bill_id,congress,bill_type,bill_number,title,policy_area,introduced_date,latest_action_date,latest_action_text,origin_chamber,sponsor_name,sponsor_state,sponsor_party,sponsor_bioguide_id,cosponsor_count,summary_text,update_date,url
105-sres-314,105,sres,314,A resolution to express the sense of the Senate regarding the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make adjustments to payments made to skilled nursing facilities under the medicare program.,Health,1998-10-21,1998-10-21,Referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]",UT,R,H000338,0,"Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in making payments under the prospective payment system (PPS) for skilled nursing facilities under Medicare, has the authority under such PPS to provide for an appropriate adjustment to account for case mix which reflects a patient's medical needs requiring the provision of non-therapy ancillary services (such as respiratory therapy, pharmacy, laboratory, X-ray, and parenteral and enteral services, and covered durable medical supplies). Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should:  (1) gather sufficient data on the provision of non-therapy ancillary services by skilled nursing facilities paid under the PPS in order to develop the appropriate case mix adjustment; and (2) periodically report to the Congress on the development of such an adjustment which reflects a patient's medical needs requiring such ancillary services.",2025-01-14T18:59:41Z,
105-hr-4862,105,hr,4862,Medigap Access Protection for Seniors Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-20,1998-11-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD-3]",MD,D,C000141,0,Medigap Access Protection for Seniors Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to the certification of Medicare supplemental health insurance (Medigap) policies to include among such policies one which covers prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare+Choice plan that terminates enrollment of all individuals in the area in which the beneficiary resides.,2025-08-21T16:11:55Z,
105-hr-4872,105,hr,4872,Certified Nurse Midwifery Medicare Services Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-20,1998-11-03,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-10]",NY,D,T000326,13,Certified Nurse Midwifery Medicare Services Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of and payment for the following under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance):  (1) certified midwife services (currently only certified nurse-midwife services are covered); and (2) freestanding birth center services. Declares that nothing precludes certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives from teaching or supervising an intern or resident-in-training.,2025-08-21T16:14:50Z,
105-hr-4873,105,hr,4873,NIH Office of Autoimmune Diseases Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-20,1998-11-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Waxman, Henry A. [D-CA-29]",CA,D,W000215,0,"NIH Office of Autoimmune Diseases Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Office of the Director of NIH the Office of Autoimmune Diseases (Office), whose Director shall: (1) serve as principal advisor on autoimmune diseases to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Director of NIH; and (2) advise the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Instructs the Director of NIH to ensure that:  (1) an Autoimmune Disease Coordinating Committee is in operation to coordinate the autoimmune disease activities of the National Institutes of Health; and (2) it includes liaison members from other Federal health agencies. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T16:11:42Z,
105-s-2647,105,s,2647,Drug Demand Reduction Act,Health,1998-10-20,1998-10-20,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]",UT,R,H000338,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Targeted Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment           Programs           Subtitle A:  National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign           Subtitle B:  Drug-Free Prisons and Jails           Subtitle C:  Drug-Free Schools Quality Assurance      Title II:  Statement of National Antidrug Policy           Subtitle A:  Congressional Leadership in Community                Coalitions           Subtitle B:  Rejection of Legalization of Drugs           Subtitle C:  Report on Streamlining Federal Prevention                and Treatment Efforts Drug Demand Reduction Act - Title I:  Targeted Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs - Subtitle A:  National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign - Drug-Free Media Campaign Act of 1998 - Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to:  (1) conduct a national media campaign for the purpose of reducing and preventing drug abuse among young people in the United States; and (2) use appropriated funds for media that focuses on, or that includes specific information on, prevention or treatment resources for consumers within specific local areas. (Sec. 103) Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) authorized and prohibited uses of funds; and (2) matching and reporting requirements. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B:  Drug-Free Prisons and Jails - Drug-Free Prisons and Jails Act of 1998 - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to establish a model substance abuse treatment program for substance-involved offenders by providing financial assistance to grant recipients and evaluating the success of programs conducted pursuant to this subtitle.  Limits grant awards and administrative costs. (Sec. 114) Sets forth requirements for grant applications, review and approval of awards, permissible uses of funds, and evaluation and reporting requirements.  Requires the Director to establish minimum criteria for program evaluation. (Sec. 118) Authorizes appropriations from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund. Subtitle C:  Drug-Free Schools Quality Assurance - Drug-Free Schools Quality Assurance Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the chief executive officer of each State or other entity designated to be responsible for education activities to:  (1) establish a standard of quality for drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention programs implemented in public schools in the State in accordance with specified criteria (including a comparison of the rate of illegal use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco by students enrolled over a specified period, the rate of suspensions or expulsions, program effectiveness, parental and community involvement, and the extent of review of existing community drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention programs before implementation); and (2) identify and designate, upon application by a public elementary or secondary school, any such school that achieves such standard as a quality program school.   Sets forth provisions regarding requests for a quality program designation and public notification. Title II:  Statement of National Antidrug Policy - Subtitle A: Congressional Leadership in Community Coalitions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the individual Members of the House of Representatives should establish community-based anti-drug coalitions in their congressional districts or should actively support such coalitions that already exist. Subtitle B:  Rejection of Legalization of Drugs - Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) the States and their citizens should reject drug legalization; and (2) each State should make efforts to be drug-free. Subtitle C:  Report on Streamlining Federal Prevention and Treatment Efforts - Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) Federal Government efforts to reduce the demand for illegal drugs in the United States are frustrated by the fragmentation of those efforts across multiple departments and agencies; and (2) improvement of those efforts can best be achieved through consolidation and coordination. Requires the Director of National Drug Control Policy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a report evaluating options for increasing the efficacy of Federal drug prevention and treatment programs and activities.  Requires such report to include a thorough review of the activities and potential consolidation of existing Federal drug information clearinghouses.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T16:11:43Z,
105-hr-4855,105,hr,4855,Reinstatement of Medicare Bonus and Capital Payment for Rehabilitation Hospitals Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-19,1998-10-19,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-2]",MA,D,N000015,0,Reinstatement of Medicare Bonus and Capital Payment for Rehabilitation Hospitals Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to reinstate certain bonus thresholds and capital payment levels for rehabilitation hospitals and units.,2025-08-21T16:12:30Z,
105-hr-4849,105,hr,4849,Generic Drug Uniformity Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-16,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,0,"Generic Drug Uniformity Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to new drug applications to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to include in an application approval a finding about whether the approved (generic) drug is the therapeutic equivalent of the listed drug involved. Prohibits a State or its political subdivision from establishing or continuing any requirement that does not conform to the therapeutic equivalence requirement of this Act.",2025-08-21T16:14:45Z,
105-hr-4843,105,hr,4843,Nursing Home Residents Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-15,1998-10-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA-33]",CA,D,R000486,10,Nursing Home Residents Protection Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require a person or entity having a controlling interest in a skilled nursing facility or a nursing facility that files for relief from debts under the bankruptcy code to provide written notice of such filing to the State agency responsible for licensing the facility.  Requires similar written notification to the State agency of appointment of a bankruptcy trustee.,2025-08-21T16:14:30Z,
105-hr-4835,105,hr,4835,COBRA Extension Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-14,1998-10-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Lampson, Nick [D-TX-9]",TX,D,L000043,2,"COBRA Extension Act of 1998 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to extend health plan insurance continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) for surviving spouses.",2025-08-21T16:13:22Z,
105-hr-4836,105,hr,4836,QMB Improvement Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-14,1998-10-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. McDermott, Jim [D-WA-7]",WA,D,M000404,2,"QMB Improvement Act of 1998 - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and the Internal Revenue Code, to establish a mechanism for promoting the provision of Medicare cost-sharing assistance under Medicaid to eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries.",2025-08-21T16:11:35Z,
105-hr-4825,105,hr,4825,Childhood Lead Poisoning Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-13,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-13]",NJ,D,M000639,0,"Childhood Lead Poisoning Protection Act of 1998 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for a reduced Federal medical assistance percentage for States that fail to meet specified minimum blood lead screening rates established by this Act, subject to waiver by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the case of a State that has performed during a fiscal year such a significant number of lead blood level assessments that the State reasonably cannot be expected to achieve the appropriate minimum blood lead screening rate. Requires the State Medicaid plan to provide for reporting to the Secretary:  (1) the number of children who are not more than two years of age and enrolled in the Medicaid program; and (2) the number and results of lead blood level assessments performed by the State, along with demographic and identifying information consistent with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with respect to lead surveillance. Requires each contract between the State and an entity responsible for provision of medical assistance under the State plan to provide for:  (1) compliance with mandatory screening requirements for lead blood level assessments commensurate with guidelines and mandates issued by the Secretary through the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration; as well as (2) coverage of appropriate qualified lead treatment services, as prescribed by CDC guidelines, for children with elevated levels of lead in their blood.  Allows reimbursement for qualified lead treatment services for children with elevated blood lead levels. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Head Start Act to mandate lead poisoning screening for an infant or child to be eligible to participate in either the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, or early Head Start programs.",2025-08-21T16:12:44Z,
105-hres-596,105,hres,596,"Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the seriousness of the national problems associated with mental illness and with respect to congressional intent to establish a ""Mental Illness Working Group"".",Health,1998-10-13,1998-10-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Roukema, Marge [R-NJ-5]",NJ,R,R000465,2,"Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a ""Mental Illness Working Group"" should be established to probe the serious national dimensions of the mentally ill.",2025-01-02T17:44:43Z,
105-hr-4812,105,hr,4812,"To make the Federal employees health benefits program available to individuals age 55 to 65 who would not otherwise have health insurance, and for other purposes.",Health,1998-10-12,1998-10-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil Service.,House,"Rep. Dreier, David [R-CA-28]",CA,R,D000492,0,"Amends provisions relating to Federal employees' health insurance to permit any qualified individual (an individual who is age 55 to 65 and has not been covered under any health insurance policy for at least the preceding 30 days) to enroll in an approved health benefits plan for self alone, so long as such individual pays currently into the Employees Health Benefits Fund, under arrangements acceptable to the Office of Personnel Management, the full amount of the subscription charges required.",2025-02-04T16:54:13Z,
105-s-2625,105,s,2625,Cigars Are Not a Safe Smoking Alternative Act,Health,1998-10-12,1998-10-12,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]",IL,D,D000563,0,"Cigars Are Not A Safe Smoking Alternative Act - Prohibits any person from selling or distributing a cigar to any individual under 18. Requires that cigar retailers:  (1) ensure that all cigars are located in areas where customers do not have direct access; and (2) sell cigars only in face-to-face exchanges.  Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose restrictions on the sale, advertising, distribution, and marketing of cigars directed at youth as appropriate to limit sale to individuals 18 or over.  Prohibits advertising cigars on any form of electronic communication.  Directs the Secretary to encourage cigar manufacturers to end the practice of paying for, or participating in, the placement of cigars in movies and on television where a substantial segment of the audience is under 18. Mandates health warnings on the labels of cigars, cigar packaging, and advertising and marketing materials and messages. Requires a study and report to the Congress and the President on:  (1) the health effects of occasional cigar smoking, nicotine dependence demonstrated by cigar smokers, biological uptake of toxic and carcinogenic constituents of cigars, and environmental cigar smoke exposure; and (2) the yields of tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and any other additive designated by the Secretary.  Requires cigar manufacturers to report to the Secretary on those yields.  Requires a study and report to the Congress and the President by the Federal Trade Commission on current cigar sales, advertising, and marketing practices. Directs the Secretary to monitor trends in youth access to and use of cigars and, if cigars are inappropriately accessible to, or becoming an attractive alternative to smoking cigarettes for, children and adolescents, to notify the Congress and make recommendations.",2025-08-21T16:13:50Z,
105-s-2626,105,s,2626,Health Care for America's Children Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-12,1998-10-12,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ]",NJ,D,T000317,0,Health Care for America's Children Act of 1998 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay a children's enrollment performance bonus to each State that:  (1) demonstrates its commitment to reach and enroll Medicaid-eligible children in its State Medicaid plan through implementation of various specified outreach activities; and (2) reports annually to the Secretary on the number of full year equivalent Medicaid-eligible children who enrolled under the State Medicaid plan as a result of having been provided presumptive eligibility and having applied for Medicaid assistance through an outstationed eligibility worker and by mail or telephone.,2025-08-21T16:11:43Z,
105-hr-4789,105,hr,4789,Elderly and Disabled Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-10,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Weller, Jerry [R-IL-11]",IL,R,W000273,2,"Elderly and Disabled Protection Act of 1998 - Declares that a nursing facility (including a skilled nursing facility), home health agency, or hospice program (covered facility) under the Medicare and Medicaid programs of titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act may not:  (1) employ an individual as a direct care employee unless the facility has requested from the State direct care employee registry a background check (including a criminal as well as an abusive work history background check); or (2) continue to employ such an individual if the background check report reveals a conviction of a disqualifying crime.  Requires the covered facility to report to such registry documented findings of patient abuse by a direct care employee.  Imposes civil penalties upon covered facilities that violate such requirements. Defines ""direct care employee"" as a paid, nonvolunteer nurse aide, home health care aide, personal care assistant, private duty nurse aide, day attendant, housekeeper, library attendant, laundry assistant, or similar worker who performs nursing or related tasks involving direct patient care in a covered facility. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish methods by which State direct care registries can pool and share criminal background check summaries and documented findings of patient abuse (national registry coordination system).  Requires each State to expand its direct care employee registry in order to carry out such background checks and other related functions, including reporting of summary information to the national registry coordination system. Sets forth procedures for criminal and abusive work history background checks.",2025-08-21T16:13:44Z,
105-hr-4794,105,hr,4794,Fairness in Prescription Drug Prices Act,Health,1998-10-10,1998-10-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Cramer, Robert E. (Bud), Jr. [D-AL-5]",AL,D,C000868,0,"Fairness in Prescription Drug Prices Act - Allows any qualified pharmacy to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enable it to sell covered outpatient drugs to Medicare beneficiaries (under title XVIII of the Social Security Act) at a reduced price.  Requires such an agreement to:  (1) entitle the participating pharmacy to purchase any covered outpatient drug listed on the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration at the participating pharmacy discount price for that drug; and (2) permit the participating pharmacy to purchase under this Act as much of a covered outpatient drug as it sells to Medicare beneficiaries. Sets forth guidelines for determining the participating pharmacy discount price and a special rule for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a hospice program. Directs the Secretary to:  (1) administer this Act in a manner that uses existing methods of obtaining and distributing drugs to the maximum extent possible, consistent with efficiency and cost effectiveness; and (2) report to the Congress annually regarding the effectiveness of this Act in protecting Medicare beneficiaries from discriminatory pricing by drug manufacturers, along with any appropriate legislative recommendations to further reduce the cost of covered outpatient drugs to such beneficiaries.",2025-08-21T16:12:37Z,
