC to award grants to: (1) develop, implement, and evaluate cancer case management and coordination programs to enhance the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for patients and survivors and to improve cancer outcomes; and (2) train individuals to undertake the quality of life needs of cancer patients, survivors, and family caregivers. Requires the Secretary to establish a Quality of Life Advisory Committee to advise, coordinate, and assist the CDC in creating and conducting the cancer quality of life and survivorship activities, program enhancements, and training initiatives under this Act. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to undertake additional cancer quality of life and survivorship research that addresses pain, symptom management, side effects and late effects, and psychosocial factors to improve cancer clinical communication and care planning, treatment and post-treatment, and follow-up care across the life course.

quality cancer care life act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc improve quality cancer care quality life cancer patients survivors expanding cdc cancer control programs including national comprehensive cancer control program requires director cdc award grants develop implement evaluate cancer case management coordination programs enhance quality cancer care quality life patients survivors improve cancer outcomes train individuals undertake quality life needs cancer patients survivors family caregivers requires secretary establish quality life advisory committee advise coordinate assist cdc creating conducting cancer quality life survivorship activities program enhancements training initiatives act requires director national_institutes_of_health nih undertake additional cancer quality life survivorship research addresses pain symptom management effects late effects psychosocial factors improve cancer clinical communication care planning treatment post treatment follow care life course


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to require payment for post-mastectomy external breast prosthesis garments regardless of whether such items are supplied to the beneficiary before or after the mastectomy or other breast cancer surgical procedure. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop policies to ensure appropriate beneficiary access and utilization safeguards for such items.

amends title xviii medicare require payment post mastectomy external breast garments regardless items supplied beneficiary mastectomy breast cancer surgical procedure directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop policies ensure appropriate beneficiary access utilization safeguards items


Summary: Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to require congressional approval of the designation by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a benefit plan as the CLASS Independence Benefit Plan under the CLASS program (a national, voluntary insurance program for purchasing community living assistance services and supports). Sets forth procedures for such congressional approval by joint resolution. Prohibits an employer from enrolling an employee in the CLASS program without providing specified notice to the employee, which includes: (1) the significant risk of failure of such a program; (2) information on deficits that the program is expected to run; (3) a statement that there is no separate pool of money set aside to pay the CLASS program benefits; and (4) an explanation of the immediate termination of the program if it is reported to be actuarially unsound. Prohibits premiums from being collected before the Secretary has promulgated the required regulations in final form. Terminates such program if the report by the Board of Trustees of the CLASS Independence Fund indicates that the Fund is projected to be actuarially unsound over the 75-year period beginning with the fiscal year in which such report is submitted. Establishes a refund process.

security act amends public_health_service_act amended patient_protection affordable care act require congressional approval designation secretary health_and_human_services hhs benefit plan class independence benefit plan class program national voluntary insurance program purchasing community living assistance services supports sets forth procedures congressional approval joint resolution prohibits employer enrolling employee class program providing specified notice employee includes significant risk failure program information deficits program expected run statement separate pool money set aside pay class program benefits explanation immediate termination program reported actuarially unsound prohibits premiums collected secretary promulgated required regulations final form terminates program report board_of_trustees class independence fund indicates fund projected actuarially unsound year period beginning fiscal year report submitted establishes refund process


Summary: HOPE for Alzheimer's: Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to cover comprehensive Alzheimer's disease and other dementia diagnosis and services. Requires the Federal Coordinated Health Care Office to study and report to Congress on: (1) barriers to the detection of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias for dual eligible individuals; (2) barriers to the furnishing of comprehensive Alzheimer's disease and other dementia diagnosis and services to such individuals; and (3) ways to eliminate such barriers.

hope alzheimer education act amends title xviii medicare cover comprehensive alzheimer disease dementia diagnosis services requires study report congress barriers detection alzheimer disease dementias dual eligible individuals barriers furnishing comprehensive alzheimer disease dementia diagnosis services individuals ways eliminate barriers


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) develop treatment protocols and related tools for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); (2) improve biomedical and prosthetic research programs regarding COPD; (3) develop pilot programs to demonstrate best practices for the diagnosis and management of COPD; and (4) develop improved techniques and best practices for assisting individuals with COPD in successfully quitting smoking.

