We Need National Health Care NOW!

While I was in Louisville on Saturday I had lunch with my wonderful activist friend Kay Tillow. She is working very hard on this campaign for single payer National Health Care. This is really a long post, but it includes the text of HR676: To provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents.

Please consider introducing the following resolution to your local union, central body, or other progressive organizaton.

RESOLUTION ENDORSING HR 676 – Single Payer Universal Health Care
Workers, their families and their unions are waging an increasingly difficult struggle to win or to keep good health care coverage. Almost every union at every contract deadline must battle and sacrifice merely to sustain health care benefits. The rising costs of health insurance are blocking workers’ progress in wages and other areas. All of our unions face a healthcare crisis.
But the crisis extends far beyond union members. More than 43 million people in the U. S. are currently without health insurance, more than 75 million went without for some length of time within the last two years, and millions more have inadequate coverage or are at risk of losing coverage. People of color, immigrants and women are denied care at disproportionate rates, while the elderly and many others must choose between necessities and life sustaining drugs and care. Unorganized workers have either no or inadequate coverage. The Institute of Medicine has found that each year more than 18,000 in the U. S. die because they had no health insurance.
While we in the United States spend approximately twice as much of our gross domestic product as other developed nations on health care, we remain the only industrialized country without universal coverage. Our problem worsens each year as insurance costs increase and as gradual solutions have failed to make a dent in the problem.
The U. S. health system continues to treat health care as a commodity distributed according to the ability to pay, rather than as a social service to be distributed according to human need. Insurance companies and HMOs compete not by increasing quality or lowering costs, but by avoiding covering those whose needs are greatest.
Economic necessity and moral conscience compel us to seek a better way. Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) (joined by 33 co-signers) has introduced HR 676, the United States National Health Insurance Act, also called Expanded and Improved Medicare for All. This single-payer health care program proposes an effective mechanism for controlling skyrocketing health costs while covering all 43 million uninsured Americans. The bill also restores free choice of physicians to patients and provides comprehensive prescription drug coverage to seniors, as well as to younger people.
HR 676 would cover every person in the U. S. for all necessary medical care including prescription drugs, hospital, surgical, outpatient services, primary and preventive care, emergency services, dental, mental health, home health, physical therapy, rehabilitation (including for substance abuse), vision care, chiropractic and long term care. HR 676 ends deductibles and co-payments. HR 676 would save billions annually by eliminating high overhead and profits of the private health insurance industry and HMOs. The transition to national health insurance would apply the savings from administration and profits to expanded and improved coverage for all.
(over)
A single payer program as provided by HR 676 is the only affordable option for universal, comprehensive coverage.
Resolved:
That __________________________________ wholeheartedly endorses Congressman Conyers' bill HR 676, “Expanded and Improved Medicare for All,” a single payer health care program.
That _____________________ will work with other unions and community groups to build a groundswell of popular support and action for single payer universal health care and HR 676 until we make what is morally right for our nation into what is also politically possible.
That _____________________ will send a copy of this resolution to Congressman Conyers, to all members of the U.S. House and Senate, to the AFL-CIO Executive Council, and to the news media.
That ______________________ will take other actions to mobilize our members and our community at the grassroots to encourage other members of the House to sign on as co-sponsors of HR 676 and to encourage Senators to introduce a companion bill in the Senate.


Our local union/district council/labor council also endorsed the above resolution:
Union____________________________________
International_______________________________
Address__________________________________
City__________________________
State _______________________ Zip ______________
Phone:__________________ Fax:_________________
email:_____________________
Signed by__________________________________
Title______________________________
Date____________________


Please return to: Kay Tillow, Nurses Professional Organization, 1169 Eastern Parkway, #2200, Box 50, Louisville, KY 40217, (502) 459-3393, nursenpo@aol.com

Similar resolutions have been passed by:

Duluth (Minnesota) AFL-CIO Central Labor Body

American Federation of Government Employees Local 2028, Pittsburgh, PA, representing 1,700 nurses, other professionals and service workers at two Veterans Administration Hospitals

Plumbers and Steamfitters HVAC, Local 188, United Association, Savannah, GA.

