United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Medicare Deductible and Coinsurance Reduction Act of 1979 - Reduces, under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act: (1) the inpatient hospital deductible; and (2) the monthly premiums for hospital insurance for individuals not otherwise eligible for Medicare benefits. Appropriates to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund the additional amounts required to reimburse the Fund for such additional payments as are caused by the lowering of the inpatient deductibles and monthly premiums. Increases the benefits payable to each individual covered by the supplementary medical insurance program for the aged and disabled. Reduces deductibles, coinsurance, monthly premium and the charges under such program. Authorizes to be appropriated a Government contribution equal to such amount as necessary to reimburse the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for such additional payments as caused by the increased benefits payable to individuals and the reduced deductibles and coinsurance charges.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
National Home Health Clearinghouse Act of 1979 - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Home Health Clearinghouse to gather and disseminate information concerning the various public and private agencies providing home health care and related services to the elderly. Directs the Clearinghouse to (1) establish a computerized system for such purposes, and (2) publish current descriptions of Federal services and benefits available to the elderly under the Social Security Act, the Older Americans Act of 1965, and other related laws.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Public Health Services Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to health maintenance organizations for the construction of ambulatory services to be used by such organizations for the provision of health services to their members in medically underserved areas. Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to set forth new regulations governing the payment of the cost of medical services incurred by a member of a health maintenance organization. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit reimbursement to States for payments made to health maintenance organizations in cases where such payments would have previously been prohibited because of the eligibility of a significant percentage of the members of such an organization for medicare payments when it is determined that the health needs of the population affected are best served by such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Mental Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act: (1) to provide Medicare coverage of mental illness on an equal basis with coverage of physical illness; and (2) to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program. Changes from October 1, 1977, to October 1, 1979, the date by which a State is required under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to establish or designate an authority to establish and insure the enforcement of standards for institutions, foster homes, or group living arrangements in which a significant number of recipients of supplemental security income reside. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to furnish to the States such information about the residences of such recipients as is necessary for the States to establish, maintain, and enforce such standards. Requires the Secretary to pay to the States an amount equal to the sums spent by each State for inspecting such institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the charitable deduction allowed for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall include the depreciation, operation, and maintenance costs allocable to such operation and shall be determined in the same manner as a business related deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to reallot unused social services funds to States which will use such funds during the succeeding year in preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based care, home-based care, or other forms of less intensive care. Allocates additional Federal matching funds for multipurpose senior center programs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to clarify and standardize the eligibility requirements to the provision of assistance to multipurpose senior centers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Age Discrimination in Federal Employment Act of 1979 - Repeals specified Federal laws compelling mandatory retirement based on age for the following: (1) Federal employees; (2) the Director of the Federal Judicial Center; (3) tax Court Judges; (4) Foreign Service employees; (5) Lighthouse Service officers and employees; (6) the Comptroller General and the Assistant Comptroller General; (7) Central Intelligence Agency officers and employees; and (8) District of Columbia Judges.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit county governments to provide to their residents through the State's Medicaid plan a level of medical assistance which is greater in amount, duration, or scope than that available under the plan to other State residents. Requires county governments to show that their plans for providing additional benefits do not result in excessive administrative costs or otherwise conflict with the result in excessive administrative costs or otherwise conflict with the administration of the State Medicaid plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to allow volunteers in the Service Corps of Retired Executives, established under the National Volunteer Programs to Assist Small Businesses, to provide assistance to home health agencies which provide home health services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the governing boards of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities having an average duration of stay of more than 30 days to establish written policies guaranteeing specified rights of patients including: (1) information on services and charges; (2) information on and participation in medical treatment; (3) conditions of transfer or discharge; (4) grievances; (5) management of personal financial affairs; (6) freedom from abuse and restraints; (7) confidentiality of records; and (8) freedom of association. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish civil penalties for the violation of such rights. Sets forth provisions concerning the processing and investigation of complaints arising from the violation of patients' rights.