Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to state that, except with respect to high-risk or complex medical services requiring direct levels of supervision, if the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) requires supervision by a physician or non-physician practitioner for Medicare payment for therapeutic hospital outpatient services, that requirement is met if such services are furnished under the physician's or non-physician practitioner's general supervision. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a process for designating therapeutic hospital outpatient services for which direct supervision may be required. Declares without force or effect in law regarding Medicare requirements for direct supervision by physicians for therapeutic hospital outpatient services a specified restatement and clarification under the final rule making changes to the Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system and calendar year 2009 payment rates, which was published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2008.

amends title xviii medicare social_security_act state respect high risk complex medical services requiring direct levels supervision secretary health_and_human_services hhs requires supervision physician non physician practitioner medicare payment therapeutic hospital outpatient services requirement met services furnished physician non physician practitioner general supervision directs secretary hhs establish process designating therapeutic hospital outpatient services direct supervision required declares force effect law medicare requirements direct supervision physicians therapeutic hospital outpatient services specified restatement clarification final rule making changes medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system calendar year payment rates published federal_register november


Summary: Health Information Technology Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to award grants to eligible health care entities to offset costs related to clinical health care informatics systems and services designed to improve quality in health care and patient safety, including costs for the purchase, lease, or installation of computer software and hardware. Requires the Secretary to conduct studies to: (1) evaluate the use of clinical health care informatics systems and services to measure and report quality data; and (2) assess the impact of such systems and services on improving patient care, reducing costs, and increasing efficiencies. Directs the Secretary to establish a methodology for making adjustments in Medicare payment amounts for providers of services and suppliers who use health information technology and technology services with patient-specific applications that improve the quality and accuracy of clinical decision-making, compliance, health care delivery, and efficiency. Requires the Secretary to provide for the development and adoption of national data and communication health information technology standards that promote the efficient exchange of data between varieties of provider health information technology systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible entity to elect to expense qualified health care informatics system expenditures.

health information technology act directs secretary health_and_human_services establish program award grants eligible health_care entities offset costs related clinical health_care informatics systems services designed improve quality health_care patient safety including costs purchase lease installation computer software hardware requires secretary conduct studies evaluate use clinical health_care informatics systems services measure report quality data assess impact systems services improving patient care reducing costs increasing efficiencies directs secretary establish methodology making adjustments medicare payment amounts providers services suppliers use health information technology technology services patient specific applications improve quality accuracy clinical decision making compliance health_care delivery efficiency requires secretary provide development adoption national data communication health information technology standards promote efficient exchange data provider health information technology systems amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow eligible entity elect expense qualified health_care informatics system expenditures


Summary: Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to state Medicare rural hospital flexibility programs, in particular the criteria for designation of critical access hospitals. Revises requirements for the counting of beds for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital. Allows a facility to provide a maximum of 20 (currently 25) acute care inpatient beds, as determined on an annual, average basis. Declares that only occupied beds shall be counted. Exempts from the critical access hospital inpatient bed limitation beds provided to certain veterans.

critical access hospital flexibility act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect state medicare rural hospital flexibility programs particular criteria designation critical access hospitals revises requirements counting beds purposes determining hospital designated critical access hospital allows facility provide maximum currently acute care inpatient beds determined annual average basis declares occupied beds shall counted exempts critical access hospital inpatient bed limitation beds provided certain veterans


Summary: National Health Information Technology and Privacy Advancement Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide federal governmental assistance to the planning and development of, and provide for the implementation of, a national program for the establishment and operation of a national health information technology and privacy system; (2) ensure that timely arrangements are made under which there can be national participation in the establishment and use of the system; and (3) provide for incentives for the adoption and use of health information technology that improves the quality and efficiency of patient care.Establishes the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.Authorizes the establishment of a nonprofit national health information technology and privacy corporation to: (1) plan, initiate, construct, own, manage, and operate a national health information technology and privacy system; (2) furnish access to individuals and to authorized providers and payers of health care services; and (3) specify rules for allowing access to non-identifiable health care data for public health and research purposes.

national health information technology privacy advancement act requires secretary health_and_human_services provide federal governmental assistance planning development provide implementation national program establishment operation national health information technology privacy system ensure timely arrangements national participation establishment use system provide incentives adoption use health information technology improves quality efficiency patient care establishes office national coordinator health information technology authorizes establishment nonprofit national health information technology privacy corporation plan initiate construct manage operate national health information technology privacy system furnish access individuals authorized providers payers health_care services specify rules allowing access non identifiable health_care data public health research purposes


Summary: Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 2009 - Establishes the United States Bipartisan Commission on Access to Emergency Medical Services to: (1) identify and examine factors in the health care delivery, financing, and legal systems that affect the effective delivery of screening and stabilization services furnished in hospitals that have emergency departments pursuant to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA); and (2) make specific recommendations to Congress with respect to federal programs, policies, and financing needed to assure the availability of such screening and stabilization services and the coordination of state, local, and federal programs for responding to disasters and emergencies. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for additional payments for certain physicians' emergency services furnished pursuant to EMTALA. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to convene a working group that includes experts in emergency care, inpatient critical care, hospital operations management, nursing, and other relevant disciplines to develop boarding and diversion standards for hospitals and guidelines, measures, and incentives for implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of such standards. Requires the CMS working group to: (1) identify barriers contributing to delays in timely processing of patients requiring admission as inpatients who initially sought care through the hospital's emergency department; (2) identify best practices to improve patient flow within hospitals; and (3) report to Congress and the Secretary a detailed description of the standards, guidelines, measures, and incentives developed, as well as identified barriers and best practices. Directs the Secretary to establish a mechanism to make public information regarding any hospital that fails to report information requested by the CMS working group.

access emergency medical services act establishes united_states bipartisan commission access emergency medical services identify examine factors health_care delivery financing legal systems affect effective delivery screening stabilization services furnished hospitals emergency departments pursuant emergency medical treatment labor act specific recommendations congress respect federal programs policies financing needed assure availability screening stabilization services coordination state local federal programs responding disasters emergencies amends title xviii medicare social_security_act provide additional payments certain physicians emergency services furnished pursuant directs secretary health_and_human_services acting administrator centers medicare medicaid_services convene working_group includes experts emergency care inpatient critical care hospital operations management nursing relevant disciplines develop boarding diversion standards hospitals guidelines measures incentives implementation monitoring enforcement standards requires cms working_group identify barriers contributing delays timely processing patients requiring admission initially sought care hospital emergency department identify best practices improve patient flow hospitals report congress secretary detailed description standards guidelines measures incentives developed identified barriers best practices directs secretary establish mechanism public information hospital fails report information requested cms working_group


Summary: Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to identify efficient, effective, and economical procedures for long-term care facilities or providers to conduct background checks on prospective direct patient access employees on a nationwide basis under similar terms and conditions as the pilot program established under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. Sets forth requirements for states wishing to participate in the program, including requiring: (1) searches of neglect registries and databases; (2) searches of any proceedings that may contain disqualifying information; (3) searches of federal criminal history records, including a fingerprint check; and (4) methods that reduce duplicative fingerprinting. Sets forth program requirements. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate the program under this Act. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state claims processing and information retrieval systems to incorporate compatible methodologies of the National Correct Coding Initiative administered by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to identify and notify states as to which methodologies should be incorporated.