United Steelworkers of America, Local 1693, Louisville, KY, amalgamated local representing 1700 workers

United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 630,
West Palm Beach, FL

Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), National Convention, Oct. 2003

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), National Convention,
May 2004

Jefferson County Teachers’ Association (National Education Association), representing teachers in the public school system, Louisville, KY

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2629, AFL-CIO, representing Louisville Metro Government Employees, Louisville, KY

Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO

United Steelworkers of America, Local 6787, representing over 3000 steelworkers in Burns Harbor, IN

Plumbers, Steamfitters, and Refrigeration Fitters, Local 393, AFL-CIO,
San Jose, CA.

California State Pipe Trades Council, United Association, AFL-CIO


For further information: Kay Tillow, Nurses Professional Organization, 1169 Eastern Parkway, #2200, Box 50, Louisville, KY 40217, (502) 459-3393, nursenpo@aol.com


HR 676 IH
108th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 676
To provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 11, 2003
Mr. CONYERS (for himself, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. KUCINICH, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Ms. LEE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. OWENS, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. CUMMINGS, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Ms. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. PASTOR, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. CLAY, and Mr. RANGEL) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Resources, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) SHORT TITLE- This Act may be cited as the `United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act)'.
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS- The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions and terms.
TITLE I--ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFITS
Sec. 101. Eligibility and registration.
Sec. 102. Benefits and portability.
Sec. 103. Qualification of participating providers.
Sec. 104. Prohibition against duplicating coverage.
TITLE II--FINANCES
Subtitle A--Budgeting and Payments
Sec. 201. Budgeting process.
Sec. 202. Payment of providers and health care clinicians.
Sec. 203. Payment for long-term care.
Sec. 204. Mental health services.
Sec. 205. Payment for prescription medications, medical supplies, and medically necessary assistive equipment.
Sec. 206. Consultation in establishing reimbursement levels.
Subtitle B--Funding
Sec. 211. Overview: funding the USNHI Program.
Sec. 212. Appropriations for existing programs for uninsured and indigent.
TITLE III--ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 301. Public administration; appointment of Director.
Sec. 302. Quality and cost control.
Sec. 303. Regional and State administration; employment of displaced clerical workers.
Sec. 304. Confidential Electronic Patient Record System.
Sec. 305. National Board of Universal Quality and Access.
TITLE IV--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 401. Treatment of VA and IHS health programs.
Sec. 402. Public health and prevention.
Sec. 403. Reduction in health disparities.
TITLE V--EFFECTIVE DATE
Sec. 501. Effective date.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS AND TERMS.
In this Act:
(1) USNHI PROGRAM; PROGRAM- The terms `USNHI Program' and `Program' mean the program of benefits provided under this Act and, unless the context otherwise requires, the Secretary with respect to functions relating to carrying out such program.
(2) NATIONAL BOARD OF UNIVERSAL QUALITY AND ACCESS- The term `National Board of Universal Quality and Access' means such Board established under section 305.
(3) REGIONAL OFFICE- The term `regional office' means a regional office established under section 303.
(4) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
(5) DIRECTOR- The term `Director' means, in relation to the Program, the Director appointed under section 301.
TITLE I--ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFITS
SEC. 101. ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION.
(a) IN GENERAL- All individuals residing in the United States (including any territory of the United States) are covered under the USNHI Program entitling them to a universal, best quality standard of care. Each such individual shall receive a card with a unique number in the mail. An individual's social security number shall not be used for purposes of registration under this section.
(b) REGISTRATION- Individuals and families shall receive a United States National Health Insurance Card in the mail, after filling out a United States National Health Insurance application form at a health care provider. Such application form shall be no more than 2 pages long.
(c) PRESUMPTION- Individuals who present themselves for covered services from a participating provider shall be presumed to be eligible for benefits under this Act, but shall complete an application for benefits in order to receive a United States National Health Insurance Card and have payment made for such benefits.
