HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Amendments

Dept. of HHS: reauthorize Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (S. 2526), S11385 [16NO]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: simplify and improve pay provisions for physicians and dentists and authorize alternate work schedules and executive pay for nurses (S. 2484), S10454, S10461 [5OC]

Health: improve patient safety and reduce incidence of medical errors (S. 720), S8776 [22JY]

———provide compensation for injuries resulting from smallpox countermeasures, provide protection against chemical or radiological agents, increase distribution of vaccines, and improve vaccine injury compensation (S. 15), S5767 [19MY]

Immigration: improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas by extending and increasing foreign country residency requirement waivers for foreign medical graduates (S. 2302), S11271 [11OC]

National Visiting Nurse Association Week: designate (S. Con. Res. 8), S11018, S11110 [10OC]

Analyses

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act (S. 2482), S6286 [1JN]

Appointments

Conferees: H.R. 663, Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act, S8633 [22JY]

Articles and editorials

Cancer Doctor, Survivor To Join Lance Armstrong on Tour, S8113-S8115 [14JY]

Crnic, 56, Championed Down Syndrome Causes, S10695 [7OC]

Did Investments Affect Medical Malpractice Premiums?, S1479-S1481 [24FE]

First, Do No Harm, S8632 [22JY]

First Responders Homeland Defense Act, S9011 [9SE]

Gaps in Communication, S9011-S9013 [9SE]

Intercepting Bioterrorism, H5737 [14JY]

Lasting Wounds of War, S4467 [28AP]

Lasting Wounds of War; Roadside Bombs Have Devastated Troops and Doctors Who Treat Them, S6886 [16JN]

Liability Crisis Ends Century of Deliveries, S9693 [27SE]

Medicare ``Bug,'' Thousands Fail To Pay Premiums, H4741 [22JN]

Nearly 45,000 U.S. Police, Fire Officials Urged To Push Congress To Solve First Responder Interoperabilty Crisis; Hundreds of First Responders Expected To Oppose Giveaway to Nextel, S9011 [9SE]

Pro-Lifers Set Sights on New Congress, H10919 [6DE]

Seniors Blast Medicare Prescription Plan, S679 [6FE]

73 Options for Medicare Plan Fuel Chaos, Not Prescription, S5243, S5374 [12MY]

Vt. Woman Wins $7.4M Lawsuit, S3762 [6AP]

Bills and resolutions

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin: tribute (see H. Res. 579), H1593 [25MR]

American Dental Association: commend Give Kids a Smile program, emphasize need to improve access to dental care for children, and thank dentists for volunteering time to provide needed dental care (see H. Res. 567), H1229 [17MR]

Armed Forces: reimburse State and local governments for certain costs relating to the mobilization of Reserves who are first responder personnel of such governments (see S. Res. 464), S11305 [11OC]

Bastrop, LA: conveyance of certain Federal land to establish and operate a regional emergency services training center for firefighters, police, and EMS personnel serving certain rural communities (see H.R. 4918), H6701 [22JY]

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: require repayment of appropriated funds that are illegaly disbursed for political purposes (see S. 2473), S6087 [21MY] (see H.R. 4458), H3439 (see H.R. 4458), H3539 [20MY]

Children and youth: tribute to efforts to improve the dental health of disadvantaged children (see H. Res. 518), H392 [4FE]

Crime: expand protections against the misuse of public safety officer uniforms (see H.R. 3815), H515 [11FE]

Death and dying: improve access to information about end of life care options and legal rights, promote advance care planning and decisionmaking, and engage health care providers in preparation of advance directives (see S. 2545), S6997 [17JN]

Dentists: improve dental services in underserved areas (see S. 2740), S8688 [22JY]

Dept. of Education: provide student loan forgiveness to graduates who enter into certain public service (see H.R. 5270), H8857 [7OC]

Dept. of HHS: expand the National Practitioner Data Bank (see S. 2341), S4300 [22AP] (see H.R. 4211), H2372 [22AP]

———reauthorize and extend the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention and services program (see S. 2741), S8688 [22JY]

———reauthorize Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (see S. 2526), S6881 [16JN] (see H.R. 4578), H4170 [15JN]

Dept. of Homeland Security: award research and equipment grants, provide tax credit for employers hiring workers to replace employees receiving first responder training, and provide school-based mental health training (see S. 2459), S5949 [20MY] (see H.R. 5159), H7735 [28SE]

———develop and implement a program to enhance private sector preparedness for emergencies and disasters (see H.R. 4830), H5792 [14JY]

———establish the Office of Wireless Public Safety Interoperable Communications (see H.R. 4400), H3391 [19MY]

———make grants to first responders (see H.R. 5430), H11057 [7DE]

———require that half of amounts paid under certain grants for first responders be distributed directly to local entities (see H.R. 4810), H5470 [9JY]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: establish a pilot program to improve recruitment and retention of nurses (see H.R. 4231), H2482 [28AP]

———establish a program to assist States in hiring and retaining nurses at State veterans homes (see H.R. 4020), H1483 [24MR]

———restrict the performance of eye surgery at a facility, or under a contract with the Dept., to only licensed medical doctors and licensed doctors of osteopathy (see S. 2743), S8688 [22JY]

———simplify and improve pay provisions for physicians and dentists and authorize alternate work schedules and executive pay for nurses (see S. 2484), S6274 [1JN]

Diseases: fund breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research while providing more help to caregivers and increasing public education about prevention (see S. 2533), S6881 [16JN] (see H.R. 4595), H4286 [16JN]

———improve quality of care for cancer patients (see S. 2771), S8688 [22JY]

Drugs: establish an electronic system for practitioner monitoring of the dispensing of certain controlled substances (see S. 3013), S11640 [19NO]

———lift the patient limitation on prescribing drug addiction treatments by medical practitioners in group practices (see S. 2897), S10436 [5OC] (see S. 2976), S11305 [11OC]

Education: improve training and retention (see S. 2739), S8688 [22JY]

———provide for education and training of allied health professionals in exchange for a service commitment at a facility with critical shortages of allied health professionals (see S. 2491), S6348 [2JN] (see H.R. 4016), H1369 [23MR]

Employment: establish a demonstration project to train unemployed workers for employment as health care professionals (see S. 2913), S10702 [7OC]

Federal aid programs: authorize capitation grants to increase the number of nursing faculty and students (see H.R. 5324), H9048 [8OC]

———establish a scholarship and loan repayment program for public health preparedness workforce development to eliminate critical public health preparedness workforce shortages (see S. 2613), S7750 [7JY]

Federal employees: cover services provided to injured workers by physician assistants and nurse practitioners (see H.R. 5063), H7072 [13SE]

———increase amount of additional compensation payable to an employee who is disabled and requires the services of an attendant (see H.R. 5174), H7863 [29SE]

———repeal law making reemployed annuitants ineligible for physicians comparability allowances, and special pay for physicians and dentists (see H.R. 4999), H6704 [22JY]

Health: establish a Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services and an advisory council made up of non-Federal representatives of the emergency medical services community (see S. 2351), S4428 [27AP] (see H.R. 4831), H5792 [14JY]

———establish grants to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and prevent obesity (see S. 2399), S5078 [10MY]

———improve access to health care services by reducing the burden the liability system places in the delivery of emergency, trauma, and obstetrical services (see S. 2207), S2777 [12MR]

———improve health care for minority and underserved populations (see S. 2091), S1286 [12FE] (see S. 2217), S2778 [12MR] (see S. 2594), S7435 [24JN]

