Summary: Access to Affordable Health Care Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) tax credits to small businesses for qualified employee health insurance expenses; (2) tax credits for qualified health insurance; (3) deductions for long-term care premiums; and (4) tax credits for individuals with long-term care needs. Requires the Secretary of Labor to award grants to states to assist in planning, developing, and operating qualified small employer purchasing groups for health insurance. Directs the Small Business Administration to award grants to states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to provide health insurance information to small employers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to award demonstration grants for states to demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative ways to increase access to health insurance. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to: (1) establish a special rule for redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; and (2) provide for additional allotments to eliminate FY2007 funding shortfalls remaining after redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments. Renames such title the FamilyCare program and allows states to extend coverage to qualified children, parents, and pregnant women. Allows states to simplify the qualification and enrollment requirements. Requires the Secretary to provide for improved outreach and enrollment in government programs for eligible children and homeless individuals and families. Expresses the sense of the Senate that appropriations for consolidated health centers and the National Health Service Corps should be doubled over the next five fiscal years. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award grants to states for the promotion of healthy lifestyles and for the establishment and operation of worksite wellness programs for small employers and their employees; (2) expand comprehensive school health education programs; and (3) establish demonstration projects related to providing low-cost, high-quality health care and attracting educators and clinical practitioners to underserved areas.

access affordable health_care act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credits small businesses qualified employee health insurance expenses tax credits qualified health insurance deductions long-term_care premiums tax credits individuals long-term_care needs requires secretary labor award grants states assist planning developing operating qualified small employer purchasing groups health insurance directs small_business_administration award grants states local governments nonprofit organizations provide health insurance information small employers requires secretary health_and_human_services secretary award demonstration grants states demonstrate effectiveness innovative ways increase access health insurance amends title xxi state children health insurance program schip establish special rule redistribution unspent fy2004 allotments provide additional allotments eliminate fy2007 funding shortfalls remaining redistribution unspent fy2004 allotments renames title program allows states extend coverage qualified children parents pregnant women allows states simplify qualification enrollment requirements requires secretary provide improved outreach enrollment government programs eligible children homeless individuals families expresses sense senate appropriations consolidated health centers national_health_service_corps fiscal years requires secretary award grants states promotion healthy lifestyles establishment operation worksite wellness programs small employers employees expand comprehensive school health education programs establish demonstration projects related providing low cost high quality health_care attracting educators clinical practitioners underserved areas


Summary: Medicare Health Savings Accounts Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a new part E (Medicare Health Savings Accounts) under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish procedures entitling each eligible beneficiary to elect to receive benefits under a Medicare Health Savings Account (HSA) instead of benefits under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance), B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), or D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program).Amends the Internal Revenue Code to conform to this Act.

medicare health savings_accounts act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act establish new medicare health savings_accounts secretary health_and_human_services shall establish procedures eligible beneficiary elect receive benefits medicare health savings account hsa instead benefits medicare parts hospital insurance supplementary_medical_insurance voluntary prescription drug benefit internal_revenue_code conform act


Summary: Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2007 or the MCAP Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of health care services. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Requires a court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 from the provider or health care institution, but no more than $500,000 from multiple health care institutions. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, unless the payor of such benefits has the right to reimbursement or subrogation under federal or state law. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug, biological product, or medical device for an approved indication. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.

medical care access protection act act sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits health_care liability claims related provision health_care services sets statute limitations years date manifestation injury year claimant discovers injury certain exceptions requires court impose sanctions filing frivolous lawsuits limits noneconomic damages provider health_care institution multiple health_care institutions makes party liable damages directly proportional party percentage responsibility allows court restrict payment attorney contingency fees limits fees decreasing percentage based increasing value awarded prescribes qualifications expert witnesses requires court reduce damages received collateral source benefits claimant entitled payor benefits right reimbursement subrogation federal state law authorizes award punitive damages proven clear convincing evidence person acted malicious intent injure claimant deliberately failed avoid unnecessary injury claimant substantially certain suffer compensatory damages awarded limits punitive damages greater times economic damages prohibits health_care provider named party product liability class action lawsuit prescribing dispensing food_and_drug_administration prescription drug biological product medical device approved indication provides periodic payments future damage awards


Summary: Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims related to the provision of obstetrical or gynecological services. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Requires a court to impose sanctions for the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000 from the provider or health care institution, but no more than $500,000 from multiple health care institutions. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, unless the payor of such benefits has the right to reimbursement or subrogation under federal or state law. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug, biological product, or medical device for an approved indication. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.

healthy mothers healthy babies access care act sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits health_care liability claims related provision obstetrical services sets statute limitations years date manifestation injury year claimant discovers injury certain exceptions requires court impose sanctions filing frivolous lawsuits limits noneconomic damages provider health_care institution multiple health_care institutions makes party liable damages directly proportional party percentage responsibility allows court restrict payment attorney contingency fees limits fees decreasing percentage based increasing value awarded prescribes qualifications expert witnesses requires court reduce damages received collateral source benefits claimant entitled payor benefits right reimbursement subrogation federal state law authorizes award punitive damages proven clear convincing evidence person acted malicious intent injure claimant deliberately failed avoid unnecessary injury claimant substantially certain suffer compensatory damages awarded limits punitive damages greater times economic damages prohibits health_care provider named party product liability class action lawsuit prescribing dispensing food_and_drug_administration prescription drug biological product medical device approved indication provides periodic payments future damage awards