patient safety abuse prevention act_-_directs secretary health_and_human_services establish program identify efficient effective economical procedures long-term_care facilities providers conduct background checks prospective direct patient access employees nationwide basis similar terms conditions pilot program established medicare_prescription_drug improvement modernization act sets forth requirements states participate program including requiring searches neglect registries databases searches proceedings contain disqualifying information searches federal criminal history records including fingerprint check methods reduce duplicative fingerprinting sets forth program requirements requires inspector_general department_of_health_and_human_services hhs evaluate program act amends title xix medicaid social_security_act require state claims processing information retrieval systems incorporate compatible methodologies national correct coding initiative administered secretary directs secretary identify notify states methodologies incorporated


Summary: Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities to make available ownership and additional disclosable parties information for submission to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the state in which the facility is located, and in certain instances the state long-term care ombudsman. Outlines accountability requirements for such institutions. Directs the Secretary to establish a quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) program for SNFs, including multi-unit chains of such facilities. Requires specified additional information to appear on the HHS Nursing Home Compare Medicare Website. Requires SNFs to separately report expenditures for wages and benefits for different levels of direct care staff. Directs the Secretary to develop a standardized form for use by a resident (or a person acting on the resident's behalf) in filing a complaint about a SNF with a state survey and certification agency or long-term care ombudsman program. Requires a state to establish a complaint resolution process. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for SNFs to report staffing information based on payroll data and other verifiable and auditable data in a uniform format. Outlines rules governing civil monetary penalties for SNF violations. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the financial status, resident care, and performance of SNFs and nursing facilities in the Special Focus Facility (or a successor) program of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relative to a comparable sample of facilities outside such program. Directs the Secretary to establish a national independent monitoring pilot program to oversee interstate and large intrastate chains of SNFs. Requires a SNF administrator to notify the Secretary and other responsible parties of an impending closure of the facility. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects on the culture change movement and the development of best practices in SNFs and nursing facilities for the use of information technology to improve resident care. Directs the Secretary establish requirements for the approval of nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs that include dementia management training and patient abuse prevention training. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on training for certified nurse aides and supervisory staff of SNFs and nursing facilities.

nursing home transparency improvement act amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act direct skilled nursing facilities snfs nursing facilities available ownership additional parties information submission secretary health_and_human_services inspector_general department_of_health_and_human_services hhs state facility located certain instances state long-term_care ombudsman outlines accountability requirements institutions directs secretary establish quality assurance performance improvement program snfs including multi unit chains facilities requires specified additional information appear hhs nursing home compare medicare website requires snfs separately report expenditures wages benefits different levels direct care staff directs secretary develop standardized form use resident person acting resident behalf filing complaint snf state survey certification agency long-term_care ombudsman program requires state establish complaint resolution process directs secretary establish program snfs report staffing information based payroll data verifiable data uniform format outlines rules governing civil monetary penalties snf violations requires comptroller_general study report congress financial status resident care performance snfs nursing facilities special focus facility successor program centers medicare medicaid_services relative comparable sample facilities outside program directs secretary establish national independent monitoring pilot program oversee interstate large intrastate chains snfs requires snf administrator notify secretary responsible parties impending closure facility directs secretary conduct demonstration projects culture change movement development best practices snfs nursing facilities use information technology improve resident care directs secretary establish requirements approval nurse aide training competency evaluation programs include dementia management training patient abuse prevention training directs secretary study report congress training certified nurse aides supervisory staff snfs nursing facilities


Summary: Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a major medical facility project in Far South Texas, consisting of a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, to meet the health care needs of veterans residing in such area.

far south texas veterans medical center act directs secretary veterans_affairs construct major medical facility project far south texas consisting service department_of_veterans_affairs hospital meet health_care needs veterans residing area


Summary: Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a small house nursing home loan program under which the Secretary makes grants for the establishment, renovation, and construction of small house nursing homes that meet the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) a Small House Advisory Panel to evaluate applications for loans under the program in conjunction with lenders; and (2) an evaluation tool and evaluation criteria with which to prioritize borrowers.Sets forth eligibility criteria for a loan under this Act, including that that home: (1) is designed to establish substantive culture change; (2) has been approved to operate a skilled nursing facility or a nursing facility; and (3) ensures that at least 30% of the residents of the facility are Medicaid-funded individuals.Requires the Secretary to develop model small house nursing home guidelines. Sets forth requirements for a small house nursing home that obtains proceeds from a direct loan under this Act, including that the home provides specified training to all staff. Gives priority in awarding loans to nursing homes that have a certain residential structure, such as private bedrooms, and to homes with a legally binding collective bargaining agreement.Terminates this program 25 years after the date on which amounts are initially appropriated.

promoting small house nursing homes act_-_requires secretary health_and_human_services establish small house nursing home loan program secretary makes grants establishment renovation construction small house nursing homes meet requirements act requires secretary establish small house advisory_panel evaluate applications loans program conjunction lenders evaluation tool evaluation criteria prioritize borrowers sets forth eligibility criteria loan act including home designed establish substantive culture change approved operate skilled nursing facility nursing facility ensures residents facility medicaid funded individuals requires secretary develop model small house nursing home guidelines sets forth requirements small house nursing home obtains proceeds direct_loan act including home provides specified training staff gives priority awarding loans nursing homes certain residential structure private homes legally binding collective bargaining agreement terminates program years date amounts initially appropriated


Summary: Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the definition of "children's hospital" for purposes of payments associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs to include a freestanding psychiatric hospital: (1) with 90% or more inpatients under the age of 18; (2) that has its own Medicare provider number as of December 6, 1999; and (3) that has an accredited residency program.

children hospitals education equity act_-_amends public_health_service_act revise definition children hospital purposes payments associated operating approved graduate medical residency training programs include freestanding psychiatric hospital age medicare provider number december accredited residency program


Summary: Helicopter Medical Services Patient Safety, Protection, and Coordination Act - Authorizes states to regulate helicopter medical services with respect to: (1) the medical qualifications and training of helicopter medical personnel; and (2) the obligation of providers of helicopter medical services to comply with a state's health planning, patient safety, and medical service requirements. Prohibits states from imposing requirements on pilots. Authorizes states to regulate the following aspects of helicopter medical services to the extent such regulations are harmonized with applicable federal operating requirements: (1) establishment of criteria for determination of the appropriate medical institution to receive a transported patient; (2) specification of service requirements with respect to geographic areas within a state or during specified hours and days; (3) coordination of flight requests for emergency helicopter medical services; (4) compliance with medical services accreditation requirements, except where they infringe upon relevant federal operating requirements; and (5) provision of emergency helicopter medical services to all persons where needed. Authorizes a state to regulate certain aspects of helicopter medical services to the extent that such regulations are consistent with, and do not infringe upon, applicable federal operating requirements. Specifies among the aspects of helicopter medical services which states may regulate: (1) the necessary medical equipment and supplies to be carried on board or affixed to the helicopter; (2) the physical attributes of the helicopter necessary for the provision of quality medical care and for the protection of helicopter, ground medical, and emergency response personnel; and (3) specified communication capabilities among helicopter medical personnel and emergency medical services and public safety personnel, and between the flight crew and helicopter medical personnel. Requires a provider of helicopter medical services that is licensed in more than one state where state helicopter medical services regulations are inconsistent to comply with the most stringent regulation. Requires a state, if necessary, to establish regulations or negotiate mutual aid agreements with adjacent states, or providers of helicopter medical services in such states, to ensure access to such services across state borders.

