Summary: National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act of 2008 - Revises the national highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program to direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop a risk-based priority process under which states shall assign priority for the replacement or rehabilitation of all federal-aid highways bridges, public roads bridges, and Indian reservation and park bridges found to be structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Requires states, as a condition of receiving federal assistance, to develop, and update annually, an approved five-year performance plan for highway bridge inspection and rehabilitation and replacement. Directs the Secretary to: (1) revise annually, as necessary, the data contained in the national bridge inventory; (2) make it more accessible to the public and easier to understand; (3) establish procedures for states to report critical findings of bridge deficiencies and subsequent monitoring and corrective actions; (4) expand the national training program for bridge inspectors to ensure that all bridge inspectors are appropriately trained and certified; (5) revise federal regulations concerning the qualification of state highway bridge inspection personnel to require program managers and team leaders to be licensed professional engineers; (6) establish a two-year pilot grant program to evaluate the effectiveness, accuracy, and reliability of the use of advanced condition assessment inspection processes and technologies to monitor and evaluate the structural health of highway bridges meeting certain criteria; and (7) establish a national highway tunnel inspection program. Revises national bridge inspection standards to provide for annual inspections of structurally deficient highway bridges, including biennial inspections of those bridges that have not been determined to be structurally deficient. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Secretary on: (1) the factors that contribute to construction delays of bridge rehabilitation; and (2) any recommendations for simplifying and expediting the construction of bridges that are to be rehabilitated. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of the bridge rating system of the Federal Highway Administration, including the use of the terms "structurally deficient" and "functionally obsolete" to describe the condition of highway bridges in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the cost benefits of using carbon fiber composite materials in bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects instead of traditional construction materials; and (2) the risks posed by floods to bridges on Federal-aid highways, bridges on other public roads, bridges on Indian reservations, and park bridges located in a 500-year floodplain. Expresses the sense of Congress that states should prepare bridge corrosion mitigation and prevention plans, containing specified features, for bridge construction, replacement, or rehabilitation projects.

national highway bridge reconstruction inspection act revises national highway bridge replacement rehabilitation program direct secretary transportation develop risk based priority process states shall assign priority replacement rehabilitation federal aid highways bridges public roads bridges indian reservation park bridges found deficient functionally obsolete requires states condition receiving federal assistance develop update annually approved year performance plan highway bridge inspection rehabilitation replacement directs secretary revise annually necessary data contained national bridge inventory accessible public understand establish procedures states report critical findings bridge deficiencies subsequent monitoring corrective actions expand national training program bridge inspectors ensure bridge inspectors appropriately trained certified revise federal regulations concerning qualification state highway bridge inspection personnel require program managers team leaders licensed professional engineers establish year pilot grant program evaluate effectiveness accuracy reliability use advanced condition assessment inspection processes technologies monitor evaluate structural health highway bridges meeting certain criteria establish national highway tunnel inspection program revises national bridge inspection standards provide annual inspections deficient highway bridges including biennial inspections bridges determined deficient directs comptroller_general study report secretary factors contribute construction delays bridge rehabilitation recommendations simplifying expediting construction bridges rehabilitated directs comptroller_general study report specified congressional committees effectiveness bridge rating system federal_highway_administration including use terms deficient functionally obsolete describe condition highway bridges united_states directs secretary transportation study report specified congressional committees cost benefits carbon fiber composite materials bridge replacement rehabilitation projects instead traditional construction materials risks posed floods bridges federal aid highways bridges public roads bridges indian reservations park bridges located year floodplain expresses sense congress states prepare bridge corrosion mitigation prevention plans containing specified features bridge construction replacement rehabilitation projects


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend from three to four years the lookback timeframe for recognition of certain designations and certification with respect to rural health clinics under the Medicare program.

amends title xviii medicare social_security_act extend years timeframe recognition certain designations certification respect rural health clinics medicare program


Summary: Public Health Coordinating Council Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Public Health Coordinating Council to: (1) facilitate and strengthen sustained communication and coordination across federal agencies and offices regarding public health; and (2) review and make recommendations concerning socioeconomic and environmental policies to reduce health disparities and improve the public's health.Requires the Secretary to determine the duties of the Council, which shall include: (1) reviewing existing federal health programs and policies for the availability of equitable public health services across communities; (2) making recommendations for the modification of such federal programs and policies to improve public health; and (3) seeking to strengthen the impact of federal public health efforts by improving interagency collaboration and promoting a dialogue on broad public health issues.

public health coordinating council act_-_requires secretary health_and_human_services establish national public health coordinating council facilitate strengthen sustained communication coordination federal agencies offices public health review recommendations concerning socioeconomic environmental policies reduce health disparities improve public health requires secretary determine duties council shall include reviewing existing federal health programs policies availability equitable public health services communities making recommendations modification federal programs policies improve public health seeking strengthen impact federal public health efforts improving interagency collaboration promoting dialogue broad public health issues


Summary: Veterans Health Equity Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to each of the 48 contiguous states, to ensure that veterans eligible for hospital care and medical services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have access to: (1) at least one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the state; or (2) hospital care and medical services comparable to that provided in full-service hospitals through contract with other health providers in the state.

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


Summary: Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) to permit states to elect to provide Medicaid and SCHIP coverage without a five-year delay of certain children and pregnant women lawfully residing in the United States (including battered individuals) who are otherwise eligible for such assistance.

amends titles xix medicaid xxi state children health insurance schip permit states elect provide medicaid schip coverage year delay certain children pregnant women lawfully residing united_states including battered individuals eligible assistance


Summary: United States National Health Care Act or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act - Establishes the United States National Health Care (USNHC) Program to provide all individuals residing in the United States and U.S. territories with free health care that includes all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, long-term care, mental health services, dental services, and vision care.Prohibits an institution from participating unless it is a public or nonprofit institution. Allows nonprofit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that deliver care in their own facilities to participate. Gives patients the freedom to choose from participating physicians and institutions. Prohibits a private health insurer from selling health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act. Allows such insurers to sell benefits that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery benefits. Sets forth methods to pay institutional providers of care and health professionals for services. Prohibits financial incentives between HMOs and physicians based on utilization. Establishes the USNHC Trust Fund to finance the Program with amounts deposited: (1) from existing sources of government revenues for health care; (2) by increasing personal income taxes on the top 5% income earners; (3) by instituting a progressive excise tax on payroll and self-employment income; and (4) by instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions. Transfers and appropriates to carry out this Act amounts that would have been appropriated for federal public health care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Requires the USNHC Program to give first priority in retraining and job placement and USNHC employment transition benefits to individuals whose jobs are eliminated due to reduced administration. Requires creation of a confidential electronic patient record system. Establishes a National Board of Universal Quality and Access to provide advice on quality, access, and affordability. Provides for: (1) the eventual integration of the Indian Health Service into the Program; and (2) evaluation of the continued independence of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health programs.

