United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1978
Interstate Land Sales Reform Act - Amends the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to expand the exemption from the terms of the Act for the sale or lease of lots in subdivisions and to limit the exemption for the sale or lease of real estate which is not a part of a common promotional plan. Grants purchasers or lessees of subdivided real property the right to void a contract for purchase or lease during the 30-day period following the consummation of the transaction and during the three-year period after consummation under specified circumstances. Requires land developers to make public all printed promotional material, transcripts of all radio and television advertisements, and accurate summaries of all verbal representations made by a developer or his agent to promote the purchase or lease of subdivided lots. Revises the formula for determining the amount of damages awarded to purchasers or lessees prevailing in civil suits for untrue statements or omissions of material facts in statement of record to include reasonable court costs, attorneys' fees, appraisal costs, and travel expenses. Permits suits for securing specific performance of contracts or promises made by a developer in connection with a sale or lease of subdivided land. Extends the statute of limitations for such suits from one to three years after the discovery of the untrue statement or omission or after a discovery should have been made by the exercise of reasonable diligence. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to initiate administrative proceedings upon a reasonable belief that a developer is violating or had violated any provision of this Act or any rules or regulations prescribed pursuant to this Act. Grants the Secretary the power to issue temporary compliance orders if it is in the public interest to do so. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act and increases the amount of criminal penalties which may be assessed.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1978
Comprehensive Family Planning Services, Research in Human Reproduction, and Prevention of Unwanted Teenage Pregnancy Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit entities to assist: (1) in the establishment, maintenance and expansion of voluntary family planning projects which offer a broad range of family planning methods (including natural family planning methods) to all persons who need and desire them; (2) in the provision through such projects of comprehensive services appropriate to the needs of teenagers who are at risk of unwanted pregnancy; and (3) in the establishment and operation of demonstration projects aimed toward the alleviation of problems of infertility through counseling, referral, and medical services to persons who need and desire them. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities and enter into contracts with public or nonprofit private entities and individuals: (1) to establish and maintain a network of community-based informational and educational services designed to help adolescents more fully understand the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancy and childbearing; and (2) to assist in developing appropriate information and educational materials for dissemination to such community-based services. Requires the Secretary to annually report a plan for achieving the purposes set forth in this Act with particular emphasis on assistance to adolescents. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 to carry out the programs specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1978
Thomas A. Edison Centennial Act - Establishes the Thomas A. Edison Centennial Commission to initiate and encourage the development of publications, projects, and programs, and to coordinate activities relating to the life and achievements of Thomas A. Edison. Authorizes the State University of New Jersey to apply to the Commission for grants to assist specified State and Federal agencies in the compilation and publication of "The Papers of Thomas A. Edison."
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1978
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out such Act to $10,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Franchising Termination Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise and to state the reasons for termination. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise or failing to renew a franchise unless the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal or the franchisor has good cause for failure to renew and has given proper notice. Makes any franchisor who has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Prohibits commerce in contraband cigarettes. Defines "contraband cigarettes" as a quantity of more than 20,000 cigarettes, bearing no evidence of payment of applicable State cigarette taxes, which are in the possession of any person other than (1) a person licensed by the State where the cigarettes are found or by the Internal Revenue Service, (2) a common or contract carrier, or (3) a government agent in the performance of duties. Subjects dealers in cigarettes to such reporting requirements as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Renders void any agreement which prohibits the television broadcasting of any regular season professional football, baseball, basketball, or hockey game, within a 30 mile radius of the location of such game, for which 95 percent of the tickets of admission for seats have been sold 48 hours prior to game time. Renders void any such agreement regarding a post season game whether or not the required number of tickets have been sold within the required time period. Permits any interested individual to seek injunctive relief to restrain a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation of the House of Representatives of the kidnapping of Aldo Moro. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) Italy deserves the support of the United States, and (2) the President should instruct the Permanent Representative to the United Nations to press for consideration of solutions to the problem of terrorism in all appropriate forums.