helicopter medical services patient safety protection coordination act_-_authorizes states regulate helicopter medical services respect medical qualifications training helicopter medical personnel obligation providers helicopter medical services comply state health planning patient safety medical service requirements prohibits states imposing requirements pilots authorizes states regulate following aspects helicopter medical services extent regulations harmonized applicable federal operating requirements establishment criteria determination appropriate medical institution receive transported patient specification service requirements respect geographic areas state specified hours days coordination flight requests emergency helicopter medical services compliance medical services accreditation requirements infringe relevant federal operating requirements provision emergency helicopter medical services persons needed authorizes state regulate certain aspects helicopter medical services extent regulations consistent infringe applicable federal operating requirements specifies aspects helicopter medical services states regulate necessary medical equipment supplies carried board affixed helicopter physical attributes helicopter necessary provision quality medical care protection helicopter ground medical emergency response personnel specified communication capabilities helicopter medical personnel emergency medical services public safety personnel flight crew helicopter medical personnel requires provider helicopter medical services licensed state state helicopter medical services regulations inconsistent comply stringent regulation requires state necessary establish regulations negotiate mutual aid agreements adjacent states providers helicopter medical services states ensure access services state borders


Summary: Health Information Technology (IT) Public Utility Act of 2009 - Establishes within the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a Federal Consolidated Health Information Technology Board to facilitate the implementation of electronic health record systems among safety-net health care providers, particularly small, rural providers. Sets forth the duties of the Board, which include: (1) ensuring that there is a constant interoperability between VistA (the software program utilized by the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA]) and the RPMS (the Resource and Patient Management System of the Indian Health Service); (2) updating VistA and RPMS open source software on a timely basis; (3) establishing a child-specific electronic health record; and (4) developing and integrating quality and performance measurements. Directs the Board to establish the 21st Century Health Information Technology (HIT) Grant Program to award competitive grants to eligible safety-net health care providers to enable such providers to fully implement VistA or RPMS with respect to the patients served by such providers. Directs the Board to give preference to applicants that: (1) are located in geographical areas that have a greater likelihood of serving the same patients and utilizing interoperability to promote coordinated care management; or (2) demonstrate the greatest need for such award. Authorizes the Board to award competitive grants to eligible long-term care providers for demonstration projects to implement VistA or RPMS with respect to the individuals served by such providers.

health information technology public utility act establishes office national coordinator health information technology department_of_health_and_human_services hhs federal consolidated health information technology board facilitate implementation electronic health record systems safety net health_care providers particularly small rural providers sets forth duties board include ensuring constant interoperability vista software program utilized department_of_veterans_affairs resource patient management system indian_health_service updating vista open source software timely basis establishing child specific electronic health record developing integrating quality performance measurements directs board establish 21st century health information technology hit grant program award competitive grants eligible safety net health_care providers enable providers fully implement vista respect patients served providers directs board preference applicants located geographical areas greater likelihood serving patients utilizing interoperability promote coordinated care management demonstrate greatest need award authorizes board award competitive grants eligible long-term_care providers demonstration projects implement vista respect individuals served providers


Summary: National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require hospitals to implement nurse-to-patient staffing plans that provide adequate, appropriate, and quality delivery of health care services and protect patient safety. Sets forth minimum direct care registered nurse-to-patient ratios for emergency units, operating rooms, critical care units, and nursery units. Prohibits hospitals from imposing mandatory overtime and layoffs to meet required ratios. Requires hospitals to post a uniform notice that sets forth nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and requirements and to maintain records of actual direct care registered nurse-to-patient ratios in each hospital unit. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish a grant program to cover the costs of purchasing safe patient handling equipment; (2) establish procedures to allow the filing of complaints against a hospital for violations of this Act; (3) carry out a registered nurse workforce initiative to ensure an adequate number of registered nurses and reduce critical workforce shortages in hospitals; (4) establish nursing educational assistance grant programs; and (5) award grants to hospitals for a five-year nursing preceptorship and mentorship demonstration project to address nurse workforce shortages, improve patient care, and promote the retention of nurses in the workforce. Requires the Secretary of Labor to establish a federal safe patient handling standard to prevent musculoskeletal disorders for direct care registered nurses and other health care providers. Grants nurses certain rights, including the right to act as a patient advocate and to refuse assignments that violate the requirements of this Act or for which the nurse is not prepared by education, training, or experience. Prohibits hospitals from discharging, discriminating, or retaliating against a nurse for refusing a work assignment. Amends the Social Security Act to make Medicare and Medicaid providers subject to the requirements of this Act.

national nursing shortage reform patient advocacy act_-_amends public_health_service_act require hospitals implement nurse patient staffing plans provide adequate appropriate quality delivery health_care services protect patient safety sets forth minimum direct care registered nurse patient ratios emergency units operating rooms critical care units nursery units prohibits hospitals imposing mandatory overtime layoffs meet required ratios requires hospitals post uniform notice sets forth nurse patient staffing ratios requirements maintain records actual direct care registered nurse patient ratios hospital unit requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish grant program cover costs purchasing safe patient handling equipment establish procedures allow filing complaints hospital violations act carry registered nurse workforce initiative ensure adequate number registered nurses reduce critical workforce shortages hospitals establish nursing educational assistance grant programs award grants hospitals year nursing mentorship demonstration project address nurse workforce shortages improve patient care promote retention nurses workforce requires secretary labor establish federal safe patient handling standard prevent musculoskeletal disorders direct care registered nurses health_care providers grants nurses certain rights including right act patient advocate refuse assignments violate requirements act nurse prepared education training experience prohibits hospitals discharging discriminating retaliating nurse refusing work assignment amends social_security_act medicare medicaid providers subject requirements act


Summary: Critical Access Flexibility Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the Medicare rural hospital flexibility program a state may establish. Authorizes state designation of a Medicare critical access hospital (CAH), even if it does not comply with the requirement that it be located more than a 35-mile drive from another hospital, if it is certified by the state on or after enactment of this Act as being a necessary provider of health care services to residents in the area. (Thus restores state authority that existed before January 1, 2006, to waive the 35-mile rule.)

critical access flexibility act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect medicare rural hospital flexibility program state establish authorizes state designation medicare critical access hospital comply requirement located mile drive hospital certified state enactment act necessary provider health_care services residents area restores state authority existed january waive mile rule


Summary: Urban Medicare-Dependent Hospitals Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2009, to revise the criteria and payment formula for "subsection (d) hospitals" which are urban Medicare-dependent hospitals. (Generally a subsection (d) hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payment under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

urban medicare dependent hospitals preservation act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect cost reporting periods beginning october revise criteria payment formula subsection hospitals urban medicare dependent hospitals generally subsection hospital acute care hospital particularly receives payment medicare inpatient prospective payment system ipps providing covered inpatient services eligible beneficiaries


Summary: Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to extend for an additional five years the rural community hospital demonstration program.

rural community hospital demonstration extension act amends medicare_prescription_drug improvement modernization act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs extend additional years rural community hospital demonstration program


