Summary: Preserving Access to Hospice (PATH) Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a temporary moratorium, from November 1, 2005, through October 31, 2008, on enforcement of the hospice cap amount. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report on: (1) the resource effectiveness and quality of hospice care as a substitute benefit for other acute care alternatives under Medicare; (2) the optimal median and average length of stay in hospice care under Medicare; (3) the reasons for persistently low median and average length of such stays; and (4) the desirability of requiring a national coverage determination of eligibility for hospice care under Medicare.

preserving access hospice path act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act provide temporary moratorium november october enforcement hospice cap directs medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac study report resource effectiveness quality hospice care substitute benefit acute care alternatives medicare optimal median average length stay hospice care medicare reasons persistently low median average length stays desirability requiring national coverage determination eligibility hospice care medicare


Summary: Provides for certain treatment of state authority to use federal funds received under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, notwithstanding the limitation on the use of provider-specific health care related taxes to obtain federal financial participation under Medicaid. Declares that nothing in such limitation shall be construed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as prohibiting a state's use of funds as the nonfederal share of Medicaid expenditures where they are transferred from or certified by a publicly-owned regional medical center located in another state, so long as the Secretary determines that such use is proper and in the interest of the Medicaid program.

provides certain treatment state authority use federal funds received title xix medicaid social_security_act notwithstanding limitation use provider specific health_care related taxes obtain federal financial participation medicaid declares limitation shall construed secretary health_and_human_services prohibiting state use funds nonfederal share medicaid expenditures transferred certified publicly owned regional medical center located state long secretary determines use proper interest medicaid program


Summary: Poison Center Support, Enhancement, and Awareness Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide coordination and assistance for the maintenance of the nationwide toll-free phone number to access poison centers. Changes the name of poison control centers to poison centers.Requires the Secretary to carry out and expand upon a national media campaign to educate the public and health care providers about poison prevention and the availability of poison center resources in local communities. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with a nationally recognized organization for the development and implementation of a nationwide poison prevention and poison center awareness campaign.Expands the poison center grant program to allow the Secretary to award grants for poison centers to comply with the operational requirements needed to sustain certification. Adds as the purposes for which such grants may be used: (1) to establish and evaluate best practices in the United States for poison prevention, poison center outreach, and emergency and preparedness programs; (2) to develop and implement standard patient management guidelines for commonly encountered toxic exposures; (3) to improve national toxic exposure surveillance; (4) to develop, support, and enhance technology and capabilities of professional organizations in the field of poison control to collect national poisoning, toxic occurrence, and related public health data; and (5) to develop initiatives to foster the enhanced public health utilization of national poison data. Eliminates matching requirements for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2014.

poison center support enhancement awareness act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services provide coordination assistance maintenance nationwide toll free phone number access poison centers changes poison control centers poison centers requires secretary carry expand national media campaign educate public health_care providers poison prevention availability poison center resources local communities authorizes secretary enter contracts nationally recognized organization development implementation nationwide poison prevention poison center awareness campaign expands poison center grant program allow secretary award grants poison centers comply operational requirements needed sustain certification adds purposes grants establish evaluate best practices united_states poison prevention poison center outreach emergency preparedness programs develop implement standard patient management guidelines commonly encountered toxic exposures improve national toxic exposure surveillance develop support enhance technology capabilities professional organizations field poison control collect national poisoning toxic occurrence related public health data develop initiatives foster enhanced public health utilization national poison data eliminates matching requirements grants authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2014


Summary: Physician Availability Act of 2008 - Requires each covered hospital to have a qualified physician available in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to attend to the needs of the hospital's inpatients. Defines a "covered hospital" to: (1) include hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid or receiving federal funds; and (2) exclude hospitals in a federal facility or hospitals that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines have fewer than 100 licensed beds. Considers a physician to be available if: (1) the physician is physically present in the hospital; (2) the physician's primary responsibility is to be in attendance to serve the needs of the hospital's inpatients without delay; and (3) the physician is not physically present in, assigned to, serving in, or expected to cover the hospital's emergency room or emergency department. Sets forth penalties for violations.

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


Summary: Medicaid Levy Enhancement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a continuous levy on payments to Medicaid providers and suppliers for delinquent taxes owed by such providers and suppliers.

medicaid levy enhancement_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose continuous levy payments medicaid providers suppliers delinquent taxes owed providers suppliers


Summary: Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities to make available, upon request, ownership and affiliated parties information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other responsible parties.Outlines accountability requirements for such institutions.Requires specified additional information to appear on the Department of Health and Human Services Nursing Home Compare Website.Requires SNFs to separately report expenditures for wages and benefits for different levels of nursing staff.Directs the Secretary to develop a standardized form for use by a resident (or a person acting on the resident's behalf) in filing a complaint about a SNF with a state survey and certification agency or long-term care ombudsman program. Requires a state to establish a complaint resolution process. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for SNFs to report staffing information based on payroll data.Increases certain civil monetary penalties for SNF violations.Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the financial status, resident care, and performance of SNFs and nursing facilities in the Special Focus Facility (or a successor) program of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relative to a comparable sample of facilities outside such program; and (2) best practices for, and barriers to, the appointment of temporary management for SNFs with a record of poor care.Directs the Secretary to provide for an national independent monitoring program to oversee interstate and large intrastate chains of SNFs.Requires a SNF administrator to notify the Secretary and other responsible parties of an impending closure of the facility. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects on culture change and use of information technology in SNFs and nursing facilities.Provides for dementia management training and patient abuse prevention training. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on training for certified nurse aides and supervisory staff of SNFs and nursing facilities.

nursing home transparency improvement act amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act direct skilled nursing facilities snfs nursing facilities available request ownership affiliated parties information secretary health_and_human_services responsible parties outlines accountability requirements institutions requires specified additional information appear department_of_health_and_human_services nursing home compare website requires snfs separately report expenditures wages benefits different levels nursing staff directs secretary develop standardized form use resident person acting resident behalf filing complaint snf state survey certification agency long-term_care ombudsman program requires state establish complaint resolution process directs secretary establish program snfs report staffing information based payroll data increases certain civil monetary penalties snf violations requires comptroller_general study report congress financial status resident care performance snfs nursing facilities special focus facility successor program centers medicare medicaid_services relative comparable sample facilities outside program best practices barriers appointment temporary management snfs record poor care directs secretary provide national independent monitoring program oversee interstate large intrastate chains snfs requires snf administrator notify secretary responsible parties impending closure facility directs secretary conduct demonstration projects culture change use information technology snfs nursing facilities provides dementia management training patient abuse prevention training directs secretary study report congress training certified nurse aides supervisory staff snfs nursing facilities


Summary: Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility projects (projects) in FY2009 in: (1) Palo Alto, California; (2) San Antonio, Texas; and (3) San Juan, Puerto Rico. Amends the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 to increase the amount authorized under such Act for: (1) all projects; and (2) specified projects in Florida, Nevada, and Pennsylvania in connection with the Capital Asset Realignment Initiative. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases (leases) in FY2009 in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a project in Okaloosa County, Florida. Authorizes appropriations for projects and leases authorized or increased under this Act. Directs the Secretary to submit to the congressional veterans' committees: (1) a report updating progress made in complying with provisions requiring the establishment of, and responsibilities for, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Director of Construction and Facilities Management; and (2) an annual report on VA community-based outpatient clinics and other outpatient clinics.