105-hr-4799,105,hr,4799,Early Medicare Access and Affordability Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-10,1998-10-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Access to Medicare Benefits for Individuals 62-to-        65 Years of Age      Title II:  Access to Medicare Benefits for Displaced Workers           55-to-62 Years of Age      Title III:  Cobra Protection for Early Retirees           Subtitle A:  Amendments to the Employee Retirement                Income Security Act of 1974           Subtitle B:  Amendments to the Public Health Service Act           Subtitle C:  Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of                1986      Title IV:  Financing      Title V:  Provision of Premium Assistance for Low-Income           Individuals Purchasing Early Coverage Under the Medicare                Program Early Medicare Access and Affordability Act of 1998 - Title I: Access to Medicare Benefits for Individuals 62-to-65 Years of Age - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 62-to-65 Years of Age).  Makes eligible to enroll in Medicare during a specified period individuals between the ages of 62 and 65 who:  (1) are not eligible for coverage under group health plans or Federal health insurance; but (2) would be Medicare-eligible if age 65. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine rates for the base monthly premium, the base annual premium, and the deferred monthly premium for individuals age 62 or older. Requires the Secretary to:  (1) adjust and limit the maximum base annual premium in a premium area to assure participation in all areas of the United States; and (2) provide for payment and collection of the base monthly premium.  Makes the enrollee liable for the deferred monthly premium payment between ages 65 and 85.  Requires collection of both premiums in the same manner as for the payment of monthly premiums under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to hold collected premiums as well as the savings from new fraud and abuse initiatives under the Medicare Fraud and Overpayment Act of 1998 (if enacted), which are transferred to it out of the Medicare trust funds. Directs:  (1) the Trust Fund's Board of Trustees to report annually to the Congress on the need for adjustments in the new program in order to maintain its financial solvency; and (2) the Comptroller General to report periodically to the Congress on the adequacy of program financing along with appropriate recommendations to accomplish such end. Requires:  (1) individuals enrolled under the new part D program to be treated for Medicare purposes as though they were entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B; and (2) new part D program benefits to be payable under Medicare to such individuals in the same manner as if they were so entitled and enrolled. Provides that the new part D program shall not be treated as Medicare for purposes of the Medicaid program under SSA title XIX, including the provision of Medicare cost-sharing assistance, nor for purposes of COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation requirements of the Public Health Service Act. Title II:  Access to Medicare Benefits for Displaced Workers 55-to-62 Years of Age - Amends SSA title XVIII part D to rename the newly established part D program the Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 55-to-65 Years of Age.  Provides for part D coverage for certain displaced workers (who have lost employment- based, including COBRA continuation, coverage) and spouses between the ages of 55 and 62 under arrangements similar to those in title I, except for deferred monthly premiums.  Directs the Secretary to provide for continued enrollment of displaced workers who attain 62 years of age. Title III:  COBRA Protection for Early Retirees - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to extend specified group health plan insurance COBRA continuation coverage to qualified retirees and their dependents in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Subtitle B:  Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend specified group health plan insurance COBRA continuation coverage to qualified retirees and their dependents in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan.  Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Subtitle C:  Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend specified group health plan insurance COBRA continuation coverage to qualified retirees and their dependents in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan.  Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Title IV:  Financing - Requires any increase in payments under the Medicare program that results from the enactment of this Act to be offset by reductions in Medicare payments pursuant to the anti-fraud and -abuse provisions of the Medicare Fraud and Overpayment Act of 1998 (if enacted). Title V:  Provision of Premium Assistance for Low-Income Individuals Purchasing Early Coverage Under the Medicare Program - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require State Medicaid plans to provide for 100-percent Federal Medicare-cost sharing premium assistance for certain low-income individuals enrolled under the new part D program. (Sec. 501) Amends SSA title XI to increase the amount of certain grants to the territories to reflect this Act.",2025-08-21T16:12:19Z,
105-hr-4800,105,hr,4800,Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Registry Act,Health,1998-10-10,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-8]",NJ,D,P000096,1,"Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Registry Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to:  (1) States or their designees to operate the State's traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury registry; and (2) academic institutions to conduct applied research to support the registries.  Regulates registry data confidentiality.  Authorizes technical assistance, directly or through grants and contracts, regarding the registries and regarding development of model legislation.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T16:12:19Z,
105-hr-4804,105,hr,4804,Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-10,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-10]",NY,D,T000326,1,"Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 1998 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities from using on a full-time or other paid basis as a feeding and hydration assistant any individual who has not completed a related, State-approved training and competency evaluation and is not competent to provide such services.  Requires States to specify, and provide for review and reapproval of, approved programs meeting Federal requirements.  Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish such requirements, as well as requirements respecting the minimum frequency and methodology a State shall use in reviewing compliance with them.",2025-08-21T16:15:01Z,
105-hr-4767,105,hr,4767,Improved Children's Health Coverage Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-09,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]",CO,D,D000197,0,"Improved Children's Health Coverage Act of 1998 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to mandate:  (1) development and use of a uniform, simplified application form for establishing eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP benefits; (2) coordinated enrollment processes; and (3) timely response to inquiries received through a national toll-free telephone number for information on children's coverage under such programs.  Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish such number. (Sec. 2) Declares the costs to administer such development and use to be a reasonable cost to administer a State's CHIP plan regardless of whether such expenditures might also be related to the administration of SSA title XIX.  Eliminates certain limitations from applying to such administrative costs.  Requires the Secretary to permit common administrative expenditures between SSA titles XIX and XXI to be paid for under SSA title XXI. Mandates periodic independent State audits of enrollment processes to determine the extent to which children provided CHIP assistance are eligible for Medicaid assistance (and, therefore, should be provided Medicaid assistance rather than CHIP assistance). Amends SSA titles XIX to provide for additional entities (including elementary and secondary schools, child support enforcement agencies, and child care resource and referral agencies) that are qualified to determine Medicaid presumptive eligibility for low-income children. (Sec. 3) Amends SSA title XXI to require a State child health plan to:  (1) specify methods to ensure coordination of pediatric care within a family; (2) make the State and its contractors, and not beneficiaries and families, responsible for applying limitations on cost-sharing; (3) impose, at its option, a flat limit (of up to $500) on out-of-pocket expenditures for certain low-income children (as an alternative to the current five percent of family income); and (4) provide a grace period and prior notice before disenrollment for nonpayment of premiums. Prohibits State child health plan eligibility standards from permitting the use of mandatory waiting periods, unless the Secretary finds that such a period would not be contrary to title XXI. (Sec. 4) Amends SSA title XIX to provide for:  (1) automatic reassessment of eligibility for CHIP benefits for children losing Medicaid eligibility; (2) optional CHIP coverage of low-income, uninsured pregnant women; (3) State option to cover legal immigrants under the Medicaid and CHIP programs; (4) elimination of the funding offset for exercise of the presumptive eligibility option; and (5) CHIP and Medicaid program coordination with the Maternal and Child Health Services program under SSA title V.",2025-08-21T16:14:12Z,
105-hr-4771,105,hr,4771,"To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive the penalty for late enrollment under part B of the Medicare Program for certain military retirees and dependents, and for other purposes.",Health,1998-10-09,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5]",CO,R,H000444,0,Declares that there shall be no increase in the monthly premium (no penalty) for certain military retirees and dependents eligible for hospital insurance benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act who enrolled in Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) pursuant to a general enrollment period in 1998 or 1999 and remained continuously enrolled. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take appropriate action (such as a lump sum payment or adjustment of future premium payments) to assure there is no premium increase for late enrollment for such individuals.,2025-01-02T17:51:49Z,
105-s-2598,105,s,2598,Children's Lead Paint Act,Health,1998-10-09,1998-10-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ]",NJ,D,T000317,2,"Children's Lead Prevention and Inclusive Treatment Act of 1998 (or the Children's Lead PAInT Act) - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for a reduced Federal medical assistance percentage for States that fail to meet specified minimum blood lead screening rates established by this Act, subject to waiver by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the case of a State that has performed during a fiscal year such a significant number of lead blood level assessments that the State reasonably cannot be expected to achieve the appropriate minimum blood lead screening rate. Requires the State Medicaid plan to provide for reporting to the Secretary:  (1) the number of children who are not more than two years of age and enrolled in the Medicaid program; and (2) the number and results of lead blood level assessments performed by the State, along with demographic and identifying information consistent with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with respect to lead surveillance. Requires each contract between the State and an entity responsible for provision of medical assistance under the State plan to provide for:  (1) compliance with mandatory screening requirements for lead blood level assessments commensurate with guidelines and mandates issued by the Secretary through the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration; as well as (2) coverage of appropriate qualified lead treatment services, as prescribed by CDC guidelines, for children with elevated levels of lead in their blood.  Allows reimbursement for qualified lead treatment services for children with elevated blood lead levels. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Head Start Act to mandate lead poisoning screening for an infant or child to be eligible to participate in either the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, or early Head Start programs.",2025-08-21T16:14:33Z,
105-s-2603,105,s,2603,Promoting Health in Rural Areas Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-09,1998-10-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]",MT,D,B000243,5,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Promoting Access to Health Care Services in Rural           Areas Under the Medicare Program      Title II:  Additional Provisions to Address Shortages of           Health Professionals in Rural Areas      Title III:  Development of Telehealth Networks      Title IV:  Miscellaneous Provisions Promoting Health in Rural Areas Act of 1998 - Title I:  Promoting Access to Health Care Services in Rural Areas Under the Medicare Program - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make certain adjustments to the calculation of annual capitation rates used in determining payments to Medicare+Choice organizations. (Sec. 102) Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to convert into a permanently authorized program the current demonstration program for direct billing of Medicare, Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and other third party payors by Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Alaska Native health organizations. (Sec. 103) Amends Medicare to:  (1) revise payment requirements for sole community hospitals with regard to the substitution of certain allowable operating costs for base cost reporting periods beginning with discharges occurring in FY 2000; (2) provide for conversion of certain recently closed hospitals to critical access hospitals; (3) make certain technical amendments with regard to adjustments for graduate medical education, both indirect and direct; (4) modify the Medicare-dependent, small rural hospital program to provide for a reduction in the discharge percentage required for any hospital to be eligible to participate in the program; (5) provide for rural representation on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (6) provide for Medicare coverage of qualified mental health professional services; and (7) provide for an all-inclusive payment rate option (in addition to the current reasonable cost method) for outpatient critical access hospital services. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a waiver process in which entities and individuals under Medicare that are located in an urban or large urban area for purposes of Medicare reimbursement may apply to the Secretary to be considered to be located in a rural area for such purposes if such entity or individual is located in a rural area or outside of an urbanized area. Title II:  Additional Provisions to Address Shortages of Health Professionals in Rural Areas - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to include among health professional shortage areas frontier areas with six or fewer residents per square mile.  Requires the Secretary to consider any pending retirements or resignations of available physicians when determining whether to designate an area as a health professional shortage area. (Sec. 202) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to exclude from an individual's gross income certain amounts received under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program under PHSA. (Sec. 203) Amends Federal civil service law to provide for the designation of underserved areas under health care contracts administered by the Office of Personnel Management. (Sec. 204) Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97) to extend Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services to all Medicare items and services in all rural areas, including services by physical, occupational, and speech therapists.  Requires the entire payment for telehealth services to go to the consulting physician instead of being split with the referring physician.  Adds additional congressional reporting requirements pertaining to such program. (Sec. 205) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should establish a system that facilitates the provision of telehealth services across State lines. (Sec. 206) Redesignates the Joint Working Group on Telemedicine as the Joint Working Group on Telehealth, with the chairperson being designated by the Office for the Advancement on Telehealth.  Directs the Joint Working Group to ensure that individuals representing the interests of rural areas are members of the Group.  Establishes the mission of the Joint Working Group, among other things, as identifying, monitoring, and coordinating Federal telehealth projects and programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title III:  Development of Telehealth Networks - Directs the Secretary to provide specified financial assistance for the purpose of expanding access to health care services for individuals in rural and frontier areas through the use of telehealth.  Authorizes appropriations. Title IV:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends IRC with regard to the non-deductible interest expense of financial institutions allocable to tax-exempt income, and the limited exception from such non-deductibility for interest expense on certain tax-exempt small issuer obligations.  Allows a small issuer, the proceeds of whose obligations are to be used to make or finance eligible loans for health care or educational purposes, to elect to apply specified current limitations on the amount of obligations by treating each borrower as the issuer of a separate issue. (Sec. 402) Requires the heads of the National Health Service Corps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, and the Bureau of the Census to negotiate and enter into interagency agreements with HHS agencies and offices under which they will be provided access to data sets for the intramural and extramural research they conduct or support.",2025-08-21T16:13:37Z,
105-s-2605,105,s,2605,Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Registry Act,Health,1998-10-09,1998-10-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ]",NJ,D,T000317,1,"Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Registry Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to:  (1) States or their designees to operate the State's traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury registry; and (2) academic institutions to conduct applied research to support the registries.  Regulates registry data confidentiality.  Authorizes technical assistance, directly or through grants and contracts, regarding the registries and regarding development of model legislation.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T16:12:41Z,
105-s-2609,105,s,2609,Medical Information Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-09,1998-10-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Bennett, Robert F. [R-UT]",UT,R,B000382,1,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Individual's Rights           Subtitle A:  Review of Protected Health Information by                Subjects of the Information           Subtitle B:  Establishment of Safeguards      Title II:  Restrictions on Use and Disclosure      Title III:  Sanctions           Subtitle A:  Criminal Provisions           Subtitle B:  Civil Sanctions      Title IV:  Miscellaneous Medical Information Protection Act of 1998 - Title I: Individual's Rights - Subtitle A:  Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires specified health entities in possession of protected health information to arrange (except in certain circumstances) for its inspection or copying upon the request of the individual subject of such information (subject individual).  Prescribes procedures for:  (1) notification upon request denial, including the reasons for such denial, and the concomitant review procedures; (2) requests by such individual to amend such information; and (3) conspicuous disclosure of such entities' confidentiality practices. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to develop model notices of confidentiality. Subtitle B:  Establishment of Safeguards - Mandates the establishment of:  (1) administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for protected health information; and (2) a record of any protected health information disclosures not made within the health entity. Title II:  Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prescribes guidelines for disclosure of protected health information with respect to:  (1) authorizations for treatment, payment, and health care operations; (3) the individual's next of kin and directory information; (4) emergency circumstances; (5) certain oversight agencies; (6) public health authorities; (7) health researchers; (8) civil, judicial, and administrative procedures; (9) certain law enforcement procedures; (10) payment for health care through card or electronic means; (11) certain duly authorized representatives acting on behalf of a subject individual (including a deceased subject individual, and a minor); and (12) certain business sales, transfers, or mergers. (Sec. 212) Directs the Secretary to promulgate protected health information standards for electronic disclosures, authorizations, and authentications. (Sec. 214) Precludes permissible disclosures from liability. Title III:  Sanctions - Subtitle A:  Criminal Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for knowingly and intentionally obtaining or disclosing protected health information in violation of title II of this Act. Subtitle B:  Civil Sanctions - Establishes civil monetary penalties for substantial and material failure to comply with this Act. (Sec. 312) Prescribes a procedure for imposition and judicial review of such penalties. (Sec. 313) Grants exclusive enforcement authority to the insurance commissioner of the life insurer's domicile State. Title IV:  Miscellaneous - Preempts, subject to exceptions, any State law relating to matters covered by this Act. (Sec. 401) Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and of Transportation to establish exceptions to the disclosure requirements of this Act with respect to Department of Defense and Coast Guard personnel, respectively, pursuant to the Secretaries' determination that exceptions are necessary for national defense purposes. (Sec. 402) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits) of the Social Security Act to provide for enforcement of this Act through conditions on participation with respect to:  (1) participating physicians and suppliers; (2) Medicare+Choice organizations; (3) Medicare providers; and (4) health maintenance organizations with risk-sharing contracts. (Sec. 404) Directs the National Research Council, in conjunction with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, to study and report to the Congress on research issues relating to protected health information.",2025-08-21T16:13:39Z,
105-s-2611,105,s,2611,A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to enable medicare beneficiaries to remain enrolled in their chosen medicare health plan.,Health,1998-10-09,1998-10-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE]",DE,R,R000460,2,"Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to change from May 1 to July 15 the annual deadline for a Medicare+Choice organization to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services proposed premiums and information relating to coordinated plans, Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans, and private fee-for-service plans.  Authorizes the Secretary to require an interim submission before July 15. Requires a Medicare+Choice organization to notify the Secretary before July 15 during a contract term of an intention to terminate the contract at the end of the term.  Reduces from five to three years the waiting period after a Medicare+choice organization's termination of a contract during which the Secretary may not contract again with such organization. Allows certain eligible organizations with risk-sharing contracts which have notified the Secretary of an intention not to convert such a contract to one offering a Medicare+Choice plan to resubmit an updated version of proposed premiums and related plan information previously submitted to make such a conversion.  Requires the Secretary to act on such updated information in such a manner as to ensure that, if approved, the organization may make the conversion.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