directs secretary veterans_affairs develop treatment protocols related tools prevention diagnosis treatment management chronic obstructive pulmonary disease improve biomedical prosthetic research programs develop pilot programs demonstrate best practices diagnosis management develop improved techniques best practices assisting individuals successfully smoking


Summary: Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, to prescribe a special rule for applying Medicare electronic health record (EHR) incentive payments, at the election of a qualified main hospital, to its remote inpatient locations. Prohibits administrative or judicial review of: (1) the methodology and standards for determining a remote inpatient location, a qualified remote inpatient location, a component facility, a qualified component facility, a main provider, and a qualified main provider, and which such locations, facilities, and providers are qualified; and (2) the methodology and standards for the election in connection with such special rule. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to set forth a special rule for applying Medicaid EHR incentive payments, at the election of a qualified main hospital, to its remote locations.

electronic health record incentives multi campus hospitals act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa respect payments hospitals inpatient hospital services prescribe special rule applying medicare electronic health record ehr incentive payments election qualified main hospital remote inpatient locations prohibits administrative judicial review methodology standards determining remote inpatient location qualified remote inpatient location component facility qualified component facility main provider qualified main provider locations facilities providers qualified methodology standards election connection special rule amends ssa title xix medicaid set forth special rule applying medicaid ehr incentive payments election qualified main hospital remote locations


Summary: Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require coverage under Medicaid of services of optometrists.

amends title xix medicaid social security act require coverage medicaid services optometrists


Summary: Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to the treatment of electronic health record (EHR) incentive payments for federally qualified health centers. Prohibits duplicate payments to both a Medicaid provider who practices in a federally qualified health center (FQHC) and the FQHC.

amends title xix medicaid social security act respect treatment electronic health record ehr incentive payments federally qualified health centers prohibits duplicate payments medicaid provider practices federally qualified health center fqhc fqhc


Summary: Medicare Physician Payment Update Extension Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) continue the existing 2.2% physician payment update that expires November 30, 2010, for an additional month through December 31, 2010; and (2) set at 1% the update to the single conversion factor that would otherwise apply for 2011.

title xviii medicare social security act continue existing physician payment update expires november additional month december set update single conversion factor apply


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for determining the relative value of physicians' services for fee payment purposes. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for a 4-year transition applicable in the case of codes (for services) for which: (1) a single code is used for payment for services for which multiple codes were previously used; and (2) a change in relative value units results in a reduction in such units of 10% or more. Applies this 4-year transition to the number of percentage points of the reduction in excess of 10%.

amends title xviii medicare social security act revise requirements determining relative value physicians services fee payment purposes directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs provide year transition applicable case codes services single code payment services multiple codes previously change relative value units results reduction units applies year transition number percentage points reduction excess


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend through FY2013 the reclassification to a specific Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or New England County Metropolitan Area of any hospital so reclassified for FY2010 by the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board, if: (1) that hospital would no longer qualify for such reclassification for FY2011; and (2) for FY2011 the average wage index for the geographic area in which such hospital is located is at least 0.1 less than the hospital's average wage index for FY2010. Declares that such extension shall not result in the recalculation of any diluted wage index for hospitals otherwise utilizing the wage index of the geographic area to which such hospital is reclassified.

amends title xviii medicare social security act extend fy2013 reclassification specific metropolitan_statistical_area msa hospital reclassified fy2010 hospital longer qualify reclassification fy2011 fy2011 average wage index geographic area hospital located hospital average wage index fy2010 declares extension shall result recalculation wage index hospitals utilizing wage index geographic area hospital reclassified