———improve quality, efficiency, standards, and technology of health care (see H.R. 4880), H6555 [21JY]

———increase insurance coverage by requiring employers to offer health insurance with greater Government assistance and by expanding current safety net programs (see H.R. 5218), H8167 [5OC]

———limit liability of hospitals and emergency departments for noneconomic and punitive damages when providing uncompensated care (see H.R. 4993), H6704 [22JY]

———protect certain health care providers against legal liability for certain emergency and related care provided to uninsured individuals (see H.R. 4992), H6704 [22JY]

———protection of enrollees in managed care plans and HMO's (see S. 2083), S1286 [12FE] (see H.R. 4628), H4646 [21JN]

———protection of enrollees in managed care plans and HMO's (H.R. 4628), consideration (see H. Res. 773), H7138 [14SE]

———provide State grants for developing trauma care systems (see H.R. 3999), H1322 [18MR]

———reduce health care disparities and improve health care quality of minorities by improving data collection, providing performance incentives, and expanding programs seeking to eliminate health disparities (see H.R. 5338), H9049 [8OC]

Health care facilities: establish direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratio requirements in hospitals (see H.R. 4316), H2727 [6MY]

———modify determination of the amount of payments for indirect expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs at children's hospitals (see H.R. 5204), H8038 [4OC]

Immigration: continue Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to illegal aliens through foreign aid funds (see H.R. 4360), H3015 [13MY]

———improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas by extending and increasing foreign country residency requirement waivers for foreign medical graduates (see S. 2302), S3919 [7AP] (see H.R. 4156), H2153 [2AP] (see H.R. 4453), H3439 (see H.R. 4453), H3538 [20MY]

Insurance: require group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans to provide prompt payment for health benefits claims (see S. 2308), S4024 [8AP]

Libya: review legal actions taken against several Bulgarian medical workers (see H. Res. 733), H6127 [20JY]

Medicaid: include podiatrists as physicians for purposes of covering physicians services (see S. 2174), S2301 [8MR]

———provide funding to States to enable them to increase the wages paid to targeted direct support professionals in providing services to individuals with disabilities (see H.R. 5197), H7944 [30SE]

———require staff working with developmentally disabled individuals to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation (see H.R. 5320), H9048 [8OC]

Medicare: adjust the amount of payment under the physician fee schedule for cancer drug administration services (see S. 2587), S7435 [24JN]

———clarify right of beneficiaries to enter into private contracts with physicians and other health care professionals for services not payable under Medicare (see H.R. 4822), H5653 [13JY]

———coverage of clinical pharmacist practitioner services (see H.R. 4724), H5149 [25JN]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (see S. 2257), S3366 [30MR] (see S. 2652), S8118 [14JY] (see H.R. 3767), H392 [4FE]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (H.R. 3767), consideration (see H. Res. 696), H4927 (see H. Res. 696), H5071 [24JN]

———eliminate privatization and reduce excessive payments to health maintenance organizations and other private sector insurance plans (see S. 2300), S3919 [7AP]

———ensure that every beneficiary has access to a Medicare administered prescription drug plan option (see S. 2487), S6348 [2JN]

———establish demonstration program to offset costs of electronic prescribing systems of health care providers (see H.R. 4805), H5470 [9JY]

———extend increase in payment rates for home health services in rural areas (see S. 2659), S8228 [15JY] (see H.R. 4902), H6700 [22JY]

———impose conditions on Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens (see H.R. 3722), H88 [21JA]

———improve access to diabetes self-management training by designated certified diabetes educators (see S. 2431), S5607 [18MY]

———improve the provision of items and services to beneficiaries in rural areas (see S. 2135), S1683 [26FE]

———negotiate lower prescription drug prices, eliminate gap in drug benefits coverage, reduce medical errors, increase use of technology, and increase services in primary and preventive care by non-physician providers (see S. 2766), S8688 [22JY]

———provide additional beneficiary protections (see H.R. 3702), H35 [20JA]

———provide beneficiaries access to information on the quality of care provided by skilled nursing facilities and provide incentives for such facilities to improve the quality of care (see S. 2988), S11429 [17NO]

———provide geographic equity in fee-for-service reimbursement for providers (see H.R. 3935), H1011 [10MR]

———provide payments to ambulance suppliers for the full cost of furnishing such services and to rural ambulance providers and suppliers for cost of serving areas with low population density (see S. 3011), S11639 [19NO] (see H.R. 5415), H10079 [19NO]

———provide whistleblower protection to employees of clinical laboratories (see H.R. 5311), H9048 [8OC]

———reimbursement for certain midwife services (see S. 2492), S6348 [2JN]

———reimbursement of enrollees in the PPO Demonstration Project for expenses inappropriately incurred relative to coverage through out-of-network providers (see H.R. 5400), H10078 [19NO]

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act: eliminate overpayments to health maintenance organizations and other private plans (see H.R. 4304), H2727 [6MY]

———eliminate the comparative cost adjustment program (see H.R. 3711), H35 [20JA]

———improve (see S. 2343), S4300 [22AP]

———provide certain documents to the House of Representatives relative to cost estimates and analyses (see H. Res. 776), H7234 [15SE]

Mental health: increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder, support programs for research and improved treatment, and improve training for health care professionals (see S. Res. 317), S2543 [10MR] (see H. Res. 605), H2372 [22AP]

National Health Corps Loan Repayment Program: count fellowship training in geriatric medicine or psychiatry as obligated service (see S. 2075), S1285 [12FE]

National Nurse Practitioners Week: honor goals and ideals (see H. Con. Res. 500), H7735 [28SE]

National Time Out Day: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 682), H4580 [18JN]

———support goals and ideas (see S. Res. 469), S11377 [16NO]

New York, NY: provide health services for individuals assisting with the response to terrorist attacks (see H.R. 4974), H6703 [22JY]

Nursing homes: establish a loan repayment program for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in underserved homes, and establish a mentoring program for training administrators (see H.R. 5322), H9048 [8OC]

Nutrition: authorize grants for the integration of innovative curricula on nutrition in medical education (see H.R. 5350), H9050 [8OC]

Railroads: require information on tank cars containing hazardous materials be available to first reponders (see H.R. 4802), H5470 [9JY]

San Luis Obispo County, CA: express sympathy for victims of earthquake and tribute to aid efforts (see H. Res. 519), H392 [4FE]

Senior citizens: provide mental health screening and treatment services, integration of mental health services and mental health treatment outreach teams (see S. 2572), S7434 [24JN] (see H.R. 4694), H4926 (see H.R. 4694), H5070 [24JN]

Taxation: allow a business credit for qualified expenditures for medical professional malpractice insurance (see H.R. 4124), H2019 [1AP]

———allow a nonrefundable tax credit for elder care expenses (see S. 2072), S1285 [12FE] (see H.R. 5215), H8167 [5OC]

———provide a refundable tax credit to public safety volunteers (see H.R. 4216), H2372 [22AP] (see H.R. 4238), H2483 [28AP]

———treatment of certain gifts and benefits provided to physicians by prescription drug manufacturers (see H.R. 3865), H699 [26FE]

Telecommunications: ensure availability of certain spectrum for public safety entities by establishing a certain date by which the transition to digital television shall be completed (see S. 2820), S9441 [21SE]

Veterans: permit eligible veterans to receive direct access to chiropractic care (see H.R. 4051), H1643 [29MR]

