Summary: Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act - Title I: Policy on Care, Management, and Transition of Servicemembers With Serious Injuries or Illnesses - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs (Secretaries) to: (1) jointly develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the care and management of members of the Armed Forces (members) who are undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, are in medical hold or holdover status, or are otherwise on the temporary disability retired list for a serious injury or illness (recovering members); (2) jointly update the policy on a periodic basis (at least annually); and (3) jointly and separately review all policies and procedures of the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that apply to, or are covered by, the comprehensive policy. Requires such review to be completed within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretaries, in developing the policy, to take into account specified findings, recommendations, and practices, including those of the Independent Review Group on Rehabilitative Care and Administrative Processes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center.Requires the policy developed to include: (1) mechanisms to ensure responsibility for recovering members in medical hold or holdover status or on the temporary disability retired list; (2) processes, procedures, and standards for medical evaluations and physical disability evaluations of recovering members; (3) standards for determinations of the return of recovering members to active duty; (4) standards for the transition of recovering members from care and treatment by DOD to care and treatment by the VA before, during, and after separation from service; (5) VA access to military health records of recovering members; and (6) surveys and other mechanisms to measure patient and family satisfaction with the DOD and VA provision of care and services.Requires a report from: (1) the Secretaries to the defense and veterans committees on the policy developed, as well as on policy updates; and (2) the Comptroller General (CG) annually to the defense and veterans committees assessing DOD and VA progress in developing and implementing the policy.(Sec. 102) Requires the Secretaries, in developing and implementing the policy, to: (1) take into account and fully address any unique needs of women members and women veterans; and (2) include a description of such needs, and the manner in which they are addressed, in any reports required under the previous section.Title II: Health Care - Subtitle A: Enhanced Availability of Care for Servicemembers - (Sec. 201) Entitles any recovering member and any former member with a severe injury or illness to medical and dental care in any military medical facility or through any civilian health care provider authorized by the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to provide health and mental health services, including services for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Authorizes such medical and dental care for three years beginning on the date: (1) of enactment of this Act, for those whose injury or illness was incurred on or after October 7, 2001, and before the enactment of this Act; and (2) on which the injury or illness is incurred, for those whose injury or illness occurs on or after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to waive any limitation on the provision of such care if considered appropriate to assure the maximum feasible recovery and rehabilitation of the member or former member. Prohibits the Secretary from providing such medical and dental care after December 31, 2012, if the Secretary has not provided such care to such member or former member before that date.Entitles members with a severe injury or illness to rehabilitation and vocational benefits from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse recovering members and former members with a severe injury or illness for certain expenses incurred in connection with the receipt of required medical care.(Sec. 202) Requires the Secretary to provide reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses for follow-on specialty care and related services of a former member who incurred a disability while on active duty in a combat zone or in combat-related operations, is entitled to retired or retainer pay, and requires follow-up care, services, or supplies at a specific military treatment facility located more than 100 miles away from the member's residence.Subtitle B: Care and Services for Dependents - (Sec. 211) Makes a family member of a recovering member eligible for medical care at a military treatment facility if the family member is: (1) on invitational orders while caring for the member; (2) a non-medical attendee caring for the member; or (3) receiving per-diem payments from DOD while caring for the member. Makes a family member who is eligible for medical care under (1), above, for more than 45 days during a one-year period also eligible for job placement services offered by DOD. Requires a report on the need for additional employment services and job protection for family members who are placed on leave or displaced from employment while caring for a recovering member.Subtitle C: Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - (Sec. 221) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress one or more comprehensive plans for DOD programs and activities to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat, and otherwise respond to TBI and PTSD in members.(Sec. 222) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a protocol for the predeployment assessment and documentation of the cognitive functioning of a member who is deployed outside the United States, in order to facilitate the assessment of the postdeployment cognitive functioning of such member; (2) conduct up to three pilot projects to evaluate various mechanisms for use in the protocol; (3) report to the defense and veterans committees on the pilot projects; and (4) after completion of the pilot projects, establish the appropriate mechanism for use in the protocol. Authorizes appropriations.(Sec. 223) Requires the Secretary to establish in DOD a center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of TBI and PTSD. Requires reports on the establishment and operation of each center. Authorizes appropriations.(Sec. 224) Directs the Secretaries to jointly: (1) conduct a comprehensive review of the need for mental health treatment and services, and the adequacy of existing treatment and services, for female members and veterans; (2) report on the review; and (3) develop a comprehensive policy to address the treatment and care of female members and veterans who experience mental health problems and conditions, including PTSD.(Sec. 225) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for FY2008 for activities related to the improved diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of members with: (1) TBI; or (2) PTSD.(Sec. 226) Requires a report from the Secretary on progress in implementing requirements under the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 relating to: (1) a study on TBI incurred by members participating in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) enhanced mental health screening and services for members; and (3) early diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and other mental health conditions of members. Requires an annual report to such committees, during 2008 through 2013, on amounts expended by DOD for the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of members with TBI or PTSD.Subtitle D: Other Matters - (Sec. 231) Directs the Secretaries to: (1) develop and implement a joint electronic health record (joint record) for use by DOD and VA; and (2) accelerate the exchange of health care information between the two departments. Establishes the Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Interagency Program Office for a Joint Electronic Health Record, with a Director and Deputy Director. Requires the Office to develop and prepare for deployment by September 30, 2010, a joint record which complies with applicable federal interoperability standards. Authorizes the Secretaries to carry out pilot projects of various technological approaches to the achievement of the joint record. Requires: (1) annual reports from the Office Director to the Secretaries and the defense and veterans committees on Office activities (to be made available to the public); and (2) semiannual reports, until joint record implementation, from the CG on DOD-VA progress in developing and implementing the joint record. Provides funding.(Sec. 232) Allows the Secretary to exercise any DOD authority for the appointment and pay of health care personnel in order to provide or enhance DOD capacity to provide care and treatment for members who are wounded or injured on active duty, and to support ongoing DOD patient care and medical readiness, education, and training requirements. Directs the military department Secretaries to: (1) develop a strategy of best practices for the recruitment of such medical and health professionals within their department; and (2) report on such strategy to the defense committees.(Sec. 233) Requires the Secretary to: (1) recommend to the defense committees legislative or administrative actions to address shortages in health care professionals within DOD; and (2) implement programs to recruit qualified individuals to serve as health care and mental health care personnel.Title III: Disability Matters - Subtitle A: Disability Evaluations - (Sec. 301) Authorizes the retirement or separation for disability of members on active duty for more than 30 days if the member has six months or more of active service and the disability was not noted at the time of the member's entrance into active duty, unless compelling medical evidence or judgment warrants a finding that the disability existed before the member's entrance into active duty.(Sec. 302) Requires the Secretary concerned, in making disability determinations, to utilize (without deviating from) the schedule for rating disabilities in use by the VA. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to utilize criteria other than the VA schedule if the criteria will result in a determination of a greater percentage of disability than in the use of the schedule.(Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to establish within DOD the Physical Disability Board of Review to review disability determinations made by DOD physical evaluation boards of members who, during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2009, are: (1) separated from the Armed Forces as unfit for duty due to a medical condition with a disability rating of 20% disabled or less; and (2) found to be ineligible for retirement. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to correct the military records of such individuals in light of any Board of Review findings.(Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to carry out pilot programs on the revision and improvement of the disability evaluation system for members. Requires under one of the pilot programs that: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs assign a member a VA-schedule rating of disability, upon which the Secretary concerned shall make a disability determination of the member; (2) disability determinations are made utilizing joint DOD/VA-assigned disability ratings; and (3) the Secretary establishes and operates a single Internet website for the DOD disability evaluation system that enables participating members to utilize such system through the website. Outlines related pilot program purposes. Requires the Secretaries to jointly incorporate any findings and recommendations arising under the pilot programs when updating the comprehensive policy on the care and management of recovering members as required under section 101. Requires: (1) each pilot program to be completed within one year after its commencement; and (2) an interim and final report on the pilot programs from the Secretary to the defense and veterans committees.(Sec. 305) Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary, until March 1, 2009, on the implementation of DOD corrective measures with respect to the physical disability evaluation system in response to the report of: (1) the Inspector General of the Army on that system; (2) the Independent Review Group on Rehabilitation Care and Administrative Processes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center; and (3) the Department of Veterans Affairs Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes.Subtitle B: Other Disability Matters - (Sec. 311) Increases from 12 to 19 the maximum number of years of service authorized to be used as a multiplier to determine military disability severance pay. Provides minimum years of service for purposes of such determination. Prohibits any deduction from disability severance pay due to payments received as veterans' disability compensation in the case of disability severance pay received by a member for a disability incurred in the line of duty in a combat zone or in combat-related operations as designated by the Secretary.(Sec. 312) Directs the Secretaries to jointly develop and implement a mechanism to provide for the electronic transfer from DOD to VA of any DOD documents necessary to establish or support the eligibility of a member for benefits under laws administered by the VA at the time of the member's retirement, separation, or release from service.(Sec. 313) Requires the Secretary and the CG to report an assessment of the continuing utility of the temporary disability retired list in satisfying the purposes for which it was established.Title IV: Improvement of Facilities Housing Patients - (Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary to establish standards for the accreditation of medical facilities with respect to DOD military medical treatment facilities, specialty medical care facilities, and military quarters or leased housing for patients. Requires that such standards be uniform and consistent across such facilities and across DOD and the military departments. Directs the Secretary to specify a deadline for standards compliance for each facility and report on actions taken to carry out this section.(Sec. 402) Requires quarterly reports, until March 1, 2009, on implementation of the action plan of the Army to correct deficiencies identified in the condition of facilities, and in the administration of outpatients in medical hold or holdover status, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other applicable Army installations.(Sec. 403) Directs the Secretary to: (1) assess the feasibility of accelerating the construction and completion of new facilities required to facilitate the closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as directed under the 2005 round of defense base closures and realignments under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990; (2) develop and carry out a plan for the construction and completion of the replacement facilities; (3) submit such plan to the defense and appropriations committees; and (4) make certain certifications to such committees with respect to the plan submitted.Title V: Outreach and Related Information on Benefits - (Sec. 501) Requires the Secretary to develop, maintain, and update at least annually in handbook and electronic form a description of the compensation and other benefits available to a member (and his or her family members) upon the member's separation or retirement as a result of a serious injury or illness. Directs the Secretary concerned to furnish the handbook to a member (or, if incapacitated, their next of kin) as soon as practicable following such an injury or illness.Title VI: Other Matters - (Sec. 601) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for a study on the physical and mental health and other readjustment needs of members and former members who deployed in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom (and their families) as a result of such deployment. Requires the: (1) NAS to report to the Secretaries upon the completion of each of the two phases of such study; (2) the Secretaries to develop a preliminary and final DOD-VA plan to address the NAS report findings and recommendations; (3) Secretaries to report each plan to Congress; and (4) CG to submit to Congress an assessment of each plan. Authorizes appropriations.