united_states national health_care act expanded improved medicare act establishes united_states national health_care program provide individuals residing united_states territories free health_care includes medically necessary care primary care prevention prescription drugs emergency care long-term_care mental health services dental services vision care prohibits institution participating public nonprofit institution allows nonprofit health maintenance organizations deliver care facilities participate gives patients freedom choose participating physicians institutions prohibits private health insurer selling health insurance coverage duplicates benefits provided act allows insurers sell benefits medically necessary cosmetic surgery benefits sets forth methods pay institutional providers care health professionals services prohibits financial incentives physicians based utilization establishes trust_fund finance program amounts deposited existing sources government revenues health_care increasing personal income taxes income earners instituting progressive excise tax payroll self employment income instituting small tax stock bond transactions transfers appropriates carry act amounts appropriated federal public health_care programs including medicare medicaid state children health insurance program requires program priority retraining job placement employment transition benefits individuals jobs eliminated reduced administration requires creation confidential electronic patient record system establishes national board universal quality access provide advice quality access affordability provides eventual integration indian_health_service program evaluation continued independence department_of_veterans_affairs health programs


Summary: MediFair Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system for making adjustments to the amount of payment made to entities and individuals for items and services provided under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Requires such adjustments in order to make the state average per beneficiary amount equal to the national average per beneficiary amount. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to develop recommendations on policies and practices that would encourage: (1) healthy outcomes and quality care under the Medicare program in states with respect to which payments are reduced under such system; and (2) the efficient use of payments made under the Medicare program in such states.

act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act ssa direct secretary health_and_human_services establish system making adjustments payment entities individuals items services provided original medicare fee service program parts hospital insurance supplementary_medical_insurance requires adjustments order state average beneficiary equal national average beneficiary directs medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac develop recommendations policies practices encourage healthy outcomes quality care medicare program states respect payments reduced system efficient use payments medicare program states


Summary: Health Coverage, Affordability, Responsibility, and Equity Act of 2009 or the HealthCARE Act of 2009 - Permits a state to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) for waivers of such provisions of law as may be necessary for the state to implement policies that make comprehensive, affordable health coverage available for all state residents. Requires the Secretary to establish a process for states to apply for a waiver to implement policies that emphasize the use of preventive services, care coordination by a personal physician, and health information technology.Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow state plans for medical assistance to provide Medicaid coverage to individuals who have incomes of no more than 100% of the poverty line.Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of SSA to permit states to provide child health assistance to all targeted low-income children. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a refundable credit for the cost of qualified health insurance for the taxpayer or qualifying family members. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program to make advance payments to health insurance providers of credit for health insurance costs of eligible low-income individuals. Establishes a program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall ensure that eligible individuals can enroll in private group health insurance through a purchasing pool operator in participating states. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for state-based reinsurance programs and permits the Secretary to award grants to states to cover the costs of such programs. Directs the Secretary to establish the National Advisory Commission on Expanded Access to Health Care to assess the effectiveness of programs designed to expand health care coverage.

health coverage affordability responsibility equity act healthcare act permits state apply secretary health_and_human_services secretary waivers provisions law necessary state implement policies comprehensive affordable health coverage available state residents requires secretary establish process states apply waiver implement policies emphasize use preventive services care coordination personal physician health information technology amends title xix medicaid social_security_act ssa allow state plans medical assistance provide medicaid coverage individuals incomes poverty line amends title xxi state children health insurance program schip ssa permit states provide child health assistance targeted low income children amends_the_internal_revenue_code permit refundable credit cost qualified health insurance taxpayer qualifying family members requires secretary treasury establish program advance payments health insurance providers credit health insurance costs eligible low income individuals establishes program secretary health_and_human_services shall ensure eligible individuals enroll private group health insurance purchasing pool operator participating states directs secretary establish standards state based reinsurance programs permits secretary award grants states cover costs programs directs secretary establish national advisory commission expanded access health_care assess effectiveness programs designed expand health_care coverage


Summary: Helicopter Medical Services Patient Safety, Protection, and Coordination Act - Authorizes states to regulate helicopter medical services with respect to: (1) the medical qualifications and training of helicopter medical personnel, except that a state shall not impose new or additional requirements on a pilot; and (2) the obligation of providers of helicopter medical services to comply with a state's health planning, patient safety, and medical service requirements. Authorizes states to regulate the following aspects of helicopter medical services to the extent that state regulations are harmonized with relevant federal operating requirements: (1) the designation of destinations for emergency patient transport; (2) the specification of service requirements with respect to geographic areas within a state or during specified hours and days; (3) the coordination of flight requests for emergency helicopter medical services; and (4) compliance with accreditation requirements. Authorizes states to regulate the following aspects of helicopter medical services to the extent that state regulations are consistent with relevant federal operating requirements: (1) the necessary medical equipment to be carried on board or affixed to the helicopter; (2) the physical attributes of the helicopter necessary for the provision of quality medical care and for the protection of helicopter and ground medical personnel; and (3) specified communication capabilities between helicopter personnel and emergency medical services and public safety personnel and between the flight crew and helicopter medical personnel.

helicopter medical services patient safety protection coordination act_-_authorizes states regulate helicopter medical services respect medical qualifications training helicopter medical personnel state shall impose new additional requirements pilot obligation providers helicopter medical services comply state health planning patient safety medical service requirements authorizes states regulate following aspects helicopter medical services extent state regulations harmonized relevant federal operating requirements designation destinations emergency patient transport specification service requirements respect geographic areas state specified hours days coordination flight requests emergency helicopter medical services compliance accreditation requirements authorizes states regulate following aspects helicopter medical services extent state regulations consistent relevant federal operating requirements necessary medical equipment carried board affixed helicopter physical attributes helicopter necessary provision quality medical care protection helicopter ground medical personnel specified communication capabilities helicopter personnel emergency medical services public safety personnel flight crew helicopter medical personnel


Summary: Heart Disease Education, Analysis Research, and Treatment for Women Act or the HEART for Women Act - (Sec. 2) Directs to the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the extent to which sponsors of clinical studies of investigational drugs, biologics, and devices and sponsors of applications for approval or licensure of new drugs, biologics, and devices comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements and follow guidance for presentation of clinical study safety and effectiveness data by sex, age, and racial subgroups. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit to such committees a response to the the Comptroller General's report, including a corrective action plan as needed to respond to the recommendations in such report. (Sec. 3) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to report to Congress on the quality of, and access to, care for women with heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases, including recommendations for eliminating disparities in, and improving the treatment of, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women. (Sec. 4) Expands and reauthorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for a program to award grants for preventive heath services and referrals for medical treatment for women through entities that are screening women for breast or cervical cancer.

heart disease education analysis research treatment women act heart women act sec directs comptroller_general study report specified congressional committees extent sponsors clinical studies investigational drugs biologics devices sponsors applications approval licensure new drugs biologics devices comply food_and_drug_administration fda requirements follow guidance presentation clinical study safety effectiveness data sex age racial subgroups requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs submit committees response comptroller_general report including corrective action plan needed respond recommendations report sec amends public_health_service_act require secretary report congress quality access care women heart disease stroke cardiovascular diseases including recommendations eliminating disparities improving treatment heart disease stroke cardiovascular diseases women sec expands reauthorizes appropriations fy2012-fy2016 program award grants preventive heath services referrals medical treatment women entities screening women breast cervical cancer