Cloture motions

Health: improve access to health care services by reducing the burden the liability system places in the delivery of emergency, trauma, and obstetrical services (S. 2207), motion to proceed, S3599 [2AP], S3894 [7AP]

Cost Estimates

Access to Rural Physicians Improvement Act (H.R. 4453): CBO, E1976 [16NO]

Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity (IMPACT) Act (S. 1172): CBO, S3094 [24MR]

Indian Health Care Improvement Act revision and extension (S. 556): CBO, S12053-S12055 [8DE]

Descriptions

Senior Elder Care Relief and Empowerment (SECURE) Act (S. 2072), S1291 [12FE]

Factsheets

Statistics Relative to the Loss of Physicians in Mississippi, S3770 [6AP]

Training Requirements for Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, E2097 [20NO]

Letters

Access to obstetrical and gynecological services relative to medical liability system: Ben Alvarez, S1481 [24FE]

———Debbie Risteen, S1484 [24FE]

Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act: Karen Orloff Kaplan, Last Acts Partnership (organization), S7018 [17JN]

Allow local government provision of nonemergency and preventive health services to non-qualified immigrants: Larry Naake, National Association of Counties, S3358 [30MR]

———Michael D. Place, Catholic Health Association of the U.S., S3359 [30MR]

Antitrust treatment of graduate medical education residency matching programs: Senators Craig, Bingaman, Feingold and Kohl, S3992 [8AP]

Applicability of laws preventing governmental discrimination against health care entities who refuse to perform abortions or make referrals regarding abortion services: several Senators, S11722 [20NO]

Community-Based Health Care Retraining Act: Francisco Sanchez, Wisconsin Association of Job Training Executives, S10707 [7OC]

———Fred Schnook, Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., and Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, Inc., S10707 [7OC]

———Hal Daub, American Health Care Association, S10707 [7OC]

———J. Michael Zelley and Jeffrey Howe, National Association of Workforce Boards, S10706 [7OC]

———Robert T. Borremans, Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, S10707 [7OC]

Dept. of Labor proposal to implement regulations that negate Fair Labor Standards Act overtime requirements: Elaine L. Chao, Sec. of Labor, S2973 [23MR]

———Senator Boxer, S2972 [23MR]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act: Anthony J. Principi, Sec. of Veterans Affairs, S6282-S6285 [1JN]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruitment and Retention Act: Jonathan B. Perlin, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, H7799 [29SE]

Impose conditions on Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens: Catherine K. Douglas, PEACH, Inc., H3038 [17MY]

———Melinda K. Lewis, El Centro, Inc., E920 [19MY]

———Michael D. Maves, AMA, H3037 [17MY]

———Representative Barton, Committee on Energy and Commerce (House), E906 [19MY]

———Representative Thomas, Committee on Ways and Means (House), E906 [19MY]

———Ron Pollack, FamiliesUSA (organization), H3037 [17MY]

———several health organizations, H3037, H3039 [17MY]

Improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas by extending and increasing foreign country residency requirement waivers for foreign medical graduates: Representative Barton, Committee on Energy and Commerce (House), H9858 [17NO]

———Representative Sensenbrenner, Committee on the Judiciary (House), H9858 [17NO]

Pregnancy and Trauma Care Access Protection Act: James Hurley, American Academy of Actuaries, S3757 [6AP]

———Laurence E. Stempel, S3758 [6AP]

Project BioShield Act: Representative Barton, Committee on Energy and Commerce (House), H5730 [14JY]

———Representative Thomas, Committee on Ways and Means (House), H5729 [14JY]

Lists

DEA arrests of physicians, H5295 [7JY]

Examples of NIH research that can not be funded under S. Con. Res. 95, setting forth the Federal budget for 2005-2009, S2670 [11MR]

Groups supporting the conference report on H.R. 1, Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, H4743 [22JN]

Organizations supporting S. 2491, Allied Health Reinvestment Act, S6360 [2JN]

Physicians no longer delivering babies in Mississippi, S3772 [6AP]

STOP Stroke Act Coalition, H3895 [14JN]

Supporters of H.R. 918, Patient Navigator Outreach, and Chronic Disease Prevention Act, E1844 [8OC]

Westport, CT, Volunteer Emergency Medical Service volunteers, S7425 [24JN]

Proclamations

Tribute to William F. Emlich: Representative Ney, E1061 [8JN]

Remarks in House

Adventist Health (nonprofit organization): tribute to Project Intellicare, E2040 [18NO]

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin: tribute (H. Res. 579), H1794 [1AP]

American Dental Association: commend Give Kids a Smile program, emphasize need to improve access to dental care for children, and thank dentists for volunteering time to provide needed dental care (H. Res. 567), H7974-H7976 [4OC], E1815 [6OC]

———observance of Give Kids a Smile! National Children's Dental Access Day, E120 [4FE], E126 [6FE]

American Red Cross Month: observance, E335 [9MR]

Armed Forces: ensure receipt of quality medical care and adequate action relative to medical issues, H711 [2MR]

Baltimore, MD: tribute to University of Maryland R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, E1350 [9JY]

Bay City, MI: tribute to Bay Regional Emergency Medical Services, E803 [11MY]

Becker, Richard, Jr.: Boyertown Area Times (publication) and Boyertown Jaycees Outstanding Firefigher and Emergency Management Services Person of the Year Award recipient, E556 [20AP]

Benroth, Karol: Colorado Society of School Psychologists School Psychologist Advocate of the Year award recipient, E387 [16MR]

Bergman, Marion: Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Dr. Jacob Dranitzke Award recipient, E2078 [20NO]

Borchard, John W., Jr.: St. John's Regional Medical Center and St. Johns Pleasant Valley Hospital Catherine McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, E823 [12MY]

Broome, Jack: St. John's Regional Medical Center and St. Johns Pleasant Valley Hospital Catherine McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, E823 [12MY]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: health care block grant funding through reductions in departmental management funding, H6839 [8SE]

Cleveland, OH: anniversary of La Providencia Family Center, E1603 [13SE]

Cleveland Council of Black Nurses, Inc.: tribute Hall of Fame inductees, E2050 [18NO]

Coble, John: American Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year award recipient, E1909 [11OC]

Crime: expand protections against the misuse of public safety officer uniforms (H.R. 3815), E174 [12FE]

CureSearch (organization): tribute to efforts to prevent and treat childhood cancers, E1931 [11OC]

Demler, Tammie Lee: New York State Senate Woman of Distinction honoree, E2189 [7DE]

———Pharmacists' Association of Western New York Pharmacist of the Year award recipient, E2189 [7DE]

Dept. of HHS: information technology funding, H6820 [8SE]

———investigation into allegation of firing threats relative to disclosure of cost of Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, H1219-H1225 [17MR], H1231, H1232, H1233 [18MR], H1613 [29MR], H2500, H2526 [4MY], H3588 [1JN], H5201 [7JY], H5541 [13JY], H5658 [14JY]

———Office of the Sec. funding, H6941, H6942 [9SE]

———reauthorize Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (H.R. 4578), H8254 [6OC]

Dept. of Homeland Security: ensure that the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness disburse grant funds to local first responders in a timely manner, H4512, H4513 [18JN]

———first responder interoperable communications funding, H7724 [28SE], H8878 [8OC]

———first responders funding, H4559 [18JN], H6762 [8SE]

———Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-serving institutions funding for first responder training, H4514-H4516 [18JN], E1192 [21JN]

———Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness funding, H4480, H4481 [17JN]

