Summary:
Department of Veterans Affairs Purchased Health Care Streamlining and Modernization Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in addition to furnishing hospital care, medical services, or extended care at VA facilities or under contracts or sharing agreements, to furnish such care and services to eligible veterans through the use of Veterans Care Agreements with eligible providers.

An eligible provider is:

 a provider whose income in the year preceding the year of entering into an agreement did not exceed $11 million; a provider who does not otherwise provide such care or services pursuant to a federal contract; and a physician or provider of Medicaid or Medicare services, an Aging and Disability Resource Center, an area agency on aging, or a center for independent living. The VA shall: (1) establish a certifying process for providers, (2) review agreements at least once every two years, and (3) use the quality of care standards set forth or used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The VA may enter into an agreement using non-competitive procedures.

department_of_veterans_affairs purchased health_care streamlining modernization act bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs addition furnishing hospital care medical services extended care facilities contracts sharing agreements furnish care services eligible veterans use veterans care agreements eligible providers eligible provider provider income year preceding year entering agreement exceed million provider provide care services pursuant federal contract physician provider medicaid medicare services aging disability resource center area agency aging center independent living shall establish certifying process providers review agreements years use quality care standards set forth centers medicare medicaid_services enter agreement non competitive procedures


Summary:
Better Accounting for Medicaid Costs Act of 2016

This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to follow rulemaking procedures with respect to certain Medicaid subregulatory policies.

Before issuing a Medicaid subregulatory policy, CMS must determine the extent to which the policy is projected, with respect to each year in a 10-year period, to increase state or federal expenditures under the Medicaid program. If the policy is projected to increase expenditures by an amount exceeding a specified threshold, CMS may implement the policy only through notice and comment rulemaking.

better accounting medicaid costs act bill amends title general_provisions social_security_act require centers medicare medicaid_services cms follow rulemaking procedures respect certain medicaid policies issuing medicaid policy cms determine extent policy projected respect year year period increase state federal expenditures medicaid program policy projected increase expenditures exceeding specified threshold cms implement policy notice comment rulemaking


Summary:
This bill provides FY2016 emergency supplemental appropriations to the Departments of State and Health and Human Services (HHS) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus and other infectious diseases.

The bill specifies permissible uses for the funds and designates the funds as an emergency requirement, which exempts the funds from discretionary spending limits.

The bill provides appropriations to HHS for:

 the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to permit Project BioShield to be used to support the advanced development and procurement of medical countermeasures to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or treat harm from any infectious disease that may pose a threat to the public health. (Under current law, Project BioShield supports only countermeasures against specific chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorist threats.)

The bill temporarily increases from 55% to 65% the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage in the territories (Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands).

The bill provides appropriations to the Department of State for:

 the Administration of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Bilateral Economic Assistance, International Security Assistance, and Multilateral Assistance. Unobligated balances of specified funds provided for the Ebola virus may be used to respond to the Zika virus and other infectious diseases.

bill provides fy2016 emergency supplemental appropriations departments_of_state health_and_human_services hhs prevent prepare respond zika virus infectious diseases bill specifies permissible uses funds designates funds emergency requirement exempts funds discretionary spending limits bill provides appropriations hhs food_and_drug_administration centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention national_institutes_of_health public health social_services emergency fund bill amends public_health_service_act permit project support advanced development procurement medical countermeasures diagnose mitigate prevent treat harm infectious disease pose threat public health current law project supports countermeasures specific chemical biological radiological nuclear terrorist threats bill temporarily increases medicaid federal medical assistance percentage territories puerto_rico virgin_islands guam american_samoa northern_mariana_islands bill provides appropriations department_of_state administration foreign affairs agency international_development bilateral economic assistance international security assistance multilateral assistance unobligated balances specified funds provided ebola virus respond zika virus infectious diseases


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Highlights:

This bill provides FY2016 supplemental appropriations to the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and State to respond to the Zika virus. The bill also rescinds unobligated balances of prior appropriations.

The bill permits the funds to be used for the duration of FY2016, designates specified funds as emergency requirements, and sets forth congressional reporting and notification requirements.

Full Summary:

Zika Response Appropriations Act, 2016

TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Provides appropriations to HHS for:

 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus, domestically and internationally; the National Institutes of Health for the preclinical and clinical development of vaccines for the Zika virus; and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund within the Office of the Secretary to develop necessary countermeasures and vaccines to respond to the Zika virus, domestically and internationally. (Sec. 101) Requires HHS to notify Congress at least 15 days in advance of obligating the funds provided by this title. Permits a waiver for a substantial risk to human health or welfare.

(Sec. 102) Requires HHS to report monthly to Congress on the proposed uses of funds provided by this title.

(Sec. 103) Provides funding to the HHS Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for the oversight of activities funded by this title.

TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Provides appropriations to the State Department for the Administration of Foreign Affairs, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Bilateral Economic Assistance, including funds for:

 Diplomatic and Consular Programs for medical evacuations and other response efforts related to the Zika virus and directly associated health conditions; USAID response efforts related to the Zika virus and directly associated health conditions; and Global Health Programs for mosquito control (vector control) efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus internationally. (Sec. 201) Permits specified funds provided by this bill for Diplomatic and Consular Programs to be: (1) used for medical evacuation costs of any U.S. department or agency under Chief of Mission authority, and (2) transferred and merged with funds available for Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service.

(Sec. 202) Requires the State Department or the USAID to notify Congress at least 15 days in advance of obligating the funds provided by this title. Permits a waiver for a substantial risk to human health or welfare.

(Sec. 203) Requires the State Department, in consultation with the USAID, to report monthly to Congress on the proposed uses of funds provided by this title.

(Sec. 204) Provides funding to the USAID Office of Inspector General and the GAO for the oversight of activities funded by this title.

TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

(Sec. 301) Rescinds specified unobligated balances of funds that were previously provided to HHS and the State Department for the Ebola outbreak and to HHS for the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.

(Sec. 302) Specifies that, unless otherwise indicated in this bill, the funds provided by this bill are subject to the requirements contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure bill provides fy2016 supplemental appropriations departments health_and_human_services hhs state respond zika virus bill rescinds unobligated balances prior appropriations bill permits funds duration fy2016 designates specified funds emergency requirements sets forth congressional reporting notification requirements summary zika response appropriations act title department_of_health_and_human_services provides appropriations hhs centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention prevent prepare respond zika virus domestically internationally national_institutes_of_health preclinical clinical development vaccines zika virus public health social_services emergency fund office_of_the_secretary develop necessary countermeasures vaccines respond zika virus domestically internationally sec requires hhs notify congress days advance obligating funds provided title permits waiver substantial risk human health welfare sec requires hhs report monthly congress proposed uses funds provided title sec provides funding hhs office_of_inspector_general government_accountability_office gao oversight activities funded title title department_of_state provides appropriations state_department administration foreign affairs united_states_agency international_development usaid bilateral economic assistance including funds diplomatic consular programs medical response efforts related zika virus directly associated health conditions usaid response efforts related zika virus directly associated health conditions global health programs mosquito control control efforts prevent prepare respond zika virus internationally sec permits specified funds provided bill diplomatic consular programs medical evacuation costs department agency chief mission authority transferred merged funds available emergencies diplomatic consular service sec requires state_department usaid notify congress days advance obligating funds provided title permits waiver substantial risk human health welfare sec requires state_department consultation usaid report monthly congress proposed uses funds provided title sec provides funding usaid office_of_inspector_general gao oversight activities funded title title iii general_provisions act sec rescinds specified unobligated balances funds previously provided hhs state_department ebola outbreak hhs nonrecurring expenses fund sec specifies indicated bill funds provided bill subject requirements contained consolidated_appropriations_act


Summary: This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify requirements related to the appointment of, and application of ethics rules to, members of the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission.

bill amends title xix medicaid social_security_act modify requirements related appointment application ethics rules members medicaid chip payment access commission


Summary:
This bill provides FY2016 supplemental appropriations to the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and State to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus.