Summary: American Health Security Act of 2009 - Establishes the State-Based American Health Security Program to provide every U.S. resident who is a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful resident alien with health care services. Requires each participating state to establish a state health security program. Eliminates benefits under: (1) titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act; (2) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program; and (3) the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Requires each state health security program to prohibit the sale of health insurance in that state that duplicates benefits provided under the program. Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board to: (1) develop policies, procedures, guidelines and requirements to carry out this Act; (2) establish uniform reporting requirements; (3) provide for an American Health Security Advisory Council and an Advisory Committee on Health Professional Education; and (4) establish a national health security budget specifying the total federal and state expenditures to be made for covered health care services. Establishes the American Health Security Quality Council to: (1) review and evaluate practice guidelines, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria; and (2) develop minimum competence criteria. Establishes the Office of Primary Care and Prevention Research within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the American Health Security Trust Fund and appropriates to the Fund specified tax liabilities and current health program receipts.

american health security act establishes state based american health security program provide resident citizen national lawful resident alien health_care services requires participating state establish state health security program eliminates benefits titles xviii medicare xix medicaid xxi state children health insurance schip social_security_act federal_employees_health_benefits_program civilian health medical program uniformed_services requires state health security program prohibit sale health insurance state duplicates benefits provided program establishes american health security standards board develop policies procedures guidelines requirements carry act establish uniform reporting requirements provide american health security advisory_council advisory_committee health professional education establish national health security budget specifying total federal state expenditures covered health_care services establishes american health security quality council review evaluate practice guidelines standards quality performance measures medical review criteria develop minimum competence criteria establishes office primary care prevention research office_of_the_director national_institutes_of_health nih amends_the_internal_revenue_code create american health security trust_fund appropriates fund specified tax liabilities current health program receipts


Summary: Access for All America Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) increase and extend the authorization of appropriations for community health centers and for the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program for FY2010-FY2015, and provide for increased funding for such programs in FY2016 and each subsequent fiscal year; and (2) revise and expand provisions allowing a community health center to provide services at different locations, adjust its operating plan and budget, enter into arrangements with other centers to purchase supplies and services at reduced cost, and correct material failures in grant compliance.

access america act_-_amends public_health_service_act increase extend authorization appropriations community health centers national_health_service_corps scholarship loan repayment program fy2010 fy2015 provide increased funding programs fy2016 subsequent fiscal year revise expand provisions allowing community health center provide services different locations adjust operating plan budget enter arrangements centers purchase supplies services reduced cost correct material failures grant compliance


Summary: Community Coalitions for Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to assist in developing integrated health care delivery systems to serve defined communities of individuals to: (1) improve efficiency and coordination among providers; (2) assist local communities in developing programs targeted toward preventing and managing chronic diseases; and (3) expand and enhance services provided. Authorizes the Secretary, in awarding grants, to accord priority to: (1) applicants that demonstrate the greatest unmet need for a more coordinated system of care; and (2) applicants that best promote the objectives of this Act. Authorizes a grantee to use amounts provided only for: (1) direct expenses associated with achieving greater integration of a health care delivery system to directly provide or ensure the provision of a broad range of culturally competent services; and (2) direct patient care and service expansions to fill identified or documented gaps within an integrated delivery system.

community coalitions access quality improvement act directs secretary health_and_human_services award grants assist developing integrated health_care delivery systems serve defined communities individuals improve efficiency coordination providers assist local communities developing programs targeted preventing managing chronic diseases expand enhance services provided authorizes secretary awarding grants accord priority applicants demonstrate greatest unmet need coordinated system care applicants best promote objectives act authorizes grantee use amounts provided direct expenses associated achieving greater integration health_care delivery system directly provide ensure provision broad range culturally competent services direct patient care service expansions fill identified documented gaps integrated delivery system


Summary: Medicare Access to Community Health Centers (MATCH) Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the definition of "federally qualified health center services" to include ambulatory services furnished by a federally qualified health center (FQHC) for which payment may otherwise be made under Medicare if such services were furnished by a non-FQHC health care provider or health care professional employed by or under contract with an FQHC. Permits payment for hospital-based services. Provides for a Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare-covered services provided by FQHCs.

medicare access community health centers match act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act revise definition federally qualified health center services include ambulatory services furnished federally qualified health center fqhc payment medicare services furnished non fqhc health_care provider health_care professional employed contract fqhc permits payment hospital based services provides medicare prospective payment system pps medicare covered services provided fqhcs


Summary: Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become eligible for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before a condition reaches disability levels.

ending medicare disability waiting period act amends title old age survivors disability_insurance oasdi social_security_act ssa phase waiting period disabled individuals eligible benefits ssa title xviii medicare eliminate waiting period individuals life threatening conditions eligible benefits directs secretary health_and_human_services request institute_of_medicine_of_the_national_academy_of_sciences study range disability conditions delayed prevented individuals receive access health_care services coverage condition reaches disability levels


Summary: Wellness Trust Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Wellness Trust within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Requires the Trustees to submit to Congress and make publicly available reports on: (1) a certification system for prevention health workers; (2) payment methodologies and options for paying certified prevention health workers for clinical preventive care; and (3) the amount of money spent on prevention during the most recent year for which such data is available. Requires the Trustees to: (1) establish a plan for delivering and financing prevention priorities and implementing pilot programs; and (2) issue and annually update a ranked list of designated prevention priorities based on the potential of an activity to improve health and the activity's cost effectiveness. Directs the Trustees to establish and sustain the infrastructure for an effective wellness system that includes: (1) an information clearinghouse on prevention priorities and community-based interventions; (2) use and integration of qualified electronic health records; and (3) a system for training and credentialing prevention health workers and prevention health entities. Establishes in the Treasury a Wellness Trust Fund. Requires the Trust to reimburse certified prevention health workers and prevention health entities for the prevention services and community-based interventions designated by the Trustees as prevention priorities. Revises the definition of "qualified electronic health record" to require such a record to have the capacity to track the provision of prevention health care over the course of an individual's lifetime and assist in the evaluation of the efficacy of designated prevention priorities. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support the integration of prevention health priorities, health data, and tracking of the provision of preventive care by means of qualified electronic health records.

wellness trust act_-_amends public_health_service_act establish wellness trust centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc requires trustees submit congress publicly available reports certification system prevention health workers payment methodologies options paying certified prevention health workers clinical preventive care money spent prevention recent year data available requires trustees establish plan delivering financing prevention priorities implementing pilot programs issue annually update ranked list designated prevention priorities based potential activity improve health activity cost effectiveness directs trustees establish sustain infrastructure effective wellness system includes information clearinghouse prevention priorities community based interventions use integration qualified electronic health records system training credentialing prevention health workers prevention health entities establishes treasury wellness trust_fund requires trust reimburse certified prevention health workers prevention health entities prevention services community based interventions designated trustees prevention priorities revises definition qualified electronic health record require record capacity track provision prevention health_care course individual lifetime assist evaluation efficacy designated prevention priorities requires secretary health_and_human_services support integration prevention health priorities health data tracking provision preventive care means qualified electronic health records