Summary: Commission on Catastrophic Disaster Risk and Insurance Act of 2007 - Establishes the bipartisan Commission on Catastrophic Disaster Risk and Insurance to assess: (1) the condition of the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance markets in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, and the four major hurricanes that struck the United States in 2004; (2) the ongoing exposure of the United States to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and floods; and (3) recommend and report legislative and regulatory changes that will improve the domestic and international financial health and competitiveness of such markets.

commission catastrophic disaster risk insurance act establishes bipartisan commission catastrophic disaster risk insurance assess condition property casualty insurance reinsurance markets hurricanes katrina rita wilma major hurricanes united_states ongoing exposure united_states earthquakes volcanic floods recommend report legislative regulatory changes improve domestic international financial health competitiveness markets


Summary: Health Partnership Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a State Health Innovation Commission. Requires the Commission to: (1) provide states with reform options for state health care expansion and improvement programs; (2) establish minimum performance measures and goals with respect to coverage, quality, and cost of state programs; (3) review state applications and determine whether to submit a state proposal to Congress; and (4) submit to Congress a list of state applications that the Commission recommends for approval. Deems such proposals to be approved unless a joint resolution has been enacted disapproving such proposal. Sets forth rules for congressional consideration of such proposals. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide a grant to a state that has an application approved to enable such state to carry out an innovative state health program; (2) give priority to those state programs that the Commission determines have the greatest opportunity to succeed in providing expanded health insurance coverage and improving health access; and (3) link state allocations to the meeting of the goals and performance measures established under this Act. Prohibits states from: (1) failing to maintain the same level of expenditures for health care coverage; (2) changing eligibility criteria for state medical assistance programs; or (3) permitting the imposition of any preexisting condition exclusion for covered benefits, with exceptions.

health partnership act_-_requires secretary health_and_human_services establish state health innovation commission requires commission provide states reform options state health_care expansion improvement programs establish minimum performance measures goals respect coverage quality cost state programs review state applications determine submit state proposal congress submit congress list state applications commission recommends approval deems proposals approved joint resolution enacted disapproving proposal sets forth rules congressional consideration proposals requires secretary provide grant state application approved enable state carry innovative state health program priority state programs commission determines greatest opportunity succeed providing expanded health insurance coverage improving health access link state allocations meeting goals performance measures established act prohibits states failing maintain level expenditures health_care coverage changing eligibility criteria state medical assistance programs permitting imposition preexisting condition exclusion covered benefits exceptions


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat certain controlled foreign corporations created or organized under the laws of a tax-haven country as domestic corporations for tax purposes. Sets forth a list of "tax-haven countries" and grants the Secretary of the Treasury authority to remove or add a country from such list.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code treat certain controlled foreign corporations created organized laws tax haven country domestic corporations tax purposes sets forth list tax haven countries grants secretary treasury authority remove add country list


Summary: Advance Planning and Compassionate Care Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and report to Congress on outcome standards and measures to evaluate the performance of health care programs and projects that provide end-of-life care to individuals, and assess access to, and utilization of, such programs and projects. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on all matters relating to the establishment and implementation of a national uniform policy on advanced directives for individuals receiving items and services under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA). Amends SSA titles XVIII and XIX to: (1) require service providers and eligible organizations to provide an appropriately trained professional for discussing advance directive issues with all adult individuals receiving medical care by or through such entities; and (2) ensure that an advance directive valid in one state will be honored in another state. Requires the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to: (1) operate a clearinghouse and a 24-hour toll-free telephone hotline to provide consumer information about advance directives, end-of-life decision making, and available end-of-life and hospice care services; and (2) conduct a demonstration project to develop new and innovative approaches to providing end-of-life care to Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP (SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance)) beneficiaries. Establishes within HHS an End-of-Life Care Advisory Board.

advance planning compassionate care act directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop report congress outcome standards measures evaluate performance health_care programs projects provide end life care individuals assess access utilization programs projects requires secretary study report congress matters relating establishment implementation national uniform policy advanced directives individuals receiving items services titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act ssa amends ssa titles xviii xix require service providers eligible organizations provide appropriately trained professional discussing advance directive issues adult individuals receiving medical care entities ensure advance directive valid state honored state requires secretary administrator centers medicare medicaid_services operate clearinghouse hour toll free telephone hotline provide consumer information advance directives end life decision making available end life hospice care services conduct demonstration project develop new innovative approaches providing end life care medicare medicaid schip ssa title xxi state children health insurance beneficiaries establishes hhs end life care advisory_board


Summary: Rural Medicare Equity Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate the geographic physician work adjustment factor from the geographic indices used to adjust payments under the physician fee schedule. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration grants project designed to provide financial or other incentives to hospitals to attract educators and clinical practitioners so that hospitals that serve Medicare beneficiaries residing in underserved areas may host clinical rotations. Directs the Secretary to establish up to 10 demonstration projects to provide for improvements, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine, in the quality of health care provided to individuals residing in rural areas. Amends SSA title XVIII to require proportional representation of rural area interests on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC). Directs the Secretary to implement the recommendations contained in the March 2005 GAO report 05-119 entitled "Medicare Physician Fees: Geographic Adjustment Indices are Valid in Design, but Data and Methods Need Refinement."