Summary: Improving Care for Kidney Patients Act of 2010 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to kidney disease benefits. Sets at 100% the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) with respect to the placement of an arteriovenous fistula or graft in the hemodialysis treatment of Medicaid beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to study and report to Congress on: (1) the social, behavioral, and biological factors leading to kidney disease; (2) efforts to slow the progression of kidney disease in minority populations that are disproportionately affected by it; and (3) research gaps in the development of quality measures and care management for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including pediatric patients. Amends the Social Security Act, with respect to criminal penalties for certain acts, to exclude from the meaning of illegal remuneration the waiver of any fee or cost-sharing by a renal dialysis facility (RDF) in providing chronic kidney disease screening that meets certain criteria. Treats as a hospital for Medicare purposes an institution providing Medicare or Medicaid patients diagnosed with stage IV or stage V kidney disease with educational materials about treatment. Treats as a person qualified to furnish kidney disease education services an RDF meeting specified criteria. Makes eligible to participate in a shared savings program as an accountable care organization (ACO) a group consisting of RDFs, nephrologists, and other service providers and suppliers that treat patients with kidney disease. Prescribes Medicare requirements for coordination of care between hospitals and RDFs for the discharge planning process for an ESRD patient. Specifies Medicare coverage to specialized occlusive dressings used by a patient receiving dialysis treatment for protection against life threatening catheter-related infections during maintenance of personal hygiene at home. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the transportation barriers facing dialysis patients that result in less than 100% compliance with a Medicare plan of care. Directs the Secretary, in specified circumstances, to accept the results of a state licensure survey for purposes of determining federal certification of an RDF's compliance with the conditions of Medicare participation. Directs the Secretary of HHS to report to Congress on the benefits of recognizing dialysis vascular and peritoneal dialysis access care service sites in order to receive Medicare reimbursement. Revises Medicare requirements for group health plans to: (1) extend the period during which they are primary payers (and Medicare the secondary payer) for ESRD patients; and (2) prohibit denial of a Medigap policy to a ESRD patient. Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to allow a group health plan or health insurance issuer to impose restrictions for kidney failure treatment on a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee only if they are reasonable and assure adequate access to out-of-network providers.

improving care kidney patients act amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social security act respect kidney disease benefits sets federal medical assistance percentage fmap respect placement fistula treatment medicaid beneficiaries directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs acting director agency healthcare_research quality study report congress social behavioral biological factors leading kidney disease efforts slow progression kidney disease minority populations disproportionately affected research gaps development quality measures care management patients end stage renal disease esrd including pediatric patients amends social security act respect criminal penalties certain acts exclude meaning illegal remuneration waiver fee cost sharing renal dialysis facility providing chronic kidney disease screening meets certain criteria treats hospital medicare purposes institution providing medicare medicaid patients diagnosed stage stage kidney disease educational materials treatment treats person qualified furnish kidney disease education services meeting specified criteria makes eligible participate shared savings program accountable care organization aco group consisting service providers suppliers treat patients kidney disease prescribes medicare requirements coordination care hospitals discharge planning process esrd patient specifies medicare coverage specialized patient receiving dialysis treatment protection life threatening related infections maintenance personal hygiene home directs comptroller general evaluate report congress transportation barriers facing dialysis patients result compliance medicare plan care directs secretary specified circumstances accept results state licensure survey purposes determining federal certification compliance conditions medicare participation directs secretary hhs report congress benefits recognizing dialysis vascular dialysis access care service sites order receive medicare reimbursement revises medicare requirements group health plans extend period primary payers medicare secondary payer esrd patients prohibit denial medigap policy esrd patient amends public_health_service_act amended patient_protection affordable care act allow group health plan health insurance issuer impose restrictions kidney failure treatment participant beneficiary enrollee reasonable assure adequate access network providers


Summary: Equity for Clinical Social Workers Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for reimbursement of covered clinical social worker services according to a new reimbursement methodology similar to the one currently used for other health care professionals. Provides coverage and reimbursement under the new methodology for supplies furnished incident to such services. Excludes the services of clinical social workers from the definition of "inpatient hospital services" for purposes of Medicare.

equity clinical social workers act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide reimbursement covered clinical social worker services according new reimbursement methodology similar currently health care professionals provides coverage reimbursement new methodology supplies furnished incident services excludes services clinical social workers definition inpatient hospital services purposes medicare


Summary: Improved Medical Decision Incentive Act of 2009 - Allows a state health department to approve best practices in a course of, or as a means of treatment for, a particular condition, illness, or procedure, as the qualifying standard of care for the state in order to take advantage of the differential rates of payment implemented under the Social Security Act and the private insurance incentive under this Act. Requires a state health department, among other conditions for state approval, to allow any duly constituted state medical society or medical speciality group to file with the state health department a course or means of treatment representing best practices for a particular condition, illness, or procedure. Requires any interstate health insurer providing health care coverage within a state with approved qualifying best practices to pay all provider charges for any service provided in accordance with such practices. Authorizes any such provider or specialty group to bring a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court to enjoin efforts by any health insurer to challenge or delay payment for services provided by the provider or a member of the specialty group in accordance with such best practices. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to provide for implementation of differential rates of payment for covered items and services (except those in a clinical trial or study or, in exceptional circumstances, requiring non-standard care) that favor treatment consistent with qualifying best practices approved under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to review annually and report to Congress on the efficacy of all qualifying best practices approved pursuant to this Act and, if applicable, any national best practices adopted pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary also to host an annual conference on best practices for all state health directors, any state medical societies and medical specialty groups that have filed best practices for state approval, and any health insurers and advocacy groups that have participated in any administrative proceeding to approve best practices.