department_of_veterans_affairs medical facility authorization lease act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs carry major medical facility projects projects fy2009 palo_alto california san_antonio texas san_juan puerto_rico amends veterans benefits health_care information technology act increase authorized act projects specified projects florida nevada pennsylvania connection capital asset realignment initiative authorizes secretary carry specified major medical facility leases leases fy2009 arizona california colorado florida georgia ohio oregon puerto_rico south_carolina wisconsin authorizes secretary carry project county florida authorizes appropriations projects leases authorized increased act directs secretary submit congressional veterans committees report updating progress complying provisions requiring establishment responsibilities department_of_veterans_affairs director construction facilities management annual report community based outpatient clinics outpatient clinics


Summary: National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions governing grants to trauma centers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish four programs to award grants to public or nonprofit trauma centers to: (1) assist in defraying substantial uncompensated care costs; (2) further a center's core mission; (3) provide emergency relief to ensure continued and future availability of trauma service; and (4) support the development and maintenance of innovative information technology systems. Sets forth: (1) minimum qualifications of eligible centers, including requirements for levels of uncompensated care provided; and (2) preferences for awarding grants among level I, II, III, and IV trauma centers and among centers based on the changing availability of or demand for trauma care in the area served and financial need. Requires grantees to submit a long-term plan for providing trauma care.Requires the Secretary to: (1) annually determine and notify centers of their eligibility to receive a grant; and (2) periodically report on the status of such grants, the financial stability of the centers, the populations using the centers, and the effectiveness and efficiency of center activities.Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY2009-FY2014 and specifies percentages to be reserved for the different types of grants.

national trauma center stabilization act amends public_health_service_act revise provisions governing grants trauma centers directs secretary health_and_human_services establish programs award grants public nonprofit trauma centers assist defraying substantial uncompensated care costs center core mission provide emergency relief ensure continued future availability trauma service support development maintenance innovative information technology systems sets forth minimum qualifications eligible centers including requirements levels uncompensated care provided preferences awarding grants level iii trauma centers centers based changing availability demand trauma care area served financial need requires grantees submit long term plan providing trauma care requires secretary annually determine notify centers eligibility receive grant periodically report status grants financial stability centers populations centers effectiveness efficiency center activities authorizes appropriations grants fy2009 fy2014 specifies percentages reserved different types grants


Summary: Hospital and ASC Price Disclosure and Litigation Protection Act of 2008 - Prohibits a charge-related legal action from being brought by an individual against a hospital or ambulatory surgical center if the hospital or center: (1) has met the requirements under this Act; (2) has entered into an agreement with the uninsured individual before treatment that sets the maximum price that will be charged for such treatment; and (3) has met the terms of such agreement.Sets forth disclosures that a hospital or center must provide to an individual who is scheduled to receive treatment and include in any itemized bill, including: (1) the estimated price or the price charged for the treatment; (2) the payment rate for the treatment negotiated with the network plan or managed care plan that has the largest number of enrollees; and (3) the Medicare payment rate for the treatment. Excludes from such requirements a treatment for which there exists a third-party price arrangement unless the individual involved requests such information.Requires a hospital or ambulatory surgical center to report data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding: (1) the frequency of performing certain services and administering certain drugs; (2) the charge by the hospital or center for such services or drugs; (3) the negotiated rate of payment for the treatment by the plan with the largest number of enrollees; and (4) the Medicare payment rate for the treatment.Requires the Secretary to: (1) publicly post such information on the Internet in a manner that promotes charge comparisons among hospitals and centers; and (2) select which services or drugs are to be reported based on the frequency with which the services are performed or the drugs are administered.

hospital price disclosure litigation protection act prohibits charge related legal action brought individual hospital ambulatory surgical center hospital center met requirements act entered agreement uninsured individual treatment sets maximum price charged treatment met terms agreement sets forth disclosures hospital center provide individual scheduled receive treatment include itemized bill including estimated price price charged treatment payment rate treatment negotiated network plan managed care plan largest number enrollees medicare payment rate treatment excludes requirements treatment exists party price arrangement individual involved requests information requires hospital ambulatory surgical center report data secretary health_and_human_services frequency performing certain services administering certain drugs charge hospital center services drugs negotiated rate payment treatment plan largest number enrollees medicare payment rate treatment requires secretary publicly post information internet manner promotes charge comparisons hospitals centers select services drugs reported based frequency services performed drugs administered


Summary: Veterans Revenue Enhancement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish up to seven consolidated patient accounting centers for conducting industry-modeled regionalized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) billing and collection activities.

veterans revenue enhancement_act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish seven consolidated patient accounting centers conducting industry modeled department_of_veterans_affairs billing collection activities


Summary: Veterans Critical Access Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to the Medicare rural hospital flexibility program, to exempt from the critical access hospital inpatient bed limitation any beds provided for veterans whom the Department of Veterans Affairs referred for care in the hospital or for whom it is coordinating such care with other care being provided by the Department.

veterans critical access act_-_amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect medicare rural hospital flexibility program exempt critical access hospital inpatient bed limitation beds provided veterans department_of_veterans_affairs referred care hospital coordinating care care provided department


Summary: Veterans Health Equity Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to each of the 48 contiguous states, to ensure that veterans eligible for hospital care and medical services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have access to: (1) at least one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the state; or (2) hospital care and medical services comparable to that provided in full-service hospitals through contract with other health providers in the state.

veterans health equity act requires secretary veterans_affairs respect contiguous states ensure veterans eligible hospital care medical services department_of_veterans_affairs access service hospital veterans_health_administration state hospital care medical services comparable provided service hospitals contract health providers state


Summary: Veterans' Programs Extension and Construction Authorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorization of Medical Facility Projects and Major Medical Facility Leases - (Sec. 101) Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility projects (projects) in FY2009 in: (1) Palo Alto, California; (2) San Antonio, Texas; and (3) San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Sec. 102) Amends the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 to: (1) increase amounts authorized for projects at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Denver, Colorado; and (2) repeal the authority for a project at the VA medical center in Gulfport, Mississippi. Increases amounts authorized for projects at the following locations in connection with the Capital Asset Realignment Initiative: (1) Gainesville, Florida; (2) Las Vegas, Nevada; (3) Lee County, Florida; (4) Orlando, Florida; and (5) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases (leases) in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a project to construct a new VA medical facility in Okaloosa County, Florida. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations for projects and leases authorized under this title. (Sec. 106) Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans committees on the progress of the VA's Director of Construction and Facilities Administration in carrying out required duties. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the veterans committees detailing information on VA community-based outpatient clinics and other outpatient clinics. Title II: Extension of Certain Authorities - (Sec. 201) Makes permanent the temporary authority to consider noninstitutional extended care services as covered VA medical services. (Sec. 202) Extends through FY2013 VA authority to conduct audits of payments made for non-VA care and services furnished to veterans through contracts and fee-based arrangements. (Sec. 203) Makes permanent (under current law, expires at the end of 2008) the authority to provide hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to certain veterans who participated in Department of Defense (DOD) chemical and biological testing. (Sec. 204) Extends through FY2010 VA authority to collect: (1) specified copayments for each day of hospital or nursing home care provided to certain veterans; and (2) from third-party insurers the cost of certain care and services provided by the VA to veterans with non-service-connected disabilities. (Sec. 205) Extends through 2013 VA authority to provide nursing home care to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 70% or higher, and to veterans in need of nursing home care for their service-connected disabilities. (Sec. 206) Extends through FY2010 VA authority to obtain information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration for income verification purposes for VA needs-based benefits. (Sec. 207) Extends permanently (under current law, terminates at the end of 2008) VA authority to establish research corporations. (Sec. 208) Extends through FY2012 VA demonstration projects involving adjustable rate and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages. (Sec. 209) Amends the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984 to extend through 2012 the annual report requirement of the Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. (Sec. 210) Extends through 2012 the annual report requirement of the Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans. (Sec. 211) Makes permanent (under current law, terminates in 2008) a required biannual report from the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. (Sec. 212) Makes permanent (under current law, terminates at the end of 2009) the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans. (Sec. 213) Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to extend through 2011 a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for certain veterans' housing loans guaranteed by the VA. Title III: Other Matters - (Sec. 301) Increases, from 2500 to 2600, the cap on the number of veterans for which programs of independent living services and assistance may be annually initiated. (Sec. 302) Increases from 90% to 100% the maximum percentage of home loan value authorized to be guaranteed by the VA upon refinancing.

