Summary: Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to private, nonprofit entities to conduct workshop programs to assist in the therapeutic readjustment and rehabilitation of veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after the Persian Gulf War, or in combat during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998, and are discharged or released from active duty on or after September 11, 2001 (covered veterans). Limits grant amounts to $100,000. Requires annual reports from the Secretary to the congressional veterans committees on the use of such grants and their benefits to covered veterans. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in remote rural areas. Limits grant amounts to $50,000. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Makes permanent (currently ends on December 31, 2007) the VA authority to treat participants in the Department of Defense (DOD) chemical biological testing conducted by Deseret Test Center. (Sec. 5) Extends through FY2009 VA authority to collect health care copayments and certain medical care cost recovery amounts from veterans receiving such care. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to provide, through contracts with community mental health centers, peer outreach services, peer support services, and readjustment and mental health services to covered veterans. Requires training for covered veterans and clinicians providing services under the program. (Sec. 7) Revises provisions concerning a joint VA-Department of Labor demonstration program of referral and counseling for veterans transitioning from certain institutions (including penal institutions) and who are at-risk for homelessness to: (1) remove the "demonstration" designation; (2) require the program to be carried out in at least 12 (under current law, six) locations; and (3) extend the program through FY2011. (Sec. 8) Removes the FY2003-FY2004 limit on the authorization of appropriations for a VA program to provide domiciliary care programs for homeless veterans. Requires the Secretary to ensure that such programs are adequate, with respect to capacity and safety, to meet the needs of women veterans. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives to provide and coordinate supportive services for very low-income (less than 50% of the median income for the area) veteran families residing in permanent housing. Provides a preference for families who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Requires: (1) the provision of such assistance to be equitably distributed across geographic regions, including rural communities and tribal lands; and (2) the Secretary to provide appropriate training and technical assistance to entities providing such services. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10) Makes homeless veterans eligible for dental care through the VA after receiving certain other types of care (such as domiciliary or community residential care) through the VA for 30 (under current law, 60) consecutive days.

veterans health_care improvement act sec authorizes secretary veterans_affairs grants private nonprofit entities conduct workshop programs assist therapeutic readjustment rehabilitation veterans served active duty theater combat operations persian_gulf_war combat period hostilities november discharged released active duty september covered veterans limits grant amounts requires annual reports secretary congressional veterans committees use grants benefits covered veterans authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary establish grant program provide innovative transportation options veterans remote_rural areas limits grant amounts authorizes appropriations sec makes permanent currently ends december authority treat participants department_of_defense dod chemical biological testing conducted test center sec extends fy2009 authority collect health_care copayments certain medical care cost recovery amounts veterans receiving care sec directs secretary carry program provide contracts community mental health centers peer outreach services peer support services readjustment mental health services covered veterans requires training covered veterans clinicians providing services program sec revises provisions concerning joint department_of_labor demonstration program referral counseling veterans transitioning certain institutions including penal institutions risk homelessness remove demonstration designation require program carried current law locations extend program fy2011 sec removes fy2003 fy2004 limit authorization appropriations program provide domiciliary care programs homeless veterans requires secretary ensure programs adequate respect capacity safety meet needs women veterans sec directs secretary provide financial assistance private nonprofit organizations consumer cooperatives provide coordinate supportive services low income median income area veteran families residing permanent housing provides preference families transitioning homelessness permanent housing requires provision assistance equitably distributed geographic regions including rural communities tribal lands secretary provide appropriate training technical assistance entities providing services authorizes appropriations sec makes homeless veterans eligible dental care receiving certain types care domiciliary community residential care current law consecutive days


Summary: Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2007 - Prohibits any pharmaceutical drug manufacturer from having a controlling interest in an entity that is a pharmacy benefit manager. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue civil penalties for violations as necessary. Prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from making drug interchanges: (1) to a drug with a greater cost; (2) without disclosure to the individual of the savings associated with the interchange; or (3) from a drug with generic equivalents to a drug without generic equivalents, unless the latter is lower in cost than each of the generic equivalents of the drug from which the prescription would be changed. Requires pharmacy benefit managers to annually disclose all compensation received from drug manufacturers to the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and to the client plans of such manager.

pharmacy benefit manager transparency_act prohibits pharmaceutical drug manufacturer having controlling interest entity pharmacy benefit manager allows secretary health_and_human_services issue civil penalties violations necessary prohibits pharmacy benefit managers making drug drug greater cost disclosure individual savings associated interchange drug generic equivalents drug generic equivalents lower cost generic equivalents drug prescription changed requires pharmacy benefit managers annually disclose compensation received drug manufacturers antitrust_division_of_the_department_of_justice doj client plans manager


Summary: Josephine Butler United States Health Service Act - Establishes the United States Health Service as an independent executive branch entity to provide health care and supplemental health services to all individuals within the United States. Requires the President to appoint members to a National Health Board to exercise the authority of the Service. Establishes an Office of the Inspector General for Health Services. Requires the Service to ensure that every individual is given certain basic health rights, including the right to receive high quality care and supplemental services from any facility within the Service capable of providing such services without charge and without discrimination. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide employees with leave to receive necessary health care services. Requires the Board to: (1) establish any necessary health care facilities; (2) establish guidelines for the classification, certification, and employment of health workers by job category; (3) provide for the education of health workers through health team schools and loan repayment; (4) establish a health advocacy program to ensure the realization of patients' rights; (5) oversee occupational safety and health programs; and (6) conduct research concerning health and health care delivery. Transfers to the Board the agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that conduct research on health and health care. Requires the Board to establish additional research institutes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a health services tax on the income of individuals and corporations to fund the Health Service Trust Fund (established under this Act). Transfers to the Service certain authority of the Secretary of HHS.

united_states health service act establishes united_states health service independent executive branch entity provide health_care supplemental health services individuals united_states requires president appoint members national health board exercise authority service establishes office_of_the_inspector_general health services requires service ensure individual given certain basic health rights including right receive high quality care supplemental services facility service capable providing services charge discrimination amends fair labor standards act provide employees leave receive necessary health_care services requires board establish necessary health_care facilities establish guidelines classification certification employment health workers job category provide education health workers health team schools loan repayment establish health advocacy program ensure patients rights oversee occupational safety health programs conduct research concerning health health_care delivery transfers board agencies department_of_health_and_human_services hhs conduct research health health_care requires board establish additional research institutes amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose health services tax income individuals corporations fund health service trust_fund established act transfers service certain authority secretary hhs


Summary: Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act or the CLASS Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a national, voluntary disability insurance program (CLASS program) under which: (1) all employees are automatically enrolled, but are allowed to waive enrollment; (2) payroll deductions pay monthly premiums; and (3) two-tiered benefits are provided, based on the level of disability, to purchase nonmedical services and supports that the beneficiary needs to maintain independence. Establishes the Independence Fund within the Treasury. Requires the CLASS program to be treated for tax purposes in the same manner as a qualified long-term care insurance contract. Amends the Social Security Act to require each state to: (1) assess the extent to which personal care services providers are serving or able to serve as fiscal agents, employers, and providers of employment-related benefits for personal care attendant workers, who provide personal care services to individuals receiving benefits under this Act; (2) designate or create entities to serve such purposes; and (3) ensure that such entities will not negatively alter or impede existing programs, models, methods, or administration of service delivery that provide for consumer controlled or self-directed home and community services, impede the ability of individuals to direct and control their home and community services, or inhibit individuals from relying on family members for such services. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Personal Care Attendants Workforce Advisory Panel to examine and advise the Secretary and Congress on workforce issues related to personal care attendant workers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a deduction for premiums paid for the CLASS program; (2) a credit CLASS program enrollees with low income; and (3) a credit for employers for the cost incurred to automatically enroll employees and withhold monthly premiums.