Summary: Health Care Safety Net Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem a hospital or an emergency department and a physician or physician group of such hospital or emergency department to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise due to providing emergency and post-stabilization services on or after January 1, 2010.

health_care safety net enhancement_act amends public_health_service_act deem hospital emergency department physician physician group hospital emergency department employee public_health_service purposes civil action arise providing emergency post stabilization services january


Summary: Medicare Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding telehealth services (furnished via a telecommunication system by a physician to an enrolled individual). Removes current geographic restrictions on the provision of such services. Extends the meaning of store-and-forward technology, for any federal telemedicine demonstration program in Alaska or Hawaii, to include any telehealth program that has received any federal support from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMMS), the Indian Health Service, or the Health Services and Resources Administration (HSRA). Authorizes a renal dialysis facility to participate in the telehealth program. Authorizes payment of eligible telehealth providers or suppliers other than a physician or telemedicine practitioner. Declares that any telemedicine practitioner credentialed by a hospital in compliance with the Joint Commission Standards for Telemedicine shall be considered in compliance with Medicare condition of participation and reimbursement credentialing requirements for telemedicine services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to treat telehealth services furnished by a home health agency as a home health visit for Medicare purposes. Authorizes coverage of remote patient management services, including home health remote patient management services, for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish a fee schedule for home health remote patient management services. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the CMMS Administrator should be encouraged to: (1) expand the types of medical conditions for which remote patient management services are reimbursed under Medicare; (2) provide for separate, non-bundled Medicare payment for such services; and (3) create, revise, and adjust codes for the accurate reporting and billing for such payment. Establishes the Telehealth Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary to take its recommendations into account when adding or deleting telehealth services and in establishing related CMMS policies. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the HSRA Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, to make grants to expand access via telehealth to health care services for individuals in medically underserved rural, frontier, and urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs.

medicare telehealth enhancement_act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act telehealth services furnished telecommunication system physician enrolled individual removes current geographic restrictions provision services extends meaning store forward technology federal telemedicine demonstration program alaska hawaii include telehealth program received federal support centers medicare medicaid_services indian_health_service health services resources administration authorizes renal dialysis facility participate telehealth program authorizes payment eligible telehealth providers suppliers physician telemedicine practitioner declares telemedicine practitioner credentialed hospital compliance joint commission standards telemedicine shall considered compliance medicare condition participation reimbursement credentialing requirements telemedicine services directs secretary health_and_human_services treat telehealth services furnished home health agency home health visit medicare purposes authorizes coverage remote patient management services including home health remote patient management services certain chronic health conditions directs secretary establish fee schedule home health remote patient management services expresses sense congress administrator encouraged expand types medical conditions remote patient management services reimbursed medicare provide separate non bundled medicare payment services create revise adjust codes accurate reporting billing payment establishes telehealth advisory_committee requires secretary recommendations account adding deleting telehealth services establishing related policies directs secretary acting director office advancement telehealth grants expand access telehealth health_care services individuals medically underserved rural frontier urban areas amends public_health_service_act reauthorize telehealth network telehealth resource centers grant programs


Summary: Men and Families Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of Men's Health. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office, to: (1) conduct, support, coordinate, and promote programs and activities to improve the state of men's health in the United States; and (2) provide for consultation among HHS agencies and offices to coordinate men's health programs and activities and establish a clinical registries database to assess and measure quality improvement of programs and activities relating to men's health.

men families health_care act amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services establish department_of_health_and_human_services hhs office men health requires secretary acting director office conduct support coordinate promote programs activities improve state men health united_states provide consultation hhs agencies offices coordinate men health programs activities establish clinical registries database assess measure quality improvement programs activities relating men health


Summary: Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) on a reasonable cost basis for anesthesia services furnished by a physician who is an anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals in the same manner as payment is made for anesthesia services furnished by a certified registered nurse anesthetists in such hospitals.

medicare access rural act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act provide payment medicare hospital insurance reasonable cost basis anesthesia services furnished physician anesthesiologist certain rural hospitals manner payment anesthesia services furnished certified registered nurse anesthetists hospitals


Summary: National Health Care Quality Act - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office of National Health Care Quality Improvement, headed by a Director of National Health Care Quality. Sets forth the duties of the Director, including: (1) advising the President on the quality of health care in the United States; (2) determining national priorities for improving health care quality; (3) establishing annual benchmarks for federal agencies to achieve national priorities for health care quality improvement; (4) developing an annual report card on the nation's health; and (5) posting on a website public information relating to national priorities for health care quality improvement and other information relating to health care quality. Establishes within the Office the Quality Interagency Coordinating Council to coordinate health care quality improvement efforts across all federal agencies. Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) make the position of Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality a presidential appointment; and (2) require the Agency to incorporate health care quality improvement priorities into research conducted under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), apply health care quality measures to HHS health programs, and conduct a public education campaign to educate health care providers and consumers about health care quality improvement. Establishes a National Quality Resource Center to assist health care providers in understanding and implementing health care quality improvement initiatives. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to award National Quality Support Extension grants to support and facilitate local health care quality improvement efforts throughout the United States.

national health_care quality act establishes executive_office president office national health_care quality improvement headed director national health_care quality sets forth duties director including advising president quality health_care united_states determining national priorities improving health_care quality establishing annual benchmarks federal agencies achieve national priorities health_care quality improvement developing annual report card nation health posting website public information relating national priorities health_care quality improvement information relating health_care quality establishes office quality interagency coordinating council coordinate health_care quality improvement efforts federal agencies amends public_health_service_act position director agency healthcare_research_and_quality presidential appointment require agency incorporate health_care quality improvement priorities research conducted department_of_health_and_human_services hhs apply health_care quality measures hhs health programs conduct public education campaign educate health_care providers consumers health_care quality improvement establishes national quality resource center assist health_care providers understanding implementing health_care quality improvement initiatives requires director agency healthcare_research_and_quality award national quality support extension grants support facilitate local health_care quality improvement efforts united_states


Summary: Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Antimicrobial Resistance Office. Requires the Secretary to establish the Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board to advise the Director of the Office (Director). Requires the Director to update the Public Health Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance within 18 months. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to: (1) develop an antimicrobial resistance strategic research plan; and (2) establish at least ten Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and Research Network sites. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary to require each sponsor of an approved human antimicrobial drug product sold or distributed in the United States to submit antimicrobial drug sales and distribution data. Requires that an application for a new animal drug contain information to ensure that reported data is comparable and reliable. Requires (currently, permits) the Secretary to share information reported in a new animal drug application with the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force. Sets forth provisions for the Secretary to secure reliable and comparable animal and human antimicrobial drug consumption data. Requires the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Director to work together to identify and report upon interventions that prevent and control the development of antimicrobial resistance.

