Summary:
Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2015

This bill establishes a pilot program under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for the purpose of utilizing smart card technology for Medicare beneficiary identification cards. A “smart card” is a secure, electronic, machine readable, fraud-resistant, tamper-resistant card that includes an embedded integrated circuit chip with a secure micro-controller.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must conduct the pilot program in at least three areas in which there is a high risk for waste and abuse, and must give priority in the provision of cards to Medicare beneficiaries who self-identify as individuals whose personal identity and health information has previously been compromised.

In designing the program, CMS must include, among other provisions: (1) regular monitoring and review of Medicare billings and records in order to identify and address inaccurate changes and instances of waste, fraud, or abuse; and (2) reporting mechanisms for measuring Medicare cost savings attributable to the pilot program.

CMS must report to Congress on issues and recommendations related the pilot program within two years of program implementation.

medicare common access card act bill establishes pilot program title xviii medicare social_security_act purpose utilizing smart card technology medicare beneficiary identification cards smart card secure electronic machine readable fraud resistant tamper resistant card includes embedded integrated circuit chip secure micro controller centers medicare medicaid_services cms conduct pilot program areas high risk waste abuse priority provision cards medicare beneficiaries self identify individuals personal identity health information previously compromised designing program cms include provisions regular monitoring review medicare billings records order identify address inaccurate changes instances waste fraud abuse reporting mechanisms measuring medicare cost savings attributable pilot program cms report congress issues recommendations related pilot program years program implementation


Summary:
Veterans Access to Long Term Care and Health Services Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), if unable to furnish hospital care, medical services, or extended care at VA facilities or under other authorized contracts or sharing agreements, to enter into a Veterans Care Agreement with an eligible provider to furnish such care and services.

The VA shall review Agreements exceeding $1 million annually at least once every two years.

The VA shall establish a process for the certification of eligible providers.

An eligible provider is:

 a physician or provider of services that has entered into a provider agreement under the Social Security Act; a provider of items and services receiving payments under a state Medicaid plan; an aging and disability resource center, an area agency on aging, or a center for independent living; or any other health care provider the VA considers appropriate. The VA shall establish a system or systems to monitor the quality of care and services furnished to veterans, which shall be used in assessing whether to renew an Agreement.

An Agreement may be made with a health care provider to provide veterans with nursing home care.

veterans access long term care health services act bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs unable furnish hospital care medical services extended care facilities authorized contracts sharing agreements enter veterans care agreement eligible provider furnish care services shall review agreements exceeding million annually years shall establish process certification eligible providers eligible provider physician provider services entered provider agreement social_security_act provider items services receiving payments state medicaid plan aging disability resource center area agency aging center independent living health_care provider considers appropriate shall establish system systems monitor quality care services furnished veterans shall assessing renew agreement agreement health_care provider provide veterans nursing home care


Summary:
Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act of 2015 or VETS Act of 2015

Allows a health care professional who is authorized to provide health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs and who is licensed, registered, or certified in a state to practice his or her profession at any location in any state, regardless of where the professional or patient is located, if the professional is using telemedicine to provide treatment.

Allows such treatment regardless of whether the professional or patient is located in a federally-owned facility.

veterans health telemedicine support act vets act allows health_care professional authorized provide health_care department_of_veterans_affairs licensed registered certified state practice profession location state regardless professional patient located professional telemedicine provide treatment allows treatment regardless professional patient located federally owned facility


Summary:
Veteran Care Agreements Rule Enhancement Act or Veteran CARE Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), if unable to furnish hospital care, medical services, or extended care at VA facilities or under other authorized contracts or sharing agreements, to enter into a Veterans Care Agreement with an eligible provider to furnish such care and services.

The VA shall review agreements exceeding $1 million annually at least once every two years.

The VA shall establish a process for the certification of eligible providers.

An eligible provider is:

 a physician or provider of services that has entered into a provider agreement under the Social Security Act; a provider of items and services receiving payments under a state Medicaid plan; an aging and disability resource center, an area agency on aging, or a center for independent living; or any other health care provider the VA considers appropriate. The VA shall establish a system or systems to monitor the quality of care and services furnished to veterans, which shall be used in assessing whether to renew an agreement.

An agreement may be made with a health care provider to provide veterans with nursing home care.

veteran care agreements rule enhancement_act veteran care act bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs unable furnish hospital care medical services extended care facilities authorized contracts sharing agreements enter veterans care agreement eligible provider furnish care services shall review agreements exceeding million annually years shall establish process certification eligible providers eligible provider physician provider services entered provider agreement social_security_act provider items services receiving payments state medicaid plan aging disability resource center area agency aging center independent living health_care provider considers appropriate shall establish system systems monitor quality care services furnished veterans shall assessing renew agreement agreement health_care provider provide veterans nursing home care


Summary:
Rural Veterans Improvement Act of 2015

 The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall provide mental health care to a veteran who:

 has a mental health issue resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other health condition incurred or aggravated on active duty; and lives in a rural or highly rural area. Such care may be provided by contracting with or providing payments to mental health care providers that are not VA-affiliated.

 Care shall be provided if:

 a VA-affiliated mental health care provider is not available at the nearest VA medical facility and in-person and telehealth VA mental health care services are not available, or travel to a regional VA medical center is impractical or severely detrimental to the veteran's health; and a VA-affiliated mental health care provider has recommended a complementary and alternative therapy to a veteran who is a member of an Indian tribe or a Native Hawaiian who requests a healing method that is part of his or her cultural tradition. The VA may:

 award grants to state veterans agencies, veterans service organizations, and tribal organizations to provide transportation to and from medical centers to veterans in rural and highly rural areas who would otherwise be eligible for payment of travel expenses by the VA; and carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility of providing a housing allowance to health care providers who become VA employees and accept assignment at rural or highly rural community-based outpatient clinics. The VA shall establish a program to train health care professionals for assignment at community-based outpatient clinics that predominantly serve veterans who live in rural and highly rural areas.

The VA and the Department of Defense shall jointly establish a program to encourage members of the Armed Forces with a health care-related military occupational specialty to seek post-service employment with the Veterans Health Administration.

 The VA shall:

 periodically assess rural community-based outpatient clinics to determine whether their expansion and improvement are feasible or advisable, and report on the feasibility of establishing a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site in each area in which the nearest such center or site is more than 300 miles away.

rural veterans improvement act department_of_veterans_affairs shall provide mental health_care veteran mental health issue resulting post traumatic stress disorder traumatic brain injury health condition incurred aggravated active duty lives rural highly rural area care provided contracting providing payments mental health_care providers affiliated care shall provided affiliated mental health_care provider available nearest medical facility person telehealth mental health_care services available travel regional medical center severely detrimental veteran health affiliated mental health_care provider recommended complementary alternative therapy veteran member indian tribe native hawaiian requests healing method cultural award grants state veterans agencies veterans service organizations tribal organizations provide transportation medical centers veterans rural highly rural areas eligible payment travel expenses carry pilot program assess feasibility providing housing allowance health_care providers employees accept assignment rural highly rural community based outpatient clinics shall establish program train health_care professionals assignment community based outpatient clinics predominantly serve veterans live rural highly rural areas department_of_defense shall jointly establish program encourage members armed_forces health_care related military occupational specialty seek post service employment veterans_health_administration shall periodically assess rural community based outpatient clinics determine expansion improvement feasible advisable report feasibility establishing polytrauma rehabilitation center polytrauma network site area nearest center site miles away


Summary:
Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends titles XI (General Provisions) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish: (1) a telehealth service model, and (2) Medicare payment rules with respect to certain services tested under the model.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall test Medicare coverage of expanded telehealth services, as defined by the bill, in conjunction with existing models that test the use of accountable care organizations, bundled payments, and other coordinated care models under Medicare. CMS must: (1) establish a methodology for determining the amounts of payment for such services, and (2) provide for evaluations of the service model by an independent entity.