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to establish a grant program for the purpose of making reimbursements to institutions of higher education to defray a portion of tuition costs, or costs of individual courses of study, applicable to eligible older persons at such institutions. Requires any institution of higher learning desiring to receive reimbursements from the Commissioner to transmit an application to the Commissioner in such form, at such times, and according to such procedures, as the Commissioner may establish. Sets forth assurances to be contained in such application. Provides that the United States courts of appeals shall have jurisdiction, concerning such application, to affirm or to set aside an adverse decision of the Commissioner. States that any older person who is qualified to enroll in any course of study at an institution receiving reimbursements under this Act shall be eligible for such enrollment without being required to defray any cost of tuition or any cost of a course of study. Entitles any institution of higher education whose application is approved to receive reimbursements equal to 55 percent of the cost of tuition or the cost of any study applicable to an older person with respect to whom such reimbursement is sought. States that reimbursements shall be made only for those students who constitute a greater number than those enrolled in 1978 who would have been eligible for benefits if the program were available. Defines the term "older person" as any person 60 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to provide that any patient of a nursing home or intermediate care facility which is participating in the hospital insurance program under title XVIII (Medicare) or title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act shall have the right to terminate any contract entered into for his or her care in such a facility upon giving the facility at least 30 days written notice. Prohibits such a facility from requiring any patient to turn over to it any periodic benefit check or other income received after the patient has given such notice.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Medicare Long-Term Care Act of 1979 - Repeals existing provisions for post-hospital home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes, within the hospital insurance program of such title, a program of long-term care benefits to be provided for aged and disabled individuals including all recipients of supplemental security income benefits and to be financed without additional cost to such individuals, through the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, from funds appropriated by the Federal Government. States that the benefits provided to an individual by such program shall consist of: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker services; (3) nutrition services; (4) long-term institutional care services; (5) day care and foster home services; and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Requires that, to the maximum extent possible, such benefits shall be provided by or through community long-term care centers, as defined in this Act; and, in any case where a State has an agency which performs the functions of planning and developing such centers and overseeing their operation the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make grants to the State or State agency to reimburse it for expenses incurred in the performance of such functions. Directs the Secretary to pay 75 percent of the amount expended by a State for the operation of a State long-term care agency. Enumerates the functions of such an agency. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (A) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (B) who resides in the area served by such center and (C) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) perform such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act, including the services to be provided by community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary to develop and promulgate to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations setting forth the standards of care for homemaker and nutritional services. Establishes the Federal Advisory Council on Long-Term Care. Sets forth the qualifications of the five members of such Council. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Secretary on regulations under this Act and on matters of general policy with respect to this Act. States that no regulations of the Secretary under this Act shall become effective unless they have first been approved by the Council. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Authorizes the appropriation to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of such sums as the Secretary considers necessary for any fiscal year for the purposes of the program created by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with institutions to meet the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing long-term health care.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that prior hospitalization is necessary before extended care facility benefits are available under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Older Americans Civil Rights Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1957 to require the Commission on Civil Rights to study and collect information concerning policies and practices constituting discrimination on account of age. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to extend its coverage to discrimination based on age in public accommodations, public facilities, and public education. Requires the Community Services Administration to provide assistance in resolving difficulties relating to discriminatory practices based on age. Prohibits discrimination based on age in: (1) the sale or rental of housing; (2) the financing of housing; and (3) the provision of brokerage services. Prohibits intimidation of any person because of age because such person is or has been selling, purchasing, or renting any dwelling. Defines "age" for the purposes of the amendments made by this Act, as being considered too old, but only if the individual has attained the age of 40 years.