strategies address antimicrobial resistance act_-_amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish antimicrobial resistance office requires secretary establish public health antimicrobial advisory_board advise director office director requires director update public health action plan combat antimicrobial resistance months requires secretary acting director director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc director national_institutes_of_health nih develop antimicrobial resistance strategic research plan establish antimicrobial resistance surveillance research network sites amends federal food drug cosmetic act direct secretary require sponsor approved human antimicrobial drug product sold distributed united_states submit antimicrobial drug sales distribution data requires application new animal drug contain information ensure reported data comparable reliable requires currently permits secretary share information reported new animal drug application antimicrobial resistance task_force sets forth provisions secretary secure reliable comparable animal human antimicrobial drug consumption data requires secretary health department_of_veterans_affairs administrator centers medicare medicaid_services director work identify report interventions prevent control development antimicrobial resistance


Summary: Medical Rights Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to permit any federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over: (1) the practice of medicine, the practice of other health care professions, or the manner in which health care services are provided; (2) the provision by a physician or a health care practitioner of advice to a patient about the patient's health status or recommended treatment for a condition or disease; (3) the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer, employee, or contractor of any institution, business, nonfederal agency, or individual providing health care services; or (4) the administration or operation of any such institution, business, nonfederal agency, or individual with respect to the provision of health care services to a patient. Sets forth exceptions for the Veterans Health Administration, the Department of Defense (DOD), the United States Public Health Service, the Indian Health Service, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Prohibits federal funds from being used by any federal officer or employee to prohibit: (1) any individual from receiving health care services from any provider under terms and conditions mutually acceptable to the patient, the provider, and the patient's group health plan; or (2) any person from entering into a contract with any group health plan, health insurance issuer, or other business for the provision of, or payment to other parties for, health care services. Sets forth provisions to prohibit specified actions to avoid the prohibitions under this Act. Repeals Medicare provisions restricting private contracts between beneficiaries and physicians or practitioners.

medical rights act prohibits federal funds permit federal officer employee exercise supervision control practice medicine practice health_care professions manner health_care services provided provision physician health_care practitioner advice patient patient health status recommended treatment condition disease selection tenure compensation officer employee contractor institution business nonfederal agency individual providing health_care services administration operation institution business nonfederal agency individual respect provision health_care services patient sets forth exceptions veterans_health_administration department_of_defense dod united_states public_health_service indian_health_service national_institutes_of_health nih health_resources_and_services_administration prohibits federal funds federal officer employee prohibit individual receiving health_care services provider terms conditions mutually acceptable patient provider patient group health plan person entering contract group health plan health insurance issuer business provision payment parties health_care services sets forth provisions prohibit specified actions avoid prohibitions act repeals medicare provisions restricting private contracts beneficiaries physicians practitioners


Summary: Patients' Choice Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene an interagency coordinating committee to develop a national strategic plan for prevention. Provides for health promotion and disease prevention activities consistent with such plan. Sets forth provisions governing the establishment and operation of state-based health care exchanges to facilitate the individual purchase of private health insurance and the creation of a market where private health plans compete for enrolles based on price and quality. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for qualified health care insurance coverage. Replaces title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with a program to provide grants to states for: (1) acute medical care assistance to otherwise qualified blind or disabled individuals, foster care children, low-income women with breast or cervical cancer, certain tuberculosis-infected individuals, and certain individuals currently covered; and (2) long-term care services and supports for qualified disabled and elderly populations. Repeals title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to supplement the costs of private health insurance for eligible low-income families through the distribution of supplemental debit cards, which may be used for costs associated with health care and provide direct support in accessing health care. Requires the Secretary to establish and implement a competitive bidding mechanism to promote competition among Medicare Advantage plans and to increase the quality of care furnished under the plans. Requires benchmarks for such plans to be established solely through competitive bids. Sets forth programs to prevent Medicare fraud and abuse, including ending the use of social security numbers to identify Medicare beneficiaries. Allows the Secretary to award grants for the development, implementation, and evaluation of alternatives to current tort litigation for the resolution of disputes concerning injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or health care organizations. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to provide for the certification and auditing of the banking of electronic medical records. Establishes: (1) a Health Care Services Commission to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health care services and access to such services; and (2) the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care. Terminates the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2009 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe standards for the establishment, certification, operation, and interoperability of independent health record trusts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) permit Indians to receive health care through providers outside of the Indian Health Service; and (2) make payments for such care. Terminates the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research.

patients choice act_-_requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs convene interagency_coordinating_committee develop national strategic plan prevention provides health promotion disease prevention activities consistent plan sets forth provisions governing establishment operation state based health_care exchanges facilitate individual purchase private health insurance creation market private health plans compete based price quality amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow refundable tax credit qualified health_care insurance coverage replaces title xix medicaid social_security_act program provide grants states acute medical care assistance qualified blind disabled individuals foster care children low income women breast cervical cancer certain tuberculosis infected individuals certain individuals currently covered long-term_care services supports qualified disabled elderly populations repeals title xxi state children health insurance program chip known schip social_security_act amends public_health_service_act require secretary supplement costs private health insurance eligible low income families distribution supplemental debit cards costs associated health_care provide direct support accessing health_care requires secretary establish implement competitive bidding mechanism promote competition medicare_advantage plans increase quality care furnished plans requires benchmarks plans established solely competitive bids sets forth programs prevent medicare fraud abuse including ending use social_security numbers identify medicare beneficiaries allows secretary award grants development implementation evaluation alternatives current tort litigation resolution disputes concerning injuries allegedly caused health_care providers health_care organizations requires secretary promulgate regulations provide certification auditing banking electronic medical records establishes health_care services commission enhance quality appropriateness effectiveness health_care services access services office forum quality effectiveness health_care terminates agency healthcare_research_and_quality independent health record trust act directs federal_trade_commission ftc prescribe standards establishment certification operation interoperability independent health record trusts requires secretary permit indians receive health_care providers outside indian_health_service payments care terminates federal coordinating council comparative effectiveness research


Summary: Safeguarding Our Hospitals' Futures Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2009, to apply budget neutrality on a national basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor, including a minimum wage index, for each all-urban and rural state for discharges occurring during FY2008 under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (through a uniform, national adjustment to the area wage index).

safeguarding hospitals futures act directs secretary health_and_human_services case discharges occurring october apply budget neutrality national basis calculation medicare hospital wage index floor including minimum wage index urban rural state discharges occurring fy2008 title xviii medicare social_security_act uniform national adjustment area wage index


Summary: Women Veterans Access to Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in providing health care services to women veterans, to emphasize: (1) with respect to physical health, conditions including reproductive health, preventive medicine and early detection, sexual trauma, special needs of women with prosthetics, and rehabilitation; (2) with respect to mental health, issues including stress reduction, services for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse, and conflict resolution; (3) improving health-related telecommunications technologies; (4) providing care to women veterans who served in Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom, live in a rural area, or are homebound or elderly; and (5) with respect to health professionals employed by the VA, hiring health professionals who are specialist in fields related to women's health, and offering additional training on special issues regarding women veterans. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study on health care for women veterans; and (2) carry out an information outreach program for women veterans and their families.