Summary: Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) submit to Congress a plan to introduce pay-for-performance mechanisms into contracts which compensate Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contractors for the provision of veterans' health care services through community-based outpatient clinics (clinics); (2) commence plan implementation within 60 days after submission, unless Congress enacts a law prohibiting or modifying plan implementation; and (3) report semiannually to Congress on the advisability of utilizing such mechanisms in the provision of VA health care services by means in addition to such clinics.

veterans health_care improvement act directs secretary veterans_affairs submit congress plan introduce pay performance mechanisms contracts compensate department_of_veterans_affairs contractors provision veterans health_care services community based outpatient clinics clinics commence plan implementation days submission congress enacts law prohibiting modifying plan implementation report semiannually congress advisability utilizing mechanisms provision health_care services means addition clinics


Summary: Medicare Senior Housing Plan Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to create a senior housing facility plan option, meeting specified criteria, which may be offered by a Medicare Advantage organization. Retricts enrollment to individuals who reside in: (1) a continuing care retirement community; or (2) a housing facility assisted under the Housing Act of 1959 or supported under the low-income housing federal income tax credit program and qualify for rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.

medicare senior housing plan act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act create senior housing facility plan option meeting specified criteria offered medicare_advantage organization enrollment individuals reside continuing care retirement community housing facility assisted housing act supported low income housing federal income tax credit program qualify rental assistance section united_states_housing_act


Summary: Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to permit the designation of a certain critical access hospital in Cass County, Minnesota, by exempting it from the requirement that it be certified by the state on or after January 1, 2006, as being a necessary provider of health care services to residents in the area. (Thus restores to Minnesota state authority to waive the application of the 35-mile rule.)

amends medicare_prescription_drug improvement modernization act permit designation certain critical access hospital county minnesota exempting requirement certified state january necessary provider health_care services residents area restores minnesota state authority waive application mile rule


Summary: Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2009 - Provides hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to veterans and family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, while the water there was contaminated by volatile organic compounds, including known human carcinogens and probable human carcinogens, for any illness.

caring camp lejeune veterans act provides hospital care medical services nursing home care veterans family members stationed camp lejeune north_carolina water contaminated volatile organic compounds including known human carcinogens probable human carcinogens illness


Summary: Outpatient Mental Health Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow as partial hospitalization services nutritional planning, meals, and transportation. Directs the Secretary of Heatlh and Human Services (HHS) to convene a Behavioral Health Advisory Committee to address issues relating to: (1) discrimination against the chronically mentally ill, elderly, and U.S. veterans as it relates to receiving treatment for mental illness; and (2) the establishment of conditions of participation for community mental health centers that provide partial hospitalization services under the Medicare program.

outpatient mental health modernization act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act allow partial hospitalization services nutritional planning meals transportation directs secretary human services hhs convene behavioral health advisory_committee address issues relating discrimination chronically mentally ill elderly veterans relates receiving treatment mental illness establishment conditions participation community mental health centers provide partial hospitalization services medicare program


Summary: Safe Treatment, Avoiding Needless Deaths, and Abuse Reduction in the Detention System Act or the Strong STANDARDS Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) ensure that all individuals subject to detention under the Immigration and Nationality Act (detainees) are treated humanely and granted specified protections; and (2) comply with minimum requirements concerning detainees set forth in this Act. Sets forth requirements concerning a wide range of issues, including: (1) detainee medical care, examinations, and records; (2) detainee releases, transfers, and transportation; (3) detainee access to telephones, legal information and representation, translation services, and recreational activities; (4) protection of detainees from abuse, the unique needs of vulnerable detainees, and the segregation of children; (5) limitations on solitary confinement, shackling, and strip searches; (6) detainee visits with religious individuals and children; (7) detention facility personnel training; (8) detainee grievances; and (9) facility compliance. Sets forth specific requirements for short-term (72 hours or less) detention facilities, including concerning: (1) provision of basic needs, detainee access to consular officials and health care professionals, and the return of property; and (2) protections for children. Requires the Secretary to appoint and convene an Immigration Detention Commission to conduct independent investigations of detention facility and DHS compliance with requirements under this Act. Establishes reporting requirements concerning any individual who dies while in DHS custody.

safe treatment avoiding deaths abuse reduction detention system act strong standards act_-_directs secretary homeland_security dhs ensure individuals subject detention immigration_and_nationality_act detainees treated humanely granted specified protections comply minimum requirements concerning detainees set forth act sets forth requirements concerning wide range issues including detainee medical care examinations records detainee releases transfers transportation detainee access telephones legal information representation translation services recreational activities protection detainees abuse unique needs vulnerable detainees segregation children limitations solitary confinement strip searches detainee visits religious individuals children detention facility personnel training detainee grievances facility compliance sets forth specific requirements short term hours detention facilities including concerning provision basic needs detainee access consular officials health_care professionals return property protections children requires secretary appoint convene immigration detention commission conduct independent investigations detention facility dhs compliance requirements act establishes reporting requirements concerning individual dies dhs custody


Summary: Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, as amended by the Family Support Act of 1988 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, to treat a critical access hospital as rural, notwithstanding the reclassification of its location county as an urban county ("Lugar county") under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, in order to permit pass-through payment for the reasonable costs of certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) services. Counts on-call and standby costs for such services as reasonable CRNA costs.

amends omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act amended family support act omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act treat critical access hospital rural notwithstanding reclassification location county urban county county title xviii medicare social_security_act order permit pass payment reasonable costs certified registered nurse anesthetist services counts standby costs services reasonable costs


Summary: Rural Health Access and Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to give priority to critical access hospitals in awarding grants to facilitate and expand the electronic movement and use of health information among organizations according to nationally recognized standards. Expands the 340B drug discount program to allow participation as a covered entity by certain children's hospitals, critical access hospitals, rural referral centers, sole community hospitals, and rural health clinics. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the cost in each state of dispensing prescription drugs under the Medicaid program. Requires states to use the report to assess the adequacy of Medicaid pharmacy dispensing fees. Repeals provisions terminating the grant program for the operation of state offices of rural health.

rural health access improvement act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs priority critical access hospitals awarding grants facilitate expand electronic movement use health information organizations according nationally recognized standards expands 340b drug discount program allow participation covered entity certain children hospitals critical access hospitals rural referral centers sole community hospitals rural health clinics directs comptroller_general study report cost state dispensing prescription drugs medicaid program requires states use report assess adequacy medicaid pharmacy dispensing fees repeals provisions terminating grant program operation state offices rural health


Summary: Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act - Requires emergency contraception in drug form to be included on the basic core formulary of the uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents for the pharmacy benefits program of the Department of Defense. Allows emergency contraception in other-than-drug form to also be so included. States that prior authorization shall not be required for such contraception.

compassionate care servicewomen act_-_requires emergency contraception drug form included basic core formulary uniform formulary pharmaceutical agents pharmacy benefits program department_of_defense allows emergency contraception drug form included states prior authorization shall required contraception


Summary: Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Extension Act - Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to extend for an additional five years the rural community hospital demonstration program.

rural community hospital demonstration extension act_-_amends medicare_prescription_drug improvement modernization act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs extend additional years rural community hospital demonstration program