rural medicare equity act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act ssa eliminate geographic physician work adjustment factor geographic indices adjust payments physician fee schedule directs secretary health_and_human_services establish demonstration grants project designed provide financial incentives hospitals attract educators clinical practitioners hospitals serve medicare beneficiaries residing underserved areas host clinical directs secretary establish demonstration projects provide improvements recommended institute_of_medicine quality health_care provided individuals residing rural areas amends ssa title xviii require proportional representation rural area interests medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac directs secretary implement recommendations contained march gao report entitled medicare physician fees geographic adjustment indices valid design data methods need refinement


Summary: Military Health Care Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed obligation to provide health benefits to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to their employees; (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage retirees, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for retirees and their dependents; and (3) any percentage increase in health care fees, deductibles, or copayments for retirees and their families, and for members of the Selected Reserve currently serving on active duty and their families, should not exceed the percentage increase in military retired pay or basic pay, respectively. Limits to the previous percentage increase in retired or basic pay the authorized annual fee increase under: (1) the DOD pharmacy benefits program; and (2) certain premiums and other charges under the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program). Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day after March 31, 2006 (currently, during the period beginning on April 1, 2006, and ending on September 30, 2007); (2) charging an enrollment fee under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); and (3) a person from being denied a claim due to failure to enroll.

military health_care protection act expresses sense congress department_of_defense dod nation committed obligation provide health benefits retired military personnel exceeds obligation corporate employers employees dod additional options constrain growth health_care spending ways disadvantage retirees pursue options seeking large fee increases retirees dependents percentage increase health_care fees deductibles copayments retirees families members selected_reserve currently serving active duty families exceed percentage increase military retired pay basic pay respectively limits previous percentage increase retired basic pay authorized annual fee increase dod pharmacy benefits program certain premiums charges tricare program dod managed health_care program prohibits charges dod inpatient care exceeding day march currently period beginning april ending september charging enrollment fee civilian health medical program uniformed_services person denied claim failure enroll


Summary: Women's Health Office Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish an Office on Women's Health within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office, to establish: (1) a Department of Health and Human Services Coordinating Committee on Women's Health; and (2) a National Women's Health Information Center. Transfers the functions of the Office on Women's Health of the Public of Health Service to the Office on Women's Health within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Social Security Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish separate Offices of Women's Health within the Office of the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Office of the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and an Office of Women's Health and Gender-Based Research within the Office of the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Directs the lead officers of each Office of Women's Health to establish goals, provide information on women's health activities, and establish a Coordinating Committee on Women's Health within their respective agencies. Prohibits termination, reorganization, or transfers of powers and duties of any federal office of women's health or appointive position with primary responsibility over women's health issues without congressional approval.

women health office act amends public_health_service_act establish office women health office_of_the_secretary health_and_human_services requires secretary acting director office establish department_of_health_and_human_services coordinating committee women health national women health information center transfers functions office women health public health service office women health department_of_health_and_human_services hhs amends public_health_service_act social_security_act federal food drug cosmetic act establish separate offices women health office_of_the_director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc office administrator health_resources_and_services_administration hrsa office_of_the_commissioner food_and_drug_administration fda office women health gender based research office_of_the_director agency healthcare_research_and_quality ahrq directs lead officers office women health establish goals provide information women health activities establish coordinating committee women health respective agencies prohibits termination reorganization transfers powers duties federal office women health position primary responsibility women health issues congressional approval


Summary: Reform Health Care Now Act - Requires the chairs of specified congressional committees, within 30 calendar days after the commencement of the session of Congress following the enactment of this Act, to each introduce a bill to provide a significant increase in access to health care coverage. Authorizes the ranking minority party member of a committee to introduce such a bill if the chair fails to do so.Sets forth expedited consideration procedures for a bill introduced under this Act if: (1) its title reads "to reform the health care system of the United States and to provide insurance coverage for Americans"; (2) it reaches the goal of providing health care coverage to 95% of Americans within 10 years; and (3) it is deficit neutral.

reform health_care act_-_requires chairs specified congressional committees calendar days commencement session congress following enactment act introduce bill provide significant increase access health_care coverage authorizes ranking minority party member committee introduce bill chair fails sets forth expedited consideration procedures bill introduced act title reform health_care system united_states provide insurance coverage americans reaches goal providing health_care coverage americans years deficit neutral


Summary: Promoting Health Care Purchasing Cooperatives Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to award grants for the development of health care purchasing cooperatives by two or more self-insured employers. Sets forth requirements for cooperatives, including that they: (1) are nonprofit, wholly owned, and democratically governed by its member-employers; (2) exist solely to serve the membership base; (3) assist members in pooling their health care insurance purchasing power; (4) provide data to improve the ability of the members to make data-based decisions regarding their health plans; and (5) conduct activities to enhance quality improvement in the health care community. Requires the Secretary to carry out an identical grant program for eligible groups of two or more employers that have 99 employees or less and purchase health insurance for their employees.

promoting_health care purchasing cooperatives act_-_authorizes secretary health_and_human_services acting director agency healthcare_research_and_quality ahrq award grants development health_care purchasing cooperatives self insured employers sets forth requirements cooperatives including nonprofit wholly owned democratically governed member employers exist solely serve membership base assist members pooling health_care insurance purchasing power provide data improve ability members data based decisions health plans conduct activities enhance quality improvement health_care community requires secretary carry identical grant program eligible groups employers employees purchase health insurance employees


