Summary: Women's Hospitals Education Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make two payments to each eligible women's hospital for each of FY2010-FY2014: (1) one payment for direct expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs; and (2) one for indirect expenses associated with the treatment of more severely ill patients and the additional costs relating to teaching residents in such programs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make the payments in 12 equal interim installments based on the number of residents reported in the hospital's most recently filed Medicare cost report; (2) withhold up to 25% from each installment to ensure a hospital will not be overpaid on an interim basis; (3) determine, prior to the end of each fiscal year, any changes to the number of residents reported to determine the final amount; and (4) recoup any overpayments based on such determination. Considers the final amount so determined to be a final intermediary determination, subject to administrative and judicial review, under the Social Security Act. Applies to women's hospitals under this Act annual reporting requirements and provisions regarding direct graduate medical education payments and indirect medical education payments applicable to children's hospitals that operate graduate medical education programs.

direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs payments eligible women hospital fy2010 fy2014 payment direct expenses associated operating approved graduate medical residency training programs indirect expenses associated treatment severely ill patients additional costs relating teaching residents programs requires secretary payments equal interim installments based number residents reported hospital recently filed medicare cost report withhold installment ensure hospital interim basis determine prior end fiscal year changes number residents reported determine final recoup overpayments based determination considers final determined final intermediary determination subject administrative judicial review social security act applies women hospitals act annual reporting requirements provisions direct graduate medical education payments indirect medical education payments applicable children hospitals operate graduate medical education programs


Summary: Medical Education Development Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program of grants to newly accredited allopathic medical schools to support scholarships, develop residencies, build infrastructure, recruit and retain faculty, and develop research programs, for the purpose of increasing the supply of physicians. Directs the Secretary to: (1) give first priority to schools accredited to admit students from FY2009-FY2014; (2) provide increased funding to schools that enroll larger classes while maintaining competitive faculty-to-student ratios; and (3) allocate funds to only schools that provide accountability and transparency in expending such funds. Requires: (1) each school to report annually on the specific uses of funds received and on how the grant has benefited the region and the nation; and (2) the Secretary to report annually on the extent to which such grants have increased the supply of physicians, resulted in greater access to health care, enabled the creation of new care models, provided economic regional benefits, and increased the focus on medical students' communications skills.

directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish program grants newly accredited allopathic medical schools support scholarships develop residencies build infrastructure recruit retain faculty develop research programs purpose increasing supply physicians directs secretary priority schools accredited admit students provide increased funding schools enroll larger classes maintaining competitive faculty student ratios allocate funds schools provide accountability transparency expending funds requires school report annually specific uses funds received grant benefited region nation secretary report annually extent grants increased supply physicians resulted greater access health care enabled creation new care models provided economic regional benefits increased focus medical students communications skills


Summary: Securing Effective and Necessary Individual Outpatient Rehabilitation Services (SENIORS) Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend through calendar 2010 the temporary process for obtaining an exception from the uniform dollar limitation on Medicare payment for medically necessary physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services (Medicare therapy cap exceptions process). Reduces the amount of appropriations available to the Medicare Improvement Fund for expenditures for services furnished during FY2014.

securing effective necessary individual outpatient rehabilitation services seniors act amends title xviii medicare social security act extend calendar temporary process obtaining exception uniform dollar limitation medicare payment medically necessary physical therapy speech language pathology occupational therapy services medicare therapy cap exceptions process reduces appropriations available medicare_improvement_fund expenditures services furnished fy2014


Summary: Securing Effective and Necessary Individual Outpatient Rehabilitation Services (SENIORS) Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend through calendar 2011 the temporary process for obtaining an exception from the uniform dollar limitation on Medicare payment for medically necessary physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services (Medicare therapy cap exceptions process). Reduces the amount of appropriations available to the Medicare Improvement Fund for expenditures for services furnished during FY2014.


Summary: Medical School Construction Grant Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program to award grants to eligible medical schools for the purpose of constructing, renovating, or improving medical school facilities to increase the supply of physicians. Sets forth the allocation of such awards with first priority given to new medical schools.

grant act requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish program award grants eligible medical schools purpose constructing renovating improving medical school facilities increase supply physicians sets forth allocation awards priority given new medical schools


Summary: Veterans Access to Care Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to designate medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as health professional shortage areas. Requires, for eligibility to participate in the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program and the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, that an individual not be participating in the VA's Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in carrying out the National Health Service Corps Program, to consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding health professional shortage areas that are VA medical facilities.

designate medical facilities department_of_veterans_affairs health professional shortage areas requires eligibility participate national_health_service_corps_scholarship_program national_health_service_corps_loan_repayment_program individual participating directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs carrying consult secretary veterans_affairs health professional shortage areas medical facilities


Summary: Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the recognition of state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who are certified diabetes educators as Medicare providers of diabetes outpatient self-management training services. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program. Directs the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.

medicare diabetes self management training act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide recognition state licensed -registered health care professionals certified diabetes educators medicare providers diabetes outpatient self management training services directs comptroller general study report congress barriers exist medicare beneficiaries diabetes accessing diabetes self management training services medicare program directs director develop series recommendations effective outreach methods educate primary care physicians public benefits diabetes self management training


Summary: Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), to require each Medicare participating hospital to implement a hospital-wide staffing plan for nursing services furnished in the hospital. Requires the plan to require that an appropriate number of registered nurses provide direct patient care in each unit and on each shift of the hospital to ensure staffing levels that: (1) address the unique characteristics of the patients and hospital units; and (2) result in the delivery of safe, quality patient care consistent with specified requirements. Requires each participating hospital to establish a hospital nurse staffing committee which shall implement and oversee such plan. Specifies civil monetary and other penalties for violation of the requirements of this Act. Sets forth whistleblower protections against discrimination and retaliation involving patients or employees of the hospital for their grievances, complaints, or involvement in investigations relating to such plan.

registered nurse safe staffing act amends title xviii medicare social security act amended patient_protection affordable care act ppaca require medicare participating hospital implement hospital wide staffing plan nursing services furnished hospital requires plan require appropriate number registered nurses provide direct patient care unit shift hospital ensure staffing levels address unique characteristics patients hospital units result delivery safe quality patient care consistent specified requirements requires participating hospital establish hospital nurse staffing committee shall implement oversee plan specifies civil monetary penalties violation requirements act sets forth whistleblower protections discrimination retaliation involving patients employees hospital grievances complaints involvement investigations relating plan


Summary: Health Emergencies Lack Provider Specialists Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make eligible for the National Health Service Corps loan repayment and scholarship programs specialists needed to serve medically underserved areas or populations that have needs for particular specialists related to a public health emergency declaration based upon environmental health hazard-related health concerns.

health emergencies lack provider specialists act amends public_health_service_act eligible national_health_service_corps loan repayment scholarship programs specialists needed serve medically underserved areas populations needs particular specialists related public health emergency declaration based environmental health hazard related health concerns


Summary: Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Pharmacy Dual Degree Program Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) there should be established a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) dual degree program; (2) the development of a joint degree in nursing and pharmacology should combine a DNP with a PharmD; (3) such a program would improve patient outcomes; (4) through such a dual collaborative role health providers will be better able to meet the unique needs of rural communities across the age continuum and in diverse settings; (5) such a program would enhance collaboration between DNPs and physicians regarding drug therapy, provide for research concerning and the implementation of safer medication administration, broaden the scope of practice for pharmacists through education and training in diagnosis and management of common diseases, provide new employment opportunities, and assist in filling the need for primary care providers with an expertise in geriatrics and pharmaceuticals; and (6) additional research and evaluation should be conducted to determine the extent to which graduates of such a program improve primary health care, address disparities, diversify the workforce, and increase quality of service for underserved populations.