women veterans access care act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs providing health_care services women veterans emphasize respect physical health conditions including reproductive health preventive medicine early detection sexual trauma special needs women prosthetics rehabilitation respect mental health issues including stress reduction services depression anxiety post traumatic stress disorder ptsd substance abuse conflict resolution improving health related telecommunications technologies providing care women veterans served operations enduring_freedom iraqi_freedom live rural area homebound elderly respect health professionals employed hiring health professionals specialist fields related women health offering additional training special issues women veterans requires secretary conduct study health_care women veterans carry information outreach program women veterans families


Summary: Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission to develop, coordinate, and facilitate implementation of a national plan for rural health quality improvements. Requires that such plan: (1) identify objectives for rural health quality improvement; (2) identify strategies to eliminate known gaps in rural health system capacity and improve rural health quality; and (3) provide for federal programs to identify opportunities for strengthening and aligning policies and programs to improve rural health quality. Directs the Commission to: (1) design demonstration projects to test alternative models for rural health quality improvement, including with respect to both personal and population health; and (2) monitor progress towards identified objectives. Requires the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects to implement and evaluate methods for improving the quality of health care in rural communities that include: (1) alternative community models; (2) innovative approaches to the financing and delivery of health services; and (3) the development of quality improvement support structures to assist rural health systems and professionals. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expedite Medicaid and Medicare waivers as necessary to carry out such demonstration projects; and (2) provide for an independent evaluation of such projects.

rural health quality advisory commission act directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish rural health quality advisory commission develop coordinate facilitate implementation national plan rural health quality improvements requires plan identify objectives rural health quality improvement identify strategies eliminate known gaps rural health system capacity improve rural health quality provide federal programs identify opportunities strengthening aligning policies programs improve rural health quality directs commission design demonstration projects test alternative models rural health quality improvement including respect personal population health monitor progress identified objectives requires secretary grants demonstration projects implement evaluate methods improving quality health_care rural communities include alternative community models innovative approaches financing delivery health services development quality improvement support structures assist rural health systems professionals directs secretary expedite medicaid medicare waivers necessary carry demonstration projects provide independent evaluation projects


Summary: Health Equity and Accountability through Research Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to rename the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities as the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities. Revises and expands the duties of the Director of such Institute relating to coordination of research activities conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and review of a strategic plan and budget for minority health disparity research.

health equity accountability research_act amends public_health_service_act rename national_center_on_minority_health_and_health_disparities national institute minority health health disparities revises expands duties director institute relating coordination research activities conducted national institute health nih review strategic plan budget minority health disparity research


Summary: Medical Liability Procedural Reform Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to states to develop, implement, and evaluate health care tribunals. Defines "health care tribunal" to mean a trial court or administrative tribunal: (1) the sole function of which is to adjudicate disputes over injuries allegedly caused by health care providers; (2) to which all or a portion of such disputes within a jurisdiction are assigned; and (3) the judges for which have health care expertise and render decisions about the standard of care in dispute adjudication, with reliance on independent expert witnesses commissioned by such court or tribunal. Permits the Attorney General to provide technical assistance to states to: (1) develop common definition, formats, and data collection infrastructure for states to use in reporting in order to facilitate aggregation and analysis of data within and between states; and (2) provide guidance about the identification and selection of heath care tribunal judges and independent expert witnesses, compensation of injured patients, and clinical resources relating to the standard of care. Requires the Attorney General to contract with a research organization to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of grants awarded, to include an analysis of the effect of such grants on: (1) the number, nature, and costs of health care liability claims; (2) the liability environment; (3) health care quality; and (4) patient safety.

medical liability procedural reform_act authorizes attorney general award grants states develop implement evaluate health_care tribunals defines health_care tribunal mean trial court administrative tribunal sole function adjudicate disputes injuries allegedly caused health_care providers portion disputes jurisdiction assigned judges health_care expertise render decisions standard care dispute adjudication reliance independent expert witnesses commissioned court tribunal permits attorney general provide technical assistance states develop common definition formats data collection infrastructure states use reporting order facilitate aggregation analysis data states provide guidance identification selection heath care tribunal judges independent expert witnesses compensation injured patients clinical resources relating standard care requires attorney general contract research organization evaluate report effectiveness grants awarded include analysis effect grants number nature costs health_care liability claims liability environment health_care quality patient safety


Summary: Ensuring Continuous Medicaid Coverage for Children Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to change from discretionary to mandatory the authority of state Medicaid plans to provide for 12-month continuous coverage of children under Medicaid.

ensuring continuous medicaid coverage children act amends title xix medicaid social_security_act change discretionary mandatory authority state medicaid plans provide month continuous coverage children medicaid


Summary: States' Right To Innovate in Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (State Comprehensive Health Care and Cost Containment Demonstration Projects). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a state-based Universal Health Care Coverage Commission to participate in the review of state applications for planning and demonstration grants for the development of a cost-effective delivery system of universal, comprehensive health care with simplified administration. Authorizes such grants. Requires a state plan to provide: (1) coverage of all eligible state residents, without regard to employment status, income, health status or preexisting condition, or location of residency within the state; and (2) health benefits that are at least actuarially equivalent to the standard Blue Cross/Blue Shield preferred provider option service benefit plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program. Allows one or more contiguous states in a geographic region to file a joint application for such grants. Authorizes Interstate Compacts of states to conduct joint health care programs under a grant.

states right innovate health_care act amends social_security_act add new title xxii state comprehensive health_care cost containment demonstration projects directs secretary health_and_human_services establish state based universal health_care coverage commission participate review state applications planning demonstration grants development cost effective delivery system universal comprehensive health_care simplified administration authorizes grants requires state plan provide coverage eligible state residents regard employment status income health status preexisting condition location residency state health benefits actuarially equivalent standard blue cross blue shield preferred provider option service benefit plan federal_employees_health benefit program allows contiguous states geographic region file joint application grants authorizes interstate compacts states conduct joint health_care programs grant


Summary: Doctor-Patient Relationship and Research Protection Act - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to: (1) expand the membership of the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research; and (2) require the Council to provide for a public comment period prior to obligating funds for comparative effectiveness research, support increased public awareness of such research, and identify conflicts of interest in appointing members of the Council. Prohibits the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from using federally funded clinical comparative effectiveness research data to make coverage determinations under Medicare for medical treatments, services, and items on the basis of cost. Provides for expedited appeals of Medicare coverage determinations using federally funded comparative effectiveness research. Denies federal funding for clinical comparative effectiveness research that does not consider racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic differences within patient subpopulations.

doctor patient relationship research protection act_-_amends american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act expand membership federal coordinating council comparative effectiveness research require council provide public comment period prior obligating funds comparative effectiveness research support increased public awareness research identify conflicts interest appointing members council prohibits administrator centers medicare medicaid_services federally funded clinical comparative effectiveness research data coverage determinations medicare medical treatments services items basis cost provides expedited appeals medicare coverage determinations federally funded comparative effectiveness research denies federal funding clinical comparative effectiveness research consider racial ethnic gender geographic differences patient subpopulations