SEC. 102. BENEFITS AND PORTABILITY.
(a) IN GENERAL- The health insurance benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including--
(1) primary care and prevention;
(2) inpatient care;
(3) outpatient care;
(4) emergency care;
(5) prescription drugs;
(6) durable medical equipment;
(7) long term care;
(8) mental health services;
(9) the full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry);
(10) substance abuse treatment services;
(11) chiropractic services; and
(12) basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
(b) PORTABILITY- Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in the United States that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.
(c) NO COST-SHARING- No deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits.
SEC. 103. QUALIFICATION OF PARTICIPATING PROVIDERS.
(a) REQUIREMENT TO BE PUBLIC OR NON-PROFIT-
(1) IN GENERAL- No institution may be a participating provider unless it is a public or not-for-profit institution.
(2) CONVERSION OF INVESTOR-OWNED PROVIDERS- Investor-owned providers of care opting to participate shall be required to convert to not-for-profit status.
(3) COMPENSATION FOR CONVERSION- The owners of such investor-owned providers shall be compensated for the actual appraised value of converted facilities used in the delivery of care.
(4) FUNDING- There are authorized to be appropriated from the Treasury such sums as are necessary to compensate investor-owned providers as provided for under paragraph (3).
(5) REQUIREMENTS- The conversion to a not-for-profit health care system shall take place over a 15-year period, through the sale of US Treasury Bonds. Payment for conversions under paragraph (3) shall not be made for loss of business profits, but may be made only for costs associated with the conversion of real property and equipment.
(b) QUALITY STANDARDS-
(1) IN GENERAL- Health care delivery facilities must meet regional and State quality and licensing guidelines as a condition of participation under such program, including guidelines regarding safe staffing and quality of care.
(2) LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS- Participating clinicians must be licensed in their State of practice and meet the quality standards for their area of care. No clinician whose license is under suspension or who is under disciplinary action in any State may be a participating provider.
(c) PARTICIPATION OF HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS-
(1) IN GENERAL- Non-profit health maintenance organizations that actually deliver care in their own facilities and employ clinicians on a salaried basis may participate in the program and receive global budgets or capitation payments as specified in section 202.
(2) EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS- Other health maintenance organizations, including those which principally contract to pay for services delivered by non-employees, shall be classified as insurance plans. Such organizations shall not be participating providers, and are subject to the regulations promulgated by reason of section 104(a) (relating to prohibition against duplicating coverage).
(d) FREEDOM OF CHOICE- Patients shall have free choice of participating physicians and other clinicians, hospitals, and inpatient care facilities.
SEC. 104. PROHIBITION AGAINST DUPLICATING COVERAGE.
(a) IN GENERAL- It is unlawful for a private health insurer to sell health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act.
(b) CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting the sale of health insurance coverage for any additional benefits not covered by this Act, such as for cosmetic surgery or other services and items that are not medically necessary.
TITLE II--FINANCES
Subtitle A--Budgeting and Payments
SEC. 201. BUDGETING PROCESS.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES BUDGET-
(1) IN GENERAL- To carry out this Act there are established on an annual basis consistent with this title--
(A) an operating budget;
(B) a capital expenditures budget;
(C) reimbursement levels for providers consistent with subtitle B; and
(D) a health professional education budget, including amounts for the continued funding of resident physician training programs.
(2) REGIONAL ALLOCATION- After Congress appropriates amounts for the annual budget for the USNHI Program, the Director shall provide the regional offices with an annual funding allotment to cover the costs of each region's expenditures. Such allotment shall cover global budgets, reimbursements to clinicians, and capital expenditures. Regional offices may receive additional funds from the national program at the discretion of the Director.
(b) OPERATING BUDGET- The operating budget shall be used for--
(1) payment for services rendered by physicians and other clinicians;
(2) global budgets for institutional providers;
(3) capitation payments for capitated groups; and
(4) administration of the Program.
(c) CAPITAL EXPENDITURES BUDGET- The capital expenditures budget shall be used for funds needed for--
(1) the construction or renovation of health facilities; and
(2) for major equipment purchases.