Dept. of Justice: Medal of Valor posthumous awards to public safety officers and Office of Justice Programs funding, H5259, H5260 [7JY]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: establish a pilot program to improve recruitment and retention of nurses (H.R. 4231), H7797-H7802 [29SE], E701 [28AP]

———establish a program to assist States in hiring and retaining nurses at State veterans homes (H.R. 4020), E442 [24MR]

———funding, H3608 [2JN]

———restrict the performance of eye surgery at a facility, or under a contract with the Dept., to only licensed medical doctors and licensed doctors of optometry, E2176 [7DE]

———restrict the performance of eye surgery at a facility, or under a contract with the Dept., to only licensed medical doctors and licensed doctors of osteopathy, E2097 [20NO]

———simplify and improve pay provisions for physicians and dentists and authorize alternate work schedules and executive pay for nurses (S. 2484), H9787-H9793 [17NO], E2058 [18NO], E2074 [20NO]

Disasters: tribute to first responders from Georgia, H6732 [7SE]

Diseases: fund breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research while providing more help to caregivers and increasing public education about prevention (H.R. 4595), E1143 [16JN], E1152 [18JN]

Doctors for Designated Driving (organization): tribute, E1700 [24SE]

Dolata, Cynthia: Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations RN of the Year award recipient, E725 [4MY]

Domestic violence: research health impact and prevention and provide training and Federal coverage for health care professionals to identify and treat families experiencing family violence (H.R. 1267), E354 [11MR]

Drugs: establish an electronic system for practitioner monitoring of the dispensing of certain controlled substances (H.R. 3015), H8069-H8073 [5OC], E1875, E1925 [11OC]

———prohibit prosecution of physicians for prescribing certain controlled substances for pain relief or management, H5294-H5297 [7JY]

Eapen, Jacob: Medical Board of California Physician Recognition Award recipient, E153 [10FE]

Education: expand loan forgiveness and loan cancellation programs for teachers and nurses (H.R. 934), E737 [4MY]

Enhanced 9-1-1 Institute: tribute, E188 [24FE]

Fairfax County, VA: tribute to Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Valor Award recipients, E240, E244, E248 [26FE]

Farrell, Mary: Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations RN of the Year award recipient, E726 [4MY]

Federal employees: repeal law making reemployed annuitants ineligible for physicians comparability allowances, and special pay for physicians and dentists (H.R. 4999), E1484 [22JY]

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: expand eligibility to include non-Government employees at their own expense, H2818 [12MY]

FEMA: establish a program to identify and catalog emergency preparedness compacts, H8901-H8903 [8OC], E1959 [11OC]

Frisco City, AL: tribute to residents involved in the rescue of Da'Jour McMillan, E1992 [16NO]

FTC: provide Independent Physician Associations guidance and time to ameliorate any arrangement that could violate antitrust laws prior to any enforcement action, H5321 [7JY]

Garden City, MI: anniversary of Garden City Hospital Center for Counseling, E836 [12MY]

German, Deborah: American Medical Women's Association Changing the Face of Medicine—Local Legends award recipient, E331 [9MR]

Giles, Allen: Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations RN of the Year award recipient, E723 [4MY]

Hale, George C., Sr.: Greater Cincinnati, OH, Chamber of Commerce Great Living Cincinnatian honoree, E1 [20JA]

Haque, Nisarul: Interfaith Medical Center Spirit Award for Excellence in Patient Care recipient, E2046 [18NO]

Health: establish programs for patients with fatal chronic illnesses, H6964 [9SE]

———expand applicability of laws preventing governmental discrimination against health care entities who refuse to perform abortions or make referrals regarding abortion services, H10089-H10096, H10203 [20NO], H10904, H10919 [6DE], E2139 [24NO], E2159 [6DE], E2167 [7DE]

———expand applicability of laws preventing governmental discrimination against health care entities who refuse to perform or provide training in performing abortions, H6816, H6817 [8SE], H6978 [9SE]

———improve access to health care services by reducing the burden the liability system places in the delivery of emergency, trauma, and obstetrical services, H2538 [4MY], H2896, H2906 [12MY]

———improve palliative and end-of-life care provided to children with life-threatening conditions (H.R. 3127), E2097 [20NO]

———improve patient safety and reduce incidence of medical errors (H.R. 663), E845 [14MY]

———increase insurance coverage by requiring employers to offer health insurance with greater Government assistance and by expanding current safety net programs (H.R. 5218), E2028 [18NO]

———provide compensation for injuries resulting from smallpox countermeasures, provide protection against chemical or radiological agents, increase distribution of vaccines, and improve vaccine injury compensation (S. 15), H5581 [13JY], H5721-H5741 [14JY], E1399, E1402 [16JY]

———provide individuals of health disparity populations prevention, detection, treatment, and follow-up care services, H5540 [13JY]

———provide individuals of health disparity populations prevention, detection, treatment, and follow-up care services for cancer and chronic diseases, and patient navigators to assist in receiving such services (H.R. 918), H8064-H8069 [5OC], E610 [22AP]

———reduce the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system (H.R. 5), H114 [27JA], H482 [11FE], H1068 [11MR], H1486 [25MR], H2539 [4MY], H2735, H2737 [11MY], H5474, H5523, H5524 [12JY], H5658, H5784 [14JY]

———strengthen programs for stroke education, prevention, and treatment (H.R. 3658), H3893-H3896 [14JN], E1116 [15JN], E1135 [16JN]

Health care facilities: modify determination of the amount of payments for indirect expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs at children's hospitals (H.R. 5204), H8253-H8255 [6OC]

Hornberger, J. Carl: Stanislaus Medical Society John Darroch Memorial Award for Physician of the Year recipient, E803 [11MY]

Immigration: improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas by extending and increasing foreign country residency requirement waivers for foreign medical graduates (H.R. 4453), H8237-H8239 [6OC], E1975 [16NO]

———improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas by extending and increasing foreign country residency requirement waivers for foreign medical graduates (S. 2302), H9857-H9862 [17NO], E2045 [18NO]

Insurance: reform the medical malpractice insurance business, H10059-H10064 [19NO]

———reform the medical malpractice insurance business, limit frivolous lawsuits, and enhance patient access to medical care, H2866, H2872 [12MY]

Kentucky Nurses' Week: observance, E693 [28AP]

Kolodny, Edwin H.: ROFEH International (nonprofit organization) and New England Chassidic Center honoree, E1616 [14SE]

Lancaster, PA: tribute to Continuing Care Retirement Centers for signing a pledge to participate in ``Quality First'' campaign, E1622 [15SE]

Lexington, VA: tribute to Stonewall Jackson Hospital, E856 [14MY]

Libya: review legal actions taken against several Bulgarian medical workers, E2101 [20NO]

Louisville, KY: tribute to Jewish Hospital Medical Center East, E1958 [11OC]

Maxwell, Norva: Visiting Nurse Associations of America Clinician of the Year award recipient, E657 [27AP]

McClure, Daniel: Colorado High School Coaches Association Lloyd Gaskill Award recipient, E1147 [16JN]

Medicaid: provide funding to States to enable them to increase the wages paid to targeted direct support professionals in providing services to individuals with disabilities (H.R. 5197), E1772 [1OC]

Medical Library Association: tribute to E-Reach Project, E919 [19MY]

Medical Society of Virginia: tribute to White Coat Day march, E111 [4FE]

Medicare: adjust the amount of payment under the physician fee schedule for cancer drug administration services, H7035 [13SE]