doctor doctor pharmacy dual degree program act expresses sense senate established doctor nursing practice doctor pharmacy dual degree program development joint degree nursing pharmacology combine program improve patient outcomes dual collaborative role health providers better able meet unique needs rural communities age continuum diverse settings program enhance collaboration physicians drug therapy provide research concerning implementation safer medication administration broaden scope practice pharmacists education training diagnosis management common diseases provide new employment opportunities assist filling need primary care providers expertise geriatrics pharmaceuticals additional research evaluation conducted determine extent graduates program improve primary health care address disparities diversify workforce increase quality service underserved populations


Summary: Medicare Rural Physician Recruitment and Retention Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend the current update to the single conversion factor in the formula for the Medicare physician fee schedule through December 31, 2010; and (2) add an update for 2011 and subsequent years. Repeals the January 1, 2001, termination of the increase in the work geographic index to 1.00 for certain localities. Declares, however, that for services furnished on or after January 1, 2011, such 1.00 index shall not be applied in a budget neutral manner. Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to repeal its revisions to requirements for calculation of the practice expense portion of the geographic adjustment factor applied in a fee schedule area for services furnished in 2010 or 2011. Repeals also the requirement that the Secretary analyze current methods of establishing practice expense geographic adjustments and make appropriate further adjustments (a new methodology) to such adjustments for 2010 and subsequent years. Amends PPACA to repeal the practice expense index for services furnished in frontier states. Amends the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (HCERA) to repeal certain modifications in the employee wage and rent portions of the practice expense geographic index adjustment for 2010 and subsequent years. (Such modifications require that such portions reflect 1/2 (instead of 3/4) 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.) Restores as though never amended corresponding previous provisions of law revised by PPACA and HCERA. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase the practice expense geographic index for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, to 1.0 for certain localities. Declares that, as with the work geographic index, such increase shall not be applied in a budget neutral manner. Revises requirements for determination of full-time-equivalent (FTE) residents in an approved medical residency training program for purposes of payments for direct graduate medical education (GME) costs. Directs the Secretary to increase the limit on residents for each qualifying hospital that applies for additional residency positions. Requires an overall 15% increase in the aggregate number of FTE residency positions in approved medical residency training programs. Requires the Secretary to give preference to hospitals located in states in the lowest quartile of active physician-to-population ratio (generally, rural areas).

retention act amends title xviii medicare social security act extend current update single conversion factor formula medicare physician fee schedule december add update subsequent years repeals january termination increase work geographic index certain localities declares services furnished january index shall applied budget neutral manner amends patient_protection affordable care act ppaca repeal revisions requirements calculation practice expense portion geographic adjustment factor applied fee schedule area services furnished repeals requirement secretary analyze current methods establishing practice expense geographic adjustments appropriate adjustments new methodology adjustments subsequent years amends ppaca repeal practice expense index services furnished frontier states amends health_care_and_education reconciliation act repeal certain modifications employee wage rent portions practice expense geographic index adjustment subsequent years modifications require portions reflect instead difference relative costs employee wages rents different fee schedule areas national average employee wages rents restores amended corresponding previous provisions law revised ppaca directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs increase practice expense geographic index services furnished january certain localities declares work geographic index increase shall applied budget neutral manner revises requirements determination time equivalent fte residents approved medical residency training program purposes payments direct graduate medical education gme costs directs secretary increase limit residents qualifying hospital applies additional residency positions requires overall increase aggregate number fte residency positions approved medical residency training programs requires secretary preference hospitals located states lowest quartile active physician population ratio generally rural areas


Summary: Graduate Medical Education Reform Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement procedures under which the amount of payments that a hospital would otherwise receive for indirect medical education (IME) costs for discharges occurring during an applicable period is adjusted based on the performance of the hospital on specified measures of health care work force priorities. Requires bonus payments to a hospital if at least 33% of its full-time equivalent residents were enrolled in medical residency programs in primary care during the applicable period. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of payments to eligible hospitals for direct and indirect expenses associated with operating graduate medical residency training programs. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress and the National Health Care Workforce Commission on the graduate medical education (GME) payments that hospitals receive under the Medicare program. Establishes in the Treasury the Medical Education Trust Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the fees on insured and self-insured health plans to provide partial financing for the Trust Fund.

amends title xviii medicare social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish implement procedures payments hospital receive indirect medical education ime costs discharges occurring applicable period adjusted based performance hospital specified measures health care work force priorities requires bonus payments hospital time equivalent residents enrolled medical residency programs primary care applicable period directs secretary establish program payments eligible hospitals direct indirect expenses associated operating graduate medical residency training programs directs secretary report congress national_health_care_workforce_commission graduate medical education gme payments hospitals receive medicare program establishes treasury amends internal revenue code increase fees insured self insured health plans provide partial financing trust_fund


Summary: Veterinary Public Health Amendments Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a public health workforce grant program designed to increase the number of individuals in the public health workforce to include a health professions school or program of veterinary public health. Defines "veterinary public health" to include veterinarians engaged in one or more of the following areas to the extent such areas have an impact on human health: biodefense and emergency preparedness; emerging and reemerging infection diseases; environmental health; ecosystem health pre- and post-harvest food protection; regulatory medicine; diagnostic laboratory medicine; veterinary pathology; biomedical research; the practice of food animal medicine in rural areas; and government practice. Expands the public health workforce loan repayment program to make such veterinarians eligible for the program.

amends public_health_service_act revise public health workforce grant program designed increase number individuals public health workforce include health professions school program veterinary public health defines veterinary public health include veterinarians engaged following areas extent areas impact human health biodefense emergency preparedness emerging infection diseases environmental health ecosystem health pre- post harvest food protection regulatory medicine diagnostic laboratory medicine veterinary pathology biomedical research practice food animal medicine rural areas government practice expands public health workforce loan repayment program veterinarians eligible program


Summary: Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and carry out a Frontline Providers Loan Repayment Program under which the Secretary agrees to make student loan repayments in exchange for a health professional providing frontline care services for two years in a frontline care scarcity area. Defines "frontline care services" as health care services in the fields of general surgery, optometry, ophthalmology, chiropractic, physical therapy, audiology, speech language pathology, pharmacies, public health, podiatric medicine, dietetics, occupational therapy, general pediatrics, respiratory therapy, medical technology, otolaryngology, or radiologic technology.

amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish carry frontline providers loan repayment program secretary agrees student loan repayments exchange health professional providing frontline care services years frontline care scarcity area defines frontline care services health care services fields general surgery optometry chiropractic physical therapy audiology speech language pathology pharmacies public health podiatric medicine occupational therapy general pediatrics respiratory therapy medical technology technology


Summary: Chiropractic Membership in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make chiropractic personnel eligible for appointment in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Surgeon General to ensure that Doctors of Chiropractic are trained, equipped, and otherwise prepared to fulfill public health and emergency response service responsibilities in the Commissioned Corps. Requires the President to appoint no fewer than six Doctors of Chiropractic into the commissioned Regular Corps and the Ready Reserve Corps. Directs the Surgeon General to submit a quarterly report to the relevant congressional committees on measures taken by the President, Surgeon General, and the Secretary to carry out this Act.