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Drug Benefits for the Aged Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a Drug Benefit Program for the Aged to pay for prescription drugs from participating pharmacies. Directs the Secretary to establish a Drug Benefits List of prescription and nonlegend qualified drugs, limited to specified pharmacological therapeutic categories which the Secretary deems appropriate for the treatment of conditions, illnesses, or injuries to the person or well-being of aged individuals. Specifies conditions under which participating pharmacies may substitute lower cost, therapeutic equivalents for prescribed drugs. Establishes a Drug Benefits Council to advise the Secretary on policy in general and the content and format of the drug benefits list in particular. Sets conditions for the participation of pharmacies in the program. Prescribes criminal penalties for fraud.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Youth Internships in Field of Aging Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize a grant program for the establishment of internship programs for secondary school students at administrative, research, and service levels with professions in the field of aging. Establishes application guidelines for such grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Prohibits any creditor from discriminating against any applicant on the basis of the geographical location of the applicant's residence except when the credit is secured by the applicant's residence.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Handgun Control Act of 1979 - Makes it unlawful for any person to import, manufacture, sell, buy, transfer, receive, transport, own, or possess any handgun or handgun ammunition. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt from this prohibition handguns: (1) required for the operation of licensed pistol clubs; (2) utilized by Federal, State, and local agencies or by licensed security guard services; or (3) manufactured before 1890 and which are unserviceable and intended for use as collector's items. Specifies procedures for the licensing of pistol clubs, including conditions for approval of applications by the Secretary of the Treasury and administrative and judicial review of a license denial or revocation. Sets forth requirements for the operation of licensed pistol clubs, including record keeping of the receipt, sale, or other disposition of handguns. Imposes criminal penalties on persons violating the provisions of this Act, including those persons making misrepresentations in required records or license applications. Subjects to seizure and forfeiture any handgun used, or intended to be used, in violation of this Act or any other Federal criminal law. Establishes procedures for the reimbursement of persons voluntarily delivering handguns to a law enforcement agency.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Personal Safety Firearms Act of 1979 - Title I: Registration - Makes it unlawful to possess a firearm not registered as provided by this title. Exempts from this prohibition firearms, previously unregistered, which are: (1) held by a licensed dealer for sale; (2) continuously possessed by an individual up to 180 days after the effective date of this Act; or (3) possessed by Federal, State, or local governments. Requires a purchaser of a firearm from a person other than a licensed dealer to make application with the Secretary of the Treasury for the registration of the firearm. Directs a seller of a registered firearm to return the certificate of registration to the Secretary. Requires a licensed dealer to accept from a purchaser a completed application for registration of the firearm and to file such application with the Secretary. Specifies data to be included in such application. Prohibits a licensed dealer from: (1) receiving firearms by pledge or pawn without a registration certificate; and (2) selling ammunition without seeing a purchaser's certificate. Requires the possessor of a firearm to notify the Secretary within ten days of loss, theft, or destruction of the firearm. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of the registration requirements and for the knowing falsification of information required by this title. Authorizes the Secretary to pay reasonable value for the voluntary relinquishment of firearms. Title II: Licensing - Specifies requirements for an adequate permit system for the possession of firearms, and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine which States have adopted such systems. Makes it unlawful to transfer any firearm or ammunition to any person who does not have a valid State or Federal permit. Specifies qualifications which must be met before a licensed dealer shall issue a Federal gun license. Requires dealers to maintain records of all licenses issued. Title III: Specifications for Approved Handguns - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to not approve for sale or delivery by a licensed dealer, importer, manufacturer, or collector any handgun model unless samples of such model are evaluated and found to meet certain standards. Specifies standards for pistols and revolvers, including dimensions, frame construction, weight, caliber, and safety features. Authorizes the Secretary to issue additional standards made necessary by changes in the technology or manufacture of handguns. Directs the Secretary to compile and publish annually in the Federal Register a list of approved handgun models, and to furnish such list to approved licensees. Sets forth procedures where handgun models are found not to comply with the relevant standards. Makes it unlawful for any person to reduce the length of a previously approved handgun if, as a result of such reduction, the handgun no longer meets the approved standards.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax credit for qualified energy conservation expenditures with respect to a home which is owned by the taxpayer and is used by an individual other than the taxpayer as his principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act of 1979 - Prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin regarding contracts for, or terms of, insurance policies. Permits insurers, who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation, to continue to do so. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to administer and enforce this Act. Requires aggrieved persons to file such discrimination charges with State or local agencies in certain circumstances. Sets forth the procedures on charges filed with the Commission. Requires insurers to keep records and make reports as the Commission shall prescribe. Provides penalties for disclosure of information by employees of the Commission. Authorizes civil actions in U.S. district courts by the Commission if a conciliation agreement cannot be secured from the insurer. Allows an aggrieved person to institute a civil action against the insurer if the Commission has not instituted a civil action within certain time periods. Specifies the judicial relief available, if the court determines that the insurer has committed a discriminatory action.