CMS shall expand the application of a service tested under the model if: (1) the required evaluation demonstrates that the service either reduced Medicare spending without reducing the quality of care or improved the quality of care without increasing spending, and (2) the Chief Actuary of CMS certifies that such expansion would reduce net program spending. A service that meets these requirements is defined by the bill as a "certified enhanced telehealth service."

Medicare payment for a certified enhanced telehealth service shall equal 80% of the lesser of: (1) the actual charge for the service, or (2) the amount determined using the payment methodology established under the test model.

CMS shall pay for such services without regard to a Medicare beneficiary's location or area of residence.

telehealth innovation improvement act bill amends titles general_provisions xviii medicare social_security_act establish telehealth service model medicare payment rules respect certain services tested model centers medicare medicaid_services cms shall test medicare coverage expanded telehealth services defined bill conjunction existing models test use accountable care organizations bundled payments coordinated care models medicare cms establish methodology determining amounts payment services provide evaluations service model independent entity cms shall expand application service tested model required evaluation demonstrates service reduced medicare spending reducing quality care improved quality care increasing spending chief actuary cms certifies expansion reduce net program spending service meets requirements defined bill certified enhanced telehealth service medicare payment certified enhanced telehealth service shall equal lesser actual charge service determined payment methodology established test model cms shall pay services regard medicare beneficiary location area residence


Summary:
Medicaid and Chip Quality Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends titles XI (General Provisions) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to expand reporting requirements with respect to the quality of care provided under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Current law requires a state that contracts with a Medicaid managed organization to develop and implement a quality assessment and improvement strategy. The bill extends this requirement to state contracts with providers of comparable primary care case management services and other health care services under Medicaid.

With respect to adults eligible for Medicaid and children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, a state must report annually on quality measures identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Such reporting shall be stratified by service delivery system.

CMS shall establish a Medicaid Quality Performance Bonus fund to award states for high attainment and improvement on a core set of quality measures. A state must designate at least 75% of any bonus funds for the development and operation of quality-related initiatives that will directly benefit providers or managed care entities participating in, or under a waiver of, the state plan for medical assistance. A state may use the remainder of such funds for activities related to the goals and purposes of the state plan.

medicaid chip quality improvement act bill amends titles general_provisions xix medicaid social_security_act expand reporting requirements respect quality care provided medicaid children health insurance program chip current law requires state contracts medicaid managed organization develop implement quality assessment improvement strategy bill extends requirement state contracts providers comparable primary care case management services health_care services medicaid respect adults eligible medicaid children enrolled medicaid chip state report annually quality measures identified centers medicare medicaid_services cms reporting shall service delivery system cms shall establish medicaid quality performance bonus fund award states high attainment improvement core set quality measures state designate bonus funds development operation quality related initiatives directly benefit providers managed care entities participating waiver state plan medical assistance state use remainder funds activities related goals purposes state plan


Summary:
Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act or the CONNECT for Health Act

This bill amends titles XI (General Provisions) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand and modify the use of telehealth and remote patient monitoring services under Medicare.

The bill establishes a telehealth and remote patient monitoring services "bridge" demonstration waiver program, through which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall waive certain limitations as a condition of Medicare payment to eligible providers of telehealth services.

CMS shall also waive such limitations as a condition of Medicare payment for telehealth services with respect to providers participating in qualifying alternative payment models.

With regard to individuals with certain chronic conditions, telehealth services shall be covered under Medicare as medical and other health services, rural health clinic services, or federally qualified health center (FQHC) services, as the case may be.

A Medicare beneficiary determined to have end stage renal disease (ESRD) and receiving home dialysis may elect to receive certain required monthly ESRD-related visits via telehealth if the beneficiary receives an in-person examination at least once every three months.

For purposes of Medicare payment for telehealth services: (1) a rural health clinic or FQHC may serve as a distant site whose clinician furnishes such services, and (2) certain requirements for originating sites shall not apply with respect to specified stroke-related services or to specified Native American health service facilities.

A Medicare Advantage (MA) plan may use telehealth services to provide benefits under the original Medicare fee-for-service program option. Specified limitations are waived with regard to such services furnished under an MA plan.

creating opportunities necessary effective care technologies connect health act connect health act bill amends titles general_provisions xviii medicare social_security_act expand modify use telehealth remote patient monitoring services medicare bill establishes telehealth remote patient monitoring services bridge demonstration waiver program centers medicare medicaid_services cms shall waive certain limitations condition medicare payment eligible providers telehealth services cms shall waive limitations condition medicare payment telehealth services respect providers participating qualifying alternative payment models regard individuals certain chronic conditions telehealth services shall covered medicare medical health services rural health clinic services federally qualified health center fqhc services case medicare beneficiary determined end stage renal disease esrd receiving home dialysis elect receive certain required monthly esrd related visits telehealth beneficiary receives person examination months purposes medicare payment telehealth services rural health clinic fqhc serve distant site furnishes services certain requirements originating sites shall apply respect specified stroke related services specified native american health service facilities medicare_advantage plan use telehealth services provide benefits original medicare fee service program option specified limitations waived regard services furnished plan


Summary:
Medicare Program Linking Uncoordinated Services (PLUS) Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a pilot program to demonstrate improvements in patient care and cost savings for the highest-cost Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries through enrollment of such beneficiaries with participating organizations. The program shall be designed to provide comprehensive and integrated care management and services through a network of health care providers to meet the specialized needs of such beneficiaries. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must design the program in such a manner as to preserve the operation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

A participating organization must meet the same requirements that apply to a Medicare Advantage (MA) organization. CMS must develop quality performance standards and, using an integrated care model, care management requirements for participating organizations.

For each individual enrolled under the program, CMS shall make a monthly capitated payment to the participating organization as would be made for an individual enrolled in an MA plan (excluding MA prescription drug plans), except that the amount of payment shall: (1) equal 98% of the projected cost under the Medicare FFS program for the highest-cost Medicare FFS beneficiaries; and (2) be adjusted to account for differences in costs among different geographic areas and among high-cost Medicare FFS beneficiaries, including outlier costs.

CMS must report to Congress on the performance of the program within two years of initial enrollment.

medicare program linking services plus act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act establish pilot program demonstrate improvements patient care cost savings highest cost medicare fee service ffs beneficiaries enrollment beneficiaries participating organizations program shall designed provide comprehensive integrated care management services network health_care providers meet specialized needs beneficiaries centers medicare medicaid_services cms design program manner preserve operation medicare_prescription_drug benefit participating organization meet requirements apply medicare_advantage organization cms develop quality performance standards integrated care model care management requirements participating organizations individual enrolled program cms shall monthly capitated payment participating organization individual enrolled plan excluding prescription drug plans payment shall equal projected cost medicare ffs program highest cost medicare ffs beneficiaries adjusted account differences costs different geographic areas high cost medicare ffs beneficiaries including outlier costs cms report congress performance program years initial enrollment


Summary:
Improving Health Information Technology Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a goal, develop a strategy, and make recommendations to reduce regulatory or administrative burdens relating to the use of electronic health records (EHR).

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to encourage, keep, or recognize the certification of health information technology (IT) for use in medical specialties. HHS must adopt certification criteria to support health IT for pediatrics.

HHS must publish attestation statistics for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Meaningful Use Incentive programs. (Health care providers in these programs must attest to meaningful use of EHR to avoid a penalty.)

(Sec. 3) The ONC may publish information demonstrating how health IT meets certification criteria or other requirements. Certification criteria must include meeting security requirements, incorporating user-centered design, and achieving interoperability. For health IT to be certified, the developer must: (1) not engage in information blocking, which is preventing, discouraging, or interfering with the access, exchange, or use of information; (2) permit unimpeded communication among health IT users and with certification bodies, the ONC, and others; (3) allow information from the health IT to be exchanged, accessed, and used; and (4) report on HHS criteria regarding the features and functionality of the health IT.