dignified treatment wounded warriors act title policy care management transition servicemembers injuries illnesses sec directs secretaries_of_defense veterans_affairs secretaries jointly develop implement comprehensive policy care management members armed_forces members undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy medical hold holdover status temporary disability retired list injury illness recovering members jointly update policy periodic basis annually jointly separately review policies procedures department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs apply covered comprehensive policy requires review completed days enactment act directs secretaries developing policy account specified findings recommendations practices including independent review group rehabilitative care administrative processes army medical center national naval medical center requires policy developed include mechanisms ensure responsibility recovering members medical hold holdover status temporary disability retired list processes procedures standards medical evaluations physical disability evaluations recovering members standards determinations return recovering members active duty standards transition recovering members care treatment dod care treatment separation service access military health records recovering members surveys mechanisms measure patient family satisfaction dod provision care services requires report secretaries defense veterans committees policy developed policy updates comptroller_general annually defense veterans committees assessing dod progress developing implementing requires secretaries developing implementing policy account fully address unique needs women members women veterans include description needs manner addressed reports required previous section title health_care subtitle enhanced availability care servicemembers sec entitles recovering member member severe injury illness medical dental care military medical facility civilian health_care provider authorized secretary defense secretary provide health mental health services including services traumatic brain injury tbi post traumatic stress disorder ptsd authorizes medical dental care years beginning date enactment act injury illness incurred october enactment act injury illness incurred injury illness occurs enactment act authorizes secretary waive limitation provision care considered appropriate assure maximum feasible recovery rehabilitation member member prohibits secretary providing medical dental care december secretary provided care member member date entitles members severe injury illness rehabilitation vocational benefits secretary veterans_affairs authorizes secretary military department concerned reimburse recovering members members severe injury illness certain expenses incurred connection receipt required medical requires secretary provide reimbursement reasonable travel expenses follow specialty care related services member incurred disability active duty combat zone combat related operations entitled retired retainer pay requires follow care services supplies specific military treatment facility located miles away member residence subtitle care services dependents sec makes family member recovering member eligible medical care military treatment facility family member orders caring member non medical caring member receiving diem payments dod caring member makes family member eligible medical care days year period eligible job placement services offered dod requires report need additional employment services job protection family members placed leave displaced employment caring recovering member subtitle traumatic brain injury post traumatic stress disorder sec directs secretary report congress comprehensive plans dod programs activities prevent diagnose mitigate treat respond tbi ptsd directs secretary establish protocol assessment documentation cognitive functioning member deployed outside united_states order facilitate assessment cognitive functioning member conduct pilot projects evaluate mechanisms use protocol report defense veterans committees pilot projects completion pilot projects establish appropriate mechanism use protocol authorizes requires secretary establish dod center_of_excellence prevention diagnosis mitigation treatment rehabilitation tbi ptsd requires reports establishment operation center authorizes directs secretaries jointly conduct comprehensive review need mental health treatment services adequacy existing treatment services female members veterans report review develop comprehensive policy address treatment care female members veterans experience mental health problems conditions including authorizes appropriations dod fy2008 activities related improved diagnosis treatment rehabilitation members tbi requires report secretary progress implementing requirements john_warner_national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year relating study tbi incurred members participating operations iraqi_freedom enduring_freedom enhanced mental health screening services members early diagnosis treatment ptsd mental health conditions members requires annual report committees amounts expended dod diagnosis treatment rehabilitation members tbi matters sec directs secretaries develop implement joint electronic health record joint record use dod accelerate exchange health_care information departments establishes department_of_defense department_of_veterans_affairs interagency program_office joint electronic health record director deputy director requires office develop prepare deployment september joint record complies applicable federal interoperability standards authorizes secretaries carry pilot projects technological approaches achievement joint record requires annual reports office director secretaries defense veterans committees office activities available public semiannual reports joint record implementation dod progress developing implementing joint record provides allows secretary exercise dod authority appointment pay health_care personnel order provide enhance dod capacity provide care treatment members wounded injured active duty support ongoing dod patient care medical readiness education training requirements directs military department secretaries develop strategy best practices recruitment medical health professionals department report strategy defense requires secretary recommend defense committees legislative administrative actions address shortages health_care professionals dod implement programs recruit qualified individuals serve health_care mental health_care personnel title iii disability matters subtitle disability evaluations sec authorizes retirement separation disability members active duty days member months active service disability time member entrance active duty compelling medical evidence judgment warrants finding disability existed member entrance active requires secretary concerned making disability determinations utilize schedule rating disabilities use authorizes secretary concerned utilize criteria schedule criteria result determination greater percentage disability use directs secretary establish dod physical disability board review review disability determinations dod physical evaluation boards members period beginning september ending december separated armed_forces unfit duty medical condition disability rating disabled found ineligible retirement authorizes secretary concerned correct military records individuals light board review directs secretary carry pilot programs revision improvement disability evaluation system members requires pilot programs secretary veterans_affairs assign member schedule rating disability secretary concerned shall disability determination member disability determinations utilizing joint dod assigned disability ratings secretary establishes operates single internet website dod disability evaluation system enables participating members utilize system website outlines related pilot program purposes requires secretaries jointly incorporate findings recommendations arising pilot programs updating comprehensive policy care management recovering members required section requires pilot program completed year commencement interim final report pilot programs secretary defense veterans requires quarterly reports secretary march implementation dod corrective measures respect physical disability evaluation system response report inspector_general army system independent review group rehabilitation care administrative processes army medical center national naval medical center department_of_veterans_affairs task_force returning global war terror heroes subtitle disability matters sec increases maximum number years service authorized determine military disability severance pay provides minimum years service purposes determination prohibits deduction disability severance pay payments received veterans disability compensation case disability severance pay received member disability incurred line duty combat zone combat related operations designated directs secretaries jointly develop implement mechanism provide electronic transfer dod dod documents necessary establish support eligibility member benefits laws administered time member retirement separation release requires secretary report assessment continuing utility temporary disability retired list satisfying purposes established title improvement facilities housing patients sec directs secretary establish standards accreditation medical facilities respect dod military medical treatment facilities specialty medical care facilities military quarters leased housing patients requires standards uniform consistent facilities dod military departments directs secretary specify deadline standards compliance facility report actions taken carry requires quarterly reports march implementation action plan army correct deficiencies identified condition facilities administration medical hold holdover status army medical center applicable army directs secretary assess feasibility accelerating construction completion new facilities required facilitate closure army medical center directed round defense base closures realignments defense base closure realignment_act develop carry plan construction completion replacement facilities submit plan defense appropriations committees certain certifications committees respect plan submitted title outreach related information benefits sec requires secretary develop maintain update annually handbook electronic form description compensation benefits available member family members member separation retirement result injury illness directs secretary concerned furnish handbook member incapacitated kin soon practicable following injury illness title matters sec directs secretary enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences nas study physical mental health readjustment needs members members deployed operations iraqi_freedom enduring_freedom families result deployment requires nas report secretaries completion phases study secretaries develop preliminary final dod plan address nas report findings recommendations secretaries report plan congress submit congress assessment plan authorizes appropriations