105-s-2616,105,s,2616,Medicare Home Health Fair Payment Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-09,1998-10-10,"Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12343-12344, S12347-12348)",Senate,"Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE]",DE,R,R000460,17,"Medicare Home Health Fair Payment Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to the computation formula of the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, in order to:  (1) create a new formula for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998 with the agency-specific per beneficiary annual limitation calculated on a different basis which still makes use of the agency's census division; (2) revise the rules for new providers for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998; (3) provide for a five percent increase in per visit cost limits for such cost reporting periods; (4) provide for a one year delay in establishment of a prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services and in implementation of the mandatory 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits under such interim system; and (5) adjust the home health market basket update for home health services under PPS and such interim system, reducing it by a specified percentage for any cost reporting period beginning in FY 2000 or 2001, and increasing it by another specified percentage for any cost reporting period beginning in FY 2004. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat:  (1) a taxpayer as having omitted a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) for purposes of mathematical error assessment if information provided by the taxpayer on the return with respect to the individual whose TIN was provided differs from the information the Secretary of the Treasury obtains from the person issuing the TIN; and (2) as a mathematical error the inclusion on a return of a TIN if it is of an individual whose age affects the amount of the tax credit involved and the computation of such credit reflects the treatment of such individual as being of an age different from the individual's age based on such TIN. Adds the vaccine against rotavirus gastroenteritis to the list of taxable vaccines for Federal sales tax purposes. Limits specified liability losses for purposes of the net operating loss deduction to those attributable to a liability under a Federal or State law requiring the reclamation of land, decommissioning of a nuclear power plant (or any unit thereof), dismantlement of an offshore drilling platform, remediation of environmental contamination, or payment of workmen's compensation. Limits the rule waiving the accrual method requirement for any portion of payment amounts which will not be collected to persons performing services in the fields of health, law, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, or consulting. Applies to any organization a significant trade or business of which is the lending of money the requirement of filing a return relating to the cancellation of indebtedness.",2025-08-21T16:13:02Z,
105-sres-295,105,sres,295,A bill to express the sense of the Senate concerning the development of effective methods for eliminating the use of heroin.,Health,1998-10-09,1998-10-09,Referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Coats, Daniel [R-IN]",IN,R,C000542,2,"Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding drug control policy, including regarding:  (1) methadone and heroin; and (2) alternative approaches to curing heroin addiction.",2025-04-21T12:24:17Z,
105-hr-4736,105,hr,4736,Medicare Nursing and Paramedical Education Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-14,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Bentsen, Ken [D-TX-25]",TX,D,B000400,6,Medicare Nursing and Paramedical Education Act of 1998 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for:  (1) exclusion of approved nursing and paramedical education program costs in calculating the Medicare+Choice payment rate; and (2) additional payment to hospitals of nursing and paramedical education program costs for Medicare+Choice organization and Medicare managed care enrollees.,2025-08-21T16:14:57Z,
105-hr-4737,105,hr,4737,Treatment of Children's Deformities Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Kelly, Sue W. [R-NY-19]",NY,R,K000078,8,"Treatment of Children's Deformities Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set standards requiring that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans provide coverage for treatment of a minor child's congenital or developmental deformity or disorder due to trauma, infection, tumor, or disease.",2025-08-21T16:11:33Z,
105-hr-4739,105,hr,4739,All-Payer Graduate Medical Education Act,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD-3]",MD,D,C000141,3,TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Health Care Workforce Trust Fund; Payments to           Teaching Hospitals           Subtitle A:  Establishment and Financing of Fund           Subtitle B:  Additional Payments to Teaching Hospitals           Subtitle C:  Conforming Changes in Medicare Payment for                Direct Costs of Graduate Medical Education      Title II:  Health Workforce Priorities      Title III:  Modification in Medicare Payment for IME and DSH      Title IV:  Additional Payments for Graduate Education for           Non-Physician Health Professionals All-Payer Graduate Medical Education Act - Title I:  Health Care Workforce Trust Fund; Payments to Teaching Hospitals - Subtitle A: Establishment and Financing of Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the Health Care Workforce Trust Fund to provide for the financing of graduate medical education.  Appropriates to the Fund amounts from:  (1) specified fees imposed on health insurance; (2) the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund; and (3) the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle B:  Additional Payments to Teaching Hospitals - Provides for payments to eligible teaching hospitals.  Requires a study. Subtitle C:  Conforming Changes in Medicare Payment for Direct Costs of Graduate Medical Education - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions concerning the formula for graduate medical education costs. Title II:  Health Workforce Priorities - Requires a plan to reduce medical residency training positions. Title III:  Modification in Medicare Payment for IME and DSH - Modifies specified Medicare payments. Title IV:  Additional Payments for Graduate Education for Non- Physician Health Professionals - Requires a plan followed by the making of payments to support institutions providing graduate medical education to non-physician health professionals.,2025-08-21T16:14:55Z,
105-hr-4748,105,hr,4748,Seniors' Right to Health Care Notification Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Quinn, Jack [R-NY-30]",NY,R,Q000016,0,"Seniors' Right to Health Care Notification Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to generally require 180-day advance notice of the termination of a hospital's participation under the Medicare+Choice program under Medicare part C, as well as under other Medicare managed care arrangements pertaining to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans.",2025-08-21T16:11:39Z,
105-hr-4753,105,hr,4753,Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13]",CA,D,S000810,0,"Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to:  (1) provide for coverage of certain outpatient prescription drugs and home infusion drug therapy services; (2) outline payment rules and related requirements for such drugs and services; (3) provide for Medicare rebates for covered outpatient prescription drugs (or, in the alternative, for purchasing arrangement demonstrations which result in lower costs to the Medicare program and beneficiaries than under the rebate program); and (4) restructure payment for drugs, biologicals, and parenteral nutrients not paid on a cost or prospective payment basis as otherwise provided in Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Expands the membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to include additional members, appointed by the Comptroller General, with expertise in pharmacology and prescription drug benefit programs. Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to eliminate the report to the Congress on the average wholesale prices of drugs and biologicals. Declares that any increase in the Medicare part B premium resulting from this Act is covered for qualified Medicare beneficiaries and for special low-income Medicare beneficiaries under respective programs of the Medicaid program under SSA title XIX. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to:  (1) provide, in any statement of premiums, for a separate statement of the portion of such premiums attributable to this Act's amendments; and (2) establish a method under which such portion is waived for any Medicare part B enrollee who demonstrates that he or she has coverage actuarially equivalent to the Medicare part B coverage.",2025-08-21T16:14:50Z,
105-hres-585,105,hres,585,Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Health Care Financing Administration should adhere to the statutory deadlines for implementation of the prospective payment system for home health services furnished under the Medicare Program.,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-16,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-5]",TX,R,S000250,8,Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Health Care Financing Administration should adhere to the statutory deadlines to establish and implement the prospective payment system for home health services furnished under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act.,2025-01-02T17:44:48Z,
105-hres-587,105,hres,587,Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the seriousness of the national problems associated with mental illness and with respect to congressional intent to establish a mental illness task force.,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Roukema, Marge [R-NJ-5]",NJ,R,R000465,1,Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a temporary task force or advisory committee on mental illness should be established to probe the serious national problems associated with mental illness.,2025-01-02T17:44:43Z,
105-s-2582,105,s,2582,Medicare Psychiatric Hospital Prospective Payment System Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Breaux, John B. [D-LA]",LA,D,B000780,1,"Medicare Psychiatric Hospital Prospective Payment System Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for a prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facility hospital services; and (2) exempt such services from certain reductions under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and, instead, limit payment to not less than a certain applicable percentage of the amount that would have been paid if such reductions did not apply.",2025-08-21T16:11:53Z,
105-s-2583,105,s,2583,Children's Dental Health Improvement Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]",NM,D,B000468,1,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Expanded Opportunities for Training Pediatric           Dental Health Care Providers      Title II:  Ensuring Delivery of Pediatric Dental Services           Under the Medicaid and SCHIP Programs      Title III:  Pediatric Dental Research      Title IV:  Surveillance and Accountability      Title V:  Miscellaneous Children's Dental Health Improvement Act of 1998 - Title I: Expanded Opportunities for Training Pediatric Dental Health Care Providers - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to:  (1) develop training materials for use by health professionals to promote oral health through health education; (2) make grants to schools that train pediatric dental health providers to meet the costs of projects for developing or improving training programs in providing dental health services to children; (3) increase the number of dental health providers skilled in treating children who become members of the National Health Service Corps so that there are specified numbers of additional dentists and dental hygienists, ensuring that at least 20 percent of dentists in the Corps are pediatric dentists and another 20 percent have general practice residency training; and (4) establish 36 additional training positions annually for pediatric dentists at centers of excellence.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 104) Provides for a dental officer multiyear retention bonus for the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 105) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary to make Medicare payments for their direct and indirect operating expenses to approved nonhospital based dentistry residency training programs providing oral health care to children. Provides for a permanent dental exemption from voluntary residency reduction incentive payment programs under Medicare. (Sec. 106) Amends PHSA to allow the Secretary to designate dental health professional shortage areas.  Includes dental hygienists in PHSA's loan repayment program. Title II:  Ensuring Delivery of Pediatric Dental Services Under the Medicaid and SCHIP Programs - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to:  (1) provide for quarterly payment to a State of an amount equal to the greater of the Federal medical assistance percentage or 75 per cent of the sums expended during the quarter attributable to dental services for children; (2) require a State Medicaid plan to provide for payment for dental services for children at a rate designed to create an incentive for providers of such services (but that does not result in a reduction or other adverse impact on the extent to which the State provides dental services to adults); (3) set the required minimum Medicaid expenditures each year for dental health services for children; (4) require the State to verify annually sufficient numbers of Medicaid-participating dentists; (5) provide for inclusion of the recommended age for the first dental visit in the definition of early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services; and (6) provide for use of Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds to treat low-income children with special oral health needs who reside in certain States. (Sec. 207) Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to direct the Secretary to award grants to States to supplement payments made under State Medicaid and CHIP programs for the treatment of children with special oral health care needs.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 208) Directs the Secretary to establish demonstration projects designed to increase access to dental services for children in underserved areas.  Authorizes appropriations. Title III:  Pediatric Dental Research - Directs the Secretary to: (1) support community based research designed to improve our understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pediatric oral, dental, craniofacial diseases and conditions and their sequelae in high risk populations; and (2) develop clinical approaches for pediatric dental disease risk assessment. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 302) Amends PHSA to direct the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research to conduct and support activities with respect to existing barriers to dental care for children and establishment of measures of oral health quality, including access to oral health care for children. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to convene a Consensus Development Conference to:  (1) examine the management of early childhood caries; and (2) support research on the biology and physiologic dynamics of infectious transmission of dental caries. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV:  Surveillance and Accountability - Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect and report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the dental, craniofacial, and oral health of residents of at least one State from each HHS region. (Sec. 402) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require a State Medicaid plan to provide for reporting to the Secretary:  (1) the percentage of expenditures for early and periodic dental screening, diagnostic, and treatment services; and (2) the percentage of general and pediatric dentists licensed in the State and providing services commensurate with State plan eligibility. (Sec. 403) Directs the Administrator of the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees the percentage of children enrolled in a Head Start or Early Start program who have access to and who obtain dental care, including children with special oral, dental, and craniofacial health needs. Title V:  Miscellaneous - Sets forth effective dates for this Act.",2025-08-21T16:13:41Z,
105-s-2585,105,s,2585,Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Modification Act,Health,1998-10-08,1998-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD]",SD,D,D000064,1,"Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Modification Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act with regard to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to eliminate the $1,000 threshold requirement for unreimbursable expenses in a petition for compensation for a vaccine-related injury or death. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to:  (1) make rotavirus gastroenteritis a taxable vaccine for Federal sales tax purposes; and (2) limit the payment of compensation for vaccine-related injury or death to injury or death only from a vaccine which is taxable at the time it is administered (after September 30, 1988). Prohibits appropriations to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund on and after any expenditure from the Fund which is not permitted by specified Federal law.",2025-08-21T16:14:11Z,
105-hr-4720,105,hr,4720,Medicare HMO Beneficiary Emergency Relief Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-07,1998-10-14,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Capps, Lois [D-CA-22]",CA,D,C001036,1,"Medicare HMO Beneficiary Emergency Relief Act of 1998 - Provides that, if an eligible organization under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act has a risk-sharing contract in effect on December 31, 1998, and does not convert it to a contract to offer a Medicare+Choice plan under Medicare part C effective January 1, 1999, then such risk-sharing contract shall be deemed to be extended through June 30, 1999, under its existing terms and conditions.  Excludes from the application of this Act any eligible organization that, for reasons of financial hardship, cannot convert a risk-sharing contract to a contract to offer a Medicare+Choice plan. Requires a Medicare+Choice organization offering a Medicare+Choice plan in an area affected by such a contract extension to accept, between November 1, 1998, and June 30, 1999, elections to enroll in such plan by individuals currently enrolled under the contract being extended. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the eligible organization whose contract is being extended to negotiate for a new contract which may enable the organization to convert its contract to a contract to offer a Medicare+Choice plan.",2025-08-21T16:14:56Z,
105-hr-4721,105,hr,4721,Parental Notification Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-07,1998-10-14,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Istook, Ernest J., Jr. [R-OK-5]",OK,R,I000047,18,"Parental Notification Act of 1998 - Declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no service provider under title X (Population Research and Voluntary Family Planning Programs) of the Public Health Service Act is exempt from any State law requiring notification or the reporting of child abuse, child molestation, sexual abuse, rape, or incest. Prohibits using title X funds to provide contraceptive drugs or devices to a minor, unless:  (1) the provider has given prior notice to the custodial parent; (2) the parent has consented; (3) the minor is emancipated; or (4) a court has directed that the minor may receive the drugs or devices. Requires that each title X project:  (1) inform all minors seeking services that abstinence is the only certain way to avoid pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; (2) train all its counselors to provide minors counseling that encourages sexual abstinence, avoidance of being coerced into sexual activities, and involving parents in the decision to seek family planning services. Mandates development and dissemination of protocols for providing such counseling.",2025-08-21T16:14:08Z,
105-hr-4723,105,hr,4723,To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to deduct a children's contribution from the amount of income applied monthly to payment for the cost of care in an institution for an individual receiving medical assistance under a State Medicaid plan.,Health,1998-10-07,1998-10-14,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16]",IL,R,M001138,0,Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to monthly personal needs allowances deducted from the amount of income applied monthly to payment for the cost of institutional care for an individual receiving State Medicaid plan medical assistance.  Requires an additional allowance deduction of up to $100 for any contribution made by the individual's children during a month for the individual's clothing and other personal needs.,2025-01-02T17:51:25Z,