allows state health department approve best practices course means treatment particular condition illness procedure qualifying standard care state order advantage differential rates payment implemented social security act private insurance incentive act requires state health department conditions state approval allow duly constituted state medical society medical speciality group file state health department course means treatment representing best practices particular condition illness procedure requires interstate health insurer providing health care coverage state approved qualifying best practices pay provider charges service provided accordance practices authorizes provider specialty group bring civil action appropriate district court enjoin efforts health insurer challenge delay payment services provided provider member specialty group accordance best practices amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid provide implementation differential rates payment covered items services clinical trial study exceptional circumstances requiring non standard care favor treatment consistent qualifying best practices approved medicare medicaid programs requires secretary health_and_human_services acting administrator centers review annually report congress efficacy qualifying best practices approved pursuant act applicable national best practices adopted pursuant act requires secretary host annual conference best practices state health directors state medical societies medical specialty groups filed best practices state approval health insurers advocacy groups participated administrative proceeding approve best practices


Summary: National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to seek an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to convene a Conference on Pain to: (1) increase the recognition of pain as a significant public health problem in the United States; (2) evaluate the adequacy of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain; (3) identify barriers to appropriate pain care; and (4) establish an agenda to reduce such barriers and significantly improve the state of pain care research, education, and clinical care in the United States. Allows the Secretary to enter into an agreement with another appropriate entity if the Institute of Medicine declines. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue and expand, through the Pain Consortium, an aggressive program of basic and clinical research on the causes of and potential treatments for pain. Requires the Pain Consortium to develop and make recommendations on appropriate pain research initiatives. Requires the Secretary to establish the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee to: (1) develop a summary of advances in federal pain care research relevant to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pain and diseases and disorders associated with pain; and (2) identify critical gaps in basic and clinical research on the symptoms and causes of pain. Allows the Secretary to provide for education and training to health care professionals in pain care. Requires the Secretary to establish and implement a national pain care education outreach and awareness campaign to educate consumers, patients, their families, and other caregivers.

national pain care policy act requires secretary health_and_human_services seek agreement institute_of_medicine convene conference pain increase recognition pain significant public health problem united_states evaluate adequacy assessment diagnosis treatment management acute chronic pain identify barriers appropriate pain care establish agenda reduce barriers significantly improve state pain care research education clinical care united_states allows secretary enter agreement appropriate entity institute_of_medicine declines amends public_health_service_act require director national_institutes_of_health nih continue expand aggressive program basic clinical research causes potential treatments pain requires pain consortium develop recommendations appropriate pain research initiatives requires secretary establish develop summary advances federal pain care research relevant diagnosis prevention treatment pain diseases disorders associated pain identify critical gaps basic clinical research symptoms causes pain allows secretary provide education training health care professionals pain care requires secretary establish implement national pain care education outreach awareness campaign educate consumers patients families caregivers


Summary: Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with regard to a laboratory-furnished technical component of certain physician pathology services, to treat such component as a service for which payment shall be made to the laboratory, and not as an inpatient hospital or hospital outpatient service for which payment is made to the hospital.

physician_pathology_services continuity act amends title xviii medicare social security act require secretary health_and_human_services regard laboratory furnished technical component certain physician pathology services treat component service payment shall laboratory inpatient hospital hospital outpatient service payment hospital


Summary: Healthy Schools Act of 2009 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require the state to certify that it has implemented procedures to pay for covered items and services furnished by school-based health clinics under Medicaid and CHIP.

amends titles xix medicaid chip known schip social security act require state certify implemented procedures pay covered items services furnished school based health clinics medicaid chip


Summary: GPCI Justice Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to the geographic practice cost index (GPCI) for adjustments to physician fee schedule areas, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the fee schedule areas for California to use the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) iterative Geographic Adjustment Factor methodology, in accordance with specified requirements.