HHS must develop a rating system for health IT. Health IT with a low rating must be improved by the developer or decertified. A provider whose adopted health IT is decertified is exempted from penalties under the Medicare EHR Meaningful Use Incentive program.

(Sec. 4) Developers of health IT and providers may be penalized for engaging in information blocking.

The ONC must issue guidance on the secure exchange of electronic health information.

(Sec. 5) The ONC must convene stakeholders to develop a framework and agreement for the secure exchange of health information between networks and provide for testing of the framework and agreement. The ONC must publish a list of networks that have adopted the agreement.

HHS must establish an index of digital contact information for health professionals, health facilities, and others to encourage the exchange of health information.

In adopting standards for exchange of electronic health information, HHS must give deference to standards published by certain standards bodies.

(Sec. 6) To be certified, health IT must be capable of transmitting to and receiving from data registries certified by the ONC.

HHS must report on best practices and current trends provided by patient safety organizations to improve the integration of health IT into clinical practice.

(Sec. 7) The ONC, in coordination with the HHS Office for Civil Rights, must: (1) encourage partnerships between health information exchanges and others to offer patients access to their electronic health information, (2) educate providers on health information exchanges, (3) issue guidance to health information exchanges on best practices, and (4) ensure patient access to health information in a convenient form.

HHS, in consultation with the ONC, must promote policies to facilitate patient communication with providers.

The HHS Office for Civil Rights must assist individuals and health care providers in understanding a patient's rights to access and protect their personal health information.

The ONC must direct health IT certification programs to require health IT to support usability features.

(Sec. 8) The Government Accountability Office must review the policies and activities of the ONC and stakeholders to ensure correct matching of a patient to electronic health information.

improving health information technology act sec bill amends health information technology economic clinical health act require department_of_health_and_human_services hhs establish goal develop strategy recommendations reduce regulatory administrative burdens relating use electronic health records ehr bill amends public_health_service_act require office national coordinator health information technology encourage recognize certification health information technology use medical specialties hhs adopt certification criteria support health pediatrics hhs publish attestation statistics medicare medicaid ehr meaningful use incentive programs health_care providers programs attest meaningful use ehr avoid penalty sec publish information demonstrating health meets certification criteria requirements certification criteria include meeting security requirements incorporating user centered design achieving interoperability health certified developer engage information blocking preventing discouraging interfering access exchange use information permit unimpeded communication health users certification bodies allow information health exchanged accessed report hhs criteria features functionality health hhs develop rating system health health low rating improved developer provider adopted health exempted penalties medicare ehr meaningful use incentive program sec developers health providers penalized engaging information blocking issue guidance secure exchange electronic health information sec convene stakeholders develop framework agreement secure exchange health information networks provide testing framework agreement publish list networks adopted agreement hhs establish index digital contact information health professionals health facilities encourage exchange health information adopting standards exchange electronic health information hhs deference standards published certain standards bodies sec certified health capable transmitting receiving data registries certified hhs report best practices current trends provided patient safety organizations improve integration health clinical practice sec coordination hhs office civil rights encourage partnerships health information exchanges offer patients access electronic health information educate providers health information exchanges issue guidance health information exchanges best practices ensure patient access health information convenient form hhs consultation promote policies facilitate patient communication providers hhs office civil rights assist individuals health_care providers understanding patient rights access protect personal health information direct health certification programs require health support features sec government_accountability_office review policies activities stakeholders ensure correct matching patient electronic health information


Summary:
Recovering Erroneous Credits from Outlaws and Unlawful Persons Act of 2016 or the RECOUP Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the full recapture of advance payments of refundable tax credits for health coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, if the payments were made to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States or are incarcerated. The bill also specifies that the premiums of certain incarcerated individuals for whom a taxpayer is allowed a deduction for a personal exemption (including the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or dependents) must be excluded from calculations of premium assistance credit amounts.

recovering erroneous credits unlawful persons act recoup act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide recapture advance payments refundable tax credits health coverage patient_protection affordable care act payments individuals lawfully present united_states incarcerated bill specifies premiums certain incarcerated individuals taxpayer allowed deduction personal exemption including taxpayer taxpayer spouse dependents excluded calculations premium assistance credit amounts


Summary:
Health Savings Account Expansion Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the requirements for health savings accounts (HSAs). The bill modifies the requirements to:

 increase the maximum contribution amounts, permit the use of HSAs to pay health insurance premiums and direct primary care expenses, repeal the restriction on using HSAs for over-the-counter medications, eliminate the requirement that a participant in an HSA be enrolled in a high deductible health care plan, and decrease the additional tax for HSA distributions not used for qualified medical expenses.

health savings account expansion act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code modify requirements health savings_accounts hsas bill modifies requirements increase maximum contribution amounts permit use hsas pay health insurance premiums direct primary care expenses repeal restriction hsas counter medications eliminate requirement participant hsa enrolled high deductible health_care plan decrease additional tax hsa distributions qualified medical expenses


Summary:
Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2016

This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify provisions related to coverage and payment for certain breakthrough medical devices under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Specifically, with respect to such devices, the bill: (1) provides for transitional coverage; (2) establishes accelerated processes for determining regular coverage and payment; and (3) modifies provisions related to specified payment adjustments, cost thresholds, and classification.

ensuring patient access critical breakthrough products act bill amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act modify provisions related coverage payment certain breakthrough medical devices medicare medicaid programs specifically respect devices bill provides transitional coverage establishes accelerated processes determining regular coverage payment modifies provisions related specified payment adjustments cost thresholds classification


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and administer a dental insurance plan for veterans enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment under federal veterans' benefits provisions and for veterans' survivors and dependents who are eligible for medical care under such provisions. The VA shall contract with a dental insurer to administer the plan. Benefits shall include diagnostic services, preventative services, endodontics and other restorative services, surgical services, and emergency services.

Enrollment shall be voluntary. The VA shall: (1) prescribe the minimum enrollment period, and (2) prescribe and annually adjust the premiums necessary to cover costs associated with carrying out the plan. Each individual covered by the plan shall pay the entire premium and the full cost of any copayments.

The VA shall permit voluntary disenrollment within 30 days after initial enrollment and under other specified circumstances the VA shall prescribe to the extent that such disenrollment does not jeopardize the fiscal integrity of the plan.

This bill's provisions terminate on December 31, 2021.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate passed version repeated department_of_veterans_affairs dental insurance reauthorization act sec bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs establish administer dental insurance plan veterans enrolled system annual patient enrollment federal veterans benefits provisions veterans survivors dependents eligible medical care provisions shall contract dental insurer administer plan benefits shall include diagnostic services preventative services restorative services surgical services emergency services enrollment shall voluntary shall prescribe minimum enrollment period prescribe annually adjust premiums necessary cover costs associated carrying plan individual covered plan shall pay entire premium cost copayments shall permit voluntary disenrollment days initial enrollment specified circumstances shall prescribe extent disenrollment jeopardize fiscal integrity plan bill provisions terminate december


Summary:
Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and other laws to exempt qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) from certain requirements that apply to group health plans.

A qualified small employer HRA is offered by employers that have fewer than 50 full-time employees and do not offer group health plans to any of their employees. A qualified small employer HRA must:

 be provided on the same terms to all eligible employees of the employer; be funded solely by the employer without salary reduction contributions; provide, after an employee provides proof of coverage, for the payment or reimbursement of medical expenses of the employee and family members; and limit annual payments and reimbursements to specified dollar amounts. HRAs that meet these requirements are not considered group health plans and are exempt from various requirements that apply to group health plans, including coverage and cost-sharing requirements. (Under current law, employers that sponsor group health plans that do not meet specified requirements are subject to an excise tax.)