amends public_health_service_act chiropractic personnel eligible appointment requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs surgeon general ensure trained equipped prepared fulfill public health emergency response service responsibilities requires president appoint fewer doctors chiropractic commissioned regular_corps directs surgeon general submit quarterly report relevant congressional committees measures taken president surgeon general secretary carry act


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to treat as a physician, for Medicare purposes, a clinical psychologist acting within the scope of a psychologist's license (or other state law authorization), but only with respect to the furnishing of clinical psychologists services which the psychologist is legally authorized to perform by the state.

amends title xviii medicare social security act treat physician medicare purposes clinical psychologist acting scope psychologist license state law authorization respect furnishing clinical psychologists services psychologist legally authorized perform state


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress that the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), and any other federal program that provides job training and placement services for older adults, should: (1) work with nonprofit organizations that have a record of success in developing and implementing research-based technology curriculum designed specifically for older adults; and (2) partner with such organizations to provide training, student materials, and support for a broad range of workforce technology skills, including basic and intermediate computer skills, Internet, email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and other appropriate key skills for assisting older workers to enter or reenter the workforce.

expresses sense congress federal program provides job training placement services older adults work nonprofit organizations record success developing implementing research based technology curriculum designed specifically older adults partner organizations provide training student materials support broad range workforce technology skills including basic intermediate computer skills internet email word processing presentations appropriate key skills assisting older workers enter reenter workforce


Summary: National Health Service Corps Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the definition of "primary health services" for purposes of the National Health Service Corps to include optometry health services. Includes optometrists within: (1) the fellowship program for the delivery of primary health services in health professional shortage areas, (2) the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, and (3) the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

national_health_service_corps improvement act amends public_health_service_act revise definition primary health services purposes national_health_service_corps include optometry health services includes optometrists fellowship program delivery primary health services health professional shortage areas national_health_service_corps_scholarship_program national_health_service_corps_loan_repayment_program


Summary: Amends the Public Health Service Act to convert funding from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations for a program of payments to qualified teaching health centers for approved graduate medical residency training programs. Rescinds any unobligated balances appropriated for such program.

amends public_health_service_act convert funding direct appropriations authorization appropriations program payments qualified teaching health centers approved graduate medical residency training programs rescinds unobligated balances appropriated program


Summary: Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include physical therapy within the definition of "primary health services" for purposes of the National Health Service Corps. Makes physical therapists eligible for repayment of their educational loans in order to ensure an adequate supply of physical therapists.

physical therapist student loan repayment eligibility act amends public_health_service_act include physical therapy definition primary health services purposes national_health_service_corps makes physical therapists eligible repayment educational loans order ensure adequate supply physical therapists


Summary: Danny McIntosh Emergency Medical Service Providers Protection Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1986 to include within the definitions of "member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew" and "public safety officer" for purposes of eligibility for public safety officers' benefits an officially recognized or designated employee or volunteer member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew that: (1) is a public agency or a nonprofit entity serving the public that is officially authorized or licensed to engage in rescue activity or to provide emergency medical services and that is officially designated as a prehospital emergency medical response agency, and (2) is engaging in rescue activity or in the provision of emergency medical services. Cancels $12 million of unobligated balances available under the Department of Justice (DOJ) Assets Forfeiture Fund.Makes this Act applicable to injuries sustained on or after June 1, 2009.

medical service providers protection act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act include definitions member rescue squad ambulance crew public safety officer purposes eligibility public safety officers benefits officially recognized designated employee volunteer member rescue squad ambulance crew public agency nonprofit entity serving public officially authorized licensed engage rescue activity provide emergency medical services officially designated prehospital emergency medical response agency engaging rescue activity provision emergency medical services cancels million unobligated balances available department_of_justice doj assets forfeiture fund makes act applicable injuries sustained june


Summary: Servicemembers' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011 or STEP Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to allow certain licensed health-care professionals to provide care to members of the Armed Forces at any location and regardless of where the professional or patient are located, so long as the practice is within the scope of authorized federal duties. Includes among authorized health-care professionals civilian DOD employees, DOD personal service contractors, or other health-care professionals credentialed and privileged at a federal health care institution or location specially designated by the Secretary for such purpose. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on plans to develop and expand programs to use new Internet and communication technologies, including telemedicine, telehealth care services, and telebehavioral health programs, to improve patient access to care and resources.

servicemembers telemedicine health portability act step act authorizes secretary defense dod allow certain licensed health care professionals provide care members armed_forces location regardless professional patient located long practice scope authorized federal duties includes authorized health care professionals civilian dod employees dod personal service contractors health care professionals credentialed privileged federal health care institution location specially designated secretary purpose requires report secretary congress plans develop expand programs use new internet communication technologies including telemedicine telehealth care services health programs improve patient access care resources


Summary: Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend and reauthorize appropriations for payments associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs.

amends public_health_service_act extend reauthorize appropriations payments associated operating approved graduate medical residency training programs


Summary: Bleeding Disorder Screening, Awareness, and Further Education (SAFE) Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take specified action, directly or through a grant program, with respect to blood disorders in adolescents, including: (1) developing a new, or identifying an existing, screening questionnaire that is evidence-based and in accordance with clinical guidelines for use in the diagnosis of bleeding disorders in adolescents and young adults; (2) disseminating and implementing the screening questionnaire and other screening tools relevant to the diagnosis of bleeding disorders in adolescents; (3) ensuring referral for further laboratory-based diagnostic testing if screening suggests the possibility of a bleeding disorder; and (4) ensuring referral for medical management if laboratory testing confirms diagnosis of a bleeding disorder. Requires the Secretary to conduct an education campaign to increase awareness about bleeding disorders among health professionals. Requires the the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award grants or contracts to public or nonprofit private entities to: (1) augment existing research efforts to evaluate, improve, and standardize methods for diagnosing bleeding disorders; and (2) expand ongoing efforts to determine the prevalence of bleeding disorders, identify symptoms, risk factors, and co-morbidities associated with bleeding disorders, and implement female-specific surveillance systems and conduct related research to improve bleeding symptoms and quality of life among adolescent and adult women with bleeding disorders.

disorder screening awareness education safe act requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs specified action directly grant program respect blood disorders adolescents including developing new identifying existing screening questionnaire evidence based accordance clinical guidelines use diagnosis disorders adolescents young adults disseminating implementing screening questionnaire screening tools relevant diagnosis disorders adolescents ensuring referral laboratory based diagnostic testing screening suggests possibility disorder ensuring referral medical management laboratory testing confirms diagnosis disorder requires secretary conduct education campaign increase awareness disorders health professionals requires director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc award grants contracts public nonprofit private entities augment existing research efforts evaluate improve standardize methods diagnosing disorders expand ongoing efforts determine prevalence disorders identify symptoms risk factors associated disorders implement female specific surveillance systems conduct related research improve symptoms quality life adolescent adult women disorders


Summary: Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act - Amends the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 to exempt until September 30, 2014, petitions for employment-based immigrants who are qualified physical therapists or professional nurses from numerical limitations on worldwide levels of employment-based immigrants and numerical limitations on individuals from individual foreign states, subject to a cap of 20,000 visas. Establishes fees for such visas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to award annual grants to nursing schools to increase the numbers of faculty and students at such schools. Establishes the Domestic Nursing Enhancement Account in the Treasury with funds from visa fees under this Act a to fund such grant program. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) allow an alien who has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and who is a physician or other health care worker to work in a candidate country (defined to include a lower middle income country or one experiencing a natural disaster) without losing eligibility for naturalization; and (2) make inadmissible alien physicians or health care workers who have an outstanding obligation to their country of origin to work as a physician or other health care worker based upon financial assistance received from such country for medical training. Allows a waiver of inadmissibility under certain circumstances. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a partnership program to award grants to certain health care and training entities to provide education to nurses and create a pipeline to nursing for incumbent ancillary health care workers who wish to advance their careers. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect and report to Congress on specified data on alien workers employed as professional nurses.

