Summary:
Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians Act or the HELLPP Act

 Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to include podiatrists as physicians in order to cover their services under the Medicaid program.

Amends SSAct title XVIII (Medicare) to revise requirements for coverage of therapeutic shoes for individuals with diabetes regarding the processes of: (1) documentation by a physician of, and certification of a comprehensive plan of care related to, the diabetic condition; (2) prescription by a podiatrist or other qualified physician upon a finding of the medical necessity for the therapeutic shoes, including findings communicated to a certifying doctor of medicine or osteopathy of certain related foot conditions; and (3) fitting and supplying the shoes.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject to the continuing levy upon property and property rights, for collection of unpaid taxes, any payments made to a Medicaid provider or supplier.

helping ensure limb saving access podiatric physicians act act amends title xix medicaid social_security_act ssact include podiatrists physicians order cover services medicaid program amends ssact title xviii medicare revise requirements coverage therapeutic shoes individuals diabetes processes documentation physician certification comprehensive plan care related diabetic condition prescription qualified physician finding medical necessity therapeutic shoes including findings communicated certifying doctor medicine osteopathy certain related foot conditions fitting supplying shoes amends_the_internal_revenue_code subject continuing levy property property rights collection unpaid taxes payments medicaid provider supplier


Summary:
Medicare CGM Access Act of 2015 - This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices furnished to a CGM qualified individual.

The Department of Health and Human Services must establish a fee schedule and ensure that CGM qualified individuals are furnished with appropriate device components.

medicare access act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act provide medicare coverage continuous glucose monitoring devices furnished qualified individual department_of_health_and_human_services establish fee schedule ensure qualified individuals furnished appropriate device components


Summary:
Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit payment under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for an item or service furnished: (1) in a state that requires licensure unless the provider or supplier possesses all applicable state licensure, or (2) in a state that does not require licensure unless the provider or supplier meets all qualifications established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Secretary shall designate and approve independent accreditation organizations that apply quality standards for suppliers only if they are Boards for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification or essentially equivalent programs.

Special payment rules for certain prosthetics and custom-fabricated orthotics are extended to custom-fitted orthotics. Such rules do not apply, however, to off-the-shelf orthotics furnished on or after January 1, 2016, which are included in a competitive acquisition program.

Decisions about Medicare coverage of orthotics and prosthetics on or after January 1, 2016, must take into account the complexity of the item as well as supplier qualifications (which do not apply, however, to physicians, occupational therapists, or physical therapists state-licensed to provide such items).

Documentation created by an orthotist or prosthetist is considered part of the patient's medical record.

Requirements for suppliers of orthotics and prosthetics are separated from those for suppliers of durable medical equipment.

Orthotists and prosthetists must have a supplier number for Medicare payment to be made.

Patients are not liable for payment of furnished orthotics or prosthetics where payment may not be made or where payment is denied. Only the orthotists or prosthetists are liable in such circumstances.

The Secretary must publish on the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services specified performance information about each recovery audit contractor (RAC).

The Secretary is prohibited from recouping more than 50% of any overpayments for qualified providers and hospitals in response to a RAC audit until an administrative law judge has rendered a decision.

The Secretary may recoup any overpayments, though, related to or resulting from fraudulent activity on the part of a Medicare provider or supplier.

Only the patient may make the minimal self-adjustment required to qualify off-the-shelf orthotics for Medicare coverage in a competitive acquisition program.

medicare_orthotics prosthetics improvement act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act prohibit payment medicare supplementary_medical_insurance item service furnished state requires licensure provider supplier possesses applicable state licensure state require licensure provider supplier meets qualifications established secretary health_and_human_services secretary shall designate approve independent accreditation organizations apply quality standards suppliers boards certification essentially equivalent programs special payment rules certain prosthetics custom fabricated orthotics extended custom fitted orthotics rules apply shelf orthotics furnished january included competitive acquisition program decisions medicare coverage orthotics prosthetics january account complexity item supplier qualifications apply physicians occupational therapists physical therapists state licensed provide items documentation created considered patient medical record requirements suppliers orthotics prosthetics separated suppliers durable medical equipment supplier number medicare payment patients liable payment furnished orthotics prosthetics payment payment denied liable circumstances secretary publish internet website centers medicare medicaid_services specified performance information recovery audit contractor secretary prohibited overpayments qualified providers hospitals response audit administrative law judge rendered decision secretary recoup overpayments related resulting fraudulent activity medicare provider supplier patient minimal self adjustment required qualify shelf orthotics medicare coverage competitive acquisition program


Summary:
Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover comprehensive Alzheimer's disease care planning services.

health outcomes planning education hope alzheimer act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act cover comprehensive alzheimer disease care planning services


Summary:
Dental Insurance Fairness Act of 2015

 Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prescribe certain health care coverage value requirements for dental benefits under self-insured group health plans.

dental insurance fairness act amends employee retirement income security act prescribe certain health_care coverage value requirements dental benefits self insured group health plans


Summary:
Access to Quality Diabetes Education Act of 2015

 Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize state-licensed or -registered certified diabetes educators or state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who specialize in teaching individuals with diabetes to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the individual's diabetic condition and are certified as a diabetes educator by a recognized certifying body.

Directs the Government Accountability Office to study the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program.

Requires the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and other health care providers as well as the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.

access quality diabetes education act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act recognize state licensed -registered certified diabetes educators state licensed -registered health_care professionals specialize teaching individuals diabetes develop necessary skills knowledge manage individual diabetic condition certified diabetes educator recognized certifying body directs government_accountability_office study barriers exist medicare beneficiaries diabetes accessing diabetes self management training services medicare program requires director agency health_care research quality department_of_health_and_human_services develop series recommendations effective outreach methods educate primary care physicians health_care providers public benefits diabetes self management training


Summary:
Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2015

 Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as a part D drug any devices approved for home use by the Food and Drug Administration for the safe and effective containment, removal, decontamination, and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destructive device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program.

medicare_safe_needle_disposal_coverage_act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social_security_act cover drug devices approved home use food_and_drug_administration safe effective containment removal decontamination disposal home generated needles syringes sharps sharps container decontamination destructive device sharps mail program similar program


Summary:
Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to states to: (1) collect data on the prevalence and distribution of sickle cell disease, (2) conduct sickle cell disease public health initiatives to improve access to care and health outcomes, and (3) identify and evaluate strategies for prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease complications.

The demonstration program to improve the prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease is revised, extended indefinitely, and moved from the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 to the Public Health Service Act.

cell disease research surveillance prevention treatment act bill amends public_health_service_act require department_of_health_and_human_services grants states collect data prevalence distribution cell disease conduct cell disease public health initiatives improve access care health outcomes identify evaluate strategies prevention treatment cell disease complications demonstration program improve prevention treatment cell disease revised extended indefinitely moved american_jobs_creation_act public_health_service_act


Summary:
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Diagnosis and Treatment Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement a hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT, a genetic vascular bleeding disorder that causes abnormalities of the blood vessels) initiative to improve early detection, screening, and treatment of people who suffer from HHT, focusing on advancing HHT research and increasing physician and public awareness of HHT.

Directs HHS to establish the HHT Coordinating Committee to develop and coordinate implementation of a plan to advance research and understanding of HHT, including by conducting or supporting research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and making recommendations regarding NIH research grants relating to HHT.

Requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out activities with respect to HHT, including conducting surveillance and establishing an HHT resource center to provide comprehensive education on and disseminate information about HHT to health professionals, patients, industry, and the public.

Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to award grants for HHT research, including an analysis of health care expenditures associated with untreated HHT and costs associated with preventable medical events among Medicare beneficiaries with HHT.

diagnosis treatment act amends public_health_service_act require department_of_health_and_human_services hhs establish implement genetic vascular disorder causes abnormalities blood vessels initiative improve early detection screening treatment people suffer focusing advancing research increasing physician public awareness directs hhs establish coordinating committee develop coordinate implementation plan advance research understanding including conducting supporting research national_institutes_of_health nih making recommendations nih research grants relating requires centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention carry activities respect including conducting surveillance establishing resource center provide comprehensive education disseminate information health professionals patients industry public requires centers medicare medicaid_services award grants research including analysis health_care expenditures associated untreated costs associated preventable medical events medicare beneficiaries


Summary:
Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income based tax credit of up to $500 in a taxable year for the purchase of a qualified hearing aid that is described in the Code of Federal Regulations, is authorized under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for commercial distribution, and is intended for use by the taxpayer or a dependent of the taxpayer. Disallows such credit for a taxpayer whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 for any taxable year.

hearing aid assistance tax credit act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow income based tax credit taxable year purchase qualified hearing aid described code federal regulations authorized federal food drug cosmetic act commercial distribution intended use taxpayer dependent taxpayer disallows credit taxpayer modified adjusted gross income exceeds taxable year


Summary:
Steve Gleason Act of 2015

 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as durable medical equipment any eye tracking and gaze interaction accessories for speech generating devices furnished to individuals with a demonstrated medical need for them.

 Payment for speech generating devices or accessories shall be made on a rental basis, or in a lump-sum amount for the purchase of the item, without a cap on the amount in the case of devices furnished on or after October 1, 2015, and before October 1, 2018.

act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act cover durable medical equipment eye tracking interaction accessories speech generating devices furnished individuals demonstrated medical need payment speech generating devices accessories shall rental basis lump sum purchase item cap case devices furnished october october


Summary:
Cancer Care Payment Reform Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Oncology Medical Home Demonstration Project.

cancer care payment reform_act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act direct secretary health_and_human_services establish medical home demonstration project


Summary:
Research for All Act of 2015

This bill directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that the clinical trials for products granted expedited approval to treat a serious or life-threatening condition are sufficient to determine the safety and effectiveness of the products for men and women using subgroup analysis.

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the FDA, at the request of the drug sponsor, to facilitate development and expedite review of a new drug that is:

 intended to avoid serious adverse events or to treat a serious or life-threatening condition, intended for safer or more effective treatment for either men or women than a product approved to treat the general population or the other sex, and supported by results of clinical trials that separately examine outcomes for men and women. This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure that, when appropriate, basic research projects include both male and female cells, tissues, or animals. In such projects, results must be disaggregated according to sex and sex differences must be examined and analyzed. NIH must update guidelines on inclusion of women and minorities in research.

The Department of Health and Human Services may support the continued operation and expansion of Special Centers of Research on Sex Differences.

The Government Accountability Office must update the reports entitled “Women's Health: NIH Has Increased Its Efforts To Include Women in Research” and “Women's Health: Women Sufficiently Represented in New Drug Testing, But FDA Oversight Needs Improvement,” and include specified examinations.

research act bill directs food_and_drug_administration fda ensure clinical trials products granted expedited approval treat life threatening condition sufficient determine safety effectiveness products men women subgroup analysis bill amends federal food drug cosmetic act require fda request drug sponsor facilitate development expedite review new drug intended avoid adverse events treat life threatening condition intended safer effective treatment men women product approved treat general population sex supported results clinical trials separately examine outcomes men women bill amends public_health_service_act require national_institutes_of_health nih ensure appropriate basic research projects include male female cells tissues animals projects results disaggregated according sex sex differences examined analyzed nih update guidelines inclusion women minorities research department_of_health_and_human_services support continued operation expansion special centers research sex differences government_accountability_office update reports entitled women health nih increased efforts include women research women health women sufficiently represented new drug testing fda oversight needs improvement include specified examinations


Summary:
Medicaid Generic Drug Price Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to increase the amount of rebate with respect to each generic drug in the manner that the rebate for a dosage form and strength of a single source drug or an innovator multiple source drug is increased, except as provided in special application rules, including a special rule for certain noninnovator multiple source drugs.

medicaid generic drug price fairness act bill amends title xix medicaid social_security_act increase rebate respect generic drug manner rebate dosage form strength single source drug innovator multiple source drug increased provided special application rules including special rule certain multiple source drugs


Summary:
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in addition to qualified primary care physicians and other primary care practitioners, to cover intensive behavioral therapy for obesity furnished by: (1) a physician who is not a qualified primary care physician; (2) an evidence-based, community-based HHS-approved lifestyle counseling program; or (3) any other appropriate health care provider (including a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, a clinical psychologist, and a registered dietitian or nutrition professional).

Allows coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity furnished by another appropriate health care provider or program only if it is furnished: (1) upon referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner in a primary care or other HHS-specified setting; and (2) in an office setting, a hospital outpatient department, a community-based site that complies with the federal regulations concerning the privacy of individually identifiable health information, or another HHS-specified setting.

Authorizes HHS to cover under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) medication for treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for an overweight individual with one or more related comorbidities.

treat reduce obesity act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act authorize department_of_health_and_human_services hhs addition qualified primary care physicians primary care practitioners cover intensive behavioral therapy obesity furnished physician qualified primary care physician evidence based community based hhs approved lifestyle counseling program appropriate health_care provider including physician assistant nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist clinical psychologist registered nutrition professional allows coverage intensive behavioral therapy obesity furnished appropriate health_care provider program furnished referral coordination physician primary care practitioner primary care hhs specified setting office setting hospital outpatient department community based site complies federal regulations concerning privacy individually identifiable health information hhs specified setting authorizes hhs cover medicare voluntary prescription drug benefit program medication treatment obesity weight loss management overweight individual related


Summary:
Anna Westin Act of 2015

This bill requires the Office on Women's Health of the Department of Health and Human Services to revise, promote, and make freely available the BodyWise Handbook and BodyWorks obesity prevention program. The handbook must include information about eating disorders relating to males as well as females.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must award grants: (1) to integrate training on eating disorders into existing curricula for health, mental health, and public health professionals; and (2) to states, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and educational institutions for seminars for school personnel on eating disorders and to make resources available to individuals affected by eating disorders.

The National Institute of Mental Health must make public service announcements on eating disorders.

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and Internal Revenue Code to prohibit health insurance coverage from permanently excluding a particular condition from mental health or substance use disorder benefits. Mental health and substance use disorder benefits include residential treatment.

The Federal Trade Commission must submit to Congress a report that contains a strategy and recommendations to reduce the use in advertising of images that have been altered to change the physical characteristics of the individuals depicted.

act bill requires office women health department_of_health_and_human_services revise promote freely available handbook obesity prevention program handbook include information eating disorders relating males females substance_abuse_and_mental_health_services_administration award grants integrate training eating disorders existing curricula health mental health public health professionals states indian tribes tribal organizations educational institutions seminars school personnel eating disorders resources available individuals affected eating disorders national_institute_of_mental_health public service announcements eating disorders bill amends public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa internal_revenue_code prohibit health insurance coverage permanently excluding particular condition mental health substance use disorder benefits mental health substance use disorder benefits include residential treatment federal_trade_commission submit congress report contains strategy recommendations reduce use advertising images altered change physical characteristics individuals depicted


Summary:
Breast Cancer Patient Education Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for the planning and implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery about the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses, and other options, with a focus on informing patients who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.

breast cancer patient education act amends public_health_service_act direct department_of_health_and_human_services provide planning implementation education campaign inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery availability coverage breast reconstruction prostheses options focus informing patients members racial ethnic minority groups


Summary:
Eliminating Disparities in Diabetes Prevention, Access, and Care Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health to: (1) expand, intensify, and support activities regarding prediabetes and diabetes, particularly type 2, in minority populations; (2) award grants for a mentoring program for health care professionals to be more involved in weight counseling, obesity research, and nutrition; (3) provide for the participation of minority health professionals in diabetes-focused research programs; and (4) award grants for programs to establish a pipeline from high school to professional school that will increase minority representation in diabetes-focused health fields.

The Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee must report on federal activities regarding prediabetes and diabetes in minority populations and prepare a plan to address prediabetes and diabetes in minority populations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must conduct and support research and public health activities regarding diabetes in minority populations. The Division of Diabetes Translation must educate the public on diabetes in minority populations and educate minority populations on diabetes. The National Diabetes Education Program must educate specific minority populations through culturally and linguistically appropriate information campaigns.

The Health Resources and Services Administration must educate health professionals on diabetes in minority populations.

The Indian Health Service must: (1) conduct and support research and other activities regarding diabetes; and (2) coordinate the collection of data on clinically and culturally appropriate diabetes services.

The Department of Health and Human Services must arrange for the National Academy of Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) to update its report entitled "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care."

eliminating disparities diabetes prevention access care act bill amends public_health_service_act require national_institutes_of_health expand intensify support activities diabetes particularly type minority populations award grants mentoring program health_care professionals involved weight counseling obesity research nutrition provide participation minority health professionals diabetes focused research programs award grants programs establish pipeline high school professional school increase minority representation diabetes focused health fields diabetes interagency_coordinating_committee report federal activities diabetes minority populations prepare plan address diabetes minority populations centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention conduct support research public health activities diabetes minority populations division diabetes translation educate public diabetes minority populations educate minority populations diabetes national diabetes education program educate specific minority populations culturally linguistically appropriate information campaigns health_resources_and_services_administration educate health professionals diabetes minority populations indian_health_service conduct support research activities diabetes coordinate collection data clinically culturally appropriate diabetes services department_of_health_and_human_services arrange national academy medicine known institute_of_medicine update report entitled treatment racial ethnic disparities health_care


Summary:
Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine Act or the FAST Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) expand access to certain stroke telehealth services to any originating site at which the eligible telehealth individual is located at the time the service is furnished, regardless of where the site is located; and (2) waive the facility fee for certain such originating sites.

furthering access stroke telemedicine act fast act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act expand access certain stroke telehealth services originating site eligible telehealth individual located time service furnished regardless site located waive facility fee certain originating sites


Summary:
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand training and support services for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

alzheimer caregiver support act bill amends public_health_service_act authorize department_of_health_and_human_services grants public nonprofit private health_care providers expand training support services families caregivers patients alzheimer disease


Summary:
Mary Jo Lawyer Spano Mesothelioma Patient Registry Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to develop a patient registry to collect data on mesothelioma.

The Agency shall use the registry to:

 enhance and expand infrastructure and activities for tracking the epidemiology of mesothelioma patients; collect, consolidate, and report on health information on mesothelioma patients; describe the incidence and prevalence of mesothelioma in the United States; facilitate research on mesothelioma; examine factors that may be associated with mesothelioma; outline key demographic factors associated with mesothelioma; and make information available to the public to facilitate and enhance research on, and the prevention and treatment of, mesothelioma. The Agency: (1) shall provide for the collection and storage of information on the incidence and prevalence of mesothelioma in the United States and information concerning demographics and other information associated with mesothelioma, such as geographic location and family history, risk factors, and diagnosis and progression markers; (2) may provide for the collection and storage of information relevant to analysis on mesothelioma, such as information concerning the epidemiology, natural history, and prevention of the disease, the detection, management, and treatment approaches for the disease, and the development of outcomes measures; and (3) shall make registry information available to federal agencies and the public.

lawyer mesothelioma patient registry act bill amends public_health_service_act direct agency toxic substances disease registry develop patient registry collect data mesothelioma agency shall use registry enhance expand infrastructure activities tracking epidemiology mesothelioma patients collect consolidate report health information mesothelioma patients describe incidence prevalence mesothelioma united_states facilitate research mesothelioma examine factors associated mesothelioma outline key demographic factors associated mesothelioma information available public facilitate enhance research prevention treatment mesothelioma agency shall provide collection storage information incidence prevalence mesothelioma united_states information concerning demographics information associated mesothelioma geographic location family history risk factors diagnosis progression markers provide collection storage information relevant analysis mesothelioma information concerning epidemiology natural history prevention disease detection management treatment approaches disease development outcomes measures shall registry information available federal agencies public


Summary:
Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2015

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to pay states 50% of their costs for providing education on the risk of renal medullary carcinoma to individuals with sickle cell disease. Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare kidney disease usually found in individuals with the sickle cell trait.

renal awareness act bill amends title xix medicaid social_security_act pay states costs providing education risk renal individuals cell disease renal rare kidney disease usually found individuals cell


Summary:
Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Interagency Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinating Committee. The committee must monitor research and annually summarize research and medical advances regarding pulmonary hypertension.

The committee must develop a comprehensive strategic plan to improve health outcomes for individuals with pulmonary hypertension. The plan must include recommendations regarding pulmonary hypertension diagnosis, research, transplantation criteria, public awareness, and health care delivery.

HHS must report on activities related to improving health outcomes for individuals with pulmonary hypertension. The report must include information regarding pulmonary hypertension epidemiology, treatment, support available to individuals, and research.

pulmonary hypertension research diagnosis act bill amends public_health_service_act require department_of_health_and_human_services hhs establish interagency pulmonary hypertension coordinating committee committee monitor research annually summarize research medical advances pulmonary hypertension committee develop comprehensive strategic plan improve health outcomes individuals pulmonary hypertension plan include recommendations pulmonary hypertension diagnosis research transplantation criteria public awareness health_care delivery hhs report activities related improving health outcomes individuals pulmonary hypertension report include information pulmonary hypertension epidemiology treatment support available individuals research


Summary:
Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Risk Assessment, and Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop, publish, and disseminate to school personnel, state and local health departments, health professionals, and others public education and awareness materials and resources that include: (1) background information to increase education and awareness of cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle) among school administrators, educators, and families; (2) a cardiomyopathy risk assessment worksheet for use by parents, guardians, or other caregivers; (3) guidelines regarding the placement of automated external defibrillators in schools and child care centers; (4) training information on defibrillators and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (commonly known as "CPR"); and (5) recommendations for how schools and child care centers can develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan.