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the United States, and every nonresident citizen when in the United States, eligible for covered services. Authorizes the Health Security Board to enter into reciprocal agreements for coverage of (1) nonresident aliens when in the United States, and (2) U.S. citizens residing abroad. Entitles every eligible person to have payment made by the Health Security Board for any covered service provided within the United States by a participating provider, if such service is necessary or appropriate for the maintenance of health or for the diagnosis or treatment of, or rehabilitation following, injury, disability, or disease. Extends coverage to: (1) professional physician services, wherever furnished, including primary and specialized services, and psychiatric services to outpatients under specified conditions; (2) dental services, including preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services (exclusive of most orthodontic services), for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing annually by two years until all persons under age 25 are covered; (3) institutional services, including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, skilled nursing home services, the services of home health service agencies, and other necessary services, including pathology and radiology services, with specified limitations; and (4) pharmaceutical benefits, including two categories of drug use: (A) prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals, or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations; and (B) drugs necessary for the treatment of certain chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive drug therapy. Directs the Board to establish, disseminate, and review annually: (1) a list of drugs for use in participating institutions, organizations, and associations; (2) a list of diseases and drugs for use outside such organizational settings, which shall include drug therapy for chronic conditions; and (3) lists of therapeutic devices, appliances, and equipment (including eyeglasses, hearing aids, and prosthetic appliances), and the conditions under which such items are covered benefits. Requires drugs to be listed by their established names as defined in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and also, to the extent the Board deems appropriate, by trade names. Extends coverage to other professional and supporting services, including: (1) the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists; (2) diagnostic and therapeutic services of independent pathology laboratories and radiology services; (3) mental health day care services under specified conditions; (4) alcoholism and drug abuse treatment in free-standing ambulatory centers; (5) family planning and rehabilitation services in certain free-standing centers; (6) emergency and nonemergency transportation services which are essential to overcome problems of access to covered services; and (7) other supporting services, such as psychological, physiotherapy, nutrition, social work, or health education services, which are furnished on behalf of certain approved organizations. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under Federal or State workmen's compensation laws; (2) primary or secondary school health services to the extent specified by regulation; (3) cosmetic surgery; (4) the furnishing of unapproved drugs and appliances; (5) certain medical or surgical procedures which the Board finds are experimental or too costly or scarce to provide on a nationwide basis; (6) certain services which are already furnished or available from another provider; and (7) services of a professional practitioner which are furnished in a non-participating hospital. Makes professional practitioners who are licensed on the effective date of enactment of this title eligible providers, but requires practitioners after such date to meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Specifies general eligibility requirements for participating providers, including the filing with the Board of an agreement (1) not to discriminate in providing services to eligible persons; (2) not to make unauthorized charges; and (3) to comply with reporting requirements. Sets forth specific eligibility requirements for various types of participating providers, including (1) general and psychiatric hospitals; (2) skilled nursing homes; (3) home health service agencies; (4) group practice organizations; (5) individual practice associations; and (6) other health service organizations and providers, including independent pathology laboratories and radiological services, ambulance services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, and equipment. Sets forth criteria for the utilization review of hospitals and skilled nursing homes. Requires such homes to have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as appropriate. Limits the eligibility of providers operating newly constructed or enlarged facilities which are unnecessary for the furnishing of adequate services. Prohibits damages in malpractice judgments to be awarded for the cost of remedial services which the injured party is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes institutions and employees of the Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, and institutions and employees of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen, Indians, or Alaskan Natives, from serving as participating providers, but allows reimbursement for services furnished by such institutions to eligible persons who are not part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist licensed in one State, and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other professional and nonprofessional health personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs the Board to fix for each fiscal year the maximum amount which may be obligated for expenditure from the trust fund, subject to a ceiling determined by specified formulas. Establishes in the Trust Fund a health services account, a health resources development account, an administration account, and a residual general account. Provides for the allocation of the health services account among the regions of the country, based on the aggregate expenditures