105-hr-4725,105,hr,4725,"Autism Statistics, Surveillance, Research, and Epidemology Act of 1998 (ASSURE)",Health,1998-10-07,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]",NJ,R,S000522,0,"Autism Statistics, Surveillance, Research, and Epidemiology Act of 1998 (ASSURE) - Authorizes grants and contracts for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities. Mandates establishment of three to five regional centers of excellence in autism and pervasive developmental disabilities epidemiology to collect and analyze information, to be established and operated through grants or cooperative agreements. Requires that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention serve as the coordinating agency for autism and pervasive developmental disabilities surveillance through the establishment of a clearinghouse for data generated from the monitoring programs created by this Act. Mandates establishment of an Advisory Committee for Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disabilities Epidemiology Research. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T16:12:06Z,
105-hr-4726,105,hr,4726,To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the maximum financial risk permitted for physicians participating in Medicare+Choice plans.,Health,1998-10-07,1998-10-14,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13]",CA,D,S000810,0,"Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to limitations on physician incentive plans.  Prohibits any Medicare+Choice organization from operating a physician incentive plan in a manner that places a physician or physician group at a financial risk exceeding specified percentages of the maximum payments possible, including those for services furnished directly, as well as certain additional payments based on use and costs of referral services.",2025-01-02T17:51:52Z,
105-hr-4727,105,hr,4727,"To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to delay the 15% reduction and to make revisions in the per beneficiary and per visit payment limits on payment for health services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.",Health,1998-10-07,1998-10-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13]",CA,D,S000810,11,"Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the computation formula for the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97). Creates a new formula for calculation of the agency-specific per beneficiary annual limitation for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998. Revises the rules for new providers for such cost reporting periods. Increases reasonable per visit costs for reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998, from 105 percent to 110 percent of the median of the labor-related and nonlabor per visit costs for free standing home health agencies. Amends BBA '97 to postpone from October 1, 1999, to October 1, 2000, implementation of the mandatory 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits under such interim system. Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of SSA title XVIII to:  (1) change the number of individuals eligible to enroll for coverage in a demonstration Medical Savings Account plan from 390,000 to 100,000 (for any date before January 1, 2004) or 500,000 (for any date thereafter); and (2) provide for a three-year extension of such type of coverage.",2025-01-02T17:51:37Z,
105-s-2564,105,s,2564,Rick Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-07,1998-10-07,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 706.,Senate,"Sen. Jeffords, James M. [R-VT]",VT,R,J000072,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Hemophilia Relief Fund      Title II:  Treatment of Certain Private Settlement Payments           in Hemophilia-Clotting-Factor Suit under the Medicaid                and SSI Programs Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1998 - Title I: Hemophilia Relief Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Mandates a payment of $100,000 from the Fund to any individual who has a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection if the individual:  (1) has a blood-clotting disorder (such as hemophilia) and was treated with blood-clotting agents between July 1, 1982, and December 31, 1987; (2) was treated with HIV-contaminated blood components or HIV-contaminated human tissue between January 1, 1982, and March 31, 1985; (3) is the lawful current or former spouse of such individual and was the lawful spouse of the individual at any time after a date within such period on which the individual was treated; or (4) acquired the HIV infection through perinatal transmission from a parent who is such an individual.  Declares that this Act does not create or admit any claim against the United States relating to HIV infection, but makes an accepted payment full satisfaction of all such claims by that individual. Title II:  Treatment of Certain Private Settlement Payments in Hemophilia-Clotting-Factor Suit under the SSI Programs - Prohibits a settlement payment in a specified class action lawsuit, payments related to a release of claims regarding that suit, or a payment under title I of this Act from being considered income or resources in determining a class member's eligibility for, or the amount of medical assistance under the Medicaid program or benefits under, the Supplemental Security Income program (titles XIX and XVI of the Social Security Act).",2025-08-21T16:11:34Z,
105-s-2570,105,s,2570,"A bill entitled the ""Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 1998"".",Health,1998-10-07,1998-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Kohl, Herb [D-WI]",WI,D,K000305,2,"Prescribes requirements for nursing facilities (under Medicaid) and skilled nursing facilities (under Medicare) to meet in mandatory screening of nursing facility workers for any conviction for a relevant crime or any findings of patient or resident abuse.  Prohibits a facility from knowingly employing any individual convicted of a relevant crime or with respect to whom a finding of patient or resident abuse has been made.  Allows 90-day probationary employment of an individual pending completion of a background check.  Requires nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities to report to the State any instance of resident neglect or abuse or misappropriation of resident property by an employee.  Expands the State registries under Medicare and Medicaid to collect information about nursing and skilled nursing facility employees other than nurse aides as well as employment applicants. Requires exhaustion of State records before a criminal record check request is passed on to the Attorney General for a search of Federal Bureau of Investigation records.  Authorizes the Attorney General and the States to charge fees for criminal background checks. Amends SSA title XI to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a national data collection program and database for the reporting of information collected under such expanded State registries, which shall constitute a national registry of abusive nursing facility workers.  Requires States to report relevant information to such program.  Grants database access to Federal and State agencies and participating nursing and skilled nursing facilities, for a reasonable fee.",2025-01-14T18:59:41Z,
105-hr-4709,105,hr,4709,Beneficiary Notification Rights Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-06,1998-10-14,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Thurman, Karen L. [D-FL-5]",FL,D,T000253,4,"Beneficiary Notification Rights Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a health insurance issuer intending to terminate coverage or allow a policy to lapse because a group health plan failed to pay premiums necessary to maintain coverage, to:  (1) notify all participants and beneficiaries of such situation; and (2) if such plan is terminated, provide all participants and beneficiaries with the option of enrollment under a conversion health plan.",2025-08-21T16:12:23Z,
105-hr-4710,105,hr,4710,To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit the replacement of health insurance policies for certain disabled Medicare beneficiaries notwithstanding that the replacement policies may duplicate Medicare benefits.,Health,1998-10-06,1998-10-14,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Lazio, Rick [R-NY-2]",NY,R,L000155,2,Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit certain disabled Medicare beneficiaries to replace health insurance policies with other health insurance policies that provide comprehensive health care benefits notwithstanding the fact that the replacement policies may duplicate benefits under the Medicare or Medicaid (SSA title XIX) programs or under another health insurance policy.,2025-01-02T17:51:37Z,
105-s-2562,105,s,2562,Medicare HMO Beneficiary Emergency Relief Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-06,1998-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,4,"Medicare HMO Beneficiary Emergency Relief Act of 1998 - Provides that, if an eligible organization under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act has a risk-sharing contract in effect on December 31, 1998, and does not convert it to a contract to offer a Medicare+Choice plan under Medicare part C effective January 1, 1999, then such risk-sharing contract shall be deemed to be extended through June 30, 1999, under its existing terms and conditions.  Excludes from the application of this Act any eligible organization that, for reasons of financial hardship, cannot convert a risk-sharing contract to a contract to offer a Medicare+Choice plan. Requires a Medicare+Choice organization offering a Medicare+Choice plan in an area affected by such a contract extension to accept, between November 1, 1998, and June 30, 1999, elections to enroll in such plan by individuals currently enrolled under the contract being extended. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the eligible organization whose contract is being extended to negotiate for a new contract which may enable the organization to convert its contract to a contract to offer a Medicare+Choice plan.",2025-08-21T16:12:00Z,
105-s-2551,105,s,2551,A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit the replacement of health insurance policies for certain disabled medicare beneficiaries notwithstanding that the replacement policies may duplicate medicare benefits.,Health,1998-10-05,1998-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY]",NY,R,D000018,0,Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit certain disabled Medicare beneficiaries to replace health insurance policies with other health insurance policies that provide comprehensive health care benefits notwithstanding the fact that the replacement policies may duplicate benefits under the Medicare or Medicaid (SSA title XIX) programs or under another health insurance policy.,2025-01-14T18:59:41Z,
105-hr-4680,105,hr,4680,Infant Protection and Baby Switching Prevention Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-02,1998-10-09,Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.,House,"Rep. Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]",TX,D,J000032,13,"Infant Protection and Baby Switching Prevention Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require certain hospitals reimbursed under Medicare to have in effect security procedures to reduce the likelihood of infant patient abduction and baby switching, including procedures for identifying all infant patients in the hospital in a manner that ensures that it will be evident if infants are missing.  Provides penalties for hospitals failing to have such security procedures in effect. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and provide penalties for baby switching in hospitals.",2025-08-21T16:14:40Z,
105-hr-4683,105,hr,4683,Women's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1998,Health,1998-10-02,1998-10-05,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Bilirakis, Michael [R-FL-9]",FL,R,B000463,32,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at           National Institutes of Health      Title II:  Provisions Relating to Women's Health at Centers           for Disease Control and Prevention Women's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1998 - Title I:  Provisions Relating to Women's Health Research at National Institutes of Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for programs regarding diethylstilbestrol (DES). Mandates a program of education of health professionals and the public concerning DES.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Extends the authorizations of appropriations for:  (1) research on osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and related bone disorders; (2) breast cancer programs; and (3) programs on ovarian and other cancers of the reproductive system of women. (Sec. 104) Mandates expansion, intensification, and coordination of research and related activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute regarding heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations for research into the aging processes of women. (Sec. 106) Requires that the Director of the National Institutes of Health (currently, the Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health) appoint members of the Advisory Committee on Women's Health. Title II:  Provisions Relating to Women's Health at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Adds the provision of support services such as case management to the purposes of breast and cervical cancer programs (authorized under current provisions). Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Program of Cancer Registries. (Sec. 203) Allows certain breast and cervical cancer programs to be carried out through grants to public and nonprofit private entities and contracts with public or private entities (currently, through grants and contracts with public or nonprofit private entities). Allows a State to give priority to a nonprofit entity over an entity that is not a nonprofit if the quality of the entities' applications are equivalent.  Extends authorizations of appropriations for various preventive health measures relating to breast and cervical cancers. (Sec. 204) Extends the authorizations of appropriations for:  (1) centers for research and demonstration regarding health promotion and disease prevention; and (2) community projects to coordinate intervention and prevention of domestic violence.",2025-08-21T16:13:36Z,
105-hr-4686,105,hr,4686,Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-02,1998-10-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8]",MA,D,K000110,15,"Long-Term Care Patient Protection Act of 1998 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities from using on a full-time or other paid basis as a feeding and hydration assistant any individual who has not completed a related, State- approved training and competency evaluation and is not competent to provide such services.  Requires States to specify, and provide for review and reapproval of, approved programs meeting Federal requirements.  Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish such requirements, as well as requirements respecting the minimum frequency and methodology a State shall use in reviewing compliance with them. Prescribes requirements for nursing facilities (under Medicaid) and skilled nursing facilities (under Medicare) to meet in mandatory screening of nursing facility workers for any conviction for a relevant crime or any findings of patient or resident abuse.  Prohibits a facility from knowingly employing any individual convicted of a relevant crime or with respect to whom a finding of patient or resident abuse has been made.  Allows 90-day probationary employment of an individual pending completion of a background check.  Requires nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities to report to the State any instance of resident neglect or abuse or misappropriation of resident property by an employee.  Expands the State registries under Medicare and Medicaid to collect information about nursing and skilled nursing facility employees other than nurse aides as well as employment applicants. Requires exhaustion of State records before a criminal record check request is passed on to the Attorney General for a search of Federal Bureau of Investigation records.  Authorizes the Attorney General and the States to charge fees for criminal background checks. Amends SSA title XI to direct the Secretary to establish a national data collection program and database for the reporting of information collected under such expanded State registries, which shall constitute a national registry of abusive nursing facility workers.  Requires States to report relevant information to such program.  Grants database access to Federal and State agencies and participating nursing and skilled nursing facilities, for a reasonable fee.",2025-08-21T16:13:08Z,
105-s-2545,105,s,2545,Medicare HMO Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-02,1998-10-06,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11531),Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,0,"Medicare HMO Protection Act of 1998 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay the effectiveness of a Medicare+Choice organization's termination of its plan with respect to all individuals in an area, if:  (1) the termination would cause an imminent and serious health risk to enrollees; (2) the termination would result in a significant reduction in the Medicare+Choice plans available in the area affected; or (3) the organization terminating coverage is offering Medicare+Choice plans in contract areas close to the area affected without suffering considerable financial losses. Amends Medicare part C with regard to contracts with Medicare+Choice organizations to provide for extension of the initial Medicare+Choice contract period from one year to three years and to revise certain requirements for notification of enrollees at the time of contract termination.",2025-08-21T16:11:43Z,
105-hr-4662,105,hr,4662,To direct the Commissioner of Social Security to establish a demonstration project to conduct outreach efforts to increase awareness of the availability of Medicare cost-sharing assistance to eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries.,Health,1998-10-01,1998-10-05,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Bunning, Jim [R-KY-4]",KY,R,B001066,0,Directs the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to establish a demonstration project to conduct outreach efforts to increase awareness of the availability of assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing. Authorizes appropriations.,2025-01-02T17:51:36Z,
105-hr-4670,105,hr,4670,Women and Children's Resources Act,Health,1998-10-01,1998-10-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Pitts, Joseph R. [R-PA-16]",PA,R,P000373,0,"Women and Children's Resources Act - Mandates annual grants to States for programs to provide:  (1) information, education, and counseling on alternatives to abortion and on sexual abstinence, pregnancy testing and follow-up services, and prenatal and postpartum health; and (2) related services, items, and assistance.  Makes eligible persons who are:  (1) pregnant, the parent or guardian of an infant under 12 months old, or the partner of those individuals; and (2) under a specified income level.  Prohibits the programs from performing or making referrals for abortions or providing or making referrals for information, education, or counseling that presents abortion as a pregnancy option.  Requires States to carry out the programs through nonprofit private entities, but excludes entities with activities during the preceding five years that present abortion as an option. (Sec. 4) Allows a State to contract with religious organizations on the same basis as any other nongovernmental provider without impairing the religious character of the organization and without diminishing the religious freedom of beneficiaries.  Requires that programs be implemented consistent with the establishment clause of the Constitution.  Prohibits the Federal and State Governments from discriminating against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character.  Prohibits a contracting religious organization from discriminating against an individual on the basis of religion, religious belief, or refusal to actively participate in a religious practice.  Declares that these provisions do not preempt any provision of a State constitution or State statute restricting the expenditure of State funds in or by religious organizations. (Sec. 6) Sets forth a formula for the allotment of funds to the States. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T16:13:05Z,
105-hr-4674,105,hr,4674,Medicare+Choice Medical Necessity Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-10-01,1998-10-12,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13]",CA,D,S000810,7,Medicare+Choice Medical Necessity Protection Act of 1998 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit Medicare+Choice organizations from arbitrarily interfering with or altering the decision of the treating physician regarding the manner or setting in which particular services are delivered to an enrollee under a Medicare+Choice plan if the services are medically necessary or appropriate for treatment or diagnosis that is otherwise a covered benefit.,2025-08-21T16:13:19Z,
105-hres-565,105,hres,565,Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of mammograms and biopsies in the fight against breast cancer.,Health,1998-10-01,1998-10-09,Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.,House,"Rep. Bass, Charles F. [R-NH-2]",NH,R,B000220,162,"Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding breast cancer, mammograms, biopsies, and related awareness, availability, and research.",2025-01-02T17:44:43Z,
105-s-2528,105,s,2528,A bill to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to establish a demonstration project to conduct outreach efforts to increase awareness of the availability of medicare costsharing assistance to eligible low-income medicare beneficiaries.,Health,1998-09-29,1998-09-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]",KY,R,M000355,0,Directs the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to establish a demonstration project to conduct outreach efforts to increase awareness of the availability of assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries for Medicare cost-sharing. Authorizes appropriations.,2025-01-14T18:59:41Z,