Summary: Community Pharmacy Fairness Act of 2007 - Entitles independent pharmacies negotiating contract terms with a health plan for the provision of health care items or services to the same treatment under the antitrust laws as the treatment to which bargaining units recognized under the National Labor Relations Act are entitled. Treats such a pharmacy as an employee engaged in concerted activities in connection with such negotiations. Exempts actions taken in good faith reliance on this Act from being subject under the antitrust laws to criminal sanctions or civil penalties beyond actual damages incurred. Confers no new right to participate in any collective cessation of service to patients not already permitted by existing law. Prohibits: (1) exempting from the antitrust laws any agreement or otherwise unlawful conspiracy that excludes, limits the participation or reimbursement of, or otherwise limits the scope of services to be provided by any independent pharmacy or group of independent pharmacies with respect to the performance of services that are within their scope of practice as defined or permitted by relevant law or regulation; and (2) applying this Act to negotiations between independent pharmacies and health plans pertaining to federal health benefits.

community pharmacy fairness act entitles independent pharmacies negotiating contract terms health plan provision health_care items services treatment antitrust laws treatment bargaining units recognized national_labor_relations_act entitled treats pharmacy employee engaged concerted activities connection negotiations exempts actions taken good faith reliance act subject antitrust laws criminal sanctions civil penalties actual damages incurred confers new right participate collective cessation service patients permitted existing law prohibits exempting antitrust laws agreement unlawful conspiracy excludes limits participation reimbursement limits scope services provided independent pharmacy group independent pharmacies respect performance services scope practice defined permitted relevant law regulation applying act negotiations independent pharmacies health plans pertaining federal health benefits


Summary: Health Care Safety Net Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.Requires the Comptroller General to study the economic costs and benefits of school-based health centers and their impact on the health of students, including an analysis of: (1) the impact that federal funding could have on the operation of such centers; (2) any cost savings to other federal programs derived from providing health services in such centers; and (3) the impact of such centers in rural or underserved areas.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to submit a report to the relevant congressional committees that describes efforts to expand and accelerate quality improvement activities in community health centers.Requires the Administrator to establish a mechanism for the dissemination of initiatives, best practices, and other information that may assist health care quality improvement efforts in community health centers.Directs the Comptroller General to study integrated health system models for the delivery of health care services to medically underserved populations.(Sec. 3) Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for: (1) the National Health Service Corps program; and (2) the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program and National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.Repeals provisions requiring each center or clinic designated as having a health manpower shortage to demonstrate every six years that it meets the applicable requirements of the definition of a health professional shortage area. Revises requirements for assigning members of the Corps to a health professional shortage area to require that the Secretary determine that an entity demonstrates willingness to support or facilitate mentorship, professional development, and training opportunities for Corps members.Requires the Secretary to assist Corps members in establishing and maintaining professional relationships and developmental opportunities.(Sec. 4) Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for grants for expanded delivery of health care services in rural areas, for the planning and implementation of integrated health care networks in rural areas, and for the planning and implementation of small health care provider quality improvement activities.

health_care safety net act sec amends public_health_service_act reauthorize appropriations fy2008 fy2012 health centers meet health_care needs medically underserved populations requires comptroller_general study economic costs benefits school based health centers impact health students including analysis impact federal funding operation centers cost savings federal programs derived providing health services centers impact centers rural underserved areas requires secretary health_and_human_services acting administrator health_resources_and_services_administration hrsa submit report relevant congressional committees describes efforts expand accelerate quality improvement activities community health centers requires administrator establish mechanism dissemination initiatives best practices information assist health_care quality improvement efforts community health centers directs comptroller_general study integrated health system models delivery health_care services medically underserved reauthorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012 national_health_service_corps program national_health_service_corps_scholarship_program national_health_service_corps_loan_repayment_program repeals provisions requiring center clinic designated having health manpower shortage demonstrate years meets applicable requirements definition health professional shortage area revises requirements assigning members corps health professional shortage area require secretary determine entity demonstrates willingness support facilitate mentorship professional development training opportunities corps members requires secretary assist corps members establishing maintaining professional relationships developmental reauthorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012 grants expanded delivery health_care services rural areas planning implementation integrated health_care networks rural areas planning implementation small health_care provider quality improvement activities


Summary: Community Health Centers Investment Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2015 for: (1) primary health care centers for underserved populations; and (2) the National Health Service Corps. Establishes priorities for the use of such funds and the assignment of Corps personnel.Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase amounts available for the National Health Corps Scholarship program (including scholarships to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds).Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit limitations on the per visit payment amount, or a component of such amount, for federally qualified health centers.

community health centers investment act_-_authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2015 primary health_care centers underserved populations national_health_service_corps establishes priorities use funds assignment corps personnel amends public_health_service_act increase amounts available national health corps scholarship program including scholarships individuals disadvantaged title xviii medicare social_security_act prohibit limitations visit payment component federally qualified health centers


Summary: Medicare Residency Program Technical Correction Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to payments to hospitals for the direct graduate medical education (DGME) costs of inpatient hospital services, particularly the redistribution among qualifying hospitals of unused resident positions which figure in the calculation of DGME costs.Requires a specified adjustment to the reduction of Medicare resident positions where that reduction was based on a cost report subsequently settled, whether as a result of an appeal or otherwise, if the reference resident level under such settled cost report is higher than the resident level used for the reduction.