———advertising campaign designed to build public support for the new Medicare drug law, H1203, H1219-H1223 [17MR], H3587 [1JN]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (H.R. 3767), H5540, H5541, H5545, H5546 [13JY]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (H.R. 3767), consideration (H. Res. 696), H5921 [19JY]

———extend increase in payment rates for home health services in rural areas (H.R. 4902), E2107 [20NO]

———impose conditions on Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens (H.R. 3722), H82-H87 [21JA], H2907-H2911 [12MY], H2998, H2999 [13MY], H3019, H3022, H3033-H3044, H3065-H3071 [17MY], H3097, H3098, H3099 [18MY], E889, E891, E894 [18MY], E906, E913, E917, E920 [19MY]

———inclusion of health savings accounts, H992 [10MR], H1121 [17MR]

———prohibit Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens, H6939-H6941 [9SE]

———provide access to audiologists (H.R. 2821), H3236 [19MY]

———provide additional beneficiary protections (H.R. 3702), E31 [21JA]

———provide research funding on outcomes of health care items and services including the comparative clinical effectiveness of prescription drugs, H6838, H6839 [8SE]

———provide whistleblower protection to employees of clinical laboratories (H.R. 5311), E1944 [11OC]

———reform and provide prescription drug coverage (H.R. 1), conference report, H6 [20JA], H62 [21JA], H104, H120-H124 [27JA], H131, H226 [28JA], H252, H281, H283-H291 [3FE], H424-H431 [10FE], H482, H484 [11FE], H713 [2MR], H834 [4MR], H913-H919, H923, H924 [9MR], H1096, H1098, H1110-H1114 [16MR], H1121, H1203, H1219-H1225 [17MR], H1233 [18MR], H1330 [23MR], H1374, H1376 [24MR], H1487 [25MR], H1598, H1613, H1616 [29MR], H1648, H1650, H1714, H1715 [30MR], H1745, H1761, H1762 [31MR], H1794, H1795 [1AP], H2065 [2AP], H2175, H2192 [20AP], H2230, H2240 [21AP], H2298, H2300 [22AP], H2383 [27AP], H2493, H2494, H2495, H2535-H2540 [4MY], H2552, H2636-H2642 [5MY], H2660 [6MY], H2819, H2820, H2821, H2895 [12MY], H2991 [13MY], H3098 [18MY], H3236 [19MY], H3405 [20MY], H3567 [1JN], H3608, H3696 [2JN], H3725 [3JN], H4178 [16JN], H4738-H4745 [22JN], H5990, H5991 [20JY], H6734 [7SE], H7306 [21SE], H7547 [23SE], H7718-H7724 [28SE], H8004-H8009 [4OC], H8862 [8OC], H10899 [6DE], E34 [21JA], E295 [3MR], E960 [21MY], E1038 [4JN]

———reimbursement of enrollees in the PPO Demonstration Project for expenses inappropriately incurred relative to coverage through out-of-network providers (H.R. 5400), E2115 [20NO]

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act: investigation into allegations of the withholding of information relative to disclosure of cost of implementation, H7822 [29SE]

Mental health: increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder, support programs for research and improved treatment, and improve training for health care professionals (H. Res. 605), H2593-H2598 [5MY], E777, E783 [6MY], E798 [10MY], E896 [18MY]

National Homecare and Hospice Month: observance, E2086, E2097, E2106, E2107 [20NO]

National Nurse Anesthetists Week: observance, E70 [28JA]

National Nurse Practitioners Week: honor goals and ideals (H. Con. Res. 500), H8252, H8253 [6OC]

National Nurses Week: observance, E628 [22AP]

National security: homeland security funding, H1428-H1433 [24MR], H1580, H1585 [25MR], H6446 [21JY], H7566 [23SE]

———improve homeland security, public safety, and citizen activated emergency response capabilities through use of wireless enhanced 911 (E911) services (H.R. 2898), H2551 [5MY], H3096 [18MY], H7724 [28SE]

National Time Out Day: support goals and ideals (H. Res. 682), E1181 [18JN]

National Visiting Nurse Association Week: designate (S. Con. Res. 8), H10055 [19NO]

Native Americans: improve health care, H6690 [22JY]

———improve services and facilities of Federal Indian health programs and encourage maximum participation of Indians in such programs (H.R. 2440), E2092 [20NO]

Norristown, PA: tribute to Montgomery Hospital nurses, E628 [22AP]

Oakland, CA: anniversary of Asian Community Mental Health Services (organization), E1602 [13SE]

———anniversary of Service Employees International Union Local 250, E1728 [29SE]

Occupational Therapy Month: observance, E680 [28AP]

Oncology Nursing Society: tribute, E686 [28AP], E757 [5MY]

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center: anniversary of Life Flight program, E1029 [4JN]

Peterson, Bob: Texas Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year award recipient, E890 [18MY]

———University of Houston's College of Optometry William D. Pittman Leadership Award recipient, E890 [18MY]

Petoskey, MI: anniversary of Northern Michigan Hospital nurses' strike, E2128 [20NO]

Pharmaceuticals: effect of law enforcement efforts on legitimate prescriptions for relief of chronic pain, E177 [12FE]

Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing: anniversary, E1787 [4OC]

Prince William County, VA: tribute to Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce Valor Award recipients, E410 [18MR]

Public Health Service Act: amend relative to the shortage of medical laboratory personnel (H.R. 623), H2230 [21AP]

———authorize grants for the integration of innovative curricula on nutrition in medical education (H.R. 5350), E1922 [11OC]

Rhinelander, WI: tribute to hosting of collapsed structure training exercise for first responders, E333 [9MR]

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of the U.S.: anniversary, E682 [28AP]

San Luis Obispo County, CA: express sympathy for victims of earthquake and tribute to aid efforts (H. Res. 519), H881-H883 [9MR], E119 [4FE]

Sayre, Blaine: American Academy of Pediatrics Local Hero in Community Pediatrics Award recipient, E1350 [9JY]

Schreiber, Nancy: Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations RN of the Year award recipient, E724 [4MY]

Senate: investigation of ricin mailed to Senate office, E120 [4FE]

Sheedy, John: Visiting Nurse Associations of America Volunteer Board Member of the Year award recipient, E553 [20AP]

Simon, Mary: Visiting Nurses Association Judith Stanley Coleman Award recipient, E1415 [19JY]

Smith, C. David: Florida Family Physician of the Year award recipient, E822 [12MY]

Springfield, James: American College of Healthcare Executives (organization) Robert S. Hudgens Memorial Award recipient, E87 [3FE]

Taxation: allow a business credit for qualified expenditures for medical professional malpractice insurance (H.R. 4124), E513 [2AP]

———provide incentives to employers that offer retiree health benefits, H5989 [20JY]

———treatment of certain gifts and benefits provided to physicians by prescription drug manufacturers (H.R. 3865), E251 [26FE]

Taylor-Huff, Dixie: American Health Care Association Joe Warner Patient Advocacy Award recipient, E279 [2MR]

Telecommunications: ensure availability of certain spectrum for public safety entities by establishing a certain date by which the transition to digital television shall be completed, H8878, H8879 [8OC]

Tyrone, PA: anniversary of Epworth Manor (health care facility), E2180 [7DE]

Urban Health Plan, Inc.: anniverssary, E1900 [11OC]

Vader, Mary: COPIC Medical Foundation Harold E. Williamson Award recipient, E1142 [16JN]