Coverage and payments under a qualified HRA are excluded from gross income, unless the employee does not have minimum essential coverage for the month in which the medical care was provided.

Employers offering a qualified HRA must notify employees in advance regarding permitted benefits and report benefit information on W-2 forms and to health exchanges.

The bill sets forth requirements for determining whether an employee covered under an HRA is also eligible for premium subsidies under PPACA.

small business health_care relief_act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code patient_protection affordable care act ppaca laws exempt qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements certain requirements apply group health plans qualified small employer offered employers fewer time employees offer group health plans employees qualified small employer provided terms eligible employees employer funded solely employer salary reduction contributions provide employee provides proof coverage payment reimbursement medical expenses employee family members limit annual payments reimbursements specified dollar amounts meet requirements considered group health plans exempt requirements apply group health plans including coverage cost sharing requirements current law employers sponsor group health plans meet specified requirements subject excise tax coverage payments qualified excluded gross income employee minimum essential coverage month medical care provided employers offering qualified notify employees advance permitted benefits report benefit information w-2 forms health exchanges bill sets forth requirements determining employee covered eligible premium subsidies ppaca


Summary:
Seniors Tax Hike Prevention Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to extend, through 2018, the rule that permits individuals who are 65 and older to deduct certain medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income. (Under current law, the rule that reduces the 10% threshold for the medical expense deduction to 7.5% if a taxpayer or a taxpayer's spouse is 65 or older expires at the end of 2016.)

The bill also expresses the sense of the Senate that the reduction in revenues resulting from this bill should be offset by an appropriate amendment to the IRC.

seniors tax prevention act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code irc extend rule permits individuals older deduct certain medical expenses exceed adjusted gross income current law rule reduces threshold medical expense deduction taxpayer taxpayer spouse older expires end bill expresses sense senate reduction revenues resulting bill offset appropriate amendment irc


Summary:
Connecting Rural Americans to Care Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to publish an interim final rule to revise certain Medicaid transportation regulations to allow states to reimburse drivers for costs attributable to providing no-load volunteer travel services to Medicaid-eligible individuals who require transportation to receive non-emergency medical treatment.

The Department of Transportation may prioritize and carry out projects within the Rural Transportation Assistance Program to increase access to health care services in rural areas.

The bill establishes the Interagency Task Force on Rural Health Information Technology to coordinate delivery of financial and technical assistance to rural providers and provide leadership and recommendations on best practices to increase internet access in rural areas.

The bill also requires the Federal Communications Commission to simplify the process for submitting a request for services under the Healthcare Connect Fund, which expands access to broadband services for health care providers in rural areas.

connecting rural americans care act bill directs_the_department_of_health_and_human_services publish interim final rule revise certain medicaid transportation regulations allow states reimburse drivers costs attributable providing load volunteer travel services medicaid eligible individuals require transportation receive non emergency medical treatment department_of_transportation prioritize carry projects rural transportation assistance program increase access health_care services rural areas bill establishes interagency_task_force rural health information technology coordinate delivery financial technical assistance rural providers provide leadership recommendations best practices increase internet access rural areas bill requires federal_communications_commission simplify process submitting request services healthcare connect fund expands access broadband services health_care providers rural areas


Summary:
Rural Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to:

 establish certain health care quality measures with respect to rural providers; include such measures within specified Medicare payment models;  revise certain requirements related to specified Medicare grants for rural emergency medical services and critical access hospitals; require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a hospital readmissions reduction program for rural hospitals, a model for incentivizing rural providers to submit data on applicable quality measures, and value-based payment models for services furnished by rural providers; and require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to allow rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to participate in the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus test model.

rural health_care quality improvement act bill amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act establish certain health_care quality measures respect rural providers include measures specified medicare payment models revise certain requirements related specified medicare grants rural emergency medical services critical access hospitals require center medicare medicaid_innovation test hospital reduction program rural hospitals model incentivizing rural providers submit data applicable quality measures value based payment models services furnished rural providers require centers medicare medicaid_services allow rural health clinics federally qualified health centers participate comprehensive primary care plus test model


Summary:
Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification Act of 2016 or the BENES Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to:

 establish requirements for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to notify individuals of their potential eligibility for Medicare; require the Internal Revenue Service to disclose to CMS specified taxpayer information for the purpose of establishing individuals' potential Medicare eligibility; restructure Medicare enrollment periods; and expand Medicare beneficiaries' rights to appeal certain enrollment errors.

beneficiary enrollment notification eligibility simplification act act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act internal_revenue_code establish requirements centers medicare medicaid_services cms notify individuals potential eligibility medicare require internal_revenue_service disclose cms specified taxpayer information purpose establishing individuals potential medicare eligibility restructure medicare enrollment periods expand medicare beneficiaries rights appeal certain enrollment errors


Summary:
Responsible Additions and Increases to Sustain Employee Health Benefits Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax exclusion for distributions from health flexible spending arrangements provided under a cafeteria plan, to: (1) increase the annual limit on employee salary reduction contributions to $5,000, with an additional $500 for each additional employee dependent above two dependents that has not been taken into account by another person for the year; (2) revise the adjustment for inflation after 2017; and (3) allow a carryforward into the next year for unused amounts in such plans.

responsible additions increases sustain employee health benefits act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code respect tax exclusion distributions health flexible spending arrangements provided cafeteria plan increase annual limit employee salary reduction contributions additional additional employee dependent dependents taken account person year revise adjustment inflation allow year unused amounts plans


Summary:
Relief from Obamacare Mandate Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to exempt individuals with certain premium increases from the requirement under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to maintain minimum essential health coverage.

The exemption applies to any individual for any month during a year that the individual resides in a state in which the average premium for self-only or family coverage under the second lowest cost silver plans within the state has increased by more than 10% from the prior year.

The bill also requires the cost of annual deductibles to be taken into account in applying the exemption for individuals who cannot afford coverage.

The bill repeals provisions added to the IRC by PPACA that: (1) restrict payments from health savings accounts (HSAs), Archer medical savings accounts (MSAs), and health flexible spending and reimbursement arrangements for medications to prescription drugs and insulin only (thus allowing payments for over-the-counter medications); (2) impose a $2,500 limitation on salary reduction contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan; and (3) impose an additional tax on HSA and Archer MSA distributions not used for qualified medical expenses.

relief obamacare mandate act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code irc exempt individuals certain premium increases requirement patient_protection affordable care act ppaca maintain minimum essential health coverage exemption applies individual month year individual resides state average premium self family coverage second lowest cost silver plans state increased prior year bill requires cost annual deductibles taken account applying exemption individuals afford coverage bill repeals provisions added irc ppaca restrict payments health savings_accounts hsas archer_medical_savings_accounts msas health flexible spending reimbursement arrangements medications prescription drugs insulin allowing payments counter medications impose limitation salary reduction contributions health flexible spending arrangement cafeteria plan impose additional tax hsa archer msa distributions qualified medical expenses


Summary:
Protection from ObamaCare Monopolies Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health coverage any individual residing in a county with fewer than two health insurance issuers offering qualified health plans on an exchange.

protection obamacare act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code exempt requirement maintain minimum essential health coverage individual residing county fewer health insurance issuers offering qualified health plans exchange


Summary:
Ensuring Health Care Opportunities Act

This bill waives certain health insurance benefit requirements in states with a county where only one health insurer offers individual coverage. In these states, health plans are not required to provide essential health benefits to be offered in the individual or small group market or through the health insurance exchange. (Plans offered in the individual market or through an exchange fulfill the requirement for individuals to maintain minimum essential coverage.)

ensuring health_care opportunities act bill waives certain health insurance benefit requirements states county health insurer offers individual coverage states health plans required provide essential health benefits offered individual small group market health insurance exchange plans offered individual market exchange fulfill requirement individuals maintain minimum essential coverage


Summary: This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to exempt from the requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage individuals who reside in areas where a health plan is not available through the health insurance exchange. Such individuals may remain enrolled in a short term health plan as long as a health plan is not available through the exchange.

bill amends patient_protection affordable care act exempt requirement maintain minimum essential coverage individuals reside areas health plan available health insurance exchange individuals remain enrolled short term health plan long health plan available exchange


Summary:
State Flexibility to Provide Affordable Health Options Act

This bill deems to be a qualified health plan for 2017 any state-authorized health insurance offered in the individual or small group market in certain states. (Qualified health plans purchased through a health insurance exchange are eligible for premium subsidies.) This applies in states that: (1) determine that temporary access to affordable private health insurance outside of a health insurance exchange is necessary to ensure access to an adequate number of affordable private health insurance options in the individual or small group market; and (2) notify the Department of Health and Human Services of that determination no later than November 1, 2016.