The CDC must update these materials and resources as necessary and, in support of such effort, HHS is encouraged to establish an advisory panel and engage in a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with a national nonprofit advocacy organization with expertise in cardiomyopathy.

cardiomyopathy health education awareness risk assessment training schools hearts act bill amends public_health_service_act direct department_of_health_and_human_services hhs conjunction centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc develop publish disseminate school personnel state local health departments health professionals public education awareness materials resources include background information increase education awareness cardiomyopathy disease heart school administrators educators families cardiomyopathy risk assessment use parents guardians caregivers guidelines placement automated external defibrillators schools child care centers training information defibrillators cardiopulmonary resuscitation commonly known cpr recommendations schools child care centers develop implement cardiac emergency response plan cdc update materials resources necessary support effort hhs encouraged establish advisory_panel engage memorandum understanding cooperative agreement national nonprofit advocacy organization expertise cardiomyopathy


Summary:
Minority Diabetes Initiative Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to provide treatment for diabetes in minority communities. HHS must ensure that these grants cover a variety of diabetes-related health care services, including routine care for diabetic patients, public education on diabetes prevention and control, eye care, foot care, and treatment for kidney disease and other complications of diabetes.

minority diabetes initiative act bill amends public_health_service_act allow department_of_health_and_human_services hhs grants public nonprofit private health_care providers provide treatment diabetes minority communities hhs ensure grants cover variety diabetes related health_care services including routine care diabetic patients public education diabetes prevention control eye care foot care treatment kidney disease complications diabetes


Summary:
National Prostate Cancer Plan Act

Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the National Prostate Cancer Council on Screening, Early Detection, Assessment, and Monitoring of Prostate Cancer to: (1) develop and implement a strategic plan for the accelerated development of diagnostic tools for prostate cancer, (2) review the effectiveness of diagnostic tools for prostate cancer, (3) coordinate prostate cancer research and services across federal agencies, (4) evaluate all active federal prostate cancer programs, and (5) ensure the inclusion of men at high risk for prostate cancer in clinical, research, and service efforts.

Directs the Council to submit annual reports. Requires the first report to include recommendations based on an evaluation of prostate cancer research and gaps in the development and validation of diagnostic tools for prostate cancer. Requires subsequent reports to include an outline for a national research plan, roles for specified agencies, an analysis of the disparities in the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in high-risk men, and a review of the progress towards the realization of the strategic plan.

Terminates the Council on December 31, 2020.

national prostate cancer plan act establishes department_of_health_and_human_services hhs national prostate cancer council screening early detection assessment monitoring prostate cancer develop implement strategic plan accelerated development diagnostic tools prostate cancer review effectiveness diagnostic tools prostate cancer coordinate prostate cancer research services federal agencies evaluate active federal prostate cancer programs ensure inclusion men high risk prostate cancer clinical research service efforts directs council submit annual reports requires report include recommendations based evaluation prostate cancer research gaps development validation diagnostic tools prostate cancer requires subsequent reports include outline national research plan roles specified agencies analysis disparities incidence mortality prostate cancer high risk men review progress strategic plan terminates council december


Summary:
Hyde Amendment Codification Act

This bill prohibits federal funds from being expended for abortion or health coverage that includes coverage of abortion. Abortions are eligible for federal funding only in cases of rape or incest, or where a physical condition endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed. Currently, federal funding of abortion and health coverage that includes abortion is prohibited, with the same exceptions.

hyde amendment codification act bill prohibits federal funds expended abortion health coverage includes coverage abortion abortions eligible federal funding cases rape incest physical condition endangers woman life abortion performed currently federal funding abortion health coverage includes abortion prohibited exceptions


Summary:
Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2015

Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to cover oral health services.

Increases the federal medical assistance percentage for oral health services, thereby increasing payments to states under Medicaid.

Directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to maintain a database of dental benefits available to adult Medicaid enrollees in each state.

Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, revise, and extend funding for grant programs for:

 educating nondental professionals about oral health care; providing dental services in hospital emergency rooms or in community settings; providing scholarships and education loans for oral health professional students; providing oral health services to low-income and underserved individuals; building, operating, or expanding dental clinics in schools; and providing mobile, comprehensive dental services at locations that serve individuals who qualify for benefits under specified programs. Authorizes community based dental residencies.

Authorizes specified agencies to conduct research on oral health issues through FY2019.

Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make oral health services an essential health benefit.

Removes restrictions on the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dental care to veterans (thereby requiring dental care on the same basis as other VA-provided medical care and services).

Authorizes the VA, Department of Defense, Bureau of Prisons, and Indian Health Service to carry out demonstration programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to increase access to dental services.

 Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the expansion of dental service coverage pursuant to this Act.

Directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the implementation and utilization of expanded dental service coverage under this Act and the demonstration programs authorized by this Act.

comprehensive dental reform_act amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act cover oral health services increases federal medical assistance percentage oral health services increasing payments states medicaid directs centers medicare medicaid_services maintain database dental benefits available adult medicaid enrollees state amends public_health_service_act establish revise extend funding grant programs educating professionals oral health_care providing dental services hospital emergency rooms community settings providing scholarships education loans oral health professional students providing oral health services low income underserved individuals building operating expanding dental clinics schools providing mobile comprehensive dental services locations serve individuals qualify benefits specified programs authorizes community based dental residencies authorizes specified agencies conduct research oral health issues fy2019 amends patient_protection affordable care act oral health services essential health benefit removes restrictions authority department_of_veterans_affairs provide dental care veterans requiring dental care basis provided medical care services authorizes department_of_defense bureau_of_prisons indian_health_service carry demonstration programs train employ alternative dental health_care providers order increase access dental services directs_the_department_of_health_and_human_services conduct cost benefit analysis expansion dental service coverage pursuant act directs government_accountability_office evaluate implementation utilization expanded dental service coverage act demonstration programs authorized act


Summary:
National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission to evaluate and recommend solutions regarding better coordination and leveraging of federal programs that relate to supporting appropriate clinical care for people with pre-diabetes, diabetes, and the chronic diseases and conditions that are complications of or caused by diabetes.

The duties of the Commission include:

 evaluating HHS programs regarding the utilization of preventive health benefits, identifying current activities and critical gaps in federal efforts to support clinicians in providing integrated care, making recommendations regarding the development and coordination of federally funded clinical practice support tools, recommending clinical pathways for new technologies and treatments, evaluating and expanding education and awareness to health care professionals regarding prevention of diabetes, and reviewing and recommending appropriate methods for outreach and dissemination of educational resources. The Commission must submit an operating plan to HHS and Congress within 90 days of its first meeting.

national diabetes clinical care commission act bill amends public_health_service_act establish department_of_health_and_human_services hhs national diabetes clinical care commission evaluate recommend solutions better coordination leveraging federal programs relate supporting appropriate clinical care people pre diabetes diabetes chronic diseases conditions complications caused diabetes duties commission include evaluating hhs programs utilization preventive health benefits identifying current activities critical gaps federal efforts support clinicians providing integrated care making recommendations development coordination federally funded clinical practice support tools recommending clinical pathways new technologies treatments evaluating expanding education awareness health_care professionals prevention diabetes reviewing recommending appropriate methods outreach dissemination educational resources commission submit operating plan hhs congress days meeting


Summary:
Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise Medicare payments for dialysis services provided to individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and acute kidney injury. Makes individuals with ESRD eligible for Medicare Advantage.

Allows dialysis facilities to provide kidney disease education services and allows physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists to refer individuals to those services.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an ESRD Care Coordination program to provide higher Medicare payments to nephrologists, dialysis facilities, and other providers that reduce spending on ESRD by being part of a coordinated care organization.

Amends the Public Health Service Act to include dialysis as a service provided by the National Health Service Corps in health professional shortage areas. Makes nephrologists and non-physician practitioners who provide dialysis eligible for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program and Loan Repayment Program.