Summary: Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Care Improvement Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the northern Rockies or the Dakotas. Requires the Fort Harrison Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital in Lewis and Clark County, Montana, to be evaluated as a potential location for such a Center or Site.

veterans traumatic brain injury care improvement act directs secretary veterans_affairs report congress feasibility advisability establishing polytrauma rehabilitation center polytrauma network site department_of_veterans_affairs northern rockies requires fort harrison department_of_veterans_affairs hospital lewis clark_county montana evaluated potential location center site


Summary: Veterans' Health and Radiation Safety Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to to report annually to Congress on the low-volume (treating 100 patients or fewer) programs at each medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Directs the Secretary to ensure that all employees at a VA hospital where radioactive isotopes are used in the administration of medical services receive appropriate training on what constitutes a medical event and when and to whom a medical event should be reported. Prohibits such isotopes from being used at a VA hospital where such training is not provided. Requires the Secretary to carry out specified evaluations and peer reviews of all medical services provided under contract with a non-government entity.

veterans health radiation safety act requires secretary veterans_affairs report annually congress low volume treating patients fewer programs medical facility department_of_veterans_affairs directs secretary ensure employees hospital radioactive administration medical services receive appropriate training constitutes medical event medical event reported prohibits hospital training provided requires secretary carry specified evaluations peer reviews medical services provided contract non government entity


Summary: Cavernous Angioma CARE Center Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Cavernous Angioma Clinical Care, Advocacy, Research, and Education Center of Excellence at the University of New Mexico to: (1) provide basic, translational, and clinical research with respect to new diagnostic, prevention, and novel treatment methodology for individuals with cavernous angioma; and (2) serve as a model for, and provide support to, medical schools and research institutions. Requires the Director of the Center to: (1) ensure that the Center provides community-, family-, and patient-centered culturally sensitive care; (2) encourage and coordinate opportunities for individuals to participate in clinical research studies that will advance medical research and care; and (3) develop the Center as a model and training facility for other facilities throughout the United States that are engaged in research regarding, and care for individuals with, cavernous angioma.

care center act amends public_health_service_act require director national_institutes_of_health nih establish clinical care advocacy research education center_of_excellence university new_mexico provide basic translational clinical research respect new diagnostic prevention novel treatment methodology individuals serve model provide support medical schools research institutions requires director center ensure center provides family- patient centered culturally sensitive care encourage coordinate opportunities individuals participate clinical research studies advance medical research care develop center model training facility facilities united_states engaged research care individuals


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

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


Summary: Community Health Improvement Councils Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program for the creation of State Health Improvement Technical Assistance Centers and Community Health Improvement Councils to improve community health through local innovation. Defines "Community Health Improvement Council" to mean a locally driven, private, nonprofit entity that serves as the neutral convener for engaging providers and insurers and that fully engages patients and citizens in coordinating and improving the health care delivery system through community-wide education programs to promote healthier lifestyles, improve local or regional health status, clinical outcomes, and reductions in the growth in medical spending and health disparities through various approaches. Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to five eligible entities to establish State Health Improvement Technical Assistance Centers, each of which shall: (1) establish up to four Community Health Improvement Councils; (2) provide technical assistance to such Councils; and (3) report on improvements in local and state health status, clinical outcomes, reductions in medical spending growth, and health care disparities. Requires the Secretary, in awarding grants, to give preference to entities that: (1) demonstrate the capacity to attract private sector or local government funding to ensure fiscal sustainability; (2) address significant health disparities; (3) demonstrate coordination or collaboration across governmental and nongovernmental sectors; (4) are committed to promoting full transparency of all deliberations of the Technical Assistance Centers and Community Health Improvement Councils; and (5) are independent from government and the financial self-interest of health care and purchasers stakeholders.

community health improvement councils act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish program creation state health improvement technical assistance centers community health improvement councils improve community health local innovation defines community health improvement council mean locally driven private nonprofit entity serves neutral engaging providers insurers fully engages patients citizens coordinating improving health_care delivery system community wide education programs promote healthier lifestyles improve local regional health status clinical outcomes reductions growth medical spending health disparities approaches requires secretary award competitive grants eligible entities establish state health improvement technical assistance centers shall establish community health improvement councils provide technical assistance councils report improvements local state health status clinical outcomes reductions medical spending growth health_care disparities requires secretary awarding grants preference entities demonstrate capacity attract private sector local government funding ensure fiscal sustainability address significant health disparities demonstrate coordination collaboration governmental nongovernmental sectors committed promoting transparency deliberations technical assistance centers community health improvement councils independent government financial self interest health_care purchasers stakeholders


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

directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs report congress medicare dsh disproportionate share hospital payment system taking account impact health_care reforms patient_protection affordable care act ppaca amended health_care_and_education reconciliation act reducing number uninsured individuals requires secretary specified adjustments medicare dsh payment system including additional payment hospitals based uncompensated care provided significant decrease national rate result corrected ppaca amends title xviii medicare social_security_act ssa amended ppaca eliminate certain current requirements adjustments medicare dsh payments amends ssa title xix medicaid amended ppaca postpone specified medicaid dsh reductions scheduled fy2014 fy2020 fy2018 fy2024


Summary: Safe Food for Seniors Act of 2011 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the full-time director of food services at a Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) or a Medicaid nursing facility, if not a qualified dietitian, to be a Certified Dietary Manager meeting the requirements of the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers or have equivalent military or academic qualifications.

safe food seniors act amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act require time director food services medicare skilled nursing facility snf medicaid nursing facility qualified certified dietary manager meeting requirements certifying board dietary managers equivalent military academic qualifications


Summary: Help Establish Access to Local Timely Healthcare for Your Vets Act of 2011 or HEALTHY Vets Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the case of a veteran for whom Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities are geographically inaccessible (as defined under this Act), to contract for the provision of the following care: (1) primary care; (2) acute or chronic symptom management; (3) nontherapeutic medical services; and (4) other medical services determined appropriate by the director of the appropriate VA service region, after consultation with the VA physician responsible for such veteran's primary care. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such requirement upon demonstrating, on an individual basis, that the costs of providing the contract care significantly outweigh the benefits of localized health care.

help establish access local timely healthcare vets act healthy vets act requires secretary veterans_affairs case veteran department_of_veterans_affairs facilities geographically inaccessible defined act contract provision following care primary care acute chronic symptom management nontherapeutic medical services medical services determined appropriate director appropriate service region consultation physician responsible veteran primary care authorizes secretary waive requirement demonstrating individual basis costs providing contract care significantly outweigh benefits health_care


Summary: Medicare VA Reimbursement Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in cooperation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), to establish a Medicare VA reimbursement program under which the HHS Secretary shall reimburse the VA Secretary, from the Medicare trust funds, for any item or service: (1) furnished to a Medicare-eligible veteran by a VA medical facility for the treatment of a non-service-connected condition; and (2) covered by Medicare or determined to be medically necessary by the VA Secretary. Requires the HHS Secretary to enter a memorandum of understanding with the VA Secretary concerning administration of the program. Specifies required conditions in the memorandum. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the program every three years. Declares the sense of Congress that the amount of funds appropriated to the VA for medical care in any fiscal year should not be reduced as a result of the implementation of the Medicare VA reimbursement program.