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Declares it to be the sense of Congress that the National Railroad Passenger Corporation should undertake the provision of basic system intercity rail passenger service by contracting with railroads filing for the discontinuance of such service notwithstanding the pendency of the route reexamination study being conducted by the Secretary of Transportation and without regard to the Criteria and Procedures adopted pursuant to the Rail Passenger Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Health Planning and Resources Development Amendments - Title I: Revision of Health Planning Authority - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review annually the national guidelines for health planning promulgated under the Public Health Service Act. Requires the Secretary to determine whether health care delivery systems are meeting the standards and goals set forth in such guidelines and to periodically publish his findings. Directs health systems agencies designated under Title XV of such Act to provide such data as will enable the Secretary to carry out his responsibilities. Adds to the list of subjects deserving priority consideration in the formulation of national health planning goals: (1) the discontinuance of duplicative or unneeded services and facilities; and (2) the adoption policies to contain the rise of health care costs and promote efficiency in the health care delivery system. Permits the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area, such an area being an entity designed to facilitate health planning and development functions for a specified region, to request, without the concurrence of the Governors of other States which are part of such area, the redesignation of an interstate area made up of an entire standard metropolitan statistical area. Directs the Secretary, in considering the application of an organization for designation as an area health systems agency, to give priority to an application which has been recommended by a Governor of a State within the area served by such agency for approval. Permits the State in which an agency is located an opportunity to comment on the performance of such agency before renewal by the Secretary of designating the agency as the health systems agency for a specified area. Increases from 12 to 36 months the maximum length of the term for which an entity may be designated as a health systems agency. Increases the term of a redesignation by the same term. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Governor and the Statewide Health Coordinating Council of each State in which a health systems agency is located before terminating such agency's designation as a health systems agency. Authorizes the Secretary to limit the functions an agency may perform if the Secretary determines that such agency has not fulfilled its obligations. Sets forth new criteria for the determination by the Secretary of the amount of the grant to be made each fiscal year to each health systems agency for the operation of such agency. Stipulates that funds provided under grants to a health systems agency for specified purposes in a fiscal year which have not been expended during such year, shall remain available for obligation in the succeeding fiscal year provided the designation of such health systems agency remains in effect during such succeeding year. Sets forth membership and selection requirements for the governing body of a health systems agency. Provides that records and meetings except for personnel matters shall be available to the public. States that each health systems agency shall have an identifiable program of providing assistance to the members of a governing body in making decisions for the agency. Prohibits any member of a governing body of a health systems or any member of Statewide Health Coordinating Council from voting on any matter with which such member has any substantial ownership, employment, fiduciary, contractual, creditor, or consultative relationship. Requires that each State health planning and development agency consult with the Statewide Health Coordinating Council to determine statewide health needs. Requires that each health planning and development agency conduct a public hearing on the proposed Annual Implementation Plan and shall give interested persons an opportunity to submit their views orally and in writing. Enumerates the requirements of a certificate of need program established by a State health planning and development agency (State Agency). States that such programs shall provide controls on the acquistion of additional equipment and facilities including: (1) review and determination of need for major medical equipment, health care facilities, and capital expenditures, (2) the acquisition and development of only such equipment, facilities, and services as the State Agency determines are needed; and (3) annual review of acquisition programs. Requires each health systems agency to coordinate its activities with any State entity which reviews rates and budgets of health care facilities. Requires health systems agencies located within the same standard metropolitan statistical area to coordinate their activities. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State health and development agencies to develop programs to reduce excess hospital capacity. Directs the Secretary, before renewing an agreement designating an agency of a State as the State health planning and development agency for that State, to provide each health systems agency designated for a health service area located in such State an opportunity to comment on the performance of the State Agency. Extends through fiscal year 1981 authorizations for: (1) planning grants; (2) State health planning and development; (3) rate regulation; (4) centers for Health Planning; and (5) area health services development funds. Title II: Revision of Authority for Health Resources Development - Amends Title XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary to make loans for: (1) modernization of medical facilities; (2) construction of new outpatient facilities; (3) construction of new inpatient facilities in areas determined to require additional facilities; and (4) conversion of existing medical facilities for the provision of new health services. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee payment of principal and interest to: (1) non-Federal lenders for their loans to nonprofit private entities for medical facilities projects; and (2) the Federal Financing Bank for its loans to nonprofit private entities for such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for construction or modernization projects designed to: (1) eliminate or prevent imminent safety hazards; or (2) avoid noncompliance with State or voluntary licensure or accreditation standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit entities for projects for: (1) construction of outpatient medical facilities providing services for medically underserved populations; and (2) conversion of existing medical facilities to provide such services. Directs the Secretary to assure, by regulation, the effective execution and management of projects carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential dwellings. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Prohibits conflicts of interest, on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Declares that the Solar Bank and its assets shall be exempt by Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Nurse Training Amendments - Amends Title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to extend for two fiscal years, through fiscal year 1980, the program of financial assistance for nurse training.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Drug Benefits for the Aged Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) a Drug Benefit Program for the Aged to pay for prescription drugs from participating pharmacies; (2) a Drug Benefits List; (3) a Drug Benefits Council to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on matters relating to this Act; and (4) penalties for abuses of the benefits program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Amends the Public Health Service 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. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans for the same purpose to such organizations in areas which are not medically underserved. 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 · 8 March 1978