105-s-2529,105,s,2529,Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-29,1998-10-02,Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 683.,Senate,"Sen. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD]",SD,D,D000064,1,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Subtitle (sic) A:  Health Insurance Bill of Rights           Chapter 1:  Access to Care           Chapter 2:  Quality Assurance           Chapter 3:  Patient Information           Chapter 4:  Grievance and Appeals                Procedures           Chapter 5:  Protecting the Doctor-Patient                Relationship           Chapter 6:  Promoting Good Medical Practice           Chapter 7:  Definitions      Subtitle B:  Application of Patient Protection           Standards to Group Health Plans and Health Insurance                Coverage Under Public Health Service Act      Subtitle C:  Amendments to the Employee           Retirement Income Security Act of 1974      Subtitle D:  Application to Group Health Plans           Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986      Subtitle E:  Effective Dates; Coordination in           Implementation      Subtitle F:  Revenue Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 1998 - Subtitle A:  Health Insurance Bill of Rights - Chapter 1:  Access to Care - Requires any group health plan, or health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer, providing emergency services benefits to cover emergency services furnished:  (1) without the need for any prior authorization determination; (2) whether or not the health care provider furnishing such services is a participating health care provider; (3) in a way so that the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee who receives emergency services from a nonparticipating provider and without prior authorization is not liable for amounts that exceed the liability that would be incurred if the services were provided by a participating provider and with prior authorization; and (4) without regard to any other term or condition of such coverage (other than exclusion or coordination of benefits, or an affiliation or waiting period, permitted under the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), or the Internal Revenue Code, and other than applicable cost-sharing). (Sec. 101) Requires such coverage in a manner so that, if the emergency services are provided by a nonparticipating health care provider:  (1) the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee is not liable for amounts exceeding the liability that would be incurred if the services were provided by a participating provider; and (2) the plan or issuer pays an amount that is not less than the amount paid to a participating provider for the same services. Prescribes the same coverage for maintenance care or post-stabilization care (subject to certain guidelines) by nonparticipating health care providers. (Sec. 102) Requires a plan or coverage that provides benefits only through participating providers to offer a participant the option to purchase point-of-service coverage for benefits provided by a nonparticipating provider, unless the plan offers the participant a choice of health insurance coverage and one or more coverage options that do not provide benefits only through participating providers. (Sec. 103) Requires any plan and any health insurance issuer to permit each participant, beneficiary, and enrollee to receive:  (1) primary care from any participating primary care provider available to accept such individual; and (2) (unless the plan or issuer clearly declares choice limitations) medically necessary or appropriate specialty care, pursuant to appropriate referral procedures, from any qualified participating provider available to accept such individual for such care. (Sec. 104) Requires any plan or issuer that requires or provides for designation of a participating primary care provider to permit a female participant, beneficiary, or enrollee to designate a participating physician who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology as the individual's primary care provider. Prohibits the plan or issuer, in the absence of such a designation, from requiring authorization or a referral by the individual's primary care provider or otherwise for coverage of routine gynecological care (such as preventive women's health examinations) and pregnancy-related services provided by a participating specialist in obstetrics and gynecology to the extent such care is otherwise covered.  Permits a plan or issuer to treat the ordering of other gynecological care by such a participating physician as the primary care provider's authorization of such care. Requires a plan or issuer, if it requires or provides for designation of a primary provider for a child, to allow designation of a pediatrician as the child's primary provider. Requires the plan or issuer to refer to an available and accessible specialist any participant, beneficiary, or enrollee with a condition or disease of sufficient seriousness and complexity to require treatment by a specialist, and benefits for such treatment are covered.  Requires a plan or issuer to refer an individual to a nonparticipating specialist:  (1) only if a participating specialist is not available and accessible; and (2) only at no additional cost to the individual. Requires a plan or issuer to have a procedure by which an individual with an ongoing special condition (life-threatening, degenerative, or disabling) may be referred to a specialist who shall be responsible for and capable of providing and coordinating the individual's primary and specialty care, without referral from the individual's primary care provider.  Requires standing referrals to a specialist for any condition requiring ongoing specialist care. (Sec. 105) Prescribes requirements for continuity of care for participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees in the event of a termination of a health care provider or of the contract between a plan and an issuer. (Sec. 106) Prescribes requirements for participation in approved clinical trials of individuals with life-threatening or serious illnesses for which no standard treatment is effective.  Prohibits denial of participation in such trials, or discrimination against participants.  Limits plan or issuer payments to routine patient costs. (Sec. 107) Requires any plan or issuer that provides prescription drug benefits limited to drugs included in a formulary to:  (1) ensure participation of participating physicians and pharmacists in the development of the formulary; (2) disclose to providers, and upon request to participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees, the nature of the formulary restrictions; and (3) consistent with the standards for a utilization review program, provide for exceptions from the formulary limitation when a non-formulary alternative is medically indicated. Prohibits a plan or issuer from denying coverage of such a drug or device on the basis that the use is investigational, if certain labeling requirements are met. (Sec. 108) Requires each plan and issuer to have (in relation to the coverage) a sufficient number, distribution, and variety of qualified participating providers to ensure that all covered health care services, including specialty services, will be available and accessible in a timely manner to all participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees.  Declares that the previous sentence applies only to plan provider participation and does not require a plan or issuer to create or establish new providers in an area.  Permits inclusion among such providers of federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, migrant health centers, and other essential community providers located in the service area.  Requires inclusion of such providers if necessary to meet such number, distribution, and variety requirements. (Sec. 109) Prescribes nondiscrimination requirements. Chapter 2:  Quality Assurance - Directs each plan and issuer to establish an ongoing, internal quality assurance and continuous quality improvement program meeting specified requirements. (Sec. 112) Requires each plan and issuer to:  (1) collect uniform quality data, including a minimum uniform data set specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (2) have a written process for the selection of participating health care professionals, including minimum professional requirements; and (3) establish and maintain, as part of any internal quality assurance and continuous quality improvement program including prescription drug benefits, a drug utilization program which encourages appropriate drug use and takes appropriate action to reduce the incidence of improper drug use and adverse drug reactions and interactions. (Sec. 115) Requires each plan and issuer to conduct (or arrange for qualified outside agents to conduct) benefit utilization review activities only in accordance with a utilization review program that meets certain requirements.  Prohibits a program from permitting or providing contingent compensation arrangements with its employees, agents, or contractors in a manner that:  (1) provides incentives, direct or indirect, for such persons to make inappropriate review decisions; or (2) is based, directly or indirectly, on the quantity or type of adverse determinations rendered. Requires a utilization review program to make determinations and notifications concerning:  (1) prior authorization services within three business days after receiving any necessary information; (2) authorization for continued or extended health care services within one business day after receipt of such information; and (3) retrospective review of services previously provided within 30 days of such receipt. (Sec. 116) Directs the President to establish an advisory board to provide information to Congress and the administration on issues relating to quality monitoring and improvement in the health care provided under group health plans and health insurance coverage. Chapter 3:  Patient Information - Specifies benefits, access, emergency coverage, prior authorization, grievance and appeals, and other pertinent information which plans and issuers shall provide to participants and beneficiaries at the time of initial coverage, annually, within a reasonable period before or after the date of significant changes, and upon request. (Sec. 122) Requires plans and issuers to establish procedures to: (1) safeguard the privacy of any individually identifiable enrollee information; (2) maintain records and information in an accurate and timely manner; and (3) assure individuals timely access to such records and information. (Sec. 123) Provides for grants to States for creation and operation of a Health Insurance Ombudsman.  Requires any State receiving such a grant to contract for such an Ombudsman with a not-for-profit organization that operates independent of group health plans and health insurance issuers.  Requires the Secretary to provide through such a contract for an Ombudsman in any State that does not provide for one.  Makes such an Ombudsman responsible to:  (1) assist consumers in choosing among health insurance coverage or among coverage options offered within group health plans; and (2) provide counseling and assistance to enrollees dissatisfied with their treatment by issuers and plans, and with respect to grievances and appeals of coverage or plan determinations. Chapter 4:  Grievances and Appeals Procedures - Requires each plan and issuer to establish a system for the presentation and resolution of oral and written grievances brought by participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees, or health care providers or other individuals acting on behalf of an individual and with the individual's consent.  Requires the system to include grievances regarding access to and availability of services, quality of care, choice and accessibility of providers, network adequacy, and compliance with the requirements of this subtitle. (Sec. 132) Requires each plan and issuer to establish an internal appeals process, and provide for an external appeals process, which meet certain requirements.  Specifies the appeal rights of participants, beneficiaries, and their representatives, as well as the kinds of decisions which are appealable. Chapter 5:  Protecting the Doctor-Patient Relationship - Prohibits any contract or agreement between a plan or issuer and a health care provider from:  (1) prohibiting or restricting the provider from engaging in medical communications with the provider's patient; or (2) containing any provision purporting to transfer to the health care provider by indemnification or otherwise any liability relating to activities, actions, or omissions of the plan, issuer, or agent (as opposed to the provider).  Declares null and void any such contract or agreement provisions. (Sec. 142) Prohibits any plan or issuer from operating any physician incentive plan that does not meet certain requirements under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 143) Requires any plan or issuer to establish reasonable procedures relating to the participation of health care professionals, including notice of participation rules, written notice of adverse participation decisions, and a process for appealing adverse decisions. (Sec. 144) Prohibits a plan or an issuer from retaliating against a participant, beneficiary, enrollee, or health care provider based on use of, or participation in, a utilization review or a grievance process. Prohibits a plan or an issuer from retaliating or discriminating against a protected health care professional because the professional in good faith:  (1) discloses information relating to the care, services, or conditions affecting one or more participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees to an appropriate public regulatory agency, private accreditation body, or management personnel of the plan or issuer; or (2) initiates, cooperates, or otherwise participates in an investigation or proceeding by such an agency with respect to such care, services, or conditions.  Defines good faith action. Chapter 6:  Promoting Good Medical Practice - Prohibits a plan or issuer from arbitrarily interfering with or altering the decision of the treating physician regarding the manner or setting in which particular covered services are delivered if they are medically necessary or appropriate for treatment or diagnosis.  Allows a plan or issuer to limit the delivery of services to one or more providers within a network. (Sec. 152) Requires a plan or issuer that provides medical and surgical benefits to provide inpatient benefits for a period as determined by the attending physician, consistent with generally accepted medical standards, in consultation with the patient, to be medically appropriate following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or lymph node dissection for breast cancer treatment. Prohibits a plan or issuer from:  (1) denying to a woman eligibility to enroll or renew coverage solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this title; (2) providing monetary payments or rebates to encourage women to accept less than the minimum protections available under this title; (3) penalizing or otherwise reducing or limiting reimbursement because an attending provider gave care to a participant or beneficiary in accordance with this title; (4) providing incentives (monetary or otherwise) to induce an attending provider to provide care to a participant or beneficiary in a manner inconsistent with this title; or (5) restricting benefits (other than imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing) for any portion of a period within a required hospital length of stay in a manner less favorable than the benefits provided for any preceding portion of such stay. (Sec. 153) Requires a plan or issuer to provide coverage for reconstructive breast surgery resulting from a mastectomy, including coverage:  (1) for all stages of reconstructive breast surgery performed on a nondiseased breast to establish symmetry with the diseased when reconstruction on the diseased breast is performed; and (2) of prostheses and complications of mastectomy, including lymphedema.  Prohibits denial of coverage on the basis that it is for cosmetic surgery. Chapter 7:  Definitions - Sets forth definitions. Subtitle B:  Application of Patient Protection Standards to Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Coverage Under Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require each plan and issuer to comply with the patient protection requirements of subtitle A of this Act. (Sec. 202) Requires each health insurance issuer to comply with such requirements with respect to individual health insurance coverage. Subtitle C:  Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends ERISA to require each plan and issuer to comply with the patient protection requirements of subtitle A of this Act. (Sec. 302) Provides that nothing in ERISA shall be construed to invalidate, impair, or supersede any cause of action by a participant or beneficiary under State law to recover damages resulting from personal injury or wrongful death against any person (except employers and other plan sponsors):  (1) in connection with the provision of insurance, administrative services, or medical services by that person to or for a group health plan; or (2) that arises out of the arrangement by that person for the provision of insurance, administrative services, or medical services by other persons. Defines ""personal injury"" to mean physical injury and to include an injury arising from the treatment (or failure to treat) a mental illness or disease.  Allows such an action against an employer or other plan sponsor only if it is based on the employer's or sponsor's exercise of discretionary authority to decide a claim for covered benefits, and such exercise resulted in personal injury or wrongful death. Subtitle D:  Application to Group Health Plans Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to comply with subtitle A of this Act.  Deems that subtitle to be incorporated into the Internal Revenue Code. Subtitle E:  Effective Dates; Coordination in Implementation - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this Act. (Sec. 502) Amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 to provide for coordination in the implementation of subtitle A of this Act. (Sec. 503) Requires, if enactment of this title (sic) reduces the income and balances of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (established under the Social Security Act), the transfer from the general fund of the Treasury amounts sufficient to ensure that the balance of those funds are not reduced. Subtitle F:  Revenue - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reimpose a corporate environmental tax and reapply the hazardous substance superfund financing rate. (Sec. 602) Modifies the definition of ""specified liability loss"" for purposes of the net operating loss deduction. (Sec. 603) Revises provisions concerning liability. (Sec. 604) Imposes a tax on any person who purchases the right to receive payments under a structured settlement agreement. (Sec. 605) Modifies:  (1) the definition of ""mathematical or clerical error;"" and (2) the foreign tax credit carryback and carrover periods. (Sec. 607) Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require group health plans to provide specified information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services up to quadrennially.",2025-08-21T16:14:48Z,
105-hr-4650,105,hr,4650,Senior Citizen Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-28,1998-09-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Lazio, Rick [R-NY-2]",NY,R,L000155,12,"Senior Citizen Protection Act of 1998 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend the authority of State Medicaid fraud control units, upon the approval of the Inspector General (IG) of the relevant Federal agency in a particular case or investigation, to investigate and prosecute:  (1) fraud in connection with other Federal health care programs (if the suspected fraud or law violation in such case or investigation is primarily related to the State Medicaid plan); and (2) abuse of residents of non-Medicaid board and care facilities, if their assistance is requested by State and local agencies.  Provides that when the IG grants such approval, he or she retains continuing authority to join the case or investigation, or after consultation with the unit, to replace it as the primary agency assigned to the case or investigation. Provides that overpayments collected by a State Medicaid fraud control unit shall be credited exclusively to, and be available for expenditure under, the Federal health care program that was subject to the activity that was the basis for the collection.",2025-08-21T16:14:18Z,
105-hr-4653,105,hr,4653,Medicare HMO Improvement Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-28,1998-09-30,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Gejdenson, Sam [D-CT-2]",CT,D,G000120,14,"Medicare HMO Improvement Act of 1998 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to contracts with Medicare+Choice organizations to:  (1) provide for extension of the initial Medicare+Choice contract period from one year to three years; and (2) require termination of any contract with an organization that terminates coverage for any part of a metropolitan statistical area (or a New England County Metropolitan Area). Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay the effectiveness of a Medicare+Choice organization's termination of its plan with respect to all individuals in an area, if:  (1) the termination would cause an imminent and serious health risk to enrollees; (2) the termination would result in a significant reduction in the Medicare+Choice plans available in the area affected; or (3) the chief executive officer of the State in which the termination occurs requests such a delay. Provides for continuity of care, for a limited period, in certain cases of involuntary termination (other than for cause) of an individual's enrollment with a Medicare+Choice plan.",2025-08-21T16:12:47Z,
105-hr-4654,105,hr,4654,Asthma Act,Health,1998-09-28,1998-09-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18]",NY,D,L000480,2,"Asthma Act - Authorizes additional appropriations to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to carry out the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program for FY 1999 through 2003.  Requires the coordinating committee established for such Program to report to the Congress on the scope of asthma in the United States, all Federal programs that carry out asthma-related activities, and any recommendations for strengthening and better coordinating such activities. Authorizes additional appropriations to the Centers for Disease Control to collaborate with the States to expand the scope of activities carried out to determine the incidence and prevalence of asthma, and prevent its health consequences. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Service to make grants to nonprofit private entities for projects to carry out community outreach activities regarding asthma information, education, and services. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to encourage the States to implement plans to assist children with respect to asthma, including matching grants to any State with a children's health insurance program under title XXI of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies for programs to carry out asthma-related activities for children at specified elementary and secondary schools located in communities with a significant number of low-income or underserved individuals.  Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) hospitals should be encouraged to offer asthma-related education and training to asthma patients and their families upon such patients' discharge; (2) hospitals should, with respect to information on asthma, establish telephone services for patients and communicate with primary service providers; (3) managed care organizations should be encouraged to disseminate asthma clinical practice guidelines to providers, collect and maintain asthma data, and offer asthma-related education and training to asthma patients and their families; and (4) all Federal, State, and local asthma-related activities should promote Public Health Service guidelines and recommendations on asthma diagnosis and management, and be designed in consultation with relevant organizations and advocates representing asthma sufferers.",2025-08-21T16:13:04Z,
