United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1993
Poverty Data Improvement Act of 1993 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to biennially produce and publish data (compiled from the most recent decennial census) relating to the incidence of poverty for each State, county, and local government and for each school district. Authorizes such data to be produced by means of sampling or any other method that the Secretary determines will produce current, comprehensive, and reliable data. Requires the Secretary, if unable to produce and publish such data for any area, to report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on each government or school district excluded and the reasons therefor.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1993
Independence Hall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar coins emblematic of the shrines of liberty, showing the Liberty Bell on one side and the Independence Hall on the other. Mandates that surcharges from the sale of coins be distributed equally between the Treasury and the Independence Hall Preservation Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Mandates that surcharges from the sale of such coins be paid to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to help raise an endowment to be a permanent source of support for the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Extends coverage under the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to certain foreign vessels which: (1) regularly engage in transporting passengers from and to a place in the United States, with or without intervening stops at foreign ports, including a vessel regularly engaged in transporting passengers only from or to a place in the United States if such transport is so arranged for the purposes of avoiding certain consequences that would otherwise result; (2) (if nonliners) regularly engage in transporting cargo in the foreign trade of the United States; and (3) produce or process goods or services for sale or distribution in the United States, and a vessel that engages in transporting cargo between vessels in international waters and a vessel, port, or place in the United States regardless of the vessel's ownership or control. Excludes any such vessel that can demonstrate that citizens of the country of registry: (1) compose at least one-half of the crew; and (2) hold legal title and beneficial ownership and control.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Private Security Officers Quality Assistance Act of 1993 - Conditions a State's eligibility for certain funds under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 on such State having in effect a program that satisfies the requirements of this Act and that preempts the laws of the political subdivisions of such State to the extent that they regulate private security services provided by security officers. Requires a State to have in effect requirements and procedures for issuing licenses to, and reviewing security services of, employers (including security contractors) and proprietary security managers. Sets forth restrictions regarding: (1) license fees; and (2) the assignment of private security officers. Sets forth requirements concerning: (1) preassignment screening; (2) private security officer training; (3) State issuance of registration permits to such officers; (4) waiver of preassignment screening and training requirements; (5) a grace period for issuance of new registration permits to such officers who hold current permits; (6) employee protection; (7) criminal charges made against such officers; and (8) penalties for violations of State requirements. Permits States to establish or maintain more stringent requirements than those under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Political Relationship Title II: Applicability of Federal Law Title III: Foreign Affairs and Defense Title IV: Courts Title V: Trade Title VI: Taxation Title VII: Immigration Title VIII: Labor Title IX: Transportation and Telecommunications Title X: Land, Natural Resources and Utilities Title XI: United States Financial Assistance Title XII: Technical Amendments and Interpretation Guam Commonwealth Act - Title I: Political Relationship - (Sec. 101) Creates the Commonwealth of Guam. Grants the people of Guam the right of full self-government through adoption of a Constitution and within specified guidelines. (Sec. 102) Recognizes the right of self-determination of the people of Guam. Directs the U.S. Government to promote preservation of the Chamorro culture, enhanced economic, social, and educational opportunities for Chamorros, and training of Chamorros for employment. Directs Guam to establish a land trust for the benefit of the indigenous Chamorro people and to establish residency requirements under the Constitution of Guam for voting and holding elective office. (Sec. 103) Allows this Act to be modified only with the mutual consent of the Governments of the United States and Guam. Title II: Applicability of Federal Law - (Sec. 201) Makes specified provisions of, and amendments to, the U.S. Constitution applicable to Guam. (Sec. 202) Makes Federal laws, rules, or regulations passed after the date of this Act inapplicable unless mutually consented to by the Governments of the United States and Guam. (Sec. 203) Creates the Joint Commission on the Applicability of Federal Law. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the President to delegate to the Governor of Guam performance of functions now vested in Federal administrative agencies. Title III: Foreign Affairs and Defense - (Sec. 301) Grants the United States responsibility for authority with respect to matters relating to foreign affairs and defense that affect Guam. (Sec. 302) Prohibits the establishment of military security zones or the stationing of foreign military personnel on the Island of Guam without the approval of the Government of Guam except in time of declared war, or the establishment of military bases without consultation with the Governor. (Sec. 304) Prohibits the United States from using Guam or the water surrounding it for the dumping or storage of nuclear waste or hazardous chemicals. Provides for the clean up by the United States of chemical dump sites used by the military. Requires the United States to compensate any person injured as a result of hazardous materials stored, used, or disposed of by the U.S. Government in Guam or its waters. Title IV: Courts - (Sec. 401) Specifies provisions governing the relations between U.S. courts and the local courts of Guam, the jurisdiction of the District Court of Guam, and the applicable district court rules. (Sec. 404) Provides for the appointment of a judge for the District Court of Guam, a U.S. attorney, and a U.S. marshal for Guam. Title V: Trade - (Sec. 501) Establishes a Guam-United States free trade area. Authorizes Guam to impose, increase, reduce, or eliminate duties and other restrictions on certain imports and exports. Title VI: Taxation - (Sec. 601) Makes U.S. income tax laws applicable to Guam. Deems such laws to impose a separate tax to be known as the Guam Commonwealth income tax. (Sec. 603) Allows the Government of Guam to provide for the rebate or reduction of taxes in order to assist new industries or economic development. (Sec. 604) Grants Guam the power to determine the nature and amount of taxes imposed upon the income and property of persons within its jurisdiction. Repeals applicable U.S. tax laws one year after Guam has enacted a replacement comprehensive local income tax. (Sec. 605) Exempts all bonds or other obligations issued by Guam from taxation by Federal, State, or local governments of the United States. Title VII: Immigration - (Sec. 701) Applies the Immigration and Nationality Act and pertinent Federal regulations to Guam for two years from enactment of this Act. Directs Guam to enact a comprehensive law on immigration to become effective at the end of the two-year period. (Sec. 702) Authorizes U.S. consular officials to issue visas for travel only to Guam for any alien seeking to enter Guam as a non-immigrant in order to encourage investors and tourists to come to Guam. Title VIII: Labor - (Sec. 801) Grants preference to qualified residents of Guam in all Federal civil service vacancies occurring in Guam. (Sec. 802) Grants Guam the authority to enact and enforce all laws regulating or affecting employment in Guam. Title IX: Transportation and Telecommunications - (Sec. 901) Precludes application of any U.S. law barring the U.S. registration and use of any foreign-built vessel within the waters around Guam for any purpose. Exempts from the coastwise laws of the United States any shipment of fish or fish products from Guam to any U.S. coastwise destination. Directs the Commission to examine the applicability of such laws and to recommend their termination upon determining that such laws constrain Guam's economic development. (Sec. 902) Authorizes the Governor of Guam to sponsor any qualified air service carrier to come to Guam, subject to presidential consultation concerning U.S. foreign policy and security interests. Exempts Guam from all bilateral treaties between the United States and foreign states with respect to scheduling and technical specifications of aircraft, other than safety requirements. (Sec. 903) Defines Guam as "domestic" for Federal Communications Commission rate setting purposes. Title X: Land, Natural Resources and Utilities - (Sec. 1001) Grants the Government of Guam the power of eminent domain. (Secs. 1001, 1002) Sets limits on U.S. acquisition of real property on Guam. Exempts Guam from Federal regulations governing the transfer or sale of excess Federal real property. Provides for the transfer of all excess Federal property to Guam, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 1003) Provides for access and use by the residents of Guam of certain retained Federal property, subject to military security requirements. (Sec. 1004) Directs the United States to transfer ownership of island utilities to Guam. Title XI: United States Financial Assistance - (Secs. 1101, 1102) Provides for the return of U.S. revenues from taxes and fees collected in Guam to the Government of Guam. Makes U.S. laws providing Federal benefits and financial assistance which are applicable to the States equally applicable to Guam. (Sec. 1104) Directs the Governor of Guam, in preparing an annual budget, to identify the costs and benefits to Guam brought about by its role as one of the principal U.S. military bases. (Sec. 1105) Provides for assistance to aid Guam's transition to a Commonwealth. Title XII: Technical Amendments and Interpretation - (Sec. 1203) Makes technical and conforming amendments. (Sec. 1204) Requires this Act to be submitted to the registered voters of Guam for ratification after being passed by the Congress. Repeals the Organic Act of Guam.