Delays for six months the effective date of the increase in the hospital deductible for 1978 under the hospital insurance program of Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth, and for a postal card to commemorate Molly Pitcher the heroine of such battle.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
SS Life Act - Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer to LIFE International for 15 years the hospital ship U.S.S. Sanctuary (AH-17) to furnish health care to developing nations. Renames such ship the "SS LIFE". Authorizes the appropriation of $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 for modification of such ship and for maintenance and operation $494,000 for fiscal year 1979, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1983, and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to invalidate agreements preventing the broadcast of a professional sports game, by means of television, at the same time and in the same area in which the game is to be played if all tickets to such game have been sold 72 hours before gametime. Repeals this amendment effective February 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Title I: Public Health Service Act Amendments and Clinical Laboratory Studies - Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of the Public Health Service Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Directs the Secretary to develop standards for the proficiency testing of such laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to such standards. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which which laboratories perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards for clinical laboratories in certain instances. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Authorizes the Secretary to obtain a temporary injunction or restraining order, pending issuance of a final order, against any laboratory the Secretary believes would constitute a significant hazard to the public health. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary and any State which has primary enforcement responsibility to enter into agreements with certain entities which have adopted laboratory standards at least as stringent as those set forth in this Act to make inspections of clinical laboratories and administer proficiency tests to such laboratories. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to the Congress respecting: (1) the reliability of services performed by clinical laboratories; and (2) the effect of the costs of clinical laboratory services on health care services. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of existing voluntary certification standards and state licensure laws for clinical laboratories and their personnel. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of clinical laboratories exempted under the Act and provides that if such laboratories refuse to participate in such study that such laboratories will be required to meet the standards of this Act. Requires the Secretary to study the quality of the tests and procedures of highly specialized clinical laboratories exempted from national standards. Directs the Secretary, within two years of the passage of this Act, to report the result of studies on exempted laboratories and make appropriate recommendations. Title II: Social Security Act Amendments and Study and Report - Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid, or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is unrelated to the market value of the facility. Establishes procedures for determining reasonable costs and charges for clinical laboratory services provided under the Medicare, and Medicaid programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of financial arrangements between hospitals participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs and the providers of clinical laboratory services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction of up to $1,500 for household expenses to any taxpayer who maintains a household in which a dependent aged 65 or over resides.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act - Title I: Amendments to Pension Program for Non-service-connected Disability or Death - Revises the list of specified catagories of payments excluded from the determination of annual income for benefit payment purposes. Requires persons applying for a non-service-connected disability pension to report the income and estate of each spouse and child on account of whom added pension is applied for or received. Sets increased flat pension and aid-and-attendance allowance rates, reduced by the amount of a veteran's annual income, and in specified instances, by the amount of a spouse's or child's income which is reasonably available to or for such veteran. Sets increased flat benefit rates, with similar reductions, for the surviving spouses and children of such veterans. Requires annual adjustments in such pension and benefit rates in conjunction with cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions and Effective Dates - Sets the effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Increases from $250 to $400 the burial and funeral expense allowance which may be paid by the Veterans Administration on behalf of certain deceased veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Prohibits any State or political subdivision thereof, including the District of Columbia, from treating as taxable income any compensation paid by any employer to any individual who is not a resident or domiciliary of such State or political subdivision.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1977
Tuition Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against an individual's income tax in an amount equal to 50 percent of the sum of the amounts paid by him to educational institutions as tuition (though no more than $500 for any single individual) for the attendance of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any of his dependents with respect to whom he is entitled to a personal exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1977
Regional Energy Development Act - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation in the "Northeastern States" of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, which will not be an agency or establishment of the Federal government. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State shall subscribe for State stock, contribute initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enact supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the loans, guarantees or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of 10 percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Permits the Secretary to agree with the Corporation that the United States will purchase the product of its projects, if necessary, in the event market conditions preclude private sale. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, to the surviving spouse (who meets specified requirements), or, when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children (who meet specified requirements).