medicare residency program technical correction act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect payments hospitals direct graduate medical education costs inpatient hospital services particularly redistribution qualifying hospitals unused resident positions figure calculation costs requires specified adjustment reduction medicare resident positions reduction based cost report subsequently settled result appeal reference resident level settled cost report higher resident level reduction


Summary: Universal Health Care Choice and Access Act - Provides for health promotion and disease prevention activities, including requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene an interagency coordinating committee to develop a national strategic plan for prevention.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow participants in high deductible health care insurance plans an increased tax deduction for contributions to a health savings account; and (2) allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid.Requires states to establish and operate a qualified high risk pool or a state-designated alternative that ensures access to private health insurance for medically uninsurable individuals.Health Care Choice Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the laws of the primary state (as designated by the health insurance issuer) to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any secondary state if certain requirements are met. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize the Secretary to adjust the amount of the Medicare Part B premium for participation in certain healthy behaviors.Establishes in the Treasury a Medical Retirement Account Fund to distribute retirement benefits to individuals who renounce eligibility for Medicare.Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to establish a Medicaid Advantage program to provide individuals a medical home where they receive a seamless continuum of medical care and care management that meets certain requirements.Allows the Secretary to award grants to states for administrative health care tribunals for the resolution of disputes concerning injuries allegedly caused by health care providers.Amends SSA title XI to create safe harbors from civil and criminal penalties in current anti-kickback laws for providing certain health information technology and training services.

universal health_care choice access act provides health promotion disease prevention activities including requiring secretary health_and_human_services convene interagency_coordinating_committee develop national strategic plan prevention amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow participants high deductible health_care insurance plans increased tax deduction contributions health savings account allow individual taxpayers refundable tax credit health insurance costs paid requires states establish operate qualified high risk pool state designated alternative ensures access private health insurance medically individuals health_care choice act amends public_health_service_act apply laws primary state designated health insurance issuer individual health insurance coverage offered issuer primary state secondary state certain requirements met amends title xviii medicare social_security_act ssa authorize secretary adjust medicare premium participation certain healthy behaviors establishes treasury medical retirement account fund distribute retirement benefits individuals eligibility medicare amends ssa title xix medicaid establish medicaid advantage program provide individuals medical home receive seamless continuum medical care care management meets certain requirements allows secretary award grants states administrative health_care tribunals resolution disputes concerning injuries allegedly caused health_care providers amends ssa title create safe harbors civil criminal penalties current anti laws providing certain health information technology training services


Summary: Effective Care for the Armed Forces and Veterans Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, during a period of a U.S. major military conflict, from: (1) subjecting work performed by an employee of a Department of Defense (DOD) medical facility or an employee of a private contractor of such facility to public-private competition; or (2) converting such employee or the work performed to private contractor performance. Allows an exception to prevent a negative impact on the provision of services. Requires a study by the Comptroller General on competitive outsourcing activities at DOD medical facilities. Provides: (1) a minimum budget for DOD medical services during periods of major military conflicts; and (2) a limitation on the implementation of a recommendation for the closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assign at least one case manager for every 20 recovering servicemembers; (2) screen every servicemember returning from deployment in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom for traumatic brain injury (requiring two related studies); and (3) require DOD medical records management systems to communicate with such systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assess the VA's ability to meet the long-term care needs of veterans over the next 50 years.

effective care armed_forces veterans act prohibits secretary defense period major military conflict subjecting work performed employee department_of_defense dod medical facility employee private contractor facility public private competition converting employee work performed private contractor performance allows exception prevent negative impact provision services requires study comptroller_general competitive outsourcing activities dod medical facilities provides minimum budget dod medical services periods major military conflicts limitation implementation recommendation closure army medical center requires secretary assign case manager recovering servicemembers screen servicemember returning deployment operations iraqi_freedom enduring_freedom traumatic brain injury requiring related studies require dod medical records management systems communicate systems department_of_veterans_affairs directs secretary veterans_affairs assess ability meet long-term_care needs veterans years


Summary: Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses for veterans receiving treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at the rate provided to federal employees in connection with the performance of official duties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate at least one and up to five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (2) establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in remote rural areas; (3) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas; and (4) report annually to Congress on matters related to VA care for veterans residing in rural areas.

rural veterans health_care improvement act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs pay travel expenses veterans receiving treatment department_of_veterans_affairs facilities rate provided federal employees connection performance official duties directs secretary establish operate centers_of_excellence rural health research education clinical activities establish grant program provide innovative transportation options veterans remote_rural areas carry demonstration projects examine alternatives expanding care veterans rural areas report annually congress matters related care veterans residing rural areas


Summary: State-Based Health Care Reform Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Health Care Coverage Task Force to: (1) approve state, local, or tribal applications for a health care coverage grant; (2) submit a legislative proposal concerning such approvals and recommendations on the level of funding required; and (3) establish minimum performance measures with respect to coverage, quality, and cost of state health care programs.Prohibits the Task Force from approving an application that: (1) proposes to adopt more restrictive criteria for eligibility determinations for any federal, state, or local health care program; or (2) would result in making individuals enrolled in federal health programs ineligible.Requires states seeking a matching grant to submit to the Task Force a state health care plan that: (1) designates the lead state entity that will be responsible for administering the program; (2) describes the benefits that will be provided to all covered individuals; (3) describes the number and percentage of currently uninsured individuals who will achieve coverage; (4) describes how the state will ensure that an increased number of individuals residing within the state will have expanded access to health care coverage; (5) includes provisions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of health care in the state; and (6) complies with premium and cost sharing limitations.Sets forth procedures for congressional consideration of legislative proposals and recommendations.Authorizes appropriations for the grant program and specifies offsetting savings and fee provisions. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the reduction in the Medicare part B premium subsidy based on income.