for covered services in each region during the most recent 12-month period, and: (1) adjusted to reflect changes in the consumer price index and the expected numbers of eligible beneficiaries and participating providers; and (2) modified by the Board to reduce inequalities in per capita expenditures, to the extent that the quality of services are unimpaired. Directs the Board to divide for each fiscal year the allocation to each region into available funds to pay: (1) institutional services, (2) physician services, (3) dental services, (4) the furnishing of drugs, (5) the furnishing of devices, appliances, and equipment, and (6) other professional and miscellaneous services. Directs the Board to allot such funds among the health service areas established in each region under this title. Provides that payments for covered services furnished to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the health services account in the Trust Fund. Sets forth specific payment requirements for the various types of participating providers. Entitles every independent professional practitioner to elect to be paid by the fee-for-service method. Entitles every independent practitioner in the general practice of medicine, and every dentist furnishing covered dental services, to elect to be paid by the capitation method upon the filing of an agreement with the Board. Authorizes the Board to pay independent practitioners full-time or part-time stipends instead of, or in addition to, these methods of compensation. Allows the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement which do not increase service costs or encourage the overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that hospitals, skilled nursing homes, and home health service agencies shall be paid approved operating costs as set forth in an annual budget approved by the Board. Provides that health organizations shall be paid for covered services by the capitation method. Directs the Board to determine from time to time a maximum price for the cost of a drug to a provider. States that payments for a drug furnished by an independent pharmacy shall consist of its cost to the pharmacy, not to exceed the maximum price, plus a dispensing fee, which shall be established by the Board after consultation with representatives of the pharmaceutical profession. Provides for the reduction of payments to providers for unnecessary capital expenditures. Authorizes the Board to: (1) assist in the establishment, expansion, and operation of group practice organizations, other public or nonprofit health service agencies, and nonprofit organizations furnishing comprehensive dental services; and (2) provide for the recruitment, education, and training of needed health personnel, including practitioners who will agree to practice in urban or rural areas of acute shortage. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Authorizes grants for the development and conduct of programs of personal care services. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of the health services development fund. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security Program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Board and the Secretary with respect to this title and the provision of comprehensive health care. Provides that this title shall be administered by the Board through the regions of the Department and, within each region, through health service areas, which shall be the same as those areas established by the Secretary under the Public Health Service Act. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Directs the Board to appoint regional and local advisory councils for each region and each health service area. Provides for the participation of appropriate State agencies in the administration of the Health Security program. Specifies responsibilities of the Board, including: (1) informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program; (2) making a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including the adequacy, quality, and costs of services; (3) making detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; (4) developing and testing records and information retrieval systems; (5) developing, in collaboration with the pharmaceutical profession, improved administrative practices for the reimbursement of independent pharmacies; and (6) developing and testing incentive systems for improving the quality of care, and methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances. Directs the Board to make evaluations and issue guidelines with respect to health manpower education and training. Requires the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of: (1) entitlement to benefits; (2) who are participating providers; (3) whether services are covered; and (4) amounts to be paid to providers. Entitles a provider or other aggrieved person to an administrative appeal from such determinations, and authorizes judicial review of a final decision. Sets forth procedures for the suspension or termination of participating providers. Authorizes the Board to issue to any participating provider, other than an individual professional provider, a directive with respect to the discontinuous of services for the purpose of payment, or the initiation of covered services. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Directs the Board to establish reasonable continuing education requirements for physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Sets forth conditions under which major surgery and other specialized services designated in regulations are covered under this program. Authorizes the Board, on recommendation of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to contract with Professional Standards Review Organizations to monitor the quality of institutional and other services. Establishes the positions of a Deputy Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this title. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent. Adds a new 2.5 percent tax on health security unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibilities of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under this Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board appropriate findings and recommendations. Directs the Commission to give special consideration to care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes conforming and technical amendments to specified Acts. Repeals the Medicare program. Stipulates that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the practicability of extending the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary to study the means of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan Natives, veterans, and members of the Armed Forces with the Health Security benefit program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Consumer Food Labeling Act - Title I: Truth in Food Labeling Act - Truth in Food Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that the labels on all foods disclose each of their ingredients in order of predominance and the percentage of each ingredient in the food. Title II: Nutritional Labeling Act - Nutritional Labeling Act - Requires the processor to label any packaged consumer food product with specified information, including an analysis of nutritional contents, net weight and drained weight, where appropriate. Requires such label to state the nutritional value of the commodity, and to appear in conspicuous and easily legible type in distinct contrast with other matters on the package. Requires the conspicuous statement of any difference in weight or volume which may have occurred in the repackaging of a consumer product from a container of any given net content to a container of a different net content. Empowers the appropriate agencies to prescribe regulations and to petition for injunctive relief to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for willful violation of any provision of this Act. Title III: Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Amends the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to require the manufacturer or packager of a perishable or semiperishable food to state on its label the pull date for such food and the optimum temperature and humidity conditions for its storage by the ultimate consumer. Requires pull dates also on shipping containers or wrappings. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the display, offer for sale, or sale of any such food whose pull date has expired. Prohibits the change, alteration, defacement, or removal of any pull date before sale of such food to the ultimate consumer. Prescribes criminal penalties for the violation of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to report annually to Congress on the enforcement of this Act. Title IV: Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that labels on packaged foods contain the names and places of business of the manufacturer, the packer, and the distributor, not, as currently, only one of them. Title V: Consumer Food Grading Act - Consumer Food Grading Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and promulgate a system of retail quality grade designations for consumer food products expressed in a uniform nomenclature, giving consideration to nutritional quality and wholesomeness of food products, as well as acceptability. Title VI: Unit and Item Pricing Act - Unit and Item Pricing Act - Amends the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to require retailers to mark plainly the total selling price of any packaged consumer commodity on its package, and the retail unit price on either the package or a point of display, like a shelf, in close proximity thereto. Exempts from the requirements of this Act certain small retail outlets, and any retail outlet in any State or political subdivision which has enacted mandatory unit pricing laws which are, in the judgment of the Federal promulgating authority, superior to the requirements of this Act. Title VII: New Ingredient Notification Act - New Ingredient Notification Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require any food product to carry a label setting forth in a conspicuous manner any change in its ingredients for six months after such change. Title VIII: Misleading Brand Names Act - Misleading Brand Names Act - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to make it an unfair or deceptive act or practice to advertise a brand name of a product which inherently misleads the public as to the product's value, quantity, quality of contents, or performance.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Older Americans Employment Rights Act of 1979 - Defines the term "age" for purposes of equal employment opportunities under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to mean a person's being considered too old, but only if such person has attained the age of 40 years. Prohibits employment discrimination because of age, under the Civil Rights Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should seek the good offices of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the purpose of establishing a special investigatory commission charged with the responsibility of securing a full accounting of Americans listed as missing in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Establishes the Claude Pepper Senior Citizen Congressional Intern program which authorizes each Member of Congress to hire each year one senior citizen intern to serve within the District of Columbia for one of two two-week periods. Specifies that such intern shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed $300 per week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the settlement plan for Namibia adopted by the United Nations Security Council has the greatest potential to be a peaceful, internationally acceptable settlement. Calls upon all Namibian political parties to support the settlement plan to facilitate the formation of an independent state. Calls upon the Government of the Republic of South Africa to: (1) reassess its decision to reject the proposed settlement plan; and (2) seek to resolve the remaining differences with the plan for Namibian independence.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1978
Expresses the concern of Congress for the safety of the residents of the South African black community known as "Crossroads." Urges the South African Government: (1) to reconsider its plan to destroy Crossroads; and (2) to recognize the right of the residents to continue to live in Crossroads.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1978
Commends President Carter, President Sadat, and Prime Minister Begin for their efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. Expresses the sense of Congress that the agreements reached at the Camp David Summit: (1) provide the basis for peace treaties among the parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict; and (2) the United States should continue to pursue further direct peace talks among parties in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1978