(d) PROHIBITION AGAINST CO-MINGLING OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDS- It is prohibited to use funds under this Act that are earmarked--
(1) for operations for capital expenditures; or
(2) for capital expenditures for operations.
SEC. 202. PAYMENT OF PROVIDERS AND HEALTH CARE CLINICIANS.
(a) ESTABLISHING GLOBAL BUDGETS; MONTHLY LUMP SUM-
(1) IN GENERAL- The USNHI Program, through its regional offices, shall pay each hospital, nursing home, community or migrant health center, home care agencies, or other institutional provider or pre-paid group practice a monthly lump sum to cover all operating expenses under a global budget.
(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF GLOBAL BUDGETS- The global budget of a provider shall be set through negotiations between providers and regional directors, but are subject to the approval of the Director. The budget shall be negotiated annually, based on past expenditures, projected changes in levels of services, wages and input, costs, and proposed new and innovative programs.
(b) THREE PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR PHYSICIANS AND CERTAIN OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Program shall pay physicians, dentists, doctors of osteopathy, psychologists, chiropractors, doctors of optometry, nurse
practitioners, nurse midwives, physicians' assistants, and other advanced practice clinicians as licensed and regulated by the States by the following payment methods:
(A) Fee for service payment under paragraph (2).
(B) Salaried positions in institutions receiving global budgets under paragraph (3).
(C) Salaried positions within group practices or non-profit health maintenance organizations receiving capitation payments under paragraph (4).
(2) FEE FOR SERVICE-
(A) IN GENERAL- The Program shall negotiate a simplified fee schedule with clinician representatives, after close consultation with the National Board of Universal Quality and Access and regional and State directors.
(B) CONSIDERATIONS- In establishing such schedule, the Director shall take into consideration regional differences in reimbursement, but strive for a uniform national standard.
(C) FINAL GUIDELINES- The regional directors shall be responsible for promulgating final guidelines to all providers.
(D) BILLING- Under the Act physicians shall submit bills to the regional director on a simple form, or via computer. Interest shall be paid to providers whose bills are not paid within 30 days of submission.
(E) NO BALANCE BILLING- Licensed health care clinicians who accept any payment from the USNHI Program may not bill any patient for any covered service.
(F) UNIFORM COMPUTER ELECTRONIC BILLING SYSTEM- The Director shall make a good faith effort to create a uniform computerized electronic billing system, including in those areas of the United States where electronic billing is not yet established.
(3) SALARIES WITHIN INSTITUTIONS RECEIVING GLOBAL BUDGETS-
(A) IN GENERAL- In the case of an institution, such as a hospital, health center, group practice, community and migrant health center, or a home care agency that elects to be paid a monthly global budget for the delivery of health care as well as for education and prevention programs, physicians employed by such institutions shall be reimbursed through a salary included as part of such a budget.
(B) SALARY RANGES- Salary ranges for health care providers shall be determined in the same way as fee schedules under paragraph (2).
(4) SALARIES WITHIN CAPITATED GROUPS-
(A) IN GENERAL- Health maintenance organizations, group practices, and other institutions may elect to be paid capitation premiums to cover all outpatient, physician, and medical home care provided to individuals enrolled to receive benefits through the organization or entity.
(B) SCOPE- Such capitation may include the costs of services of licensed physicians and other licensed, independent practitioners provided to inpatients. Other costs of inpatient and institutional care shall be excluded from capitation payments, and shall be covered under institutions' global budgets.
(C) PROHIBITION OF SELECTIVE ENROLLMENT- Selective enrollment policies are prohibited, and patients shall be permitted to enroll or disenroll from such organizations or entities with appropriate notice.
(D) HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS- Under this Act--
(i) health maintenance organizations shall be required to reimburse physicians based on a salary; and
(ii) financial incentives between such organizations and physicians based on utilization are prohibited.
SEC. 203. PAYMENT FOR LONG-TERM CARE.
(a) ALLOTMENT FOR REGIONS- The Program shall provide for each region a single budgetary allotment to cover a full array of long-term care services under this Act.
(b) REGIONAL BUDGETS- Each region shall provide a global budget to local long-term care providers for the full range of needed services, including in-home, nursing home, and community based care.
(c) BASIS FOR BUDGETS- Budgets for long-term care services under this section shall be based on past expenditures, financial and clinical performance, utilization, and projected changes in service, wages, and other related factors.