community_living_assistance_services supports_act class act_-_amends public_health_service_act create national voluntary disability_insurance program class program employees automatically enrolled allowed waive enrollment payroll deductions pay monthly premiums tiered benefits provided based level disability purchase services supports beneficiary needs maintain independence establishes independence fund treasury requires class program treated tax purposes manner qualified long-term_care insurance contract amends social_security_act require state assess extent personal care services providers serving able serve fiscal agents employers providers employment related benefits personal care attendant workers provide personal care services individuals receiving benefits act designate create entities serve purposes ensure entities negatively alter impede existing programs models methods administration service delivery provide consumer controlled self directed home community services impede ability individuals direct control home community services inhibit individuals relying family members services requires secretary health_and_human_services establish personal care attendants workforce advisory_panel examine advise secretary congress workforce issues related personal care attendant workers amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow deduction premiums paid class program credit class program enrollees low income credit employers cost incurred automatically enroll employees withhold monthly premiums


Summary: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Robert T. Matsui Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Health Care.Provides for health care workforce diversity activities, including the establishment of: (1) a technical clearinghouse on health workforce diversity; and (2) Regional Minority Centers of Excellence Programs.Requires health-related programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collect data on race, ethnicity, and primary language.Directs each federal health agency to implement a strategic plan to eliminate disparities and improve the health and health care of minority populations. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) an Office of Health Disparities within the Office of Civil Rights; and (2) civil rights compliance offices in each HHS agency that administers health programs.Reestablishes the Indian Health Service as an agency within the Public Health Service of HHS to be administered by an Assistant Secretary of Indian Health.Requires the establishment of an Office of Minority Health within specified agencies.Directs the President to execute, administer, and enforce provisions to address environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. Provides for the establishment of health empowerment zone programs in communities that disproportionately experience disparities in health status and health care.Requires the Secretary to designate centers of excellence at public hospitals and other health systems that demonstrate excellence in providing care to minority populations and reducing health disparities.Makes immigrants from certain U.S. territories and possessions eligible for specified federal programs.Requires the Secretary to expand the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative.Provides for grants for strategies to eliminate racial and ethnic health and health care disparities.Requires the Secretary to establish the Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission.

health equity accountability_act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services establish robert center cultural linguistic competence health_care provides health_care workforce diversity activities including establishment technical clearinghouse health workforce diversity regional minority centers_of_excellence programs requires health related programs department_of_health_and_human_services hhs collect data race ethnicity primary language directs federal health agency implement strategic plan eliminate disparities improve health health_care minority populations requires secretary establish office health disparities office civil rights civil rights compliance offices hhs agency administers health programs reestablishes indian_health_service agency public_health_service hhs administered assistant secretary indian health requires establishment office_of_minority_health specified agencies directs president execute administer enforce provisions address environmental justice minority low income populations provides establishment health empowerment zone programs communities disproportionately experience disparities health status health_care requires secretary designate centers_of_excellence public hospitals health systems demonstrate excellence providing care minority populations reducing health disparities makes immigrants certain territories possessions eligible specified federal programs requires secretary expand minority hiv aids initiative provides grants strategies eliminate racial ethnic health health_care disparities requires secretary establish rural health quality advisory commission


Summary: Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act - Requires the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to make grants to enable public and private nonprofit entities to determine whether educating youth about meth mouth (oral decay that is commonly associated with methamphetamine use) is an effective strategy for preventing or reducing methamphetamine use. Reserves a portion of appropriated funds for Indian tribes and tribal organizations.Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand and intensify the clinical research, health services research, and public health research on associations between substance use disorders, oral health, and the provision of dental care.Requires the Secretary to study the effect methamphetamine use has on the demand for, and provision of, dental care.Directs the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support training and offer technical assistance to ensure that dentists and allied dental personnel are prepared to: (1) recognize signs of alcohol or drug addiction; (2) discuss the nature of substance abuse as it relates to their area of expertise; (3) understand how certain dental therapies can affect the relapse potential of substance dependent patients; and (4) help those affected by a substance use disorder find appropriate treatment for their conditions.Authorizes the Administrator to collaborate with professional accrediting bodies to develop and support substance abuse training courses for oral health professionals.

mouth prevention community recovery act_-_requires director center substance abuse prevention grants enable public private nonprofit entities determine educating youth mouth oral decay commonly associated methamphetamine use effective strategy preventing reducing methamphetamine use reserves portion appropriated funds indian tribes tribal organizations amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services expand intensify clinical research health services research public health research associations substance use disorders oral health provision dental care requires secretary study effect methamphetamine use demand provision dental care directs administrator substance_abuse_and_mental_health_services_administration support training offer technical assistance ensure dentists allied dental personnel prepared recognize signs alcohol drug addiction discuss nature substance abuse relates area expertise understand certain dental therapies affect potential substance dependent patients help affected substance use disorder find appropriate treatment conditions authorizes administrator collaborate professional accrediting bodies develop support substance abuse training courses oral health professionals


Summary: Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop an Internet Clearinghouse within the Office of Minority Health; (2) provide for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minorities; and (3) support demonstration projects designed to improve the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority groups through improved access to health care, patient navigators, primary prevention activities, health promotion and disease prevention activities, and health literacy education and services.Provides for grants to: (1) promote positive health behaviors; (2) implement culturally and linguistically appropriate, evidence-based, and community-driven sustainable strategies to eliminate racial and ethnic health and health care disparities; (3) implement systems of primary care practices to eliminate disparities in the delivery of health care and improve the health care provided to all patients; and (4) address long-standing unmet health needs in the Mississippi Delta. Requires the Secretary to establish the Health Action Zone Initiative demonstration program to support comprehensive state, tribal, or local initiatives to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority groups.Provides for research to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority groups.Requires the Secretary to ensure the collection of data from federally conducted or supported health programs by race, ethnicity, geographic location, socioeconomic position, primary language, and, when practicable, health literacy.Sets forth duties for the Office of Minority Health. Requires the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Minority Health.

minority health improvement health disparity elimination act_-_amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services develop internet clearinghouse office_of_minority_health provide programs excellence health professions education underrepresented minorities support demonstration projects designed improve health health_care racial ethnic minority groups improved access health_care patient navigators primary prevention activities health promotion disease prevention activities health literacy education services provides grants promote positive health behaviors implement culturally linguistically appropriate evidence based community driven sustainable strategies eliminate racial ethnic health health_care disparities implement systems primary care practices eliminate disparities delivery health_care improve health_care provided patients address long standing unmet health needs mississippi delta requires secretary establish health action zone initiative demonstration program support comprehensive state tribal local initiatives improve health racial ethnic minority groups provides research improve health racial ethnic minority groups requires secretary ensure collection data federally conducted supported health programs race ethnicity geographic location socioeconomic position primary language practicable health literacy sets forth duties office_of_minority_health requires secretary establish advisory_committee minority health