Residents of such a state are not subject to the requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage in 2017.

state flexibility provide affordable health options act bill deems qualified health plan state authorized health insurance offered individual small group market certain states qualified health plans purchased health insurance exchange eligible premium subsidies applies states determine temporary access affordable private health insurance outside health insurance exchange necessary ensure access adequate number affordable private health insurance options individual small group market notify department_of_health_and_human_services determination later november residents state subject requirement maintain minimum essential coverage


Summary:
Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act

 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to roll back the increased threshold for determining the amount of the tax deduction for medical expenses. Currently, individual taxpayers under age 65 may only deduct those medical expenses that exceed 10% of their adjusted gross income. This bill reduces that percentage to 7.5% for all taxpayers for tax years beginning after December 31, 2015.

The threshold percentage remains at 10% for purposes of computing the alternative minimum tax (AMT).

halt tax increases middle class seniors act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code roll increased threshold determining tax deduction medical expenses currently individual taxpayers age deduct medical expenses exceed adjusted gross income bill reduces percentage taxpayers tax years beginning december threshold percentage remains purposes computing alternative minimum tax amt


Summary:
Improving Veterans Care in the Community Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should remain the primary means by which eligible veterans access health care, and (2) the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) needs a simple tool by which it can send veterans into the community to receive health care when appropriate.

The bill establishes the Care in the Community Program to furnish specified hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans through certain individuals and entities, including through the use of contracts or agreements.

The VA shall: (1) administer the program through its Non-VA Care Coordination Program, and (2) establish an interdisciplinary panel to assist in developing a new clinical appeals process for resolving VA health care disputes.

The Government Accountability Office shall report on: (1) clinical operations of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), (2) the VA travel benefits program, (3) management of the VA's Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, and (4) payment by the VA for health care furnished to veterans through non-VA health care providers.

The bill repeals specified authorities for emergency treatment reimbursement and contracts for care in non-VA facilities.

The bill establishes in the VHA a Payment and Access Commission, which shall: (1) review and make recommendations to Congress regarding VHA policies and regulations affecting veterans health care access, including topics affected by the Care in the Community Program; and (2) create an early-warning system to identify provider shortage areas.

improving veterans care community act bill expresses sense congress department_of_veterans_affairs remain primary means eligible veterans access health_care veterans_health_administration vha needs simple tool send veterans community receive health_care appropriate bill establishes care community program furnish specified hospital care medical services eligible veterans certain individuals entities including use contracts agreements shall administer program non-va care coordination program establish interdisciplinary panel assist developing new clinical appeals process resolving health_care disputes government_accountability_office shall report clinical operations veterans_health_administration vha travel benefits program management office congressional legislative affairs payment health_care furnished veterans non-va health_care providers bill repeals specified authorities emergency treatment reimbursement contracts care non-va facilities bill establishes vha payment access commission shall review recommendations congress vha policies regulations affecting veterans health_care access including topics affected care community program create early warning system identify provider shortage areas


Summary:
Student Worker Exemption Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude students who are employed by an institution of higher education (IHE) and carrying a full-time academic workload at the IHE from being counted as full-time employees in calculating the IHE's shared responsibility regarding health care coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

student worker exemption act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code exclude students employed institution higher education ihe carrying time academic workload ihe counted time employees calculating ihe shared responsibility health_care coverage patient_protection affordable care act


Summary:
HHS Slush Fund Elimination Act

This bill prohibits federal funds, including funds appropriated from the Judgment Fund, from being used to pay any final judgment, award, or compromise settlement relating to the transitional reinsurance program or the risk corridor program established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

(The Judgment Fund is a permanent and indefinite appropriation to pay judgments against the United States, including awards, compromise settlements, and related interest and costs. Under the risk corridor program, qualified health plans offered in the individual or small group markets participate in a payment adjustment system based on the ratio of the allowable costs of the plan to the plan's aggregate premiums. Under the transitional reinsurance program, health insurance issuers and certain group health plans make contributions to the program, and reinsurance payments are made to issuers for enrollees in certain individual market plans with claim costs within a specified level.)

The bill includes an exception that requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to pay any final judgment, award, or compromise settlement relating to the two programs from funds appropriated to HHS under provisions of the risk corridor program that require certain health plans with lower costs to make payments to HHS.

hhs fund elimination act bill prohibits federal funds including funds appropriated judgment fund pay final judgment award compromise settlement relating transitional reinsurance program risk corridor program established patient_protection affordable care act judgment fund permanent indefinite appropriation pay judgments united_states including awards compromise settlements related interest costs risk corridor program qualified health plans offered individual small group markets participate payment adjustment system based ratio allowable costs plan plan aggregate premiums transitional reinsurance program health insurance issuers certain group health plans contributions program reinsurance payments issuers enrollees certain individual market plans claim costs specified level bill includes exception requires department_of_health_and_human_services hhs pay final judgment award compromise settlement relating programs funds appropriated hhs provisions risk corridor program require certain health plans lower costs payments hhs


Summary:
Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to:

 extend the Independence at Home demonstration program; modify provisions regarding access to home dialysis therapy under Medicare and special needs plans under Medicare Advantage (MA); expand testing of the MA Value-Based Insurance Design test model; allow an MA plan to provide additional telehealth benefits to enrollees and, to chronically ill enrollees, certain supplemental health care benefits; modify other provisions regarding the use of telehealth services; allow prospective, voluntary assignment of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs); and allow ACOs to operate beneficiary incentive programs.

creating high quality results outcomes necessary improve chronic chronic care act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act extend independence home demonstration program modify provisions access home dialysis therapy medicare special needs plans medicare_advantage expand testing value based insurance design test model allow plan provide additional telehealth benefits enrollees chronically ill enrollees certain supplemental health_care benefits modify provisions use telehealth services allow prospective voluntary assignment medicare fee service beneficiaries accountable care organizations allow operate beneficiary incentive programs


Summary: Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to obligate for each fiscal year certain hazardous materials transportation funds to develop and administer a hazardous materials cooperative research program. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent governing board to select cooperative research projects and studies of hazardous materials transportation to be carried out under the program that will yield results immediately applicable to risk analysis and mitigation or that will strengthen the ability of first responders to respond to accidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials.

hazardous materials cooperative research_act authorizes secretary transportation obligate fiscal year certain hazardous materials transportation funds develop administer hazardous materials cooperative research program directs secretary establish independent governing_board select cooperative research projects studies hazardous materials transportation carried program yield results immediately applicable risk analysis mitigation strengthen ability responders respond accidents involving transportation hazardous materials


Summary: Toxic Right-to-Know Protection Act - Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 to repeal provisions authorizing the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modify the frequency of submitting toxic chemical release forms. Requires the Administrator to establish the eligibility threshold regarding the use of a form A certification statement under the toxic release inventory program at not greater than 500 pounds for nonpersistent bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals. Prohibits the use of such form with respect to any chemical of special concern identified by the Administrator.

