United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1993
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Lou Rawls in recognition of his work on behalf of educational opportunities for African Americans. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1993
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) define the term "dietary supplement"; and (2) exclude a dietary supplement from the definition of "food additive." Deems a dietary supplement adulterated if it: (1) contains an unsafe dietary ingredient which presents a substantial and unreasonable risk of illness or injury; or (2) contains a dietary ingredient that has not been adequately substantiated for safety. Prohibits the establishment of maximum limits on the potency of any dietary supplement, except in the case of a supplement represented to be for the use of individuals with specific diseases or disorders. Allows a dietary supplement's label to characterize the relationship between the supplement and a disease under specified conditions. Deems food misbranded unless the label lists the daily value of specified nutrients which shall reflect the daily intake of each nutrient that will promote optimal health. Prohibits such value from being less than the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance. Establishes an Office of Dietary Supplements within the National Institutes of Health.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1993
Civic Education Act of 1993 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize and revise the program for instruction in the history and principles of democracy in the United States. Requires the program to foster civic responsibility and continue and expand the educational activities of the We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution program. Allows the use of funds for advanced training of teachers in civics and government, after the education program has been implemented. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1993
Women in Military Service for America Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins symbolic of women's service in the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1993
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent be reduced by the amount such individual receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Mandates that surcharges from the sale of such coins be paid to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to help raise an endowment to be a permanent source of support for the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Declares that the President should enter into revised host-nation agreements with the European member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) under which such nations agree that, for FY 1995 and thereafter, these nations will: (1) pay at least 50 percent of the personnel costs, and 75 percent of the nonpersonnel costs, of maintaining U.S. military personnel and installations in Europe; (2) relieve the U.S. armed forces of all tax liability that is incurred under the laws of the NATO member nation and community where such forces are located; and (3) ensure that goods and services furnished in these nations to U.S. armed forces are provided at minimum cost and without the imposition of user fees. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to maintain U.S. military personnel and installations in such nations after FY 1995 unless the President certifies to the Congress that they have entered into revised agreements. Makes this Act inapplicable if the U.S. armed forces are actively engaged in armed conflict in Europe or the threat of imminent U.S. engagement in conflict in Europe exists.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the annual cap on the amount of payment for outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Revises the limitation on beneficiary liability for payment of any amounts billed in excess of the applicable limiting charge for physician services. Applies such limitation to nonparticipating suppliers and other persons, as well as nonparticipating physicians. Includes in the Secretary of Health and Human Services' annual explanation of Medicare benefits information on refunds of such amounts. Makes carriers responsible for determining, prior to making payment, whether the amount billed for services is in excess of the applicable limiting charge and, if so, notifying the physician or other providers as appropriate. Requires the reports to the Congress on changes in excess charges for physician services to reflect additional information on the services involved.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Department of Defense Set Aside Enforcement Act of 1993 - Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to award ten percent of its annual defense procurement contracts and subcontracts to historically Black colleges and universities and small disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. (Currently, it is a goal of DOD to award five percent annually to such entities.) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, beginning on October 1, 1993, and ending on September 30, 2000, to meet the ten percent requirement by awarding up to one half of the dollar amount of the contracts awarded to certain entities previously eligible for such contract award but no longer eligible by reason of size. Requires each entity that enters into a prime contract with DOD under the contract award program to spend at least five percent of the amount of the contract for subcontracts with certain covered entities meeting the requirements of small disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. Requires prime contractor proof of the awarding of such subcontracts. Directs the Secretary to withhold five percent of the prime contract amount from the contract, which shall be used as direct payment to the subcontractors for work completed. Requires that, in a services contract awarded under such contracting procedures, at least 50 percent of the cost of contractor performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the covered entity. Provides alternative methods for meeting such 50 percent requirement. Outlines requirements for a small disadvantaged or minority-owned business for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to require, as a condition for approval of a contract with DOD, that the potential contractor provide documentation that it is in compliance with the equal opportunity clause as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations. Requires identical certification by the subcontractors of such contractor.