Requires the Government Accountability Office to submit a report identifying gaps in chronic kidney disease research and comparing research funding to expenditures on disease treatment. Requires HHS to report on: (1) the causes of kidney disease and efforts to treat kidney disease in disproportionately affected minority populations, and (2) disincentives in Medicare payment systems that create barriers to kidney transplants and post-transplant care for beneficiaries with ESRD.

chronic kidney disease improvement research treatment act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act revise medicare payments dialysis services provided individuals end stage renal disease esrd acute kidney injury makes individuals esrd eligible medicare_advantage allows dialysis facilities provide kidney disease education services allows physician assistants nurse practitioners clinical nurse specialists refer individuals services requires department_of_health_and_human_services hhs establish esrd care coordination program provide higher medicare payments dialysis facilities providers reduce spending esrd coordinated care organization amends public_health_service_act include dialysis service provided national_health_service_corps health professional shortage areas makes non physician practitioners provide dialysis eligible national_health_service_corps_scholarship_program loan repayment program requires government_accountability_office submit report identifying gaps chronic kidney disease research comparing research funding expenditures disease treatment requires hhs report causes kidney disease efforts treat kidney disease disproportionately affected minority populations disincentives medicare payment systems create barriers kidney post transplant care beneficiaries esrd


Summary:
21st Century Women's Health Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants for family planning service projects, expansion of family planning preventive health services, and training of nurse practitioners specializing in women's health care.

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid programs to offer free preventive care, including contraceptives.

A hospital cannot receive federal funds unless it promptly provides information about emergency contraception to any woman arriving at the hospital who is a victim of sexual assault. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration must develop and disseminate information on emergency contraception. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality must study sexual assault survivors' access to emergency contraception.

The PHSA is amended to establish an Office of the Ombudsperson on Women's Health in HHS to handle complaints involving HHS regarding women's health services and to study the adequacy of health plan provider networks for women's health services.

HHS must coordinate a national public education campaign regarding preventive health services for women and families.

HHS must award states grants to establish maternal mortality review committees to investigate pregnancy-related deaths.

The National Institutes of Health must organize a national workshop on severe maternal morbidity.

To eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes, HHS must conduct research, expand access to services that improve maternity care, and compare and implement interventions for reducing disparities.

21st century women health act bill amends public_health_service_act phsa allow department_of_health_and_human_services hhs award grants family planning service projects expansion family planning preventive health services training nurse practitioners specializing women health_care bill amends title xix medicaid social_security_act require state medicaid programs offer free preventive care including contraceptives hospital receive federal funds promptly provides information emergency contraception woman arriving hospital victim sexual_assault centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention health_resources_and_services_administration develop disseminate information emergency contraception agency healthcare_research_and_quality study sexual_assault survivors access emergency contraception phsa amended establish office women health hhs handle complaints involving hhs women health services study adequacy health plan provider networks women health services hhs coordinate national public education campaign preventive health services women families hhs award states grants establish maternal mortality review committees investigate pregnancy related deaths national_institutes_of_health organize national workshop severe maternal morbidity eliminate disparities maternal health outcomes hhs conduct research expand access services improve maternity care compare implement interventions reducing disparities


Summary:
Diagnostic Imaging Services Access Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from applying a multiple procedure payment reduction policy to the professional component of imaging services furnished: (1) after a specified date in the year this Act is enacted; or (2) in any subsequent year before the Secretary conducts and publishes, as part of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for a year, an analysis of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale Data Manager information used to determine what, if any, efficiencies exist within the professional component of imaging services when two or more studies are performed on the same patient on the same day.

diagnostic imaging services access protection act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act prohibit secretary health_and_human_services applying multiple procedure payment reduction policy professional component imaging services furnished specified date year act enacted subsequent year secretary conducts publishes medicare physician fee schedule year analysis resource based relative value scale data manager information determine efficiencies exist professional component imaging services studies performed patient day


Summary:
Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2015

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as a part D drug any devices approved for home use by the Food and Drug Administration for the safe and effective containment, removal, decontamination, and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destructive device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program.

medicare_safe_needle_disposal_coverage_act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social_security_act cover drug devices approved home use food_and_drug_administration safe effective containment removal decontamination disposal home generated needles syringes sharps sharps container decontamination destructive device sharps mail program similar program


Summary:
Breast Cancer Patient Education Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for the planning and implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery about the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses, and other options, with a focus on informing patients who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.

breast cancer patient education act amends public_health_service_act direct department_of_health_and_human_services provide planning implementation education campaign inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery availability coverage breast reconstruction prostheses options focus informing patients members racial ethnic minority groups


Summary:
National Nurse Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the Public Health Service as the National Nurse for Public Health within the Office of the Surgeon General.

Includes among the duties of this position: (1) providing leadership and coordination of Public Health Service nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and other agencies of the Public Health Service, (2) conducting outreach and education, and (3) providing guidance and leadership for activities that will increase public safety and emergency preparedness.

Requires the National Nurse for Public Health to: (1) participate in identification of national health priorities, (2) encourage volunteerism of nurses and strengthen the relationship between government agencies and health-related national organizations, and (3) promote the dissemination of evidence-based practice in educating the public on health promotion and disease prevention activities.

national nurse act amends public_health_service_act require department_of_health_and_human_services hhs designate chief nurse officer public_health_service national_nurse_for_public_health office_of_the_surgeon_general includes duties position providing leadership coordination public_health_service nursing professional affairs office_of_the_surgeon_general agencies public_health_service conducting outreach education providing guidance leadership activities increase public safety emergency preparedness requires national_nurse_for_public_health participate identification national health priorities encourage volunteerism nurses strengthen relationship government agencies health related national organizations promote dissemination evidence based practice educating public health promotion disease prevention activities


Summary:
Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection surveillance, education, and testing programs.

Requires HHS to establish a national system regarding HBV and HCV infections, with its goals being to:

 determine the prevalence of infections, increase the number of individuals tested and made aware of their status, develop and disseminate public information and education programs, improve the training of health professionals, and provide referrals for counseling and medical treatment and ensure the provision of follow-up services. Directs HHS to determine the populations that are considered at high risk for HBV or HCV infection.

Requires HHS to develop benchmarks for activities conducted under the Action Plan for the Prevention, Care, & Treatment of Viral Hepatitis.

Directs HHS to establish and support public-private partnerships that facilitate HBV and HCV surveillance, education, screening, testing, and linkage to care programs.

Requires the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to convene the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force every three years to review its recommendation for HBV and HCV screening.

Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide certain veterans with an HBV and HCV risk assessment, and, as needed, an evaluation and information regarding their need for treatment, vaccination, or other therapy.

viral hepatitis testing act amends public_health_service_act require department_of_health_and_human_services hhs carry hepatitis hepatitis hcv virus infection surveillance education testing programs requires hhs establish national system hcv infections goals determine prevalence infections increase number individuals tested aware status develop disseminate public information education programs improve training health professionals provide referrals counseling medical treatment ensure provision follow services directs hhs determine populations considered high risk hcv infection requires hhs develop benchmarks activities conducted action plan prevention care treatment viral hepatitis directs hhs establish support public private partnerships facilitate hcv surveillance education screening testing care programs requires agency healthcare_research_and_quality convene preventive services task_force years review recommendation hcv screening directs department_of_veterans_affairs provide certain veterans hcv risk assessment needed evaluation information need treatment vaccination therapy


Summary:
Access to Quality Diabetes Education Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize state-licensed or -registered certified diabetes educators or state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who specialize in teaching individuals with diabetes to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the individual's diabetic condition and are certified as a diabetes educator by a recognized certifying body.

Directs the Government Accountability Office to study the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program.