veterans programs extension construction authorization act title authorization medical facility projects major medical facility leases sec authorizes secretary veterans_affairs carry major medical facility projects projects fy2009 palo_alto california san_antonio texas san_juan puerto_rico sec amends veterans benefits health_care information technology act increase amounts authorized projects department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers new_orleans louisiana denver colorado repeal authority project medical center mississippi increases amounts authorized projects following locations connection capital asset realignment initiative gainesville florida las_vegas nevada lee county florida florida pittsburgh pennsylvania sec authorizes secretary carry specified major medical facility leases leases arizona california colorado florida georgia ohio oregon puerto_rico south_carolina wisconsin sec authorizes secretary carry project construct new medical facility county florida sec authorizes appropriations projects leases authorized title sec requires report secretary congressional veterans committees progress director construction facilities administration carrying required duties sec directs secretary report annually veterans committees detailing information community based outpatient clinics outpatient clinics title extension certain authorities sec makes permanent temporary authority consider extended care services covered medical services sec extends fy2013 authority conduct audits payments non-va care services furnished veterans contracts fee based arrangements sec makes permanent current law expires end authority provide hospital care medical services nursing home care certain veterans participated department_of_defense dod chemical biological testing sec extends fy2010 authority collect specified copayments day hospital nursing home care provided certain veterans party insurers cost certain care services provided veterans non service connected disabilities sec extends authority provide nursing home care veterans service connected disabilities rated higher veterans need nursing home care service connected disabilities sec extends fy2010 authority obtain information internal_revenue_service irs social_security_administration income verification purposes needs based benefits sec extends permanently current law terminates end authority establish research corporations sec extends fy2012 demonstration projects involving adjustable rate hybrid adjustable rate mortgages sec amends veterans health_care act extend annual report requirement special committee post traumatic stress disorder sec extends annual report requirement committee care severely chronically mentally ill veterans sec makes permanent current law terminates required biannual report advisory_committee_on_women_veterans sec makes permanent current law terminates end advisory_committee_on_minority_veterans sec amends housing_and_economic_recovery_act extend temporary increase maximum loan guaranty certain veterans housing loans guaranteed title iii matters sec increases cap number veterans programs independent living services assistance annually initiated sec increases maximum percentage home loan value authorized guaranteed refinancing


Summary: Rural Hospital Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the additional inpatient hospital service payment (payment adjustment) for low-volume hospitals (usually meaning a "subsection (d) hospital" located more than 25 road miles from another subsection (d) hospital and having less than 800 discharges during the fiscal year.) Redefines low-volume hospital, for discharges occurring during FY2009 only, as a "subsection (d) hospital" located more than 15 (instead of 25) road miles from another "subsection (d) hospital" and having less than 1,500 (instead of 800) discharges of individuals entitled to, or enrolled for, Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) benefits ("tweeners,'' or hospitals too large to be critical access hospitals, but too small to be financially viable under the Medicare hospital prospective payment system (PPS)). Revises, for FY2009 only, the temporary applicable percentage in the formula for determining the payment adjustment for such hospitals. Requires the use of the non-wage adjusted prospective payment rate (PPS) rate during FY2009 under the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program. Prescribes requirements for hospitals to qualify for a Medicare hospital exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals to hospitals in which such physicians have an ownership or investment interest in the entity. (Eliminates the Medicare hospital exception for physician-owned hospitals, but provides a limited exception for existing facilities.)

rural hospital assistance_act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect additional inpatient hospital service payment payment adjustment low volume hospitals usually meaning subsection hospital located road miles subsection hospital having discharges fiscal year redefines low volume hospital discharges occurring fy2009 subsection hospital located instead road miles subsection hospital having instead discharges individuals entitled enrolled medicare hospital insurance benefits hospitals large critical access hospitals small financially viable medicare hospital prospective payment system pps revises fy2009 temporary applicable percentage formula determining payment adjustment hospitals requires use non wage adjusted prospective payment rate pps rate fy2009 medicare dependent hospital program prescribes requirements hospitals qualify medicare hospital exception prohibition certain physician referrals hospitals physicians ownership investment interest entity eliminates medicare hospital exception physician owned hospitals provides limited exception existing facilities


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a new community-based outpatient clinic at the Ord Military Community, California. Makes such construction subject to: (1) the completion of a feasibility study; and (2) the availability of appropriations.

directs secretary veterans_affairs construct new community based outpatient clinic military community california makes construction subject completion feasibility study availability appropriations


Summary: Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make performance-based payments each fiscal year to hospitals that provide high quality inpatient hospital services to inpatients entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance). Requires the Secretary to select appropriate evidence-based and statistically valid quality measures of care furnished by hospitals in inpatient settings for evaluating hospital performance. Requires a utilization and quality control peer review organization to give priority of quality improvement assistance to low-performing hospitals. Directs the Secretary to establish a program under which a hospital seeking to improve the quality of inpatient hospital services based on the results of a performance evaluation may apply to the Secretary to receive quality improvement assistance from a private quality organization with expertise in supporting inpatient service quality improvement.

quality incentives reporting standards technology act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act direct secretary health_and_human_services performance based payments fiscal year hospitals provide high quality inpatient hospital services entitled benefits medicare hospital insurance requires secretary select appropriate evidence based statistically valid quality measures care furnished hospitals inpatient settings evaluating hospital performance requires utilization quality control peer_review organization priority quality improvement assistance low performing hospitals directs secretary establish program hospital seeking improve quality inpatient hospital services based results performance evaluation apply secretary receive quality improvement assistance private quality organization expertise supporting inpatient service quality improvement


Summary: Urban Medicare-Dependent Hospitals Preservation Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2008, to revise the criteria and payment formula for "subsection (d) hospitals" which are urban Medicare-dependent hospitals.

urban medicare dependent hospitals preservation act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect cost reporting periods beginning october revise criteria payment formula subsection hospitals urban medicare dependent hospitals