toxic right know protection act_-_amends emergency planning community right know act repeal provisions authorizing administrator environmental_protection_agency epa modify frequency submitting toxic chemical release forms requires administrator establish eligibility threshold use form certification statement toxic release inventory program greater pounds bioaccumulative toxic chemicals prohibits use form respect chemical special concern identified administrator


Summary: Agricultural Protection and Prosperity Act of 2007 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to: (1) include the definition of "manure"; and (2) exclude manure from the meaning of "hazardous substance" or "pollutant or contaminant" under that Act. Provides that such exclusion shall not: (1) impose liability under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to manure; (2) affect any provision of the Air Quality Agreement entered into between the Administrator and operators of animal feeding operations; or (3) affect the applicability of any other environmental law as it relates to the definition of manure or the responsibilities or liabilities of any person regarding the treatment, storage, or disposal of manure. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to exempt releases associated with manure (as defined under CERCLA) from the emergency notification requirements under that Act.

agricultural protection prosperity act amends comprehensive environmental response compensation liability act cercla include definition manure exclude manure meaning hazardous substance pollutant contaminant act provides exclusion shall impose liability emergency planning community right know act respect manure affect provision air quality agreement entered administrator operators animal feeding operations affect applicability environmental law relates definition manure responsibilities liabilities person treatment storage disposal manure amends amendments reauthorization act exempt releases associated manure defined cercla emergency notification requirements act


Summary: Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Program Establishment Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a national-scale mercury monitoring program. Requires such program to monitor: (1) long-term changes in mercury levels in the air and watersheds; (2) mercury levels in water and soil chemistry; and (3) mercury levels in plants and animals. Establishes the Scientific Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator on the establishment, site selection, and operation of the program.

comprehensive national mercury monitoring program establishment act_-_directs administrator environmental_protection_agency establish national scale mercury monitoring program requires program monitor long term changes mercury levels air watersheds mercury levels water soil chemistry mercury levels plants animals establishes scientific advisory_committee advise administrator establishment site selection operation program


Summary: Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit any federal agency from conveying, selling, or distributing elemental mercury to any other federal, state, or local agency or any private individual or entity. Exempts transfers between federal agencies for the sole purpose of facilitating storage of mercury to carry out this Act.(Sec. 4) Prohibits the export of elemental mercury from the United States effective January 1, 2010.Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report to Congress on mercuric chloride, mercurous chloride or calomel, mercuric oxide, and other mercury compounds used in significant quantities in products or processes. Requires such report to include an analysis of: (1) the sources and amounts of such compounds imported into, or manufactured in, the United States; (2) the purposes for which each of the compounds is used domestically, the amounts consumed annually for each purpose, and the amounts estimated to be consumed in 2010 and beyond; (3) the sources and amounts of each compound exported annually in the last three years; (4) the potential for the compounds to be processed into elemental mercury after export; and (5) other information relevant in determining whether to extend the export prohibition to include mercury compounds.Authorizes any U.S. resident to petition the Administrator for an exemption from the export prohibition. Authorizes the Administrator to grant an exemption for a specified use at an identified foreign facility if: (1) nonmercury alternatives for the specified use are not available in the country where the facility is located; (2) there is no other source of elemental mercury available from domestic supplies (not including new mercury mines) in the country where the mercury will be used; (3) the country where the mercury will be used certifies its support for the exemption; (4) the export will be conducted in a manner that ensures the mercury will be used at the facility described and will not be diverted for other uses for any reason; (5) the mercury will be used in a manner that will protect human health and the environment; and (6) the export for the specified use is consistent with international obligations of the United States intended to reduce global mercury supply, use, and pollution.Authorizes the Administrator to suspend or cancel an exemption for specified violations or the submission of false information. Subjects violators to penalties, injunctive relief, and citizen suits. Declares that nothing in this Act: (1) affects, replaces, or amends prior law relating to the need for consistency with international trade obligations; or (2) prohibits the export of coal.(Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) accept, and collect a fee for management and storage of, elemental mercury generated within the United States and delivered to a Department of Energy (DOE) facility; and (2) report annually to specified congressional committees on the costs of such long-term management and storage.Requires the Secretary to establish procedures and standards for the receipt, management, and long-term storage of elemental mercury at designated facilities that are protective of human health and the environmental and that ensure that the elementary mercury is stored in a safe, secure, and effective manner. Subjects such stored mercury to the requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA). Sets forth provisions concerning permit applications under SWDA.Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct training for elemental mercury management, transfer, storage, monitoring or response; (2) ensure that each designated facility has all equipment necessary for routine operations, emergencies, monitoring, checking inventory, loading, and storing mercury; and (3) ensure the installation of specified fire detection systems.Provides for indemnification of persons delivering elemental mercury.Declares that elemental mercury that the Secretary is storing on a long-term basis is not subject to a specified SWDA storage prohibition. Deems a generator accumulating elemental mercury destined for a facility for 90 days or less to be accumulating the mercury to facilitate proper treatment, recovery, or disposal for purposes of SWDA standards applicable to owners and operators of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.Exempts elemental mercury that is stored at a facility with an SWDA hazardous waste permit from the SWDA prohibition of hazardous waste storage if: (1) the Secretary is unable to accept the mercury at a designated facility for reasons beyond the control of the owner or operator of the permitted facility; and (2) such owner/operator certifies that the owner/operator will ship the mercury to the designated facility when the Secretary is able to accept it and will not sell it or otherwise place it into commerce.Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on a study that: (1) determines the impact of the long-term storage program on mercury recycling; and (2) includes proposals to mitigate any negative impact.Requires the Administrator, at least three years after the effective date of the export prohibition, to report to specified congressional committees on the global supply and trade of elemental mercury.

mercury export ban act sec amends toxic_substances_control_act prohibit federal agency conveying selling distributing elemental mercury federal state local agency private individual entity exempts transfers federal agencies sole purpose facilitating storage mercury carry prohibits export elemental mercury united_states effective january administrator environmental_protection_agency epa report congress chloride chloride oxide mercury compounds significant quantities products processes requires report include analysis sources amounts compounds imported manufactured united_states purposes compounds domestically amounts consumed annually purpose amounts estimated consumed sources amounts compound exported annually years potential compounds processed elemental mercury export information relevant determining extend export prohibition include mercury compounds authorizes resident petition administrator exemption export prohibition authorizes administrator grant exemption specified use identified foreign facility alternatives specified use available country facility located source elemental mercury available domestic supplies including new mercury mines country mercury country mercury certifies support exemption export conducted manner ensures mercury facility described diverted uses reason mercury manner protect human health environment export specified use consistent international obligations united_states intended reduce global mercury supply use pollution authorizes administrator suspend cancel exemption specified violations submission false information subjects violators penalties injunctive relief citizen suits declares act affects replaces amends prior law relating need consistency international_trade obligations prohibits export requires secretary energy accept collect fee management storage elemental mercury generated united_states delivered department_of_energy doe facility report annually specified congressional committees costs long term management storage requires secretary establish procedures standards receipt management long term storage elemental mercury designated facilities protective human health environmental ensure elementary mercury stored safe secure effective manner subjects stored mercury requirements solid_waste disposal act sets forth provisions concerning permit applications secretary conduct training elemental mercury management transfer storage monitoring response ensure designated facility equipment necessary routine operations emergencies monitoring checking inventory loading storing mercury ensure installation specified fire detection systems provides indemnification persons delivering elemental mercury declares elemental mercury secretary storing long term basis subject specified storage prohibition deems generator elemental mercury destined facility days mercury facilitate proper treatment recovery disposal purposes standards applicable owners operators hazardous waste treatment storage disposal facilities exempts elemental mercury stored facility hazardous waste permit prohibition hazardous waste storage secretary unable accept mercury designated facility reasons control owner operator permitted facility owner operator certifies owner operator ship mercury designated facility secretary able accept sell place commerce requires secretary report congress study determines impact long term storage program mercury recycling includes proposals mitigate negative impact requires administrator years effective date export prohibition report specified congressional committees global supply trade elemental mercury