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to the Collections of Life and Heritage, Inc., a nonprofit corporation of the African-American Panoramic Experience Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, to rehabilitate and expand their present facility. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Comprehensive HIV Prevention Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the title relating to the prevention of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with a new title on the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Requires: (1) coordination of the HIV infection prevention activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (designated agencies); (2) establishment of the Secretary's Advisory Council on HIV Prevention; (3) a comprehensive plan for each designated agency's activities; (4) submission directly to the President, for review and transmittal to the Congress, of a budget for carrying out each plan; and (5) establishment, within each designated agency other than NIH, of an office to prepare the plan and carry out related activities. Authorizes the conduct or support of: (1) activities to obtain epidemiological data; (2) community-based activities; (3) counseling and testing regarding HIV infection (and resulting conditions), referrals, and partner notification; (4) activities to provide information to the public and to special populations; (5) prevention activities regarding adolescents, including through school-based programs; and (6) prevention programs in addition to those specified in this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes technical assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to entitle a beneficiary to a prorated OASDI benefit for the month in which he or she dies. Disregards OASDI benefits for the month of death in determining maximum family benefits under OASDI.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1993
Declares that effective follow-up to achieve the goals of the agreements reached at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) will depend on the following actions by the President and Congress: (1) adoption of a national strategy for environmentally sustainable development; (2) facilitation of a means for adopting individual Agenda 21 plans of action; (3) the establishment of an effective mechanism to plan, initiate, and coordinate U.S. policy for implementing Agenda 21; and (4) the formulation of policies to help developing countries implement Agenda 21. Supports: (1) pursuing the research and policy initiatives urged in Agenda 21; (2) the Congress adopting a system to reallocate an appropriate amount of savings from reduced defense spending to achieve its goals of global environmental protection and sustainable development over the next decade; (3) the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development; and (4) rules of procedure for the Commission which ensure the participation of nongovernmental organizations. Calls on the President to: (1) actively participate in multilateral efforts aimed at creating a more favorable international economic climate for developing countries to practice sustainable development; (2) affirm strong U.S. commitment to the Commission by appointing a high-level representative to the Commission and by supporting the Under Secretary General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development in coordinating the implementation of Agenda 21 in the United Nations system and heading the secretariat support structure for the Commission; (3) submit a national report to the Commission on activities the United States has undertaken to implement Agenda 21 both domestically and internationally, on progress made toward fulfilling other commitments undertaken at UNCED, and on other environmental and developmental activities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of Wilderness Title II: Administrative Provisions Utah BLM Wilderness Act of 1993 - Title I: Designation of Wilderness - Designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin wilderness areas; (2) Zion and Mojave Desert wilderness areas; (3) the Grand Staircase Wilderness and the Kaiparowits Plateau Wilderness; (4) Escalante Canyon wilderness areas; (5) the Henry Mountains Wilderness; (6) the Dirty Devil River Wilderness; (7) Cedar Mesa wilderness areas; (8) Canyonlands wilderness areas; (9) San Rafael Swell wilderness areas; and (10) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin wilderness areas. Title II: Administrative Provisions - Reserves the Federal Government's rights to a quantity of water sufficient for each wilderness area designated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1993
Deplores human rights violations committed by the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA)-controlled government forces and by the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Condemns UNITA's refusal to negotiate, its attempts to expand the war, and its apparent effort to disregard the democratic process and instead win a military victory in Angola. Urges both parties to the conflict to negotiate an immediate ceasefire and set a timetable for full implementation of the Bicesse Peace Accords. Calls upon the President to: (1) accord diplomatic recognition to the Government of Angola; (2) appoint a Special Envoy to Angola; (3) urge the United Nations Secretary General to take steps to facilitate a ceasefire and build an acceptable climate for a presidential run-off in Angola; (4) take steps in the international community to pressure any nation or party to the conflict determined to be obstructing peace in Angola; and (5) consider dispatching a team to Angola to assess the humanitarian crisis and make recommendations for a U.S. response.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
Check Cashing Act of 1933 - Sets forth licensing requirements for businesses that engage in issuing, redeeming, or cashing checks, travellers' checks, money orders, or similar instruments, or that transmit money. Confers licensing authority over such businesses upon the Federal Trade Commission (the Commission). Subjects violators of this Act to a civil penalty. Sets a maximum fee limitation which such businesses may charge for their services. Prohibits a depository institution from refusing to cash government checks where the presenter is the payee and provides sufficient identification. Mandates that checks drawn by Federal agencies be mailed only to specified addresses. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the effects of requiring the use of a debit card system for making Federal benefit payments.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
Voting Rights of Homeless Citizens Act of 1993 - Prohibits the imposition or application by any State or political subdivision or any standard, practice, procedure, or qualification or prerequisite to voting to deny or abridge the right of any U.S. citizen to vote because that citizen resides at or in a non-traditional abode. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action or an aggrieved citizen to institute a proceeding under this Act for injunctive relief against a violation of such provision.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
Sets forth certain restrictions with respect to the enclosure space and diet in the the raising of calves for veal. Subjects violators to specified civil and criminal remedies. Authorizes inspections by the Secretary of Agriculture or any designated representative.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1993
Department of Energy Laboratory Technology Act of 1993 - Authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to maintain departmental laboratories to pursue specified statutory missions. Prohibits commitment of more than ten percent of a departmental laboratory's annual budget to technology transfer activities that do not directly support such missions. Requires the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to submit a plan to the Congress for the phased consolidation of nuclear weapons-related activities conducted by DOE laboratories. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish: (1) the offices of Under Secretary of Energy, General Counsel, and Under Secretary for Science and Technology; (2) the Technology Development Advisory Board; and (3) the Office of Technology Development. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to reduce the time required for review and or/approval of a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) pertaining to federally-owned contractor-operated laboratories. Mandates that any CRADA involving a Federal commitment of $500,000 or more contain technical milestones, goals, and criteria annually reviewed by the sponsoring Federal agency. Authorizes a Federal agency to permit the director of its Government-owned, contractor-operated laboratories to enter into a CRADA agreement without its specific approval if it involves a Federal commitment of $5 million or less. Establishes: (1) a National Technology Partnership Award; and (2) a Federal Laboratory Mission Evaluation and Coordination Committee to implement certain evaluation and coordination functions related to activities of the Federal laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any legislation enacted to reform the health care delivery system of the United States should: (1) ensure that the unique needs of rural residents are addressed and solved, that people who live in rural areas receive the same quality health care as others, and that rural health care services are coordinated effectively with existing systems and programs of medical, income, residential, and social support at the Federal, State, and local levels; (2) increase funding for programs that train health care professionals for rural practice and provide incentives for them to practice in rural areas, increase coordination among transportation programs, and increase funding to rural transit programs and to emergency medical services; and (3) encourage telecommunications consortia and other measures to ensure rural access to emerging medical technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1993
