DOC Access Act of 2023

3/12/2024, 8:49 PM

Summary of Bill S 1424

The DOC Access Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 1424, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. This bill aims to increase transparency and accessibility to Department of Commerce (DOC) information for the public.

The main provisions of the DOC Access Act include requiring the DOC to create and maintain a user-friendly online portal where individuals can easily access information such as reports, data, and other documents produced by the department. This portal would be required to be updated regularly and include search functions to make it easier for users to find the information they are looking for.

Additionally, the bill would require the DOC to provide training to employees on how to properly handle and release information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other relevant laws. This training would help ensure that the department is in compliance with transparency requirements and that information is being released in a timely and accurate manner. Overall, the DOC Access Act of 2023 aims to improve transparency and accessibility to information produced by the Department of Commerce, ultimately increasing accountability and public trust in the department's operations.

Congressional Summary of S 1424

Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2023 or the DOC Access Act of 2023

This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from setting rates for items and services, except for dental cleanings, provided by a doctor of optometry, of dental surgery, or of dental medicine for which the plan does not pay a substantial amount.

Additionally, an agreement between a plan and such a doctor for limited scope dental or vision benefits may last longer than two years only with the prior acceptance of the doctor for each term extension. Plans also may not restrict such a doctor's choice of laboratories or suppliers.

Such doctors may elect to waive the application of the payment amount and choice of laboratories provisions of this bill.

The bill does not supersede state laws regarding health insurers and dental or vision benefit plans.

Current Status of Bill S 1424

Bill S 1424 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 3, 2023. Bill S 1424 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 3, 2023.  Bill S 1424's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of May 3, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1424

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
8
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
8
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1424

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

Civil actions and liabilityDental careEmployee benefits and pensionsHealth care costs and insuranceHealth care coverage and accessHearing, speech, and vision careState and local government operations

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1424

DOC Access Act of 2023DOC Access Act of 2023Dental and Optometric Care Access Act of 2023A bill to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to improve health care coverage under vision and dental plans, and for other purposes.
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