Summary: Medicare Quality Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to provide for the development of reports, based on Medicare and private data that is publicly available or is provided by the entity requesting the report, concerning national, regional, and service provider- and supplier-specific performance, which may be in a provider- or supplier-identifiable format. Requires specified reporting procedures to provide for secure disclosure of Medicare data to Medicare Quality Reporting Organizations meeting certain requirements under contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary to establish a Quality Advisory Board to: (1) coordinate existing collaborative efforts identifying quality and efficiency health care measures; (2) provide the Secretary with recommendations for development of model quality health care measures; (3) request Medicare Quality Reporting Organizations for reports on existing recommended model quality and efficiency health care measures; and (4) examine how clinical registries can be linked to Medicare data in order to develop reports on the quality and efficiency of service providers and suppliers. Directs the Secretary to permit researchers that meet existing criteria for appropriate release of Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services data to: (1) have access to all Medicare data; and (2) report on the performance of service providers and suppliers.

medicare quality enhancement_act amends title xviii medicare provide development reports based medicare private data publicly available provided entity requesting report concerning national regional service supplier specific performance supplier identifiable format requires specified reporting procedures provide secure disclosure medicare data medicare quality reporting organizations meeting certain requirements contract secretary health_and_human_services directs secretary establish quality advisory_board coordinate existing collaborative efforts identifying quality efficiency health_care measures provide secretary recommendations development model quality health_care measures request medicare quality reporting organizations reports existing recommended model quality efficiency health_care measures examine clinical registries linked medicare data order develop reports quality efficiency service providers suppliers directs secretary permit researchers meet existing criteria appropriate release centers medicaid medicaid_services data access medicare data report performance service providers suppliers


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a five-year pilot program, in five rural states, under which the Secretary trains and then assigns a specific Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) case manager to each veteran diagnosed with traumatic brain injury who is receiving care in a VA facility in that state.

directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year pilot program rural states secretary trains assigns specific department_of_veterans_affairs case manager veteran diagnosed traumatic brain injury receiving care facility state


Summary: States' Right To Innovate in Health Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (State Comprehensive Health Care and Cost Containment Demonstration Projects). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a state-based Universal Health Care Coverage Commission to participate in the review of state applications for planning and demonstration grants for the development of a cost-effective delivery system of universal, comprehensive health care with simplified administration. Authorizes such grants. Requires a state plan to provide: (1) coverage of all eligible state residents, without regard to employment status, income, health status or preexisting condition, or location of residency within the state; and (2) health benefits that are at least actuarially equivalent to the standard Blue Cross/Blue Shield preferred provider option service benefit plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program. Allows one or more contiguous states in a geographic region to file a joint application for such grants. Authorizes Interstate Compacts of states to conduct joint health care programs under a grant.

states right innovate health_care act amends social_security_act add new title xxii state comprehensive health_care cost containment demonstration projects directs secretary health_and_human_services establish state based universal health_care coverage commission participate review state applications planning demonstration grants development cost effective delivery system universal comprehensive health_care simplified administration authorizes grants requires state plan provide coverage eligible state residents regard employment status income health status preexisting condition location residency state health benefits actuarially equivalent standard blue cross blue shield preferred provider option service benefit plan federal_employees_health benefit program allows contiguous states geographic region file joint application grants authorizes interstate compacts states conduct joint health_care programs grant


Summary: Community Coalitions for Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to assist in developing integrated health care delivery systems to serve defined communities of individuals to: (1) improve efficiency and coordination among providers; (2) assist local communities in developing programs targeted toward preventing and managing chronic diseases; and (3) expand and enhance services provided.Requires eligible entities to represent a balanced consortium whose principal purpose is to ensure sustained capacity for the provision of a broad range of coordinated services for all residents, including at least one of each of the following providers that serve the community (with exceptions): (1) a federally qualified health center; (2) rural health clinics and rural health networks; (3) a hospital with a low-income utilization rate that is greater than 25% or a critical access hospital; (4) a public health department; and (5) an interested public or private sector health care provider or an organization that has traditionally served medically uninsured and low-income individuals.Authorizes the Secretary, in awarding grants, to accord priority to applicants that demonstrate the greatest unmet need for a more coordinated system of care.Authorizes a grantee to use amounts provided only for: (1) direct expenses associated with achieving greater integration of a health care delivery system to directly provide or ensure the provision of a broad range of culturally competent services; and (2) direct patient care and service expansions to fill identified or documented gaps within an integrated delivery system.

community coalitions access quality improvement act directs secretary health_and_human_services award grants assist developing integrated health_care delivery systems serve defined communities individuals improve efficiency coordination providers assist local communities developing programs targeted preventing managing chronic diseases expand enhance services provided requires eligible entities represent balanced consortium principal purpose ensure sustained capacity provision broad range coordinated services residents including following providers serve community exceptions federally qualified health center rural health clinics rural health networks hospital low income utilization rate greater critical access hospital public health department interested public private sector health_care provider organization traditionally served medically uninsured low income individuals authorizes secretary awarding grants accord priority applicants demonstrate greatest unmet need coordinated system care authorizes grantee use amounts provided direct expenses associated achieving greater integration health_care delivery system directly provide ensure provision broad range culturally competent services direct patient care service expansions fill identified documented gaps integrated delivery system


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing a guidance letter proposing rules relating to the federal-state financial partnerships under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act. Prohibits the Secretary from applying any requirement under such letter, or any similar requirement, to any state health plan amendment or waiver expanding the income eligibility level for children under SCHIP.

prohibits secretary health_and_human_services implementing guidance letter proposing rules relating federal state financial partnerships titles xix medicaid xxi state children health insurance program schip social_security_act prohibits secretary applying requirement letter similar requirement state health plan amendment waiver expanding income eligibility level children schip


Summary: Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct a long-term epidemiological study on the health of women veterans who served on active duty in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) assess barriers encountered by women veterans to the provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of comprehensive health care; (3) assess all health care services and programs provided by the VA for women veterans; (4) provide training for mental health professionals who provide counseling to women veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (5) develop a plan for the identification, development, and dissemination of treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions attributable to combat or sexual trauma that are proven effective for women veterans; (6) conduct a study of the provision of readjustment counseling and related mental health services for women veterans at vet centers; (7) carry out a pilot program for child care for certain women veterans receiving health care from VA facilities; and (8) carry out a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of providing counseling and transition adjustment assistance for women veterans who are newly separated from active duty service. Requires women veterans recently separated from active duty service to be included on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.

women veterans health_care improvement act_-_requires secretary veterans_affairs conduct long term epidemiological study health women veterans served active duty operations iraqi_freedom enduring_freedom assess barriers encountered women veterans provision department_of_veterans_affairs comprehensive health_care assess health_care services programs provided women veterans provide training mental health professionals provide counseling women veterans suffering sexual trauma develop plan identification development dissemination treatments post traumatic stress disorder ptsd conditions attributable combat sexual trauma proven effective women veterans conduct study provision readjustment counseling related mental health services women veterans vet_centers carry pilot program child care certain women veterans receiving health_care facilities carry pilot program evaluate feasibility advisability providing counseling transition adjustment assistance women veterans newly separated active duty service requires women veterans recently separated active duty service included advisory_committee_on_women_veterans