Welcomes the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (as association of reserve officers representing nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to the United States for its XLVI Congress at Washington, D.C., during August 1993. Urges and commends efforts of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Reserve Officers Association, and all Federal departments and agencies in hosting such Congress and carrying out appropriate activities and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Title I: Treatment of Vessels Under the Countervailing and Antidumping Duty Laws Title II: Fair Trade for the United States Shipbuilding and Repair Industry Title I: Treatment of Vessels Under the Countervailing and Antidumping Duty Laws - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to define "vessel" to mean any of the following: cruise ship, excursion boat, ferry boat, cargo ship, barge, or similar vessel for the transport of persons or goods, fishing vessel, factory ship or other vessel for processing or preserving fishery products, or other vessels (other than a warship), including lifeboats, of not less than 100 gross tons. Declares a "vessel" to be considered merchandise subject to antidumping and countervailing duties if an antidumping or countervailing duty order has been issued and the construction or repair of such vessel was carried out in a foreign country which: (1) is not a signatory to a trade agreement with the United States that provides for the elimination of the dumping of vessels and the subsidizing of vessel construction or repair; or (2) is a signatory to a trade agreement but was not in compliance with such agreement during the construction or repair. Title II: Fair Trade for the United States Shipbuilding and Repair Industry - Shipbuilding Trade Reform Act of 1993 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to investigate and list foreign countries that provide, directly or indirectly, a subsidy for the construction or repair of vessels. Provides for administrative procedures and judicial review with respect to list determinations. Sets forth penalties for foreign countries that: (1) provide the Secretary with false or misleading information during an investigation; (2) renew subsidies after having been determined not to have provided them; or (3) fail to eliminate such subsidies. Provides for: (1) the negotiation of trade agreements for the elimination of subsidies for the construction or repair of vessels by foreign countries; and (2) penalties for noncompliance with such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Alcohol Ingredient Labeling Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a malt beverage, wine, or distilled spirit mislabeled unless it bears a label disclosing: (1) the alcoholic content; (2) the number of drinks (defining "drink" as .6 ounces of alcohol); (3) its ingredients and calories; (4) the common name of each ingredient, including additives; and (5) a toll-free number for help with a drinking problem. Authorizes appropriations for the toll-free number.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1993
Jesse Gray Housing Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out a program to construct new public housing units. Requires the Secretary to make financial assistance available for public housing projects, especially those likely to be disposed of or demolished. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a project demolition application. Requires public housing agencies to carry out job training and employment programs in connection with certain housing construction and revitalization projects. Reduces lower income rent contribution amounts under the National Housing Act, the United States Housing Act of 1937, the Housing Act of 1949, the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965, and the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983. Excludes welfare or social security cost-of-living adjustments from such adjusted income determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1993
Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to exempt from a prohibition on airborne hunting persons authorized by, or operating under permits of, States or the Federal Government to protect a native species that is listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (currently, to protect wildlife). Requires States proposing to authorize persons to perform otherwise prohibited airborne hunting acts to report to the Secretary of the Interior if the acts: (1) will be performed for purposes of administering or protecting wildlife that is listed as an endangered or threatened species; or (2) affect lands or other resources administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the National Park Service. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on whether such proposed acts: (1) may be authorized by the State; or (2) affect BLM or Park Service lands or resources.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Authorizes the President to provide assistance for victims of torture in the former Yugoslavia (without regard to U.S. diplomatic recognition of a republic), with a particular focus on victims of the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Standby Guardianship Act - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to have laws that permit a parent who is chronically ill or near death to designate a standby guardian for a minor child without surrendering parental rights.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
United States One Dollar Coin Act of 1993 - Amends Federal currency law to prescribe the color and content of one-dollar coins. Mandates that the reverse side of the one-dollar coin have a design recognizing America's veterans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cease regular production of one-dollar Federal Reserve notes by a specified date (except for such quantities as are required to meet collectors' needs).
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 - Prohibits any agency, department, or official of the United States or any State (the government) from burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except that the government may burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person: (1) furthers a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Sets forth provisions pertaining to judicial relief, attorney's fees, and applicability.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
National Economic Conversion and Environmental Restoration Act of 1993 - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make demonstration grants to institutions of higher education to provide education and training in environmental restoration to dislocated defense workers and young adults. Sets forth consortium, application, reporting, and other program requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Safety and Health Programs Title II: Safety and Health Committees and Employee Safety and Health Representatives Title III: Coverage Title IV: Occupational Safety and Health Standards Title V: Enforcement Title VI: Protection of Employees from Discrimination Title VII: Technical Assistance and Training Title VIII: Recordkeeping and Reporting Title IX: NIOSH Title X: State Plans Title XI: Victim's Rights Title XII: Construction Safety Title XIII: Worker's Compensation Study Title XIV: Administration Title XV: Effective Date Comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Reform Act - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) with respect to occupational safety and health programs, committees, employee representatives, coverage, standards, enforcement, antidiscrimination, training and education, hazard and illness evaluation, State plans, and victims' rights. Title I: Safety and Health Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends requirements for each employer to set up and carry out a written occupational safety and health program that includes specified methods and procedures. Title II: Safety and Health Committees and Employee Safety and Health Representatives - (Sec. 201) Amends OSHA to require each employer of 11 or more employees (each for 20 or more hours per week) to provide for: (1) health committees; and (2) employee safety and health representatives. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary), upon the employer's application, to approve establishment of an alternative method of employee participation in worksite health and safety activities in a manner at least as effective as committee participation, if such alternative mechanism meets specified conditions. Provides for employee participation in the Secretary's inspections of workplaces. Title III: Coverage - (Sec. 301) Revises the OSHA definition of employer to extend OSHA coverage to States and local government employees. (Sec. 302) Directs the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives to establish a comprehensive occupational safety and health program meeting specified OSHA and other requirements. (Sec. 303) Applies OSHA to employment performed in Federal nuclear facilities under the control or jurisdiction of the Department of Energy. (Sec. 304) Extends an employer's duties under OSHA to all employees working at the place of employment (even if they are not the employer's employees). Title IV: Occupational Safety and Health Standards - (Sec. 401) Specifies timeframes and procedures for setting OSHA standards. (Sec. 403) Requires each OSHA standard to prescribe requirements for recording or reporting work-related adverse medical conditions determined as a result of medical examinations or test. (Sec. 404) Requires public disclosure of all communications on OSHA standards with parties outside the Department of Labor, including those with executive branch officials (except the President). (Sec. 405) Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) acting through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to modify and establish exposure limits for toxic materials and harmful physical agents on a regular basis in a specified manner. (Sec. 406 and 407) Directs the Secretary to promulgate final standards: (1) on exposure monitoring and medical surveillance programs; and (2) on ergonomic hazards to protect employees from work-related musculoskeletal disorders. (Sec. 408) Requires that emergency temporary standards: (1) be issued based on the best available evidence; and (2) remain in effect for no more than 18 months (currently six months). (Sec. 409) Directs the Secretary to issue, within 60 days, an interim final