emergency nursing supply relief act amends century act exempt september petitions employment based immigrants qualified physical therapists professional nurses numerical limitations worldwide levels employment based immigrants numerical limitations individuals individual foreign states subject cap visas establishes fees visas amends public_health_service_act direct health_resources_and_services_administration hrsa award annual grants nursing schools increase numbers faculty students schools establishes treasury funds visa fees act fund grant program amends immigration_and_nationality_act allow alien lawfully admitted united_states permanent residence physician health care worker work candidate country defined include lower middle income country experiencing natural disaster losing eligibility naturalization inadmissible alien physicians health care workers outstanding obligation country origin work physician health care worker based financial assistance received country medical training allows waiver inadmissibility certain circumstances directs secretary labor establish partnership program award grants certain health care training entities provide education nurses create pipeline nursing incumbent ancillary health care workers wish advance careers directs secretary homeland_security dhs collect report congress specified data alien workers employed professional nurses


Summary: Medicaid Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants Access Act of 2011 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the state option to include nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants as primary care case managers. Specifies as primary care case managers any nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant that provides primary care case management services under a primary care case management contract. Revises the coverage of certain nurse practitioner services under the Medicaid fee-for-service program to remove the specification of certified pediatric nurse practitioner and certified family nurse practitioner in order to extend such coverage to services furnished by a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Includes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists in the mix of service providers which Medicaid managed care organizations are required to maintain.

medicaid_advanced_practice_nurses physician assistants access act amends title xix medicaid social security act eliminate state option include nurse practitioners certified nurse midwives physician assistants primary care case managers specifies primary care case managers nurse practitioner certified nurse midwife physician assistant provides primary care case management services primary care case management contract revises coverage certain nurse practitioner services medicaid fee service program remove specification certified pediatric nurse practitioner certified family nurse practitioner order extend coverage services furnished nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist includes nurse practitioners clinical nurse specialists physician assistants certified nurse midwives certified registered nurse anesthetists mix service providers medicaid managed care organizations required maintain


Summary: Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require hospitals to implement a staffing plan that includes a minimum direct care registered nurse-to-patient ratio by unit, adjustments above the minimum ratio under appropriate circumstances, and compliance with minimum licensed practical nurse staffing requirements. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a national acuity tool to establish nurse staffing requirements above minimum ratios. Directs the Secretary to adjust Medicare payments to hospitals to cover additional costs incurred in providing services to Medicare beneficiaries that are attributable to compliance with such ratios. Authorizes a nurse to object to, or refuse to participate in, any activity, policy, practice, assignment or task if in good faith it would violate minimum ratios under this Act or if the nurse is not prepared by education, training, or experience to fulfill the assignment without compromising the safety of any patient or jeopardizing the license of the nurse. Prohibits a hospital from: (1) taking specified actions against a nurse based on the nurse's refusal to accept an assignment for such a reason; or (2) discriminating against any patient, employee, or any other individual for good faith complaints or grievances relating to the care, services, or conditions of the hospital or of any affiliated or related facilities. Prohibits actions by hospitals to restrain such rights. Sets forth enforcement provisions. Applies provisions of this Act through federal health programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits programs.

nurse staffing standards patient safety quality care act amends public_health_service_act require hospitals implement staffing plan includes minimum direct care registered nurse patient ratio unit adjustments minimum ratio appropriate circumstances compliance minimum licensed practical nurse staffing requirements requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop national acuity tool establish nurse staffing requirements minimum ratios directs secretary adjust medicare payments hospitals cover additional costs incurred providing services medicare beneficiaries attributable compliance ratios authorizes nurse object refuse participate activity policy practice assignment task good faith violate minimum ratios act nurse prepared education training experience fulfill assignment compromising safety patient jeopardizing license nurse prohibits hospital taking specified actions nurse based nurse refusal accept assignment reason discriminating patient employee individual good faith complaints grievances relating care services conditions hospital affiliated related facilities prohibits actions hospitals restrain rights sets forth enforcement provisions applies provisions act federal health programs including medicare medicaid department_of_veterans_affairs health benefits programs


Summary: Improving Physician Access in Teaching Hospitals (PATH) Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to distribution of additional resident positions as they affect calculation of payments for direct graduate medical education (DME) costs. States that, if a hospital's resident level for each of the five most recent cost reporting periods is less than the otherwise applicable resident limit, then the otherwise applicable resident limit shall be reduced by the difference between it and the highest reference resident level for any of those five cost reporting periods. Excepts from this reduction requirement a hospital: (1) located in a rural area with fewer than 250 beds, or (2) that has had in effect a voluntary residency reduction plan. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase the otherwise applicable resident limit (create additional residency slots) for applicant hospitals according to a specified formula that takes into account the aggregate reduction in limits attributable to this Act. Expands the primary care bonus to certain underserved specialties, such as psychiatry or neurology. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a small physician practice residency credit.

improving physician access teaching hospitals path act amends title xviii medicare social security act respect distribution additional resident positions affect calculation payments direct graduate medical education dme costs states hospital resident level recent cost reporting periods applicable resident limit applicable resident limit shall reduced difference highest reference resident level cost reporting periods excepts reduction requirement hospital located rural area fewer beds effect voluntary residency reduction plan requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs increase applicable resident limit create additional residency slots applicant hospitals according specified formula takes account aggregate reduction limits attributable act expands primary care bonus certain underserved specialties psychiatry amends internal revenue code allow small physician practice residency credit


Summary: Direct Care Job Quality Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 with respect to the exemption from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements of any employee employed on a casual basis in domestic service employment to provide companionship services for individuals who because of age or infirmity are unable to care for themselves. Extends the same exemption to a casual employee in domestic service employment to provide companionship services for disabled individuals unable to care for themselves. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a direct care workforce monitoring program. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require a state Medicaid plan to require the state to report annually to the Secretary on the adequacy of its direct care workforce to provide long-term care (LTC) services. Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the National Health Care Workforce Commission, as a high priority, to review, analyze, and report annually to Congress and the Health Resources and Services Administration on the current and projected direct care workforce supply and demand. Directs the Secretary to award grants to states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to develop data collection and monitoring systems to assess the adequacy of a state's or tribe's direct care workforce to meet current and future demand for LTC services. Directs the Secretary to award competitive three-year grants to states and other eligible entities to improve the recruitment, retention, and education of direct care workers.

direct care job quality improvement act amends fair labor standards act respect exemption minimum wage maximum hour requirements employee employed casual basis domestic service employment provide companionship services individuals age unable care extends exemption casual employee domestic service employment provide companionship services disabled individuals unable care directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop direct care workforce monitoring program amends title xix medicaid social security act ssa require state medicaid plan require state report annually secretary adequacy direct care workforce provide long term care ltc services amends patient_protection affordable care act require national_health_care_workforce_commission high priority review analyze report annually congress health_resources_and_services_administration current projected direct care workforce supply demand directs secretary award grants states indian tribes tribal organizations develop data collection monitoring systems assess adequacy state tribe direct care workforce meet current future demand ltc services directs secretary award competitive year grants states eligible entities improve recruitment retention education direct care workers