(d) FAVORING NON-INSTITUTIONAL CARE- All efforts shall be made under this Act to provide long-term care in a home- or community-based setting, as opposed to institutional care.
SEC. 204. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.
(a) IN GENERAL- The Program shall provide coverage for all medically necessary mental health care on the same basis as the coverage for other conditions. Licensed mental health clinicians shall be paid in the same manner as specified for other health professionals, as provided for in section 202(b).
(b) FAVORING COMMUNITY-BASED CARE- The USNHI Program shall cover supportive residences, occupational therapy, and ongoing mental health and counseling services outside the hospital for patients with serious mental illness. In all cases the highest quality and most effective care shall be delivered, and, for some individuals, this may mean institutional care.
SEC. 205. PAYMENT FOR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES, AND MEDICALLY NECESSARY ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT.
(a) NEGOTIATED PRICES- The prices to be paid each year under this Act for covered pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medically necessary assistive equipment shall be negotiated annually by the Program.
(b) PRESCRIPTION DRUG FORMULARY-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Program shall establish a prescription drug formulary system, which shall encourage best-practices in prescribing and discourage the use of ineffective, dangerous, or excessively costly medications when better alternatives are available.
(2) PROMOTION OF USE OF GENERICS- The formulary shall promote the use of generic medications but allow the use of brand-name and off-formulary medications when indicated for a specific patient or condition.
(3) FORMULARY UPDATES AND PETITION RIGHTS- The formulary shall be updated frequently and clinicians and patients may petition their region or the Director to add new pharmaceuticals or to remove ineffective or dangerous medications from the formulary.
SEC. 206. CONSULTATION IN ESTABLISHING REIMBURSEMENT LEVELS.
Reimbursement levels under this subtitle shall be set after close consultation with regional and State Directors and after the annual meeting of National Board of Universal Quality and Access.
Subtitle B--Funding
SEC. 211. OVERVIEW: FUNDING THE USNHI PROGRAM.
(a) IN GENERAL- The USNHI Program is to be funded as provided in subsections (b) and (c).
(b) ANNUAL APPROPRIATION FOR FUNDING OF USNHI PROGRAM- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums as may be necessary.
(c) INTENT- Sums appropriated pursuant to subsection (b) shall be paid for--
(1) by vastly reducing paperwork;
(2) by requiring a rational bulk procurement of medications;
(3) from existing sources of Federal government revenues for health care;
(4) by increasing personal income taxes on the top 5 percent income earners;
(5) by instituting a modest payroll tax; and
(6) by instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions.
SEC. 212. APPROPRIATIONS FOR EXISTING PROGRAMS FOR UNINSURED AND INDIGENT.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there are hereby transferred and appropriated to carry out this Act, amounts equivalent to the amounts the Secretary estimates would have been appropriated and expended for Federal public health care programs for the uninsured and indigent, including funds appropriated under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, under the Medicaid program under title XIX of such Act, and under the Children's Health Insurance Program under title XXI of such Act.
TITLE III--ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 301. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION; APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR.
(a) IN GENERAL- Except as otherwise specifically provided, this Act shall be administered by the Secretary through a Director appointed by the Secretary.
(b) LONG-TERM CARE- The Director shall appoint a director for long-term care who shall be responsible for administration of this Act and ensuring the availability and accessibility of high quality long-term care services.
(c) MENTAL HEALTH- The Director shall appoint a director for mental health who shall be responsible for administration of this Act and ensuring the availability and accessibility of high quality mental health services.
SEC. 302. OFFICE OF QUALITY CONTROL.
The Director shall appoint a director for an Office of Quality Control. Such director shall, after consultation with state and regional directors, provide annual recommendations to Congress, the President, the Secretary, and other Program officials on how to ensure the highest quality health care service delivery. The director of the Office of Quality Control shall conduct an annual review on the adequacy of medically necessary services, and shall make recommendations of any proposed changes to the Congress, the President, the Secretary, and other USNHI program officials.
SEC. 303. REGIONAL AND STATE ADMINISTRATION; EMPLOYMENT OF DISPLACED CLERICAL WORKERS.
(a) USE OF REGIONAL OFFICES- The Program shall establish and maintain regional offices. Such regional offices shall replace all regional Medicare offices.
(b) APPOINTMENT OF REGIONAL AND STATE DIRECTORS- In each such regional office there shall be--