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Fairness to Condominium and Cooperative Owners Amendment of 1993 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to preclude an individual debtor from being discharged from any debt for condominium or cooperative membership association fees if such fee is payable after the petition for relief in bankruptcy has been granted for any period during which the debtor occupied the dwelling unit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Transfers the cost of international peacekeeping activities from the international affairs budget function to the national defense budget function. Expresses the sense of the Congress that, of the amount requested by the President's budget for military functions of the Department of Defense, one percent should be for international humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping activities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the use of committee funds for foreign travel, travel by three or more of its members or employees, or travel using an aircraft owned or leased by the United States, unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by a majority roll call vote in public session of such committee. Grants the committee chairman power, under an emergency, to approve travel proposals. Requires a complete travel report to be filed with the respective committee within 60 days of the completion of such travel.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1993
Equitable Health Care for Severe Mental Illnesses Act of 1993 - Declares that it is the policy of the United States that: (1) persons with severe mental illnesses must not be discriminated against in health care; and (2) health care coverage, provided through any financing, must provide for the treatment of severe mental illnesses in a way that is equitable and commensurate with that provided for other major illnesses. Requires health care coverage, in order to be considered nondiscriminatory and equitable under this Act, to cover services that are essential to the effective treatment of severe mental illnesses in a manner that: (1) is not more restrictive than coverage provided for other major physical illnesses; (2) provides adequate financial protection to the person requiring the medical treatment for a severe mental illness; and (3) is consistent with effective and common methods of controlling health care costs for other major physical illnesses.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow businesses an investment tax credit for costs incurred for noise modification of aircraft from stage 2 levels to stage 3 levels. Allows such credit against the regular tax and alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1993
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the inland waterway fuel tax should not be increased beyond those increases scheduled under current law; and (2) H. Con. Res. 64, setting forth the budget for FY 1994 through 1998, should not be considered to assume any increase in such tax.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Private Security Officers Quality Assistance Act of 1993 - Conditions a State's eligibility for certain funds under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 on such State having in effect a program that satisfies the requirements of this Act and that preempts the laws of the political subdivisions of such State to the extent that they regulate private security services provided by security officers. Requires a State to have in effect requirements and procedures for issuing licenses to, and reviewing security services of, employers (including security contractors) and proprietary security managers. Sets forth restrictions regarding: (1) license fees; and (2) the assignment of private security officers. Sets forth requirements concerning: (1) preassignment screening; (2) private security officer training; (3) State issuance of registration permits to such officers; (4) waiver of preassignment screening and training requirements; (5) a grace period for issuance of new registration permits to such officers who hold current permits; (6) employee protection; (7) criminal charges made against such officers; and (8) penalties for violations of State requirements. Permits States to establish or maintain more stringent requirements than those under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Comprehensive HIV Prevention Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the title relating to the prevention of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with a new title on the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Requires: (1) coordination of the HIV infection prevention activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (designated agencies); (2) establishment of the Secretary's Advisory Council on HIV Prevention; (3) a comprehensive plan for each designated agency's activities; (4) submission directly to the President, for review and transmittal to the Congress, of a budget for carrying out each plan; and (5) establishment, within each designated agency other than NIH, of an office to prepare the plan and carry out related activities. Authorizes the conduct or support of: (1) activities to obtain epidemiological data; (2) community-based activities; (3) counseling and testing regarding HIV infection (and resulting conditions), referrals, and partner notification; (4) activities to provide information to the public and to special populations; (5) prevention activities regarding adolescents, including through school-based programs; and (6) prevention programs in addition to those specified in this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes technical assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1993