Veterans: health care funding, H844 [4MR], H1000 [10MR], H1425, H1426, H1453, H1454, H1465, H1478-H1482 [24MR], H1504, H1545-H1547, H1583 [25MR], H2338 [22AP], H3171-H3176 [18MY], H3256, H3365, H3368 [19MY], H4749, H4750 [22JN], H4768, H4769 [23JN], E470 [29MR]

———health care funding (H.R. 2318), E343 [11MR]

———permit eligible veterans to receive direct access to chiropractic care (H.R. 4051), E489 [31MR]

Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills: anniversary, E903 [18MY]

Westport, CT: anniversary of Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, E930 [21MY]

Wyner, Daniel M.: ROFEH International (nonprofit organization) and New England Chassidic Center honoree, E1616 [14SE]

Wynnewood, PA: anniversary of Lankenau Hospital, E626 [22AP]

Zirkle, Lewis and Sara: Rotary International Washington Tri-Citians of the Year award recipients, E1136 [16JN]

Remarks in Senate

American Pharmacists Month: observance, S10837 [8OC]

Armed Forces: effects of rotation policy on military certified registered nurse anesthetists, S10560 [6OC]

———reimburse State and local governments for certain costs relating to the mobilization of Reserves who are first responder personnel of such governments (S. Res. 464), S11222 [11OC]

———tribute to improved combat casualty care, S6987 [17JN]

———tribute to military medical professionals serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, S4466 [28AP]

Barlogie, Bart: International Myeloma Foundation Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, S6270 [1JN]

Cascadia Behavioral HealthCare (organization): tribute, S9381 [20SE]

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: require repayment of appropriated funds that are illegaly disbursed for political purposes (S. 2473), S6088 [21MY]

Chesterfield County, VA: tribute to emergency medical services, police, and fire departments, S10835 [8OC]

Colleges and universities: application of antitrust laws to graduate medical education residency matching programs, S3981, S3985, S3991 [8AP], S5223 [11MY]

Conway, Kevin: American Ambulance Association Star of Life award recipient, S5368 [12MY]

Crescent Springs, KY: tribute to St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, S366 [2FE]

Death and dying: improve access to information about end of life care options and legal rights, promote advance care planning and decisionmaking, and engage health care providers in preparation of advance directives (S. 2545), S7016 [17JN]

Dentists: improve dental services in underserved areas (S. 2740), S8720 [22JY]

Dept. of HHS: develop uniform standards for the submission of electronic clinical data by long-term care facilities, S11889 [7DE]

———expand the National Practitioner Data Bank (S. 2341), S4328 [22AP]

———investigation into allegation of firing threats relative to disclosure of cost of Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, S3051, S3058-S3060 [24MR], S3319 [30MR], S4784 [4MY], S7118 [22JN]

———reauthorize and extend the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention and services program (S. 2741), S8723 [22JY]

———reauthorize Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (S. 2526), S11385 [16NO]

Dept. of Homeland Security: allocation of homeland security block grant funds to high-threat urban areas and U.S. seaports, S8941-S8945 [8SE]

———award research and equipment grants, provide tax credit for employers hiring workers to replace employees receiving first responder training, and provide school-based mental health training (S. 2459), S5956-S5958 [20MY]

———first responder interoperable communications funding, S10357 [4OC]

———first responder interoperable communications funding through reductions in human resources account funding, S9009-S9014 [9SE]

———first responders funding through reductions in tax cuts, S8996-S9003 [9SE]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: evaluation of nurse-managed primary care clinics, S9125 [13SE]

———restrict the performance of eye surgery at a facility, or under a contract with the Dept., to only licensed medical doctors and licensed doctors of osteopathy (S. 2743), S8728 [22JY]

———simplify and improve pay provisions for physicians and dentists and authorize alternate work schedules and executive pay for nurses (S. 2484), S6280 [1JN], S10460-S10467 [5OC], S11886 [7DE]

Diseases: combat polio, S147 [22JA]

———fund breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research while providing more help to caregivers and increasing public education about prevention (S. 2533), S6901, S6902 [16JN], S9380 [20SE]

———improve quality of care for cancer patients (S. 2771), S8766 [22JY]

District of Columbia: tribute to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, S10932 [9OC]

Drugs: establish an electronic system for practitioner monitoring of the dispensing of certain controlled substances (S. 3013), S11643 [19NO]

———lift the patient limitation on prescribing drug addiction treatments by medical practitioners in group practices (S. 1887), S6490 [7JN], S6624 [8JN]

———lift the patient limitation on prescribing drug addiction treatments by medical practitioners in group practices (S. 2976), S11260, S11261 [11OC]

Education: improve training and retention (S. 2739), S8714 [22JY]

———provide for education and training of allied health professionals in exchange for a service commitment at a facility with critical shortages of allied health professionals (S. 2491), S6358 [2JN], S6625 [8JN]

Edwards, Carole: Oncology Nursing Society Excellence in Oncology Nursing Health Policy and Advocacy Award recipient, S10837 [8OC]

Employment: establish a demonstration project to train unemployed workers for employment as health care professionals (S. 2913), S10705 [7OC]

Federal aid programs: establish a scholarship and loan repayment program for public health preparedness workforce development to eliminate critical public health preparedness workforce shortages (S. 2613), S7752 [7JY]

FEMA: mental health counseling services for emergency services personnel ailments resulting from terrorist attacks, S9201 [14SE]

Gainesville, FL: tribute to Malcom Randall VA Medical Center and the University of Florida for cooperation on the Translational Research in Rehabilitation Initiative, S9438 [21SE]

Haywood County Emergency Operations Appreciation Day: observance, S11483 [18NO]

Health: address obesity epidemic, S3199 [26MR]

———attempt to link farm subsidies and obesity, S6340 [2JN]

———establish a Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services and an advisory council made up of non-Federal representatives of the emergency medical services community (S. 2351), S4431, S4432 [27AP]

———establish grants to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and prevent obesity (S. 1172), S10388 [5OC]

———establish grants to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and prevent obesity (S. 2399), S5091, S5094 [10MY]

———expand applicability of laws preventing governmental discrimination against health care entities who refuse to perform abortions or make referrals regarding abortion services, S11718-S11720, S11722, S11724, S11757, S11763, S11764 [20NO]

———improve access to health care services by reducing the burden the liability system places in the delivery of emergency, trauma, and obstetrical services (S. 2207), S2821 [12MR], S2835 [22MR], S3871, S3905, S3914 [7AP], S4007 [8AP]

———improve access to health care services by reducing the burden the liability system places in the delivery of emergency, trauma, and obstetrical services (S. 2207), motion to proceed, S3609 [2AP], S3738, S3742-S3758, S3760-S3765, S3768, S3778, S3780-S3784 [6AP], S3877-S3884, S3886, S3888-S3891 [7AP], S3968, S4009 [8AP]

———improve health care for minority and underserved populations (S. 2091), S1308, S1413 [12FE]

———improve health care for minority and underserved populations (S. 2217), S2794 [12MR], S4006 [8AP]

———improve health care for minority and underserved populations (S. 2594), S7454 [24JN]

———improve patient safety and reduce incidence of medical errors, S11889 [7DE]

———improve patient safety and reduce incidence of medical errors (H.R. 663), S8092, S8093 [14JY], S8632, S8633 [22JY]

———improve patient safety and reduce incidence of medical errors (H.R. 663), insert S. 720 language in lieu, S8632 [22JY]