Requires the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and other health care providers as well as the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.

access quality diabetes education act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act recognize state licensed -registered certified diabetes educators state licensed -registered health_care professionals specialize teaching individuals diabetes develop necessary skills knowledge manage individual diabetic condition certified diabetes educator recognized certifying body directs government_accountability_office study barriers exist medicare beneficiaries diabetes accessing diabetes self management training services medicare program requires director agency health_care research quality department_of_health_and_human_services develop series recommendations effective outreach methods educate primary care physicians health_care providers public benefits diabetes self management training


Summary:
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research, and Education Act of 2015 or the CCM-CARE Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen and coordinate its efforts concerning cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). (CCM is a condition in which blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord become enlarged, which can lead to seizures, paralysis, hearing or vision loss, or bleeding in the brain.) The NIH may award grants and enter into cooperative agreements for CCM research.

The NIH must: (1) award grants and contracts to plan and provide support for a network of CCM Clinical Research Centers; (2) identify and support additional centers to facilitate medical research to develop a cure for CCM and enhance medical care for CCM; and (3) convene a Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Research Consortium to develop programs for clinicians, scientists, and patients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may award grants and enter into cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on CCM.

The Department of Health and Human Services must award grants and enter into cooperative agreements for epidemiological activities related to CCM and must provide for a national CCM surveillance program.

The Food and Drug Administration must: (1) coordinate with clinical centers, investigators, and advocates to support investigational new drug applications in order to hasten clinical trials for CCM, and (2) support appropriate requests for designation of drugs for use in rare subpopulations of CCM patients as orphan drugs. (Orphan drugs are drugs developed to treat rare medical conditions and are eligible for certain incentives.)

clinical awareness research education act care act bill amends public_health_service_act require national_institutes_of_health nih strengthen coordinate efforts concerning condition blood vessels brain spinal cord lead seizures paralysis hearing vision loss brain nih award grants enter cooperative agreements research nih award grants contracts plan provide support network clinical research centers identify support additional centers facilitate medical research develop cure enhance medical care convene research consortium develop programs clinicians scientists patients centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention award grants enter cooperative agreements collection analysis reporting data department_of_health_and_human_services award grants enter cooperative agreements epidemiological activities related provide national surveillance program food_and_drug_administration coordinate clinical centers investigators advocates support investigational new drug applications order clinical trials support appropriate requests designation drugs use rare subpopulations patients orphan drugs orphan drugs drugs developed treat rare medical conditions eligible certain incentives


Summary:
Recovery Enhancement for Addiction Treatment Act or the TREAT Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to revise the requirements for a practitioner to administer, dispense, or prescribe narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment in an office-based opioid treatment program. Currently, a practitioner must notify the Department of Health and Human Services and certify that he or she is a qualifying physician (i.e., a state-licensed physician with certain expertise), has the capacity to refer patients for appropriate counseling and ancillary services, and will comply with a patient limit. The patient limit is how many patients the practitioner can treat under the office-based treatment program at one time.

This bill expands qualifying practitioners to include licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants who have expertise and prescribe medications for opioid use disorder in collaboration with or under the supervision of a qualifying physician, if required by state law.

It increases the maximum patient limit for a qualifying practitioner and requires compliance with recordkeeping requirements.

(Sec. 4) The amendments made by this bill do not preempt a state law that modifies the patient limit or requires a qualifying practitioner to comply with additional requirements.

(Sec. 5) DOJ must update regulations with respect to waived practitioners to include nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

(Sec. 6) The Government Accountability Office must evaluate the effectiveness of this bill.

recovery enhancement addiction treatment act treat act sec bill amends controlled substances act revise requirements practitioner administer dispense prescribe narcotic drugs maintenance detoxification treatment office based opioid treatment program currently practitioner notify department_of_health_and_human_services certify qualifying physician state licensed physician certain expertise capacity refer patients appropriate counseling ancillary services comply patient limit patient limit patients practitioner treat office based treatment program time bill expands qualifying practitioners include licensed nurse practitioners physician assistants expertise prescribe medications opioid use disorder collaboration supervision qualifying physician required state law increases maximum patient limit qualifying practitioner requires compliance recordkeeping requirements sec amendments bill preempt state law modifies patient limit requires qualifying practitioner comply additional requirements sec doj update regulations respect waived practitioners include nurse practitioners physician assistants sec government_accountability_office evaluate effectiveness bill


Summary:
Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee to advise HHS on how to: (1) ensure coordination with other federal agencies, private organizations, and constituency groups regarding efforts to address Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases; (2) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is considered in public health policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is based on the best available science; and (3) advise federal agencies on priorities related to tick-borne diseases.

HHS must coordinate federal activities related to tick-borne diseases and conduct or support activities related to tick-borne diseases, including:

 developing diagnostic tools and tests, improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic tests, surveillance and reporting, providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information, increasing public education, creating a physician education program on the latest research and treatment options for Lyme disease, research on tick repellents and strategies for the control of ticks, exploring the potential for vaccines, establishing epidemiological research objectives, and determining the effectiveness of different treatments. HHS must report on scientific conferences that cost the federal government more than $100,000 and address tick-borne diseases.

lyme tick borne disease prevention education research_act bill requires department_of_health_and_human_services hhs establish tick borne diseases advisory_committee advise hhs ensure coordination federal agencies private organizations constituency groups efforts address lyme disease tick borne diseases ensure broad spectrum scientific viewpoints considered public health policy decisions information disseminated public physicians based best available science advise federal agencies priorities related tick borne diseases hhs coordinate federal activities related tick borne diseases conduct support activities related tick borne diseases including developing diagnostic tools tests improving efficient utilization diagnostic tests surveillance reporting providing promoting access clearinghouse information increasing public education creating physician education program latest research treatment options lyme disease research tick strategies control exploring potential vaccines establishing epidemiological research objectives determining effectiveness different treatments hhs report scientific conferences cost federal_government address tick borne diseases


Summary:
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2015

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in addition to qualified primary care physicians and other primary care practitioners, to cover intensive behavioral therapy for obesity furnished by: (1) a physician who is not a qualified primary care physician; (2) an evidence-based, community-based HHS-approved lifestyle counseling program; or (3) any other appropriate health care provider (including a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, a clinical psychologist, and a registered dietitian or nutrition professional).

Allows coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity furnished by another appropriate health care provider or program only if it is furnished: (1) upon referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner in a primary care or other HHS-specified setting; and (2) in an office setting, a hospital outpatient department, a community-based site that complies with the federal regulations concerning the privacy of individually identifiable health information, or another HHS-specified setting.

Authorizes HHS to cover under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) medication for treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for an overweight individual with one or more related comorbidities.

treat reduce obesity act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act authorize department_of_health_and_human_services hhs addition qualified primary care physicians primary care practitioners cover intensive behavioral therapy obesity furnished physician qualified primary care physician evidence based community based hhs approved lifestyle counseling program appropriate health_care provider including physician assistant nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist clinical psychologist registered nutrition professional allows coverage intensive behavioral therapy obesity furnished appropriate health_care provider program furnished referral coordination physician primary care practitioner primary care hhs specified setting office setting hospital outpatient department community based site complies federal regulations concerning privacy individually identifiable health information hhs specified setting authorizes hhs cover medicare voluntary prescription drug benefit program medication treatment obesity weight loss management overweight individual related


Summary:
Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act of 2015

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require a group or individual health plan that covers anticancer medications administered by a health care provider to provide no less favorable coverage for anticancer medications administered by a patient. A plan may apply to patient-administered anticancer medications only the cost-sharing and limitations that apply to anticancer medications administered by a health care provider.

These requirements apply to medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration that is prescribed based on a finding by the treating physician that the medication is medically necessary for cancer treatment and is clinically appropriate in terms of type, frequency, extent site, and duration.