Declares that effective follow-up to achieve the goals of the agreements reached at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) will depend on the following actions by the President and Congress: (1) adoption of a national strategy for environmentally sustainable development; (2) facilitation of a means for adopting individual Agenda 21 plans of action; (3) the establishment of an effective mechanism to plan, initiate, and coordinate U.S. policy for implementing Agenda 21; and (4) the formulation of policies to help developing countries implement Agenda 21. Supports: (1) pursuing the research and policy initiatives urged in Agenda 21; (2) the Congress adopting a system to reallocate an appropriate amount of savings from reduced defense spending to achieve its goals of global environmental protection and sustainable development over the next decade; (3) the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development; and (4) rules of procedure for the Commission which ensure the participation of nongovernmental organizations. Calls on the President to: (1) actively participate in multilateral efforts aimed at creating a more favorable international economic climate for developing countries to practice sustainable development; (2) affirm strong U.S. commitment to the Commission by appointing a high-level representative to the Commission and by supporting the Under Secretary General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development in coordinating the implementation of Agenda 21 in the United Nations system and heading the secretariat support structure for the Commission; (3) submit a national report to the Commission on activities the United States has undertaken to implement Agenda 21 both domestically and internationally, on progress made toward fulfilling other commitments undertaken at UNCED, and on other environmental and developmental activities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1993
National Park Service Concessions Policy Reform Act of 1993 - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. Provides that such repeal shall not affect the validity of any contract entered into under such Act. Applies the provisions of this Act to such contract to the extent such provisions are inconsistent with the express terms and conditions of it. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize, under specified conditions, private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide and operate such facilities and services in the National Park System. Requires a concessions contract to be awarded only through competitive bid procedures. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to: (1) renew concessions contracts under this Act, with exceptions or; (2) provide new or additional services at a park. Sets forth a formula for determining franchise fees. Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary one. Requires the approval of the Secretary before a concessions contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed. Protects certain possessory interest of concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act. Requires all concessions contracts to make concessioners responsible for utility costs. Amends Federal law that authorizes the Secretary to provide utility services to concessioners on a reimbursement of appropriation basis. Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. Amends the Historical Sites, Buildings and Antiquities Act to repeal provisions authorizing the Secretary to grant concessioner contracts, leases, or permits without advertising and securing competitive bids.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1993
Children's Electromagnetic Field Risk Reduction Act of 1993 - Establishes a national policy prohibiting location of new public schools and child care centers on real property where the electromagnetic field is an average two milligauss or more per day. Directs the Secretary of Education to develop and disseminate to State and local educational agencies advisory medical and scientific information on the potential health risk to children from electromagnetic fields.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of Wilderness Title II: Administrative Provisions Utah BLM Wilderness Act of 1993 - Title I: Designation of Wilderness - Designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin wilderness areas; (2) Zion and Mojave Desert wilderness areas; (3) the Grand Staircase Wilderness and the Kaiparowits Plateau Wilderness; (4) Escalante Canyon wilderness areas; (5) the Henry Mountains Wilderness; (6) the Dirty Devil River Wilderness; (7) Cedar Mesa wilderness areas; (8) Canyonlands wilderness areas; (9) San Rafael Swell wilderness areas; and (10) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin wilderness areas. Title II: Administrative Provisions - Reserves the Federal Government's rights to a quantity of water sufficient for each wilderness area designated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act - Prohibits any surety from discriminating against any applicant based upon specified factors. Establishes: (1) civil liability for violation of this Act; and (2) administrative enforcement procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
Voting Rights of Homeless Citizens Act of 1993 - Prohibits the imposition or application by any State or political subdivision or any standard, practice, procedure, or qualification or prerequisite to voting to deny or abridge the right of any U.S. citizen to vote because that citizen resides at or in a non-traditional abode. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action or an aggrieved citizen to institute a proceeding under this Act for injunctive relief against a violation of such provision.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1993
Department of Energy Laboratory Technology Act of 1993 - Authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to maintain departmental laboratories to pursue specified statutory missions. Prohibits commitment of more than ten percent of a departmental laboratory's annual budget to technology transfer activities that do not directly support such missions. Requires the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to submit a plan to the Congress for the phased consolidation of nuclear weapons-related activities conducted by DOE laboratories. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish: (1) the offices of Under Secretary of Energy, General Counsel, and Under Secretary for Science and Technology; (2) the Technology Development Advisory Board; and (3) the Office of Technology Development. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to reduce the time required for review and or/approval of a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) pertaining to federally-owned contractor-operated laboratories. Mandates that any CRADA involving a Federal commitment of $500,000 or more contain technical milestones, goals, and criteria annually reviewed by the sponsoring Federal agency. Authorizes a Federal agency to permit the director of its Government-owned, contractor-operated laboratories to enter into a CRADA agreement without its specific approval if it involves a Federal commitment of $5 million or less. Establishes: (1) a National Technology Partnership Award; and (2) a Federal Laboratory Mission Evaluation and Coordination Committee to implement certain evaluation and coordination functions related to activities of the Federal laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1993