state based health_care reform act_-_requires secretary health_and_human_services establish health_care coverage task_force approve state local tribal applications health_care coverage grant submit legislative proposal concerning approvals recommendations level funding required establish minimum performance measures respect coverage quality cost state health_care programs prohibits task_force approving application proposes adopt restrictive criteria eligibility determinations federal state local health_care program result making individuals enrolled federal health programs ineligible requires states seeking matching grant submit task_force state health_care plan designates lead state entity responsible administering program describes benefits provided covered individuals describes number percentage currently uninsured individuals achieve coverage describes state ensure increased number individuals residing state expanded access health_care coverage includes provisions improve effectiveness efficiency health_care state complies premium cost sharing limitations sets forth procedures congressional consideration legislative proposals recommendations authorizes appropriations grant program specifies offsetting savings fee provisions amends title xviii medicare social_security_act revise requirements reduction medicare premium subsidy based income


Summary: Medicare for All Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (Medicare for All) under which: (1) each eligible individual is entitled to benefits which include the full range and scope of benefits available under the original fee-for-service program under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare), with parity in coverage of mental health benefits, subject to appropriate cost sharing; (2) each enrollee is free to choose his or her own doctor and private health plan; and (3) benefits are similar to or no less than the health benefits coverage under FEHBP (Federal Employees Health Benefits Program). Establishes the Medicare for All Trust Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose: (1) on the income of every enrolled individual a tax equal to 1.7% of wages received in excess of $25,000; (2) on every employer an excise tax equal to 7% of the wages paid to each enrolled employee; and (3) on the self-employment income of every enrolled individual, a tax equal to the applicable percentage of the self-employment income for such taxable year in excess of $25,000. Sets forth provisions governing application of this Act to collective bargaining agreements.

medicare act_-_amends social_security_act add new title xxii medicare eligible individual entitled benefits include range scope benefits available original fee service program parts hospital insurance supplementary_medical_insurance title xviii medicare parity coverage mental health benefits subject appropriate cost sharing enrollee free choose doctor private health plan benefits similar health benefits coverage fehbp federal_employees_health_benefits_program establishes medicare trust_fund amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose income enrolled individual tax equal wages received excess employer excise tax equal wages paid enrolled employee self employment income enrolled individual tax equal applicable percentage self employment income taxable year excess sets forth provisions governing application act collective bargaining agreements


Summary: Countdown to Coverage Act of 2007 - Provides that if legislation ensuring accessible, affordable, and meaningful health insurance for all Americans is not enacted before the adjournment sine die of the 111th Congress: (1) federal contributions under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program for Members of Congress shall be prohibited; and (2) Members shall pay 100% of all premiums for such Programs. Requires the Institute of Medicine to notify the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Secretary of the Senate, and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House of Representatives: (1) that such legislation has not been enacted, if it has not been; and (2) the dates and adjustments required to take effect under this Act. Requires, upon receipt of such notice, OPM, the Secretary, and the CAO to make such adjustments.

coverage act provides legislation ensuring accessible affordable meaningful health insurance americans enacted die congress federal contributions federal_employees_health benefits fehb program members congress shall prohibited members shall pay premiums programs requires institute_of_medicine notify office_of_personnel_management opm secretary senate chief administrative officer house_of_representatives legislation enacted dates adjustments required effect act requires receipt notice opm secretary adjustments


Summary: Healthy Businesses, Healthy Workers Reinsurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (Federal Reinsurance Program for Catastrophic Health Care Costs).Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Federal Reinsurance, which shall in turn establish a Federal Reinsurance Program for Catastrophic Health Care Costs to make reinsurance payments to eligible health plans experiencing catastrophic health care costs during a year with respect to a covered individual.Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Reinsurance for Catastrophic Health Care Costs Trust Fund.

healthy businesses healthy workers reinsurance act amends social_security_act add new title xxii federal reinsurance program catastrophic health_care department_of_health_and_human_services office federal reinsurance shall turn establish federal reinsurance program catastrophic health_care costs reinsurance payments eligible health plans experiencing catastrophic health_care costs year respect covered individual establishes treasury federal reinsurance catastrophic health_care costs trust_fund


Summary: Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention America Act or the HeLP America Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a task force on childhood obesity.Provides for: (1) healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants; (2) the establishment of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to certify a hospital as a baby friendly hospital/center for breastfeeding excellence; and (3) programs to prevent youth problem behaviors.Healthy Workforce Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a wellness program credit for employers; and (2) exclude from an employee's income the fees paid by an employer to an athletic or fitness facility on the employee's behalf.Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee on Community Sports Programs for Individuals with Disabilities. Provides incentives for states to ensure the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to require employers to provide lactation periods and lactation facilities to permit employees to breastfeed eligible children. Promoting Lifelong Active Communities Every Day Act or the PLAY Every Day Act - Provides for the development of a tool to measure community barriers to participating in physical activity and provides for grants to plan model communities of play.Requires certain restaurants and vending machines to provide nutritional information about each food offered, including the number of calories.Directs the Secretary to: (1) impose penalties on the tobacco industry for failure to achieve specified goals to reduce youth cigarette use; and (2) encourage a state program to recognize school-based health centers as a model of delivery for primary care for children eligible for federal medical assistance. Establishes the HeLP (Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention) America Trust Fund to fund smoking cessation drugs and other programs required by this Act.Provides for research on obesity, physical activity in schools, and dietary sodium intake.