The bill specifies permissible uses for the funds and designates the funds as an emergency requirement. The emergency funding is exempt from discretionary spending limits and is only available if the President subsequently designates the funds as an emergency requirement.

The bill provides appropriations to HHS for:

 the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund within the Office of the Secretary. For the State Department, the bill provides appropriations for:

 the Administration of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bilateral Economic Assistance, International Security Assistance, and Multilateral Assistance. The bill sets forth congressional notification and reporting requirements that apply to the funds. It also provides funds to the Government Accountability Office for the oversight of activities funded by this bill.

 The bill also rescinds specified unobligated balances of funds that were previously provided to USAID to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Ebola virus.

bill provides fy2016 supplemental appropriations departments health_and_human_services hhs state prevent prepare respond zika virus bill specifies permissible uses funds designates funds emergency requirement emergency funding exempt discretionary spending limits available president subsequently designates funds emergency requirement bill provides appropriations hhs health_resources_and_services_administration centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention national_institutes_of_health public health social_services emergency fund office_of_the_secretary state_department bill provides appropriations administration foreign affairs agency international_development usaid bilateral economic assistance international security assistance multilateral assistance bill sets forth congressional notification reporting requirements apply funds provides funds government_accountability_office oversight activities funded bill bill rescinds specified unobligated balances funds previously provided usaid prevent prepare respond ebola virus


Summary:
Prioritizing the Most Vulnerable Medicaid Patients

This bill amend title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in approving Medicaid demonstration projects, to:

 prioritize projects that have been proven effective in improving care and outcomes with respect to uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, or low-income individuals; require participating states to make publicly available data regarding the health outcomes for individuals to be served; ensure that projects are not duplicative of any federal program or funding opportunity; and require participating states to make publicly available an analysis of the degree to which such projects preclude private and charitable sector efforts to improve care and outcomes with respect to uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, or low-income individuals.

prioritizing vulnerable medicaid patients bill amend title general_provisions social_security_act require centers medicare medicaid_services approving medicaid demonstration projects prioritize projects proven effective improving care outcomes respect uninsured medicaid eligible low income individuals require participating states publicly available data health outcomes individuals served ensure projects duplicative federal program funding opportunity require participating states publicly available analysis degree projects preclude private charitable sector efforts improve care outcomes respect uninsured medicaid eligible low income individuals


Summary:
Stopping Illegal Obamacare Subsidies Act

 Prohibits American Health Benefit Exchanges from providing for automatic enrollment in health plans until the Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) verifies that each state exchange and the federal exchange established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) have resolved the inconsistencies outlined in the June 14 IG report.

Directs the Secretary of HHS to make public the steps that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the federal exchange will take to clear any inconsistencies that arose on or before the enactment of this Act and to ensure that the systems used by the CMS to determine or assess eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, Medicaid under title XIX of the Social Security Act (SSAct), and the State Children's Health Insurance Program under SSAct title XXI can resolve such inconsistencies within 30 days after enactment of this Act.

Directs the Secretary to make public the methods that the CMS use to monitor, track, and measure the progress of the federal and state exchanges in resolving inconsistencies.

Suspends for plan year 2015 the availability of premium assistance tax credits and the reduced cost-sharing program under PPACA; and allows them to resume only after the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration declares affirmatively that all inconsistencies related to invalid Social Security numbers have been resolved, and the IG determines that this is so.

Directs the Secretary to request additional information from any applicant for a qualified health plan on a state or federal exchange whose information contains inconsistencies. Requires the applicant to: (1) be withdrawn from the premium assistance credit and reduced cost-sharing programs if the additional information is not provided within 90 days, and (2) re-enroll in a qualified health plan with appropriate and accurate information during the next open enrollment period.

stopping illegal obamacare subsidies act prohibits american health benefit exchanges providing automatic enrollment health plans inspector_general department_of_health_and_human_services hhs verifies state exchange federal exchange established patient_protection affordable care act ppaca resolved inconsistencies outlined june report directs secretary hhs public steps centers medicare medicaid_services cms federal exchange clear inconsistencies arose enactment act ensure systems cms determine assess eligibility premium tax credits cost sharing reductions medicaid title xix social_security_act ssact state children health insurance program ssact title xxi resolve inconsistencies days enactment act directs secretary public methods cms use monitor track measure progress federal state exchanges resolving inconsistencies suspends plan year availability premium assistance tax credits reduced cost sharing program ppaca allows resume commissioner social_security_administration declares affirmatively inconsistencies related invalid social_security numbers resolved determines directs secretary request additional information applicant qualified health plan state federal exchange information contains inconsistencies requires applicant withdrawn premium assistance credit reduced cost sharing programs additional information provided days enroll qualified health plan appropriate accurate information open enrollment period


Summary:
Better Efficiency and Administrative Simplification Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow individuals the option to receive the Medicare Summary Notice (explanation of benefits) electronically.

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) apply a similar option to other Medicare statements and notifications, and (2) provide such Medicare Summary Notice and any other such statements and notifications on a more frequent basis than is otherwise required under Medicare.

Extends from at least once every 5 years to at least once every 10 years the application of competitive procedures when the contract of a Medicare administrative contractor comes up for renewal.

Directs the Secretary, to the extent possible without compromising the process for entering into and renewing contracts with Medicare administrative contractors (MACs), to make available to the public the performance of each MAC with respect to requirements and measurement standards.

better efficiency administrative simplification act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act allow individuals option receive medicare summary notice explanation benefits electronically requires secretary health_and_human_services apply similar option medicare statements notifications provide medicare summary notice statements notifications frequent basis required medicare extends years years application competitive procedures contract medicare administrative contractor comes renewal directs secretary extent possible compromising process entering renewing contracts medicare administrative contractors macs available public performance mac respect requirements measurement standards


Summary:
Trauma Systems and Regionalization of Emergency Care Reauthorization Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize trauma care programs through FY2020.

Grants for pilot projects of innovative models of emergency care and trauma systems can be allocated up to half of the remaining funds for trauma care after allocations for improvement of emergency medical services in rural areas and administrative purposes.

State plans for emergency medical services are required to include the national standards and requirements of the American Burn Association for verified burn centers.

The Department of Health and Human Services must update the model plan for designation of trauma centers and for triage, transfer, and transportation policies, taking into account standards from the American Burn Association.

trauma systems emergency care reauthorization act bill amends public_health_service_act reauthorize trauma care programs fy2020 grants pilot projects innovative models emergency care trauma systems allocated half remaining funds trauma care allocations improvement emergency medical services rural areas administrative purposes state plans emergency medical services required include national standards requirements american burn association verified burn centers department_of_health_and_human_services update model plan designation trauma centers transfer transportation policies taking account standards american burn association


Summary:
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Earthquake Protection and Improvement Act

(Sec. 2) This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out the following major medical facility projects (in an amount for each project not to exceed specified limits):

 construction of a community living center, outpatient clinic, and renovated domiciliary facility, and the renovation of existing buildings in Canandaigua, New York; seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California; seismic corrections to 12 buildings in West Los Angeles, California; and construction of a spinal cord injury building and seismic corrections in San Diego, California. The VA shall report to Congress on efforts, including those relating to building standards and disaster preparedness plans, to protect VA facilities in areas that are at a high-risk for tsunamis and volcanic activity, including areas in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and American Samoa.