Prescription Drug Consumer Protection Act of 1993 - Establishes in the executive branch the Prescription Drug Price Review Board which shall review the prices of prescription drugs. Permits the Board, after notice and a hearing, to take such actions as may be necessary to revoke a drug patent, if the drug's manufacturer does not reduce the price of a drug found to have an excessive price.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Assault Weapon Act of 1993 - Prohibits the importation or manufacture of: (1) a firearm having features designed to facilitate the attachment of a silencer, bayonet, grenade launcher, flash suppressor, or folding stock; (2) such features; (3) a shotgun with a fixed magazine which is capable of holding seven or more rounds of ammunition; or (4) a detachable magazine, feed strip, or similar device which has a capacity of, or can be readily converted to accept, ten or more rounds of ammunition or related parts. Provides for a fine, imprisonment, or both for violation of such prohibition. Provides for enhanced penalties for the possession or use of such a firearm weapon or related device in a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Ethics in Government Reform Act of 1993 - Codifies in the Federal criminal code the lobbying restrictions on senior executive branch appointees under Executive Order 12834, generally, and with certain technical changes, and extends those restrictions to the Vice President, Members of Congress, and highly paid staffers. Prohibits the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, and certain other Federal officials from receiving gifts from a foreign government after their Federal service or employment ends.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1993
Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to exempt from a prohibition on airborne hunting persons authorized by, or operating under permits of, States or the Federal Government to protect a native species that is listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (currently, to protect wildlife). Requires States proposing to authorize persons to perform otherwise prohibited airborne hunting acts to report to the Secretary of the Interior if the acts: (1) will be performed for purposes of administering or protecting wildlife that is listed as an endangered or threatened species; or (2) affect lands or other resources administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the National Park Service. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on whether such proposed acts: (1) may be authorized by the State; or (2) affect BLM or Park Service lands or resources.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Amends Federal law to exclude a specified amount of income from trust or restricted land held by an individual Indian from consideration as income for purposes of Federal assistance eligibility. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to increase the amount of cash exempted from consideration as income for purposes of Federal assistance eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Authorizes the President to provide assistance for victims of torture in the former Yugoslavia (without regard to U.S. diplomatic recognition of a republic), with a particular focus on victims of the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Franking Reform Act of 1993 - Prohibits any: (1) Member of Congress from sending any unsolicited franked mail (currently, franked mass mailings) postmarked fewer than 60 days immediately before any primary or general election in which such Member is a candidate; and (2) Representative who is a candidate for any other public office from sending unsolicited franked mail outside his or her congressional district.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
United States One Dollar Coin Act of 1993 - Amends Federal currency law to prescribe the color and content of one-dollar coins. Mandates that the reverse side of the one-dollar coin have a design recognizing America's veterans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cease regular production of one-dollar Federal Reserve notes by a specified date (except for such quantities as are required to meet collectors' needs).
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Legislative Reform Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations Fiscal Accountability and Intergovernmental Reform Act (FAIR Act) - Title I: Legislative Reform - Provides that, with certain exceptions, whenever a committee of either House reports a bill or resolution of a public character to its House mandating unfunded requirements upon State or local governments or the private sector, the report accompanying that bill or resolution shall analyze the effect of the new requirements on: (1) State and local government expenditures necessary to comply with Federal mandates; (2) private businesses; and (3) economic growth and competitiveness. Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations - Requires, to the fullest extent practicable, that: (1) the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States be interpreted and administered in accordance with this Act; (2) all Federal agencies, consistent with attainment of the requirements of Federal law, minimize the adverse effects of rules affecting the economy; and (3) Federal agencies take certain actions in promulgating new rules, reviewing existing rules, developing legislative proposals, or initiating any other major Federal action affecting the economy whenever an agency identifies two or more alternatives which will satisfy the agency's statutory obligations. Provides that, whenever an agency publishes a general notice of proposed rulemaking, promulgates a final rule, or before initiating or implementing any other major Federal action affecting the economy, the agency shall prepare and make available for public comment an Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Assessment. Specifies the contents of such an assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a qualified veteran, for purposes of eligibility for mortgage revenue bond financing, is one who meets applicable State law requirements. (Current law specifies deadlines to be met by such veterans.)