Summary: Health Care Professionals Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 to prohibit a health care entity from submitting a report to the National Practitioner Data Bank on a professional review action that would adversely affect a physician's clinical privileges while the physician is under investigation before adequate notice of and hearing procedures for such action and investigation or such other procedures as are fair are afforded to the physician. Applies such prohibition to permissive reporting to the Board of Medical Examiners for a licensed health care practitioner who is not a physician. Requires a health care entity to provide a physician with copies of all evidence expected to be offered against the physician in any hearing on a professional review action.

amends health care quality improvement act prohibit health care entity submitting report national_practitioner_data_bank professional review action adversely affect physician clinical privileges physician investigation adequate notice hearing procedures action investigation procedures fair afforded physician applies prohibition reporting licensed health care practitioner physician requires health care entity provide physician copies evidence expected offered physician hearing professional review action


Summary: Emergency Medic Transition (EMT) Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to state emergency medical services offices or other state entities with jurisdiction over emergency medical personnel to provide for the expedited training and licensing, as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), of veterans who received training as EMTs while serving in the Armed Forces. Directs an eligible entity to give priority to providing training to individuals who will serve as EMTs in areas that provide a high volume of emergency medical services and trauma care.

emergency medic transition emt act amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs award grants state emergency medical services offices state entities jurisdiction emergency medical personnel provide expedited training licensing emergency medical technicians veterans received training serving armed_forces directs eligible entity priority providing training individuals serve areas provide high volume emergency medical services trauma care


Summary: Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize Medicare payment for the services of qualified radiologist assistants.

amends title xviii medicare social security act authorize medicare payment services qualified assistants


Summary: Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the impacts of climate change on health systems. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) publish a national strategic action plan to assist health professionals to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change on public health in the United States and other nations, particularly developing nations; (2) revise such plan periodically to reflect new information on the impacts of climate change on public health; (3) establish a permanent science advisory board to provide advice and recommendations on the domestic and international impacts of climate change on public health; and (4) contract with the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine to prepare a report that assesses the needs for health professionals to prepare for and respond to climate change impacts on public health.

climate change health protection promotion act expresses sense congress respect impacts climate change health systems directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs publish national strategic action plan assist health professionals prepare respond impacts climate change public health united_states nations particularly developing nations revise plan periodically reflect new information impacts climate change public health establish permanent science advisory board provide advice recommendations domestic international impacts climate change public health contract national_research_council institute_of_medicine prepare report assesses needs health professionals prepare respond climate change impacts public health


Summary: Primary Care Workforce Access Improvement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a pilot project under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to test models for providing payment for direct graduate medical education (GME) and indirect medical education (IME) to medical education entities (MEEs), not otherwise eligible to receive such payments, for the costs of training primary care residents. Requires testing of two of the following model MEEs: (1) a community-based independent corporate entity collaborating with two or more hospitals to operate one or more primary care graduate medical residency training programs (training hospitals); (2) a MEE, with at least one community representative on its board, which is established by two or more training hospitals which may be the sole corporate members of the MEE; (3) a hospital subsidiary or independent corporation, with community participation in its governance, that operates one or more training programs for a hospital; or (4) a MEE (including a university or school of medicine) independent of any hospital but collaborating with one in operating one or more primary care graduate medical residency training programs.

primary care workforce access improvement act directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs conduct pilot project title xviii medicare social security act test models providing payment direct graduate medical education gme indirect medical education ime medical education entities eligible receive payments costs training primary care residents requires testing following model community based independent corporate entity collaborating hospitals operate primary care graduate medical residency training programs training hospitals community representative board established training hospitals sole corporate members hospital subsidiary independent corporation community participation governance operates training programs hospital including university school medicine independent hospital collaborating operating primary care graduate medical residency training programs


Summary: National Nurse Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the position of National Nurse for Public Health within the Office of the Surgeon General. Includes among the duties of such position providing leadership and coordination of Public Health Service nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and other agencies of the Public Health Service, conducting media campaigns, and providing guidance and leadership for activities that will increase public safety and emergency preparedness. Requires the National Nurse for Public Health to: (1) participate in identification of national health priorities, (2) encourage volunteerism of nurses and strengthen the relationship between government agencies and health-related national organizations, and (3) promote the dissemination of evidence-based practice in educating the public on health promotion and disease prevention activities.

national nurse act amends public_health_service_act establish position national_nurse_for_public_health office_of_the_surgeon_general includes duties position providing leadership coordination public_health_service nursing professional affairs office_of_the_surgeon_general agencies public_health_service conducting media campaigns providing guidance leadership activities increase public safety emergency preparedness requires national_nurse_for_public_health participate identification national health priorities encourage volunteerism nurses strengthen relationship government agencies health related national organizations promote dissemination evidence based practice educating public health promotion disease prevention activities


Summary: Emergency Medic Transition Act of 2012 or the EMT Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program of awarding grants to states to assist veterans who received and completed military emergency medical training while serving in the United States Armed Forces to become, upon their discharge or release from active duty service, state-licensed or certified emergency medical technicians. Allows such funds to be used to: (1) provide such veterans required course work and training (that takes into account, and is not duplicative of, medical course work and training already received) to satisfy emergency medical services personnel certification requirements in the civilian sector; (2) provide reimbursement for costs associated with such course work and training and with applying for licensure or certification; (3) expedite the licensing or certification process; and (4) enter into an agreement with an educational institution to provide course work and training under this Act. Requires a state, to be eligible for a grant under this Act, to demonstrate that it has a shortage of emergency medical technicians. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) study the barriers experienced by such veterans seeking to become licensed or certified in a state as civilian health professionals; and (2) report on the results of such study, including recommendations on whether the program under this Act should be expanded to assist veterans seeking to become licensed or certified in a state as health providers other than emergency medical technicians.

emergency medic transition act emt act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish program awarding grants states assist veterans received completed military emergency medical training serving discharge release active duty service state licensed certified emergency medical technicians allows funds provide veterans required course work training takes account duplicative medical course work training received satisfy emergency medical services personnel certification requirements civilian sector provide reimbursement costs associated course work training applying licensure certification expedite licensing certification process enter agreement educational institution provide course work training act requires state eligible grant act demonstrate shortage emergency medical technicians directs comptroller general study barriers experienced veterans seeking licensed certified state civilian health professionals report results study including recommendations program act expanded assist veterans seeking licensed certified state health providers emergency medical technicians


Summary: Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program consisting of awarding demonstration grants to states that demonstrate a shortage of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to streamline state requirements and procedures in order to assist veterans who completed military EMT training while serving in the Armed Forces to meet state EMT certification, licensure, and other requirements. Requires $1 million of the amount authorized to carry out the area health education center program to be authorized to carry out this Act for FY2013-FY2017.

veteran emergency medical technician support act amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish program consisting awarding demonstration grants states demonstrate shortage emergency medical technicians streamline state requirements procedures order assist veterans completed military emt training serving armed_forces meet state emt certification licensure requirements requires million authorized carry area health education center program authorized carry act fy2013 fy2017