Summary: Medicare Quality Improvement Organization Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require utilization and quality control peer review organizations to offer quality improvement assistance to providers, practitioners, Medicare Advantage organizations under part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare), and prescription drug sponsors under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of such title. Allows an organization to provide de-identified patient data to providers treating the same population of patients for the purpose of measuring and improving the safety, quality, and effectiveness of patient transitions from one service provider to another. Requires the organization to establish a Medicare quality accountability program. Adds a program administration component under part B (Peer Review) of SSA title XI. Directs the Secretary to ensure that Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) are provided maximum freedom in designing and applying intervention strategies for local quality improvement. Revises requirements for the quality improvement program, including use of evaluation and competition, quality improvement funding, and qualifications for QIOs. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require state medical assistance plans to provide for an alternative quality improvement program.

medicare quality improvement organization modernization act amends title social_security_act ssa require utilization quality control peer_review organizations offer quality improvement assistance providers practitioners medicare_advantage organizations title xviii medicare prescription drug sponsors voluntary prescription drug benefit program title allows organization provide identified patient data providers treating population patients purpose measuring improving safety quality effectiveness patient transitions service provider requires organization establish medicare quality accountability program adds program administration component peer_review ssa title directs secretary ensure quality improvement organizations provided maximum freedom designing applying intervention strategies local quality improvement revises requirements quality improvement program including use evaluation competition quality improvement funding qualifications amends ssa title xix medicaid require state medical assistance plans provide alternative quality improvement program


Summary: Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses for veterans receiving treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at the rate of 41.5 cents per mile. (Under current law the rate is that provided to federal employees in connection with the performance of official duties.) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate at least one and up to five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (2) establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas; (3) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas; (4) establish a program to provide peer support, readjustment, and mental health services to veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (and related services to their family members); (5) assign an Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinator for each of the ten VA facilities that serve communities with the greatest per capita number of Indian veterans; (6) report to Congress jointly with the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the advisability of the joint establishment and operation by the VA's Veterans Health Administration and the Indian Health Service of health clinics to serve populations of Indian reservations, including Indian veterans; and (7) report annually to Congress on matters related to VA care for veterans residing in rural areas.

rural veterans health_care improvement act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs pay travel expenses veterans receiving treatment department_of_veterans_affairs facilities rate cents mile current law rate provided federal employees connection performance official duties directs secretary establish operate centers_of_excellence rural health research education clinical activities establish grant program provide innovative transportation options veterans highly rural areas carry demonstration projects examine alternatives expanding care veterans rural areas establish program provide peer support readjustment mental health services veterans served operations iraqi_freedom enduring_freedom related services family members assign indian veterans health_care coordinator facilities serve communities greatest capita number indian veterans report congress jointly secretary health_and_human_services advisability joint establishment operation veterans_health_administration indian_health_service health clinics serve populations indian reservations including indian veterans report annually congress matters related care veterans residing rural areas


Summary: Advance Planning and Compassionate Care Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish and operate directly, or by grant, contract, or interagency agreement, a 24-hour toll free telephone hotline to provide consumer information regarding advance care planning. Directs the Secretary to develop an online clearinghouse to provide comprehensive information regarding: (1) advance care planning; and (2) pediatric advance care planning. Directs the Secretary to develop an online advance care planning toolkit for availability on specified websites. Directs the Secretary, acting through the CDC Director, directly or through grants, contracts, or interagency agreements, to develop a national campaign to inform the public of the importance of advance care planning and of an individual's right to direct and participate in his or her health care decisions. Directs the Secretary to update the online version of the "Planning Ahead" section of the Medicare & You Handbook to include information about advanced care planning and advance directives. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to update the online version of the Social Security Handbook for beneficiaries to include such information, as well as all paper and online versions subsequently published. Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to authorize financial and legal assistance for advanced care planning. Directs the Secretary to award grants to states for certain state health insurance assistance programs to provide advance care planning services to Medicare beneficiaries, their personal representatives, and their families. Authorizes Medicaid transformation grants for advance care planning and advanced care planning community training grants. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to establish new or expand existing programs for orders regarding life sustaining treatment in states or localities. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to establish a website for providers under the Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Indian Health Service, and other public health providers on each individual's right to make decisions concerning medical care, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment, and the existence of advance directives. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of Health Resources and Services Administration, to develop a curriculum for continuing education that states may adopt for physicians and nurses on advanced care planning and end-of-life care. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act with respect to the portability of advance directives. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary, acting through the CDC Director, to award competitive grants to eligible entities to establish and operate state advance directive registries. Requires various specified studies and reports to Congress by the Comptroller General and by the Secretary. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to establish within the National Health Service Corps a National Geriatric and Palliative Care Services Corps. Exempts palliative medicine fellowship training from Medicare graduate medical education caps. Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for the imposition by medical schools of a minimum amount of end-of-life training as a requirement for obtaining a Doctor of Medicine degree in the field of allopathic or osteopathic medicine. Authorizes coverage of advance care planning under Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. Revises Medicare requirements for hospice payments and related matters. Makes hospice care a required Medicaid and CHIP benefit. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to designate an entity to develop requirements, standards, and procedures for accreditation of hospital-based palliative care programs. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, within the National Institutes of Health, a National Center on Palliative and End-of-Life Care. Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration program for the use of telemedicine services in advance care planning.

advance planning compassionate care act directs secretary health_and_human_services acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc establish operate directly grant contract interagency agreement hour toll free telephone hotline provide consumer information advance care planning directs secretary develop online clearinghouse provide comprehensive information advance care planning pediatric advance care planning directs secretary develop online advance care planning availability specified websites directs secretary acting cdc director directly grants contracts interagency agreements develop national campaign inform public importance advance care planning individual right direct participate health_care decisions directs secretary update online version planning ahead section medicare handbook include information advanced care planning advance directives directs commissioner_of_social_security update online version social_security handbook beneficiaries include information paper online versions subsequently published amends legal_services_corporation act authorize financial legal assistance advanced care planning directs secretary award grants states certain state health insurance assistance programs provide advance care planning services medicare beneficiaries personal representatives families authorizes medicaid transformation grants advance care planning advanced care planning community training grants directs secretary grants eligible entities establish new expand existing programs orders life sustaining treatment states localities directs secretary acting administrator centers medicare medicaid_services director agency healthcare_research_and_quality establish website providers medicare medicaid children health insurance program indian_health_service public health providers individual right decisions concerning medical care including right accept refuse medical surgical treatment existence advance directives directs secretary acting director health_resources_and_services_administration develop curriculum continuing education states adopt physicians nurses advanced care planning end life care amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid xxi children health insurance chip known schip social_security_act respect portability advance directives amends public_health_service_act direct secretary acting cdc director award competitive grants eligible entities establish operate state advance directive registries requires specified studies reports congress comptroller_general secretary amends public_health_service_act direct secretary establish national_health_service_corps national geriatric palliative care services corps exempts palliative medicine fellowship training medicare graduate medical education caps directs secretary establish guidelines imposition medical schools minimum end life training requirement obtaining doctor medicine degree field allopathic osteopathic medicine authorizes coverage advance care planning medicare medicaid chip revises medicare requirements hospice payments related matters makes hospice care required medicaid chip benefit directs secretary acting administrator agency healthcare_research_and_quality designate entity develop requirements standards procedures accreditation hospital based palliative care programs amends public_health_service_act establish national_institutes_of_health national center palliative end life care directs secretary establish demonstration program use telemedicine services advance care planning


