Health Care Services Commission Act
Latest action (24 Sep 2008): Introduced
What this bill does
Here is a neutral summary of H.R. 7038, the Health Care Services Commission Act.
The bill would abolish the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and replace it with a new independent Health Care Services Commission, led by five Senate-confirmed commissioners appointed on a bipartisan basis. The Commission would conduct and fund research, demonstration projects, and guideline development on health care quality, outcomes, costs, technology, and access, with particular attention to rural areas and underserved populations. Within the Commission, an "Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care," made up of 15 members from health insurers, providers, nonprofits, and rural health groups, would develop and periodically update clinical guidelines, quality standards, and performance measures, with an initial set required by January 1, 2012. The Commissioners could recommend that HHS penalize noncompliant providers, including exclusion from federal health programs or civil fines. The bill also creates a separate "Independent Health Record Trust" system, regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, allowing individuals to voluntarily store electronic health records with certified trusts that owe them fiduciary duties and privacy protections, with penalties for breaches.
The bill would primarily affect federal health research operations, health care providers subject to new quality standards, and individuals who might use electronic health record trusts; funding is authorized for fiscal years 2010–2014.
It was introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan on September 24, 2008, in the 110th Congress and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. It received no further action and did not become law; because Congress adjourned at the end of that session, the bill expired without a vote.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Health Care Services Commission Act - Establishes a Health Care Services Commission to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health care services and access to such services. Directs the Commissioners to conduct research, demonstration projects, evaluations, training, guideline development, and the dissemination of information on health care services and on systems for the delivery of such services.
Establishes within the Commission the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care to be lead by a Director. Requires the Commissioners, acting through the Director, to establish the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care program. Requires the Director to arrange for the development of, and make recommendations for, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria. Directs the Commissioners to adopt such recommendations.
Terminates the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2008 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe standards for the establishment, certification, operation, and interoperability of independent health record trusts (IHRTs).
Sets forth penalties for any knowing or reckless breach of the fiduciary duty of an IHRT to participants and the IHRT.
Sets forth permitted uses for an electronic health record, including for self-care and public health research.
Prohibits: (1) any person from requiring that an individual participate in, or authorize access to information from, an IHRT; and (2) an IHRT from charging a fee for the transmittal of information from a health care provider to be included in an independent electronic health record.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Interagency Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of this Act. Requires the National Committee for Vital and Health Statistics to serve as an advisory committee for IHRTs.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7038 do?
- Here is a neutral summary of H.R. 7038, the Health Care Services Commission Act. The bill would abolish the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and replace it with a new independent Health Care Services Commission, led by five Senate-confirmed commissioners appointed on a bipartisan basis. The Commission would conduct and fund research, demonstration projects, and guideline development on health care quality, outcomes, costs, technology, and access, with particular attention to rural areas and underserved populations. Within the Commission, an "Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care," made up of 15 members from health insurers, providers, nonprofits, and rural health groups, would develop and periodically update clinical guidelines, quality standards, and performance measures, with an initial set required by January 1, 2012. The Commissioners could recommend that HHS penalize noncompliant providers, including exclusion from federal health programs or civil fines. The bill also creates a separate "Independent Health Record Trust" system, regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, allowing individuals to voluntarily store electronic health records with certified trusts that owe them fiduciary duties and privacy protections, with penalties for breaches. The bill would primarily affect federal health research operations, health care providers subject to new quality standards, and individuals who might use electronic health record trusts; funding is authorized for fiscal years 2010–2014. It was introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan on September 24, 2008, in the 110th Congress and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. It received no further action and did not become law; because Congress adjourned at the end of that session, the bill expired without a vote.
- Has H.R. 7038 become law?
- Not yet. As of 24 Sep 2008, H.R. 7038 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 7038?
- H.R. 7038 was sponsored by Rep. Paul Ryan [R-WI1, 1999-2018] (Republican-WI), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7038?
- Introduced (24 Sep 2008).
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