To comply with these requirements, health plans may not, for anticancer medications: (1) change or replace benefits to increase out-of-pocket costs; (2) reclassify benefits to increase costs; or (3) apply more restrictive limitations to orally administered medications than to intravenously administered or injected medications.

cancer drug coverage parity act bill amends public_health_service_act require group individual health plan covers anticancer medications administered health_care provider provide favorable coverage anticancer medications administered patient plan apply patient administered anticancer medications cost sharing limitations apply anticancer medications administered health_care provider requirements apply medication approved food_and_drug_administration prescribed based finding treating physician medication medically necessary cancer treatment clinically appropriate terms type frequency extent site duration comply requirements health plans anticancer medications change replace benefits increase pocket costs reclassify benefits increase costs apply restrictive limitations orally administered medications intravenously administered injected medications


Summary:
Primary Care Enhancement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit an individual to pay primary care service arrangement costs from a health savings account; (2) allow an eligible taxpayer enrolled in a high-deductible health plan to take a tax deduction for cash paid into a health savings account, even if the taxpayer is simultaneously enrolled in a primary care service arrangement; and (3) for purposes of certain tax-deductible expenses for medical care, expand the definition of "medical care" to include periodic provider fees. A "primary care service arrangement" is an exchange of ongoing primary care services for a fixed periodic fee which is not billed to any third party on a fee-for-service basis.

The bill also amends title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI) to test a primary care medical home model for payment and service delivery. Under this type of model, qualified direct primary care medical home practices are reimbursed a periodic fee for serving Medicare enrollees. In selecting qualified direct primary care medical home practices to participate, CMI shall give priority to practices seeking to enroll dual-eligible individuals.

CMI must conduct the model for at least three years, but, if specified conditions are met, CMI shall expand the model on a nationwide basis and a participating practice may continue permanently.

primary care enhancement_act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code permit individual pay primary care service arrangement costs health savings account allow eligible taxpayer enrolled high deductible health plan tax deduction cash paid health savings account taxpayer simultaneously enrolled primary care service arrangement purposes certain tax deductible expenses medical care expand definition medical care include periodic provider fees primary care service arrangement exchange ongoing primary care services fixed periodic fee billed party fee service basis bill amends title social_security_act require center medicare medicaid_innovation test primary care medical home model payment service delivery type model qualified direct primary care medical home practices reimbursed periodic fee serving medicare enrollees selecting qualified direct primary care medical home practices participate shall priority practices seeking enroll dual eligible individuals conduct model years specified conditions met shall expand model nationwide basis participating practice continue permanently


Summary:
Ensuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer's Act or the EUREKA Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish EUREKA prize competitions to achieve high-priority breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease and dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.

The NIH must: (1) convene an advisory council of nongovernmental experts in Alzheimer's disease and dementia to develop the EUREKA prize competitions, and (2) appoint a panel of judges to evaluate submissions. The council and panel are not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Support for EUREKA prize competitions may be provided by private organizations and individuals.

ensuring useful research expenditures key alzheimer act act bill amends public_health_service_act require national_institutes_of_health nih establish prize competitions achieve high priority breakthroughs alzheimer disease dementia prevention diagnosis treatment care nih convene advisory_council nongovernmental experts alzheimer disease dementia develop prize competitions appoint panel judges evaluate submissions council panel subject federal_advisory_committee_act support prize competitions provided private organizations individuals


Summary:
Lymphedema Treatment Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover certain lymphedema compression treatment items as durable medical equipment under Medicare. (Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling that is caused when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked.)

treatment act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act cover certain compression treatment items durable medical equipment medicare condition fluid retention tissue caused system damaged blocked


Summary:
Strengthening Medicare Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements related the approval of intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for purposes of Medicare coverage.

To be approved by CMS as an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program under current law, a program must show that it: (1) positively affected the progression of coronary heart disease or reduced the need for either coronary bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary interventions, and (2) accomplished a significant reduction in other specified health measures. The bill instead requires a program to show that it: (1) reversed the progression of coronary heart disease or reduced the need for coronary bypass surgery; and (2) accomplished, in addition to a significant reduction in other specified health measures, a significant increase in the measure of blood flow to the heart. The bill further requires a program to show, using research of its own program, that these measures were accomplished by lifestyle changes alone.

The bill removes the specific requirement that such a program be "physician-supervised" but retains other existing requirements for program supervision.

A program that was approved by CMS as an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program prior to August 1, 2015, shall be deemed to have met these requirements.

To be eligible for an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program under current law, an individual must have had one of several specified conditions or interventions. The bill adds to the list of qualifying conditions: (1) stable, chronic heart failure; and (2) any additional condition that CMS determines shall be covered under such a program.

strengthening medicare intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs act bill amends title xviii medicare social_security_act revise requirements related approval intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs centers medicare medicaid_services cms purposes medicare coverage approved cms intensive cardiac rehabilitation program current law program positively affected progression heart disease reduced need bypass surgery interventions accomplished significant reduction specified health measures bill instead requires program progression heart disease reduced need bypass surgery accomplished addition significant reduction specified health measures significant increase measure blood flow heart bill requires program research program measures accomplished lifestyle changes bill removes specific requirement program physician supervised retains existing requirements program supervision program approved cms intensive cardiac rehabilitation program prior august shall deemed met requirements eligible intensive cardiac rehabilitation program current law individual specified conditions interventions bill adds list qualifying conditions stable chronic heart failure additional condition cms determines shall covered program


Summary:
Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin an 18-month pilot program in at least three Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) under which veterans use an Internet website to schedule and confirm appointments at VA medical facilities.

The pilot program's duration may be extended and the number of VISNs may be increased.

faster care veterans act bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs begin month pilot program veterans_integrated_service_networks visns veterans use internet website schedule confirm appointments medical facilities pilot program duration extended number visns increased


Summary: Vaccines for the Future Act of 2007- Directs the President to establish a strategy to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines and microbicides for neglected diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, which shall: (1) expand public-private partnerships; (2) create economic incentives for such vaccines' research, development, and manufacturing; (3) include the negotiation of advanced market commitments; (4) address related intellectual property and regulatory approval issues; (5) maximize U.S. capabilities to support clinical trials in developing countries; (6) expand the purchase and delivery of existing vaccines; and (7) address the challenges of advance delivery of vaccines in developing countries. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into negotiations with the World Bank, the International Development Association, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations, and other interested parties to establish advanced market commitments to purchase such vaccines and microbicides.

vaccines future act directs president establish strategy accelerate efforts develop vaccines neglected diseases hiv aids malaria tuberculosis shall expand public private partnerships create economic incentives vaccines research development manufacturing include negotiation advanced market commitments address related intellectual property regulatory approval issues maximize capabilities support clinical trials developing countries expand purchase delivery existing vaccines address challenges advance delivery vaccines developing countries directs secretary treasury enter negotiations world_bank international_development_association global alliance vaccines immunizations interested parties establish advanced market commitments purchase vaccines


Summary: Protection Against Transmission of HIV for Women and Youth Act of 2007 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) pursue a global HIV prevention strategy that emphasizes the needs of married and unmarried women and girls and addresses the factors that lead to gender disparities in HIV infection rates; and (2) balance funding for HIV prevention methods. Directs the President to: (1) formulate and submit to the appropriate congressional committees, and make available to the public, a comprehensive and culturally appropriate global HIV prevention strategy that addresses the HIV vulnerability of married and unmarried women and girls and seeks to reduce the factors that lead to gender disparities in HIV infection rates; (2) ensure that the United States coordinates its overall HIV/AIDS policy and programs with foreign governments, international organizations, other donor countries, and indigenous organizations; and (3) provide clear guidance to U.S. field missions.