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any health care reform program enacted by the Congress should include provisions to prohibit discrimination in the provision of and payment for health care services against individuals who suffer from mental illness or substance abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment of a State-Based American Health Security Program; Universal Entitlement; Enrollment Title II: Comprehensive Benefits, Including Preventive Benefits and Benefits for Long Term Care Title III: Provider Participation Title IV: Administration Subtitle A: General Administrative Provisions Subtitle B: Control Over Fraud and Abuse Title V: Quality Assessment Title VI: National Health Security Budget; Payments; Cost Containment Measures Subtitle A: Budgeting and Payments to States Subtitle B: Payments by States to Providers Subtitle C: Mandatory Assignment and Administrative Provisions Title VII: Promotion of Primary Health Care; Development of Health Service Capacity; Programs to Assist the Medically Underserved Subtitle A: Promotion and Expansion of Primary Care Professional Training Subtitle B: Direct Health Care Delivery Subtitle C: Primary Care and Outcomes Research Title VIII: Financing Provisions, American Health Security Trust Fund Subtitle A: American Health Security Trust Fund Subtitle B: Increases in Corporate and Individual Income Tax Rates; Health Security Premium; and Surtax on Individuals with Incomes Over $1,000,000 Subtitle C: Employment Tax Changes Subtitle D: Other Revenue Increases Primarily Affecting Individuals Subtitle E: Other Revenue Increases Primary Affecting Businesses Subtitle F: Estimated Tax Provisions Subtitle G: Alternative Taxable Years Subtitle H: Deduction for Charitable Contribution of Appreciated Property Limited to Adjusted Basis Subtitle I: Minimum 5 Percent Rate of Tax on Interest Paid to Foreign Persons American Health Security Act of 1993 - Title I: Establishment of a State-Based American Health Security Program; Universal Entitlement; Enrollment - Establishes in the United States an American Health Security Program (AHSP) to be administered by the States (including the District of Columbia and, if they so choose, U.S. territories) in accordance with Federal standards established under this Act. Requires a State to establish a State health security program (program) in accordance with this Act to receive Federal health care funding. (Sec. 102) Entitles every individual who is a resident of the United States and is a U.S. citizen or national or a lawful resident alien to benefits for health care services under this Act under the appropriate State program. Sets forth provisions regarding the treatment of nonimmigrants and other individuals. (Sec. 103) Requires each State program to: (1) provide a mechanism for the enrollment of individuals entitled or eligible for benefits (which includes a process for the automatic enrollment of individuals at the time of birth, immigration, or other acquisition of lawful resident status in the United States and provides for the enrollment of all individuals who are eligible to be enrolled as of January 1, 1995); and (2) issue a health security card to enrolled individuals. (Sec. 104) Makes benefits portable when enrollees move or travel between States. Prohibits imposition of a minimum residence or waiting period in excess of three months for program benefit eligibility. Allows reciprocal arrangements between programs in adjacent States for coverage for enrollees residing in the border region. (Sec. 105) Makes benefits available under this Act for items and services furnished on or after January 1, 1995. (Sec. 106) Supersedes Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and CHAMPUS, which must pay for completion of services they covered before January 1, 1995. Specifies that nothing in this Act affects the eligibility of veterans for Veterans Administration health benefits and services, or of Indians for benefits and services of the Indian Health Service. Title II: Comprehensive Benefits, Including Preventive Benefits and Benefits for Long Term Care - Entitles all eligible individuals to have payment made (if medically necessary and appropriate for the maintenance of health or for the diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of a health condition) for inpatient and outpatient hospital services, professional services of State-authorized practitioners, community-based primary health services, preventive services, long-term and chronic care services, prescription drugs, biologicals, insulin, and medical foods, dental services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, diagnostic tests, and other specified items and services, including outpatient therapy, durable medical equipment, home dialysis, ambulance, prosthetic devices, and other items and services specified by the American Health Security Standards Board (Board) (established by title IV of this Act). Specifies that: (1) no deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments may be charged for acute care benefits; (2) no provider may charge a patient for covered services; (3) no private insurance may duplicate program benefits; and (4) States and employers may provide additional benefits at their own expense. (Sec. 203) Covers home and community-based long-term care services for persons unable to perform at least two of five listed activities of daily living without assistance. Limits the cost of such services to 65 percent (or an alternative percentage determined by the Board) of the cost of nursing home care for an individual in the same area in