Summary: Wired for Health Care Quality Act - Title I: Improving the Interoperability of Health Information Technology - (Sec. 101) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology. Requires the Office to: (1) ensure that key health information technology initiatives are coordinated across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) enhance the use of health information technology to improve the quality of health care in the prevention and management of chronic disease and to address population health; (3) develop a strategic plan for implementing a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure; and (4) assess the impact of health information technology in communities with health disparities and identify practices to increase the adoption of such technology by health care providers in such communities. Terminates this section on September 30, 2014.Establishes a public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement to: (1) provide advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) and the nation and recommend specific actions to achieve a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure; (2) make recommendations concerning standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria for the electronic exchange of health information for adoption by the federal government and, voluntarily, by private entities; and (3) develop a schedule for the assessment of standards and implementation specifications. Requires the Secretary, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Defense to jointly review such recommendations. Requires the President to provide for the adoption by the federal government of standards and implementation specifications contained in such recommendation. Establishes the American Health Information Community to: (1) provide advice to the Secretary and relevant federal agencies concerning health information technology policy considerations; (2) make recommendations concerning a policy framework for the development and adoption of a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure; and (3) make recommendations concerning national policies for adoption by the federal government and, voluntarily, by private entities to support the widespread adoption of health information technology, including the protection of individually identifiable health information. Requires the Secretary to review all recommendations and determine which should be endorsed by the federal government. Terminates provisions related to the Community on September 20, 2014. Prohibits a federal agency from expending federal funds for the purchase of new health information technology that is not consistent with standards adopted under this Act. Directs all federal agencies collecting health data in an electronic format to comply with the standards and implementation specifications adopted under this Act.Requires the Secretary to contract with private entities to serve as Quality Reporting Organizations to store federal health data and develop reports to: (1) improve the quality and efficiency of health care and advanced health care research; (2) enhance the education and awareness of consumers for evaluating health care services; and (3) provide the public with reports on national, regional, provider, and supplier performance.Requires the Secretary to give researchers access to all federal health care data to report on the performance of health care providers and suppliers.Title II: Facilitating the Widespread Adoption of Interoperable Health Information Technology - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive matching grants to: (1) eligible entities to facilitate the purchase and enhance the utilization of qualified health information technology systems to improve the quality and efficiency of health care; (2) states for loans to health care providers to facilitate the purchase and enhance the utilization of qualified health information technology; (3) eligible entities to implement regional or local health information plans to improve health care quality and efficiency through the electronic exchange of health information; and (4) eligible entities or consortia to carry out demonstration projects to develop academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology systems in the clinical education of health professionals or to analyze clinical data sets to discover quality measures. Title III: Improving the Quality of Health Care - (Sec. 301) Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide for the development and use of measures of the quality and efficiency of health care that patients receive; and (2) designate a single organization to promote the development of such quality measures and provide the Secretary with advice and recommendations on the key elements and priorities of a national system for health care performance measurement. Requires the designated organization to: (1) ensure that priority is given to certain measures, including those measures with the greatest potential impact for improving the performance and efficiency of care; (2) establish procedures to ensure that quality measures take into account differences in patient health status, patient characteristics, and geographic locations; and (3) require the owners or developers of quality measures to update and enhance such measures and retire outdated measures.Allows the Secretary, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to award grants to organizations to support the development and testing of quality measures that meet the standards established by the designated organizations.Requires the Secretary to: (1) select quality measures for adoption and use; and (2) implement programs to enable HHS to accept the electronic submission of data for purposes of performance measurement.Title IV: Privacy and Security - (Sec. 401) Extends health information privacy requirements to an operator of a health information electronic database. Gives individuals the right to inspect and obtain a copy of their protected health information stored in electronic format. Sets forth rights for individuals who are victims of medical fraud or who believe that there is an error in their protected health information.Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - (Sec. 501) Directs the Comptroller General to report on the circumstances in which it is necessary and workable to require health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers who transmit health information in electronic form to notify individuals if their individually identifiable health information is wrongly disclosed.(Sec. 502) Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of AHRQ, to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center to provide technical assistance and develop best practices to support and accelerate efforts to adopt, implement, and effectively use interoperable health information technology.(Sec. 503) Allows the Secretary to make grants to states that have adopted regional reciprocity agreements for practitioner licensure to expedite the provision of telehealth services across state lines.