Summary: Nursing Home Transparency and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities to make available, upon request, ownership and additional disclosable parties information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other responsible parties. Outlines accountability requirements for such institutions. Requires specified additional information to appear on the Department of Health and Human Services Nursing Home Compare Website. Requires SNFs to separately report expenditures for wages and benefits for direct care staff. Directs the Secretary to develop a standardized form for use by a resident (or a person acting on the resident's behalf) in filing a complaint about a SNF with a state survey and certification agency or long-term care ombudsman program. Requires a state to establish a complaint resolution process. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for SNFs and nursing facilities to report direct care staffing information based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data. Increases certain civil monetary penalties for SNF and nursing facility violations. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the potential benefit and feasibility of applying independent monitoring requirements to interstate and large intrastate chains of SNFs and nursing facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on best practices for, and barriers to, the appointment of temporary management for SNFs with a record of poor care. Requires a an individual SNF license holder to notify the Secretary and other responsible parties of an impending closure of the facility. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects on culture change and use of information technology in SNFs and nursing facilities. Directs the Secretary, among requirements for the approval of nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs, to include requirements for dementia management training and patient abuse prevention training. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on training for certified nurse aides and supervisory staff of SNFs and nursing facilities.

nursing home transparency quality care improvement act amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act direct skilled nursing facilities snfs nursing facilities available request ownership additional parties information secretary health_and_human_services responsible parties outlines accountability requirements institutions requires specified additional information appear department_of_health_and_human_services nursing home compare website requires snfs separately report expenditures wages benefits direct care staff directs secretary develop standardized form use resident person acting resident behalf filing complaint snf state survey certification agency long-term_care ombudsman program requires state establish complaint resolution process directs secretary establish program snfs nursing facilities report direct care staffing information based payroll verifiable data increases certain civil monetary penalties snf nursing facility violations directs secretary evaluate potential benefit feasibility applying independent monitoring requirements interstate large intrastate chains snfs nursing facilities requires comptroller_general study report congress best practices barriers appointment temporary management snfs record poor care requires individual snf license holder notify secretary responsible parties impending closure facility directs secretary conduct demonstration projects culture change use information technology snfs nursing facilities directs secretary requirements approval nurse aide training competency evaluation programs include requirements dementia management training patient abuse prevention training directs secretary study report congress training certified nurse aides supervisory staff snfs nursing facilities


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

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


Summary: Protecting Hospital Outpatient and Community Clinic Services Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from taking any action before April 1, 2009 (including promulgation of regulations, issuance of regulatory guidance, use of federal payment audit procedures, or other administrative action, policy, or practice, including a Medical Assistance Manual transmittal or letter to state Medicaid directors), to impose any restrictions relating to a specified proposed regulation, if such restrictions are more restrictive in any aspect than those that applied to the subject matter of the proposed regulation as of September 27, 2007.Identifies the proposed regulation as the one published on September 28, 2007, relating to the outpatient clinic and hospital facility services definition and upper payment limit under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.

protecting hospital outpatient community clinic services act prohibits secretary health_and_human_services taking action april including promulgation regulations issuance regulatory guidance use federal payment audit procedures administrative action policy practice including medical assistance manual transmittal letter state medicaid directors impose restrictions relating specified proposed regulation restrictions restrictive aspect applied subject matter proposed regulation september proposed regulation published september relating outpatient clinic hospital facility services definition upper payment limit title xix medicaid social_security_act


Summary: Protecting Patients and Health Care Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finalizing, enforcing, implementing, or taking other action in furtherance of specified proposed regulations regarding conscience clause protections for health care workers and facilities (under the authority of provisions commonly referred to as the Church Amendments and the Weldon Amendment).

protecting patients health_care act prohibits secretary health_and_human_services finalizing enforcing implementing taking action furtherance specified proposed regulations conscience clause protections health_care workers facilities authority provisions commonly referred church amendments amendment


Summary: Protecting Patients and Health Care Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finalizing, enforcing, implementing, or taking other action in furtherance of specified proposed regulations regarding conscience clause protections for health care workers and facilities (under the authority of provisions commonly referred to as the Church Amendments and the Weldon Amendment).


Summary: Nursing School Clinics Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of nursing school clinic services.

nursing school clinics act amends title xix medicaid social_security_act provide coverage nursing school clinic services


Summary: Wakefield Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend by one year the length of time for which a grant may be awarded under the emergency medical services for children grant program, which allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states or schools of medicine to support projects to expand and improve emergency medical services for children who need treatment for trauma or critical care. Sets forth as the purpose of the program the reduction of child and youth morbidity and mortality by supporting improvements in the quality of all emergency medical care children receive. Requires the Secretary to support emergency medical services for children by supporting projects that: (1) develop and present scientific evidence; (2) promote existing innovative technologies appropriate for the care of children; and (3) provide information on health outcomes and effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Directs that such program: (1) strive to enhance the pediatric capability of emergency medical service systems; and (2) be coordinated with all research, evaluations, and awards undertaken by the federal government related to emergency medical services for children.

act_-_amends public_health_service_act extend year length time grant awarded emergency medical services children grant program allows secretary health_and_human_services grants states schools medicine support projects expand improve emergency medical services children need treatment trauma critical care sets forth purpose program reduction child youth morbidity mortality supporting improvements quality emergency medical care children receive requires secretary support emergency medical services children supporting projects develop present scientific evidence promote existing innovative technologies appropriate care children provide information health outcomes effectiveness cost effectiveness directs program strive enhance pediatric capability emergency medical service systems coordinated research evaluations awards undertaken federal_government related emergency medical services children


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt certain small business taxpayers from the requirements of using the accrual method of accounting and of using inventories. Allows such taxpayers to use a cash method of accounting if they meet the gross receipts test and are not engaged in farming as a corporation. Increases the amount of the gross receipts test to $10 million (currently, $5 million) and permits an annual inflation adjustment of that amount.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code exempt certain small business taxpayers requirements accrual method accounting inventories allows taxpayers use cash method accounting meet gross receipts test engaged farming corporation increases gross receipts test million currently million permits annual inflation adjustment


Summary: Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act, or SAFE Commission Act - Establishes the Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission to develop legislation designed to address: (1) the unsustainable imbalance between long-term federal spending commitments and projected revenues; (2) increases in net national savings to provide for domestic investment and economic growth; (3) the implications of foreign ownership of federally issued debt instruments; and (4) revision of the budget process to place greater emphasis on long-term fiscal issues. Requires the Commission to: (1) develop one or two methods for estimating the cost of legislation as an alternative to the current Congressional Budget Office (CBO) method; and (2) hold at least one town-hall style public hearing within each federal reserve district. Requires the Commission to submit a legislative proposal to Congress and the President. Authorizes the President to submit to Congress an alternative proposal. Authorizes the Committee on the Budget of either chamber to publish its own alternative proposal in the Congressional Record. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such legislation. Requires CBO to prepare a long-term cost estimate and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible whenever requested to do so by the Commission, the President, or the chairman or ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget of either chamber.

securing_america future economy commission act safe commission act establishes securing_america future economy safe commission develop legislation designed address unsustainable imbalance long term federal spending commitments projected revenues increases net national savings provide domestic investment economic growth implications foreign ownership federally issued debt instruments revision budget process place greater emphasis long term fiscal issues requires commission develop methods estimating cost legislation alternative current congressional_budget_office cbo method hold town hall style public hearing federal_reserve district requires commission submit legislative proposal congress president authorizes president submit congress alternative proposal authorizes committee budget chamber publish alternative proposal congressional_record sets forth procedures consideration legislation requires cbo prepare long term cost estimate published congressional_record expeditiously possible requested commission president chairman ranking minority member committee budget chamber