medicare reimbursement act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs cooperation secretary veterans_affairs establish medicare reimbursement program hhs secretary shall reimburse secretary medicare trust funds item service furnished medicare eligible veteran medical facility treatment non service connected condition covered medicare determined medically necessary secretary requires hhs secretary enter memorandum understanding secretary concerning administration program specifies required conditions memorandum directs comptroller_general report congress program years declares sense congress funds appropriated medical care fiscal year reduced result implementation medicare reimbursement program


Summary: Meeting the Inpatient Health Care Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) ensure that the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas, includes a full-service VA inpatient health care facility; and (2) if needed, modify the existing facility to meet this requirement. Requires the Secretary to report on specific actions to be taken to satisfy such requirement.

meeting inpatient health_care needs far south texas veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure south texas veterans_affairs health_care center texas includes service inpatient health_care facility needed modify existing facility meet requirement requires secretary report specific actions taken satisfy requirement


Summary: Critical Infrastructure Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2011 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a program to make grants to state and local governments to assist them in projects that improve the ability of trauma center hospitals and/or airports in hazardous seismic zones to withstand an earthquake. Directs the Administrator to require each state and local government, as a condition for receiving a grant, to submit to the Administrator: (1) a comprehensive strategic earthquake response plan for such facility, and (2) a list of grant activities that analyzes their impact.

critical infrastructure earthquake preparedness act directs administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema establish program grants state local governments assist projects improve ability trauma center hospitals airports hazardous seismic zones withstand earthquake directs administrator require state local government condition receiving grant submit administrator comprehensive strategic earthquake response plan facility list grant activities analyzes impact


Summary: Fix HIT Act of 2011 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require direct Medicaid electronic health record (EHR) incentive payments to federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.

fix hit act amends title xix medicaid social_security_act require direct medicaid electronic health record ehr incentive payments federally qualified health centers rural health clinics


Summary: Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to repeal the program requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to school-based health centers or their sponsoring facilities to support the operation of such health centers. Rescinds unobligated appropriations for the program.

amends patient_protection affordable care act repeal program requiring secretary health_and_human_services hhs award grants school based health centers sponsoring facilities support operation health centers rescinds unobligated appropriations program


Summary: Puerto Rico Hospital HITECH Amendments of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to apply Medicare HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act) payments to subsection (d) hospitals in Puerto Rico. (Generally, a subsection [d] hospital is an acute hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system [IPPS] when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.) Requires specified budget neutrality adjustments for FY2011-FY2012 and subsequent fiscal years so that estimated aggregate incentive payments for adoption and meaningful use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology are not increased as a result of this Act.

puerto_rico hospital amendments amends title xviii medicare social_security_act apply medicare health information technology economic clinical health act payments subsection hospitals puerto_rico generally subsection hospital acute hospital particularly receives payments medicare inpatient prospective payment system ipps providing covered inpatient services eligible beneficiaries requires specified budget neutrality adjustments fy2011 fy2012 subsequent fiscal years estimated aggregate incentive payments adoption meaningful use certified electronic health record ehr technology increased result act


Summary: South Texas Veterans Health Care Expansion Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include in the Strategic Capital Investment Plan of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a project to expand the VA medical facility in Far South Texas, by adding: (1) an urgent care center; (2) inpatient capability for 50 beds, with appropriate support services; (3) the capability to provide a full range of services to meet the needs of female veterans; and (4) the capability to provide caregiver support services, including respite. Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans committees identifying and outlining estimates of cost and time necessary for the completion of such project.

south texas veterans health_care expansion act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs include strategic capital investment plan department_of_veterans_affairs project expand medical facility far south texas adding urgent care center inpatient capability beds appropriate support services capability provide range services meet needs female veterans capability provide caregiver support services including respite requires report secretary congressional veterans committees identifying outlining estimates cost time necessary completion project


Summary: Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to deem an individual receiving outpatient observation services in a hospital to be an inpatient with respect to satisfying the three-day inpatient hospital requirement in order to entitle the individual to Medicare coverage of any post-hospital extended care services in a skilled nursing facility (SNF).

improving access medicare coverage act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act deem individual receiving outpatient observation services hospital inpatient respect satisfying day inpatient hospital requirement order entitle individual medicare coverage post hospital extended care services skilled nursing facility snf


Summary: Urban Medicare-Dependent Hospitals Preservation Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2011, to revise the criteria and payment formula for "subsection (d) hospitals" which are urban Medicare-dependent hospitals. (Generally a subsection (d) hospital is an acute care hospital particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

urban medicare dependent hospitals preservation act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect cost reporting periods beginning october revise criteria payment formula subsection hospitals urban medicare dependent hospitals generally subsection hospital acute care hospital particularly receives payments medicare inpatient prospective payment system providing covered inpatient services eligible beneficiaries


Summary: Pharmacy Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirements Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit a group or individual health plan from entering into a contract with any pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) to manage the prescription drug coverage provided under such plan or to control the costs of such coverage unless the PBM satisfies the requirements of this Act. Directs a PBM to provide at least annually a report to each plan sponsor that includes information on the number and total costs of prescriptions under the contract, payments to pharmacies, payments from pharmaceutical manufacturers, and generic drugs and brand name drugs dispensed. Sets forth provisions governing the interaction between a PBM and pharmacies that contract with the PBM, including requiring a PBM to: (1) include in contracts drug pricing information and agree to provide timely updates on pricing, (2) agree to pay pharmacies promptly for clean claims, (3) not exclude qualifying pharmacies willing to accept terms and conditions of the PBM, and (4) require each pharmacy to sign a contract before assuming responsibility to fill prescriptions for the PBM. Prohibits a PBM from mandating or providing incentives to beneficiaries for use of a pharmacy in which the PBM has an ownership interest. Sets forth limits on audits of pharmacy providers by a PBM, including with respect to record keeping, appeals, and recoupment. Establishes limits and notice requirements related to PBMs selling claims or utilization data.

pharmacy competition consumer choice act amends public_health_service_act employee income security act erisa internal_revenue_code voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social_security_act prohibit group individual health plan entering contract pharmacy benefits manager pbm manage prescription drug coverage provided plan control costs coverage pbm satisfies requirements act directs pbm provide annually report plan sponsor includes information number total costs prescriptions contract payments pharmacies payments pharmaceutical manufacturers generic drugs brand drugs dispensed sets forth provisions governing interaction pbm pharmacies contract pbm including requiring pbm include contracts drug pricing information agree provide timely updates pricing agree pay pharmacies promptly clean claims exclude qualifying pharmacies willing accept terms conditions pbm require pharmacy sign contract assuming responsibility fill prescriptions pbm prohibits pbm mandating providing incentives beneficiaries use pharmacy pbm ownership interest sets forth limits audits pharmacy providers pbm including respect record keeping appeals recoupment establishes limits notice requirements related selling claims utilization data