justice act amends title xviii medicare social security act respect geographic practice cost index adjustments physician fee schedule areas direct secretary health_and_human_services revise fee schedule areas california use metropolitan_statistical_area msa methodology accordance specified requirements


Summary: Medicare Payment Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to determine a value index for the physician work component for each Medicare hospital referral area.

medicare payment improvement act amends title xviii medicare social security act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs determine value index physician work component medicare hospital referral area


Summary: Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for conducting and supporting research on Alzheimer's disease in FY2010-FY2014. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to: (1) give priority to conducting and supporting Alzheimer's disease research; (2) increase the emphasis on the need to conduct Alzheimer's disease prevention trials within the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (3) ensure that Alzheimer's disease is maintained as a high priority for NIH's neuroscience initiative; and (4) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's disease. Requires the Director to conduct research related to: (1) the early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and its potential precursors; (2) early onset Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (3) the relationship of vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease; and (4) interventions designed to help caregivers and improve patient outcomes. Authorizes the Director to establish a National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to facilitate collaborative research among the Alzheimer's Disease Centers and Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. Expands the research of Alzheimer's Disease Centers to include outcome measures and disease management. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a National Summit on Alzheimer's Disease. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct activities related to risk factors and early recognition of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administration on Aging, to award a cooperative grant for the establishment and operation of an Alzheimer's Call Center. Extends and expands demonstration projects relating to Alzheimer's disease.

alzheimer authorizes appropriations conducting supporting research alzheimer disease fy2010 fy2014 amends public_health_service_act require director priority conducting supporting alzheimer disease research increase emphasis need conduct alzheimer disease prevention trials national_institutes_of_health nih ensure alzheimer disease maintained high priority nih neuroscience initiative conduct support cooperative clinical research alzheimer disease requires director conduct research related early detection diagnosis prevention alzheimer disease potential precursors early onset alzheimer disease related dementias relationship vascular disease alzheimer disease interventions designed help caregivers improve patient outcomes authorizes director establish facilitate collaborative research alzheimer disease centers alzheimer expands research alzheimer disease centers include outcome measures disease management directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs convene national summit alzheimer disease requires secretary acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc conduct activities related risk factors early recognition alzheimer disease dementias requires secretary acting administration_on_aging award cooperative grant establishment operation alzheimer center extends expands demonstration projects relating alzheimer disease


Summary: Improving Medicare-Medicaid Payment Policy for Reimbursement through Oversight and Efficiency Act of 2009 or the IMPROVE Act of 2009 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require provider and supplier payments under Medicare and Medicaid to be made through direct deposit or electronic funds transfer (EFT) at depository institutions that are federally insured or eligibile for federal insurance.

improving improve act amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social security act require provider supplier payments medicare medicaid direct deposit electronic funds transfer eft depository institutions federally insured federal insurance


Summary: Take Back Your Health Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover intensive lifestyle treatment, which is a physician-supervised program furnishing to eligible beneficiaries certain exercise, medication, nutritional, and other specified items and services intended to affect beneficially the progression of chronic coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, prostate cancer, or breast cancer. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a Lifestyle Rewards Program for eligible beneficiaries who have successfully completed an intensive lifestyle program and meet certain other requirements. Expresses the sense of Congress that the services provided under an intensive lifestyle treatment program: (1) would benefit individuals with chronic diseases who are not enrolled in the Medicare program; and (2) should be covered by all public and private payers.

health act amends title xviii medicare social security act cover intensive lifestyle treatment physician supervised program furnishing eligible beneficiaries certain exercise medication nutritional specified items services intended affect beneficially progression chronic heart disease type diabetes syndrome prostate cancer breast cancer directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish lifestyle rewards program eligible beneficiaries successfully completed intensive lifestyle program meet certain requirements expresses sense congress services provided intensive lifestyle treatment program benefit individuals chronic diseases enrolled medicare program covered public private payers


Summary: Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009 - Declares that nothing in the McCarran-Ferguson Act shall be construed to permit health insurance issuers or issuers of medical malpractice insurance to engage in any form of price fixing, bid rigging, or market allocations in connection with providing health insurance coverage or coverage for medical malpractice claims or actions. Makes this Act nonapplicable to any information gathering and rate setting activities of any state commission of insurance or any other state regulatory entity with authority to set insurance rates.