regulation reducing permissible exposure limits to toxic substances, including a specified final rule on air contaminants and a proposed rule on air contaminants for construction, agriculture, and maritime. Title V: Enforcement - (Sec. 501) Provides that time spent by an employee in accompanying the Secretary's representative on an OSHA inspection shall be deemed hours worked, with no loss of wages, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employent. (Sec. 502) Requires the Secretary to notify employees or their representatives, within 30 days after receipt of their request for inspection, of the Secretary's determination that there are no reasonable grounds to believe a violation or danger exists. (Sec. 503) Requires the Secretary to make a special inspection upon notification by any Federal or State agency of reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of OSHA or specified safety and health standards exists that threatens physical harm. (Sec. 504) Directs the Secretary to carry out a special emphasis inspection program for conducting inspections of industries or operations where existing hazards or newly recognized or new hazards introduced into work sites warrant more intensive than normal inspections. (Sec. 505) Requires the Secretary to investigate any work-related death or serious incident resulting in hospitalization of two or more employees. Requires the employer to: (1) notify the Secretary of any death or serious incident occurring in a place of employment covered by OSHA; and (2) prevent the destruction or alteration of evidence that would assist in an investigation. (Sec. 506) Revises provisions for abatement of serious hazards during employer contests to a citation. (Sec. 507) Grants employees the right to contest a citation's designation of the character of a violation or any proposed penalties as inadequate. (Sec. 508) Grants employee representatives the right to participate in other proceedings (as well as hearings) conducted under specified OSHA enforcement procedures. (Sec. 509) Requires the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission's rules of procedure to provide for prompt notice to affected employees or their representatives if the Secretary intends to withdraw or modify a citation as a result of any agreement with the employer. Grants employees or their representative, regardless of whether they have previously elected to participate in the proceedings, the right to object to modifications or withdrawals of citations. (Sec. 510) Revises OSHA provisions for restraining imminent dangers. Grants employees the right to refuse to perform a duty identified as the source of an imminent danger, and prohibits discrimination against them for such refusal. Specifies a civil penalty against an employer for each day during which an employee continues to be exposed. (Sec. 511) Authorizes the Secretary to issue citations and assess penalties for violations of specified OSHA provisions relating to: (1) inspections, investigations, and recordkeeping; (2) safety and health programs; (3) safety and health committees; and (4) construction plans and programs. (Sec. 512) Revises OSHA criminal penalties to subject to them not only the employer but also certain officers, management officials, and supervisiors. Increases the maximum amount of fines and length of prison terms for specified violations. Establishes criminal penalties for a willful violation that causes serious bodily injury (currently, death only). Prohibits a penalty or fine imposed on a director, officer, or agent of an employer from being paid out of the employer's assets. Provides that nothing in OSHA shall preclude State and local law enforcement agencies from conducting criminal prosecutions. (Sec. 514) Directs the Secretary to establish an effective system for targeting inspections of worksites, with priority given to those with a high potential for death, serious injury, or exposures to toxic materials or harmful physical agents. (Sec. 515) Provides for the vacating of specified citations for violations if the employer demonstrates that certain conditions involving adequate employee training and work rule enforcement have been met. (Sec. 516) Increases the minimum penalty for specified types of serious offenses. Title VI: Protection of Employees from Discrimination - (Sec. 601) Extends OSHA antidiscrimination coverage to employees: (1) reporting any injury, illness, or unsafe condition to the employer, employer's agent, safety and health committee, or employee safety and health representative; and (2) refusing to perform duties when reasonably apprehensive that doing so would result in serious injury to themselves or other employees, after having sought and been unable to obtain from the employer corrections of the circumstances causing such refusal. Revises procedures for consideration of discrimination complaints. Revises remedies. (Sec. 602) Requires the Secretary's regulations to include provisions requiring employers to post employee rights protections under such OSHA antidiscrimination provisions. Title VII: Technical Assistance and Training - (Section 701) Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate curricula, model programs, and other information and materials to assist employers in complying with OSHA standards and requirements for safety and health programs, employee training and education, and safety and health committees. Directs the Secrtary to establish a program to provide technical assistance and consultative services concerning worksite safety and health to employers and employees. Requires targeting of such assistance and consultation at small employers, high hazard worksites, and high hazard industries. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund, the OSHA Assistance Fund, to pay for such programs. Directs the Secretary to impose fees to offset program costs. Title VIII: Recordkeeping and Reporting - (Sec. 801) Requires the Secretary to collect information and conduct analyses identifying: (1) industries, employers, processes, operations, and occupations, with a high rate of injury or illness; (2) factors that cause or contribute to injuries and illnesses; (3) workers' compensation costs associated with injuries and illnesses; and (4) employee exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents. Directs the Secretary to require each employer covered by OSHA to report: (1) each work-related death of an employee immediately upon knowledge; and (2) each serious incident resulting in hospitalization of two or more employees within 24 hours of the incident. (Sec. 802) Revises OSHA requirements for employer records and reports to include work-related illnesses reported by an employee or an employee's physician, unless the employer determines the illness is not work-related. (Sec. 803) Requires all such employer records and reports to be made available to the Secretary, the Secretary of HHS, employees, and employee representatives. Title IX: NIOSH - (Sec. 901) Requires NIOSH hazard to evaluation reports to evaluate whether any potentially hazardous condition or harmful physical agent found in the place of employment poses a risk to exposed employees. (Sec. 902) Directs the Secretary of HHS to identify major factors contributing to occupational injuries and deaths through accident investigations and epidemiological research. (Sec. 903) Extends the authority of the Secretary of HHS, and of NIOSH, to inspect records to the Secretary's designees and contractors. (Sec. 904) Directs the Secretary of HHS, to establish a national surveillance program to identify cases of occupational illnesses, deaths, and serious injuries. (Sec. 905) Establishes NIOSH as a separate agency within the U.S. Public Health Service in the Department of HHS. (Sec. 907) Includes education programs for employees and members of safety and health committees under NIOSH training provisions. Title X: State Plans - (Sec. 1001 and Sec. 1002) Revises OSHA requirements for State plans to provide for: (1) development of safety and health programs and safety and health committees and training programs that are at least as effective as those under the new OSHA requirements; and (2) reporting requirements, protection of employee rights, and access to information that are at least as effective as those under OSHA or other Federal laws governing access to information related to OSHA. (Sec. 1003) Requires a State to enforce a Federal OSHA standard until a State standard at least as effective is in effect, if a State fails to adopt or promulgate such a standard within six months after the Federal standard is promulgated. (Sec. 1004 and Sec. 1005) Sets forth requirements and procedures for the Secretary of Labor to: (1) investigate complaints against a State's compliance with and enforcement of the State plan; and (2) take corrective action against such State noncompliance. (Sec. 1006) Requires States operating State safety and health plans to conform them to this Act. Title XI: Victim's Rights - (Sec. 1101) Provides for victims' rights under OSHA, including family members as well as the injured employee. Title XII: Construction Safety - (Sec. 1202) Amends OSHA to establish in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (the Administration) an Office of Construction Safety, Health, and Education (the Office). Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to: (1) identify construction employers with high rates of fatalities or lost workday injuries or illnesses or with patterns of noncompliance with health and safety requirements; (2) develop a system for notifying such employers; (3) establish courses and curricula for training OSHA inspectors an other OSHA employees with construction safety and health duties; (4) establish model compliance programs and assist employers, employees, and their representative organizations in setting up their training programs; and (5) establish a toll-free line on which reports, complaints, and notifications required under OSHA may be made. Establishes within the Administration the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Construction. (Sec. 1203) Establishes requirements for construction safety and health plans and programs, involving construction employers and designated project constructors and coordinators. (Sec. 1204) Directs the Secretary to establish an effective targeting system for general schedule construction inspections. Directs the Secretary to require constructors to report promptly any incident involving construction work that results in a fatality, an injury or illness causing two or more hospitalizations, or a structural failure or fire or explosion which caused or could have caused serious bodily injury to employees. (Sec. 1205) Expands the advisory jurisdiction of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (the Committee). (Sec. 1206) Requires any State construction safety and health plan to contain requirements at least as effective as those imposed by the Act and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. (Sec. 1207) Establishes in OSHA a Construction Safety and Health Academy to train OSHA employees who conduct construction worksite inspections and others the Secretary considers appropriate. (Sec. 1208) Considers a project constructor an employer for specified OSHA enforcement purposes. (Sec. 1209) Directs the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress annually on the construction industry and after three years on whether the office should be continued or a Construction Industry Safety and Health Administration should be established in the Department of Labor. (Sec. 1210) Directs the Secretary to recommend to specified congressional committees any legislative changes required to make safety records (including records of compliance with Federal safety and health laws and regulations) one criterion considered in the awarding of Federal construction contracts. Title XIII: Worker's Compensation Study - (Sec. 1301) Establishes the Federal Workers' Compensation Commission. Directs the Commission to study and report on workers' compensation laws and system with respect to specified issues. Title XIV: Administration - Establishes an Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the Department of Labor, to be headed by an Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health. Title XV: Effective Date - (Sec. 1501) Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish birth defects prevention and research programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to provide for collection, analysis, and reporting of birth defects statistics from birth certificates, infant death certificates, hospital records, or other sources and to collect and disaggregate such statistics by gender and racial and ethnic group. Directs the Secretary to establish at least five regional birth defects monitoring and research programs to collect and analyze information on the number, incidence, correlation, and causes of birth defects. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award grants or enter into cooperative agreements with specified entities to serve as Centers of Excellence for Birth Defects Prevention Research. Requires one of the Centers to focus on birth defects among ethnic minorities. Requires the CDC to establish a clearinghouse for the collection and storage of data generated from birth defects monitoring programs developed under this Act. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to provide for the evaluation, and implementation of prevention strategies designed to reduce the incidence and effects of birth defects. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee for Birth Defects Prevention. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources regarding birth defects. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Urges the President to urge the: (1) United Kingdom to take prompt steps toward the realization of reconciliation in Northern Ireland by the initiation of a process for the declaration and constitutional incorporation of human rights and civil liberties, similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights and European Convention on Human Rights; and (2) European Community to take action to ensure that the Government of the United Kingdom is brought up to par with the rest of the Community's member nations in the oversight and protection of human rights and civil liberties in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1993
Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to assist eligible members of the armed forces to obtain employment by State or local law enforcement agencies or by health care providers upon discharge or release from active duty. Makes eligible for such assistance members: (1) selected for involuntary separation, separated under a special separation benefits program, or given early retirement during a four-year period beginning on October 1, 1993; (2) having certain educational degrees or certification; and (3) having a military occupational specialty, training, or experience related to law enforcement or health care. Provides for the making of grants to law enforcement agencies and health care providers in order to facilitate such employment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1993
Designates April 1993 as National African American Health Awareness Month. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) make information available to the public on the health problems currently facing minority populations and on the careers and contributions of minority health professionals; and (2) present public service announcements on health promotion and disease prevention among African Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
Anti Redlining in Insurance Disclosure Act - Requires certain insurers to maintain and make available to the Secretary of Commerce and the public specified information on their practices and activities with respect to property and casualty insurance sold in urban areas, such as the number of policies sold by census tract, itemized by demographic characteristics. Mandates disclosure to insurance applicants of the reasons for rejection or nonrenewal. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to ensure that the practices of insurers in terminating agents who handle property or casualty insurance do not result in: (1) an inappropriate effect on the availability or affordability of insurance from such insurers; and (2) unfair discrimination against agents as a result of their geographic locations or their clients'. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop, or assist in the improvement of, methods of matching addresses and census tracts to facilitate compliance by insurers with this Act; (2) compile for each urban area aggregate data by census tract for all insurers; and (3) produce tables for each such area indicating aggregate insurance underwriting patterns for various categories of census tracts grouped according to location, age of property, income level, and racial characteristics. Requires such data and tables to be made public. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment of a State-Based American Health Security Program; Universal Entitlement; Enrollment Title II: Comprehensive Benefits, Including Preventive Benefits and Benefits for Long Term Care Title III: Provider Participation Title IV: Administration Subtitle A: General Administrative Provisions Subtitle B: Control Over Fraud and Abuse Title V: Quality Assessment Title VI: National Health Security Budget; Payments; Cost Containment Measures Subtitle A: Budgeting and Payments to States Subtitle B: Payments by States to Providers Subtitle C: Mandatory Assignment and Administrative Provisions Title VII: Promotion of Primary Health Care; Development of Health Service Capacity; Programs to Assist the Medically Underserved Subtitle A: Promotion and Expansion of Primary Care Professional Training Subtitle B: Direct Health Care Delivery Subtitle C: Primary Care and Outcomes Research Title VIII: Financing Provisions, American Health Security Trust Fund Subtitle A: American Health Security Trust Fund Subtitle B: Increases in Corporate and Individual Income Tax Rates; Health Security Premium; and Surtax on Individuals with Incomes Over $1,000,000 Subtitle C: Employment Tax Changes Subtitle D: Other Revenue Increases Primarily Affecting Individuals Subtitle E: Other Revenue Increases Primary Affecting Businesses Subtitle F: Estimated Tax Provisions Subtitle G: Alternative Taxable Years Subtitle H: Deduction for Charitable Contribution of Appreciated Property Limited to Adjusted Basis Subtitle I: Minimum 5 Percent Rate of Tax on Interest Paid to Foreign Persons American Health Security Act of 1993 - Title I: Establishment of a State-Based American Health Security Program; Universal Entitlement; Enrollment - Establishes in the United States an American Health Security Program (AHSP) to be administered by the States (including the District of Columbia and, if they so choose, U.S. territories) in accordance with Federal standards established under this Act. Requires a State to establish a State health security program (program) in accordance with this Act to receive Federal health care funding. (Sec. 102) Entitles every individual who is a resident of the United States and is a U.S. citizen or national or a lawful resident alien to benefits for health care services under this Act under the appropriate State program. Sets forth provisions regarding the treatment of nonimmigrants and other individuals. (Sec. 103) Requires each State program to: (1) provide a mechanism for the enrollment of individuals entitled or eligible for benefits (which includes a process for the automatic enrollment of individuals at the time of birth, immigration, or other acquisition of lawful resident status in the United States and provides for the enrollment of all individuals who are eligible to be enrolled as of January 1, 1995); and (2) issue a health security card to enrolled individuals. (Sec. 104) Makes benefits portable when enrollees move or travel between States. Prohibits imposition of a minimum residence or waiting period in excess of three months for program benefit eligibility. Allows reciprocal arrangements between programs in adjacent States for coverage for enrollees residing in the border region. (Sec. 105) Makes benefits available under this Act for items and services furnished on or after January 1, 1995. (Sec. 106) Supersedes Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and CHAMPUS, which must pay for completion of services they covered before January 1, 1995. Specifies that nothing in this Act affects the eligibility of veterans for Veterans Administration health benefits and services, or of Indians for benefits and services of the Indian Health Service. Title II: Comprehensive Benefits, Including Preventive Benefits and Benefits for Long Term Care - Entitles all eligible individuals to have payment made (if medically necessary and appropriate for the maintenance of health or for the diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of a health condition) for