Summary: Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention and Health Care Enhancement Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a centralized and comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking sexual assaults and other safety incidents at each medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including: (1) risk-assessment tools; (2) mandatory security training; (3) physical security precautions (surveillance camera systems and panic alarm systems); (4) criteria and guidance for employees communicating and reporting incidents to specified supervisory personnel, VA law enforcement officials, and the Office of Inspector General; (5) an oversight system within the Veterans Health Administration; (6) procedures for VA law enforcement officials investigating, tracking, and closing reported incidents; and (7) clinical guidance for treating sexual assaults reported over 72 hours after assault. Requires the Secretary to submit to the congressional veterans committees: (1) an interim report on the policy's effectiveness on improving the safety and security of such facilities, and (2) annual reports on such incidents and policy implementation. (Sec. 3) Requires VA payments to state nursing homes for care provided to veterans to be based on a methodology which reimburses such home for care provided under contract. (Under current law, such payments are made according to a prescribed rate.) Includes entities eligible to enter into such contracts as authorized VA nursing home, adult day health care, or other extended care providers. (Sec. 4) Includes the goal of maximizing the individual's independence within an individualized plan for the rehabilitation of veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Includes within plan objectives the sustaining of improvement in cognitive, behavioral, and vocational functioning. Includes within the VA definition of "rehabilitative services" treatment and services to sustain and prevent loss of functional gains, as well as any other services or supports that may contribute to maximizing an individual's independence. Includes rehabilitation services within: (1) comprehensive programs for long-term rehabilitation of veterans with TBI, and (2) cooperative agreements for the use of non-VA facilities for neurorehabilitation and recovery programs for such veterans. (Sec. 5) Prohibits the Secretary from disallowing the use of service dogs in any VA facility or property, or in any facility or property that receives VA funding. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to implement a three-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of using dog training activities as a component of integrated post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rehabilitation programs at VA medical centers to positively affect veterans with such symptoms and to produce specially trained dogs that may become service dogs for veterans with disabilities. Requires the pilot program to be carried out at one VA medical center selected by the Secretary other than the VA health care system in Palo Alto, California. Makes veteran participation voluntary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) collect program data to determine its effectiveness, as well as the potential to expand the program to additional VA medical centers; and (2) report annually to Congress for the duration of the pilot program. (Sec. 7) Eliminates a required annual report on staffing for registered nurses and certain other health-care personnel at VA facilities.

veterans sexual_assault_prevention health_care enhancement_act sec directs secretary veterans_affairs develop implement centralized comprehensive policy reporting tracking sexual assaults safety incidents medical facility department_of_veterans_affairs including risk assessment tools mandatory security training physical security precautions surveillance camera systems alarm systems criteria guidance employees communicating reporting incidents specified supervisory personnel law enforcement officials office_of_inspector_general oversight system veterans_health_administration procedures law enforcement officials investigating tracking closing reported incidents clinical guidance treating sexual assaults reported hours assault requires secretary submit congressional veterans committees interim report policy effectiveness improving safety security facilities annual reports incidents policy implementation sec requires_va payments state nursing homes care provided veterans based methodology reimburses home care provided contract current law payments according prescribed rate includes entities eligible enter contracts authorized nursing home adult day health_care extended care providers sec includes goal maximizing individual independence individualized plan rehabilitation veterans traumatic brain injury tbi includes plan objectives sustaining improvement cognitive behavioral vocational functioning includes definition rehabilitative services treatment services sustain prevent loss functional gains services supports contribute maximizing individual independence includes rehabilitation services comprehensive programs long term rehabilitation veterans tbi cooperative agreements use non-va facilities recovery programs veterans sec prohibits secretary use service dogs facility property facility property receives funding sec directs secretary implement year pilot program assess effectiveness dog training activities component integrated post deployment mental health post traumatic stress disorder ptsd rehabilitation programs medical centers positively affect veterans symptoms produce specially trained dogs service dogs veterans disabilities requires pilot program carried medical center selected secretary health_care system palo_alto california makes veteran participation voluntary requires secretary collect program data determine effectiveness potential expand program additional medical centers report annually congress duration pilot program sec eliminates required annual report staffing registered nurses certain health care personnel facilities


Summary: Alaska Hero's Card Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a two-year pilot program assessing the feasibility and advisability of carrying out a program by which certain veterans entitled to VA services residing in communities in the state of Alaska that are inaccessible by motor vehicle can, subject to exceptions, receive necessary hospital care or medical services at any hospital or medical facility or from any medical provider eligible to receive payments under: (1) titles XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, (2) the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program), or (3) the Indian health program. Requires the cost of any hospital care or medical service provided under the pilot program to be borne by the United States from amounts other than amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for an Indian health program. Directs the Secretary to take measures ensuring that covered veterans are not billed for hospital care and medical services received under the pilot program. Requires the Secretary, in carrying out the pilot program, to issue to each covered veteran a card to be known as an "Alaska Hero Card" that such veteran may present to an authorized provider to establish the covered veteran's eligibility for hospital care and medical services under the pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a list of authorized providers from whom a covered veteran may receive hospital care and medical services under the pilot program.

alaska hero card act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish year pilot program assessing feasibility advisability carrying program certain veterans entitled services residing communities state alaska inaccessible motor vehicle subject exceptions receive necessary hospital care medical services hospital medical facility medical provider eligible receive payments titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act tricare program department_of_defense dod managed health_care program indian health program requires cost hospital care medical service provided pilot program borne united_states amounts amounts appropriated available indian health program directs secretary measures ensuring covered veterans billed hospital care medical services received pilot program requires secretary carrying pilot program issue covered veteran card known alaska hero card veteran present authorized provider establish covered veteran eligibility hospital care medical services pilot program authorizes secretary establish list authorized providers covered veteran receive hospital care medical services pilot program


Summary: Fair Competition for Hospitals Act of 2011 - Requires the wage index applying to a certain kind of subsection (d) hospital under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to be the highest wage index assigned to hospitals in the core-based statistical area in which the hospital is located (regardless of which state the hospital is located in) as a result of the requirement of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 that the area wage index applicable to any hospital which is not located in a rural area be not less than the area wage index applicable to hospitals located in rural areas in the state in which the hospital is located. (Generally, a subsection [d] hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system [IPPS] when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.) Limits the application of this Act to a subsection (d) hospital: (1) located in a core-based statistical area comprising counties from more than one state, but (2) not located in a core-based statistical area in which one or more hospitals are subject to a specified minimum wage index, and (3) not located in a core-based statistical area in which the highest wage index applies to hospitals covered by this Act under a state Medicare reimbursement system.

fair competition hospitals act requires wage index applying certain kind subsection hospital title xviii medicare social_security_act highest wage index assigned hospitals core based statistical area hospital located regardless state hospital located result requirement balanced_budget act area wage index applicable hospital located rural area area wage index applicable hospitals located rural areas state hospital located generally subsection hospital acute care hospital particularly receives payments medicare inpatient prospective payment system ipps providing covered inpatient services eligible beneficiaries limits application act subsection hospital located core based statistical area comprising counties state located core based statistical area hospitals subject specified minimum wage index located core based statistical area highest wage index applies hospitals covered act state medicare reimbursement system


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

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


Summary: Nursing Home Patient Protection and Standards Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require testing programs in skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey and certification techniques to be sufficiently rigorous to ensure that surveyors are adequately prepared to survey and certify SNFs in a consistent and accurate manner. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish requirements: (1) for the qualification and compensation of members of a survey team, and (2) that a state employs an adequate number of individuals as members of survey teams to ensure adequate oversight of SNFs. Requires the Secretary, in addition to the training and testing program, to require that state and federal surveyors regularly complete an adequate number of continuing education courses meeting certain requirements for content and rigor of material. Requires covered individuals to report to the Secretary instances where surveys fail to report or under report an issue in a facility that could impact the safety or quality of care of its residents. Adds whistleblower protections for such individuals. Adds penalties for inappropriately influencing a surveyor. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee on surveys. Requires survey team supervisors to review each conducted survey to ensure that any identified issues affecting quality of care are consistently and appropriately described and rated.