department_of_veterans_affairs medical facility earthquake protection improvement act sec bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs carry following major medical facility projects project exceed specified limits construction community living center outpatient clinic domiciliary facility renovation existing buildings new_york seismic corrections mental health community living center long_beach california seismic corrections buildings west los_angeles california construction spinal cord injury building seismic corrections san_diego california shall report congress efforts including relating building standards disaster preparedness plans protect facilities areas high risk volcanic activity including areas hawaii alaska guam american_samoa


Summary:
Quality Measure Alignment Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to a contract with a consensus-based entity regarding performance measurement, to require the entity to facilitate increased coordination and alignment between the public and private sector with respect to quality and efficiency measures.

quality measure alignment act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect contract consensus based entity performance measurement require entity facilitate increased coordination alignment public private sector respect quality efficiency measures


Summary:
Medicare Secondary Payer and Worker's Compensation Settlement Agreements Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) create an exception to Medicare secondary payer requirements for certain workers' compensation settlement agreements, and (2) provide for the satisfaction of such requirements through use of qualified Medicare set-asides under such agreements.

medicare_secondary_payer worker compensation settlement agreements act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act create exception medicare_secondary_payer requirements certain workers compensation settlement agreements provide satisfaction requirements use qualified medicare set asides agreements


Summary:
Medical Countermeasure Innovation Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure the issuance of timely and accurate guidelines regarding the use of medical products for countering public health emergencies or material threats. HHS must report on funding for procurement of medical countermeasures when available funds are below a specified amount.

(Sec. 3) The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority's (BARDA's) contracting authority for procurement of medical countermeasures under Project BioShield is codified.

(Sec. 4) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response must annually publish its budget plan for medical countermeasures.

(Sec. 5) BARDA may enter an agreement with an independent, nongovernmental nonprofit to foster and accelerate the development and innovation of medical countermeasures and related technologies. BARDA must direct and oversee the nonprofit's work and ensure transparency and accountability.

(Sec. 6) BARDA's procurement of medical countermeasures no longer requires Presidential approval or an agreement between HHS and the Department of Homeland Security.

(Sec. 7) This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to award, upon approval, a priority review voucher to the sponsor of a drug or biological product that: (1) is a significant improvement in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a serious condition; and (2) can be used as a medical countermeasure to a material threat. The transferable voucher entitles the holder to have an application for a new medication acted upon by the FDA within six months.

The sponsor of a medication that is subject to a voucher must pay a user fee based on the FDA's cost for the priority review process.

The FDA must publish a notice each time it issues a voucher or a voucher is used.

(Sec. 8) The Government Accountability Office must report on the effectiveness of this priority review voucher program in providing incentives for the development of material threat medical countermeasures.

medical countermeasure innovation_act sec bill amends public_health_service_act require department_of_health_and_human_services hhs ensure issuance timely accurate guidelines use medical products countering public health emergencies material threats hhs report funding procurement medical countermeasures available funds specified sec biomedical advanced research development authority contracting authority procurement medical countermeasures project codified sec office assistant secretary preparedness response annually publish budget plan medical countermeasures sec enter agreement independent nongovernmental nonprofit foster accelerate development innovation medical countermeasures related technologies direct oversee nonprofit work ensure transparency accountability sec procurement medical countermeasures longer requires presidential approval agreement hhs department_of_homeland_security sec bill amends federal food drug cosmetic act require food_and_drug_administration fda award approval priority review voucher sponsor drug biological product significant improvement prevention diagnosis treatment condition medical countermeasure material threat transferable voucher entitles holder application new medication acted fda months sponsor medication subject voucher pay user fee based fda cost priority review process fda publish notice time issues voucher voucher sec government_accountability_office report effectiveness priority review voucher program providing incentives development material threat medical countermeasures


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Audit & Appeals Fairness, Integrity, and Reforms in Medicare Act of 2015 or the AFIRM Act

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for the annual transfer, from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Insurance Trust Fund, of specified additional funding for Medicare hearings and appeals.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall study whether the availability of such funds led to any improvements in the Medicare appeals program.

(Sec. 3) The bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require HHS to establish, within the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, decision-making officials to be known as Medicare magistrates.

(Sec. 4) With specified exceptions, Medicare appeals shall be remanded to the redetermination level when a party to the appeal introduces new evidence.

(Sec. 5) HHS shall establish by regulation and implement processes authorizing an administrative law judge (ALJ) to, in specified cases: (1) issue a decision on the record, or (2) certify an appeal for expedited process to judicial review.

(Sec. 6) If specified requirements are met, the adjudicator of a Medicaid appeal may consolidate pending requests for review into a single action and may issue either a single decision or separate decisions.

With the consent of the appellant, an adjudicator may use statistical sampling and extrapolation in reaching a decision with respect to a Medicare appeal.

(Sec. 7) HHS shall establish and implement a process for the referral of cases in which there is a credible suspicion of fraudulent activity to relevant specified agencies.

(Sec. 8) HHS must study the feasibility of increasing the participation of specified entities in Medicare appeals hearings.

(Sec. 9) The bill extends training requirements for ALJs to Medicare magistrates and establishes additional training for both types of adjudicator.

HHS shall: (1) annually publish on its website specified data regarding Medicare appeals, (2) establish and implement a process for identifying inconsistent interpretations of policies in Medicare appeals, and (3) study whether the specialization of ALJs would lead to more consistent decisions.

GAO must study the consistency of Medicare appeals decisions.

HHS shall establish one or more optional alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process for redeterminations and reconsiderations. There shall be no judicial review of an ADR settlement.

(Sec. 10) HHS must: (1) establish guidelines for reviewing claims for payment submitted by providers; (2) designate a point of contact to oversee and undertake several Medicare program integrity initiatives; and (3) establish a secure system through which a provider may track the status of a claim for payment that is being audited or processed as an appeal.

(Sec. 11) HHS shall appoint a Medicare Reviews and Appeals Ombudsman.

(Sec. 12) The bill limits the audit and recovery period for reviews of an individual's classification as an inpatient or an outpatient for purposes of hospital claims for payment. HHS shall study the impact of shortening such period with respect to different types of reviews.

(Sec. 13) HHS shall establish a compliance incentive program consisting of: (1) a system through which a provider that has achieved a low rate of payment claim denials shall, for one year, be exempt from a post-payment review of payment claims; and (2) an established process for conditioning the number of medical records that a review contractor may request from a provider on the quality of that review contractor's performance over a specified period.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure audit appeals fairness integrity reforms medicare_act act sec bill requires department_of_health_and_human_services hhs provide annual transfer federal_hospital_insurance_trust_fund federal supplementary insurance trust_fund specified additional funding medicare hearings appeals government_accountability_office gao shall study availability funds led improvements medicare appeals program sec bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act require hhs establish office medicare hearings appeals decision making officials known medicare sec specified exceptions medicare appeals shall remanded redetermination level party appeal introduces new evidence sec hhs shall establish regulation implement processes authorizing administrative law judge specified cases issue decision record certify appeal expedited process judicial review sec specified requirements met medicaid appeal consolidate pending requests review single action issue single decision separate decisions consent appellant use statistical sampling reaching decision respect medicare appeal sec hhs shall establish implement process referral cases credible suspicion fraudulent activity relevant specified agencies sec hhs study feasibility increasing participation specified entities medicare appeals hearings sec bill extends training requirements medicare establishes additional training types hhs shall annually publish website specified data medicare appeals establish implement process identifying inconsistent interpretations policies medicare appeals study lead consistent decisions gao study consistency medicare appeals decisions hhs shall establish optional alternative dispute resolution process shall judicial review settlement sec hhs establish guidelines reviewing claims payment submitted providers designate point contact oversee undertake medicare program integrity initiatives establish secure system provider track status claim payment audited processed appeal sec hhs shall appoint medicare reviews appeals ombudsman sec bill limits audit recovery period reviews individual classification inpatient outpatient purposes hospital claims payment hhs shall study impact period respect different types reviews sec hhs shall establish compliance incentive program consisting system provider achieved low rate payment claim denials shall year exempt post payment review payment claims established process conditioning number medical records review contractor request provider quality review contractor performance specified period