which the services were provided. (Sec. 204) Makes mental health, substance abuse, nursing facility, and home health services subject to utilization review. Directs the Board to make national determinations on coverage of experimental services, with professional and public input. Specifies that where the Board has recognized practice guidelines, coverage is limited to services provided according to the guidelines or any established exception process. Allows the Board to limit quantities of eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment that will be covered. Excludes from coverage cosmetic procedures, personal comfort items, and services furnished in non-participating facilities. (Sec. 205) Specifies that: (1) States may require providers to certify that covered services were provided according to program requirements; (2) quality review programs must meet Federal standards; and (3) States may require plans of care for coverage of certain services. Title III: Provider Participation - Requires providers, to receive payment, to agree: (1) not to discriminate based on race, national origin, income, religion, age, sex or sexual orientation, disability, handicapping condition, or (subject to the professional qualifications of the provider) illness; (2) not to charge patients for covered services; (3) to furnish necessary information to the Board or program; (4) not to employ other providers whose participation has been terminated for cause; and (5) to submit bills within a specified time frame. (Sec. 302) Considers a health care provider to be qualified if it is licensed or certified and meets State law requirements, applicable Federal requirements, and additional standards that the Board may specify. Requires: (1) the Board to establish, evaluate, and update national minimum standards to assure the quality of services provided and to monitor efforts by programs to assure such quality; (2) a reasonable transition period for any new standards; and (3) the Board to provide for an exchange of information among programs with respect to quality assurance and cost containment. (Sec. 303) Defines a "comprehensive health service organization" (CHSO) as a public or private organization which, in return for a capitated payment amount, furnishes or arranges a full range of health services and out-of-area coverage in the case of urgently needed services to an identified population in a specified service area which enrolls voluntarily in the organization. Sets forth various CHSO requirements regarding enrollment, withdrawal for cause, accessibility of services, continuity of care, consumer and provider representation on the board of directors, a patient grievance program, medical standards committees, premiums, utilization and bonus information, provision of services to enrollees at institutions operating under global budgets, marketing of services, and provision of emergency services to nonenrollees. (Sec. 304) Extends current Medicare prohibitions on physician self-referrals for clinical laboratory services to other services and applies such prohibitions to AHSP. Title IV: Administration - Subtitle A: General Administrative Provisions - Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board to develop policies and procedures for enrollment, benefits, provider participation, national and State funding levels, assisting programs with planning for capital expenditures and service delivery, and other functions and to establish uniform reporting standards for health services and programs. Authorizes the Board to make statistical and other studies, test alternative payment methods, and develop and test information and budget systems. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director of the Board and an Inspector General. (Sec. 402) Directs the Board to provide for an American Health Security Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy, in the formulation of regulations, and in the performance of the Board's duties and to study the operation of, and utilization of health services under, this Act. (Sec. 403) Directs the Board to appoint advisory committees on benefits, cost containment, primary care and the medically underserved, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and prescription drugs. Authorizes the Board to appoint other temporary advisory committees. (Sec. 404) Establishes an American Health Security Quality Council which shall be responsible for quality review activities (under title V). Directs the Quality Council to report to the Board annually on activities and findings from outcomes research and development of practice guidelines that may affect the Board's determination of coverage of services. (Sec. 405) Requires: (1) each State to submit to the Board a plan for a program for providing health care services to residents of the State (but allows neighboring States to join in regional plans); (2) the Board to provide incentives for States to develop regional planning mechanisms to promote the rational distribution of, adequate access to, and efficient use of, tertiary care facilities, equipment, and services; (3) State programs to meet Federal standards, including single-agency administration, a State health security budget, provider payment and quality review methodologies consistent with Federal standards, freedom to choose providers, a consumer ombudsman, an annual report, and a fraud and abuse prevention and control unit; and (4) the Governor of each State to provide for appointment of a State Health Security Advisory Council to advise and make recommendations to the Governor and State regarding program