healthy lifestyles prevention america act help america act_-_amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services convene task_force childhood obesity provides healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants establishment baby friendly hospital initiative certify hospital baby friendly hospital center breastfeeding excellence programs prevent youth problem behaviors healthy workforce act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow wellness program credit employers exclude employee income fees paid employer athletic fitness facility employee behalf requires secretary establish national advisory_committee community sports programs individuals disabilities provides incentives states ensure safety convenience users transportation system including pedestrians amends family_and_medical_leave_act require employers provide lactation periods lactation facilities permit employees eligible children promoting lifelong active communities day act play day act provides development tool measure community barriers participating physical activity provides grants plan model communities play requires certain restaurants vending machines provide nutritional information food offered including number calories directs secretary impose penalties tobacco industry failure achieve specified goals reduce youth cigarette use encourage state program recognize school based health centers model delivery primary care children eligible federal medical assistance establishes help healthy lifestyles prevention america trust_fund fund smoking cessation drugs programs required act provides research obesity physical activity schools dietary sodium intake


Summary: Health Information Technology Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to award grants to eligible health care entities to offset costs related to clinical health care informatics systems and services designed to improve quality in health care and patient safety, including costs for the purchase, lease, or installation of computer software and hardware. Requires the Secretary to conduct studies to: (1) evaluate the use of clinical health care informatics systems and services to measure and report quality data; and (2) assess the impact of such systems and services on improving patient care, reducing costs, and increasing efficiencies. Directs the Secretary to establish a methodology for making adjustments in Medicare payment amounts for providers of services and suppliers who use health information technology and technology services with patient-specific applications that improve the quality and accuracy of clinical decision-making, compliance, health care delivery, and efficiency. Requires the Secretary to provide for the development and adoption of national data and communication health information technology standards that promote the efficient exchange of data between varieties of provider health information technology systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible entity to elect to expense qualified health care informatics system expenditures.

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


Summary: Quality Reform Expansion and Savings Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award quality reform grants to eligible entities to enhance, encourage, and expedite implementation of quality reform plans in order to: (1) encourage the coordinated development of local health care quality reforms; (2) fund the development of practices beneficial to the health care system; (3) expand information technology, electronic health records, and interoperable data systems in the health care system; (4) develop reimbursement practices that align financial incentives with health and prevention reforms to identify and encourage best practices; (5) lower the costs of health care delivery; (6) encourage experimentation in different U.S. regions; and (7) reward cooperation among local entities engaged in reforming the health care system.Requires the Secretary to establish the Quality Reform Committee, which shall: (1) approve the application of an eligible entity and recommend to the Secretary that a grant be awarded; (2) evaluate and exchange best practices related to activities carried out under the grant; (3) share research and expertise; and (4) study, identify, and report on market failures and anomalies that create economic incentives adverse to achievement of the goals of quality reform, cost reduction, health information technology expansion, and illness prevention.

quality reform expansion savings act requires secretary health_and_human_services award quality reform grants eligible entities enhance encourage expedite implementation quality reform plans order encourage coordinated development local health_care quality reforms fund development practices beneficial health_care system expand information technology electronic health records interoperable data systems health_care system develop reimbursement practices align financial incentives health prevention reforms identify encourage best practices lower costs health_care delivery encourage experimentation different regions reward cooperation local entities engaged reforming health_care system requires secretary establish quality reform committee shall approve application eligible entity recommend secretary grant awarded evaluate exchange best practices related activities carried grant share research expertise study identify report market failures create economic incentives adverse achievement goals quality reform cost reduction health information technology expansion illness prevention


Summary: National Health Information Technology and Privacy Advancement Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide federal governmental assistance to the planning and development of, and provide for the implementation of, a national program for the establishment and operation of a national health information technology and privacy system; (2) ensure that timely arrangements are made under which there can be national participation in the establishment and use of the system; and (3) provide for incentives for physicians to engage in electronic patient-provider interactions.Establishes the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.Authorizes the establishment of a nonprofit national health information technology and privacy corporation to: (1) plan, initiate, construct, own, manage, and operate a national health information technology and privacy system; (2) furnish access to individuals and to authorized providers and payers of health care services; and (3) specify rules for allowing access to non-identifiable health care data for public health and research purposes.