health_care quality act title improving interoperability health information technology sec amends public_health_service_act establish office national coordinator health information technology requires office ensure key health information technology initiatives coordinated department_of_health_and_human_services hhs enhance use health information technology improve quality health_care prevention management chronic disease address population health develop strategic plan implementing nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure assess impact health information technology communities health disparities identify practices increase adoption technology health_care providers communities terminates section september public private partnership health_care improvement provide advice secretary health_and_human_services secretary nation recommend specific actions achieve nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure recommendations concerning standards implementation specifications certification criteria electronic exchange health information adoption federal_government voluntarily private entities develop schedule assessment standards implementation specifications requires secretary secretary veterans_affairs secretary defense jointly review recommendations requires president provide adoption federal_government standards implementation specifications contained recommendation establishes american health information community provide advice secretary relevant federal agencies concerning health information technology policy considerations recommendations concerning policy framework development adoption nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure recommendations concerning national policies adoption federal_government voluntarily private entities support widespread adoption health information technology including protection individually identifiable health information requires secretary review recommendations determine endorsed federal_government terminates provisions related community september prohibits federal agency expending federal funds purchase new health information technology consistent standards adopted act directs federal agencies collecting health data electronic format comply standards implementation specifications adopted act requires secretary contract private entities serve quality reporting organizations store federal health data develop reports improve quality efficiency health_care advanced health_care research enhance education awareness consumers evaluating health_care services provide public reports national regional provider supplier performance requires secretary researchers access federal health_care data report performance health_care providers suppliers title facilitating widespread adoption interoperable health information technology sec authorizes secretary award competitive matching grants eligible entities facilitate purchase enhance utilization qualified health information technology systems improve quality efficiency health_care states loans health_care providers facilitate purchase enhance utilization qualified health information technology eligible entities implement regional local health information plans improve health_care quality efficiency electronic exchange health information eligible entities consortia carry demonstration projects develop academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology systems clinical education health professionals analyze clinical data sets discover quality measures title iii improving quality health_care sec requires secretary provide development use measures quality efficiency health_care patients receive designate single organization promote development quality measures provide secretary advice recommendations key elements priorities national system health_care performance measurement requires designated organization ensure priority given certain measures including measures greatest potential impact improving performance efficiency care establish procedures ensure quality measures account differences patient health status patient characteristics geographic locations require owners developers quality measures update enhance measures retire outdated measures allows secretary acting agency healthcare_research_and_quality ahrq award grants organizations support development testing quality measures meet standards established designated organizations requires secretary select quality measures adoption use implement programs enable hhs accept electronic submission data purposes performance measurement title privacy security sec extends health information privacy requirements operator health information electronic database gives individuals right inspect obtain copy protected health information stored electronic format sets forth rights individuals victims medical fraud believe error protected health information title miscellaneous provisions sec directs comptroller_general report circumstances necessary require health plans health_care clearinghouses health_care providers transmit health information electronic form notify individuals individually identifiable health information wrongly requires secretary acting director ahrq develop health information technology resource center provide technical assistance develop best practices support accelerate efforts adopt implement effectively use interoperable health information allows secretary grants states adopted regional reciprocity agreements practitioner licensure expedite provision telehealth services state lines


Summary: Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act or the CLASS Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a national, voluntary disability insurance program (CLASS program) under which: (1) all employees are automatically enrolled, but are allowed to waive enrollment; (2) payroll deductions pay monthly premiums; and (3) two-tiered benefits are provided, based on the level of disability, to purchase nonmedical services and supports that the beneficiary needs to maintain independence. Establishes the Independence Fund within the Treasury. Requires the CLASS program to be treated for tax purposes in the same manner as a qualified long-term care insurance contract. Amends the Social Security Act to require each state to: (1) assess the extent to which personal care services providers are serving or able to serve as fiscal agents, employers, and providers of employment-related benefits for personal care attendant workers, who provide personal care services to individuals receiving benefits under this Act; (2) designate or create entities to serve such purposes; and (3) ensure that such entities will not negatively alter or impede existing programs, models, methods, or administration of service delivery that provide for consumer controlled or self-directed home and community services, impede the ability of individuals to direct and control their home and community services, or inhibit individuals from relying on family members for such services. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Personal Care Attendants Workforce Advisory Panel to examine and advise the Secretary and Congress on workforce issues related to personal care attendant workers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a deduction for premiums paid for the CLASS program; (2) a credit CLASS program enrollees with low income; and (3) a credit for employers for the cost incurred to automatically enroll employees and withhold monthly premiums.

community_living_assistance_services supports_act class act_-_amends public_health_service_act create national voluntary disability_insurance program class program employees automatically enrolled allowed waive enrollment payroll deductions pay monthly premiums tiered benefits provided based level disability purchase services supports beneficiary needs maintain independence establishes independence fund treasury requires class program treated tax purposes manner qualified long-term_care insurance contract amends social_security_act require state assess extent personal care services providers serving able serve fiscal agents employers providers employment related benefits personal care attendant workers provide personal care services individuals receiving benefits act designate create entities serve purposes ensure entities negatively alter impede existing programs models methods administration service delivery provide consumer controlled self directed home community services impede ability individuals direct control home community services inhibit individuals relying family members services requires secretary health_and_human_services establish personal care attendants workforce advisory_panel examine advise secretary congress workforce issues related personal care attendant workers amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow deduction premiums paid class program credit class program enrollees low income credit employers cost incurred automatically enroll employees withhold monthly premiums