inpatient and outpatient hospital services, professional services of State-authorized practitioners, community-based primary health services, preventive services, long-term and chronic care services, prescription drugs, biologicals, insulin, and medical foods, dental services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, diagnostic tests, and other specified items and services, including outpatient therapy, durable medical equipment, home dialysis, ambulance, prosthetic devices, and other items and services specified by the American Health Security Standards Board (Board) (established by title IV of this Act). Specifies that: (1) no deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments may be charged for acute care benefits; (2) no provider may charge a patient for covered services; (3) no private insurance may duplicate program benefits; and (4) States and employers may provide additional benefits at their own expense. (Sec. 203) Covers home and community-based long-term care services for persons unable to perform at least two of five listed activities of daily living without assistance. Limits the cost of such services to 65 percent (or an alternative percentage determined by the Board) of the cost of nursing home care for an individual in the same area in which the services were provided. (Sec. 204) Makes mental health, substance abuse, nursing facility, and home health services subject to utilization review. Directs the Board to make national determinations on coverage of experimental services, with professional and public input. Specifies that where the Board has recognized practice guidelines, coverage is limited to services provided according to the guidelines or any established exception process. Allows the Board to limit quantities of eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment that will be covered. Excludes from coverage cosmetic procedures, personal comfort items, and services furnished in non-participating facilities. (Sec. 205) Specifies that: (1) States may require providers to certify that covered services were provided according to program requirements; (2) quality review programs must meet Federal standards; and (3) States may require plans of care for coverage of certain services. Title III: Provider Participation - Requires providers, to receive payment, to agree: (1) not to discriminate based on race, national origin, income, religion, age, sex or sexual orientation, disability, handicapping condition, or (subject to the professional qualifications of the provider) illness; (2) not to charge patients for covered services; (3) to furnish necessary information to the Board or program; (4) not to employ other providers whose participation has been terminated for cause; and (5) to submit bills within a specified time frame. (Sec. 302) Considers a health care provider to be qualified if it is licensed or certified and meets State law requirements, applicable Federal requirements, and additional standards that the Board may specify. Requires: (1) the Board to establish, evaluate, and update national minimum standards to assure the quality of services provided and to monitor efforts by programs to assure such quality; (2) a reasonable transition period for any new standards; and (3) the Board to provide for an exchange of information among programs with respect to quality assurance and cost containment. (Sec. 303) Defines a "comprehensive health service organization" (CHSO) as a public or private organization which, in return for a capitated payment amount, furnishes or arranges a full range of health services and out-of-area coverage in the case of urgently needed services to an identified population in a specified service area which enrolls voluntarily in the organization. Sets forth various CHSO requirements regarding enrollment, withdrawal for cause, accessibility of services, continuity of care, consumer and provider representation on the board of directors, a patient grievance program, medical standards committees, premiums, utilization and bonus information, provision of services to enrollees at institutions operating under global budgets, marketing of services, and provision of emergency services to nonenrollees. (Sec. 304) Extends current Medicare prohibitions on physician self-referrals for clinical laboratory services to other services and applies such prohibitions to AHSP. Title IV: Administration - Subtitle A: General Administrative Provisions - Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board to develop policies and procedures for enrollment, benefits, provider participation, national and State funding levels, assisting programs with planning for capital expenditures and service delivery, and other functions and to establish uniform reporting standards for health services and programs. Authorizes the Board to make statistical and other studies, test alternative payment methods, and develop and test information and budget systems. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director of the Board and an Inspector General. (Sec. 402) Directs the Board to provide for an American Health Security Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy, in the formulation of regulations, and in the performance of the Board's duties and to study the operation of, and utilization of health services under, this Act. (Sec. 403) Directs the Board to appoint advisory committees on benefits, cost containment, primary care and the medically underserved, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and prescription drugs. Authorizes the Board to appoint other temporary advisory committees. (Sec. 404) Establishes an American Health Security Quality Council which shall be responsible for quality review activities (under title V). Directs the Quality Council to report to the Board annually on activities and findings from outcomes research and development of practice guidelines that may affect the Board's determination of coverage of services. (Sec. 405) Requires: (1) each State to submit to the Board a plan for a program for providing health care services to residents of the State (but allows neighboring States to join in regional plans); (2) the Board to provide incentives for States to develop regional planning mechanisms to promote the rational distribution of, adequate access to, and efficient use of, tertiary care facilities, equipment, and services; (3) State programs to meet Federal standards, including single-agency administration, a State health security budget, provider payment and quality review methodologies consistent with Federal standards, freedom to choose providers, a consumer ombudsman, an annual report, and a fraud and abuse prevention and control unit; and (4) the Governor of each State to provide for appointment of a State Health Security Advisory Council to advise and make recommendations to the Governor and State regarding program implementation. Allows: (1) programs not meeting Federal requirements, after notice, to be placed in receivership under the Board's jurisdiction; and (2) States to use fiscal agents, after competitive bidding, to process claims. (Sec. 406) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to direct all activities of the Department of Health and Human Services toward contributions to health of the people in a manner complementary to this Act. Subtitle B: Control Over Fraud and Abuse - Authorizes the Board to exclude providers from participation, impose civil monetary penalties, and seek criminal prosecution for fraud or abuse, based on current Medicaid standards. Requires providers to disclose relevant information about their ownership interest in health facilities and services, based on current Medicaid standards. (Sec. 412) Requires the Board: (1) through the Inspector General, to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data base, including the identity of any provider who has been convicted, had a license revoked, has been excluded or suspended from participation, or has been subjected to a civil penalty with respect to a State program, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federally funded health program; and (2) to establish rules to protect the confidentiality of information in the data base. Requires States to provide relevant information for this purpose and to periodically inquire of the data base to determine provider qualifications to participate in programs. Sets penalties for submitting false information. (Sec. 413) Requires each program to establish and maintain a health care fraud and abuse unit. (Sec. 414) Directs the Board to provide for the assignment of a unique identifier to each participating provider and to each individual eligible for services, which shall be used for claims and payment. Title V: Quality Assessment - Directs the Quality Council to: (1) collect data from outcomes research on an ongoing basis and develop practice guidelines on the basis of such data and existing clinical knowledge; (2) adopt methodologies for profiling the patterns of practice of health care professionals and for identifying outliers (i.e., health care providers whose patterns of practice suggest quality deficiencies); (3) develop standards for the development of centers of excellence for designated procedures and for education of and sanctions for outliers; and (4) disseminate all quality guidelines and standards to the States for implementation. (Sec. 502) Requires each participating State to establish an entity to conduct quality reviews of persons providing covered services under its program which meet Federal standards for the adoption of practice guidelines, identification of outliers, development of remedial programs and monitoring for outliers, and the application of sanctions. Allows the State to adopt alternative methodologies to those adopted by the Quality Council provided that the State can demonstrate that the efficacy of such review and education programs meets Federal standards. Mandates that the quality review entity be administratively independent of the individual or board that administers the program and not provide any financial incentive to reviewers to favor one pattern of practice over another. (Sec. 503) Expresses the intent to replace random utilization controls with a systematic review of patterns of practice that compromise the quality of care by January 1, 1998. Supercedes all existing Federal utilization review programs, including random case-by-case reviews and programs requiring pre-certification of medical procedures on a case-by-case basis, with exceptions. Specifies that nothing