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile, apparel, or fiber products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1977
Amends the National Housing Act to eliminate the present exclusion from hospital mortgage insurance programs of hospitals which primarily serve patients with drug and alcoholic conditions or mental disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1977
Grants a Federal Charter to the Gold Star Wives of America. Stipulates that the purpose of such organization is to honor the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for occupational therapy services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development should not implement the proposed reorganization of the field and insuring offices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development prior to the time when the appropriate committees of the Congress have had an opportunity to hold hearings on such reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President direct the United States delegation to the Belgrade Conference to place the issue of the arrest, trial, and conviction of Mykola Rudenko and Oleska Tykhy before the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1977
Hospital Cost Containment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (Secretary) to submit to Congress by March 1, 1978, recommendations for permanent reforms in the delivery and financing of health care which will replace the transmitted provisions set forth in this Act. Title I: Transitional and Other Hospital Cost Constraint Provisions - Declares it to be the purpose of the transitional hospital cost containment program to constrain the rate of increase in in total hospital inpatient costs beginning January 1, 1978, and continuing until the adoption of permanent reforms established by this Act, by limiting the amount of revenue which may be received by the hospitals involved from Government programs, private insurers, and individuals who pay directly for hospital care. Establishes limits on: (1) the average reimbursement payable per admission to a hospital for inpatient services covered by a "cost payer" as such term is defined in this Act; and (2) the average inpatient charges per admission of a hospital. Sets forth criteria for the determination of such limits for each of the first three accounting years of hospitals subject to this Act. States that the criteria applicable to the third such year shall apply to each subsequent accounting year. Directs the Secretary to develop an economic index that accurately reflects the prices of the items that constitute components of hospital costs, and to report to Congress, not later than March 31, 1979, on the development of such index and on his recommendations as to whether such index should replace the hospital increase index described in this section. Establishes guidelines governing the increase of inpatient admissions and wages of nonsupervisory employees. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose an excise tax on payments received for inpatient hospital services in excess of the limits established by this Act. Requires hospitals subject to this Act to provide rate, budget, and other financial information at specified times to the health service agency for the area in which such hospital is located. Requires such hospitals to publish their inpatient service rates annually. Establishes a system of incentive payments for hospitals which recognize an increase in the cost per inpatient admission which is less than the limit allowed for such increase. Exempts from the cost containment program established by this Act hospitals in a State which has established such a program which was submitted to and approved by the Secretary and which provides adequate assurances to the Secretary that the program will be conducted in accordance with guidelines set forth in this Act. Prohibits reimbursement under Titles V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for inpatient hospital services to the extent that it exceeds limits established pursuant to this Act or to an acceptable State cost containment plan. Authorizes an exemption from limits established under this Act for hospitals engaged in experiments and demonstrations authorized by the Social Security Act. Establishes guidelines and restrictions under Titles XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review), XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act for the determination of reasonable costs and charges under such Titles. Directs the Secretary, under Title XI, to establish uniform reporting and functional accounting systems for the purpose of accounting for health services provided under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Specifies the elements of such systems. Directs the Secretary to review all Federal regulations which affect hospital facilities and operation with respect to their cost impact. Requires such review to study particularly the lack of coordination in and duplication of audits, inspections, and similar requirements for such facilities. Requires the Secretary to report on such review to Congress by March 31, 1979. Authorizes the Secretary, under the Public Health Service Act, to make grants to medical schools to meet the costs of projects to establish and operate programs for students enrolled in such schools to provide training in the techniques of reducing the cost of delivering health care. Title II: Limitation on Capital Expenditures - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to promulgate: (1) an annual hospital capital expenditure limit; (2) a national ceiling for the supply of hospital beds; and (3) a national standard for the rate of occupancy of hospital beds. Sets forth the criteria to be considered by State health planning agencies when considering applications for certificates of need submitted by health facilities. Prohibits Federal payments under the Medicaid, Medicare, and Maternal and Child Health Services programs of the Social Security Act, to any State that has not entered into an agreement with the Secretary pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to include within gross income the interest on obligations issued by State or territorial governments to finance an institutional health service or health care facility which would be in excess of the limits established by this Act. Title III: Program to Assist and Encourage the Discontinuance of Unneeded Hospital Services - Directs the Secretary to establish a program of financial incentives for the consolidation of duplicative hospital services and the discontinuance of unneeded hospital services during the 54 month period beginning on the effective date of this Act. Allows a hospital which has been in operation for at least two years and which intends to: (1) discontinue providing inpatient health services; or (2) discontinue an identification unit of the hospital; or (3) which intends to convert an identifiable part of the hospital into a long-term care facility or an ambulatory care facility to apply for an incentive payment under this Title. Sets forth the formula to be used in determining the amount of incentive payments.