implementation. Allows: (1) programs not meeting Federal requirements, after notice, to be placed in receivership under the Board's jurisdiction; and (2) States to use fiscal agents, after competitive bidding, to process claims. (Sec. 406) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to direct all activities of the Department of Health and Human Services toward contributions to health of the people in a manner complementary to this Act. Subtitle B: Control Over Fraud and Abuse - Authorizes the Board to exclude providers from participation, impose civil monetary penalties, and seek criminal prosecution for fraud or abuse, based on current Medicaid standards. Requires providers to disclose relevant information about their ownership interest in health facilities and services, based on current Medicaid standards. (Sec. 412) Requires the Board: (1) through the Inspector General, to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data base, including the identity of any provider who has been convicted, had a license revoked, has been excluded or suspended from participation, or has been subjected to a civil penalty with respect to a State program, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federally funded health program; and (2) to establish rules to protect the confidentiality of information in the data base. Requires States to provide relevant information for this purpose and to periodically inquire of the data base to determine provider qualifications to participate in programs. Sets penalties for submitting false information. (Sec. 413) Requires each program to establish and maintain a health care fraud and abuse unit. (Sec. 414) Directs the Board to provide for the assignment of a unique identifier to each participating provider and to each individual eligible for services, which shall be used for claims and payment. Title V: Quality Assessment - Directs the Quality Council to: (1) collect data from outcomes research on an ongoing basis and develop practice guidelines on the basis of such data and existing clinical knowledge; (2) adopt methodologies for profiling the patterns of practice of health care professionals and for identifying outliers (i.e., health care providers whose patterns of practice suggest quality deficiencies); (3) develop standards for the development of centers of excellence for designated procedures and for education of and sanctions for outliers; and (4) disseminate all quality guidelines and standards to the States for implementation. (Sec. 502) Requires each participating State to establish an entity to conduct quality reviews of persons providing covered services under its program which meet Federal standards for the adoption of practice guidelines, identification of outliers, development of remedial programs and monitoring for outliers, and the application of sanctions. Allows the State to adopt alternative methodologies to those adopted by the Quality Council provided that the State can demonstrate that the efficacy of such review and education programs meets Federal standards. Mandates that the quality review entity be administratively independent of the individual or board that administers the program and not provide any financial incentive to reviewers to favor one pattern of practice over another. (Sec. 503) Expresses the intent to replace random utilization controls with a systematic review of patterns of practice that compromise the quality of care by January 1, 1998. Supercedes all existing Federal utilization review programs, including random case-by-case reviews and programs requiring pre-certification of medical procedures on a case-by-case basis, with exceptions. Specifies that nothing in this section shall preclude case management of catastrophic, mental health, or substance abuse cases where necessary to achieve appropriate, cost-effective, and beneficial comprehensive medical care. (Sec. 504) Requires: (1) each State program to develop and use a uniform electronic data base which uses software designated by the Board and which assures confidentiality for all patient records to enable systematic quality review and outcomes analysis; and (2) the Board to designate such software and establish standards designed to protect the privacy of patients. Limits access by government agencies to patient records. Title VI: Health Security Budget; Payments; Cost Containment Measures - Subtitle A: Budgeting and Payments to States - Directs the Board to establish a national health security budget which specifies the total expenditures to be made by the Federal Government and the States for covered health care services, and allocates those expenditures among the States. Prohibits such budget from exceeding the budget for the preceding year increased by the percentage increase in gross domestic product. Divides the budget into quality assessment, professional education, administrative, and operating components. (Sec. 602) Provides for the allocation of funds in the budget by the Board to the States, based on the national average per capita costs of covered services adjusted for differences among the States in costs and the health status of populations. Permits the use of statistical models to estimate State capitation amounts. Sets forth State adjustment factors to reflect differences in relative needs for funds and directs that such factors be applied in a budget-neutral manner resulting in no change in total Federal expenditures from the national per capita average. (Sec. 603) Requires each program to submit to the Board a proposed and final annual budget broken into quality assessment, professional