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a major medical facility project for a replacement facility for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs carry major medical facility project replacement facility department_of_veterans_affairs_medical_center denver colorado


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

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


Summary: Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) collect, compile, and disseminate information on achievements and problems in providing trauma care and emergency medical services; and (2) promote the collection and categorization of trauma data in a consistent and standardized manner.(Sec. 3) Removes authorization for the National Clearinghouse on Trauma Care and Emergency Medical Services. (Sec. 4) Allows the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects to improve emergency medical services in rural areas by increasing communication and coordination with state trauma systems. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants to states, political subdivisions, or consortia thereof to improve access to and enhance the development of trauma care systems. Requires grant funds be used to: (1) integrate and broaden the reach of such a system; (2) strengthen, develop, and improve an existing system; (3) expand communications between the system and emergency medical services through improved equipment or a telemedicine system; (4) improve data collection and retention; or (5) increase education, training, and technical assistance opportunities. Requires the Secretary to give preference in awarding grants to applicants that: (1) have developed a process, using national standards, for designating trauma centers; (2) recognize protocols for the delivery of seriously injured patients to trauma centers; (3) implement a process for evaluating the performance of the trauma system; and (4) agree to participate in specified information systems by collecting, providing, and sharing information. Requires the Secretary to give priority to applicants that will use the grants to focus on improving access to trauma care systems. Requires the Secretary to give special consideration to projects that demonstrate strong state or local support. (Sec. 6) Revises the matching requirements for states to be eligible for grants to improve emergency medical services by decreasing the amount of matching funds required after the fourth and subsequent years of grant payments to the state. (Sec. 7) Prohibits the Secretary from making trauma care grants to a state unless the state's emergency medical services plan coordinates planning for trauma systems with state disaster emergency planning and bioterrorism hospital preparedness planning. Requires the Secretary to update the model plan for the designation of trauma centers and for triage, transfer, and transportation policies. (Sec. 8) Prohibits the Secretary from making trauma grants to a state unless the state submits to the Secretary any changes to, and any plans to address deficiencies in, the trauma care component. (Sec. 9) Removes the requirement that states, in order to receive trauma grant funds, must agree not to expend such payments to purchase any major medical or communication equipment, ambulances, or aircraft. (Sec. 10) Removes provisions related to annual reporting requirements for states. (Sec. 11) Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 12) Authorizes appropriation for FY2008-FY2012. (Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for residency training programs in emergency medicine.

trauma care systems planning development act sec amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services collect compile disseminate information achievements problems providing trauma care emergency medical services promote collection categorization trauma data consistent standardized removes authorization national_clearinghouse trauma care emergency medical services sec allows secretary grants public nonprofit private entities carry demonstration projects improve emergency medical services rural areas increasing communication coordination state trauma systems sec authorizes secretary acting administrator health_resources_and_services_administration grants states political subdivisions consortia thereof improve access enhance development trauma care systems requires grant funds integrate broaden reach system strengthen develop improve existing system expand communications system emergency medical services improved equipment telemedicine system improve data collection retention increase education training technical assistance opportunities requires secretary preference awarding grants applicants developed process national standards designating trauma centers recognize protocols delivery seriously injured patients trauma centers implement process evaluating performance trauma system agree participate specified information systems collecting providing sharing information requires secretary priority applicants use grants focus improving access trauma care systems requires secretary special consideration projects demonstrate strong state local support sec revises matching requirements states eligible grants improve emergency medical services decreasing matching funds required fourth subsequent years grant payments state sec prohibits secretary making trauma care grants state state emergency medical services plan coordinates planning trauma systems state disaster emergency planning bioterrorism hospital preparedness planning requires secretary update model plan designation trauma centers transfer transportation policies sec prohibits secretary making trauma grants state state submits secretary changes plans address deficiencies trauma care component sec removes requirement states order receive trauma grant funds agree expend payments purchase major medical communication equipment aircraft sec removes provisions related annual reporting requirements states sec sets forth reporting requirements sec authorizes appropriation fy2008 fy2012 sec authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012 residency training programs emergency medicine


Summary: VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and implement a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. Requires the Secretary, at least semiannually, to publish reports on VA hospital quality, including assessments of effectiveness, safety, timeliness, and efficiency.

hospital quality report card act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish implement hospital quality report card initiative report health_care quality department_of_veterans_affairs hospitals requires secretary semiannually publish reports hospital quality including assessments effectiveness safety timeliness efficiency


Summary: Imposes a two-year moratorium on implementation of a proposed rule ("Medicaid Program; Cost Limit for Providers Operated by Units of Government and Provisions To Ensure the Integrity of Federal-State Financial Partnership") relating to the federal-state financial partnerships under Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act.

imposes year moratorium implementation proposed rule medicaid program cost limit providers operated units government provisions ensure integrity federal state financial partnership relating federal state financial partnerships medicaid state children health insurance program schip titles xix xxi social_security_act


Summary: Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the President to furnish assistance for tuberculosis (TB) prevention, treatment, and elimination.(Current law authorizes such assistance.) Gives priority to activities described in the Stop TB Strategy (as defined by this Act). Revises related fund use provisions. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership to improve the capacity of countries with high TB rates and other affected countries to implement the Stop TB Strategy and specific strategies related to addressing drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). Authorizes: (1) FY2008-FY2009 appropriations for the President to carry activities to combat tuberculosis; and (2) set-asides from such amounts for global tuberculosis activities by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

stop tuberculosis act amends foreign assistance_act require president furnish assistance tuberculosis prevention treatment law authorizes assistance gives priority activities described stop strategy defined act revises related fund use provisions authorizes president united_states_agency international_development usaid provide increased resources world_health_organization stop tuberculosis partnership improve capacity countries high rates affected countries implement stop strategy specific strategies related addressing drug resistant tuberculosis authorizes fy2008 fy2009 appropriations president carry activities combat tuberculosis set asides amounts global tuberculosis activities centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc


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

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


Summary: Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 2007 - Establishes the United States Bipartisan Commission on Access to Emergency Medical Services to: (1) identify and examine factors in the health care delivery, financing, and legal systems that affect the effective delivery of screening and stabilization services furnished in hospitals that have emergency departments pursuant to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA); and (2) make specific recommendations to Congress with respect to federal programs, policies, and financing needed to assure the availability of such screening and stabilization services and the coordination of state, local, and federal programs for responding to disasters and emergencies. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for additional payments for certain physicians' emergency services furnished pursuant to EMTALA. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to convene a working group that includes experts in emergency care, inpatient critical care, hospital operations management, nursing, and other relevant disciplines to develop boarding and diversion standards for hospitals and guidelines, measures, and incentives for implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of such standards. Requires the CMS working group to: (1) identify barriers contributing to delays in timely processing of patients requiring admission as inpatients who initially sought care through the hospital's emergency department; (2) identify best practices to improve patient flow within hospitals; and (3) report to Congress and the Secretary a detailed description of the standards, guidelines, measures, and incentives developed, as well as identified barriers and best practices. Directs the Secretary to establish a mechanism to make public information regarding any hospital that fails to report information requested by the CMS working group.