nursing home patient_protection standards act amends title xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act require testing programs skilled nursing facility snf survey certification techniques sufficiently rigorous ensure adequately prepared survey certify snfs consistent accurate manner directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish requirements qualification compensation members survey team state employs adequate number individuals members survey teams ensure adequate oversight snfs requires secretary addition training testing program require state federal regularly complete adequate number continuing education courses meeting certain requirements content rigor material requires covered individuals report secretary instances surveys fail report report issue facility impact safety quality care residents adds whistleblower protections individuals adds penalties inappropriately influencing requires secretary establish advisory_committee surveys requires survey team supervisors review conducted survey ensure identified issues affecting quality care consistently appropriately described rated


Summary: Physician Availability Act of 2011 - Requires each covered hospital to have a qualified physician available in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to attend to the needs of the hospital's inpatients. Defines a "covered hospital" to: (1) include hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid or receiving federal funds, and (2) exclude hospitals in a federal facility or hospitals that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines have fewer than 100 licensed beds. Considers a physician to be available if: (1) the physician is physically present in the hospital; (2) the physician's primary responsibility is to be in attendance to serve the needs of the hospital's inpatients without delay; and (3) the physician is not physically present in, assigned to, serving in, or expected to cover the hospital's emergency room or emergency department. Sets forth penalties for violations.

physician availability act requires covered hospital qualified physician available hospital hours day seven days week attend needs hospital defines covered hospital include hospitals participating medicare medicaid receiving federal funds exclude hospitals federal facility hospitals secretary health_and_human_services determines fewer licensed beds considers physician available physician physically present hospital physician primary responsibility attendance serve needs hospital delay physician physically present assigned serving expected cover hospital emergency room emergency department sets forth penalties violations


Summary: Rural Health Care Capital Access Act of 2011 - Amends the National Housing Act to extend from July 31, 2011 to July 31, 2016, the exemption for critical access hospitals from the limit on patient days customarily assignable to specified categories of care under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (Federal Housing Administration [FHA]) hospital mortgage insurance program.

rural health_care capital access act amends national housing act extend july july exemption critical access hospitals limit patient days customarily assignable specified categories care department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud federal_housing_administration fha hospital mortgage insurance program


Summary: Health IT Modernization for Underserved Communities Act of 2011 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend to physician assistants eligibility for Medicaid electronic health record incentive payments, regardless of whether or not such physician assistants practice at a rural health center or federally qualified health center.

health modernization underserved communities act amends title xix medicaid social_security_act extend physician assistants eligibility medicaid electronic health record incentive payments regardless physician assistants practice rural health center federally qualified health center


Summary: Cancer Centers Assistance for Renovations and Expansion Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program that provides loans to qualifying cancer centers for payment of the capital costs of projects for the improvement of research, prevention, or patient care infrastructure. Sets the maximum amount of such loans at: (1) $50 million for any cancer center or comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute, and (2) $100 million for any entity that is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a cancer hospital meeting certain requirements for a subsection (d) hospital. (Generally, a subsection [d] hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system [IPPS] when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

cancer centers assistance renovations expansion act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish program provides loans qualifying cancer centers payment capital costs projects improvement research prevention patient care infrastructure sets maximum loans million cancer center comprehensive cancer center designated national_cancer_institute million entity national_cancer_institute designated comprehensive cancer center cancer hospital meeting certain requirements subsection hospital generally subsection hospital acute care hospital particularly receives payments medicare inpatient prospective payment system ipps providing covered inpatient services eligible beneficiaries


Summary: CAH Designation Waiver Authority Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the Medicare rural hospital flexibility program and the "35-mile requirement" for designation of a critical access hospital (CAH) that a facility be located in a rural area more than 35 miles (or 15 miles in mountainous terrain or where only secondary roads are available) from another CAH. (A CAH is a hospital certified to receive cost-based reimbursement from Medicare.) Prohibits a state from designating a facility as a CAH unless: (1) it was assigned a Medicare provider number as an acute inpatient hospital before enactment of this Act, and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines that such designation would not result in the total number of facilities so designated in all states on or after enactment of this Act being greater than 10% of the total number of acute inpatient hospitals designated as CAHs in all states as of March 31, 2011.

designation waiver authority act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect medicare rural hospital flexibility program mile requirement designation critical access hospital facility located rural area miles miles terrain secondary roads available hospital certified receive cost based reimbursement medicare prohibits state designating facility assigned medicare provider number acute inpatient hospital enactment act secretary health_and_human_services hhs determines designation result total number facilities designated states enactment act greater total number acute inpatient hospitals designated states march


Summary: Partial Hospitalization Stabilization and Intregity Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish: (1) a payment system for partial hospitalization services, and (2) quality service criteria to measure the performance of providers of such services.

partial hospitalization stabilization act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish payment system partial hospitalization services quality service criteria measure performance providers services


Summary: Help Our Hospitals Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care Education Reconciliation Act of 2011, to repeal their reductions to Medicare disproportionate share (DSH) payments for FY2015 and ensuing fiscal years, especially to subsection (d) hospitals, to reflect lower uncompensated care costs relative to increases in the number of insured. (Generally, a subsection [d] hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)

help hospitals act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act amended patient_protection affordable care act health_care education reconciliation act repeal reductions medicare disproportionate share dsh payments fy2015 ensuing fiscal years especially subsection hospitals reflect lower uncompensated care costs relative increases number insured generally subsection hospital acute care hospital particularly receives payments medicare inpatient prospective payment system providing covered inpatient services eligible beneficiaries


Summary: Hospital Admissions in Need of Study Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to delay implementation of the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program for five years from the start of FY2012 to the start of FY2017. Prohibits expansion of applicable conditions (for which readmissions are high volume or highly expensive) except to the extent specified in a subsequent law. Requires a report on the potential impact of the reduction program.

hospital admissions need study act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act delay implementation medicare hospital reduction program years start fy2012 start fy2017 prohibits expansion applicable conditions high volume highly expensive extent specified subsequent law requires report potential impact reduction program


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

veterans access care act_-_amends public_health_service_act designate medical facilities department_of_veterans_affairs health professional shortage areas requires eligibility participate national_health_service_corps_scholarship_program national_health_service_corps_loan_repayment_program individual participating health professionals educational assistance program directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs carrying national_health_service_corps program consult secretary veterans_affairs health professional shortage areas medical facilities


Summary: Puerto Rico Hospital Medicare Reimbursement Equity Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the formula for the Medicare inpatient hospital services payment rate for Puerto Rico hospitals to: (1) reduce the applicable Puerto Rico percentage from 25% to zero, and (2) increase the applicable federal percentage from 75% to 100%.

puerto_rico hospital medicare reimbursement equity act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act revise formula medicare inpatient hospital services payment rate puerto_rico hospitals reduce applicable puerto_rico percentage zero increase applicable federal percentage