Summary:
Obamacare Tax Transparency Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require health insurers to disclose to individuals and employers who pay health insurance premiums the portion of premiums attributable to the annual fee imposed on health insurers.

obamacare tax transparency_act bill amends public_health_service_act require health insurers disclose individuals employers pay health insurance premiums portion premiums attributable annual fee imposed health insurers


Summary:
Medicaid Directory of Caregivers Act or the Medicaid DOC Act

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state to publish and annually update a directory of providers that participate in the state plan for medical assistance on a fee-for-service basis or through a primary care case-management system. The directory must include each provider's name, specialty, address, and telephone number. In addition, with respect to a provider that participates in a primary care case-management system, the directory must specify: (1) the provider's language capabilities, and (2) whether the provider is accepting new Medicaid patients.

medicaid directory caregivers act medicaid act bill amends title xix medicaid social_security_act require state publish annually update directory providers participate state plan medical assistance fee service basis primary care case management system directory include provider specialty address telephone number addition respect provider participates primary care case management system directory specify provider language capabilities provider accepting new medicaid patients


Summary:
One Health Act of 2016

This bill requires the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to coordinate and support a One Health Program to: (1) address infectious diseases in animals and the environment, and (2) help prevent the transmission of infectious diseases between animal populations and human populations.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy, in cooperation with the NSTC, must develop a framework for federal activities under the program. The framework must:

 describe the activities of federal agencies and departments under the program, establish goals and priorities for advancing scientific understanding and for workforce development and describe activities to achieve these goals and priorities, identify and expand partnerships among federal agencies and others to develop new approaches for reducing hazards to human health from animal and environmental sources and to promote an integrated approach to addressing public health threats in a manner that prevents duplication, and provide recommendations for additional action or legislation to assist in establishing the program. The program must establish an initiative to coordinate and implement federal research and field activities. Program members must support activities described in the framework, including by awarding grants to establish national centers of excellence to carry out those activities.

The President must direct representatives of the United States to advocate that international bodies adopt approaches consistent with the initiative, provide technical assistance to governments to remove unnecessary barriers to investment in similar programs, and use certain targets to measure the effectiveness of such initiatives.

health act bill requires national_science_and_technology_council nstc coordinate support health program address infectious diseases animals environment help prevent transmission infectious diseases animal populations human populations office_of_science_and_technology_policy cooperation nstc develop framework federal activities program framework describe activities federal agencies departments program establish goals priorities advancing scientific understanding workforce development describe activities achieve goals priorities identify expand partnerships federal agencies develop new approaches reducing hazards human health animal environmental sources promote integrated approach addressing public health threats manner prevents duplication provide recommendations additional action legislation assist establishing program program establish initiative coordinate implement federal research field activities program members support activities described framework including awarding grants establish national centers_of_excellence carry activities president direct representatives united_states advocate international bodies adopt approaches consistent initiative provide technical assistance governments remove unnecessary barriers investment similar programs use certain targets measure effectiveness initiatives


Summary:
Veterans Health Administration Spending Transparency and Oversight Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to make an ongoing evaluation, including under contract with a federally funded research and development center, of the costs of VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care as compared to the costs of the same care or services furnished in the private sector.

veterans_health_administration spending transparency oversight act bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs ongoing evaluation including contract federally funded research development center costs hospital care medical services nursing home care compared costs care services furnished private sector


Summary:
Integrating Behavioral Health Through Technology Act of 2016

This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)to establish a pilot program in up to five states under which incentive payments may be provided to clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and behavioral health facilities for the adoption and use of certified electronic health records technology.

SAMHSA must give priority to states that have implemented a health information exchange that includes behavioral health data.

integrating behavioral health technology act bill requires substance_abuse_and_mental_health_services_administration establish pilot program states incentive payments provided clinical psychologists clinical social workers behavioral health facilities adoption use certified electronic health records technology samhsa priority states implemented health information exchange includes behavioral health data


Summary:
Veterans Acquiring Community Care Expect Safe Services Act of 2016 or the Veterans ACCESS Act

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deny or revoke a health care provider's eligibility to provide non-VA health care services to veterans if such provider: (1) was removed from VA employment for violating VA policy, (2) violated medical license requirements, (3) had a VA certification revoked, or (4) violated a law for which a prison term of more than one year may be imposed.

The VA may deny, revoke, or suspend a health care provider's eligibility to provide non-VA health care services if the VA has reasonable belief that such action is necessary to protect the health or safety of veterans and: (1) the provider is under investigation by the medical board of a state in which the provider is licensed or practices, (2) the provider has entered into a settlement agreement for a medical-related disciplinary charge, or (3) the VA otherwise determines that such action is appropriate.

The VA shall suspend a health care provider's eligibility to provide non-VA health care services to veterans if such provider is suspended from VA service.

veterans acquiring community care expect safe services act veterans access act bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs deny revoke health_care provider eligibility provide non-va health_care services veterans provider removed employment violating policy violated medical license requirements certification revoked violated law prison term year imposed deny revoke suspend health_care provider eligibility provide non-va health_care services reasonable belief action necessary protect health safety veterans provider investigation medical board state provider licensed practices provider entered settlement agreement medical related disciplinary charge determines action appropriate shall suspend health_care provider eligibility provide non-va health_care services veterans provider suspended service


Summary: Great Lakes Invasive Species Control Act - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to apply requirements directing vessels equipped with ballast water tanks to carry out exchange of ballast water or alternative ballast water management methods prior to entry into any port within the Great Lakes to vessels that are not carrying ballast water. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to conduct a study of the effectiveness of alternative ballast water management methods in reducing the threat of invasive species to the Great Lakes.

great_lakes invasive species control act_-_amends nonindigenous_aquatic_nuisance_prevention control act apply requirements directing vessels equipped ballast water tanks carry exchange ballast water alternative ballast water management methods prior entry port great_lakes vessels carrying ballast water directs secretary department coast_guard operating conduct study effectiveness alternative ballast water management methods reducing threat invasive species great_lakes


Summary: Open Space Preservation Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow installment sales treatment for land sold to a governmental unit or tax-exempt charitable organization for conservation purposes even though the purchase funds for such sale are held in a sinking or similar fund, as required by state law.

open space preservation promotion act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow installment sales treatment land sold governmental unit tax exempt charitable organization conservation purposes purchase funds sale held sinking similar fund required state law


Summary: South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with: (1) the city of San Juan Capistrano, California, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of an advanced water treatment plant facility and recycled water system; and (2) the city of San Clemente, California, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of a project to expand reclaimed water distribution, storage, and treatment facilities. Limits the federal share of the cost of each project to 25%. Bars the Secretary from providing funds for operation and maintenance. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Secretary's authority to carry out this Act 10 years after the date of its enactment.

south orange_county recycled water enhancement act_-_amends reclamation_wastewater groundwater_study facilities act authorize secretary interior cooperation city san_juan california participate design planning construction advanced water treatment plant facility recycled water system city san california participate design planning construction project expand water distribution storage treatment facilities limits federal share cost project bars secretary providing funds operation maintenance authorizes appropriations terminates secretary authority carry act years date enactment


Summary: National Estuary Protection Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) prohibit as a matter of national policy the construction or use of a floating storage regasification unit in an estuary of national significance; and (2) require national estuary grant program applicants to certify to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that they will not construct or use a floating storage regasification unit on an estuary of national significance, unless ordered to do so by a federal agency or court.

national estuary protection act_-_amends federal_water_pollution_control_act prohibit matter national policy construction use floating storage unit estuary national significance require national estuary grant program applicants certify administrator environmental_protection_agency construct use floating storage unit estuary national significance ordered federal agency court