Summary: Ten Steps to Transform Health Care in America Act - Directs states to implement mechanisms to automatically enroll uninsured individuals in health coverage.Requires each health insurance issuer in a state to offer a certified qualified core plan that provides coverage required by the state with a standard premium.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a standard deduction or a refundable tax credit for health insurance.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to provide for the establishment in each state of a single market for all health plans offered in the state.Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations governing small business health plans.Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the HHS Secretary to establish the Health Insurance Consensus Standards Board to develop recommendations that harmonize inconsistent state health insurance laws.Wired for Health Care Quality Act - Establishes: (1) the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology; (2) a public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement; and (3) the American Health Information Community.Requires the HHS Secretary to: (1) provide for the development and use of health care quality measures; and (2) develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center.Authorizes the HHS Secretary to make grants for medical residency training programs or new residency positions.Requires the HHS Secretary to develop websites to provide information on advance directives and to store and access such directives.Fair and Reliable Medical Justice Act - Authorizes the HHS Secretary to award demonstration grants to states to develop, implement, and evaluate alternatives to current tort litigation for resolving disputes over injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or organizations.

steps transform health_care america act_-_directs states implement mechanisms automatically enroll uninsured individuals health coverage requires health insurance issuer state offer certified qualified core plan provides coverage required state standard premium amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow individuals standard deduction refundable tax credit health insurance requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs secretary provide establishment state single market health plans offered state amends employee retirement income security act erisa require secretary labor promulgate regulations governing small business health plans amends public_health_service_act require hhs secretary establish health insurance consensus standards board develop recommendations harmonize inconsistent state health insurance laws health_care quality act establishes office national coordinator health information technology public private partnership health_care improvement american health information community requires hhs secretary provide development use health_care quality measures develop health information technology resource center authorizes hhs secretary grants medical residency training programs new residency positions requires hhs secretary develop websites provide information advance directives store access directives fair reliable medical justice act_-_authorizes hhs secretary award demonstration grants states develop implement evaluate alternatives current tort litigation resolving disputes injuries allegedly caused health_care providers organizations


Summary: South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine, and notify Congress, whether the needs of veterans for acute inpatient hospital care in 24 counties comprising Far South Texas should be met through: (1) a public-private venture to provide such services and long-term care to veterans in an existing facility in Far South Texas; (2) a project for construction of a new full-service, 50-bed hospital with a 125-bed nursing home in Far South Texas; or (3) a sharing agreement with a military treatment facility in Far South Texas. Requires the Secretary to take appropriate action depending on the option selected.

south texas veterans access care act directs secretary veterans_affairs determine notify congress needs veterans acute inpatient hospital care counties comprising far south texas met public private venture provide services long-term_care veterans existing facility far south texas project construction new service bed hospital bed nursing home far south texas sharing agreement military treatment facility far south texas requires secretary appropriate action depending option selected


Summary: Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act - Requires the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to make grants to enable public and private nonprofit entities to determine whether educating youth about meth mouth (oral decay that is commonly associated with methamphetamine use) is an effective strategy for preventing or reducing methamphetamine use. Reserves a portion of appropriated funds for Indian tribes and tribal organizations.Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand and intensify the clinical research, health services research, and public health research on associations between substance use disorders, oral health, and the provision of dental care.Requires the Secretary to study the effect methamphetamine use has on the demand for, and provision of, dental care.Directs the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support training and offer technical assistance to ensure that dentists and allied dental personnel are prepared to: (1) recognize signs of alcohol or drug addiction; (2) discuss the nature of substance abuse as it relates to their area of expertise; (3) understand how certain dental therapies can affect the relapse potential of substance dependent patients; and (4) help those affected by a substance use disorder find appropriate treatment for their conditions.Authorizes the Administrator to collaborate with professional accrediting bodies to develop and support substance abuse training courses for oral health professionals.

mouth prevention community recovery act_-_requires director center substance abuse prevention grants enable public private nonprofit entities determine educating youth mouth oral decay commonly associated methamphetamine use effective strategy preventing reducing methamphetamine use reserves portion appropriated funds indian tribes tribal organizations amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services expand intensify clinical research health services research public health research associations substance use disorders oral health provision dental care requires secretary study effect methamphetamine use demand provision dental care directs administrator substance_abuse_and_mental_health_services_administration support training offer technical assistance ensure dentists allied dental personnel prepared recognize signs alcohol drug addiction discuss nature substance abuse relates area expertise understand certain dental therapies affect potential substance dependent patients help affected substance use disorder find appropriate treatment conditions authorizes administrator collaborate professional accrediting bodies develop support substance abuse training courses oral health professionals


Summary: Medicare Equity and Accessibility Act of 2007 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to certain factors and indices in geographic adjustments to the fee schedule for determination of payments for physicians' services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the practice expense geographic index to 1.0 for any location for which the practice expense geographic index is less than 1.0. Repeals the current termination date in order to extend permanently the 1.0 floor for the work expense geographic index.

medicare equity accessibility act amends supplementary_medical_insurance title xviii medicare social_security_act respect certain factors indices geographic adjustments fee schedule determination payments physicians services directs secretary health_and_human_services increase practice expense geographic index location practice expense geographic index repeals current termination date order extend permanently floor work expense geographic index


Summary: States' Right To Innovate in Health Care Act of 2007 - 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: Nurse Training and Retention Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a partnership grant program to award grants to eligible entities to carry out comprehensive programs to provide education to nurses and create a pipeline to nursing for incumbent ancillary healthcare workers who wish to advance their careers.Includes as eligible to receive a grant: (1) a healthcare entity that is jointly administered by a healthcare employer and a labor union representing its employees and that carries out activities using labor management training funds; (2) an entity that operates a training program that is jointly administered by one or more healthcare providers or facilities, or a trade association of healthcare providers, and one or more organizations that represent the interests of direct care healthcare workers or staff nurses who have direct input as to the organization's leadership; or (3) a state training partnership program that consists of nonprofit organizations that include equal participation from industry and labor organizations including joint labor-management training programs.Requires a healthcare employer, to be eligible for a grant, to demonstrate that it: (1) has an established program within its facility to encourage the retention of existing nurses; (2) provides wages and benefits to its nurses that are competitive for its market or that have been collectively bargained with a labor organization; and (3) provides support for programs funded under this Act through specified mechanisms.Sets forth requirements for matching funds, collaboration with nursing schools, types of programs funded, types to be provided preference, and program evaluations.

nurse training retention act directs secretary labor establish partnership grant program award grants eligible entities carry comprehensive programs provide education nurses create pipeline nursing incumbent ancillary healthcare workers wish advance careers includes eligible receive grant healthcare entity jointly administered healthcare employer labor union representing employees carries activities labor management training funds entity operates training program jointly administered healthcare providers facilities trade association healthcare providers organizations represent interests direct care healthcare workers staff nurses direct input organization leadership state training partnership program consists nonprofit organizations include equal participation industry labor organizations including joint labor management training programs requires healthcare employer eligible grant demonstrate established program facility encourage retention existing nurses provides wages benefits nurses competitive market collectively labor organization provides support programs funded act specified mechanisms sets forth requirements matching funds collaboration nursing schools types programs funded types provided preference program evaluations