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


Summary: Helping Fill the Medicare Rx Gap Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to the annual out of pocket threshold, to count costs incurred in providing prescription drugs by the Indian Health Service, a federally-qualified health center, an AIDS drug assistance program, certain hospitals, or a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program.

helping fill medicare gap act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social_security_act ssa respect annual pocket threshold count costs incurred providing prescription drugs indian_health_service federally qualified health center aids drug assistance program certain hospitals pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program


Summary: Critical Access to Clinical Lab Services Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that clinical diagnostic laboratory services furnished by a critical access hospital shall be treated as being furnished as part of outpatient critical access services without regard to whether: (1) the individual for whom the services are furnished is physically present in the critical access hospital at the time the specimen is collected; (2) such individual is registered as an outpatient on the records of, and receives such services directly from, the critical access hospital; or (3) payment is available for such services under the fee schedule established for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests.

critical access clinical lab services act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act provide clinical diagnostic laboratory services furnished critical access hospital shall treated furnished outpatient critical access services regard individual services furnished physically present critical access hospital time specimen collected individual registered outpatient records receives services directly critical access hospital payment available services fee schedule established clinical diagnostic laboratory tests


Summary: Amends the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 to increase the authorization of appropriations for a major medical facility project to consolidate the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers at the University Drive and H. John Heinz III divisions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

amends veterans benefits health_care information technology act increase authorization appropriations major medical facility project consolidate department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers university drive john iii divisions pittsburgh pennsylvania


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a major medical facility project for the modernization of inpatient wards at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs carry major medical facility project modernization inpatient department_of_veterans_affairs_medical_center atlanta georgia


Summary: West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Preservation Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from declaring as excess to the needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or otherwise disposing or reducing the acreage of, federal land and improvements at the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit to the congressional veterans and appropriations committees a master plan for the use of such land and improvements; and (2) appoint an advisory committee to advise in developing the master plan.

west los_angeles department_of_veterans_affairs_medical_center preservation act prohibits secretary veterans_affairs declaring excess needs department_of_veterans_affairs disposing reducing acreage federal land improvements west los_angeles department_of_veterans_affairs_medical_center california directs secretary submit congressional veterans appropriations committees master plan use land improvements appoint advisory_committee advise developing master plan


Summary: Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to identify efficient, effective, and economical procedures for long-term care (LTC) facilities or providers to conduct background checks on prospective direct patient access employees on a nationwide basis. (Sec. 4) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for mandatory state use of the National Correct Coding Initiative administered by the Secretary to promote correct coding and to control improper coding leading to inappropriate payment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify those methodologies of the National Correct Coding Initiative compatible to Medicaid claims; (2) identify those methodologies that should be incorporated into Medicaid claims with respect to items or services for which no national correct coding methodologies have been established under such Initiative; and (3) notify states of such methodologies and how they are to incorporate them into Medicaid claims. (Sec. 5) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, to extend through FY2017 and increase funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund.

patient safety abuse prevention act sec directs secretary health_and_human_services establish program identify efficient effective economical procedures long-term_care ltc facilities providers conduct background checks prospective direct patient access employees nationwide basis sec amends title xix medicaid social_security_act provide mandatory state use national correct coding initiative administered secretary promote correct coding control improper coding leading inappropriate payment directs secretary identify methodologies national correct coding initiative compatible medicaid claims identify methodologies incorporated medicaid claims respect items services national correct coding methodologies established initiative notify states methodologies incorporate medicaid claims sec amends title xviii medicare social_security_act amended medicare improvement patients providers act extend fy2017 increase funding medicare_improvement_fund


Summary: Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to state Medicare rural hospital flexibility programs, in particular the criteria for designation of critical access hospitals. Revises requirements for the counting of beds for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital. Allows a facility to provide a maximum of 20 (currently 25) acute care inpatient beds, as determined on an annual, average basis. Declares that only occupied beds shall be counted.

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


Summary: Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive, where appropriate, the requirement for state designation of a critical access hospital that it be more than a 35-mile drive (or, in the case of mountainous terrain or in areas with only secondary roads available, a 15-mile drive) from another hospital or medical facility.

critical access hospital flexibility act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act authorize secretary health_and_human_services waive appropriate requirement state designation critical access hospital mile drive case terrain areas secondary roads available mile drive hospital medical facility


Summary: Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative under the Medicare program to report on health care quality in subsection (d) hospitals.Directs the Administrator to establish the Hospital Quality Advisory Committee to advise on the submission, collection, and reporting of quality measures data.

hospital quality report card act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act direct secretary health_and_human_services acting administrator centers medicare medicaid_services establish hospital quality report card initiative medicare program report health_care quality subsection hospitals directs administrator establish hospital quality advisory_committee advise submission collection reporting quality measures data


Summary: Improving Emergency Medical Care and Response Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting though the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, to award contracts or competitive grants to support demonstration programs that design, implement, and evaluate innovative models of regionalized, comprehensive, and accountable emergency care systems. Requires the Secretary to give priority to entities that serve a population in a medically underserved area. Directs the Secretary to: (1) support federal programs involved in improving the emergency care system to expand and accelerate research in emergency medical care systems and emergency medicine; and (2) support research to determine the estimated economic impact of, and savings that result from, the implementation of coordinated emergency care systems.

improving emergency medical care response_act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services acting assistant secretary preparedness response award contracts competitive grants support demonstration programs design implement evaluate innovative models comprehensive accountable emergency care systems requires secretary priority entities serve population medically underserved area directs secretary support federal programs involved improving emergency care system expand accelerate research emergency medical care systems emergency medicine support research determine estimated economic impact savings result implementation coordinated emergency care systems


Summary: Continuing the Advancement of Quality Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to require any utilization and quality control peer review organization (also known as a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)) entering into a contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to perform only the function of providing technical assistance for quality improvement and performance measurement to providers, practitioners, and Medicare Advantage organizations offering Medicare Advantage plans under part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII.Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a transition plan for the transfer to Medicare provider review organizations (MPROs) of all other current functions of QIOs.Specifies requirements for an MPRO with responsibility for addressing beneficiary complaints.Requires the Secretary to establish priorities for selection of technical assistance providers.Authorizes a QIO and an MPRO to share individual-specific data obtained from another provider or practitioner with a provider or practitioner who is treating the individual, for quality improvement and patient safety purposes.Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of the data-sharing systems, processes, and regulations of the Department of Health and Human Services in order to identify best practices and procedures, including abstraction of medical chart data.Revises qualifications for QIOs.Declares that funding for contracts for peer review of utilization and quality of health care services shall be used solely for providing technical assistance for quality improvement and performance measurement.Revises requirements for annual reports to specified congressional committees on QIOs.

continuing advancement quality improvement act amends title social_security_act require utilization quality control peer_review organization known quality improvement organization qio entering contract secretary health_and_human_services hhs perform function providing technical assistance quality improvement performance measurement providers practitioners medicare_advantage organizations offering medicare_advantage plans title secretary develop implement transition plan transfer medicare provider review organizations current functions specifies requirements responsibility addressing beneficiary complaints requires secretary establish priorities selection technical assistance providers authorizes qio share individual specific data obtained provider practitioner provider practitioner treating individual quality improvement patient safety purposes directs secretary conduct comprehensive review data sharing systems processes regulations department_of_health_and_human_services order identify best practices procedures including medical data revises qualifications declares funding contracts peer_review utilization quality health_care services shall solely providing technical assistance quality improvement performance measurement revises requirements annual reports specified congressional committees