Summary: Provides that, if the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) determined under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act without regard to this Act for a state for FY2008 is less than the FMAP as so determined for FY2007, the FY2007 FMAP shall be substituted for the FMAP for the third and fourth calendar quarters of FY2008, before the application of this Act. Provides that, if the FMAP determined without regard to this Act for a state for FY2009 is less than the FMAP as so determined for FY2008, the FY2008 FMAP shall be substituted for the FMAP for the first, second, and third calendar quarters of FY2009, before the application of this Act. Provides that, for each eligible state for the third and fourth calendar quarters of FY2008, and for the first, second, and third calendar quarters of FY2009, the FMAP shall be increased by 2.95 percentage points. Provides for an increase in the cap on Medicaid payments to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Declares that, only for FMAP computation purposes, any significant disproportionate employer pension or insurance fund contribution shall be disregarded in computing the per capita income of a state, but not in computing the per capita income for the continental United States (and Alaska) and Hawaii.

provides federal medical assistance percentage fmap determined title xix medicaid social_security_act regard act state fy2008 fmap determined fy2007 fy2007 fmap shall substituted fmap fourth calendar quarters fy2008 application act provides fmap determined regard act state fy2009 fmap determined fy2008 fy2008 fmap shall substituted fmap second calendar quarters fy2009 application act provides eligible state fourth calendar quarters fy2008 second calendar quarters fy2009 fmap shall increased percentage points provides increase cap medicaid payments puerto_rico virgin_islands guam northern_mariana_islands american_samoa declares fmap computation purposes significant disproportionate employer pension insurance fund contribution shall disregarded computing capita income state computing capita income continental united_states alaska hawaii


Summary: Commercial Fishing Industry Health Care Coverage Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish a grant program to assist commercial fishing states in establishing or strengthening programs to expand health care coverage and access for uninsured or underinsured workers in the commercial fishing industry and their families.Requires the Secretary to provide: (1) program planning grants for commercial fishing states and organizations within such states, including for initial research and planning to develop a qualified health care coverage program; and (2) implementation and administration grants for such states.

commercial fishing industry health_care coverage act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services health_resources_and_services_administration establish grant program assist commercial fishing states establishing strengthening programs expand health_care coverage access uninsured workers commercial fishing industry families requires secretary provide program planning grants commercial fishing states organizations states including initial research planning develop qualified health_care coverage program implementation administration grants states


Summary: Conrad State 30 Improvement Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to make the the J-1 visa waiver (Conrad state 30/medical services in underserved areas) program permanent. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) revise entry provisions for H-1B visa foreign medical graduates and provide for an increase in the annual per-state cap of 30 foreign doctors; (2) exempt from worldwide immigration numerical limitations alien physicians who have completed service requirements of a state waiver or exemption, including alien physicians who completed such service before the date of the enactment of this Act; and (3) increase Conrad program waiver authority with respect to facilities that treat patients from, but who may not be located in, a medically underserved area.

conrad state improvement act_-_amends immigration nationality technical corrections act j-1 visa waiver conrad state medical services underserved areas program permanent amends immigration_and_nationality_act revise entry provisions h-1b visa foreign medical graduates provide increase annual state cap foreign doctors exempt worldwide immigration numerical limitations alien physicians completed service requirements state waiver exemption including alien physicians completed service date enactment act increase conrad program waiver authority respect facilities treat patients located medically underserved area


Summary: Strengthening the Safety Net Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a disproportionate share hospital (DSH) redistribution pool from unexpended Medicaid DSH allotments to fund an increase in allotments for low DSH states. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award demonstration grants to health access networks to improve access, quality, and continuity of care for uninsured individuals through better coordination of care by such networks.

strengthening safety net act amends title xix medicaid social_security_act establish disproportionate share hospital dsh redistribution pool unexpended medicaid dsh allotments fund increase allotments low dsh states directs secretary health_and_human_services award demonstration grants health access networks improve access quality continuity care uninsured individuals better coordination care networks


Summary: Ryan Dant Health Care Opportunity Act of 2008 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit states to exclude earned income in determining eligibility for individuals with prescription drug costs of over $250,000.

health_care opportunity act amends title xix medicaid social_security_act permit states exclude earned income determining eligibility individuals prescription drug costs


Summary: Health Information Technology Promotion Act of 2008 - Amends titles XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to create safe harbors from civil and criminal penalties in current anti-kickback laws for providing certain health information technology and training services.Preempts state law imposing civil or criminal penalties where the conditions of this Act have been met.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the impact of such safe harbors.Directs the Secretary to encourage and facilitate the adoption of state reciprocity agreements for practitioner licensure in order to expedite the provision of telehealth services across state lines.Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) including coverage for telehealth services as part of Medicare home health services; and (2) expanding the list of telehealth payment-eligible originating sites to include publicly funded mental health facilities.Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, to report to Congress on the use of store and forward technologies in the provision of telehealth services.Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem that any health care provider participating in certain government health programs meets any requirement for the maintenance of data in paper form if the required data is maintained in an electronic form.Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on state, regional, and community health information exchanges; and (2) establish a project to demonstrate the impact of health information technology on disease management under state Medicaid plans.

health information technology promotion act amends titles general_provisions peer_review administrative simplification xviii medicare social_security_act ssa create safe harbors civil criminal penalties current anti laws providing certain health information technology training services preempts state law imposing civil criminal penalties conditions act met requires secretary health_and_human_services report congress impact safe harbors directs secretary encourage facilitate adoption state reciprocity agreements practitioner licensure order expedite provision telehealth services state lines requires secretary report congress including coverage telehealth services medicare_home_health services expanding list telehealth payment eligible originating sites include publicly funded mental health facilities directs secretary acting director office advancement telehealth report congress use store forward technologies provision telehealth services amends public_health_service_act deem health_care provider participating certain government health programs meets requirement maintenance data paper form required data maintained electronic form directs secretary report congress state regional community health information exchanges establish project demonstrate impact health information technology disease management state medicaid plans


Summary: MediFair Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system for making adjustments to the amount of payment made to entities and individuals for items and services provided under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Requires such adjustments in order to make the state average per beneficiary amount equal to the national average per beneficiary amount. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to develop recommendations on policies and practices that would encourage: (1) healthy outcomes and quality care under the Medicare program in states with respect to which payments are reduced under such system; and (2) the efficient use of payments made under the Medicare program in such states.

act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act ssa direct secretary health_and_human_services establish system making adjustments payment entities individuals items services provided original medicare fee service program parts hospital insurance supplementary_medical_insurance requires adjustments order state average beneficiary equal national average beneficiary directs medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac develop recommendations policies practices encourage healthy outcomes quality care medicare program states respect payments reduced system efficient use payments medicare program states


Summary: Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid.Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with certain requirements.Promoting Health for Future Generations Act of 2008 - Amends the IRC to to revise provisions related to health savings accounts (HSAs), high deductible health plans, and medical savings accounts (MSAs), including to: (1) increase the tax deduction for contributions to HSAs; (2) allow a new tax deduction for high deductible health plan premiums; and (3) allow individual contributions to a Medicare Advantage MSA.Increased Access to Health Insurance Act of 2008 - Amends the IRC to permit the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance.Sets forth conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce, including: (1) a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions; and (2) limits on noneconomic and punitive damages.Sets forth provisions related to health information technology. Provides for health record banks. Creates safe harbors from civil and criminal penalties in current anti-kickback laws for providing certain health information technology and training services.