———improve patient safety and reduce incidence of medical errors (H.R. 663), unanimous-consent request, S3877, S3878 [7AP], S8092 [14JY]

———improve patient safety and reduce incidence of medical errors (S. 720), S8091 [14JY], S8222 [15JY], S8416-S8418 [19JY], S8627-S8633 [22JY]

———protect patients' access to quality and affordable health care by reducing effects of excessive liability costs (S. 11), S1484 [24FE], S1995 [2MR]

———protection of enrollees in managed care plans and HMO's (S. 2083), S1294 [12FE]

———provide compensation for injuries resulting from smallpox countermeasures, provide protection against chemical or radiological agents, increase distribution of vaccines, and improve vaccine injury compensation (S. 15), S5726 [18MY], S5744-S5767 [19MY]

———reduce health care costs and promote improved health by focusing on preventive health services, S4195-S4198 [21AP], S7047-S7050 [18JN]

———reduce the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system, S1432, S1437 [23FE], S6912 [17JN], S9099-S9102 [13SE], S9692-S9695 [27SE]

———restore reliability to the medical justice system by fostering alternatives to medical tort litigation (S. 1518), S1432 [23FE]

Health care facilities: modify determination of the amount of payments for indirect expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs at children's hospitals (H.R. 5204), S12029 [8DE]

Hopewell, Philip C.: American Lung Association Edward Livingston Trudeau Medal recipient, S4093 [19AP]

Immigration: improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas by extending and increasing foreign country residency requirement waivers for foreign medical graduates (S. 2302), S3944 [7AP], S11271, S11272 [11OC]

Indian Health Care Improvement Act: revise and extend (S. 556), S12052 [8DE]

Insurance: by establishing a tax credit and reimbursement of premiums for some doctors and hospitals, S2937 [22MR], S5174, S5175 [11MY]

———require group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans to provide prompt payment for health benefits claims (S. 2308), S4046 [8AP]

Levister, Ernest C., Jr.: California Medical Association Foundation Robert D. Sparks, M.D., Leadership Award recipient, S1996 [2MR]

Medicaid: include podiatrists as physicians for purposes of covering physicians services (S. 2174), S2304, S2305 [8MR]

Medicare: adjust the amount of payment under the physician fee schedule for cancer drug administration services (S. 2587), S7417, S7445 [24JN]

———advertising campaign designed to build public support for the new Medicare drug law, S625-S627 [5FE], S3051, S3058-S3060 [24MR], S3524 [1AP], S4755 [3MY], S4780, S4786 [4MY], S5934 [20MY]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (S. 2652), S8119-S8122, S8140 [14JY], S8268 [15JY]

———eliminate overpayments to regional preferred provider organizations and other Medicare advantage plans and use savings to reduce prescription drug coverage gap, S2682 [11MR]

———eliminate privatization and reduce excessive payments to health maintenance organizations and other private sector insurance plans (S. 2300), S3937 [7AP]

———extend increase in payment rates for home health services in rural areas (S. 2659), S8230, S8231 [15JY]

———improve access to diabetes self-management training by designated certified diabetes educators (S. 2431), S5609 [18MY]

———improve the provision of items and services to beneficiaries in rural areas (S. 2135), S1692 [26FE]

———negotiate lower prescription drug prices, eliminate gap in drug benefits coverage, reduce medical errors, increase use of technology, and increase services in primary and preventive care by non-physician providers (S. 2766), S8754 [22JY]

———provide beneficiaries access to information on the quality of care provided by skilled nursing facilities and provide incentives for such facilities to improve the quality of care (S. 2988), S11430 [17NO]

———reform and provide prescription drug coverage (H.R. 1), conference report, S75 [21JA], S341 [2FE], S675-S677, S679, S680 [6FE], S693, S698 [9FE], S763 [10FE], S1414 [12FE], S2761, S2762 [12MR], S3051, S3058-S3060 [24MR], S3319 [30MR], S3524, S3527 [1AP], S3624-S3627 [5AP], S3911, S3952-S3957 [7AP], S4340-S4342 [26AP], S4387-S4390 [27AP], S4631, S4680 [29AP], S4784-S4786 [4MY], S5056-S5058 [10MY], S5243, S5247 [12MY], S5488 [14MY], S8096 [14JY], S8825 [7SE], S9487 [22SE], S9541 [23SE], S10617-S10620 [7OC], S10764-S10767, S10769 [8OC], S10960-S10962, S10981-S10983 [9OC]

———reimbursement for certain midwife services (S. 2492), S6362 [2JN]

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act: anniversary, S11770 [20NO]

———improve (S. 2343), S4329 [22AP]

———investigation into allegations of the withholding of information relative to disclosure of cost of implementation, S7118 [22JN], S9541 [23SE]

Mental health: provide assistance to train teachers for children with autism spectrum disorders, S5359 [12MY]

Nadel, Nancy: Delaware School Nurse of the Year award recipient, S10431 [5OC]

National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the U.S.: implement national preparedness recommendations, S9905, S9906 [29SE]

National Health Corps Loan Repayment Program: count fellowship training in geriatric medicine or psychiatry as obligated service (S. 2075), S1291 [12FE]

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: observance, S2993 [23MR]

National security: homeland security funding, S8939 [8SE], S9783 [28SE]

———war on terrorism and homeland security funding, S8584 [22JY]

National Time Out Day: support goals and ideas (S. Res. 469), S11383 [16NO]

National Visiting Nurse Association Week: designate (S. Con. Res. 8), S11017, S11018 [10OC]

NIH: research funding, S2639, S2670, S2671 [11MR], S11552 [19NO]

Public welfare programs: allow local government provision of nonemergency and preventive health services to non-qualified immigrants, S3358 [30MR]

Roanoke, VA: Carilion Medical Center recipient of American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition honor, S4904 [5MY]

Schuyler, Virginia: Experience Works, Inc., South Dakota Outstanding Older Worker award recipient, S1582 [25FE]

Senate: investigation of ricin mailed to Senate office, S509 [3FE]

Senior citizens: provide mental health screening and treatment services, integration of mental health services and mental health treatment outreach teams (S. 2572), S7437-S7441 [24JN]

Taxation: allow a nonrefundable tax credit for elder care expenses (S. 2072), S1290 [12FE]

Telecommunications: ensure availability of certain spectrum for public safety entities by establishing a certain date by which the transition to digital television shall be completed (S. 2820), S9445-S9447 [21SE]

Terrorism: enhance the ability of first responders to respond to incidents of terrorism, S2767 [12MR]

University of South Dakota: tribute to Dept. of Nursing, S11624 [19NO]

Veterans: health care funding, S69 [21JA], S1901 [1MR], S2673 [11MR], S3789 [6AP], S7134-S7139, S7147-S7152 [22JN], S11423 [17NO]

———health care funding through reductions in excess profits and assessment of penalties against certain contractors doing business in Iraq, S2679-S2681 [11MR]

———health care funding through reductions in lawyers' fees relative to the tobacco settlement, S2679-S2681 [11MR]

West Warwick, RI: anniversary of nightclub fire, S1267 [12FE]

Westport, CT: tribute to Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, S7425 [24JN]

Women: reduce preterm labor, delivery, and risk of pregnancy-related deaths and complications due to pregnancy, and reduce infant mortality caused by prematurity (S. 1726), S1276 [12FE], S11370 [16NO]

Reports

Democracy on Drugs: Common Cause (organization), E1038-E1040 [4JN]