105-hr-4646,105,hr,4646,To provide for substantial reductions in the price of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries.,Health,1998-09-26,1998-09-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Turner, Jim [D-TX-2]",TX,D,T000424,64,"Prescription Drug Fairness Act - Allows any qualified pharmacy to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enable the pharmacy to sell covered outpatient drugs to Medicare beneficiaries (under title XVIII of the Social Security Act) at a reduced price. Requires such an agreement to:  (1) entitle the participating pharmacy to purchase any covered outpatient drug listed on the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration at the participating pharmacy discount price for that drug; and (2) permit the participating pharmacy to purchase under this Act as much of a covered outpatient drug as it sells to Medicare beneficiaries.  Sets forth guidelines for determining the participating pharmacy discount price and a special rule for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a hospice program. Directs the Secretary to:  (1) administer this Act in a manner that uses existing methods of obtaining and distributing drugs to the maximum extent possible, consistent with efficiency and cost effectiveness; and (2) report to the Congress annually regarding the effectiveness of this Act in protecting Medicare beneficiaries from discriminatory pricing by drug manufacturers, along with any appropriate legislative recommendations to further reduce the cost of covered outpatient drugs to such beneficiaries.",2025-01-02T17:51:35Z,
105-hr-4648,105,hr,4648,To clarify the non-preemption of State prescription drug benefit laws in connection with Medicare+Choice plans.,Health,1998-09-26,1998-09-30,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-2]",MA,D,N000015,9,Provides that nothing under part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act shall be construed to supersede any State law that requires the coverage of prescription drugs or any regulation that carries out such a law.,2025-01-02T17:51:36Z,
105-hr-4627,105,hr,4627,Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-25,1998-10-11,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2061),House,"Rep. Allen, Thomas H. [D-ME-1]",ME,D,A000357,53,Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to furnish each Medicare beneficiary under title XVIII of the Social Security Act with a drug benefit card enabling the beneficiary to purchase covered outpatient prescription drugs listed on the Federal Supply Schedule from participating pharmacies at reduced prices.,2025-08-21T16:11:17Z,
105-s-2508,105,s,2508,Homebound Elderly Relief Opportunity Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-22,1998-09-22,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Cochran, Thad [R-MS]",MS,R,C000567,0,"Homebound Elderly Relief Opportunity Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97), with respect to the computation formula of the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies, with a revised formula containing a specific per beneficiary annual limitation according to the census division in which an agency is located. (Sec. 2) Declares that such interim system shall not apply for a cost reporting period beginning during FY 1999 through 2002 unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the amount of the aggregate expenditures for home health services in a fiscal year exceeds specified applicable amounts for FY 1999 and 2002.  Eliminates the special per beneficiary payment rule for new agencies that was added by BBA '97 for determination of the reasonable cost of such services. Provides for a three percent increase in per visit cost limits for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998. Precludes administrative or judicial review of certain actions by the Secretary with respect to payment limits for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998. Amends BBA '97 with regard to the establishment of a prospective payment system (CPPS) for home health care services to repeal the current requirement that during certain applicable cost reporting periods applicable limits under Medicare's reasonable cost requirements be reduced by 15 percent. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on:   (1) research paid for by the Secretary with regard to development of a PPS for Medicare home health services, with a summary of research results; and (2) the schedule for PPS implementation. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to:  (1) report to the Congress on the Secretary's research report along with recommendations with respect to matters in it; and (2) include in its annual report to the Congress an analysis of whether changes in law made by this Act with regard to payments impede access to home health services by Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Comptroller General to audit expenditures by the Health Care Financing Administration for research costs and audit estimates of aggregate expenditures for Medicare home health services.",2025-08-21T16:12:02Z,
105-sjres-56,105,sjres,56,"A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress in support of the existing Federal legal process for determining the safety and efficacy of drugs, including marijuana and other Schedule I drugs, for medicinal use.",Health,1998-09-21,1998-09-22,Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 594.,Senate,"Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]",IA,R,G000386,34,"Declares that the Congress supports the existing Federal legal process for determining the safety and efficacy of drugs and opposes efforts to circumvent this process by legalizing marijuana, and other Schedule I drugs, for medicinal use without valid scientific evidence and Food and Drug Administration approval. Directs the Attorney General to report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, regarding specified years, on:  (1) the total quantity of marijuana eradicated in the United States; and (2) the annual number of arrests and prosecutions for Federal marijuana offenses.  Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to report to specified congressional committees on the specific efforts underway to enforce specified provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regarding marijuana and other Schedule I drugs.",2016-10-26T06:32:28Z,
105-sjres-57,105,sjres,57,"A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress in support of the existing Federal legal process for determining the safety and efficacy of drugs, including marijuana and other Schedule I drugs, for medicinal use.",Health,1998-09-21,1998-09-21,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]",IA,R,G000386,2,"Declares that the Congress supports the existing Federal legal process for determining the safety and efficacy of drugs and opposes efforts to circumvent this process by legalizing marijuana, and other Schedule I drugs, for medicinal use without valid scientific evidence and Food and Drug Administration approval. Directs the Attorney General to report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, regarding specified years, on:  (1) the total quantity of marijuana eradicated in the United States; and (2) the annual number of arrests and prosecutions for Federal marijuana offenses.  Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to report to specified congressional committees on the specific efforts underway to enforce specified provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regarding marijuana and other Schedule I drugs.",2025-04-21T12:24:17Z,
105-hr-4600,105,hr,4600,Common Sense Smoking Prevention Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-18,1998-09-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. King, Peter T. [R-NY-3]",NY,R,K000210,1,Common Sense Smoking Prevention Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to mandate that group and individual health insurance policies and group health plans charge higher premiums for smokers and deny medical care benefits coverage for beneficiaries who refuse testing to determine whether or not they smoke. Prescribes certain notice requirements under PHSA and ERISA with respect to such requirements.,2025-08-21T16:12:02Z,
105-hr-4591,105,hr,4591,Medicare Home Health Case Manager Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-17,1998-09-30,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13]",CA,D,S000810,4,Medicare Home Health Case Manager Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to home health services to:  (1) require a case management plan established by a home health case manager for beneficiaries requiring extended home health services; and (2) provide for coverage of and payment for home health case manager services under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to:  (1) establish a fee schedule for payment for home health case manager services; and (2) study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of case managers with respect to Medicare post-acute hospital care services.,2025-08-21T16:14:37Z,
105-hr-4592,105,hr,4592,Home Health Patient Protection Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-17,1998-09-30,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13]",CA,D,S000810,1,"Home Health Patient Protection Act of 1998 - Amends titles XI and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of a program to prevent the abuse of home health patients through:  (1) screening of home health agency workers through background checks; and (2) a prohibition against hiring abusive workers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Registry of Abusive Home Health Workers, which shall be used in such background checks.",2025-08-21T16:11:12Z,
105-hr-4583,105,hr,4583,Children's Health Equity Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-16,1998-09-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Dunn, Jennifer [R-WA-8]",WA,R,D000549,13,"Children's Health Equity Act of 1998 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for an increased Federal medical assistance percentage for expanded coverage of certain waivered low-income children in States which:  (1) have established a Medicaid applicable income level for children under age 19 that is at or above 200 percent of the poverty line; and (2) demonstrate a commitment to reach and enroll such children.  Defines ""waivered low-income children"" as those whose family income:  (1) exceeds certain minimum Medicaid-eligible levels required to be established for the age of the child; but (2) does not exceed the Medicaid applicable income level for that child. Provides for expansion of the individuals and entities which may serve as qualified entities with regard to the Medicaid presumptive eligibility option for low-income children. Limits the number of waivered low-income children for a State for FY 1998 and each succeeding fiscal year.",2025-08-21T16:13:58Z,
105-s-2483,105,s,2483,"Early Hearing Loss Detection, Diagnosis, and Intervention Act of 1998",Health,1998-09-16,1998-09-16,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME]",ME,R,S000663,1,"Early Hearing Loss Detection, Diagnosis, and Intervention Act of 1998 - Mandates grants or cooperative agreements to:  (1) develop statewide hearing loss early detection, diagnosis, and intervention networks; and (2) provide technical assistance to State agencies to complement an intramural program and to conduct applied research related to infant hearing detection, diagnosis, and treatment or intervention.  Requires the National Institutes of Health to carry out research on the efficacy of new screening techniques and technology. Mandates coordination and collaboration.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T16:13:45Z,
105-s-2485,105,s,2485,Children's Health Equity Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-16,1998-09-16,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Gorton, Slade [R-WA]",WA,R,G000333,1,"Children's Health Equity Act of 1998 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for an increased Federal medical assistance percentage for expanded coverage of certain waivered low-income children in States which:  (1) have established a Medicaid applicable income level for children under age 19 that is at or above 200 percent of the poverty line; and (2) demonstrate a commitment to reach and enroll such children.  Defines ""waivered low-income children"" as those whose family income:  (1) exceeds certain minimum Medicaid-eligible levels required to be established for the age of the child; but (2) does not exceed the Medicaid applicable income level for that child. Provides for expansion of the individuals and entities which may serve as qualified entities with regard to the Medicaid presumptive eligibility option for low-income children. Limits the number of waivered low-income children for a State for FY 1998 and each succeeding fiscal year.",2025-08-21T16:14:09Z,
105-hr-4567,105,hr,4567,Medicare Home Health and Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-15,1998-10-12,Received in the Senate.,House,"Rep. Thomas, William M. [R-CA-21]",CA,R,T000188,56,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Medicare Home Health Care Interim Payment System           Refinement      Title II:  Veterans Medicare Access Improvement      Title III:  Authorization of Additional Exceptions to           Imposition of Penalties for Certain Inducements      Title IV:  Expansion of Membership of the Medicare Payment           Advisory Commission      Title V:  Revenue Offset Medicare Home Health and Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 1998 - Title I:  Medicare Home Health Care Interim Payment System Refinement - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to:  (1) increase per beneficiary and per visit payment limits under the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies; and (2) provide for the exclusion of certain additional Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) costs from determination of the Medicare part B monthly premium. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to report to the Congress on:  (1) research paid for by the Secretary on the development of a prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare home health services; (2) the schedule for PPS implementation; and (3) one or more alternative means to provide for savings equivalent to the savings estimated to be made by the mandatory 15 percent reduction in payment limits for such home health services for FY 2000. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to:  (1) report to the Congress its analysis of the Secretary's report, including any recommendations; and (2) include in its annual report to the Congress for June 1999 an analysis of whether changes in law made by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97) and this Act with respect to payments for Medicare home health services impede access to them by Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to audit the sums obligated or expended by the Health Care Financing Administration for PPS research and the information it has provided. Title II:  Veterans Medicare Access Improvement - Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by BBA '97, for the express purpose of improving certain veterans' access to Medicare health care services through a jointly administered program and related demonstration project under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  Describes such program and demonstration project, the sites where they will be conducted, and their duration.  Provides certain funding restrictions.  Repeals BBA '97 requirements relating to an implementation plan for veterans subvention. (Sec. 201) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on a method to phase-in the costs of military facility services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the calculation of an area's Medicare+Choice capitation payment. Title III:  Authorization of Additional Exceptions to Imposition of Penalties for Certain Inducements - Amends SSA title XI to authorize additional exceptions to the imposition of penalties for providing inducements to beneficiaries.  Provides for extension of advisory opinion authority. Title IV:  Expansion of Membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the expansion of the membership of MedPAC, and stagger the initial terms of members. Title V:  Revenue Offset - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the adjusted gross income ceiling for qualified rollover contributions to a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) from a non-Roth IRA.  Limits application of the ceiling to the taxable year of the distribution for which the contribution applies.  Increases the ceiling from $100,000 to $145,000 ($290,000 in the case of a joint return).  Repeals the disallowance of a contribution for any married taxpayer filing a separate return.",2025-04-07T15:33:22Z,
105-hres-539,105,hres,539,Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a national HIV surveillance system should be expeditiously implemented.,Health,1998-09-15,1998-10-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-35]",CA,D,W000187,2,Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that:  (1) the States should move to implement human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) surveillance systems; (2) the Federal Government and the States should ensure that funds follow epidemiological HIV infection trends; (3) there are different approaches to carrying out HIV surveillance systems and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) should respect the right of each State to determine the best approach in that State; (4) a State that elects to implement an HIV surveillance system should assess HIV surveillance data security and confidentiality and change laws to ensure confidentiality; (5) HIV surveillance systems should not be developed that deter people from using anonymous HIV counseling and testing and other HIV prevention programs; (6) States should work with HIV community planning groups reflective of the demographics of HIV infection and with other local medical and public health institutions to develop their own HIV surveillance programs; and (7) the CDCP should provide comprehensive guidance to States and provide increased funds and technical assistance to ensure the quality and efficiency of HIV surveillance systems selected by the States and facilitate the transition from monitoring only acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases to monitoring both HIV cases and AIDS cases.,2025-01-02T17:44:22Z,
105-hr-4559,105,hr,4559,Prescription Drug Patient Choice Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-14,1998-09-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH-13]",OH,D,B000944,0,"Prescription Drug Patient Choice Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan (and a health insurance issuer offering group coverage) that covers prescription drugs when the drugs are furnished through network providers to also offer the option of coverage of prescription drugs when furnished through non-network providers.  Prohibits higher premiums, copayments, or deductibles or lower reimbursement for drugs through non-network providers. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the above requirements to issuers in the individual market. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations, competitive medical plans, State Medicaid plans, issuers of Medicare supplemental policies, and Medicare select policies to meet the requirements of this Act. Amends Federal law relating to health benefits for Federal employees to require compliance with this Act.",2025-08-21T16:13:02Z,