Summary: Physician Reentry Demonstration Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a demonstration program to assist the development of innovative programs that facilitate physician reentry into clinical practice to provide required primary health services; and (2) award one grant, on a competitive basis, to an eligible entity in each of the 10 regions served by a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regional office. Includes as eligible entities: (1) a state, hospital, academic medical center, medical school, or health center; or (2) a nonprofit organization with a demonstrated history or expertise in providing physician education and with the ability to offer programs specifically targeted at reentering physicians. Requires the Secretary to use not more than 15% of funds appropriated for this Act to work with key stakeholders to: (1) conduct a national needs assessment with regard to the supply of physicians who provide primary health services, (2) develop a database that contains a directory of programs that help physicians reenter clinical practice, (3) disseminate evidence-based assessments and evaluation tools to measure the basic core competencies of physicians reentering clinical practice, and (4) assist state regulatory authorities and hospital credentialing committees to structure requirements for reentering physicians r that ensure patient safety while addressing the burdens on such physicians. Directs an entity that receives funds under this Act to use such funds to assist qualifying physicians through: (1) training to reenter clinical practice, (2) paying credentialing and other necessary fees, (3) paying salaries, or (4) providing loan repayment and other financial assistance. Requires a reentering physician who participates in a demonstration program, to be eligible to receive benefits, to provide required primary health services for at least two years at a health center, a Veterans Administration Medical Center if the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) certifies that there is a shortage of physicians at such center, or a school-based health center. Sets forth provisions regarding liability protection for reentering physicians participating in a demonstration program.

secretary health_and_human_services establish demonstration program assist development innovative programs facilitate physician reentry clinical practice provide required primary health services award grant competitive basis eligible entity regions served department_of_health_and_human_services hhs regional office includes eligible entities state hospital academic medical center medical school health center nonprofit organization demonstrated history expertise providing physician education ability offer programs specifically targeted reentering physicians requires secretary use funds appropriated act work key stakeholders conduct national needs assessment regard supply physicians provide primary health services develop database contains directory programs help physicians reenter clinical practice disseminate evidence based assessments evaluation tools measure basic core competencies physicians reentering clinical practice assist state regulatory authorities hospital credentialing committees structure requirements reentering physicians ensure patient safety addressing burdens physicians directs entity receives funds act use funds assist qualifying physicians training reenter clinical practice paying credentialing necessary fees paying salaries providing loan repayment financial assistance requires reentering physician participates demonstration program eligible receive benefits provide required primary health services years health center secretary veterans_affairs certifies shortage physicians center school based health center sets forth provisions liability protection reentering physicians participating demonstration program


Summary: Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants or contracts for the establishment or operation of Palliative Care and Hospice Education Centers that: (1) improve the training of health professionals in palliative care; (2) develop and disseminate curricula relating to the palliative treatment of the complex health problems of individuals with serious or life-threatening illnesses; (3) support the training and retraining of faculty to provide instruction in palliative care; (4) support continuing education of health professionals who provide palliative care to patients with serious or life-threatening illness; (5) provide students with clinical training in palliative care in long-term care facilities, home care, hospices, chronic and acute disease hospitals, and ambulatory care centers; (6) establish traineeships for individuals who are preparing for advanced education nursing degrees in palliative care nursing, home care, hospice, long-term care, or other nursing areas that specialize in palliative care; and (7) do not duplicate the activities of existing education centers funded under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with: (1) schools of medicine, schools of osteopathic medicine, teaching hospitals, and graduate medical education programs to provide support for projects that fund the training of physicians who plan to teach palliative medicine; and (2) eligible nurse practitioner, midwifery, nurse anesthesia, and advanced nurse education programs to meet the costs of palliative care and hospice career incentive awards. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a program to provide Palliative Medicine and Hospice Academic Career Awards to eligible individuals to promote their career development as academic hospice and palliative care physicians; (2) award grants or contracts to entities that operate a Palliative Care and Hospice Education Center; (3) award grants or contracts to advanced practice nurses, clinical social workers, pharmacists, chaplains, or students of psychology pursuing an advanced degree in palliative care or related fields to foster greater interest among a variety of health professionals in entering the field of palliative care; and (4) award grants to schools of nursing, health care facilities, or programs leading to certification as a certified nurse assistant to develop and implement programs and initiatives to train and educate individuals in providing palliative care in health-related educational, hospice, home, or long-term care settings.

training_act_-_amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs award grants contracts establishment operation improve training health professionals palliative care develop disseminate curricula relating palliative treatment complex health problems individuals life threatening illnesses support training retraining faculty provide instruction palliative care support continuing education health professionals provide palliative care patients life threatening illness provide students clinical training palliative care long term care facilities home care chronic acute disease hospitals ambulatory care centers establish traineeships individuals preparing advanced education nursing degrees palliative care nursing home care hospice long term care nursing areas specialize palliative care duplicate activities existing education centers funded act authorizes secretary grants enter contracts schools medicine schools osteopathic medicine teaching hospitals graduate medical education programs provide support projects fund training physicians plan teach palliative medicine eligible nurse practitioner nurse anesthesia advanced nurse education programs meet costs palliative care hospice career incentive awards directs secretary establish program provide academic career awards eligible individuals promote career development academic hospice palliative care physicians award grants contracts entities operate award grants contracts advanced practice nurses clinical social workers pharmacists chaplains students psychology pursuing advanced degree palliative care related fields foster greater interest variety health professionals entering field palliative care award grants schools nursing health care facilities programs leading certification certified nurse assistant develop implement programs initiatives train educate individuals providing palliative care health related educational hospice home long term care settings


Summary: Patient Centered Quality Care for Life Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a Patient-Centered Health Care and Quality of Life Stakeholder Strategic Summit to: (1) analyze key health system barriers to providing patient-centered health care that integrates symptom management and other aspects of coordinated or palliative care; and (2) identify strategic solutions for collectively addressing quality of life concerns for the rapidly expanding population of patients and survivors facing serious, complex, and chronic illness in the United States and for the families of such patients and survivors. Requires the Secretary to establish a Summit Steering Committee, which shall draft a summary report detailing Summit recommendations for a national strategic action agenda to improve patient-centered care and quality of life. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a national quality of life education and awareness grants program initiative for seriously ill patients, their families, and health professionals who treat them for the purposes of encouraging an increased demand for and delivery of integrated and patient-centered care for managing their pain and symptoms and improving their quality of life. Requires the Director to award competitive grants to develop new and expand existing information, resources, and communication materials about symptom management and other aspects of patient-centered care as an integral part of quality care for serious illnesses. Directs the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish a health care professional workforce training grants program initiative for purposes of promoting and enhancing symptom assessment and management, communications skills, coordinated patient-centered care, and other quality of life focused clinical core competencies across all clinical specialties that serve seriously ill patients and patients with multiple or complex chronic diseases. Requires the Secretary: (1) to update and expand the September 2002 HRSA report, titled "The Supply, Demand and Use of Palliative Care Physicians in the United States"; (2) to establish a Quality of Life Cross-Agency Advisory Committee to assist the CDC and HRSA in conducting the national quality of life education and awareness initiative and the health care professional workforce training initiative and to disseminate initiative findings for cross agency implementation of best practices; and (3) acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to develop and implement a strategy to be applied across NIH institutes and centers that is in accordance with the Advisory Committee's recommendations to expand national research programs in symptom management, palliative, psychosocial, and survivorship care.