Medicare Trust Fund Reimbursement Act: Anthony H. Gamboa, GAO, S6089-S6093 [21MY]

Reports filed

Access to Rural Physicians Improvement Act: Committee on the Judiciary (House) (H.R. 4453) (H. Rept. 108-730), H8166 [5OC]

Children's Hospitals Educational Equity and Research (CHEER) Act: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (Senate) (S. 2526) (S. Rept. 108-388), S10702 [7OC]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (Senate) (S. 2484) (S. Rept. 108-357), S9611 [23SE]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruitment and Retention Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 4231) (H. Rept. 108-538), H3872 [9JN]

Emergency Medical Services Support Act: Committee on Governmenal Affairs (Senate) (S. 2351) (S. Rept. 108-291), S7580 [6JY]

Emergency Preparedness and Response Act: Committee on Environment and Public Works (Senate) (S. 930) (S. Rept. 108-227), S1586 [25FE]

Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 3266) (H. Rept. 108-460), H3962 [14JN]

———Committee on Homeland Security (House, Select) (H.R. 3266) (H. Rept. 108-460), H2151 [2AP]

———Committee on the Judiciary (House) (H.R. 3266) (H. Rept. 108-460), H4646 [21JN]

———Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (House) (H.R. 3266) (H. Rept. 108-460), H4646 [21JN]

Improve Access to Physicians in Medically Underserved Areas by Extending and Increasing Foreign Country Residency Requirement Waivers for Foreign Medical Graduates: Committee on the Judiciary (Senate) (S. 2302), S10702 [7OC]

Improve Services and Facilities of Federal Indian Health Programs and Encourage Maximum Participation of Indians in Such Programs: Committee on Resources (House) (H.R. 2440) (H. Rept. 108-791), H10078 [19NO]

Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity (IMPACT) Act: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (Senate) (S. 1172) (S. Rept. 108-245), S2859 [22MR]

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Revision and Extension: Committee on Indian Affairs (Senate) (S. 556) (S. Rept. 108-411), S11377 [16NO]

Lift the Patient Limitation on Prescribing Drug Addiction Treatments by Medical Practitioners in Group Practices: Committee on the Judiciary (Senate) (S. 1887), S6450 [3JN]

National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 3015) (H. Rept. 108-728), H8166 [5OC]

Patient Navigator Outreach, and Chronic Disease Prevention Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 918) (H. Rept. 108-727), H8166 [5OC]

Provide Documents to the House of Representatives Relative to Cost Estimates and Analyses of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H. Res. 776) (H. Rept. 108-754), H9047 [8OC]

———Committee on Ways and Means (House) (H. Res. 776) (H. Rept. 108-754), H8856 [7OC]

Spectrum Availability for Emergency-Response and Law-Enforcement To Improve Vital Emergency Services (SAVE LIVES) Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate) (S. 2820), S11639 [19NO]

———Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate) (S. 2820) (S. Rept. 108-428), S11897 [7DE]

Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 3658) (H. Rept. 108-453), H1739 [30MR]

Statements

Faircare Act: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, S7461 [24JN]

———National Conference for Community and Justice, S7461 [24JN]

———National Health Law Program (law firm), S7461 [24JN]

———Out of Many, One Coalition, S7461 [24JN]

———Physicians for Human Rights (organization), S7461 [24JN]

———Progressive Policy Institute, S7461 [24JN]

Medical Liability Crisis and Access to Care: AMA, S1482 [24FE]

Summaries

Allied Health Reinvestment Act (S. 2491), S6625 [8JN]

Texts of

H. Con. Res. 500, honor goals and ideals of National Nurse Practitioners Week, H8252 [6OC]

H. Res. 519, express sympathy for victims of earthquake and tribute to aid efforts in San Luis Obispo County, CA, H881 [9MR]

H. Res. 567, commend American Dental Association Give Kids a Smile program, emphasize need to improve access to dental care for children, and thank dentists for volunteering time to provide needed dental care, H7975 [4OC]

H. Res. 605, increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder, support programs for research and improved treatment, and improve training for health care professionals, H2593 [5MY]

H.R. 918, Patient Navigator Outreach, and Chronic Disease Prevention Act, H8064 [5OC]

H.R. 3015, National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act, H8069 [5OC]

H.R. 3658, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act, H3893 [14JN]

H.R. 3722, impose conditions on Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens, H3033 [17MY]

H.R. 4231, Dept. of Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruitment and Retention Act, H7797 [29SE]

H.R. 4453, improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas by extending and increasing foreign country residency requirement waivers for foreign medical graduates, H8237 [6OC]

H.R. 5204, modify determination of the amount of payments for indirect expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs at children's hospitals, H8253 [6OC]

S. 15, Project BioShield Act, S5744-S5760 [19MY], H5721-H5729 [14JY]

S. 720, Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act, S8627-S8631 [22JY]

S. 1887, lift the patient limitation on prescribing drug addiction treatments by medical practitioners in group practices, S6490 [7JN]

S. 2072, Senior Elder Care Relief and Empowerment (SECURE) Act, S1290 [12FE]

S. 2075, Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act, S1291 [12FE]

S. 2217, Closing the Health Care Gap Act, S2794-S2802 [12MR]

S. 2302, improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas by extending and increasing foreign country residency requirement waivers for foreign medical graduates, S11271 [11OC], H9857 [17NO]

S. 2308, Prompt Payment of Health Benefits Claims Act, S4046-S4048 [8AP]

S. 2399, Healthy Lifestyles Act, S5092-S5094 [10MY]

S. 2459, Community Security Act, S5958-S5961 [20MY]

S. 2473, Medicare Trust Fund Reimbursement Act, S6089 [21MY]

S. 2484, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act, S10463-S10465 [5OC]

S. 2484, Dept. of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act, S6280-S6282 [1JN], H9787-H9790 [17NO]

S. 2491, Allied Health Reinvestment Act, S6360-S6362 [2JN]

S. 2524, improve provision of health care, rehabilitation, and related services to veterans suffering from trauma relating to a blast injury, S6887 [16JN]

S. 2526, Children's Hospitals Educational Equity and Research (CHEER) Act, S11385 [16NO]

S. 2545, Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act, S7017 [17JN]

S. 2572, Positive Aging Act, S7438-S7440 [24JN]

S. 2587, Ensuring Quality and Access to Cancer Care Act, S7446 [24JN]

S. 2594, Faircare Act, S7455-S7461 [24JN]

S. 2739, Investing in America's Future Act, S8715-S8720 [22JY]

S. 2740, Dental Health Provider Shortage Act, S8721-S8723 [22JY]

S. 2741, Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act, S8723-S8727 [22JY]

S. 2743, Veterans Eye Treatment Safety (VETS) Act, S8728 [22JY]

S. 2771, Quality of Care for Individuals With Cancer Act, S8760-S8766 [22JY]

S. 2913, Community-Based Health Care Retraining Act, S10706 [7OC]

S. 2976, lift the patient limitation on prescribing drug addiction treatments by medical practitioners in group practices, S11261 [11OC]

S. Con. Res. 8, National Visiting Nurse Association Week, S11018 [10OC], H10055 [19NO]

S. Res. 317, increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder, support programs for research and improved treatment, and improve training for health care professionals, S2561 [10MR]

S. Res. 464, reimburse State and local governments for certain costs relating to the mobilization of Armed Forces Reserves who are first responder personnel of such governments, S11222, S11310 [11OC]

S. Res. 469, support goals and ideas of National Time Out Day, S11382 [16NO]