105-hr-4550,105,hr,4550,Drug Demand Reduction Act,Health,1998-09-11,1998-10-21,See H.R.4328.,House,"Rep. Portman, Rob [R-OH-2]",OH,R,P000449,16,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Targeted Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment           Programs           Subtitle A:  National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign           Subtitle B:  Drug-Free Workplace Act           Subtitle C:  Drug-Free Teen Drivers           Subtitle D:  Drug-Free Prisons and Jails           Subtitle E:  Drug-Free Schools Quality Assurance           Subtitle F:  Drug-Free National Clearinghouse           Subtitle G:  Drug-Free Parents Empowerment      Title II:  Private Sector Anti-Drug Partnerships           Subtitle A:  Antiaddiction Medications           Subtitle B:  Commission on Role of Medication Education                in Reducing Substance Abuse      Title III: Statement of National Antidrug Policy           Subtitle A:  Congressional Leadership in Community                Coalitions           Subtitle B:  Rejection of Legalization of Drugs           Subtitle C:  Report on Streamlining Federal Prevention                and Treatment Efforts Drug Demand Reduction Act - Title I:  Targeted Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs - Subtitle A:  National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign - Drug-Free Media Campaign Act of 1998 - Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to: (1) conduct a national media campaign for the purpose of reducing and preventing drug abuse among young people in the United States; and (2) use appropriated funds for media that focuses on, or that includes specific information on, prevention or treatment resources for consumers within specific local areas. (Sec. 103) Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) authorized and prohibited uses of funds; and (2) matching and reporting requirements. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B:  Drug-Free Workplace Act - Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) businesses should adopt drug-free workplace programs; and (2) States should consider financial incentives, such as reductions in workers' compensation premiums, to encourage businesses to adopt drug-free workplace programs. (Sec. 114) Amends the Small Business Act to establish a drug-free workplace demonstration program, under which the Small Business Administration may make grants to eligible intermediaries for the purpose of providing financial and technical assistance to small business concerns seeking to start a drug-free workplace program. Sets forth provisions regarding eligibility for participation and program requirements, including requirements for:  (1) employee drug testing by a laboratory certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the College of American Pathologists, with each positive test result reviewed by a Licensed Medical Review Officer; and (2) employee access to an employee assistance program, including treatment.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 115) Amends the Act to require the services to be provided by small business development centers to include providing information and assistance to small business concerns with respect to developing drug-free workplace programs. (Sec. 116) Authorizes the Small Business Administrator to contract with and compensate Government and private agencies or persons for services related to carrying out this subtitle. Subtitle C:  Drug-Free Teen Drivers - Drug-Free Teenage Drivers Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a model program to provide for the voluntary drug testing of all teenage applicants for a driver's license and, if a State adopting the program so elects, other first time applicants regardless of age.  Sets forth minimum program requirements, including:  (1) that information about an applicant's choice not to take a drug test or about the result of a test on the applicant be made available to the applicant's automobile insurance company, if any, or the parent of a teenage applicant, or both; and (2) if an applicant tests positive, that the State will not issue a license to the applicant and will require the applicant to complete a State-approved drug treatment program and not test positive in a drug test before reapplying for a license.  Authorizes the States to adopt and implement the model program and, if they do so, to provide treatment to low-income individuals who apply for licenses. (Sec. 123) Requires the Secretary to establish an incentive grant program to assist States in improving their laws relating to controlled substances and driving.  Sets forth grant requirements, including provisions regarding the use of grant funds and a formula for determining grant amounts. (Sec. 124) Directs the Secretary to provide specified technical assistance. (Sec. 125) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D:  Drug-Free Prisons and Jails - Drug-Free Prisons and Jails Act of 1998 - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to establish a model substance abuse treatment program for substance-involved offenders by providing financial assistance to grant recipients and evaluating the success of programs conducted pursuant to this subtitle.  Limits grant awards and administrative costs. (Sec. 134) Sets forth requirements for grant applications, review and approval of awards, permissible uses of funds, and evaluation and reporting requirements.  Requires the Director to establish minimum criteria for program evaluation. (Sec. 138) Authorizes appropriations from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund. Subtitle E:  Drug-Free Schools Quality Assurance - Drug-Free Schools Quality Assurance Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the chief executive officer of each State or other entity designated to be responsible for education activities to:  (1) establish a standard of quality for drug prevention programs implemented in public schools in the State in accordance with specified criteria (including a comparison of the rate of illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs by students enrolled over a specified period, the rate of suspensions or expulsions, program effectiveness, parental and community involvement, and the extent of review of existing community drug prevention programs before implementation); and (2) identify and designate (upon application by a school) any public school that achieves such standard as a quality program school.   Sets forth provisions regarding requests for a quality program designation and public notification. Subtitle F:  Drug-Free National Clearinghouse - Drug-Free National Clearinghouse Act of 1998 - Establishes in the Office the Drug-Free National Clearinghouse, which shall:  (1) consolidate and assume the drug prevention and drug treatment information clearinghouse roles currently performed by National Drug Control Program agencies; and (2) ensure that such information is effectively disseminated. (Sec. 163) Requires that the Clearinghouse be headed by a director to be appointed by the Director of the Office.  Sets forth the director's duties. (Sec. 164) Requires each National Drug Control Program agency to cooperate with the Clearinghouse director. Subtitle G:  Drug-Free Parents Empowerment - Drug-Free Parents Empowerment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to support the efforts of parent organizations to develop and promote efforts to reduce illegal drug use among children in their communities. Sets forth requirements for parent organizations to receive grants, application procedures, and a grant amount limitation.  Authorizes appropriations. Title II:  Private Sector Anti-Drug Partnerships - Subtitle A: Antiaddiction Medications - Antiaddiction Medication Development Act - Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and the Attorney General of the United States to provide to the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) a response to specified requests to facilitate the approval for commercial distribution of antiaddiction drugs developed by NIDA.  Sets forth provisions regarding the submission of, and responses to, such requests. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study to determine whether there is a need to establish particularized incentives for the development of drugs to treat dependence on alcohol or on any controlled substance (qualifying antiaddiction drugs).  Sets forth requirements regarding Federal agency collaboration, study elements, and reporting requirements. Subtitle B:  Commission on Role of Medication Education in Reducing Substance Abuse - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the National Commission on the Role of Medical Education in Reducing Substance Abuse, which shall conduct a study to determine the manner in which programs of initial and continuing medical education can be modified to improve the efforts of health professionals in preventing, diagnosing, and treating substance abuse cases.   Sets forth reporting requirements.  Authorizes appropriations. Title III:  Statement of National Antidrug Policy - Subtitle A: Congressional Leadership in Community Coalitions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the individual Members of the House of Representatives should establish community-based anti-drug coalitions in their congressional districts or should actively support such coalitions that already exist. Subtitle B:  Rejection of Legalization of Drugs - Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) the States and their citizens should reject drug legalization; and (2) every State should make efforts to be drug-free. Subtitle C:  Report on Streamlining Federal Prevention and Treatment Efforts - Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) Federal Government efforts to reduce the demand for illegal drugs in the United States are frustrated by the fragmentation of those efforts across multiple departments and agencies; and (2) improvement of those efforts can best be achieved through consolidation and coordination. Requires the Director of National Drug Control Policy to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a report evaluating options for increasing the efficacy of Federal drug prevention and treatment programs and activities.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-07-21T19:44:15Z,
105-s-2462,105,s,2462,Lisa De Land Financial Protection Act,Health,1998-09-11,1998-09-11,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]",MT,D,B000243,0,"Lisa De Land Financial Protection Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give States the option to exempt certain disabled, mentally ill, or physically handicapped beneficiaries of trusts established under State law for the purpose of providing or supplementing the cost of the beneficiary's care and treatment, including the cost of medical assistance provided under the State Medicaid plan.  Allows such an exemption, however, only if State law:  (1) limits to 90 percent the value of the trust which may be conveyed to heirs after the beneficiary's death; and (2) requires donation of the remainder to a State-approved charitable trust.",2025-08-21T16:11:31Z,
105-hr-4533,105,hr,4533,Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Payment Correction Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-09,1998-09-09,Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.,House,"Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13]",CA,D,S000810,0,"Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Payment Correction Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to calculation of the payment to long-term care hospitals for the operating costs of inpatient hospital services.  Requires adjustment, according to a specified formula, of the target amount for such a hospital if the average inpatient length of stay for the two most recent settled cost reporting periods is five percent less than the average inpatient length of stay for the initial 12-month cost reporting period (base year) (thus correcting for overpayments to such hospitals). Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in developing a legislative proposal for establishing a case-mix adjusted prospective payment system for payment of certain long-term care hospitals under Medicare, to consider adjustments in the amount of payments to long-term care hospitals whose average inpatient length of stay during the base year greatly exceeds the hospitals' average inpatient length of stay in later years.",2025-08-21T16:11:16Z,
105-hr-4534,105,hr,4534,Medicare Rehabilitation Benefit Equity Act of 1998,Health,1998-09-09,1998-09-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13]",CA,D,S000810,1,"Medicare Rehabilitation Benefit Equity Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the financial limitation on certain rehabilitation therapy services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a budget-neutral alternative payment methodology for outpatient physical therapy services, outpatient occupational therapy services, and outpatient speech-language pathology services covered under Medicare. Requires such methodology to be based on the classification of individuals by diagnostic category, functional status, and prior use of services in both inpatient and outpatient settings.",2025-08-21T16:11:34Z,
105-hr-4418,105,hr,4418,Same Insurance as Congress Act of 1998,Health,1998-08-06,1998-08-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil Service.,House,"Rep. Klink, Ron [D-PA-4]",PA,D,K000270,0,"Same Insurance as Congress Act of 1998 - Requires any carrier of a plan approved under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to offer health insurance to individuals who are not eligible:  (1) to be enrolled in a group health plan; or (2) for Medicare, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance Program benefits under the Social Security Act.  Sets forth provisions concerning premiums, contributions, benefits, and the exclusion of a carrier or plan.  Terminates the provisions of this Act ten years after enactment.",2025-08-21T16:14:21Z,
105-hr-4419,105,hr,4419,Prescription Guarantee Act of 1998,Health,1998-08-06,1998-09-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations.,House,"Rep. Klink, Ron [D-PA-4]",PA,D,K000270,0,"Prescription Guarantee Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering coverage in connection with a group plan, if it covers prescription drugs but limits benefits to (or provides more favorable benefits for) drugs in a formulary, to:  (1) make available to the public on request a description of the formulary restrictions; and (2) provide for restriction exceptions when the plan or beneficiary's physician, subject to reasonable plan or issuer review, determines that a non-formulary alternative is medically beneficial based on a therapeutic difference to the patient involved.  Allows copayment doubling for nonformulary drugs.  Prohibits a plan that provides prescription drug coverage from denying coverage of a drug if the use is included in the labeling authorized under specified provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Prohibits a plan or issuer from discriminating against a health professional based on the extent, type, or pattern of prescription drugs.  Prohibits a plan or issuer from excluding a pharmacist from its network if the pharmacist is willing to enter into a contract to provide drugs at the rate prescribed by the plan or issuer.  Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the above requirements to issuers offering coverage in the individual market. Amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 to modify requirements regarding coordination by the Secretaries of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor regarding regulations, rulings, interpretations, and policies relating to the Act.",2026-03-23T12:41:21Z,
105-hr-4431,105,hr,4431,HIV Partner Protection Act,Health,1998-08-06,1998-09-29,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5]",NY,D,A000022,1,"HIV Partner Protection Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a grant to a State under provisions relating to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care grants unless the State:  (1) carries out a program of notification of sex or needle sharing partners of individuals with HIV disease that the partners may have been exposed; (2) requires HIV testing entities to confidentially report positive test results, including the individual's name, to the State; (3) does not inform partners of the infected individual's identity; (4) meets certain counseling, testing, and referral requirements; (5) there is no criminal or civil penalty or civil liability for an infected individual if the individual chooses not to identify their partners or for an individual who makes a good faith error in submitting reports or making disclosures; and (6) the failure of the State to notify partners is not a basis for civil liability of any health entity who reported to the State the identity of the infected individual. Prohibits such a grant unless a State prohibits insurers from taking any action against an individual solely on the basis that the individual has been tested for HIV disease. Authorizes grants to States to assist with the costs of carrying out the program.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T16:11:58Z,
105-hr-4477,105,hr,4477,"To provide grants to strengthen State and local health care systems' response to domestic violence by building the capacity of health care professionals and staff to identify, address, and prevent domestic violence.",Health,1998-08-06,1998-09-21,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.",House,"Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18]",NY,D,L000480,7,"Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States and local health care entities to strengthen their response to domestic violence by building the capacity of health care professionals and staff to identify, address, and prevent domestic violence. Prescribes guidelines for State and local demonstration grants. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-07-21T19:44:15Z,
105-hr-4480,105,hr,4480,To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to extend the higher Federal medical assistance percentage for payment for Indian Health Service facilities to urban Indian health programs under the Medicaid Program.,Health,1998-08-06,1998-08-28,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. McDermott, Jim [D-WA-7]",WA,D,M000404,5,Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend the higher Federal medical assistance percentage for payment for Indian Health Service facilities to urban Indian health programs.,2025-01-02T17:51:10Z,
105-hr-4492,105,hr,4492,Medicare Health Plan Fair Payment Act,Health,1998-08-06,1998-08-28,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Nussle, Jim [R-IA-2]",IA,R,N000172,33,Medicare Health Plan Fair Payment Act - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the budget neutrality adjustment factor used in calculating the blended capitation rate for payment of Medicare+Choice organizations.,2025-08-21T16:12:26Z,
105-hr-4495,105,hr,4495,Medicare Beneficiary Access to Home Care Act of 1998,Health,1998-08-06,1998-08-28,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Peterson, John E. [R-PA-5]",PA,R,P000263,2,"Medicare Beneficiary Access to Home Care Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97), with respect to the computation formula of the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies.  Repeals the current interim system, retroactive to the enactment of BBA '97.  Mandates a new interim system of limits for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998, with a revised formula that includes:  (1) retroactive restoration of the per visit cost limit to 112 percent of the mean of costs; (2) an agency-specific, annual per beneficiary limitation equal to the sum of certain base and outlier amounts, based generally on the standardized average cost per unduplicated patient in FY 1994; and (3) application of a wage index based on the locality of the agency. Amends BBA '97 to revise the mandatory reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits in the event that the Secretary of Health and Human Services does not establish the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services.  Replaces the current 15 percent reduction in such limits with a percentage reduction sufficient to assure that total expenditures for home health services benefits in each of FY 1999 through 2002 do not exceed the original Congressional Budget Office spending targets for such fiscal years. Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary to restore periodic interim payments for home health services. Directs the Secretary to continue the home health per episode prospective payment demonstration project under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 until the PPS for home health services is established and implemented under Medicare. Revises surety bond requirements for home health agencies under the Medicare program and the Medicaid program of SSA title XIX to:  (1) specify a surety bond against fraudulent or abusive activities; and (2) reduce the amount of such bond from a minimum of $50,000 to $25,000. Amends SSA title XVIII to require home health agencies to have fraud and abuse compliance programs as a condition of their Medicare participation.",2025-08-21T16:14:37Z,
105-hr-4498,105,hr,4498,Neighborhood Tobacco Advertising Act of 1998,Health,1998-08-06,1998-08-28,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.",House,"Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1]",IL,D,R000515,7,Neighborhood Tobacco Advertising Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to repeal provisions preempting any:  (1) statement relating to smoking and health (other than the one specified by the Act); and (2) requirement or prohibition based on smoking and health under State law regarding the advertising or promotion of cigarettes in packages labeled in conformity with the Act.,2025-08-21T16:13:54Z,
105-hconres-321,105,hconres,321,"Expressing the sense of the Congress that money saved from efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare Program should be deposited in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to ensure the financial integrity of the Medicare Program.",Health,1998-08-05,1998-08-28,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Snowbarger, Vince [R-KS-3]",KS,R,S000662,4,"Expresses the sense of the Congress that any money received from efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare Program should be deposited into the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to ensure the financial integrity of the Medicare program and to secure health care services for only those individuals who meet current eligibility requirements under the program.",2025-01-02T17:43:46Z,
105-hr-4403,105,hr,4403,Medicare Substitute Adult Day Care Services Act of 1998,Health,1998-08-05,1998-08-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13]",CA,D,S000810,18,"Medicare Substitute Adult Day Care Services Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of substitute adult day care services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to monitor Medicare expenditures for home health services for a fiscal year, including substitute adult day care services, and compare them to expenditures that the Secretary estimates would have been made for home health services for that fiscal year if there had been no coverage of substitute adult day care services.  Requires the Secretary, if home health service expenditures exceed such estimates, to adjust the rate of payment for home health services so that total expenditures do not exceed such estimates.",2025-08-21T16:13:46Z,