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1977
Veterans' Educational Equity Act - Provides for payment of a supplemental tuition allowance to each qualified veteran upon application to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. Extends the delimiting period for completing a veteran's education program for up to two years if at the close of the ordinary ten-year delimiting period the veteran is enrolled in a program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1977
Amends Titles XI, part A (General Provisions) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to increase the dollar limitations on Medicaid payments to Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, and to eliminate the 50 percent limitation on the Federal medical assistance percentage applicable to the Medicaid programs of such territories and raise such limitation to the same level as that in the States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a school of medicine from recovering a capitation grant in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 unless its grant application contains or is supported by assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare that the school will increase by six percent over the number of students currently enrolled in specified classes its enrollment of full time, third-year students in school years 1978-1979 and 1979-1980. Excludes from the determination of the number of full-time, third-year students enrolled in a school those full time, third-year students who were not second-year students in such school and who: (1) are not citizens of the United States; (2) were previously enrolled in a school of medicine which is in a State and which is not accredited by the appropriate bodies; (3) were first enrolled after October 12, 1976, in a school of medicine not in a State; (4) were previously enrolled in a school of medicine to which the requirements of this Act apply; or (5) were previously enrolled in a school of dentistry or a school of osteopathy. Sets forth the reasons for which the Secretary may waive the requirement of increased enrollment established by this Act. Stipulates that a school of medicine which did not comply with such increase requirements shall not be eligible to receive a capitation grant in fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit institutions which provide graduate or specialized training in public health. Allows such funds to be granted to individuals with work experience in health services who are studying preventive medicine or dentistry. Increases the amounts authorized to be appropriated for grants for public health studies from $8,000,000 to $9,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and from $9,000,000 to $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to specified committees of the House and the Senate on the quality of training provided by foreign medical schools, the need of this country for personnel trained in such schools, and the effectiveness of licensing conditions in this country in assuring that the health care provided by graduates of such schools is of high quality. Authorizes the Secretary to insure loans for students who have been accepted for enrollment at an eligible institution of health care education. Authorizes the insurance of loans made to individuals who have previously had a Federally insured student loan and who agree to expend such funds solely for the repayment of interest due on such loans. Stipulates that interest payments on such loans may be deferred. Raises the annual interest rate on the unpaid principal balance of such a loan to 12 percent. Authorizes the disbursing agent of Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Washington, D.C., subject to approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, to invest in public debt securities any funds in the hospital's account which are not currently needed.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a school of medicine from receiving a capitation grant in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 unless its application for such grant contains or is supported by assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare that the school will increase by by a specified amount its enrollment of full time, third-year students in school years 1978-1979 and 1979-1980. Excludes from the determination of the number of full-time, third-year students enrolled in a school those full-time, third-year students who: (1) are not citizens of the United States; (2) were first enrolled after October 12, 1976, in a school of medicine not in a State; or (3) were previously enrolled in a school of medicine to which the requirements of this Act apply. Sets forth the reasons for which the Secretary may waive the requirement of increased enrollment established by this Act. Stipulates that a school of medicine which did not comply with such increase requirements shall not be eligible to receive a capitation grant in fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit institutions which provide graduate or specialized training in public health. Allows such funds to be granted to individuals with work experience in health services who are studying preventive medicine or dentistry. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to specified committees of the House and the Senate on the quality of training provided by foreign medical schools, the need of this country for personnel trained in such schools, and the effectiveness of licensing conditions in this country in assuring that the health care provided by graduates of such schools is of high quality. Authorizes the Secretary to insure loans for students who have been accepted for enrollment at an eligible institution of health care education. Authorizes the insurance of loans made to individuals who have previously had a federally-insured student loan and who agree to expend such funds solely for the repayment of interest due on such loans. Stipulates that interest payments on such loans may be deferred. Raises the annual interest rate on the unpaid principal balance of such a loan to 12 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1977