Summary: Build, Update, Improve, Lift, and Design Health Centers Act of 2007 or the BUILD Act  Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to health centers to: (1) modernize, expand, and replace existing facilities; and (2) construct new facilities at such centers. Requires the Secretary to establish a loan guarantee program for loans to health centers for capital need projects, including: (1) acquiring, leasing, modernizing, expanding, or replacing existing facilities; (2) constructing new facilities; (3) purchasing or leasing equipment; and (4) the costs of refinancing loans made for any such projects.

build update improve lift design health centers act build act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services award grants health centers modernize expand replace existing facilities construct new facilities centers requires secretary establish loan guarantee program loans health centers capital need projects including acquiring leasing modernizing expanding replacing existing facilities constructing new facilities purchasing leasing equipment costs refinancing loans projects


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate, establish, and operate at least six Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health-care facilities as locations for epilepsy centers of excellence. Requires the Under Secretary for Health of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to establish a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals for the designation of such centers. Prohibits the Secretary from designating a VA facility as a center of excellence unless the peer review panel has determined that the proposal submitted by such facility is among those that meet the highest competitive standards of scientific and clinical merit. Requires the Secretary to designate a VHA national coordinator for epilepsy programs to: (1) supervise the operation of the centers; (2) coordinate and support throughout the VA health-care system better access to diagnosis, research, care, and education for epilepsy and traumatic brain injury; and (3) conduct regular evaluations of the centers. Authorizes appropriations.

directs secretary veterans_affairs designate establish operate department_of_veterans_affairs health care facilities locations centers_of_excellence requires secretary health veterans_health_administration vha establish peer_review panel assess scientific clinical merit proposals designation centers prohibits secretary designating facility center_of_excellence peer_review panel determined proposal submitted facility meet highest competitive standards scientific clinical merit requires secretary designate vha national coordinator programs supervise operation centers coordinate support health care system better access diagnosis research care education traumatic brain injury conduct regular evaluations centers authorizes appropriations


Summary: Veterans Pain Care Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facility an initiative on pain care which shall include, for each individual receiving treatment at such facility: (1) an assessment for pain at the time of admission or initial treatment, and periodic assessments thereafter; and (2) appropriate pain care including, when necessary, access to specialty pain management services. Directs the Secretary to carry out within the Medical and Prosthetic Research Service of the Veterans Health Administration a program of research and training on acute and chronic pain. Requires the Secretary, under such program, to designate cooperative centers for research and education on pain, with at least one center as a lead center for research on pain attributable to central and peripheral nervous system damage commonly associated with battlefield injuries characteristic of modern warfare.

veterans pain care act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry department_of_veterans_affairs health_care facility initiative pain care shall include individual receiving treatment facility assessment pain time admission initial treatment periodic assessments appropriate pain care including necessary access specialty pain management services directs secretary carry medical prosthetic research service veterans_health_administration program research training acute chronic pain requires secretary program designate cooperative centers research education pain center lead center research pain attributable central peripheral nervous system damage commonly associated battlefield injuries characteristic modern warfare


Summary: Ambulatory Surgical Center Medicare Payment Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the requirements and the formula for payments for services, including an implantable medical device, furnished to individuals in ambulatory surgical centers.

ambulatory surgical center medicare payment modernization act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act revise requirements formula payments services including implantable medical device furnished individuals ambulatory surgical centers


Summary: Urban Health Care Delivery Act of 2007 - Revises requirements for adjustments in payments made by a state under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for inpatient hospital services furnished by a disproportionate share hospital (DSH). Provides that DSH payment adjustments made by a state to a state- or local government- owned or operated hospital providing up to 450 inpatient beds, and meeting certain other criteria, shall be made without regard, and in addition, to the standard DSH allotment limitation on federal financial participation. Caps such adjustments at 175% of the costs of furnishing such services. Prescribes criteria for such a hospital, including operation of a community mental health center, a burn center serving the entire state, and a Level I trauma center with at least 100,000 encounters per year.

urban health_care delivery act revises requirements adjustments payments state title xix medicaid social_security_act inpatient hospital services furnished disproportionate share hospital dsh provides dsh payment adjustments state state- local owned operated hospital providing inpatient beds meeting certain criteria shall regard addition standard dsh allotment limitation federal financial participation caps adjustments costs furnishing services prescribes criteria hospital including operation community mental health center burn center serving entire state level trauma center year


Summary: Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish, and appoint the Director of, the Office of Antimicrobial Resistance to develop plans for addressing antimicrobial resistance in the United States and internationally; (2) establish the Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board to assist the Director; and (3) develop an antimicrobial resistance strategic research plan. Renews the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force and sets forth its membership and duties.Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the submission of human and animal drug distribution data to the Office of Antimicrobial Resistance, the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force, and the Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board. Requires the Director to make drug distribution data publicly available by antimicrobial drug class.Requires the Secretary to establish at least 10 Antimicrobial Resistance Clinical Research and Public Health Network sites to describe outbreaks of antimicrobial resistant pathogens and monitor the patterns of such pathogens in individuals.

strategies address antimicrobial resistance act_-_amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services establish appoint director office antimicrobial resistance develop plans addressing antimicrobial resistance united_states internationally establish public health antimicrobial advisory_board assist director develop antimicrobial resistance strategic research plan renews antimicrobial resistance task_force sets forth membership duties amends federal food drug cosmetic act require submission human animal drug distribution data office antimicrobial resistance antimicrobial resistance task_force public health antimicrobial advisory_board requires director drug distribution data publicly available antimicrobial drug class requires secretary establish antimicrobial resistance clinical research public health network sites describe outbreaks antimicrobial resistant pathogens monitor patterns pathogens individuals


Summary: National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the grant program for trauma care centers by: (1) establishing three programs to award grants to public, non-profit, Indian Health Service, Indian tribal, and urban Indian trauma centers to assist in defraying substantial uncompensated care costs, further the core mission of such trauma centers, and provide emergency relief to trauma centers at risk of closing; and (2) setting forth minimum qualifications for trauma centers, including requirements for the treatment of charity or self-pay patients.

national trauma center stabilization act amends public_health_service_act revise grant program trauma care centers establishing programs award grants public non profit indian_health_service indian tribal urban indian trauma centers assist defraying substantial uncompensated care costs core mission trauma centers provide emergency relief trauma centers risk closing setting forth minimum qualifications trauma centers including requirements treatment charity self pay patients


Summary: Medicare Sole Community Hospital Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department (OPD) services, particularly the transitional adjustment for sole community hospitals to limit any decline in payment. Holds sole community hospitals permanently harmless from any decline in payment. Increases the payment for covered OPD services in a sole community hospital by the amount of any difference between the pre-Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (pre-BBA) amount and a lesser PPS amount.Specifies the rebasing of the payment-to-cost ratio for sole community hospitals for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2007.