Summary: Community Coalitions for Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to assist in developing integrated health care delivery systems to serve defined communities 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.Requires eligible entities to represent a balanced consortium whose principal purpose is to assure sustained capacity for the provision of a broad range of coordinated services for all residents, including at least one of each of the following providers that serve the community (with exceptions): (1) a federally qualified health center; (2) rural health clinics and rural health networks; (3) a hospital with a low-income utilization rate greater than 25% or a critical access hospital; (4) a public health department; and (5) an interested public or private sector health care provider or organization that has traditionally served medically uninsured and low-income individuals.Authorizes the Secretary, in awarding grants, to provide priority to applicants that demonstrate the greatest unmet need for a more coordinated system of care.Requires 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.Requires entities to report annually to the Secretary. Conditions grant renewal on demonstrable progress in meeting goals.

community coalitions access quality improvement act directs secretary health_and_human_services award grants eligible entities assist developing integrated health_care delivery systems serve defined communities improve efficiency coordination providers assist local communities developing programs targeted preventing managing chronic diseases expand enhance services provided requires eligible entities represent balanced consortium principal purpose assure sustained capacity provision broad range coordinated services residents including following providers serve community exceptions federally qualified health center rural health clinics rural health networks hospital low income utilization rate greater critical access hospital public health department interested public private sector health_care provider organization traditionally served medically uninsured low income individuals authorizes secretary awarding grants provide priority applicants demonstrate greatest unmet need coordinated system care requires 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 requires entities report annually secretary conditions grant renewal demonstrable progress meeting goals


Summary: Federal Health Care Board Act of 2007 - Establishes the Federal Health Care Board as an independent agency in the executive branch.Requires the Board to: (1) ensure that Americans have access to health insurance and are provided certain basic facts about health care services prior to receiving care; (2) ensure that providers are delivering safe, evidence-based, high quality care and are transparent about pricing through disclosure of actual costs; (3) demand transparency for disclosure of actual costs and pricing from providers and payers through an information clearinghouse; (4) establish a national standard for a basic health insurance plan (including a basic minimum policy and the regional cost for such policy), a national protocol and standard for secure, universal, and individual electronic medical records, a national standard for public health services (including safety net providers), loan forgiveness and scholarship programs for health care providers who serve in underserved areas, and model dispute resolution procedures for malpractice claims that states may adopt; and (5) monitor progress toward those objectives.Directs the Board's Board of Governors to establish 12 regions of the United States. Establishes in each region a Regional Board, based in a major city, to provide the Board of Governors with considerations that are relevant to their region's population.

federal health_care board act establishes federal health_care board independent agency executive branch requires board ensure americans access health insurance provided certain basic facts health_care services prior receiving care ensure providers delivering safe evidence based high quality care transparent pricing disclosure actual costs demand transparency disclosure actual costs pricing providers payers information clearinghouse establish national standard basic health insurance plan including basic minimum policy regional cost policy national protocol standard secure universal individual electronic medical records national standard public health services including safety net providers loan forgiveness scholarship programs health_care providers serve underserved areas model dispute resolution procedures malpractice claims states adopt monitor progress objectives directs board board_of_governors establish regions united_states establishes region regional board based major city provide board_of_governors considerations relevant region population


Summary: Health Care Safety Net Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for: (1) health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations; (2) the National Health Service Corps; and (3) rural health care programs.Requires studies or reports on: (1) school-based health centers; (2) community health centers; and (3) integrated health system models for the delivery of health care services to medically underserved populations.

health_care safety net act amends public_health_service_act authorize appropriations fy2008 fy2012 health centers meet health_care needs medically underserved populations national_health_service_corps rural health_care programs requires studies reports school based health centers community health centers integrated health system models delivery health_care services medically underserved populations


Summary: National Health Literacy Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to establish within the Agency a Health Literacy Implementation Center to enhance efforts to eliminate low health literacy by improving measurements, research, development, and information dissemination. Defines "health literacy" as an individual's ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health care decisions.Directs the Center to: (1) make health literacy resources available to researchers, health care providers, and the public; (2) sponsor demonstration and evaluation projects; (3) develop the next generation of health literacy interventions and tools; (4) identify and fill research gaps relating to health literacy that have direct applicability to quality improvement; (5) assist federal agencies in establishing specific objectives and strategies for carrying out the Center's purpose and in monitoring programs; (6) enter into implementation partnerships to promote adoption of literacy interventions and tools; and (7) enter into an interagency agreement to facilitate coordination of health literacy activities within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Education.Requires: (1) the Center to convene at least one annual public meeting to help raise awareness about the problem of health literacy and federal and state efforts to address the issue; (2) the Director of the Center to award grants to states to provide for the establishment of a network of state or regional health literacy resource centers; (3) a state health literacy resource center to meet at least annually to share a model of best practices; and (4) the HHS Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to identify opportunities within HHS to improve the public's health literacy through the Medicare and Medicaid programs and at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

national health literacy act amends public_health_service_act require director agency healthcare_research_and_quality establish agency health literacy implementation center enhance efforts eliminate low health literacy improving measurements research development information dissemination defines health literacy individual ability obtain process understand basic health information services needed appropriate health_care decisions directs center health literacy resources available researchers health_care providers public sponsor demonstration evaluation projects develop generation health literacy interventions tools identify fill research gaps relating health literacy direct applicability quality improvement assist federal agencies establishing specific objectives strategies carrying center purpose monitoring programs enter implementation partnerships promote adoption literacy interventions tools enter interagency agreement facilitate coordination health literacy activities department_of_health_and_human_services hhs department_of_education requires center convene annual public meeting help raise awareness problem health literacy federal state efforts address issue director center award grants states provide establishment network state regional health literacy resource centers state health literacy resource center meet annually share model best practices hhs secretary contract institute_of_medicine identify opportunities hhs improve public health literacy medicare medicaid programs food_and_drug_administration fda


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and for certain contiguous areas.

amends title xviii medicare social_security_act provide medicare_advantage benchmark adjustment certain local areas department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers certain contiguous areas


Summary: Delays until April 1, 2009, implementation of proposed changes to payment rules under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for case management and targeted case management services.Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, before such date, from taking any action to restrict coverage or payment under Medicaid if such action is more restrictive than the administrative action, policy, or practice that applies to coverage of, or payment for, such services under Medicaid on December 3, 2007.Makes null and void any such action taken by the Secretary between December 4, 2007, and March 31, 2009, that is based in whole or in part on such interim final rule.

delays april implementation proposed changes payment rules title xix medicaid social_security_act case management targeted case management services prohibits secretary health_and_human_services date taking action restrict coverage payment medicaid action restrictive administrative action policy practice applies coverage payment services medicaid december null void action taken secretary december march based interim final rule


Summary: Provides that, if the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) determined under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act without regard to this Act for a state for FY2008 is less than the FMAP as so determined for FY2007, the FY2007 FMAP shall be substituted for the FMAP for the third and fourth calendar quarters of FY2008, before the application of this Act. Provides that, if the FMAP determined without regard to this Act for a state for FY2009 is less than the FMAP as so determined for FY2008, the FY2008 FMAP shall be substituted for the FMAP for the first, second, and third calendar quarters of FY2009, before the application of this Act. Provides that, for each eligible state for the third and fourth calendar quarters of FY2008, and for the first, second, and third calendar quarters of FY2009, the FMAP shall be increased by 2.95 percentage points. Provides for an increase in the cap on Medicaid payments to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

provides federal medical assistance percentage fmap determined title xix medicaid social_security_act regard act state fy2008 fmap determined fy2007 fy2007 fmap shall substituted fmap fourth calendar quarters fy2008 application act provides fmap determined regard act state fy2009 fmap determined fy2008 fy2008 fmap shall substituted fmap second calendar quarters fy2009 application act provides eligible state fourth calendar quarters fy2008 second calendar quarters fy2009 fmap shall increased percentage points provides increase cap medicaid payments puerto_rico virgin_islands guam northern_mariana_islands american_samoa