Summary: Superfund Equity and Megasite Remediation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reinstate the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate and the corporate environmental income tax, except in certain calendar quarters in which the unobligated balance in the Hazardous Substance Superfund exceeds $5.7 billion. Provides for a 50% increase in the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate and the corporate environmental income tax between 2008 and 2013 to fund response actions at Superfund sites estimated to cost more than $50 million (megasites) or which pose high health risks.Establishes the Megasites and High Risk Sites Cleanup Account in the Hazardous Substance Superfund. Transfers to such Account revenues resulting from the temporary 50% increase in the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate and the corporate environmental income tax.Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report to Congress annually on the progress of response actions funded by the Hazardous Substance Superfund.

equity remediation act amends_the_internal_revenue_code reinstate hazardous_substance_superfund financing rate corporate environmental income tax certain calendar quarters unobligated balance hazardous_substance_superfund exceeds billion provides increase hazardous_substance_superfund financing rate corporate environmental income tax fund response actions sites estimated cost million pose high health risks establishes high risk sites cleanup account hazardous_substance_superfund transfers account revenues resulting temporary increase hazardous_substance_superfund financing rate corporate environmental income tax requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa report congress annually progress response actions funded hazardous_substance_superfund


Summary: Community Environmental Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any entity that handles, manages, treats, releases, discharges, disposes, stores, transports, removes, moves, or delivers any covered substance from disproportionately exposing any person or community to such substance on the ground of race, color, national origin, or economic status. Defines "covered substance" to include: (1) any contaminant identified under the Safe Drinking Water Act; (2) any pesticide chemical under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (3) any chemical listed as a known or probable human carcinogen under the National Toxicology Program of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (4) any chemical substance or mixture regulated under the Toxic Substance Control Act; (5) any hazardous waste identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (6) any pesticide registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and (7) any air pollutant regulated under the Clean Air Act.Requires such an entity to: (1) work in partnership with state and local government officials and the federal government to comply with this Act; and (2) address actual or potential disproportionate exposure to covered substances prior to pursuing authorization or approval to work with such substances.Authorizes enforcement: (1) by denial or termination of authorization to work with covered substances; (2) by any other means authorized by law; and (3) for an entity receiving federal financial assistance, through specified compliance provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Health Impact Profile Program to make grants to community-based organizations and community health centers to assist in the planning and development of community health impact profiles.

community environmental equity act_-_amends public_health_service_act prohibit entity handles manages treats releases discharges disposes stores transports removes moves delivers covered substance disproportionately person community substance ground race color national origin economic status defines covered substance include contaminant identified safe_drinking_water_act pesticide chemical federal food drug cosmetic act chemical listed known probable human national toxicology program department_of_health_and_human_services hhs chemical substance mixture regulated toxic substance control act hazardous waste identified solid_waste disposal act pesticide registered federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act air pollutant regulated clean_air act requires entity work partnership state local government officials federal_government comply act address actual potential disproportionate exposure covered substances prior pursuing authorization approval work substances authorizes enforcement denial termination authorization work covered substances means authorized law entity receiving federal financial assistance specified compliance provisions civil rights act secretary health_and_human_services establish health impact profile program grants community based organizations community health centers assist planning development community health impact profiles


Summary: Nuclear Waste Storage Prohibition Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from using any funds made available for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership initiative for the transfer or storage of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste to any site that is not a site where facilities for reprocessing of that fuel or waste have been constructed or are under construction. Prohibits spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste from being retained for long-term storage at such a site where facilities for reprocessing of fuel or waste have been constructed or are under construction.

nuclear waste storage prohibition act prohibits secretary energy funds available global nuclear energy partnership initiative transfer storage spent nuclear fuel high level radioactive waste site site facilities reprocessing fuel waste constructed construction prohibits spent nuclear fuel high level radioactive waste retained long term storage site facilities reprocessing fuel waste constructed construction


Summary: West Valley Remediation Act of 2007 - Expresses the intent of Congress that the federal government should achieve complete remediation of all radioactive, solid, and hazardous waste contamination at the Western New York Nuclear Service Center in West Valley, New York.States that this Act: (1) establishes exclusive federal responsibility for the complete remediation of the Center; and (2) replaces and supersedes the West Valley Demonstration Project Act.Directs the Secretary of Energy to employ the best current technologies and develop new state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies to complete remediation of the Center, including: (1) decontamination and decommissioning; (2) transportation of high level radioactive waste to a federal repository for permanent disposal; and (3) disposal of low level radioactive and transuranic waste.Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to regulate the remediation of radioactive waste and nuclear materials at the Center according to prescribed guidelines. Directs the Secretary to: ( 1) prepare any environmental impact statement for decommissioning or long-term stewardship of the Center in cooperation with the NRC and federal and state agencies; (2) assume exclusive use and possession of the entire Center; (3) take title to land or facilities at the Center that have not been approved by the NRC for release for unrestricted use; and (4) take title to radioactive and nonradioactive wastes and materials located at the Center. Repeals the West Valley Demonstration Project Act upon assumption by the Secretary of exclusive use and possession of the entire Center.

west valley remediation act expresses intent congress federal_government achieve complete remediation radioactive solid hazardous waste contamination western new_york nuclear service center west valley new_york states act establishes exclusive federal responsibility complete remediation center replaces supersedes west valley demonstration project act directs secretary energy employ best current technologies develop new state art technologies methodologies complete remediation center including decontamination decommissioning transportation high level radioactive waste federal repository permanent disposal disposal low level radioactive waste directs nuclear_regulatory_commission nrc regulate remediation radioactive waste nuclear materials center according prescribed guidelines directs secretary prepare environmental impact statement decommissioning long term stewardship center cooperation nrc federal state agencies assume exclusive use possession entire center title land facilities center approved nrc release unrestricted use title radioactive wastes materials located center repeals west valley demonstration project act assumption secretary exclusive use possession entire center


Summary: Children's Mercury Exposure Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS): (1) acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to establish a program for research regarding the risks posed by exposure of children to mercury from contaminated industrial sites; and (2) acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to study and report on the prevalence of such exposure. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the CDC Director, to make grants on a competitive basis to state departments of health to conduct testing of exposed children.

children mercury exposure act requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs acting director national_institutes_of_health nih consultation administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish program research risks posed exposure children mercury contaminated industrial sites acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc study report prevalence exposure authorizes secretary acting cdc director grants competitive basis state departments health conduct testing exposed children


Summary: America's Brownfield Cleanup Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for 50% of expenditures for the abatement or control of any hazardous substance, the demolition of any structure, the removal and disposal of property, and the reconstruction of utilities at certain contaminated sites. Allows a tax exclusion for certain contributions made for the remediation of contaminated sites.

america brownfield cleanup act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow business tax credit expenditures abatement control hazardous substance demolition structure removal disposal property reconstruction utilities certain contaminated sites allows tax exclusion certain contributions remediation contaminated sites


Summary: School Environment Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory System to develop and update uniform standards and criteria for implementing integrated pest management systems in schools; (2) establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory Board; and (3) provide grants to local educational agencies to develop such systems. Prohibits: (1) the application of a pesticide when a school or school ground is occupied or in use; or (2) the use of an area or room treated by a pesticide, other than a least toxic pesticide, during the 24-hour period beginning at the end of the treatment. Requires each local educational agency or school to provide notice of the integrated pest management system of the school district at the beginning of each school year and to give prior notice of any use of a pesticide (other than a least toxic pesticide). Prescribes procedures to be followed if a pest cannot be controlled after having used an integrated pest management system and least toxic pesticides. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Establishes the Integrated Pest Management Trust Fund to carry out education, training, propagation, and development activities under school integrated pest management systems.Prohibits, any later than six years after this Act's enactment, the use of any pesticide other than a least toxic pesticide in schools unless the Administrator has met the requirements of this Act. Prohibits the Administrator from removing any pesticide that is included on the list of pesticides exempted from regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act or refusing to add a pesticide to such list solely on the grounds that the pesticide is claimed to be able to be used to control a public health pest.