declares mccarran ferguson act shall construed permit health insurance issuers issuers medical malpractice insurance engage form price fixing bid rigging market allocations connection providing health insurance coverage coverage medical malpractice claims actions makes act nonapplicable information gathering rate setting activities state commission insurance state regulatory entity authority set insurance rates


Summary: Medicare Physician Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require an update of 0% to the single conversion factor under the Medicare physician fee schedule for 2010 and following years. Sunsets as of the end of 2008 the mandatory annual publication in the Federal Register of the sustainable growth rate for all physicians' services for a fiscal year (which is an element in the formula for calculating the update adjustment factor as well as other factors in the determination of the Medicare physician fee schedule).

fairness act amends title xviii medicare social security act require update single conversion factor medicare physician fee schedule following years sunsets end mandatory annual publication federal_register sustainable growth rate physicians services fiscal year element formula calculating update adjustment factor factors determination medicare physician fee schedule


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

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


Summary: Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand treatment services for patients with Alzheimer's disease and training and support services for families and caregivers of such patients.

alzheimer treatment caregiver support act amends public_health_service_act authorize secretary health_and_human_services hhs grants public nonprofit private health care providers expand treatment services patients alzheimer disease training support services families caregivers patients


Summary: Physician Payment Update Commission Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require an update of 0% to the single conversion factor under (and thereby freeze) the Medicare physician fee schedule update for 2010 and 2011; and (2) sunset the Medicare sustainable growth rate formula effective January 1, 2012. Establishes the Physician Payment Update Commission to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) on all matters relating to payment rates under the Medicare physician fee schedule, with recommendations for a new physician payment system. Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2009 or the MCAP Act - Prescribes requirements for health care liability lawsuits. Sets a statute of limitations for commencement of such a lawsuit at three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers or with reasonable diligence should discover the injury, whichever occurs earlier, with certain exceptions. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 from the provider or health care institution, but no more than a total of $500,000 from multiple health care institutions. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Empowers the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of double the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug, biological product, or medical device for an approved indication. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards. Rescinds unobligated stimulus funds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

act amends title xviii medicare social security act require update single conversion factor freeze medicare physician fee schedule update sunset medicare sustainable growth rate formula effective january establishes study report appropriate congressional committees medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac matters relating payment rates medicare physician fee schedule recommendations new physician payment system act prescribes requirements health care liability lawsuits sets statute limitations commencement lawsuit years date manifestation injury year claimant discovers reasonable diligence discover injury whichever occurs earlier certain exceptions limits noneconomic damages provider health care institution total multiple health care institutions makes party liable damages directly proportional party percentage responsibility empowers court restrict payment attorney contingency fees limits fees decreasing percentage based increasing value awarded prescribes qualifications expert witnesses requires court reduce damages received collateral source benefits claimant entitled authorizes award punitive damages proven clear convincing evidence person acted malicious intent injure claimant deliberately failed avoid unnecessary injury claimant substantially certain suffer compensatory damages awarded limits punitive damages greater double economic damages prohibits health care provider named party product liability class action lawsuit prescribing dispensing food_and_drug_administration prescription drug biological product medical device approved indication provides periodic payments future damage awards rescinds unobligated stimulus funds american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act


Summary: Medicare Rural Health Care Equity Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), to revise the practice expense portion of the geographic adjustment applied in a fee schedule area for physicians' services furnished in 2010 and subsequent years. Reduces the employee wage and rent portions of the index for 2010 from 3/4 to 1/2 of the difference between the relative costs of employee wages and rents in each of the different fee schedule areas and the national average of such employee wages and rents. Reduces the same portions of the index for 2011 from 1/2 to 1/4 of such differences. Amends PPACA to repeal specified floors for frontier states: (1) on the area wage index for hospitals; (2) on the area wage adjustment factor for hospital outpatient department services; and (3) for the practice expense index for services furnished in such states.

amends title xviii medicare social security act amended patient_protection affordable care act ppaca revise practice expense portion geographic adjustment applied fee schedule area physicians services furnished subsequent years reduces employee wage rent portions index difference relative costs employee wages rents different fee schedule areas national average employee wages rents reduces portions index differences amends ppaca repeal specified frontier states area wage index hospitals area wage adjustment factor hospital outpatient department services practice expense index services furnished states


Summary: Custom Fabricated Prosthetic Breast Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to custom fabricated breast prostheses after a mastectomy.