protection transmission hiv women youth act 2007_-_states shall policy pursue global hiv prevention strategy emphasizes needs married unmarried women girls addresses factors lead gender disparities hiv infection rates balance funding hiv prevention methods directs president formulate submit appropriate congressional committees available public comprehensive culturally appropriate global hiv prevention strategy addresses hiv vulnerability married unmarried women girls seeks reduce factors lead gender disparities hiv infection rates ensure united_states coordinates overall hiv aids policy programs foreign governments international organizations donor countries indigenous organizations provide clear guidance field missions


Summary: United States Commitment to Global Child Survival Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to improve the health of newborns, children, and mothers in developing countries. Directs the President to develop a comprehensive U.S. government strategy to reduce mortality and improve the health of newborns, children, and mothers in developing countries. Establishes the Interagency Task Force on Child Survival and Maternal Health in Developing Countries.

united_states commitment global child survival act amends foreign assistance_act authorize president furnish assistance improve health newborns children mothers developing countries directs president develop comprehensive government strategy reduce mortality improve health newborns children mothers developing countries establishes interagency_task_force child survival maternal health developing countries


Summary: Ensuring Access to Contraceptives Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to furnish assistance to provide contraceptives in developing countries in order to prevent unintended pregnancies, abortions, and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. States that a nongovernmental organization shall not be subject to eligibility requirements relating to the use of non-U.S. government funds that are more restrictive than those that apply to a foreign government.

ensuring access contraceptives act amends foreign assistance_act direct president united_states_agency international_development usaid furnish assistance provide contraceptives developing countries order prevent unintended pregnancies abortions transmission sexually transmitted infections including hiv aids states nongovernmental organization shall subject eligibility requirements relating use non government funds restrictive apply foreign government


Summary: International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2007 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance, including through multilateral, nongovernmental, and faith-based organizations, to prevent child marriage in developing countries and to promote the educational, health, economic, social, and legal empowerment of girls and women. Sets forth priority assistance criteria. Directs the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to establish a multi-year strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries and to promote the empowerment of girls at risk of child marriage, including by addressing the unique needs and potentials of eight to 18 year old girls. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that Department of State country reports on human rights practices include a description of the status of child marriage for countries with specified rates of child marriage. Defines "child marriage."

international protecting girls preventing child marriage act authorizes president provide assistance including multilateral nongovernmental faith based organizations prevent child marriage developing countries promote educational health economic social legal empowerment girls women sets forth priority assistance criteria directs president united_states_agency international_development usaid establish multi year strategy prevent child marriage developing countries promote empowerment girls risk child marriage including addressing unique needs year old girls amends foreign assistance_act require department_of_state country reports human rights practices include description status child marriage countries specified rates child marriage defines child marriage


Summary: Global HIV/AIDS Food Security and Nutrition Support Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to direct the Global AIDS Coordinator to: (1) ensure that an assessment of the food security and nutritional status of each patient enrolled in anti-retroviral medication treatment program is carried out; (2) provide food and nutrition support to each HIV-infected individual and his or her household for at least 180 days; (3) coordinate activities with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Secretary of Agriculture, and other relevant U.S. government departments and agencies; (4) develop indicators to measure the effectiveness of nutrition and food security interventions; and (5) support linkages between U.S. colleges and universities with colleges and universities in focus countries in order to provide training and build indigenous capacity to respond to HIV/AIDS and to improve capacity to address nutrition and livelihood needs of HIV/AIDS-affected and impoverished communities.

global hiv aids food security nutrition support act amends united_states_leadership hiv aids tuberculosis malaria_act direct global aids coordinator ensure assessment food security nutritional status patient enrolled anti medication treatment program carried provide food nutrition support hiv infected individual household days coordinate activities united_states_agency international_development usaid secretary agriculture relevant government departments agencies develop indicators measure effectiveness nutrition food security interventions support linkages colleges universities colleges universities focus countries order provide training build indigenous capacity respond hiv aids improve capacity address nutrition livelihood needs hiv aids affected impoverished communities


Summary: Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish the Office of Water which shall: (1) implement the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005; and (2) place primary emphasis on providing safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. Directs the Secretary of State to establish the Bureau for International Water within the Office of the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs which shall: (1) coordinate U.S. diplomatic policy regarding global freshwater issues; and (2) ensure that international freshwater issues are represented within the U.S. government. Amends the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary and the Administrator to establish in every priority country a program to train local water and sanitation managers to promote government capacity to provide access to safe drinking water and sanitation; and (2) require that the water for peace and security report includes an assessment of current and likely future political tensions over water sources and an assessment of the future impacts of global climate change on water supplies. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961to authorize grants through USAID to develop technologies for providing clean water and sanitation in high priority countries with limited resources and infrastructure.

senator paul_simon_water poor enhancement_act amends foreign assistance_act direct administrator united_states_agency international_development usaid establish office_of_water shall implement senator paul_simon_water poor act place primary emphasis providing safe drinking water sanitation hygiene directs secretary state establish bureau international water office secretary democracy global affairs shall coordinate diplomatic policy global freshwater issues ensure international freshwater issues represented government amends senator paul_simon_water poor act direct secretary administrator establish priority country program train local water sanitation managers promote government capacity provide access safe drinking water sanitation require water peace security report includes assessment current likely future political tensions water sources assessment future impacts global climate change water supplies amends foreign assistance_act authorize grants usaid develop technologies providing clean water sanitation high priority countries limited resources infrastructure


Summary: United States Commitment to Global Child Survival Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) develop a strategy to reduce mortality and improve the health of newborns, children, and mothers; and (2) establish a task force to assess, monitor, and evaluate the progress and contributions of relevant U.S. departments and agencies. (Sec. 3) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to improve the health of newborns, children, and mothers in developing countries, including activities relating to: (1) newborn care and treatment; (2) childhood illness and immunization services; (3) child and maternal nutrition; (4) maternity and obstetric services; (5) safe water, hygiene, and environmental toxins such as lead; (6) health services and health information systems; and (7) HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and child spacing. Directs the President, to report annually (for five years) to Congress on the implementation of such assistance. States that such report shall include the most recent report submitted to the President by the Interagency Task Force on Child Survival and Maternal Health in Developing Countries. (Sec. 4) Directs the President to: (1) develop a comprehensive strategy to improve the health of newborns, children, and mothers in developing countries; and (2) report to Congress. (Sec. 5) Establishes the Interagency Task Force on Child Survival and Maternal Health in Developing Countries which shall assess, monitor, and evaluate the progress and contributions of relevant U.S. departments and agencies. (Sec. 6) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations.

united_states commitment global child survival act sec states purposes act develop strategy reduce mortality improve health newborns children mothers establish task_force assess monitor evaluate progress contributions relevant departments agencies sec amends foreign assistance_act authorize president furnish assistance improve health newborns children mothers developing countries including activities relating newborn care treatment childhood illness immunization services child maternal nutrition maternity obstetric services safe water hygiene environmental toxins lead health services health information systems hiv aids malaria tuberculosis child directs president report annually years congress implementation assistance states report shall include recent report submitted president interagency_task_force child survival maternal health developing countries sec directs president develop comprehensive strategy improve health newborns children mothers developing countries report congress sec establishes interagency_task_force child survival maternal health developing countries shall assess monitor evaluate progress contributions relevant departments agencies sec authorizes fy2008 fy2012 appropriations