medicare sole community hospital preservation act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect prospective payment system pps hospital outpatient department opd services particularly transitional adjustment sole community hospitals limit decline payment holds sole community hospitals permanently harmless decline payment increases payment covered opd services sole community hospital difference pre balanced_budget act pre lesser pps specifies rebasing payment cost ratio sole community hospitals cost reporting periods beginning october


Summary: Medicare Quality Improvement Organization Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require utilization and quality control peer review organizations to offer quality improvement assistance to providers, practitioners who provide health care items and services to individuals dually eligible for benefits under SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid), and programs that provide items and services to such individuals. Requires the organization to establish a Medicare quality accountability program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, to contract with an entity to conduct a medical review audit to evaluate whether quality improvement organizations are making appropriate noncompliance determinations and sanction recommendations to the Secretary regarding health care practitioners and providers with respect to a corrective action plan. Revises requirements for the quality improvement program (QIO), including program administration, data disclosure, use of evaluation and competition, quality improvement organization program funding, and qualifications for QIOs under part B (Peer Review) of SSA title XI.

medicare quality improvement organization modernization act amends title social_security_act ssa require utilization quality control peer_review organizations offer quality improvement assistance providers practitioners provide health_care items services individuals dually eligible benefits ssa titles xviii medicare xix medicaid programs provide items services individuals requires organization establish medicare quality accountability program directs secretary health_and_human_services acting inspector_general department_of_health_and_human_services contract entity conduct medical review audit evaluate quality improvement organizations making appropriate noncompliance determinations sanction recommendations secretary health_care practitioners providers respect corrective action plan revises requirements quality improvement program qio including program administration data disclosure use evaluation competition quality improvement organization program funding qualifications peer_review ssa title


Summary: Nursing Home Quality and Transparency Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose, through the use of the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the identities of those long-term care facilities that appear on the list of special focus facilities (poor-performing nursing homes) under the Special Focus Facility Program of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

nursing home quality transparency act_-_directs secretary health_and_human_services disclose use internet website centers medicare medicaid_services identities long-term_care facilities appear list special focus facilities poor performing nursing homes special focus facility program centers medicare medicaid_services


Summary: Skilled Trades Second Responders Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a national program for the training, certification, registration, tracking, and integration of skilled construction workers to assist first responders in responding to disasters, including natural and manmade disasters and terrorist attacks.Requires the Director to coordinate and consult with the Department of Homeland Security, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), other relevant agencies, and private organizations, including construction industry contractors, joint labor-management training funds, and building trade unions, that are experienced in providing rescue and recovery assistance to first responders and in the cleanup, demolition, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of disaster sites after recovery operations.

skilled trades second responders act amends public_health_service_act require director national_institute_of_environmental_health_sciences establish national program training certification registration tracking integration skilled construction workers assist responders responding disasters including natural manmade disasters terrorist attacks requires director coordinate consult department_of_homeland_security including federal_emergency_management_agency fema relevant agencies private organizations including construction industry contractors joint labor management training funds building trade unions experienced providing rescue recovery assistance responders cleanup demolition rehabilitation reconstruction disaster sites recovery operations


Summary: State Fiscal Relief Act of 2008 - Provides that, if the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) determined without regard to this Act under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for a state for FY2008 is less than the FMAP as so determined for FY2007, the FY2007 FMAP shall be substituted for the state's otherwise applicable FMAP for the second, third, and fourth calendar quarters of FY2008. Provides also that, if the FMAP determined without regard to this Act for a state for FY2009 is less than the FMAP as so determined for FY2008, the FY2008 FMAP shall be substituted for the state's otherwise applicable FMAP for the first and second calendar quarters of FY2009. Provides that, for each eligible state for the second, third, and, fourth calendar quarters of FY2008, and for the first and second calendar quarters of FY2009, the FMAP shall be increased by 1.225% points. Provides for an increase in cap on Medicaid payments to territories. Makes a state eligible for such an FMAP increase, and a territory for an increase in a cap amount, only if eligibility under its Medicaid plan is no more restrictive than the eligibility under such plan (or waiver) as in effect on December 31, 2007. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for payments to states (temporary state fiscal relief) for use in: (1) providing government services; (2) covering the costs of complying with any federal intergovernmental mandate to the extent that the federal government has not provided funds to cover such costs; or (3) compensating for a decline in federal funding to the state.

state fiscal relief_act provides federal medical assistance percentage fmap determined regard act title xix medicaid social_security_act state fy2008 fmap determined fy2007 fy2007 fmap shall substituted state applicable fmap second fourth calendar quarters fy2008 provides fmap determined regard act state fy2009 fmap determined fy2008 fy2008 fmap shall substituted state applicable fmap second calendar quarters fy2009 provides eligible state second fourth calendar quarters fy2008 second calendar quarters fy2009 fmap shall increased points provides increase cap medicaid payments territories makes state eligible fmap increase territory increase cap eligibility medicaid plan restrictive eligibility plan waiver effect december authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2009 payments states temporary state fiscal relief use providing government services covering costs complying federal intergovernmental mandate extent federal_government provided funds cover costs compensating decline federal funding state


Summary: Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities to make available, upon request, ownership and affiliated parties information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other responsible parties. Outlines accountability requirements for such institutions. Requires specified additional information to appear on the Department of Health and Human Services Nursing Home Compare Website. Requires SNFs to separately report expenditures for wages and benefits for different levels of nursing staff. Directs the Secretary to develop a standardized form for use by a resident (or a person acting on the resident's behalf) in filing a complaint about a SNF with a state survey and certification agency or long-term care ombudsman program. Requires a state to establish a complaint resolution process. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for SNFs to report staffing information based on payroll data. Increases certain civil monetary penalties for SNF violations. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the financial status, resident care, and performance of SNFs and nursing facilities in the Special Focus Facility (or a successor) program of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relative to a comparable sample of facilities outside such program; and (2) best practices for, and barriers to, the appointment of temporary management for SNFs with a record of poor care. Directs the Secretary to provide for an national independent monitoring program to oversee interstate and large intrastate chains of SNFs. Requires a SNF administrator to notify the Secretary and other responsible parties of an impending closure of the facility. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects on culture change and use of information technology in SNFs and nursing facilities. Provides for dementia management training and patient abuse prevention training. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on training for certified nurse aides and supervisory staff of SNFs and nursing facilities.

nursing home transparency improvement act amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act direct skilled nursing facilities snfs nursing facilities available request ownership affiliated parties information secretary health_and_human_services responsible parties outlines accountability requirements institutions requires specified additional information appear department_of_health_and_human_services nursing home compare website requires snfs separately report expenditures wages benefits different levels nursing staff directs secretary develop standardized form use resident person acting resident behalf filing complaint snf state survey certification agency long-term_care ombudsman program requires state establish complaint resolution process directs secretary establish program snfs report staffing information based payroll data increases certain civil monetary penalties snf violations requires comptroller_general study report congress financial status resident care performance snfs nursing facilities special focus facility successor program centers medicare medicaid_services relative comparable sample facilities outside program best practices barriers appointment temporary management snfs record poor care directs secretary provide national independent monitoring program oversee interstate large intrastate chains snfs requires snf administrator notify secretary responsible parties impending closure facility directs secretary conduct demonstration projects culture change use information technology snfs nursing facilities provides dementia management training patient abuse prevention training directs secretary study report congress training certified nurse aides supervisory staff snfs nursing facilities