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for charitable contributions by individuals and corporations of real property interests for conservation purposes.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code permanent tax deduction charitable contributions individuals corporations real property interests conservation purposes


Summary: Chesapeake's Healthy and Environmentally Sound Stewardship of Energy and Agriculture Act of 2007 or CHESSEA Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend funding for the the environmental quality incentives program. Gives program allocation priority to interstate watersheds. Provides a cost-share payment exception for limited resource and beginning farmers. Provides: (1) cost-share and incentive payments for private forest owners to carry out specified conservation activities; and (2) state performance incentives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with states containing all or a portion of a large waterbody or its tributaries for water quality initiatives. (States that the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries shall be one of such waterbodies.) Authorizes appropriations. Directs (currently, authorizes) the Secretary to pay the cost of conservation innovation grants. Makes such grants available for projects that include a technology transfer plan. Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the conservation security program; and (3) the wetlands reserve program. Directs the Secretary to establish a conservation planning pilot program in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to: (1) extend the agricultural management assistance program; and (2) make Virginia eligible for such assistance. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to the biorefinery and biofuel grant program to: (1) extend such program; and (2) provide grants for Chesapeake Bay Watershed states (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia) to develop the commercial viability of no-till soybean biodiesel production, cellulosic ethanol production, manure to energy processes, and other technologies that promote the conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals and the reduction of nutrient impacts to water. Extends the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program. Obligates amounts for Chesapeake Bay Watershed states.

chesapeake healthy environmentally sound stewardship energy agriculture act act amends food security act extend funding environmental quality incentives program gives program allocation priority interstate watersheds provides cost share payment exception limited resource beginning farmers provides cost share incentive payments private forest owners carry specified conservation activities state performance incentives directs secretary agriculture enter agreements states containing portion large tributaries water quality initiatives states chesapeake_bay tributaries shall authorizes appropriations directs currently authorizes secretary pay cost conservation innovation grants makes grants available projects include technology transfer plan extends conservation reserve program conservation security program wetlands reserve program directs secretary establish conservation planning pilot program chesapeake_bay watershed authorizes appropriations amends federal_crop_insurance_act extend agricultural management assistance program virginia eligible assistance amends farm_security rural investment act respect biorefinery biofuel grant program extend program provide grants chesapeake_bay watershed states delaware maryland new_york pennsylvania virginia west_virginia district_of_columbia develop commercial viability till biodiesel production cellulosic ethanol production manure energy processes technologies promote conversion biomass fuels chemicals reduction nutrient impacts water extends renewable energy systems energy efficiency improvements program obligates amounts chesapeake_bay watershed states


Summary: Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program Act - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program to protect important coastal and estuarine areas that have significant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, or aesthetic values and that are threatened by conversion from their natural, undeveloped, or recreational state to other uses or that could be managed or restored to effectively conserve, enhance, or restore ecological function. Requires the program to be administered by the National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.Authorizes the Secretary to make Program grants to coastal states with approved coastal zone management plans or National Estuarine Research Reserve units for the purpose of acquiring property that will further the goals of an approved Coastal Zone Management Plan or Program, a National Estuarine Research Reserve management plan, a regional or state watershed protection or management plan, or a state coastal land acquisition plan.Directs the Secretary to allocate funds to coastal states or National Estuarine Research Reserves through a competitive grant process with guidelines that meet specified requirements, including that: (1) each participating coastal state shall ensure that the acquisition of property or easements shall complement working waterfront needs; and (2) priority shall be given to lands that can be effectively managed and protected, that have significant ecological value, that are under an imminent threat of conversion to a use that will diminish their natural, undeveloped, or recreational state, and that serve to mitigate the adverse impacts caused by coastal population growth in the coastal environment.Provides that grant awards may be used to purchase land, including an easement, only from a willing seller. Prohibits any such purchase from being the result of a forced taking. Provides that grant funds under the Program shall require a 100% match from nonfederal sources, subject to a waiver by the Secretary for underserved and other specified communities or for other appropriate reasons. Reserves 15% of program funds for acquisitions benefiting the National Estuarine Research Reserve.Specifies that when property is acquired under this program, the grant recipient shall provide assurances that: (1) title will be held by the recipient (or another public agency designated by the recipient) in perpetuity; (2) property will be managed consistent with the purpose of the Program; and (3) funds will be returned to the Secretary for redistribution if the property is sold, exchanged, or divested. Authorizes appropriations.

coastal estuarine land conservation program act_-_amends coastal_zone_management_act authorize secretary commerce conduct coastal estuarine land conservation program protect important coastal estuarine areas significant conservation recreation ecological historical values threatened conversion natural undeveloped recreational state uses managed restored effectively conserve enhance restore ecological function requires program administered national ocean service national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa office ocean coastal resource management authorizes secretary program grants coastal states approved coastal zone management plans national estuarine research reserve units purpose acquiring property goals approved coastal zone management plan program national estuarine research reserve management plan regional state watershed protection management plan state coastal land acquisition plan directs secretary allocate funds coastal states national estuarine research reserves competitive grant process guidelines meet specified requirements including participating coastal state shall ensure acquisition property easements shall complement working waterfront needs priority shall given lands effectively managed protected significant ecological value imminent threat conversion use diminish natural undeveloped recreational state serve mitigate adverse impacts caused coastal population growth coastal environment provides grant awards purchase land including easement willing seller prohibits purchase result forced taking provides grant funds program shall require match nonfederal sources subject waiver secretary underserved specified communities appropriate reasons reserves program funds acquisitions benefiting national estuarine research reserve specifies property acquired program grant recipient shall provide assurances title held recipient public agency designated recipient perpetuity property managed consistent purpose program funds returned secretary redistribution property sold exchanged authorizes appropriations


Summary: National Landscape Conservation System Act - Establishes in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) the National Landscape Conservation System (thus, enacting into law the National Landscape Conservation System [NLCS] created by BLM in 2000) in order to conserve, protect, and restore nationally significant landscapes that have outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values for the benefit of current and future generations. Requires that the NLCS include each of the following areas administered by BLM: (1) each area that is designated as a national monument, a national conservation area, a wilderness study area, a national scenic trail or historic trail designated as a component of the National Trails System, a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, or a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; and (2) any area designated by Congress to be administered for conservation purposes, including the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (as designated under the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000), the Headwaters Forest Reserve, the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, and any additional area designated by Congress for inclusion in the NLCS. Prohibits anything in this Act from: (1) being construed to enhance, diminish, or modify any law or proclamation under which the components of the NLCS specified above were established, or are managed, including, but not limited to, the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act, the Wilderness Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the National Trails System Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976; (2) creating a federal cause of action based on inclusion within the NLCS; (3) intending to additionally restrict or hinder energy development within such system; (4) affecting the authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility of the several states to manage, control, or regulate fish and resident wildlife under state law or regulations, including the regulation of, or access to, hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational shooting on BLM-managed public land; (5) limiting access to such activities; (6) affecting current grazing rights or operations due to inclusion in the NLCS; and (7) impeding any efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to secure U.S. borders.

national_landscape_conservation_system act establishes bureau_of_land_management blm national_landscape_conservation_system enacting law national_landscape_conservation_system created blm order conserve protect restore nationally significant landscapes outstanding cultural ecological scientific values benefit current future generations requires include following areas administered blm area designated national_monument national conservation_area wilderness study area national scenic trail historic trail designated component national_trails_system component national_wild_and_scenic_rivers_system component national_wilderness_preservation_system area designated congress administered conservation purposes including mountain cooperative management protection area designated mountain cooperative management protection act headwaters forest reserve head outstanding natural area additional area designated congress inclusion prohibits act construed enhance diminish modify law proclamation components specified established managed including limited alaska national interest land conservation act wilderness act wild scenic rivers act national_trails_system_act federal_land_policy_and_management_act creating federal cause action based inclusion intending additionally restrict hinder energy development system affecting authority jurisdiction responsibility states manage control regulate fish resident wildlife state law regulations including regulation access hunting fishing trapping recreational shooting blm managed public land limiting access activities affecting current grazing rights operations inclusion impeding efforts department_of_homeland_security secure borders