making health_care affordable act amends_the_internal_revenue_code irc allow individual taxpayers refundable tax credit health insurance costs paid amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide establishment governance association health plans ahps group health plans sponsors trade industry professional chamber commerce similar business associations meet certain erisa certification requirements amends public_health_service_act provide laws state designated health insurance issuer primary state shall apply individual health insurance coverage offered issuer primary state state secondary state coverage issuer comply certain requirements promoting_health future generations act amends irc revise provisions related health savings_accounts hsas high deductible health plans medical savings_accounts msas including increase tax deduction contributions hsas allow new tax deduction high deductible health plan premiums allow individual contributions medicare_advantage access health insurance act amends irc permit use hsas purchase health insurance sets forth conditions lawsuits arising health_care liability claims health_care goods services medical product affecting interstate commerce including statute limitations years date manifestation injury year claimant discovers injury certain exceptions limits noneconomic punitive damages sets forth provisions related health information technology provides health record banks creates safe harbors civil criminal penalties current anti laws providing certain health information technology training services


Summary: Medicare Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding telehealth services (furnished via a telecommunication system by a physician to an enrolled individual). Removes current geographic restrictions on the provision of such services. Adds to the types of facilities authorized to participate in the telehealth program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage and facilitate the adoption of state reciprocity agreements for practitioner licensure in order to expedite the provision of telehealth services across state lines. Directs the Secretary to include as a home health visit for Medicare purposes telehealth services furnished an individual by a home health agency. Provides for coverage of remote patient management services, including home health remote patient management services, for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project to evaluate the impact and benefits of covering remote patient management services for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (of the Health Resources and Services Administration), to make grants to expand access via telehealth to health care services for individuals in medically underserved rural, frontier, and urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs.

medicare telehealth enhancement_act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act telehealth services furnished telecommunication system physician enrolled individual removes current geographic restrictions provision services adds types facilities authorized participate telehealth program directs secretary health_and_human_services encourage facilitate adoption state reciprocity agreements practitioner licensure order expedite provision telehealth services state lines directs secretary include home health visit medicare purposes telehealth services furnished individual home health agency provides coverage remote patient management services including home health remote patient management services certain chronic health conditions directs secretary establish demonstration project evaluate impact benefits covering remote patient management services certain chronic health conditions directs secretary acting director office advancement telehealth health_resources_and_services_administration grants expand access telehealth health_care services individuals medically underserved rural frontier urban areas amends public_health_service_act reauthorize telehealth network telehealth resource centers grant programs


Summary: Promoting Health Information Technology Act of 2008 - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.Establishes the Health Information Technology Resource Center to provide assistance for the adoption and use of interoperable health information technology.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate final rules to modify standards related to the electronic exchange of health information.Amends title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to provide for an expedited upgrade program to develop and approve additions and modifications to adopted standards for the electronic exchange of health information. Sets forth the process for such additions and modifications.Prohibits federal funds from being used for the purchase of any health information technology that has not been certified in compliance with such standards. Requires federal agencies to comply with standards.Requires the Secretary to study current federal security and confidentiality standards.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat qualified health care information technology as a depreciable asset.Requires the Secretary to encourage and facilitate the adoption of state reciprocity agreements for practitioner licensure in order to expedite the provision across state lines of telehealth services.Provides for studies related to telehealth services, including on expanding the list of Medicare telehealth originating sites to include mental health facilities.Requires the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services to make federally qualified health centers eligible to participate in demonstration projects related to health records and heath information technology.

promoting_health information technology act establishes department_of_health_and_human_services hhs office national coordinator health information technology establishes health information technology resource center provide assistance adoption use interoperable health information technology requires secretary health_and_human_services promulgate final rules modify standards related electronic exchange health information amends title general_provisions peer_review administrative simplification social_security_act require secretary provide expedited upgrade program develop approve additions modifications adopted standards electronic exchange health information sets forth process additions modifications prohibits federal funds purchase health information technology certified compliance standards requires federal agencies comply standards requires secretary study current federal security confidentiality standards amends_the_internal_revenue_code treat qualified health_care information technology depreciable asset requires secretary encourage facilitate adoption state reciprocity agreements practitioner licensure order expedite provision state lines telehealth services provides studies related telehealth services including expanding list medicare telehealth originating sites include mental health facilities requires centers medicare medicaid_services federally qualified health centers eligible participate demonstration projects related health records heath information technology


Summary: Commission on Affordable Health Care Act of 2008 - Establishes in the legislative branch the Commission on Affordable Health Care to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study of potential models for a health care system to provide affordable and quality health care to all U.S. citizens; and (2) make recommendations for implementing such a system. Requires the Commission to report to Congress on the study and include a legislative proposal that provides for a health care system based on the recommendations of the Commission. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of such a proposal.

commission affordable health_care act establishes legislative branch commission affordable health_care conduct comprehensive study potential models health_care system provide affordable quality health_care citizens recommendations implementing system requires commission report congress study include legislative proposal provides health_care system based recommendations commission provides expedited congressional consideration proposal