Summary: Commercial Fishing Industry Health Care Coverage Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish a grant program to assist commercial fishing states in establishing or strengthening programs to expand health care coverage and access for uninsured or underinsured workers in the commercial fishing industry and their families.Requires the Secretary to provide: (1) program planning grants for commercial fishing states and organizations within such states, including for initial research and planning to develop a qualified health care coverage program; and (2) implementation and administration grants for such states.

commercial fishing industry health_care coverage act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services health_resources_and_services_administration establish grant program assist commercial fishing states establishing strengthening programs expand health_care coverage access uninsured workers commercial fishing industry families requires secretary provide program planning grants commercial fishing states organizations states including initial research planning develop qualified health_care coverage program implementation administration grants states


Summary: Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend Medicare flex grants; (2) revise requirements for the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program; (3) permit rebasing for sole community hospitals; (4) revise the Medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; (5) eliminate temporarily the disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment cap; and (6) extend and revise the Medicare hold harmless provision under the prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department (HOPD) services for certain hospitals.Revises requirements for: (1) the treatment of rural sole community hospitals and Medicare dependent, small rural hospitals under the PPS for HOPD services; (2) the treatment of Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospital patients in certain rural areas; and (3) payment for clinical laboratory tests furnished by critical access hospitals.Extends the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas.Revises the work geographic adjustment and the practice expense geographic adjustment under the Medicare physician fee schedule.Extends the treatment of certain physician pathology services, and increased Medicare payments for rural ground ambulance services.Makes hospital-based renal dialysis centers (including satellites) and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) originating sites for payment of telehealth services.Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to set $92 as the maximum rate of payment per visit in 2009 for independent rural health clinics.Requires the Secretary to exempt from competitive acquisition requirements rural areas and small metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with a population of 600,000 or less.Permits physician assistants to order post-hospital extended care services. Recognizes attending physician assistants as attending physicians for the purpose of serving hospice patients.

medicare rural health access improvement act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act extend medicare flex grants revise requirements medicare dependent hospital program permit rebasing sole community hospitals revise medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment low volume hospitals eliminate temporarily disproportionate share hospital dsh adjustment cap extend revise medicare hold harmless provision prospective payment system pps hospital outpatient department services certain hospitals revises requirements treatment rural sole community hospitals medicare dependent small rural hospitals pps services treatment medicare reasonable costs payments certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished hospital patients certain rural areas payment clinical laboratory tests furnished critical access hospitals extends medicare incentive payment program physician scarcity areas revises work geographic adjustment practice expense geographic adjustment medicare physician fee schedule extends treatment certain physician_pathology_services increased medicare payments rural ground ambulance services makes hospital based renal dialysis centers including satellites skilled nursing facilities snfs originating sites payment telehealth services directs secretary health_and_human_services set maximum rate payment visit independent rural health clinics requires secretary exempt competitive acquisition requirements rural areas small metropolitan statistical areas msas population permits physician assistants order post hospital extended care services recognizes attending physician assistants attending physicians purpose serving hospice patients


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using community-based organizations to ensure that veterans receive needed care and benefits by: (1) increasing the coordination of providers of health care and benefits for veterans to assist veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life; (2) increasing the availability of high-quality medical and mental health services to transitioning veterans; and (3) providing assistance to families to help them adjust to such veterans in their transition.

directs secretary veterans_affairs carry pilot program assess feasibility advisability community based organizations ensure veterans receive needed care benefits increasing coordination providers health_care benefits veterans assist veterans transitioning military service civilian life increasing availability high quality medical mental health services transitioning veterans providing assistance families help adjust veterans transition


Summary: Medicare Telehealth Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to telehealth services to provide for: (1) an increase in the number of types of originating sites; (2) no facility fee for certain such sites; (3) expansion of practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services; and (4) changes in the process for updating the list of telehealth services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to set up a Telehealth Advisory Committee to make recommendations on the appropriate addition or deletion of telehealth services and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes.

medicare telehealth improvement act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect telehealth services provide increase number types originating sites facility fee certain sites expansion practitioners eligible furnish telehealth services changes process updating list telehealth services directs secretary health_and_human_services set telehealth advisory_committee recommendations appropriate addition deletion telehealth services healthcare common procedure coding system hcpcs codes


Summary: Veterans Health Care Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract to provide specialized residential care and rehabilitation services to a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom who suffers from a traumatic brain injury, has an accumulation of deficits in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living and, because of these deficits, would otherwise require nursing home admission even though such care would generally exceed the veteran's nursing needs. Directs the Secretary to provide full-time board-certified physicians and dentists the opportunity to continue their professional education through VA sponsored continuing education programs. Authorizes (currently, directs) the Secretary to reimburse such physicians or dentists up to $1,000 per year for continuing professional education not available through VA sources. Exempts hospice care from requirements to pay a copayment in connection with hospital or nursing home care or medical services. Repeals a provision that prohibits the Secretary from performing widespread human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing but does allow voluntary testing of certain individuals. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose the name and address of present or former Armed Forces members and their dependents to collect charges for care or services provided for a non-service-connected disability. Removes provisions ending, on September 30, 2008, the Secretary's authority to obtain information from the Secretary of the Treasury or the Commissioner of Social Security under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Directs the Secretary to increase certain disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation amounts.

veterans health_care act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs contract provide specialized residential care rehabilitation services veteran operation enduring_freedom operation iraqi_freedom suffers traumatic brain injury accumulation deficits activities daily living instrumental activities daily living deficits require nursing home admission care generally exceed veteran nursing needs directs secretary provide time board certified physicians dentists opportunity continue professional education sponsored continuing education programs authorizes currently directs secretary reimburse physicians dentists year continuing professional education available sources exempts hospice care requirements pay copayment connection hospital nursing home care medical services repeals provision prohibits secretary performing widespread human immunodeficiency virus hiv testing allow voluntary testing certain individuals authorizes secretary disclose address present armed_forces members dependents collect charges care services provided non service connected disability removes provisions ending september secretary authority obtain information secretary treasury commissioner_of_social_security specified provisions internal_revenue_code directs secretary increase certain disability compensation dependency indemnity compensation amounts