breast act amends title xviii medicare social security act extend coverage custom fabricated breast prostheses mastectomy


Summary: Medication Therapy Management Expanded Benefits Act of 2010 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to increase the number of diseases and conditions for which beneficiaries may be targeted for medication therapy management (MTM) services. Requires a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) sponsor to establish a process, subject to approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for identifying individuals who are not targeted beneficiaries, are not otherwise offered MTM services, and whom a pharmacist or other qualified provider determines may benefit from MTM services. Requires any such individual to be treated as a targeted beneficiary. Requires any MTM program to offer both comprehensive and targeted medication reviews to individuals dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (under SSA title XIX), regardless of whether they are MTM-targeted beneficiaries. Requires a PDP sponsor to offer any willing pharmacy in its network and any other qualified health care provider the opportunity to provide MTM services. Requires the PDP sponsor to reimburse pharmacists and other qualified health care providers furnishing MTM services based on the resources used and the time required to provide such services. Directs the Secretary of HHS to: (1) establish measures and standards for data collection by PDP sponsors to evaluate performance of pharmacies and other entities in furnishing MTM services; and (2) support the continued development and refinement of performance measures. Provides pharmacies and other entities that furnish MTM services with additional incentive payments based on their performance in meeting quality measures established under this Act.

medication therapy management expanded benefits act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act ssa amended patient_protection affordable care act increase number diseases conditions beneficiaries targeted medication therapy management services requires prescription drug plan pdp sponsor establish process subject approval secretary health_and_human_services hhs identifying individuals targeted beneficiaries offered services pharmacist qualified provider determines benefit services requires individual treated targeted beneficiary requires program offer comprehensive targeted medication reviews individuals dually eligible medicare medicaid ssa title xix regardless targeted beneficiaries requires pdp sponsor offer willing pharmacy network qualified health care provider opportunity provide services requires pdp sponsor reimburse pharmacists qualified health care providers furnishing services based resources time required provide services directs secretary hhs establish measures standards data collection pdp sponsors evaluate performance pharmacies entities furnishing services support continued development refinement performance measures provides pharmacies entities furnish services additional incentive payments based performance meeting quality measures established act


Summary: Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education for Alzheimer's Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to cover comprehensive Alzheimer's disease and other dementia diagnosis and services. Requires the Federal Coordinated Health Care Office to study and report to Congress on: (1) barriers to the detection of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias for dual eligible individuals; (2) barriers to the furnishing of comprehensive Alzheimer's disease and other dementia diagnosis and services to such individuals; and (3) ways to eliminate such barriers.

education alzheimer act amends title xviii medicare cover comprehensive alzheimer disease dementia diagnosis services requires study report congress barriers detection alzheimer disease dementias dual eligible individuals barriers furnishing comprehensive alzheimer disease dementia diagnosis services individuals ways eliminate barriers


Summary: Tele-Care Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under Medicare part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance Benefits) of unscheduled physician telephone services by a licensed health care practitioner, subject to certain requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program to test the effectiveness of such coverage.

amends title xviii medicare social security act provide coverage medicare supplemental medical insurance benefits unscheduled physician telephone services licensed health care practitioner subject certain requirements directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish demonstration program test effectiveness coverage


Summary: Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapies and Alternative Treatments and Fairness Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) tocover hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and alternative treatments for such therapy. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to cover alternative treatments for hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms. Requires coverage of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and alternative treatments for such therapy on the same basis as outpatient prescription drugs under: (1) the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) (group health plans and group and individual health insurance); (2) the Internal Revenue Code (group health plans); and (3) federal employee health benefit plans. Includes alternative treatments for hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms under veterans' benefits.

therapies alternative treatments fairness act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa replacement therapy symptoms alternative treatments therapy amends ssa title xix medicaid cover alternative treatments replacement therapy symptoms requires coverage replacement therapy symptoms alternative treatments therapy basis outpatient prescription drugs public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa group health plans group individual health insurance internal revenue code group health plans federal employee health benefit plans includes alternative treatments replacement therapy symptoms veterans benefits


Summary: Rural Representation and Transparency Improvement Act - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that the proportion of members of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) and the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) who represent the interests of health care providers and Medicare beneficiaries located in rural areas be no less than the proportion of the total number of Medicare beneficiaries who reside in such areas. Directs MEDPAC and MACPAC to provide for full and timely public disclosure of their proceedings via the Internet or other easy public access.