Amateur Sports Act - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Makes findings and states that the policy of Congress is to promote amateur athletics and protect the right of amateur athletes to participate in athletic competition. Title II: Olympic Committee Reorganization - Amends the corporate charter of the Olympic Committee to (1) provide for a principal place of business of the United States Olympic Committee (Corporation); (2) set forth the objectives and purposes of the Corporation; (3) set forth the powers of the Corporation; (4) provide reasonable representation for specified individuals and organizations in establishing and maintaining provisions for the governance and conduct of its affairs; and (5) subject to civil liability any person who uses an Olympic designation without authority to promote a private financial interest. Permits contributors or suppliers of goods or services to use the name of the United States Olympic Committee or its designation to advertise that such goods or services have been furnished to, approved, or selected by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to establish in its constitution and bylaws provisions for the resolution of disputes involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete or other specified individuals to participate in sanctioned athletic competitions. Authorizes the Corporation to recognize as a national governing body any amateur sports organization (but only one for each sport) which submits an application for recognition and complies with eligibility requirements. Sets forth such eligibility requirements. Sets forth the duties and powers of a national governing body and the requirements which an amateur sports organization must meet to hold an athletic competition or sponsor athletes in competition and be sanctioned by a national governing body. Grants to the Corporation the power of review over the actions of any national governing body and invests a United States district court with jurisdiction to enjoin any action of a national governing body inconsistent with the terms of the Corporate charter. Sets forth procedures for the Corporation in (1) processing a complaint against a national governing body by an individual athlete or an amateur sports organization; (2) revoking recognition of a national governing body; and (3) replacing an incumbent national governing body. Provides for arbitration of a determination of the Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to lend financial assistance to the Corporation in developing amateur athletics in the United States. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the work of the national governing bodies. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate means of providing funding to the Corporation for the construction and operation of training centers and sports medicine research facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1978
National Capital Transportation Amendments - Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make contributions to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, in addition to those already authorized by such Act, for the purpose of financing in part the construction costs of the Adopted Regional System (Metrorail). Requires a matching contribution by the local participating governments in a total amount that is not less than 25 percent of such additional Federal contributions. Authorizes the appropriation, for such purposes, of an amount not to exceed $1,700,000,000 for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 1980. Directs the Transit Authority to establish a sinking fund for the accumulation of assets for payment of principal on bonds and other obligations issued by the Authority. Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions to such fund beginning October 1, 1997, and requires a matching contribution by the local participating governments in a total amount not less than 25 percent of such Federal contribution. Permits the Transit Authority to use income from the investment of moneys in such sinking fund to pay interest costs incurred on obligations it has issued since July 13, 1972, but only after the Secretary has made interest payments in accordance with existing provisions of such Act. Permits the Secretary to contribute to the Transit Authority amounts sufficient to pay 80 percent of the remainder of such interest costs, after the Secretary has made the direct payments provided for by such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make an annual contribution to the Transit Authority (without requiring matching contributions by the local participating governments) in order to finance in part the operating and maintenance costs of the Authority's rapid rail transit system. Authorizes appropriations for this purpose for each of fiscal years 1980 through 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1978
Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reoganization Act: (1) to permit the Council Chairman to engage in occasional teaching, writing, or lecturing, as determined by regulations passed by the Council; and (2) to except the Mayor, and the Chairman and members of the City Council, and certain of their employees, from the prohibition against specified political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
States that the Territory of American Samoa shall be represented in the United States Congress by a nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives. Sets forth the procedure for the election of such delegate.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1978
Authorizes the Temporary Commission on Financial Oversight of the District of Columbia to enter into contracts with the Government of the District of Columbia with respect to financial planning services and auditing services. Removes the requirement that contracts negotiated for such purposes be fixed price contracts. Entitles the Commission to inspect the facilities and audit the books and records of any contractor (or subcontractor) performing a contract (or subcontract) under this Act, including the District of Columbia Government. Requires each such contract to entitle the Comptroller General of the United States, until three years after final payment to examine any pertinent books, papers, or records of the contractor or subcontractors relating to performance of the contract. Postpones commencement of required annual fiscal year audits of the District of Columbia Government from fiscal year 1979 to fiscal year 1983. Extends the authorization for discretionary balance sheet audits of such government up through fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1978