Summary: MediFair Act of 2008 - 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: Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) conduct, coordinate, and support research and other activities with respect to pre-diabetes and diabetes in minority populations; and (2) conduct and support programs to treat diabetes in minority populations.Requires the Director of NIH, through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to provide for: (1) health care professionals' mentoring; and (2) minority health professionals' participation in diabetes-focused research programs.Directs the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee to develop and implement a federal plan to address diabetes mellitus within communities of color.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) conduct and support research and other activities with respect to diabetes in minority populations; (2) direct the Division of Diabetes Translation to conduct and support programs to educate the public on diabetes in minority populations; and (3) carry out diabetes health promotion and prevention programs for minority populations.Directs the Secretary to carry out: (1) education and awareness programs designed to increase participation of minority populations in clinical trials; and (2) mentorship programs for minority researchers who are conducting research on diabetes in minority populations.Provides for studies on the shortage of adult and pediatric endocrinologists specializing in diabetes and on outcomes of minority children with diabetes compared to non-minority children.

diabetes prevention access care act amends public_health_service_act require director national_institutes_of_health nih conduct coordinate support research activities respect pre diabetes diabetes minority populations conduct support programs treat diabetes minority populations requires director nih national_center_on_minority_health_and_health_disparities provide health_care professionals mentoring minority health professionals participation diabetes focused research programs directs diabetes interagency_coordinating_committee develop implement federal plan address diabetes communities color requires secretary health_and_human_services acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc conduct support research activities respect diabetes minority populations direct division diabetes translation conduct support programs educate public diabetes minority populations carry diabetes health promotion prevention programs minority populations directs secretary carry education awareness programs designed increase participation minority populations clinical trials mentorship programs minority researchers conducting research diabetes minority populations provides studies shortage adult pediatric specializing diabetes outcomes minority children diabetes compared non minority children


Summary: Oral Health Initiative Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Oral Health Working Group to: (1) review the effectiveness of, and recommend improvements to, existing federal oral health programs; and (2) develop programs to improve the oral health of, and prevent dental disease in, children, Medicaid-eligible adults, medically-compromised adults, and other vulnerable populations at the highest risk of dental disease. Sets forth duties for the Group, including to: (1) review existing oral health programs and policies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) identify opportunities for new programs; and (3) make recommendations for improvements to the financing of oral health care. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory panel to provide advise and recommendations to the Group.

oral health initiative act requires secretary health_and_human_services establish oral health working_group review effectiveness recommend improvements existing federal oral health programs develop programs improve oral health prevent dental disease children medicaid eligible adults medically compromised adults vulnerable populations highest risk dental disease sets forth duties group including review existing oral health programs policies department_of_health_and_human_services hhs identify opportunities new programs recommendations improvements financing oral health_care requires secretary establish advisory_panel provide advise recommendations group


Summary: Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid.Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with certain requirements.Promoting Health for Future Generations Act of 2008 - Amends the IRC to to revise provisions related to health savings accounts (HSAs), high deductible health plans, and medical savings accounts (MSAs), including to: (1) increase the tax deduction for contributions to HSAs; (2) allow a new tax deduction for high deductible health plan premiums; and (3) allow individual contributions to a Medicare Advantage MSA.Increased Access to Health Insurance Act of 2008 - Amends the IRC to permit the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance.Sets forth conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce, including: (1) a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions; and (2) limits on noneconomic and punitive damages.Sets forth provisions related to health information technology. Provides for health record banks. Creates safe harbors from civil and criminal penalties in current anti-kickback laws for providing certain health information technology and training services.

making health_care affordable act amends_the_internal_revenue_code irc allow individual taxpayers refundable tax credit health insurance costs paid amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide establishment governance association health plans ahps group health plans sponsors trade industry professional chamber commerce similar business associations meet certain erisa certification requirements amends public_health_service_act provide laws state designated health insurance issuer primary state shall apply individual health insurance coverage offered issuer primary state state secondary state coverage issuer comply certain requirements promoting_health future generations act amends irc revise provisions related health savings_accounts hsas high deductible health plans medical savings_accounts msas including increase tax deduction contributions hsas allow new tax deduction high deductible health plan premiums allow individual contributions medicare_advantage access health insurance act amends irc permit use hsas purchase health insurance sets forth conditions lawsuits arising health_care liability claims health_care goods services medical product affecting interstate commerce including statute limitations years date manifestation injury year claimant discovers injury certain exceptions limits noneconomic punitive damages sets forth provisions related health information technology provides health record banks creates safe harbors civil criminal penalties current anti laws providing certain health information technology training services


Summary: Preserving Access to Medicare Act of 2008 - Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) revise the payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; (2) extend increased Medicare payments for ground ambulance services; (3) extend the authorization for Medicare rural hospital flexibility program grants; (4) provide for rebasing for sole community hospitals; and (5) extend the rural home health add-on policy through 2009. Revises the formula for payments for physician services to provide an update to the single conversion factor of: (1) 0.5% for the remainder of 2008; and (2) 1.1% for 2009. Extends the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative (PAQI) Fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Physician Feedback Program. Revises requirements or provides for: (1) incentive payments for electronic prescribing and primary care services in physician scarcity areas; (2) the Medicare anesthesia teaching program; (3) advanced diagnostic imaging services; (4) Medicare coverage of items and services under cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation programs; (5) phase-out of the indirect costs of medical education (IME) from capitation rates; (6) quality improvement programs; and (7) certain prohibitions with respect to marketing of Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to establish specified pilot projects regarding chronic kidney disease. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to extend the transitional medical assistance (TMA) and abstinence education programs. Amends SSA title XIX to extend: (1) the qualifying individual program; and (2) the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment for Tennessee and Hawaii. Provides for: (1) asset verification under Medicaid; and (2) reduction in payments for Medicaid administrative costs to prevent certain payment duplications. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to extend authority for supplemental grants under SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF). Amends the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 to provide for additional funding for state health insurance assistance programs, area agencies on aging, and aging and disability resource centers. Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to make appropriations for federal reimbursement of eligible providers for emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens.

preserving access medicare_act thomas rural hospital provider equity act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act ssa revise payment adjustment low volume hospitals extend increased medicare payments ground ambulance services extend authorization medicare rural hospital flexibility program grants provide rebasing sole community hospitals extend rural home health add policy revises formula payments physician services provide update single conversion factor remainder extends physician assistance quality initiative fund directs secretary health_and_human_services establish physician feedback program revises requirements provides incentive payments electronic prescribing primary care services physician scarcity areas medicare anesthesia teaching program advanced diagnostic imaging services medicare coverage items services cardiac rehabilitation pulmonary rehabilitation programs phase indirect costs medical education ime capitation rates quality improvement programs certain prohibitions respect marketing medicare_advantage prescription drug plans amends public_health_service_act authorize secretary establish specified pilot projects chronic kidney disease amends tax relief health_care act extend transitional medical assistance tma abstinence education programs amends ssa title xix extend qualifying individual program medicaid disproportionate share hospital dsh allotment tennessee hawaii provides asset verification medicaid reduction payments medicaid administrative costs prevent certain payment amends deficit reduction act extend authority supplemental grants ssa title temporary_assistance needy families tanf amends medicare medicaid schip extension act provide additional funding state health insurance assistance programs area agencies aging aging_and_disability_resource_centers amends medicare_prescription_drug improvement modernization act appropriations federal reimbursement eligible providers emergency health services furnished undocumented aliens