school environment protection act amends federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish national school integrated pest management advisory system develop update uniform standards criteria implementing integrated pest management systems schools establish national school integrated pest management advisory_board provide grants local educational agencies develop systems prohibits application pesticide school school ground occupied use use area room treated pesticide toxic pesticide hour period beginning end treatment requires local educational agency school provide notice integrated pest management system school district beginning school year prior notice use pesticide toxic pesticide prescribes procedures followed pest controlled having integrated pest management system toxic pesticides prescribes civil penalties violations act establishes integrated pest management trust_fund carry education training propagation development activities school integrated pest management systems prohibits later years act enactment use pesticide toxic pesticide schools administrator met requirements act prohibits administrator removing pesticide included list pesticides exempted regulation federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act refusing add pesticide list solely grounds pesticide claimed able control public health pest


Summary: Prohibits the use, production, sale, importation, or exportation of atrazine (pesticide chemical 2-chloro-4-ethylamine-6-isopropylamin-1,3,5-triazine) or an atrazine product.

prohibits use production sale importation exportation pesticide chemical triazine product


Summary: Declares any water hose that contains more than 15 parts per billion lead to be a banned hazardous product within the meaning of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to revise such standard to a lower level it determines can be achieved, based on the best available scientific and technical information.

declares water contains parts billion lead banned hazardous product meaning consumer product safety act authorizes consumer_product_safety_commission cpsc revise standard lower level determines achieved based best available scientific technical information


Summary: Superfund Reinvestment Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating until January 1, 2018, the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate and the corporate environmental income tax.

reinvestment act amends_the_internal_revenue_code reinstating january hazardous_substance_superfund financing rate corporate environmental income tax


Summary: Superfund Polluter Pays Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by reinstating until January 1, 2016, the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate and the corporate environmental income tax.

polluter pays act amends_the_internal_revenue_code reinstating january hazardous_substance_superfund financing rate corporate environmental income tax


Summary: Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).

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


Summary: National Public Notification of Environmental Hazards Act of 2007 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the President to revise the national contingency plan to provide for improved public notification and community relations in the case of a response action.Requires the head of the lead agency for a response action to: (1) designate a spokesperson, who shall provide notice of the action, respond to inquiries, and provide information to the public; (2) issue a press release within a specified time frame; (3) ensure coordination of press releases and other statements; (4) establish a public information office at or near the response site; (5) establish at least one local information repository; (6) make the administrative record file available for public inspection; (7) provide a public comment period; (8) conduct public meetings; (9) establish a toll-free telephone number and a public Internet website; (10) ensure that each residence and business within a half-mile radius of the response site is visited by a lead agency representative; and (11) mail printed materials containing information about the removal action to such residences and businesses.Directs the head: (1) to take specified actions if the President determines, based on a site evaluation, that an action is appropriate and the head determines that a planning period of at least 180 days exists prior to initiation of on-site activities, including making the engineering evaluation and cost analysis available to the public; and (2) for actions lasting more than 120 days, to interview local officials, community residents, and specified others about their concerns, information needs, and how they would like to be involved and prepare a formal community relations plan.

national public notification environmental hazards act amends comprehensive environmental response compensation liability act require president revise national contingency plan provide improved public notification community relations case response action requires head lead agency response action designate shall provide notice action respond inquiries provide information public issue press release specified time frame ensure coordination press releases statements establish public information office near response site establish local information repository administrative record file available public inspection provide public comment period conduct public meetings establish toll free telephone number public internet website ensure residence business half mile radius response site lead agency representative mail printed materials containing information removal action residences businesses directs head specified actions president determines based site evaluation action appropriate head determines planning period days exists prior initiation site activities including making engineering evaluation cost analysis available public actions lasting days interview local officials community residents specified concerns information needs like involved prepare formal community relations plan


Summary: Compound 1080 and M-44 Elimination Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture, processing, possession, or distribution in commerce of sodium fluoroacetate (known as Compound 1080 or sodium monofluoroacetate). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) conduct an inventory to identify stocks of Compound 1080 under federal control; (2) provide for the collection and destruction of all remaining stocks of Compound 1080 and the compensation of persons (other than federal entities) who transfer stocks of Compound 1080 to the Secretary; and (3) disseminate information to the public about the ban on Compound 1080 and the collection and compensation program under this Act. Prohibits any federal entity from using M-44. Defines "M-44" as sodium cyanide packaged in a dispenser designed to propel it when activated and any other form of sodium cyanide used for wildlife management or other animal control purposes.

compound elimination act_-_amends toxic_substances_control_act prohibit manufacture processing possession distribution commerce sodium known compound sodium directs secretary agriculture conduct inventory identify stocks compound federal control provide collection destruction remaining stocks compound compensation persons federal entities transfer stocks compound secretary disseminate information public ban compound collection compensation program act prohibits federal entity defines sodium packaged dispenser designed activated form sodium wildlife management animal control purposes


Summary: Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to: (1) require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inspector General's report to Congress on the management of the brownfields program to be submitted every four years; and (2) extend the authorization of appropriations for such program and for state response programs through FY2012. Includes among the criteria used to rank brownfield grant applications the extent to which the grant would implement green building standards, including the use of energy efficient building standards. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to authorize grants to be made for the training and education of workers who are or may be engaged in activities related to: (1) brownfields site characterization, assessment, or remediation; or (2) emergency response, rescue, recovery, or cleanup in connection with a natural or intentional disaster. Authorizes funding for worker training and education grants for FY2008-FY2012.

brownfields reauthorization act amends comprehensive environmental response compensation liability act require environmental_protection_agency epa inspector_general report congress management brownfields program submitted years extend authorization appropriations program state response programs fy2012 includes criteria rank brownfield grant applications extent grant implement green building standards including use energy efficient building standards amends amendments reauthorization act authorize grants training education workers engaged activities related brownfields site characterization assessment remediation emergency response rescue recovery cleanup connection natural intentional disaster authorizes funding worker training education grants fy2008 fy2012


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from transporting hydrolysate (derived from the neutralization of VX nerve gas) from the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Colorado, or the Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky, to an off-site location for treatment, storage, or disposal.

prohibits secretary defense transporting derived gas pueblo chemical depot colorado blue grass army depot kentucky site location treatment storage disposal


Summary: Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act - Declares that the United States should develop policies and programs that will reduce: (1) mercury use and emissions; (2) mercury releases from the reservoir of mercury currently in use or circulation; and (3) exposures to mercury, particularly of women of childbearing age and young children.Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture of chlorine or caustic soda using mercury cells, effective January 1, 2012. Requires the owner or operator of each chlor-alkali facility to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator and the state in which the facility is located an annual report for 2009-2012 concerning mercury waste, emissions, and content in products. Requires the Administrator to : (1) conduct a comprehensive mercury inventory covering the life and closure of chlor-alkali facilities that cease operations on or after January 1, 2009; and (2) obtain mercury purchase records and such other information from each such facility as are necessary to determine the magnitude and nature of mercury releases from the facility into air and other environmental media.

missing mercury manufacturing monitoring mitigation act declares united_states develop policies programs reduce mercury use emissions mercury releases reservoir mercury currently use circulation exposures mercury particularly women childbearing age young children amends toxic_substances_control_act prohibit manufacture soda mercury cells effective january requires owner operator facility submit environmental_protection_agency epa administrator state facility located annual report concerning mercury waste emissions content products requires administrator conduct comprehensive mercury inventory covering life closure facilities cease operations january obtain mercury purchase records information facility necessary determine magnitude nature mercury releases facility air environmental media