Summary: Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to replace the term "navigable waters," throughout the Act, with the term "waters of the United States," defined to mean all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting them, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution. Declares that nothing in such Act shall be construed as affecting the authority of the Secretary of the Army or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act related to discharges: (1) composed entirely of agricultural return flows; (2) of stormwater runoff from oil, gas, and mining operations; or (3) of dredged or fill materials resulting from normal farming, silviculture, and ranching activities or from activities with respect to which a state has an approved program, or for the purposes of maintenance of currently serviceable structures or drainage ditches, construction or maintenance of farm or stock ponds, irrigation ditches, or farm, forest, or temporary roads for moving mining equipment, or construction of temporary sedimentation basins on construction sites.

clean water restoration act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act replace term navigable waters act term waters united_states defined mean waters subject flow tide territorial seas interstate intrastate waters tributaries including lakes rivers streams including intermittent streams wetlands prairie wet lakes natural impoundments foregoing fullest extent waters activities affecting subject legislative power congress constitution declares act shall construed affecting authority secretary army administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provisions federal_water_pollution_control_act related discharges composed entirely agricultural return flows stormwater runoff oil gas mining operations dredged fill materials resulting normal farming ranching activities activities respect state approved program purposes maintenance currently structures drainage construction maintenance farm stock irrigation farm forest temporary roads moving mining equipment construction temporary basins construction sites


Summary: Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require owners or operators of publicly owned treatment works to: (1) institute monitoring systems to provide timely alerts of sewer overflows; (2) notify the public, not later than 24 hours after receiving knowledge, of such overflows in areas where human health is potentially affected; (3) notify public health authorities and other affected entities, in the case of an overflow that may imminently and substantially endanger human health, immediately after the owner or operator knows of the overflow; (4) report each overflow on discharge monitoring reports to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state; and (5) annually report to the Administrator or the state on the total number of overflows in a calendar year.Makes specified exceptions to notification and reporting requirements for backups into single-family residences and for overflows that occur in the course of treatment works maintenance, respectively.Requires annual summary reports by states to the Administrator.Requires the Administrator to issue regulations, including to establish overflow assessment guidance and develop communications measures to provide notification under this Act. Provides procedures for review and approval, after issuance of such regulations, of state notification programs. Makes the monitoring systems eligible for state water pollution control revolving fund assistance.

sewage overflow community right know act_-_amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require owners operators publicly owned treatment works institute monitoring systems provide timely alerts sewer overflows notify public later hours receiving knowledge overflows areas human health potentially affected notify public health authorities affected entities case overflow imminently substantially endanger human health immediately owner operator knows overflow report overflow discharge monitoring reports administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state annually report administrator state total number overflows calendar year makes specified exceptions notification reporting requirements single family residences overflows occur course treatment works maintenance respectively requires annual summary reports states administrator requires administrator issue regulations including establish overflow assessment guidance develop communications measures provide notification act provides procedures review approval issuance regulations state notification programs makes monitoring systems eligible state water pollution control revolving fund assistance


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2008 the tax deduction for charitable contributions of real property made for conservation purposes.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend tax deduction charitable contributions real property conservation purposes


Summary: Brownfields Redevelopment Promotion Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).

brownfields redevelopment promotion act amends_the_internal_revenue_code permanent taxpayer election expense deduct current taxable year expenditures environmental remediation abatement control hazardous substances contaminated sites


Summary: Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act - Requires the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Research and Development to establish a research and development program to promote water use efficiency and conservation, including: (1) technologies and processes that enable the collection, storage, treatment, and reuse of rainwater, stormwater, and greywater; (2) water storage and distribution systems; and (3) behavioral, social, and economic barriers to achieving greater water use efficiency.Requires the Assistant Administrator to coordinate the development of a strategic research plan for the water use efficiency and conservation research and development program established by this Act with all other EPA research and development strategic plans.Requires the Assistant Administrator to: (1) facilitate the adoption of technology and processes to promote water use efficiency and conservation; and (2) collect and disseminate information on technologies and processes to promote water use efficiency and conservation, including information on incentives and impediments to development and commercialization, best practices, and anticipated increases in water use efficiency and conservation resulting from the implementation of specific technologies and processes.Requires at least four projects under which funding is provided for the incorporation into a building (at least one residential and one commercial building) of the latest water use efficiency and conservation technologies and designs.Requires biennial reports to Congress on research and development projects initiated under this Act, outreach and communication activities concerning water use efficiency and conservation, and development and implementation of the strategic research plan.Directs the EPA Administrator to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for completion of a study of "low impact" (mimicking predevelopment hydrology) and "soft path" (using natural capacities of ecosystems) strategies for management of water supply, wastewater, and stormwater.Authorizes appropriations.

water use efficiency conservation research act_-_requires environmental_protection_agency epa assistant administrator research development establish research development program promote water use efficiency conservation including technologies processes enable collection storage treatment reuse stormwater water storage distribution systems behavioral social economic barriers achieving greater water use efficiency requires assistant administrator coordinate development strategic research plan water use efficiency conservation research development program established act epa research development strategic plans requires assistant administrator facilitate adoption technology processes promote water use efficiency conservation collect disseminate information technologies processes promote water use efficiency conservation including information incentives impediments development commercialization best practices anticipated increases water use efficiency conservation resulting implementation specific technologies processes requires projects funding provided incorporation building residential commercial building latest water use efficiency conservation technologies designs requires biennial reports congress research development projects initiated act outreach communication activities concerning water use efficiency conservation development implementation strategic research plan directs epa administrator enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences completion study low impact predevelopment hydrology soft path natural capacities ecosystems strategies management water supply wastewater stormwater authorizes appropriations


Summary: Household Water Conservation Challenge Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a tax credit for reducing water usage in their residences.

household water conservation challenge act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow individual taxpayers tax credit reducing water usage residences


Summary: Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the President to establish a grant program for the revitalization of waterfront brownfield sites. Authorizes such grants to be used for reuse planning, site characterization and assessment, or remediation at waterfront brownfields sites, including the integration of activities related to the design and implementation of water quality improvements, low impact development approaches, green infrastructure, remediation and management of sediments, or flood damage prevention associated with brownfields remediation and reuse. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide training, research, and technical assistance to individuals and organizations to facilitate waterfront brownfields revitalization. Authorizes funding for brownfields revitalization for FY2008-FY2012. Requires the Administrator to establish and serve as chairperson of a task force on waterfront brownfields revitalization that shall identify: (1) funding and technical assistance resources; (2) barriers to and solutions for revitalization; and (3) methods to coordinate interagency efforts.

amends comprehensive environmental response compensation liability act require president establish grant program revitalization waterfront brownfield sites authorizes grants reuse planning site characterization assessment remediation waterfront brownfields sites including integration activities related design implementation water quality improvements low impact development approaches green infrastructure remediation management flood damage prevention associated brownfields remediation reuse authorizes administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provide training research technical assistance individuals organizations facilitate waterfront brownfields revitalization authorizes funding brownfields revitalization fy2008 fy2012 requires administrator establish serve chairperson task_force waterfront brownfields revitalization shall identify funding technical assistance resources barriers solutions revitalization methods coordinate interagency efforts