patient centered quality care life act directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs convene strategic summit analyze key health system barriers providing patient centered health care integrates symptom management aspects coordinated palliative care identify strategic solutions collectively addressing quality life concerns rapidly expanding population patients survivors facing complex chronic illness united_states families patients survivors requires secretary establish shall draft summary report detailing summit recommendations national strategic action agenda improve patient centered care quality life amends public_health_service_act require director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc establish national quality life education awareness grants program initiative seriously ill patients families health professionals treat purposes encouraging increased demand delivery integrated patient centered care managing pain symptoms improving quality life requires director award competitive grants develop new expand existing information resources communication materials symptom management aspects patient centered care integral quality care illnesses directs administrator health_resources_and_services_administration hrsa establish health care professional workforce training grants program initiative purposes promoting enhancing symptom assessment management communications skills coordinated patient centered care quality life focused clinical core competencies clinical specialties serve seriously ill patients patients multiple complex chronic diseases requires secretary update expand september hrsa report titled supply demand use palliative care physicians united_states establish quality life cross agency advisory committee assist cdc hrsa conducting national quality life education awareness initiative health care professional workforce training initiative disseminate initiative findings cross agency implementation best practices acting director national_institutes_of_health nih develop implement strategy applied nih institutes centers accordance advisory_committee recommendations expand national research programs symptom management palliative psychosocial survivorship care


Summary: Aligning Incentives for Better Patient Care Act of 2011 [sic] - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) except from the prohibition against certain physician referrals and other compensation any incentive payments promoting quality and efficiency that are made under a quality incentive agreement between a physician and a qualified hospital, (2) prescribe requirements for such agreements, and (3) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide a quality incentive ombudsman with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Amends SSA title XI to exempt such incentive payments from certain civil money penalties as well as from criminal penalites for illegal remunerations.

aligning incentives better patient care act sic amends title xviii medicare social security act prohibition certain physician referrals compensation incentive payments promoting quality efficiency quality incentive agreement physician qualified hospital prescribe requirements agreements direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs provide quality incentive ombudsman amends ssa title exempt incentive payments certain civil money penalties criminal illegal


Summary: Resident Physician Shortage Reduction and Graduate Medical Education Accountability and Transparency Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to distribution of additional resident positions as they affect calculation of payments for direct graduate medical education (DME) costs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for each of FY2013-FY2017 (and each succeeding fiscal year if additional residency positions are available to distribute), to increase the otherwise applicable resident limit for each qualifying hospital. Directs the Secretary to determine the total number of additional residency positions available for distribution, in accordance with guidelines for allocating 33% to hospitals already operating over the resident limit, and generally setting the aggregate number of increases in the resident limit to 3,000 in each year. Specifies the process for distributing positions. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement procedures under which the amount of payments that a hospital would otherwise receive for indirect medical education (IME) costs for discharges occurring during a fiscal year is adjusted based on the reporting of measures and the performance of the hospital on measures of patient care priorities specified by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress and the National Health Care Workforce Commission on the graduate medical education (GME) payments, including both direct GME payments and IME payments, that hospitals receive under the Medicare program. Directs the Comptroller General to study: (1) the physician workforce, and (2) strategies for increasing the diversity of the health profession workforce.

resident physician shortage reduction title xviii medicare social security act respect distribution additional resident positions affect calculation payments direct graduate medical education dme costs directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs fy2013 fy2017 succeeding fiscal year additional residency positions available distribute increase applicable resident limit qualifying hospital directs secretary determine total number additional residency positions available distribution accordance guidelines allocating hospitals operating resident limit generally setting aggregate number increases resident limit year specifies process distributing positions directs secretary establish implement procedures payments hospital receive indirect medical education ime costs discharges occurring fiscal year adjusted based reporting measures performance hospital measures patient care priorities specified secretary directs secretary report congress national_health_care_workforce_commission graduate medical education gme payments including direct gme payments ime payments hospitals receive medicare program directs comptroller_general study physician workforce strategies increasing diversity health profession workforce


Summary: Restoring the Doctors of Our Country through Scholarships Act of 2012 or the RDOCS Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants under which states provide RDOCS scholarships, paying all costs of a student's undergraduate medical education, to provide for the increased availability of primary health care services in health professional shortage areas. Requires the scholarship recipient to agree to residency training in a primary care specialty and a five-year post-graduate period of service in a health professional shortage area. Requires that preference be given in award of scholarships to applicants enrolled in: (1) an accelerated track family-medicine program (an integrated course of study allowing completion of undergraduate medical education and graduate medical education in six years), or (2) a program that includes clinical training in rural or underserved urban communities. Sets a minimum rate at which federal funding must be matched.

restoring doctors country scholarships act act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs grants states provide scholarships paying costs student undergraduate medical education provide increased availability primary health care services health professional shortage areas requires scholarship recipient agree residency training primary care specialty year post graduate period service health professional shortage area requires preference given award scholarships applicants enrolled accelerated track family medicine program integrated course study allowing completion undergraduate medical education graduate medical education years program includes clinical training rural underserved urban communities sets minimum rate federal funding matched


Summary: Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to distribution of additional resident positions as they affect calculation of payments for direct graduate medical education (DME) costs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for each of FY2013-FY2017 (and each succeeding fiscal year if additional residency positions are available to distribute), to increase the otherwise applicable resident limit for each qualifying hospital. Directs the Secretary to determine the total number of additional residency positions available for distribution, in accordance with guidelines for allocating 33% to hospitals already operating over the resident limit, and generally setting the aggregate number of increases in the resident limit to 3,000 in each year. Specifies the process for distributing positions. Directs the National Health Care Workforce Commission established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to study the physician workforce. Directs the Comptroller General to study strategies for increasing the diversity of the health profession workforce.

resident physician shortage reduction act amends title xviii medicare social security act respect distribution additional resident positions affect calculation payments direct graduate medical education dme costs directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs fy2013 fy2017 succeeding fiscal year additional residency positions available distribute increase applicable resident limit qualifying hospital directs secretary determine total number additional residency positions available distribution accordance guidelines allocating hospitals operating resident limit generally setting aggregate number increases resident limit year specifies process distributing positions directs national_health_care_workforce_commission established patient_protection affordable care act study physician workforce directs comptroller general study strategies increasing diversity health profession workforce


Summary: Strengthen the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enter into an agreement for the establishment and operation of a student loan fund with any public or other nonprofit school that offers a graduate program in professional psychology. Revises provisions concerning the collection of health professions data, sex discrimination in medical education programs, and definitions to make these applicable to "professional" (rather than "clinical") psychologists.

strengthen allow secretary health_and_human_services hhs enter agreement establishment operation student loan fund public nonprofit school offers graduate program professional psychology revises provisions concerning collection health professions data sex discrimination medical education programs definitions applicable professional clinical psychologists


Summary: Strengthen Social Work Workforce Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include a graduate program in clinical social work or a program in social work among health professions schools eligible for grants to support programs for underrepresented minorities. Includes graduate programs in clinical psychology, graduate programs in clinical social work, and programs in social work among health education programs eligible for grants to: (1) provide scholarships to disadvantaged students,and (2) offer faculty positions to disadvantaged students. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to, and enter into contracts with: (1) schools offering degrees in social work to provide support for geriatric training projects; (2) hospitals, schools, or other entities to plan, develop, and operate or participate in an approved social work training program and to provide financial assistance to program participants that are planning to specialize, work, or teach in the field of social work; and (3) schools offering social work programs to establish, maintain, or improve academic administrative units to provide clinical instruction in social work. Authorizes health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to offer health services through a clinical social worker as provided for under state law.