in this section shall preclude case management of catastrophic, mental health, or substance abuse cases where necessary to achieve appropriate, cost-effective, and beneficial comprehensive medical care. (Sec. 504) Requires: (1) each State program to develop and use a uniform electronic data base which uses software designated by the Board and which assures confidentiality for all patient records to enable systematic quality review and outcomes analysis; and (2) the Board to designate such software and establish standards designed to protect the privacy of patients. Limits access by government agencies to patient records. Title VI: Health Security Budget; Payments; Cost Containment Measures - Subtitle A: Budgeting and Payments to States - Directs the Board to establish a national health security budget which specifies the total expenditures to be made by the Federal Government and the States for covered health care services, and allocates those expenditures among the States. Prohibits such budget from exceeding the budget for the preceding year increased by the percentage increase in gross domestic product. Divides the budget into quality assessment, professional education, administrative, and operating components. (Sec. 602) Provides for the allocation of funds in the budget by the Board to the States, based on the national average per capita costs of covered services adjusted for differences among the States in costs and the health status of populations. Permits the use of statistical models to estimate State capitation amounts. Sets forth State adjustment factors to reflect differences in relative needs for funds and directs that such factors be applied in a budget-neutral manner resulting in no change in total Federal expenditures from the national per capita average. (Sec. 603) Requires each program to submit to the Board a proposed and final annual budget broken into quality assessment, professional training, administrative, and operating components, with the operating component broken into facility-based services, individual practitioner payments, payments to CHSOs, and payments for other items and services. Sets forth provisions regarding proposed and final budget deadlines, adjustments in allocations, and expenditure limits. Permits programs to provide for a process for the approval of capital expenditures based on information derived from regional planning agencies. (Sec. 604) Provides for programs to receive Federal funds equal to a weighted average of 86 percent of their population-based share of the budget, which the Board may adjust between 81 and 91 percent based on State economic conditions. (Sec. 605) Requires each program to establish a separate budget account for health professional education expenditures and to distribute funds consistent with the achievement of specified national and program goals, including the receipt by the Board of reports to monitor compliance, and taking into account the potentially higher costs of placing health professional students in clinical education programs in health professional shortage areas. Subtitle B: Payments by States to Providers - Directs that: (1) payment for operating expenses for institutional and facility-based care under State programs be made directly to each institution or facility under an annual prospective global budget approved under the program; (2) such budgets take into account discharges by diagnosis-related group, prior expenditures, the extent to which debt service for capital expenditures has been included in the proposed operating budget, change in the consumer price index and other price indices, compensation, occupancy levels, past financial and clinical performance, training, technological changes, and incentives to maintain costs without reducing care; and (3) facility budgets be adjusted to reflect payments made by CHSOs. Allows programs to permit institutions and facilities to raise funds from private sources to pay for newly constructed facilities, major renovations, and equipment. (Sec. 612) Requires: (1) State programs to pay individual practitioners on a fee-for-service basis, as negotiated between States and practitioner representatives; (2) the Board to establish models for such payment and for global fee payment methodologies to encourage payment for combinations of services; and (3) practitioners to bill State programs within 30 days of providing services. Permits States to require electronic billing. (Sec. 613) Authorizes programs to pay CHSOs based on annual budgets or risk-adjusted capitation payments, reduced by the costs of covered services not provided by the CHSO. (Sec. 614) Directs that programs pay for community-based primary health services based on global budgets, basic primary care capitation amounts for enrollees, or fee-for-service, taking into account costs of serving non-covered patients, providing case management, transportation, and translation, and providing health professional education programs. (Sec. 615) Requires: (1) the Board to establish a list of approved prescription drugs based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Prescription Drugs and to negotiate maximum prices with manufacturers; and (2) each program to pay for such drugs based on such maximum prices and to pay separate dispensing fees to pharmacies. (Sec. 616) Directs the Board to establish a list of approved durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices and equipment and programs to pay for such items based on maximum prices determined by the Board. (Sec. 617) Requires State programs to pay for other items and services based on methodologies to be adopted by the Board, consistent with the State health security budget. (Sec. 618) Directs the Board to establish model payment methodologies and other incentives to promote the provision of services in medically underserved areas. Permits programs to adjust payments amounts within their budgets to encourage provision of appropriate services in underserved areas. (Sec. 619) Authorizes programs to utilize alternative payment methodologies, provided that such methodologies do not affect the entitlement of individuals to coverage, the weighting of fee schedules to encourage an increase in the number of primary care providers, the ability of individuals to choose among qualified providers, the benefits covered under the Program, or compliance with the State health security budget. Requires States to report on the operation and effectiveness of alternative methodologies to enable the Board to evaluate the appropriateness of applying such methodologies to other States. Subtitle C: Mandatory Assignment and Administrative Provisions - Specifies that participating providers: (1) must accept payment from a program as full payment for covered services; and (2) may not impose additional charges on patients. Permits the Board to exclude from participation and subject to civil penalties violators of such provision. (Sec. 632) Requires programs to establish: (1) procedures for reimbursing providers within 60 days of bill submission; and (2) an appeals process to handle grievances pertaining to provider payments. Title VII: Promotion of Primary Health Care; Development of Health Service Capacity; Programs to Assist the Medically Underserved - Subtitle A: Promotion and Expansion of Primary Care Professional Training - Makes the Board responsible for: (1) coordinating health professional education policies and goals to achieve national goals; (2) overseeing program health professional education expenditures; (3) developing and maintaining a system to monitor the number and specialties of individuals through their health professional education, any postgraduate training, and professional practice; and (4) developing, coordinating, and promoting other policies that expand the number of primary care practitioners. Sets as national goals that: (1) at least 50 percent of graduate medical residencies be in primary care within five years of this Act's enactment; and (2) there be a certain number, specified by the Board, of midlevel primary care practitioners employed in the health care system as of January 1, 2000. Directs the Board to: (1) establish a method of applying such goals to program goals for each medical residency program or consortium of programs and reducing payments for residency programs failing to meet their goals; (2) advise the Public Health Service on allocations of funding under specified programs to increase the supply of midlevel primary care practitioners; and (3) commission a study of the potential benefits and disadvantages of expanding the scope of practice authorized under State laws for any class of midlevel primary care practitioners. (Sec. 702) Requires the Board to establish an Advisory Committee on Health Professional Education to advise the Board concerning graduate medical education policies under this title. (Sec. 703) Directs the Board to transfer specified revenues from the American Health Security Trust Fund (Trust Fund) for specified existing programs supporting health professional education and nursing education and for the National Health Service Corps. Subtitle B: Direct Health Care Delivery - Requires the Board to transfer specified Trust Fund revenues to the Public Health Service for: (1) maternal and child health block grants, preventive health block grants, grants to States for community mental health services and prevention and treatment of substance abuse, and grants for HIV health care services; and (2) grants to nonprofit community health centers and similar facilities. (Sec. 713) Directs the Board to make grants to primary care centers (i.e., nonprofit community health centers, migrant health centers, and other federally qualified health centers) to serve medically underserved populations in urban and rural areas. Specifies that grant funds may be used to plan, develop, and deliver primary care in such areas. Subtitle C: Primary Care and Outcomes Research - Requires the Board to transfer specified Trust Fund revenues to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research for health outcomes research. (Sec. 722) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) an Office of Primary Care and Prevention Research to be headed by a Director who shall identify and coordinate research activities relating to primary care and prevention, including care provided by multidisciplinary teams. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of NIH to establish a national data system and clearinghouse on primary care and prevention research. Title VIII: Financing Provisions; American Health Security Trust Fund - Subtitle A: American Health Security Trust Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the American Health Security Trust Fund. Appropriates to the trust fund the increase in tax liabilities attributable to the application of amendments made by this title and receipts from the following programs: Medicare, Medicaid, Federal employees health benefit program, and the CHAMPUS program. Transfers to such trust fund amounts in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Increases in Corporate and Individual Income Tax Rates; Health Security Premium; Surtax on Individuals With Incomes Over $1,000,000 - Increases individual and corporate income tax rates, including the imposition of a health premium on such increased rates. Imposes a surtax on individuals with incomes over $1 million. Subtitle C: Employment Tax Changes - Increases the tax on employers for hospital insurance. Modifies self-employment and railroad retirement tax provisions. Makes State and local employees subject to the hospital insurance tax. Subtitle D: Other Revenue Increases Primarily Affecting Individuals - Makes permanent the overall limitation on itemized deductions for high-income taxpayers. Makes permanent the phaseout of the deduction for personal exemptions for such taxpayers. Removes residence sale, purchase, or lease expenses and meals while traveling from the deduction for moving expenses. Increases the overall dollar limitation for moving expenses in connection with the commencement of work. Makes the highest estate and gift tax rates permanent. Denies any deduction for club membership fees as an entertainment expense. Includes increased social security benefits in gross income. Provides for the collection of a monthly long-term health care premium for the elderly (other than the low-income elderly) for deposit into the American Health Security Trust Fund. Subtitle E: Other Revenue Increases Primarily Affecting Businesses - Applies mark-to-market accounting method rules for certain securities held by dealers in securities (with specified exceptions for certain types of securities such as those held for investment or as a hedge). Increases the applicable recovery period for depreciation of nonresidential real property under the accelerated cost recovery system. Includes imported property income of a controlled foreign corporation or related person as foreign base company income. Requires the separate application of the limitation on the foreign tax credit on imported property income. Applies the look-thru rules in the case of controlled foreign corporations to such income. Repeals: (1) the deduction for intangible drilling and development costs in the case of oil and gas wells and geothermal wells; (2) the percentage depletion for oil and gas wells; and (3) the application of like-kind exchange rules to real property. Disallows the capitalization of a percentage of advertising expenses. Allows the amortization of such disallowed amount. Subtitle F: Estimated Tax Provisions - Increases individual and corporate estimated tax payments. Repeals special rules which denied the use of a previous year's liability safe harbor for certain individuals with significant increases in tax liability from one year to the next. Modifies corporate annualized income installment provisions. Subtitle G: Alternative Taxable Years - Provides that the taxable year for an S corporation of partnership must be the same as an entity's reporting period if an entity has annual reports or statements which ascertain income profit or loss and are provided to shareholders or used for credit purposes. Revises computation of the amount of the required payment that must be made by a partnership or S corporation that elects a taxable year other than the required taxable year. Subtitle H: Deduction for Charitable Contribution of Appreciated Property Limited to Adjusted Basis - Limits the deduction for charitable contribution of appreciated property to the amount which would have been gained had the property been sold by the taxpayer at its fair market value. Subtitle I: Minimum 5 Percent Rate of Tax on Interest Paid to Foreign Persons - Sets a minimum rate of tax on interest paid to foreign persons notwithstanding any treaty obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Urban School Improvement Title II: School Building Repair And Renovation Title III: Urban School Research Title IV: General Provisions Urban Schools of America (USA) Act of 1993 - Title I: Urban School Improvement - Authorizes appropriations and sets forth funds allocation factors. Requires LEAs to use funds under this title to meet national education goals through programs designed to: (1) increase the academic achievement and graduation rates of urban school children to at least the national average; (2) prepare urban school graduates to enter higher education, pursue careers, and exercise their responsibilities as citizens; (3) recruit and retain qualified teachers; and (4) decrease the use of drugs and alcohol by urban students, and enhance their physical and emotional health. Sets forth program accountability requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive incentive awards to individual participating schools that demonstrate exemplary progress in meeting specified program requirements. Directs the Secretary to report on the impact of Federal regulations, guidelines, and policies on urban public schools. Requires LEAs desiring to receive an allotment to establish (or designate) a local advisory group. Sets forth special rules relating to ranking of schools to determine relative need, in general, on the basis of achievement, poverty, and racial isolation. Requires each LEA receiving a grant to serve between ten and 20 percent of its schools. Requires eligible LEAs to have flexibility to serve homeless children, desegregating students, immigrants, migrants, or other highly mobile populations, within the program assisted under this title. Title II: School Building Repair and Renovation - Authorizes appropriations to assist eligible LEAs in repairing and renovating instructional facilities in city schools and for programs for school environmental concerns and safety improvement. Limits the period covered by a grant application to three years, and requires annual review by the Secretary. Title III: Urban School Research - Authorizes appropriations for the National Institute for Urban Education (the Institute), established in the Department of Education by this title. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to create an Assistant Secretary for Urban Education (the Assistant Secretary), who is to establish the Institute in the Department. Requires the Institute and allows LEAs to use funds for specified functions involving research, information, and evaluation relating to urban education and title I programs. Title IV: General Provisions - Establishes the Interagency Council on Urban Schools to: (1) review Federal programs to determine effects on urban schools' ability to meet national education goals; (2) track school progress toward such goals; (3) solicit advice and information from urban education experts and urban school representatives on improvement of Federal programs; (4) review Federal regulations for duplication or contradiction; (5) report annually to the Congress and the President on urban school progress; (6) review and recommend improvement or streamlinig of Federal data collection in urban schools; and (7) conduct research to help urban school practitioners improve school performance. Directs the President to conduct a White House Conference on Urban Education. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes a National Commission on Urban Education, which shall: (1) study specified issues relating to urban schools; and (2) report, and recommend changes in Federal legislation, to the President and appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Amends Federal law to increase the Federal payments in lieu of taxes to units of local government for entitlement land. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to adjust such payments by the rate of inflation according to the Consumer Price Index.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Forest Biodiversity and Clearcutting Prohibition Act of 1993 - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act, and other Federal law to provide for the conservation of native biodiversity in each national forest community. Revises land management guidelines for such forests to prohibit any even-age logging or even-age management after one year of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, on each site already under such management, to: (1) prescribe a shift to selection management within one year; or (2) cease managing for timber purposes and actively restore the native biodiversity or permit each site to regain its native biodiversity.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Agricultural Worker Protection Reform Act of 1993 - Amends the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act to eliminate the family business and small business coverage exemptions. Requires a farm labor contractor to be bonded in order to receive a certificate of registration. Makes existing discretionary grounds for registration refusal mandatory. Establishes discretionary grounds for registration suspension and revocation. Sets forth certain employment disclosure requirements. Extends housing and vehicle safety protections to a worker's accompanying family members. Requires an agricultural employer who uses a farm labor contractor's services to take reasonable steps to determine whether the contractor has a certificate of registration. Increases administrative sanctions for violations of such Act. Establishes a private right of action on a bond. Authorizes an agricultural worker or his or her representative to file a complaint alleging a violation of such Act. Requires an agricultural employer to provide protection against heat stress, field sanitation, and child care (in the case of an employer of at least 25 employees).
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to remove a provision excluding from application of the Act any disparate impact case filed before March 1, 1975, and decided after October 30, 1983. (Wards Cove Packing Co. v. Atonio, 1989, held that, in cases brought under title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the burden is on the plaintiff to prove an employer had no business necessity for a practice with discriminatory effects.)