Summary: Protecting Records, Optimizing Treatment, and Easing Communication through Healthcare Technology Act of 2008 or the Pro(TECH)T Act of 2008 - Title I: Health Information Technology - Subtitle A: Promotion of Health Information Technology - Part I: Improving Health Care Quality, Safety, and Efficiency - (Sec. 101) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to: (1) review and determine whether to endorse each standard, implementation specification, and certification criterion for the electronic exchange and use of health information that is recommended by the HIT Standards Committee; (2) coordinate health information technology policy and programs of HHS with other relevant executive branch agencies; and (3) maintain and update a strategic plan.Requires the National Coordinator to: (1) assess and publish the impact of health information technology in communities with health disparities and in areas that serve uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved individuals and identify practices to increase the adoption of such technology by health care providers in such communities; (2) evaluate and publish evidence on the benefits and costs of the electronic use and exchange of health information and assess to whom these benefits and costs accrue; and (3) estimate and publish resources required annually to reach the goal of utilization of an electronic health record for each person in the United States by 2014.Requires the National Coordinator to develop a program for the voluntary certification of health information technology.Establishes an HIT Policy Committee to make policy recommendations to the National Coordinator relating to the implementation of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure. Requires the HIT Policy Committee to: (1) recommend the areas in which standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria are needed for the electronic exchange and use of health information; and (2) recommend an order or priority for the development, harmonization, and recognition of such standards, specifications, and criteria among the areas so recommended. Establishes the HIT Standards Committee to: (1) recommend to the National Coordinator for adoption standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria for the electronic exchange and use of health information; (2) provide for testing of such standards and specifications by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST); and (3) integrate the recommendations of the HIT Policy Committee.Requires the Secretary to review and determine whether to adopt standards, implementation specifications, or certification criteria.Provides that any standard or implementation specification adopted under this Act shall be voluntary with respect to private entities.Requires the National Coordinator to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center to provide technical assistance and develop best practices to support health information technology.Requires the National Coordinator to establish a toll-free telephone number or Internet website to provide health care providers with information on: (1) federal grants and technical assistance services related to the electronic exchange and use of health information; (2) standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria; and (3) regional and local health information networks for assistance with health information technology.(Sec. 102) Transfers functions, personnel, asset, liabilities, and applicable administrative actions of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology appointed under a specified executive order to the National Coordinator appointed under this Act.Transfers all functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities applicable to the American Health Information Community to the HIT Policy Committee or the HIT Standards Committee.Part II: Application and Use of Adopted Health Information Technology Standards; Reports - (Sec. 111) Requires each federal agency, as it implements, acquires, or upgrades health information technology systems, to utilize systems and products that meet adopted standards and implementation specifications.Directs the President to take measures to ensure that federal activities involving the broad collection and submission of health information are consistent with standards or implementation specifications within three years of adoption.(Sec. 112) Directs each agency to require in contracts or agreements that health care providers, health plans, or health insurance issuers, as they implement, acquire, or upgrade health information technology systems, utilize systems and products that meet standards and implementation specifications.(Sec. 113) Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) actions taken by the federal government and private entities to facilitate the adoption of a nationwide system for the electronic use and exchange of health information; (2) barriers to the adoption of such a nationwide system; and (3) recommendations to achieve full implementation of a such a nationwide system.Provides for studies and reports to Congress on: (1) methods to create efficient reimbursement incentives for improving health care quality in federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, and free clinics; and (2) the potential use of new aging services technology to assist seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers throughout the aging process.Subtitle B: Incentives for the Use of Health Information Technology - (Sec. 121) Authorizes the National Coordinator to award competitive, matching grants to eligible entities to purchase qualified health information technology. Directs the National Coordinator to give preference to eligible: (1) small health care providers; (2) entities that are located in rural and other areas that serve uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved individuals; and (3) nonprofit health care providers.Authorizes the National Coordinator to award competitive, matching grants to states or Indian tribes for the establishment of programs for loans to health care providers to purchase qualified health information technology.Authorizes the National Coordinator to award competitive, matching grants to eligible entities to implement regional or local health information plans to improve health care quality and efficiency through the electronic exchange and use of health information. Requires the Secretary to give preference to eligible entities that intend to use amounts received under a grant to establish or implement a regional or local health information plan that encompasses communities with health disparities or areas that serve uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved individuals.Requires the National Coordinator to annually evaluate activities under this section and implement the lessons learned.Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013.Authorizes the Secretary to award matching grants to carry out demonstration projects to develop academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology in the clinical education of health professionals.Title II: Testing of Health Information Technology - (Sec. 201) Requires the Director of NIST to: (1) test standards and implementation specifications developed under this Act to ensure their efficient use; and (2) support the establishment of a conformance testing infrastructure that may include a program to accredit independent, nonfederal laboratories to perform testing.(Sec. 202) Requires the Director of NIST to establish a program of assistance to institutions of higher education to establish multidisciplinary Centers for Health Care Information Enterprise Integration.Directs the National High-Performance Computing Program to coordinate federal research and development programs related to the development and deployment of health information technology, including activities related to: (1) computer infrastructure; (2) data security; and (3) development of large-scale, distributed, reliable computing systems.Title III: Privacy and Security Provisions - Subtitle A: Security Provisions - (Sec. 301) Applies regulations establishing safeguards for the protection of electronic protected health information to business associates of a covered entity.Applies penalties for failure to comply with requirements regarding protection of health information.Requires the Secretary to annually issue guidance on the latest safeguard technologies for use in protecting health information.(Sec. 302) Requires an entity that handles unsecured protected health information to notify each individual whose information has been, or is reasonably believed to have been, accessed, acquired, or disclosed of any breach of such information. Applies such requirements to business associates of such entities. Sets forth requirements for notifications, including requirements concerning timeliness, method, and content.(Sec. 303) Requires the Secretary to designate an individual in each HHS regional office to offer guidance and education to covered entities, business associates, and individuals on their rights and responsibilities related to federal privacy and security requirements for protected health information.Requires the Secretary to annually prepare a report concerning complaints of alleged violations of health information provisions that are received by the Secretary.Directs the Office for Civil Rights within HHS to develop and maintain a national education initiative to enhance public transparency regarding the use of protected health information. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013.Subtitle B: Improved Privacy Provisions and Additional Security Provisions - (Sec. 311) Treats business associates in the same manner as covered entities for purposes of the protection of health information.(Sec. 312) Requires a covered entity to comply with an individual's request to restrict the use and disclosure of protected health information if: (1) the disclosure is to a health plan for purposes of carrying out payment or health care operations; and (2) the protected health information pertains solely to a health care item or service for which the health care provider involved has been paid out of pocket in full.Requires covered entities to limit the use, disclosure, or request of protected health information to the limited data set or to the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose.Gives individuals a right to an accounting of the disclosures of their electronic medical record, including disclosures to carry out treatment, payment, and health care operations.Prohibits health care providers from disclosing protected health information in an individual's electronic medical record for purposes of health care operations without the consent of the individual.Requires the Secretary to develop and make publicly available model informed consent forms.Prohibits the sale of an electronic medical record of an individual or any protected health information obtained from such record unless: (1) the sale is necessary for treatment of the individual or payment for such treatment; or (2) a valid authorization from the individual is obtained.Gives individuals the right to obtain their electronic medical records in an electronic format.(Sec. 313) Prohibits a covered entity or business associate from receiving direct or indirect payment in exchange for certain types of communication without a valid authorization.(Sec. 314) Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress recommendations to: (1) identify requirements relating to security, privacy, and notification in the case of a breach of security or privacy that should be applied to various entities, including vendors of personal health records; and (2) determine which federal government agency is best equipped to enforce such requirements.(Sec. 315) Sets forth requirements for notification of individuals and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following the discovery of a breach of security of identifiable health information in a personal health record. Deems a violation of such requirements an unfair and deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act.(Sec. 316) Requires written contracts for organizations that provide data transmission of protected health information and that require access on a routine basis to such protected health information.(Sec. 317) Requires the Secretary to issue guidance on how best to implement the requirements for the de-identification of protected health information.(Sec. 318) Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the best practices related to the disclosure among health care providers of protected health information of an individual for purposes of treatment.(Sec. 319) Amends title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to revise Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) privacy regulations to consider a person to have obtained or disclosed individually identifiable health information in violation of HIPAA if the information is maintained by a covered entity and the individual obtained or disclosed such information without authorization.(Sec. 320) Requires the Secretary to: (1) impose a penalty for violations of HIPAA privacy provisions due to willful neglect; and (2) formally investigate any complaint of a violation if a preliminary investigation indicates a possible violation due to willful neglect.Subtitle C: Relationship to Other Laws; Regulatory References; Effective Date - (Sec. 321) Applies HIPAA preemption of state law provisions to this Act.Provides that the standards governing the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information promulgated by the Secretary under HIPAA remain in effect to the extent they are consistent with this Act.