transparency improvement act amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social security act require proportion members medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac medicaid chip payment access commission represent interests health care providers medicare beneficiaries located rural areas proportion total number medicare beneficiaries reside areas directs medpac provide timely public disclosure proceedings internet easy public access


Summary: Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) on a reasonable cost basis for anesthesia services furnished by a physician who is an anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals in the same manner as payment is made for anesthesia services furnished by a certified registered nurse anesthetists in such hospitals.

medicare access rural act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide payment medicare reasonable cost basis anesthesia services furnished physician anesthesiologist certain rural hospitals manner payment anesthesia services furnished certified registered nurse anesthetists hospitals


Summary: Strengthening Medicare And Repaying Taxpayers Act of 2011- Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment between a Medicare claimant and an applicable plan involving a payment made for items and services by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Declares that, in the case of a payment to the claimant by the Secretary, and beginning 120 days before the reasonably expected date of a settlement, judgment, award, or other payment, the claimant or applicable plan may at any time but only once: (1) notify the Secretary that a payment is reasonably expected, and (2) request a statement of the conditional payment reimbursement amount for any payments subject to the required reimbursement. Requires the Secretary to respond to such a request, within 65 days after receiving it, with a statement of reimbursement amount. Prescribes procedures for the claimant, an applicable plan, or specified related entities to follow if the Secretary fails to provide such a statement. Specifies circumstances: (1) in which the claimant, an applicable plan, or specified related entities are shielded from liability for certain payments; and (2) in which the Secretary shall be exempt from any obligation for a statement of reimbursement. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing a right of appeal and appeals process, with respect to any determination for a payment made under such title for an item or service under a primary plan, under which the applicable plan involved, or an attorney, agent, or third party administrator on behalf of such applicable plan, may appeal such determination. Exempts a primary plan, and an entity receiving payment from a primary plan, from any obligation to reimburse the appropriate Trust Fund for a Medicare payment by the Secretary with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment by an applicable plan constituting a total payment obligation to a claimant of not more than the single threshold amount calculated by the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Requires the Chief Actuary to calculate and publish the single threshold amount annually. Makes discretionary rather than mandatory the current civil money penalty for an applicable plan's noncompliance with requirements to submit insurance information about a claimant. Requires the severity of each penalty to be based on the knowing, willful, and repeated nature of the violation. Prescribes requirements for the specification of practices for which sanctions will not be imposed on a plan (safe harbors). Directs the Secretary to modify insurance information reporting requirements so that a plan, in complying with them, is permitted but not required to access or report beneficiary Social Security account numbers or health identification claim numbers. Sets a three-year statute of limitations on a Medicare secondary payer claim by the Secretary for reimbursement against an applicable plan that becomes a Medicare primary payer pursuant to a settlement, judgment, award, or other judicial action.

strengthening medicare repaying taxpayers act amends title xviii medicare social security act respect settlement judgment award payment medicare claimant applicable plan involving payment items services secretary health_and_human_services hhs declares case payment claimant secretary beginning days reasonably expected date settlement judgment award payment claimant applicable plan time notify secretary payment reasonably expected request statement conditional payment reimbursement payments subject required reimbursement requires secretary respond request days receiving statement reimbursement prescribes procedures claimant applicable plan specified related entities follow secretary fails provide statement specifies circumstances claimant applicable plan specified related entities shielded liability certain payments secretary shall exempt obligation statement reimbursement directs secretary promulgate regulations establishing right appeal appeals process respect determination payment title item service primary plan applicable plan involved attorney agent party administrator behalf applicable plan appeal determination exempts primary plan entity receiving payment primary plan obligation reimburse appropriate trust_fund medicare payment secretary respect settlement judgment award payment applicable plan constituting total payment obligation claimant single threshold calculated chief actuary centers cms requires chief actuary calculate publish single threshold annually makes discretionary mandatory current civil money penalty applicable plan noncompliance requirements submit insurance information claimant requires severity penalty based knowing willful repeated nature violation prescribes requirements specification practices sanctions imposed plan safe harbors directs secretary modify insurance information reporting requirements plan complying permitted required access report beneficiary social_security account numbers health identification claim numbers sets year statute limitations medicare secondary payer claim secretary reimbursement applicable plan medicare primary payer pursuant settlement judgment award judicial action