Summary: Dona Ana County Planned Growth, Open Space, and Rangeland Preservation Act of 2008 - Designates special preservation and rangeland preservation areas in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, and directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, to manage such areas to promote conservation of grazing land, wildlife habitats, and open spaces. Allows the Secretary to acquire non-federal land in such areas from a state, local government, or non-profit organization through purchase, exchange, or donation. Requires the Secretary to develop a comprehensive plan for the long-range protection and management of rangeland preservation areas.Authorizes an exchange of land between the United States and New Mexico State University.Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a sale of specified federal lands in Dona Ana County; and (2) use the proceeds of such sale for certain purposes, including payments to the County and for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive land, the development of parks, trails, and natural areas, and for rangeleand improvements.Establishes the Dona Ana County Land Disposal Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the disposal of federal lands.

dona ana_county planned growth open space rangeland preservation act designates special preservation rangeland preservation areas dona ana_county new_mexico directs secretary interior acting director bureau_of_land_management manage areas promote conservation grazing land wildlife habitats open spaces allows secretary acquire non federal land areas state local government non profit organization purchase exchange donation requires secretary develop comprehensive plan long range protection management rangeland preservation areas authorizes exchange land united_states new_mexico state university requires secretary conduct sale specified federal lands dona ana_county use proceeds sale certain purposes including payments county acquisition environmentally sensitive land development parks trails natural areas improvements establishes dona ana_county land disposal advisory_board advise secretary disposal federal lands


Summary: Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to define: (1) "site characterization" as a process for monitoring and evaluating sediment contamination under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) guidance for the assessment of contaminated sediment in an area of concern in the United States; and (2) "potentially responsible party" to mean an individual or entity that may be liable under any federal or state authority used to facilitate the cleanup and protection of the Great Lakes.Includes aquatic habitat restoration activities among activities the Great Lakes National Program Office is authorized to implement for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern.Prohibits the Administrator from implementing such a remediation project unless: (1) each nonfederal sponsor has entered into a written agreement under which each party agrees to carry out its responsibilities and requirements for the project; and (2) the Administrator provides assurance that EPA has conducted a reasonable inquiry to identify potentially responsible parties.Revises provisions concerning the nonfederal share of project costs.Requires the Administrator to implement, at federal expense, one site characterization per site within a project for the remediation of contaminated sediment. Repeals a prohibition against implementing a project unless the nonfederal sponsor agrees to maintain aggregate expenditures from all other sources for remediation programs in the area of concern or above the average level of such expenditures in the two fiscal years preceding the date the project is initiated.Authorizes appropriations through FY2010 for: (1) such remediation projects; (2) a public information program to provide information relating to such remediation; and (3) the development and use of innovative approaches, technologies, and techniques for such remediation. Limits to 20% of the amount of funds appropriated for remediation projects that may be used for site characterization.

great_lakes legacy reauthorization act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act define site characterization process monitoring evaluating sediment contamination environmental_protection_agency epa guidance assessment contaminated sediment area concern united_states potentially responsible party mean individual entity liable federal state authority facilitate cleanup protection great_lakes includes aquatic habitat restoration activities activities great_lakes national program_office authorized implement remediation sediment contamination areas concern prohibits administrator implementing remediation project nonfederal sponsor entered written agreement party agrees carry responsibilities requirements project administrator provides assurance epa conducted reasonable inquiry identify potentially responsible parties revises provisions concerning nonfederal share project costs requires administrator implement federal expense site characterization site project remediation contaminated sediment repeals prohibition implementing project nonfederal sponsor agrees maintain aggregate expenditures sources remediation programs area concern average level expenditures fiscal years preceding date project initiated authorizes appropriations fy2010 remediation projects public information program provide information relating remediation development use innovative approaches technologies techniques remediation limits funds appropriated remediation projects site characterization


Summary: Carson City Vital Community Act of 2008 - Provides for the conveyance of specified Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land or interest in such land (the federal land) in Nevada by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior in exchange for specified non-federal land by Carson City Consolidated Municipality, Nevada. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to reserve a perpetual conservation easement to the Silver Saddle Ranch and Carson River Area.Releases the reversionary interest of BLM in certain of the conveyed federal land. Provides for the conveyance of such land by the City. Makes the non-federal land part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Provides for the conveyance of specified non-federal land administered by the City to the BLM. Transfers administrative jurisdiction over certain Forest Service land from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of the Interior. Requires the City to be granted a right-of-way for maintenance of flood management facilities on such land. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct sales of specified BLM land to qualified bidders. Amends the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 to make amounts in the special account available to the City for the development of parks, trails, and natural areas and up to 10% of amounts in the account available for conservation initiatives on federal land in the City administered by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture. Makes the City eligible to nominate for expenditure amounts to acquire lands or interests for parks and natural areas and for conservation initiatives adjacent to and within the floodplain of Carson River. Provides for specified land to be held in trust for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. Prohibits the use of such land for class II and class III gaming. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a cooperative agreement ensuring access by the Tribe's members and others in its community across National Forest System land from the City to Lake Tahoe for cultural and religious purposes. Requires the City to notify the Tribe of proposed ground disturbing activities to provide the Tribe with time for inventorying and collecting tribal artifacts. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified land to Clark County, Nevada, for use for: (1) a centralized off road vehicle recreation park; and (2) a designated area and facilities to discourage unauthorized use of off-highway vehicles in environmentally sensitive areas. Provides for the reservation of specified airspace easements above the surface of the land conveyed to the county. Designates the Nellis Dunes as the Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. Transfers administrative jurisdiction over certain land from BLM to the Department of the Air Force for the enlargement and protection of Nellis Air Force Base.Affirms and validates a specified patent and its associated land reconfiguration issued by the BLM for the benefit and recovery of the desert tortoise and other species. Ratifies the process used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the BLM for the reconfiguration of those lands.

carson city vital community act provides conveyance specified forest_service bureau_of_land_management blm land interest land federal land nevada secretary agriculture secretary interior exchange specified non federal land carson city consolidated municipality nevada requires secretary interior reserve perpetual conservation easement silver saddle ranch carson river area releases reversionary interest blm certain conveyed federal land provides conveyance land city makes non federal land humboldt-toiyabe_national_forest provides conveyance specified non federal land administered city blm transfers administrative jurisdiction certain forest_service land secretary agriculture secretary interior requires city granted right way maintenance flood management facilities land directs secretary interior conduct sales specified blm land qualified bidders amends southern_nevada_public_land_management_act amounts special account available city development parks trails natural areas amounts account available conservation initiatives federal land city administered department_of_the_interior_or_the_department_of_agriculture makes city eligible nominate expenditure amounts acquire lands interests parks natural areas conservation initiatives adjacent floodplain carson river provides specified land held trust washoe tribe nevada california prohibits use land class class iii gaming directs secretary agriculture implement cooperative agreement ensuring access tribe members community national_forest_system land city lake tahoe cultural religious purposes requires city notify tribe proposed ground disturbing activities provide tribe time inventorying collecting tribal artifacts directs secretary interior convey specified land clark_county nevada use centralized road vehicle recreation park designated area facilities discourage unauthorized use highway vehicles environmentally sensitive areas provides reservation specified airspace easements surface land conveyed county designates dunes dunes national highway vehicle recreation_area transfers administrative jurisdiction certain land blm department air_force enlargement protection air_force base affirms specified patent associated land issued blm benefit recovery desert species ratifies process fish_and_wildlife_service blm lands


Summary: Paul Coverdell Homestead Open Space Preservation and Conservation Act of 2006 (sic) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain tax-exempt conservation organizations a tax credit for expenditures to acquire and maintain real property interests exclusively for conservation purposes.

paul coverdell open space preservation conservation act sic amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow certain tax exempt conservation organizations tax credit expenditures acquire maintain real property interests exclusively conservation purposes