protecting records optimizing treatment easing communication healthcare technology act act title health information technology subtitle promotion health information technology improving health_care quality safety efficiency sec amends public_health_service_act establish department_of_health_and_human_services hhs office national coordinator health information technology review determine endorse standard implementation specification certification criterion electronic exchange use health information recommended hit standards committee coordinate health information technology policy programs hhs relevant executive branch agencies maintain update strategic plan requires national coordinator assess publish impact health information technology communities health disparities areas serve uninsured medically underserved individuals identify practices increase adoption technology health_care providers communities evaluate publish evidence benefits costs electronic use exchange health information assess benefits costs accrue estimate publish resources required annually reach goal utilization electronic health record person united_states national coordinator develop program voluntary certification health information technology establishes hit policy committee policy recommendations national coordinator relating implementation nationwide health information technology infrastructure requires hit policy committee recommend areas standards implementation specifications certification criteria needed electronic exchange use health information recommend order priority development harmonization recognition standards specifications criteria areas recommended establishes hit standards committee recommend national coordinator adoption standards implementation specifications certification criteria electronic exchange use health information provide testing standards specifications national institute standards technology nist integrate recommendations hit policy committee requires secretary review determine adopt standards implementation specifications certification criteria provides standard implementation specification adopted act shall voluntary respect private entities requires national coordinator develop health information technology resource center provide technical assistance develop best practices support health information technology requires national coordinator establish toll free telephone number internet website provide health_care providers information federal grants technical assistance services related electronic exchange use health information standards implementation specifications certification criteria regional local health information networks assistance health information transfers functions personnel asset liabilities applicable administrative actions national coordinator health information technology appointed specified executive order national coordinator appointed act transfers functions personnel assets liabilities applicable american health information community hit policy committee hit standards committee application use adopted health information technology standards reports sec requires federal agency implements acquires upgrades health information technology systems utilize systems products meet adopted standards implementation specifications directs president measures ensure federal activities involving broad collection submission health information consistent standards implementation specifications years directs agency require contracts agreements health_care providers health plans health insurance issuers implement acquire upgrade health information technology systems utilize systems products meet standards implementation requires secretary report appropriate congressional committees actions taken federal_government private entities facilitate adoption nationwide system electronic use exchange health information barriers adoption nationwide system recommendations achieve implementation nationwide system provides studies reports congress methods create efficient reimbursement incentives improving health_care quality federally qualified health centers rural health clinics free clinics potential use new aging services technology assist seniors individuals disabilities caregivers aging process subtitle incentives use health information technology sec authorizes national coordinator award competitive matching grants eligible entities purchase qualified health information technology directs national coordinator preference eligible small health_care providers entities located rural areas serve uninsured medically underserved individuals nonprofit health_care providers authorizes national coordinator award competitive matching grants states indian tribes establishment programs loans health_care providers purchase qualified health information technology authorizes national coordinator award competitive matching grants eligible entities implement regional local health information plans improve health_care quality efficiency electronic exchange use health information requires secretary preference eligible entities intend use amounts received grant establish implement regional local health information plan encompasses communities health disparities areas serve uninsured medically underserved individuals requires national coordinator annually evaluate activities section implement lessons learned authorizes appropriations fy2009 secretary award matching grants carry demonstration projects develop academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology clinical education health professionals title testing health information technology sec requires director nist test standards implementation specifications developed act ensure efficient use support establishment conformance testing infrastructure include program accredit independent nonfederal laboratories perform requires director nist establish program assistance institutions higher education establish multidisciplinary centers health_care information enterprise integration directs national high performance computing program coordinate federal research development programs related development deployment health information technology including activities related computer infrastructure data_security development large scale distributed reliable computing systems title iii privacy security provisions subtitle security provisions sec applies regulations establishing safeguards protection electronic protected health information business associates covered entity applies penalties failure comply requirements protection health information requires secretary annually issue guidance latest safeguard technologies use protecting health requires entity handles unsecured protected health information notify individual information reasonably believed accessed acquired disclosed breach information applies requirements business associates entities sets forth requirements notifications including requirements concerning timeliness method requires secretary designate individual hhs regional office offer guidance education covered entities business associates individuals rights responsibilities related federal privacy security requirements protected health information requires secretary annually prepare report concerning complaints alleged violations health information provisions received secretary directs office civil rights hhs develop maintain national education initiative enhance public transparency use protected health information authorizes appropriations fy2009 improved privacy provisions additional security provisions sec treats business associates manner covered entities purposes protection health requires covered entity comply individual request restrict use disclosure protected health information disclosure health plan purposes carrying payment health_care operations protected health information pertains solely health_care item service health_care provider involved paid pocket requires covered entities limit use disclosure request protected health information limited data set minimum necessary accomplish intended purpose gives individuals right accounting disclosures electronic medical record including disclosures carry treatment payment health_care operations prohibits health_care providers disclosing protected health information individual electronic medical record purposes health_care operations consent individual requires secretary develop publicly available model informed consent forms prohibits sale electronic medical record individual protected health information obtained record sale necessary treatment individual payment treatment valid authorization individual obtained gives individuals right obtain electronic medical records electronic prohibits covered entity business associate receiving direct indirect payment exchange certain types communication valid directs secretary submit congress recommendations identify requirements relating security privacy notification case breach security privacy applied entities including vendors personal health records determine federal_government agency best equipped enforce sets forth requirements notification individuals federal_trade_commission ftc following discovery breach security identifiable health information personal health record deems violation requirements unfair deceptive act practice violation federal_trade_commission requires written contracts organizations provide data transmission protected health information require access routine basis protected health requires secretary issue guidance best implement requirements identification protected health directs comptroller_general report congress best practices related disclosure health_care providers protected health information individual purposes amends title general_provisions peer_review administrative simplification social_security_act require secretary revise health_insurance_portability_and_accountability_act hipaa privacy regulations consider person obtained disclosed individually identifiable health information violation hipaa information maintained covered entity individual obtained disclosed information requires secretary impose penalty violations hipaa privacy provisions willful neglect formally investigate complaint violation preliminary investigation indicates possible violation willful neglect subtitle relationship laws regulatory references effective date sec applies hipaa preemption state law provisions act provides standards governing privacy security individually identifiable health information promulgated secretary hipaa remain effect extent consistent act


Summary: Healthy Americans Act - Requires each adult to have the opportunity to purchase a Healthy Americans Private Insurance Plan (HAPI plan), which includes employer-sponsored health coverage. Makes individuals who are not enrolled in another specified health plan and who are not opposed to coverage for religious reasons responsible for enrolling themselves and their dependent children in a HAPI plan. Sets forth penalties for failure to enroll. Establishes standardized coverage and state options for HAPI plans. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate guidelines concerning the benefits, items, and services to be covered. Sets forth requirements for setting premiums. Requires the Secretary to establish the Healthy America Advisory Committee to provide annual recommendations concerning modifications to the benefits, items, and services required. Provides for premium subsidies based on income.Authorizes states to establish a State Choices for Long-Term Care Program to provide long-term care coverage to individuals.Requires the Secretary to establish Chronic Care Education Centers.Requires states to establish or designate a state Health Help Agency to carry out the administration of HAPI plans and to promote prevention and wellness for residents.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require employers and individuals to each make shared responsibility payments for HAPI plan premiums.Sets forth requirements for health insurance issuers offering a HAPI plan. Establishes the Healthy Americans Public Health Trust Fund for the payment of premium subsidies.Terminates federal health benefits coverage, including coverage provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, state Medicaid coverage, and the State Children's Health Insurance program (SCHIP).Enhanced Health Care Value for All Act of 2007 (sic)- Provides for a Comparative Effectiveness Advisory Board and a Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund.

healthy americans act_-_requires adult opportunity purchase healthy americans private insurance plan plan includes employer sponsored health coverage makes individuals enrolled specified health plan opposed coverage religious reasons responsible enrolling dependent children plan sets forth penalties failure enroll establishes standardized coverage state options plans requires secretary health_and_human_services promulgate guidelines concerning benefits items services covered sets forth requirements setting premiums requires secretary establish healthy america advisory_committee provide annual recommendations concerning modifications benefits items services required provides premium subsidies based income authorizes states establish state choices long-term_care program provide long-term_care coverage individuals requires secretary establish chronic care education centers requires states establish designate state health help agency carry administration plans promote prevention wellness residents amends_the_internal_revenue_code require employers individuals shared responsibility payments plan premiums sets forth requirements health insurance issuers offering plan establishes healthy americans public health trust_fund payment premium subsidies terminates federal health benefits coverage including coverage provided federal_employees_health benefits fehb program state medicaid coverage state children health insurance program health_care value act provides comparative effectiveness advisory_board health_care comparative effectiveness research trust_fund