Peace Corps Reform Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to re-declare the purpose of such Act to be to assist least advantaged people and countries in meeting basic living needs, strengthening development programs, and furthering a spirit of voluntary action. Creates the Peace Corps as a government corporation, with authority for operations vested in a Presidentially appointed Board of Directors. Establishes in the Peace Corps an Advisory Council to evaluate Corps policies and programs. Directs the Peace Corps to request host governments to establish advisory councils to advise Peace Corps Country Directors and host country government officials on Corps operating procedures. Requires the Board (formerly the President) to appoint the Director of the Peace Corps. Directs the Corps to coordinate programs with other volunteer and development organizations. Repeals specified provisions of the Peace Corps Act which empower the President and Secretary of State to carry out such Act. Increases from $125 to$150 the readjustment allowance for Peace Corps volunteers. Prohibts the assignment of volunteers to the clerical staffs of Peace Corps representatives abroad. Prohibits volunteers from serving more than five years in any ten-year period without personal approval from the Director. Requires the Corps, in encouraging volunteers to continue their contributions to good will development, to assist in the readjustment of, and utilization of skills developed by, former volunteers. Includes spouses living with volunteers as eligible to receive living and other allowances, health care, language training, and other benefits. Eliminates the position of "volunteer leaders" from the Peace Corps and makes conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the Domestic Volunteers Service Act of 1973 to eliminate one of the two Associate Directors of ACTION.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1978
Authorizes the Temporary Commission on Financial Oversight of the District of Columbia to enter into contracts with the Government of the District of Columbia with respect to financial planning services and auditing services. Removes the requirement that contracts negotiated for such purposes must be fixed price contracts. Postpones the commencement of required annual fiscal year audits of the District of Columbia Government from fiscal year 1979 to fiscal year 1983. Extends the authorization for optional balance sheet audits of such government up through fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1978
Medicare Home Health Amendments - Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health care services under such Title. Eliminates prior hospitalization as a condition of eligibility for home health care services under part A (Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such Title. Eliminates confinement to home as a requirement for receiving home health care services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such Title. Includes "periodic chore services" within those home health services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1978
Directs the President to issue regulations prohibiting any United States person from making any investment in South Africa until the President determines that the Government of South Africa has made substantial progress toward ending discrimination and achieving full participation of all the people of South Africa in the country's social, political, and economic life. Permits Congress, through adoption of a resolution by both Houses, to disapprove such a Presidential determination. Sets for civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act and regulations issued thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1978
Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to authorize the Council of the District of Columbia to delegate its authority to issue revenue bonds for housing undertakings to any housing finance agency established by it. Exempts payments of such bonds from Congressional approval.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1978
Amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to direct the President to issue regulations which restrict investments in South Africa by United States persons to: (1) investments consisting solely of earnings of existing United States enterprises in South Africa; and (2) investments in enterprises which do not engage in employment practices. Requires the President to establish mechanisms to monitor compliance with, and sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of, the provisions of this Act and regulations, licenses, and orders issued thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1978
Directs the Mayor of the District of Columbia, consistent with an urban renewal plan approved by the Council of the District of Columbia, to transfer all title and interest of the United States to and in specified property in Southwest Washington, D. C. to the District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency. Authorizes the Agency, in accordance with the District of Columbia Redevelopment Act of 1945, to lease or sell all or part of the transferred parcel.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1978
Voluntary Job Preservation and Community Stabilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a continuing investigation to identify those industrial, business, agricultural, and service organizations (1) which are in danger of ceasing operation or of outmigration and (2) whose closing or relocation would result in substantial unemployment and economic dislocation in the community. Provides, through the Secretary, loans for technical assistance and status and operating costs to an employee or employee/community corporation which meets certain requirements in order that it may assume ownership and operation of an organization so identified. Conditions loans, among other factors, upon certification that the corporation will allow new employees to participate and will adopt a method for acquisition of stock of persons no longer associated with the organization for the purpose of making it available to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis. Authorizes loans of up to $15,000 to an employee who wishes to purchase stock in a purchasing corporation and who is unable to secure financing elsewhere.
![Official portrait of Rep. Diggs, Charles C., Jr. [D-MI-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000344_200.jpg)