Summary: Medicare Efficiency Incentive Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize an incentive payment equal to 5% of the payment amount for certain physicians' services furnished by a participating physician in an efficient area.

medicare efficiency incentive act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act authorize incentive payment equal payment certain physicians services furnished participating physician efficient area


Summary: Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to report annually to Congress an evaluation, by Medicare administrative contractor area, of access to care, quality of care, increases or decreases in volume of services among such areas, and the potential effects of MEDPAC's most recent policy recommendations on access to care in such areas.

directs medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac report annually congress evaluation medicare administrative contractor area access care quality care increases decreases volume services areas potential effects medpac recent policy recommendations access care areas


Summary: Healthcare Improvements for Generating High Performance (HIGH Performance) Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish national priorities and goals for quality improvement in the delivery of health care services in the United States; (2) convene an interagency committee to coordinate the health care quality improvement activities of certain federal agencies; and (3) establish a Center for Health Extension (Center) within the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of HHS to improve health care quality and evaluate progress in improving patient outcomes. Requires the Center to: (1) identify and develop clinical, managerial, and health care delivery best practices; (2) provide training and technical assistance to hospitals and health care facilities to implement such best practices; (3) establish Regional Health Care Centers to assist in training and education of health care providers in quality improvement; and (4) provide for public dissemination of information relating to activities and research conducted under this Act.

healthcare improvements generating high performance high performance act amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish national priorities goals quality improvement delivery health_care services united_states convene interagency_committee coordinate health_care quality improvement activities certain federal agencies establish center health extension center agency healthcare_research_and_quality hhs improve health_care quality evaluate progress improving patient outcomes requires center identify develop clinical managerial health_care delivery best practices provide training technical assistance hospitals health_care facilities implement best practices establish regional health_care centers assist training education health_care providers quality improvement provide public dissemination information relating activities research conducted act


Summary: Accountable Care Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a pilot program to test different payment incentive models designed to reduce the growth of expenditures and improve health outcomes in the provision to beneficiaries of items and services by qualifying accountable care organizations (ACOs) of physicians. Specifies among payment incentive models a performance target model and a partial capitation model. Allows the Secretary to develop other models.

accountable care promotion act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs conduct pilot program test different payment incentive models designed reduce growth expenditures improve health outcomes provision beneficiaries items services qualifying accountable care organizations physicians specifies payment incentive models performance target model partial capitation model allows secretary develop models


Summary: Josephine Butler United States Health Service Act - Establishes the United States Health Service as an independent executive branch entity to provide health care and supplemental health services to all individuals within the United States. Requires the President to appoint members to a National Health Board to exercise the authority of the Service. Establishes an Office of the Inspector General for Health Services. Requires the Service to ensure that every individual is given certain basic health rights, including the right to receive high quality care and supplemental services from any facility within the Service capable of providing such services without charge and without discrimination. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide employees with leave to receive necessary health care services. Requires the Board to: (1) establish any necessary health care facilities; (2) establish guidelines for the classification, certification, and employment of health workers by job category; (3) provide for the education of health workers through health team schools and loan repayment; (4) establish a health advocacy program to ensure the realization of patients' rights; (5) oversee occupational safety and health programs; and (6) conduct research concerning health and health care delivery. Transfers to the Board the agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that conduct research on health and health care. Requires the Board to establish additional research institutes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a health services tax on the income of individuals and corporations to fund the Health Service Trust Fund (established under this Act). Transfers to the Service certain authority of the Secretary of HHS.

united_states health service act establishes united_states health service independent executive branch entity provide health_care supplemental health services individuals united_states requires president appoint members national health board exercise authority service establishes office_of_the_inspector_general health services requires service ensure individual given certain basic health rights including right receive high quality care supplemental services facility service capable providing services charge discrimination amends fair labor standards act provide employees leave receive necessary health_care services requires board establish necessary health_care facilities establish guidelines classification certification employment health workers job category provide education health workers health team schools loan repayment establish health advocacy program ensure patients rights oversee occupational safety health programs conduct research concerning health health_care delivery transfers board agencies department_of_health_and_human_services hhs conduct research health health_care requires board establish additional research institutes amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose health services tax income individuals corporations fund health service trust_fund established act transfers service certain authority secretary hhs


Summary: Ending LGBT Health Disparities Act - Sets forth provisions concerning the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax exclusion for employer-provided health care benefits to eligible beneficiaries of the employee and the qualifying children of such beneficiaries. Limits preexisting condition exclusions. Requires parity in the rights and obligations of a federal employee (defined to exclude members of the uniformed services) with a domestic partner and a married employee and the spouse. Expands the definition of "spouse" and "married" for purposes of Medicare. Phases out the 24-month waiting period for eligibility for hospital insurance benefits under Medicare. Prohibits discrimination: (1) on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity under Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP), Medicare, the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program; and (2) on the basis of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation by the Secretary of Defense against a former member of uniformed services entitled to medical care, and by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support demonstration projects to improve the health and health care of sexual or gender minorities. Establishes within the Office of Minority Health an Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health to be headed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary for LGBT Health. Requires the HHS Secretary, acting through the Deputy Assistant Secretary, to establish the Center for Cultural Competence in Health Care. Provides for expanded research concerning sexual and gender minority individuals and the collection of sexual or gender minority data in health programs and surveys. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide benefits to surviving same-sex parents.

ending lgbt health disparities act sets forth provisions concerning health lesbian gay bisexual transgender individuals amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend tax exclusion employer provided health_care benefits eligible beneficiaries employee qualifying children beneficiaries limits preexisting condition exclusions requires parity rights obligations federal employee defined exclude members uniformed_services domestic partner married employee spouse expands definition spouse married purposes medicare phases month waiting period eligibility hospital insurance benefits medicare prohibits discrimination basis sexual orientation gender identity medicaid children health insurance program chip known schip medicare violence_against_women_act federal_employees_health_benefits_program basis sex gender identity sexual orientation secretary defense member uniformed_services entitled medical care secretary veterans_affairs requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs support demonstration projects improve health health_care sexual gender minorities establishes office_of_minority_health office lesbian gay bisexual transgender health headed deputy assistant secretary lgbt health requires hhs secretary acting deputy assistant secretary establish center cultural competence health_care provides expanded research concerning sexual gender minority individuals collection sexual gender minority data health programs surveys amends title old age survivors disability_insurance oasdi social_security_act provide benefits surviving sex parents