Summary: Oncology Quality Care Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish budget neutral demonstration projects to test and evaluate methods that: (1) improve the quality of care provided to eligible beneficiaries with certain cancer diagnoses; and (2) reduce expenditures that would otherwise be made under the Medicare program on behalf of such individuals for such diagnoses. Authorizes the participation of oncology care groups of physicians, or of physicians and oncology nurse practitioners, in such demonstration projects, subject to certain conditions.

quality care improvement act directs secretary health_and_human_services establish budget neutral demonstration projects test evaluate methods improve quality care provided eligible beneficiaries certain cancer diagnoses reduce expenditures medicare program behalf individuals diagnoses authorizes participation care groups physicians physicians nurse practitioners demonstration projects subject certain conditions


Summary: Health Care Services Commission Act - Establishes a Health Care Services Commission to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health care services and access to such services. Directs the Commissioners to conduct research, demonstration projects, evaluations, training, guideline development, and the dissemination of information on health care services and on systems for the delivery of such services.Establishes within the Commission the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care to be lead by a Director. Requires the Commissioners, acting through the Director, to establish the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care program. Requires the Director to arrange for the development of, and make recommendations for, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria. Directs the Commissioners to adopt such recommendations.Terminates the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2008 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe standards for the establishment, certification, operation, and interoperability of independent health record trusts (IHRTs).Sets forth penalties for any knowing or reckless breach of the fiduciary duty of an IHRT to participants and the IHRT. Sets forth permitted uses for an electronic health record, including for self-care and public health research.Prohibits: (1) any person from requiring that an individual participate in, or authorize access to information from, an IHRT; and (2) an IHRT from charging a fee for the transmittal of information from a health care provider to be included in an independent electronic health record.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Interagency Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of this Act. Requires the National Committee for Vital and Health Statistics to serve as an advisory committee for IHRTs.

health_care services commission act establishes health_care services commission enhance quality appropriateness effectiveness health_care services access services directs commissioners conduct research demonstration projects evaluations training guideline development dissemination information health_care services systems delivery services establishes commission office forum quality effectiveness health_care lead director requires commissioners acting director establish forum quality effectiveness health_care program requires director arrange development recommendations standards quality performance measures medical review criteria directs commissioners adopt recommendations terminates agency healthcare_research_and_quality independent health record trust act directs federal_trade_commission ftc prescribe standards establishment certification operation interoperability independent health record trusts forth penalties knowing reckless breach fiduciary duty participants sets forth permitted uses electronic health record including self care public health research prohibits person requiring individual participate authorize access information charging fee transmittal information health_care provider included independent electronic health record requires secretary health_and_human_services establish interagency steering committee coordinate implementation act requires national committee vital health statistics serve advisory_committee


Summary: Patient Advocate Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program under which the Secretary may make grants for the development and operation of programs to provide services for patients to resolve health insurance, job retention, and debt crisis matters related to the patients' diagnosis and illness. Includes as services to be provided by grant recipients: (1) acting as contacts for individuals who are seeking prevention or early detection services or treatment for an adverse health condition; (2) facilitating the involvement of community organizations in assisting individuals to receive better access to high-quality health care services; (3) notifying individuals of clinical trials and facilitating enrollment of individuals in trials; (4) anticipating, identifying, and helping individuals to overcome barriers within the health care system to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment; (5) coordinating with the relevant health insurance ombudsman programs to provide information to individuals about health coverage; and (6) conducting ongoing outreach to health disparity populations in addition to assisting other individuals to seek preventive care.Directs the Secretary to: (1) require grantees to prohibit any patient health advocate providing services under the grant from accepting any referral fee, kickback, or other thing of value in return for referring an individual to a particular health care provider; and (2) prohibit the use of any grant funds to pay any fees or costs resulting from any proceeding to resolve a legal dispute.Sets forth provisions prohibiting discrimination in any program or activities funded or otherwise financially assisted under this Act.

patient advocate act requires secretary health_and_human_services establish demonstration program secretary grants development operation programs provide services patients resolve health insurance job retention debt crisis matters related patients diagnosis illness includes services provided grant recipients acting contacts individuals seeking prevention early detection services treatment adverse health condition facilitating involvement community organizations assisting individuals receive better access high quality health_care services notifying individuals clinical trials facilitating enrollment individuals trials anticipating identifying helping individuals overcome barriers health_care system ensure prompt diagnosis treatment coordinating relevant health insurance ombudsman programs provide information individuals health coverage conducting ongoing outreach health disparity populations addition assisting individuals seek preventive care directs secretary require grantees prohibit patient health advocate providing services grant accepting referral fee thing value return referring individual particular health_care provider prohibit use grant funds pay fees costs resulting proceeding resolve legal dispute sets forth provisions prohibiting discrimination program activities funded financially assisted act


Summary: Several Approaches to Reduce the Uninsured Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for state comprehensive programs under which: (1) state residents are required to obtain qualified health insurance coverage; and (2) employers are required to establish a group health plan offering such coverage.Sets forth provisions governing health coverage buy-in arrangements between states and individuals and between large and small employers for the purchase of health insurance coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish a qualified coverage buy-in arrangement credit.Health Partnership Through Creative Federalism Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a State Health Coverage Innovation Commission to facilitate state health care expansion and improvement programs.Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to establish demonstration projects to provide coverage under SCHIP for children who would be targeted low-income children but for coverage as beneficiaries under a group health plan as the children of participants by virtue of a qualifying employer's contribution. Requires the Secretary to facilitate the establishment of regional state arrangements under which states band together in order to increase their purchasing pooling power and offer affordable health coverage to their citizens. Provides for automatic enrollment of uninsured individuals.Preexisting Condition Exclusion Patient Protection Act of 2008 - Amends ERISA, the Public Health Service Act, and the IRC to allow a health plan to impose a preexisting condition exclusion only for: (1) a condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within 30 days of the enrollment date; and (2) three months, or nine months for a late enrollee, after the enrollment date.

approaches reduce uninsured act amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide state comprehensive programs state residents required obtain qualified health insurance coverage employers required establish group health plan offering coverage sets forth provisions governing health coverage buy arrangements states individuals large small employers purchase health insurance coverage amends_the_internal_revenue_code irc establish qualified coverage buy arrangement credit health partnership creative act_-_requires secretary health_and_human_services establish state health coverage innovation commission facilitate state health_care expansion improvement programs amends title xxi state children health insurance program schip social_security_act require secretary establish demonstration projects provide coverage schip children targeted low income children coverage beneficiaries group health plan children participants virtue qualifying employer contribution requires secretary facilitate establishment regional state arrangements states band order increase purchasing pooling power offer affordable health coverage citizens provides automatic enrollment uninsured individuals preexisting condition exclusion patient_protection act amends erisa public_health_service_act irc allow health plan impose preexisting condition exclusion condition medical advice diagnosis care treatment recommended received days enrollment date months months late enrollee enrollment date


Summary: 911 Modernization Act - Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to authorize the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to borrow from the treasury to make payments to implement the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004. Requires repayment, without interest, as funds are deposited into the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to jointly issue regulations updating the criteria to provide priority for public safety answering points not capable of receiving 911 calls.

modernization act_-_amends digital_television_transition_and_public_safety_act authorize assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information borrow treasury payments implement enhance act requires repayment interest funds deposited digital television transition public safety fund amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act require assistant secretary administrator national_highway_traffic_safety_administration jointly issue regulations updating criteria provide priority public safety answering points capable receiving calls