105-hr-4404,105,hr,4404,Homebound Elderly Relief Opportunity Act of 1998,Health,1998-08-05,1998-08-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Hilleary, Van [R-TN-4]",TN,R,H000615,51,"Homebound Elderly Relief Opportunity Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97), with respect to the computation formula of the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies.  Declares that such interim system shall apply only if aggregate expenditures for home health services in a fiscal year exceed specified applicable amounts for FY 1998 and 1999 (with adjustments through FY 2002).  Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of such an excess, to implement such system beginning January 1 of the year following the fiscal year in which such aggregate expenditures exceed the applicable amount. Includes in the computation formula the separate determination of costs for agencies in rural and nonrural areas. Provides for adjustment of payments (up to five percent of the aggregate projected or estimated payments) for outliers where the reasonable cost for home health services to an individual exceeds the per beneficiary limit by a fixed number of standard deviations. Eliminates the special rule for new agencies with respect to determination of the reasonable cost of home health services. Provides for a five percent increase in per-visit cost limits for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1997. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to modify calculation of the payment amount for home health services under the prospective payment system (PPS) for them created under BBA '97. Provides for an adjustment in the current 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits for cost reporting periods beginning before October 1, 2002, if the PPS is not established for the pertinent cost reporting periods, with a return of the current reduction for cost reporting periods beginning on or after such date. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for temporary restoration of periodic interim payment for home health services until the PPS for such services is implemented under Medicare.",2025-08-21T16:12:48Z,
105-hr-4412,105,hr,4412,Cigars are No Safe Alternative Act,Health,1998-08-05,1998-08-05,Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.,House,"Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7]",MA,D,M000133,0,"Cigars Are No Safe Alternative Act - Prohibits any person from selling or distributing a cigar to any individual under 18.  Requires that cigar retailers:  (1) ensure that all cigars are located in areas where customers do not have direct access; and (2) sell cigars only in face-to-face exchanges.  Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose restrictions on the sale, advertising, distribution, and marketing of cigars directed at youth as appropriate to limit sale to individuals 18 or over.  Prohibits advertising cigars on any form of electronic communication.  Directs the Secretary to encourage cigar manufacturers to end the practice of paying for, or participating in, the placement of cigars in movies and on television where a substantial segment of the audience is under 18. Mandates health warnings on the labels of cigars and cigar packaging. Requires a study and report to the Congress and the President on: (1) the health effects of occasional cigar smoking, nicotine dependence demonstrated by cigar smokers, biological uptake of toxic and carcinogenic constituents of cigars, and environmental cigar smoke exposure; and (2) the yields of tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and any other additive designated by the Secretary.  Requires cigar manufacturers to report to the Secretary on those yields.  Requires a study and report to the Congress and the President by the Federal Trade Commission on current cigar sales, advertising, and marketing practices. Directs the Secretary to monitor trends in youth access to and use of cigars and, if cigars are inappropriately accessible to, or becoming an attractive alternative to smoking cigarettes for, children and adolescents, to notify the Congress and make recommendations.",2025-08-21T16:13:15Z,
105-hr-4413,105,hr,4413,Participating Provider Prompt Payment Act of 1998,Health,1998-08-05,1998-08-28,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. McDermott, Jim [D-WA-7]",WA,D,M000404,0,"Participating Provider Prompt Payment Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to require health plans and health insurance issuers to provide for prompt payment of participating providers.  Applies such prompt payment standards to claims submitted:  (1) for covered items and services that are not furnished by a nonparticipating provider; or (2) by the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee, in the case of private fee-for-service plans or coverage.",2025-08-21T16:12:45Z,
105-hr-4382,105,hr,4382,Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act of 1998,Health,1998-08-03,1998-10-09,Became Public Law No: 105-248.,House,"Rep. Bliley, Tom [R-VA-7]",VA,R,B000556,23,"Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the certification of mammography facilities. Requires that appeals from certification denials follow procedures in effect at that time (currently, in effect on a specified date). Requires that standards for accreditation bodies:  (1) mandate review of clinical images by qualified review physicians (currently, by qualified practicing physicians); and (2) prohibit those conducting reviews from having any relationship (currently, any financial relationship) with the facility being reviewed that would constitute a conflict of interest. Modifies mammogram record retention requirements. Requires that a summary of the written report regarding a mammography be sent directly to the patient (regardless of whether there is a physician of the patient available) in terms easily understood by a lay person. Allows inspection of facilities (currently, certified facilities) for compliance with certification requirements and mammography quality standards (currently, compliance with mammography quality standards). Authorizes a demonstration program under which inspections are conducted less often than the current minimum of annually.  Allows inspections to be conducted by a local agency on behalf of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Empowers the Secretary to require a facility to notify patients who received mammograms if the Secretary determines the quality was so inconsistent with standards as to present a significant risk to the individual or public health. Authorizes civil money penalties for failure to comply. Allows certificate suspension or revocation for a failure to comply with an accreditation body's requests for records or materials. Modifies requirements for certification suspension before holding a hearing.",2025-04-07T15:32:24Z,
105-hr-4370,105,hr,4370,Home Health Access Preservation Act of 1998,Health,1998-07-31,1998-08-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Coburn, Tom [R-OK-2]",OK,R,C000560,46,"Home Health Access Preservation Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, with respect to the computation formula of the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies.  Revises such formula for cost reporting periods beginning after FY 1998 to replace the current agency-specific per beneficiary annual limits with limits based on specified base regional limits, a base national limit, and an area wage index. Eliminates the special rule for new agencies with respect to determination of the reasonable cost of home health services. Provides for a three percent increase in per-visit cost limits for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1997. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allot grants to States, according to a specified formula, to provide for adjustment for outliers to assist in the transition to the prospective payment system for home health services.  Makes necessary appropriations. Directs the Secretary to meet every 90 days with appropriate congressional committee staff to provide informal updates of progress in implementing the prospective payment system for home health agencies under Medicare.",2025-08-21T16:14:06Z,
105-hr-4375,105,hr,4375,Bipartisan NO Tobacco for Kids Act of 1998,Health,1998-07-31,1998-08-28,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.",House,"Rep. Meehan, Martin T. [D-MA-5]",MA,D,M000627,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Price Increase to Discourage Child Tobacco Use      Title II:  FDA Jurisdiction Over Tobacco Products      Title III:  Performance Objectives to Reduce Child Tobacco           Use      Title IV:  Smoke-Free Environments      Title V:  Tobacco Prevention Initiatives      Title VI:  International Tobacco Control      Title VII:  Tobacco Accountability Board      Title VIII:  Payments to States           Subtitle A:  Resolution of State Actions           Subtitle B:  State Grants           Subtitle C:  Castano Actions      Title IX:  Definitions Bipartisan NO Tobacco for Kids Act of 1998 - Title I:  Price Increase to Discourage Child Tobacco Use - Requires that the funds raised by this title be used to reduce the public debt, except as provided in titles V and VIII. (Sec. 102) Requires each tobacco manufacturer (defining manufacturer, for this Act, to include importers) to make initial ($10 billion dollars allocated by the manufacturer's share of units manufactured or imported) and annual (50 cents per unit manufactured or imported) payments.  Excludes exports. (Sec. 103) Provides for injunctions and civil monetary penalties for failure to comply with regulations under this title. Title II:  FDA Jurisdiction Over Tobacco Products - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to add nicotine in tobacco products to the definition of ""drug"" and add tobacco products to the definition of ""device."" (Sec. 203) Declares a tobacco product misbranded if it does not comply with section 205 requirements.  Amends restricted device provisions to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if the Secretary determines that there cannot otherwise be reasonable assurances of safety and effectiveness, to require tobacco advertising and promotion restrictions.  Prohibits State and local requirements of warnings on labels and in advertising if this Act requires a warning. (Sec. 204) Requires that all provisions of specified existing tobacco regulations be considered lawful and lawfully promulgated under the FDCA. (Sec. 205) Deems, for tobacco products, an action providing appropriate protection of public health to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Mandates regulations, conforming to specified provisions of the Proposed Resolution between manufacturers and State attorneys general on June 20, 1997:  (1) restricting tobacco marketing, advertising, and access (but prohibits restrictions on marketing or advertising that would violate the first amendment to the Constitution); (2) requiring warnings on cigarette and smokeless tobacco labeling and advertisements; and (3) regarding tobacco product ingredients.  Makes it unlawful to advertise tobacco on any electronic medium subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission.  Prohibits considering the Secretary of Health and Human Services' failure to approve or disapprove an ingredient's safety within the review period to be approval.  Prohibits a manufacturer from stating or implying in labeling or advertising that a product has a reduced health risk unless the Secretary has so determined. Prohibits a State from receiving a grant under subtitle B of title VIII of this Act unless the State has put into law a tobacco control program conforming to the model State program established by the Secretary. Mandates establishment of that model program, including in its requirements State retail licensure, a prohibition of tobacco purchase for resale or distribution to individuals under 18, compliance inspection conduct and frequency, State performance objectives, and violations penalties.  Requires, if a State fails to implement a conforming program or fails to achieve the performance objectives, that the Secretary withhold up to 20 percent of the grant to the State under subtitle B of title VIII of this Act.  Mandates a Federal retail licensing program for retailers on Federal property, retailers in a State without an effective program conforming to the model program, and others as specified by the Secretary.  Authorizes the Secretary to order a State-licensed retailer in violation of this Act to suspend or cease tobacco sales.  Treats Indian tribes and tribal organizations as a State regarding retailers operating on Indian reservations. (Sec. 206) Adds violation of any FDCA tobacco requirement to the list of FDCA prohibited acts.  Authorizes the Secretary to disclose tobacco information to the public if the Secretary determines it appropriate to protect public health. (Sec. 207) Repeals the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986. Title III:  Performance Objectives to Reduce Child Tobacco Use - Mandates an annual survey regarding the percentage of children using each manufacturer's tobacco product. (Sec. 302) Requires each manufacturer to have a performance objective of reducing its child tobacco use by specified percentages. Requires, if the reductions are not met, price increases and, for subsequent consecutive year failures, sales by carton minimum and packaging in black on a white background. (Sec. 306) Makes failure to comply with this title's requirements an FDCA prohibited act. (Sec. 307) Requires that the annual survey determine the use level for children of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.  Mandates, if use is increasing (or not decreasing at a proportionate rate) among children of a racial or ethnic background, recommendations to the Congress regarding reducing the level for those children. Title IV:  Smoke-Free Environments - Requires the responsible entity for each public facility (any building in which activities substantially affecting interstate commerce occur, subject to exceptions for locations such as residential buildings, on-sale alcoholic beverage establishments, and prisons) to implement a smoke-free environment policy meeting specified requirements.  Allows smoking areas meeting certain requirements. (Sec. 402) Authorizes an action to enforce this title (by injunction or civil monetary penalty) by any aggrieved person, State or local governmental agency, or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing the award of litigation costs (including attorney's and expert fees) to any prevailing party. Authorizes the court to order that the civil penalties be used for projects furthering this title.  Prohibits compensatory and punitive damages. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Administrator to extend the smoke-free policy requirement to certain otherwise-exempt facilities if the Administrator determines that the extension is appropriate to protect the public health. (Sec. 405) Declares that this title does not preempt or affect any other Federal, State, or local law providing protection from environmental tobacco health hazards. Title V:  Tobacco Prevention Initiatives - Requires that funds be made available (from annual manufacturer payments under section 102) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, without fiscal year limitation, for:  (1) a national public awareness campaign to discourage tobacco use; (2) the implementation of FDCA tobacco provisions, title III of this Act, and Tobacco Accountability Board provisions of this Act; (3) tobacco use cessation programs (mandating grants); (4) research on nicotine addiction, cessation, and prevention; and (5) tobacco surveillance and epidemiology research.  Requires that certain programs under this title:  (1) take into account the needs of minority populations; and (2) be age, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for those populations. Title VI:  International Tobacco Control - Mandates regulations to prohibit domestic concerns from directly or indirectly:  (1) selling or distributing tobacco in a foreign country without warning labels appropriate to protect public health; or (2) selling or distributing tobacco in a foreign country to children or advertising or promoting it in a way that appeals to children.  Adds violations to the list of FDCA prohibited acts. (Sec. 602) Prohibits any U.S. officer, employee, department, or agency from:  (1) promoting tobacco export or foreign sale, manufacture, promotion, distribution, or use; or (2) subject to exception, seeking the removal or reduction of foreign restrictions on tobacco importation, exportation, sale, manufacture, promotion, distribution, tariffs, or taxes. (Sec. 603) Establishes in the Treasury the International Tobacco Control Trust Fund, to be funded by payments under section 605.   Provides for the use of Fund amounts for:  (1) the American Center on Global Health and Tobacco; (2) grants and other assistance to foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and international organizations for foreign tobacco control; and (3) enforcement of any requirement regarding foreign tobacco sale, distribution, or promotion. (Sec. 604) Establishes the American Center on Global Health and Tobacco (ACT) as a private, nonprofit corporation, requiring it to assist foreign organizations to reduce and prevent tobacco use, including through public awareness campaigns and youth-oriented and community-based programs. (Sec. 605) Requires each domestic concern that manufactures tobacco in a foreign country (or controls a person who does so) to annually pay to the Fund a specified amount per unit manufactured. (Sec. 606) Mandates regulations to reduce tobacco smuggling in interstate and foreign commerce. (Sec. 607) Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the Government should support implementation of the International Framework Convention on Tobacco Control through all available resources. Title VII:  Tobacco Accountability Board - Establishes the Tobacco Accountability Board as an independent board.   Requires each tobacco manufacturer to submit to the Board all documents in the manufacturer's possession:  (1) relating to tobacco health effects (including addiction), the manipulation of nicotine, or tobacco sale or marketing to children; or (2) produced or ordered to be produced in a named civil action.  Requires the Board to make the documents available to the public.  Exempts trade secrets from public disclosure unless the Board determines that disclosure is appropriate to protect the public health. (Sec. 703) Requires the Board to investigate all matters relating to tobacco and public health and report to the Congress annually. (Sec. 705) Empowers the Board to bring an action to enjoin a failure to comply with this title or to impose a civil monetary penalty. (Sec. 707) Prohibits discrimination against an individual as a reprisal for disclosing information regarding a violation of tobacco-related law.  Applies to whistleblowers existing provisions of Federal law allowing whistleblowers to receive a portion of any false claims amounts recovered. Title VIII:  Payments to States - Subtitle A:  Resolution of State Actions - Allows a State to elect to receive payments under section 802 instead of seeking recovery from manufacturers for health care costs attributable to tobacco use.  Prohibits a State that so elects from seeking recovery from manufacturers, except for actions after enactment of this Act or for criminal prosecutions. (Sec. 802) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to any State so electing the amount the State would have received under the Proposed Resolution between manufacturers and State attorneys general. Requires a State to pass payments through to local governments in proportion to the local government's tobacco use health care costs. Makes a State that fails to pass through payments ineligible for this section's future payments. (Sec. 803) Exempts a manufacturer from the portion of the section 102 payments that will be provided to States under this title if the manufacturer:  (1) resolved tobacco-related civil actions with more than 25 States before 1998; (2) provided to all other States the opportunity to enter into substantially similar settlements; and (3) manufactures less than three percent of all cigarettes manufactured or imported in the United States. Subtitle B:  State Grants - Requires that funds be made available annually from amounts paid under section 102, without fiscal year limitation, for grants to States with approved child-oriented or community-based programs to discourage tobacco use. (Sec. 812) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment to States for a specified percentage of the State's Medicaid expenditures for tobacco use cessation programs. Subtitle C:  Castano Actions - Provides that the rights and benefits afforded in titles III and V are provided in settlement of, and shall constitute the exclusive remedy for the purpose of determining, civil liability as to addiction-dependency claims asserted in specified civil actions against the manufacturers of cigarettes and others (referred to as Castano actions).  Preempts and settles all bases for any such claim under State laws, with reservation of the rights of individual class members to pursue their claims in a civil action not based on addiction or dependency in accordance with this Act.  Specifies that, for purposes of determining the applicable statute of limitation or repose, individual actions filed by those who were included within such class actions shall be considered to have been filed as of the filing date of the original class action. Establishes an Arbitration Panel for purposes of awarding attorney's fees and expenses relating to litigation affected by, or legal services that resulted in, this Act.  Sets forth provisions regarding the right to petition the Panel, criteria in making awards, appeal and enforcement, the source and payment of awards, and the validity and enforceability of private agreements with respect to the allocation or division of attorney's fees. Title IX:  Definitions - Sets forth definitions for this Act.",2025-08-21T16:13:57Z,
105-hr-4376,105,hr,4376,Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect Prevention and Services Act,Health,1998-07-31,1998-08-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Morella, Constance A. [R-MD-8]",MD,R,M000941,7,"Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect Prevention and Services Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) prevention, intervention, and services delivery program. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants, cooperative agreements, and technical assistance to eligible State, tribal, and local governments, scientific or academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to carry out such activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect to:  (1) foster coordination among governmental agencies, academic bodies, and community groups that support FAS and FAE research, programs, and surveillance and otherwise meet the needs of populations actually or potentially impacted by FAS and FAE; and (2) advise Federal, State, and local programs and research concerning FAS and FAE. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Terminates application of this Act seven years after the date on which all Task Force members have been appointed.",2025-08-21T16:12:38Z,