(1) one regional director appointed by the Director; and
(2) for each State in the region, a deputy director (in this Act referred to as a `State Director') appointed by the governor of that State.
(c) REGIONAL OFFICE DUTIES-
(1) IN GENERAL- Regional offices of the Program shall be responsible for--
(A) coordinating funding to health care providers and physicians; and
(B) coordinating billing and reimbursements with physicians and health care providers through a State-based reimbursement system.
(d) STATE DIRECTOR'S DUTIES- Each State Director shall be responsible for the following duties:
(1) Providing an annual state health care needs assessment report to the National Board of Universal Quality and Access, and the regional board, after a thorough examination of health needs, in consultation with public health officials, clinicians, patients and patient advocates.
(2) Health planning, including oversight of the placement of new hospitals, clinics, and other health care delivery facilities.
(3) Health planning, including oversight of the purchase and placement of new health equipment to ensure timely access to care and to avoid duplication.
(4) Submitting global budgets to the regional director.
(5) Recommending changes in provider reimbursement or payment for delivery of health services in the State.
(6) Establishing a quality assurance mechanism in the State in order to minimize both under utilization and over utilization and to assure that all providers meet high quality standards.
(7) Reviewing program disbursements on a quarterly basis and recommending needed adjustments in fee schedules needed to achieve budgetary targets and assure adequate access to needed care.
(e) FIRST PRIORITY IN RETRAINING AND JOB PLACEMENT- The Program shall provide that clerical and administrative workers in insurance companies, doctors offices, hospitals, nursing facilities and other facilities whose jobs are eliminated due to reduced administration, should have first priority in retraining and job placement in the new system.
SEC. 304. CONFIDENTIAL ELECTRONIC PATIENT RECORD SYSTEM.
(a) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall create a standardized, confidential electronic patient record system in accordance with laws and regulations to maintain accurate patient records and to simplify the billing process, thereby reducing medical errors and bureaucracy.
(b) PATIENT OPTION- Notwithstanding that all billing shall be preformed electronically, patients shall have the option of keeping any portion of their medical records separate from their electronic medical record.
SEC. 305. NATIONAL BOARD OF UNIVERSAL QUALITY AND ACCESS.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT-
(1) IN GENERAL- There is established a National Board of Universal Quality and Access (in this section referred to as the `Board') consisting of 15 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) QUALIFICATIONS- The appointed members of the Board shall include at least one of each of the following:
(A) Health care professionals.
(B) Representatives of institutional providers of health care.
(C) Representatives of health care advocacy groups.
(D) Representatives of labor unions.
(E) Citizen patient advocates.
(3) TERMS- Each member shall be appointed for a term of 6 years, except that the President shall stagger the terms of members initially appointed so that the term of no more than 3 members expires in any year.
(4) PROHIBITION ON CONFLICTS OF INTEREST- No member of the Board shall have a financial conflict of interest with the duties before the Board.
(b) DUTIES-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Board shall meet at least twice per year and shall advise the Secretary and the Director on a regular basis to ensure quality, access, and affordability.
(2) SPECIFIC ISSUES- The Board shall specifically address the following issues:
(A) Access to care.
(B) Quality improvement.
(C) Efficiency of administration.
(D) Adequacy of budget and funding.
(E) Appropriateness of reimbursement levels of physicians and other providers.
(F) Capital expenditure needs.
(G) Long-term care.
(H) Mental health and substance abuse services.
(I) Staffing levels and working conditions in health care delivery facilities.
(3) ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSAL, BEST QUALITY STANDARD OF CARE- The Board shall specifically establish a universal, best quality of standard of care with respect to--
(A) appropriate staffing levels;
(B) appropriate medical technology;
(C) design and scope of work in the health workplace; and
(D) best practices.
(4) TWICE-A-YEAR REPORT- The Board shall report its recommendations twice each year to the Secretary, the Director, Congress, and the President.
(c) COMPENSATION, ETC- The following provisions of section 1805 of the Social Security Act shall apply to the Board in the same manner as they apply to the Medicare Payment Assessment Commission (except that any reference to the Commission or the Comptroller General shall be treated as references to the Board and the Secretary, respectively):
(1) Subsection (c)(4) (relating to compensation of Board members).
(2) Subsection (c)(5) (relating to chairman and vice chairman)
(3) Subsec