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) carry out restoration projects along the Middle Rio Grande in New Mexico, from Cochiti Dam to the headwaters of the Elephant Butte Dam; and (2) consult with certain local environmental groups in carrying out such projects. Requires non-federal interests to pay 25% of total project costs and 100% of operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and rehabilitation costs. Prohibits recreational features of a project from comprising more than 30% of the total project cost.

directs secretary army carry restoration projects middle rio_grande new_mexico dam headwaters elephant dam consult certain local environmental groups carrying projects requires non federal interests pay total project costs operation maintenance repair replacement rehabilitation costs prohibits recreational features project comprising total project cost


Summary: Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 to: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants to programs in the United States to cover the costs of services provided by domestic treatment centers in the rehabilitation of victims of torture (including treatment of the physical and psychological effects of torture), social and legal services, and research and training of health care providers outside of treatment centers or programs to enable them to provide such services; (2) the President for grants to treatment centers and programs in foreign countries that carry out projects and activities specifically designed to treat victims of torture for the physical and psychological effects of torture; and (3) the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.

torture victims relief reauthorization act amends torture victims relief_act authorize appropriations fy2008 fy2009 department_of_health_and_human_services hhs provide grants programs united_states cover costs services provided domestic treatment centers rehabilitation victims torture including treatment physical psychological effects torture social legal services research training health_care providers outside treatment centers programs enable provide services president grants treatment centers programs foreign countries carry projects activities specifically designed treat victims torture physical psychological effects torture united_nations voluntary fund victims torture


Summary: Modifies the Union River, Maine, navigation project by redesignating a specified portion of the project as an anchorage area.

modifies union river maine navigation project specified portion project anchorage area


Summary: Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish within the Natural Resources Conservation Service a stream habitat improvement program to provide cost-share payments to landowners for stream habitat improvement projects; and (2) provide a higher payment share to a landowner who carries out a project in partnership with a nonprofit organization. Gives priority for projects that: (1) remove a small dam or in-stream structure; (2) improve fish passage; (3) protect streamside areas; (4) improve water flow; or (5) improve in-stream flow quality or temperature regimes. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a higher payment share to a landowner who carries out a priority project.

amends food security act direct secretary agriculture establish natural_resources_conservation_service stream habitat improvement program provide cost share payments landowners stream habitat improvement projects provide higher payment share landowner carries project partnership nonprofit organization gives priority projects remove small dam stream structure improve fish passage protect areas improve water flow improve stream flow quality temperature regimes authorizes secretary provide higher payment share landowner carries priority project


Summary: Conservation Reserve Program Tax Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to treat payments under the Conservation Acreage Reserve Program as rentals from real estate and thus not self employment income subject to employment tax. Transfers from the general fund of the Treasury to specified social security trust funds amounts necessary to cover any reductions in trust fund revenues resulting from this Act.

conservation reserve program tax fairness act amends_the_internal_revenue_code social_security_act treat payments conservation acreage reserve program rentals real estate self employment income subject employment tax transfers general_fund_of_the_treasury specified social_security_trust_funds amounts necessary cover reductions trust_fund revenues resulting act


Summary: Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to give conservation reserve program preference to an owner or operator who is a resident in the county in which the land is located, or in a contiguous county, if the land would provide at least equivalent conservation benefits to competing offers.

amends food security act conservation reserve program preference owner operator resident county land located contiguous county land provide equivalent conservation benefits competing offers


Summary: Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to replace the term "navigable waters," throughout the Act, with the term "waters of the United States," defined to mean all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting them, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution. Declares that nothing in such Act shall be construed as affecting the authority of the Secretary of the Army or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act related to discharges: (1) composed entirely of return flows from irrigated agriculture; (2) of stormwater runoff from certain oil, gas, and mining operations composed entirely of flows from precipitation runoff conveyances, which are not contaminated by or in contact with specified materials; or (3) of dredged or fill materials resulting from normal farming, silviculture, and ranching activities or from activities with respect to which a state has an approved program, or for the purposes of maintenance of currently serviceable structures, construction or maintenance of farm or stock ponds, irrigation ditches and maintenance of drainage ditches, or farm, forest, or temporary roads for moving mining equipment in accordance with best management practices, or construction of temporary sedimentation basins on construction sites for which discharges do not include placement of fill material into the waters of the United States.

clean water restoration act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act replace term navigable waters act term waters united_states defined mean waters subject flow tide territorial seas interstate intrastate waters tributaries including lakes rivers streams including intermittent streams wetlands prairie wet lakes natural impoundments foregoing fullest extent waters activities affecting subject legislative power congress constitution declares act shall construed affecting authority secretary army administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provisions federal_water_pollution_control_act related discharges composed entirely return flows irrigated agriculture stormwater runoff certain oil gas mining operations composed entirely flows precipitation runoff conveyances contaminated contact specified materials dredged fill materials resulting normal farming ranching activities activities respect state approved program purposes maintenance currently structures construction maintenance farm stock irrigation maintenance drainage farm forest temporary roads moving mining equipment accordance best management practices construction temporary basins construction sites discharges include placement fill material waters united_states


Summary: Surface Owner Protection Act - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require an operator producing oil or gas (including coalbed methane) under a federal lease to: (1) replace the water supply of a water user who obtains all or part of it from an underground or surface source affected by contamination, diminution, or interruption proximately resulting from such drilling operations; and (2) comply with federal and state law governing discharge of water produced under the lease. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing exploration and drilling operations on land with respect to which title to oil and gas resources is held by the United States but not the title to the surface estate, unless the operator has filed a document with the Secretary, signed by the operator and surface owners, that a written surface use agreement has been consummated meeting certain criteria. Cites conditions under which the Secretary may authorize an operator to conduct exploration and drilling operations in the absence of such an agreement. Requires the Secretary to comply with specified surface owner notification requirements.Sets forth reclamation and bond requirements.

surface owner protection act_-_amends mineral_leasing_act require operator producing oil gas including coalbed methane federal lease replace water supply water user obtains underground surface source affected contamination diminution interruption proximately resulting drilling operations comply federal state law governing discharge water produced lease prohibits secretary interior authorizing exploration drilling operations land respect title oil gas resources held united_states title surface estate operator filed document secretary signed operator surface owners written surface use agreement consummated meeting certain criteria cites conditions secretary authorize operator conduct exploration drilling operations absence agreement requires secretary comply specified surface owner notification requirements sets forth reclamation bond requirements


Summary: Regional Ground and Surface Water Enhancement Program Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) identify areas in which protecting or improving water quality or water quantity, or both, is a priority; (2) establish (within the environmental quality incentives program) a regional water enhancement program to improve agricultural water quality or water quantity; and (3) invite prospective partners to submit competitive grant proposals for regional water enhancement partnerships.

regional ground surface water enhancement program act amends food security act direct secretary agriculture identify areas protecting improving water quality water quantity priority establish environmental quality incentives program regional water enhancement program improve agricultural water quality water quantity invite prospective partners submit competitive grant proposals regional water enhancement partnerships


Summary: Puget Sound Watershed Comprehensive Conservation Project Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) carry out a competitive grant program for the Puget Sound area to provide comprehensive conservation planning to address water quality; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with state and local governments, Indian tribes, or non-governmental entities with a history of working with agricultural producers to carry out projects under the program.Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide project demonstration grants, provide technical assistance, and carry out information and education programs to improve water quality in the area by reducing soil erosion and improving sediment control; and (2) provide a priority for projects and activities that directly reduce soil erosion or improve water quality.

puget_sound watershed comprehensive conservation project act requires secretary agriculture carry competitive grant program puget_sound area provide comprehensive conservation planning address water quality enter cooperative agreements state local governments indian tribes non governmental entities history working agricultural producers carry projects program authorizes secretary provide project demonstration grants provide technical assistance carry information education programs improve water quality area reducing soil erosion improving sediment control provide priority projects activities directly reduce soil erosion improve water quality