strengthen social work workforce act amends public_health_service_act include graduate program clinical social work program social work health professions schools eligible grants support programs underrepresented minorities includes graduate programs clinical psychology graduate programs clinical social work programs social work health education programs eligible grants provide scholarships disadvantaged students offer faculty positions disadvantaged students allows secretary health_and_human_services hhs grants enter contracts schools offering degrees social work provide support geriatric training projects hospitals schools entities plan develop operate participate approved social work training program provide financial assistance program participants planning specialize work teach field social work schools offering social work programs establish maintain improve academic administrative units provide clinical instruction social work authorizes health maintenance organizations offer health services clinical social worker provided state law


Summary: Psychologists in the Service of the Public Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a psychology postdoctoral program to make grants to and enter into contracts with eligible individuals and institutions to encourage the provision of psychological training and services in underserved treatment areas. Requires individuals to possess a doctoral degree in psychology and to agree to provide services to a medically underserved population during the grant and at least one year thereafter. Requires institutions to use provided amounts for fellowships to such individuals.

psychologists amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish psychology postdoctoral program grants enter contracts eligible individuals institutions encourage provision psychological training services underserved treatment areas requires individuals possess doctoral degree psychology agree provide services medically underserved population grant year requires institutions use provided amounts fellowships individuals


Summary: Pharmacist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make pharmacists eligible for educational loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps in exchange for service in a health professional shortage area.

pharmacist act amends public_health_service_act pharmacists eligible educational loan repayment national_health_service_corps exchange service health professional shortage area


Summary: Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Pharmacy Dual Degree Program Act of 2011 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that there should be established a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) dual degree program, which would: (1) improve patient outcomes, (2) help health providers meet the unique needs of rural communities across the age continuum and in diverse settings, (3) enhance collaboration between DNPs and physicians regarding drug therapy, (4) provide for research concerning and the implementation of safer medication administration, (5) broaden the scope of practice for pharmacists through education and training in diagnosis and management of common diseases, (6) provide new employment opportunities, and (7) assist in filling the need for primary care providers with an expertise in geriatrics and pharmaceuticals. Calls for additional research and evaluation to be conducted to determine the extent to which graduates of such a program improve primary health care, address disparities, diversify the workforce, and increase quality of service for underserved populations.

doctor doctor pharmacy dual degree program act expresses sense senate established doctor nursing practice doctor pharmacy dual degree program improve patient outcomes help health providers meet unique needs rural communities age continuum diverse settings enhance collaboration physicians drug therapy provide research concerning implementation safer medication administration broaden scope practice pharmacists education training diagnosis management common diseases provide new employment opportunities assist filling need primary care providers expertise geriatrics pharmaceuticals calls additional research evaluation conducted determine extent graduates program improve primary health care address disparities diversify workforce increase quality service underserved populations


Summary: Medicaid Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants Access Act of 2011 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the state option to include nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants as primary care case managers. Specifies as primary care case managers any nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant that provides primary care case management services under a primary care case management contract. Revises the coverage of certain nurse practitioner services under the Medicaid fee-for-service program to remove the specification of certified pediatric nurse practitioner and certified family nurse practitioner in order to extend such coverage to services furnished by a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Includes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists in the mix of service providers which Medicaid managed care organizations are required to maintain.

medicaid_advanced_practice_nurses physician assistants access act amends title xix medicaid social security act eliminate state option include nurse practitioners certified nurse midwives physician assistants primary care case managers specifies primary care case managers nurse practitioner certified nurse midwife physician assistant provides primary care case management services primary care case management contract revises coverage certain nurse practitioner services medicaid fee service program remove specification certified pediatric nurse practitioner certified family nurse practitioner order extend coverage services furnished nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist includes nurse practitioners clinical nurse specialists physician assistants certified nurse midwives certified registered nurse anesthetists mix service providers medicaid managed care organizations required maintain


Summary: Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require each Medicare participating hospital to implement a hospital-wide staffing plan for nursing services furnished in the hospital. Requires the plan to require that an appropriate number of registered nurses provide direct patient care in each unit and on each shift of the hospital to ensure staffing levels that: (1) address the unique characteristics of the patients and hospital units; and (2) result in the delivery of safe, quality patient care consistent with specified requirements. Requires each participating hospital to establish a hospital nurse staffing committee which shall implement and oversee such plan. Specifies civil monetary and other penalties for violation of the requirements of this Act. Sets forth whistleblower protections against discrimination and retaliation involving patients or employees of the hospital for their grievances, complaints, or involvement in investigations relating to such plan.

registered nurse safe staffing act amends title xviii medicare social security act require medicare participating hospital implement hospital wide staffing plan nursing services furnished hospital requires plan require appropriate number registered nurses provide direct patient care unit shift hospital ensure staffing levels address unique characteristics patients hospital units result delivery safe quality patient care consistent specified requirements requires participating hospital establish hospital nurse staffing committee shall implement oversee plan specifies civil monetary penalties violation requirements act sets forth whistleblower protections discrimination retaliation involving patients employees hospital grievances complaints involvement investigations relating plan


Summary: Dale Long Emergency Medical Service Providers Protection Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1986 to include within the definitions of "member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew" and "public safety officer" for purposes of eligibility for public safety officers' benefits an officially recognized or designated employee or volunteer member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew that: (1) is a public agency or a nonprofit entity serving the public that is officially authorized or licensed to engage in rescue activity or to provide emergency medical services and that is officially designated as a prehospital emergency medical response agency, and (2) is engaging in rescue activity or in the provision of emergency medical services. Cancels $12 million of unobligated balances available under the Department of Justice (DOJ) Assets Forfeiture Fund. Makes this Act applicable to injuries sustained on or after June 1, 2009.

act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act include definitions member rescue squad ambulance crew public safety officer purposes eligibility public safety officers benefits officially recognized designated employee volunteer member rescue squad ambulance crew public agency nonprofit entity serving public officially authorized licensed engage rescue activity provide emergency medical services officially designated prehospital emergency medical response agency engaging rescue activity provision emergency medical services cancels million unobligated balances available department_of_justice doj assets forfeiture fund makes act applicable injuries sustained june


Summary: Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend and reauthorize appropriations for payments associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs.

amends public_health_service_act extend reauthorize appropriations payments associated operating approved graduate medical residency training programs


Summary: Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include physical therapy within the definition of "primary health services" for purposes of the National Health Service Corps. Makes physical therapists eligible for repayment of their educational loans in order to ensure an adequate supply of physical therapists.

physical therapist student loan repayment eligibility act amends public_health_service_act include physical therapy definition primary health services purposes national_health_service_corps makes physical therapists eligible repayment educational loans order ensure adequate supply physical therapists


Summary: Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who are certified diabetes educators in an outpatient setting as authorized providers of Medicare diabetes outpatient self-management training services, including as part of telehealth services, under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Comptroller General to study the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program. Directs the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.

medicare diabetes self management training act amends title xviii medicare social security act recognize state licensed -registered health care professionals certified diabetes educators outpatient setting authorized providers medicare diabetes outpatient self management training services including telehealth services medicare supplementary_medical_insurance directs comptroller general study barriers exist medicare beneficiaries diabetes accessing diabetes self management training services medicare program directs director hhs develop series recommendations effective outreach methods educate primary care physicians public benefits diabetes self management training


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program of grants to allopathic or osteopathic medical schools for the purposes of constructing, renovating, or improving school facilities and increasing the supply of physicians. Sets forth criteria for the allocation of funds, with priority given to new schools, schools looking to create a new branch of an existing school, and schools that serve medically underserved areas.

requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish program grants allopathic osteopathic medical schools purposes constructing renovating improving school facilities increasing supply physicians sets forth criteria allocation funds priority given new schools schools looking create new branch existing school schools serve medically underserved areas