Amends Title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirements of such Title.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee securities and obligations issued by a railroad in reorganization to State and local taxing authorities to secure the railroad's tax obligations when the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the United States Railway Association, or the Federal Government asserts a superior interest in payment out of the estate of such railroad during reorganization or liquidation proceedings under the Bankruptcy Act. Directs the Secretary, if sufficient funds are unavailable to discharge such guarantees, to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell such olbigations. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to discharge all of the Secretary of Transportation's obligations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1977
Amends the National Housing Act to eliminate the present exclusion from hospital mortgage insurance programs of hospitals which primarily serve patients with drug and alcoholic conditions or mental disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Establishes procedures for taking the decennial census. Establishes a decennial census period beginning two years prior to the decennial census date and ending three years after such date. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce during this period to conduct a trial census which shall be the final test of all the procedures to be used in taking the decennial census. Requires the Secretary to submit a report regarding such trial census to specified committees in Congress prior to conducting such a census. Stipulates that no changes may be made in the content or procedures to be used in taking a decennial census after four months following the date of a trial census. Stipulates that the decennial census shall consist only of: (1) an enumeration of the population; (2) sample surveys of the characteristics of the population and housing of the United States; and (3) supplemental surveys necessary to meet the needs of the Federal, State, or local government for economic and social data. Sets forth restrictions regarding the collection of such data. Allows employees conducting the enumeration of population access to the records of the Federal Government and of State or local governments which are necessary to insure that all individuals and households are counted. Stipulates that such employees may obtain only names and addresses from such records and that such information may only be used for purposes of the enumeration. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct special surveys in a State for the purpose of clarifying the findings of decennial supplemental surveys. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan specifying procedures to be used for correcting errors in census counts and to submit such plan to specified committees in Congress. Directs the Secretary, beginning in 1985, to conduct a mid-decade census of population. Requires the use of the most recent data, either from the decennial or mid-decade census, in determining eligibility for benefits under Federal programs in which census data is a factor. Requires the Secretary to submit specified reports to Congress prior to the taking of a decennial or mid-decade census. Directs the Secretary to insure that the language and categories of questions used on census forms take into account the needs and preferences of the public and to establish a program to provide information to the public regarding the need for, and operation of, the decennial census. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program for the training and selection of supervisory employees engaged in decennial census activities. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan for conducting censuses other than the decennial or mid- decade census and to submit such plan to Congress at least 60 days before the census is begun. Authorizes the Secretary to issue "determination estimates," defined as estimates derived from any data which (1) is not produced as an activity of the decennial census period and (2) is produced to enable the executive branch of the Federal Government to determine the amount of benefit received under a Federal law by a State or local government. Sets forth procedures by which a State or local government may challenge such an estimate. Directs the Secretary to establish a Division of Evaluation within the Bureau of the Census to evaluate censuses and to submit the results of such evaluation to the Secretary and the Director of the Census. Directs the General Accounting Office to review evaluations made by the Division every three years. Directs the Secretary in 1979, in 1983, and in every fifth year thereafter, to conduct a census of agriculture. Directs the Secretary to conduct a census of irrigation and drainage in 1979, 1983, and every tenth year after 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Unemployment Compensation Reform Act - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, States whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purpose of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rate exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
![Official portrait of Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/dfda094a48c87dccd97fd47288d44ac3_200.jpg)