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


Summary: Improved Medical Decision Incentive Act of 2007 - Allows a state health department to approve best practices in a course of, or as a means of treatment for, a particular condition, illness, or procedure, as the qualifying standard of care for the state in order to take advantage of the differential rates of payment implemented under the Social Security Act and the private insurance incentive under this Act. Requires a state health department, among other conditions for state approval, to allow any duly constituted state medical society or medical speciality group to file with the state health department a course or means of treatment representing best practices for a particular condition, illness, or procedure. Requires any interstate health insurer providing health care coverage within a state with approved qualifying best practices to pay all provider charges for any service provided in accordance with such practices. Authorizes any such provider or specialty group to bring a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court to enjoin efforts by any health insurer to challenge or delay payment for services provided by the provider or a member of the specialty group in accordance with such best practices. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to provide for implementation of differential rates of payment for covered items and services that favor treatment consistent with qualifying best practices under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to review annually and report to Congress on the efficacy of all qualifying best practices approved pursuant to this Act and, if applicable, any national best practices adopted pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary also to host an annual conference on best practices for all state health directors, any state medical societies and medical specialty groups that have filed best practices for state approval, and any health insurers and advocacy groups that have participated in any administrative proceeding to approve best practices.

improved medical decision incentive act allows state health department approve best practices course means treatment particular condition illness procedure qualifying standard care state order advantage differential rates payment implemented social_security_act private insurance incentive act requires state health department conditions state approval allow duly constituted state medical society medical speciality group file state health department course means treatment representing best practices particular condition illness procedure requires interstate health insurer providing health_care coverage state approved qualifying best practices pay provider charges service provided accordance practices authorizes provider specialty group bring civil action appropriate district_court enjoin efforts health insurer challenge delay payment services provided provider member specialty group accordance best practices amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid provide implementation differential rates payment covered items services favor treatment consistent qualifying best practices medicare medicaid programs requires secretary health_and_human_services acting administrator centers medicare medicaid_services review annually report congress efficacy qualifying best practices approved pursuant act applicable national best practices adopted pursuant act requires secretary host annual conference best practices state health directors state medical societies medical specialty groups filed best practices state approval health insurers advocacy groups participated administrative proceeding approve best practices


Summary: Fair and Reliable Medical Justice Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award up to ten demonstration grants to states for the development, implementation, and evaluation of alternatives to current tort litigation for resolving disputes over injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or health care organizations. Requires such states to: (1) develop such an alternative to current tort litigation; and (2) promote a reduction of health care errors by allowing for patient safety data related to such disputes to be collected and analyzed by organizations that engage in efforts to improve patient safety and the quality of health care.

fair reliable medical justice act_-_amends public_health_service_act authorize secretary health_and_human_services award demonstration grants states development implementation evaluation alternatives current tort litigation resolving disputes injuries allegedly caused health_care providers health_care organizations requires states develop alternative current tort litigation promote reduction health_care errors allowing patient safety data related disputes collected analyzed organizations engage efforts improve patient safety quality health_care


Summary: Access to Medicare Data Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to: (1) enter into data release agreements on an annual basis with specified agencies to provide access to relevant data (excluding negotiated price concessions) submitted by prescription drug (PD) plans and MedicareAdvantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) and linked to hospital, physician, and other relevant medical claims, utilization, and diagnostic Medicare and Medicaid (SSA title XIX) data; and (2) permit such agencies to link data provided under this Act with other relevant health data as needed by the agency in order to accomplish its research objectives. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into data use agreements with specified research centers and organizations to provide access to same kind of data; (2) permit them to link it with other relevant health data for research purposes; and (3) prepare the linked sets of data for release by July 1, 2008.

access medicare data act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act direct secretary health_and_human_services acting centers medicare medicaid_services enter data release agreements annual basis specified agencies provide access relevant data excluding negotiated price concessions submitted prescription drug plans medicareadvantage prescription drug ma-pd plans voluntary prescription drug benefit program linked hospital physician relevant medical claims utilization diagnostic medicare medicaid ssa title xix data permit agencies link data provided act relevant health data needed agency order accomplish research objectives directs secretary enter data use agreements specified research centers organizations provide access kind data permit link relevant health data research purposes prepare linked sets data release july


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

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


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

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


Summary: Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals; (2) revision of the temporary increase in payments to certain rural hospitals (Medicare hold harmless provision); (3) the definition of low-volume hospital for purposes of the Medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment; (4) Medicare wage index reclassifications for certain hospitals; (5) Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospitals in certain rural areas; (6) critical access hospitals; (7) the capital infrastructure revolving loan program; (8) the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas; (9) the 1.00 floor on Medicare work geographic adjustment to payments for physician services; (10) Medicare home health care planning; (11) rural health clinics; (12) community health center collaborative access; (13) the temporary Medicare payment increase for home health services furnished in a rural area; (14) increased Medicare payments for rural ground ambulance services; and (15) coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 to provide for the extension of treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct pilot projects to provide incentives to home health agencies to utilize remote home monitoring and communications technologies; and (2) facilitate the provision of telehealth services across state lines.

thomas rural hospital provider equity act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect medicare disproportionate share hospital dsh adjustment rural hospitals revision temporary increase payments certain rural hospitals medicare hold harmless provision definition low volume hospital purposes medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment medicare wage index reclassifications certain hospitals medicare reasonable costs payments certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished hospitals certain rural areas critical access hospitals capital infrastructure revolving loan program medicare incentive payment program physician scarcity areas floor medicare work geographic adjustment payments physician services medicare_home_health care planning rural health clinics community health center collaborative access temporary medicare payment increase home health services furnished rural area increased medicare payments rural ground ambulance services coverage marriage family therapist services mental health counselor services medicare supplementary_medical_insurance amends medicare medicaid schip benefits improvement protection act provide extension treatment certain physician_pathology_services medicare directs secretary health_and_human_services conduct pilot projects provide incentives home health agencies utilize remote home monitoring communications technologies facilitate provision telehealth services state lines