training, administrative, and operating components, with the operating component broken into facility-based services, individual practitioner payments, payments to CHSOs, and payments for other items and services. Sets forth provisions regarding proposed and final budget deadlines, adjustments in allocations, and expenditure limits. Permits programs to provide for a process for the approval of capital expenditures based on information derived from regional planning agencies. (Sec. 604) Provides for programs to receive Federal funds equal to a weighted average of 86 percent of their population-based share of the budget, which the Board may adjust between 81 and 91 percent based on State economic conditions. (Sec. 605) Requires each program to establish a separate budget account for health professional education expenditures and to distribute funds consistent with the achievement of specified national and program goals, including the receipt by the Board of reports to monitor compliance, and taking into account the potentially higher costs of placing health professional students in clinical education programs in health professional shortage areas. Subtitle B: Payments by States to Providers - Directs that: (1) payment for operating expenses for institutional and facility-based care under State programs be made directly to each institution or facility under an annual prospective global budget approved under the program; (2) such budgets take into account discharges by diagnosis-related group, prior expenditures, the extent to which debt service for capital expenditures has been included in the proposed operating budget, change in the consumer price index and other price indices, compensation, occupancy levels, past financial and clinical performance, training, technological changes, and incentives to maintain costs without reducing care; and (3) facility budgets be adjusted to reflect payments made by CHSOs. Allows programs to permit institutions and facilities to raise funds from private sources to pay for newly constructed facilities, major renovations, and equipment. (Sec. 612) Requires: (1) State programs to pay individual practitioners on a fee-for-service basis, as negotiated between States and practitioner representatives; (2) the Board to establish models for such payment and for global fee payment methodologies to encourage payment for combinations of services; and (3) practitioners to bill State programs within 30 days of providing services. Permits States to require electronic billing. (Sec. 613) Authorizes programs to pay CHSOs based on annual budgets or risk-adjusted capitation payments, reduced by the costs of covered services not provided by the CHSO. (Sec. 614) Directs that programs pay for community-based primary health services based on global budgets, basic primary care capitation amounts for enrollees, or fee-for-service, taking into account costs of serving non-covered patients, providing case management, transportation, and translation, and providing health professional education programs. (Sec. 615) Requires: (1) the Board to establish a list of approved prescription drugs based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Prescription Drugs and to negotiate maximum prices with manufacturers; and (2) each program to pay for such drugs based on such maximum prices and to pay separate dispensing fees to pharmacies. (Sec. 616) Directs the Board to establish a list of approved durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices and equipment and programs to pay for such items based on maximum prices determined by the Board. (Sec. 617) Requires State programs to pay for other items and services based on methodologies to be adopted by the Board, consistent with the State health security budget. (Sec. 618) Directs the Board to establish model payment methodologies and other incentives to promote the provision of services in medically underserved areas. Permits programs to adjust payments amounts within their budgets to encourage provision of appropriate services in underserved areas. (Sec. 619) Authorizes programs to utilize alternative payment methodologies, provided that such methodologies do not affect the entitlement of individuals to coverage, the weighting of fee schedules to encourage an increase in the number of primary care providers, the ability of individuals to choose among qualified providers, the benefits covered under the Program, or compliance with the State health security budget. Requires States to report on the operation and effectiveness of alternative methodologies to enable the Board to evaluate the appropriateness of applying such methodologies to other States. Subtitle C: Mandatory Assignment and Administrative Provisions - Specifies that participating providers: (1) must accept payment from a program as full payment for covered services; and (2) may not impose additional charges on patients. Permits the Board to exclude from participation and subject to civil penalties violators of such provision. (Sec. 632) Requires programs to establish: (1) procedures for reimbursing providers within 60 days of bill submission; and (2) an appeals process to handle grievances pertaining to provider payments. Title VII: Promotion of Primary Health Care; Development of Health Service Capacity; Programs to Assist the Medically Underserved - Subtitle A: Promotion and Expansion of Primary Care Professional Training - Makes the Board responsible for: (1) coordinating health professional education policies and goals to achieve national goals; (2) overseeing program health professional education expenditures; (3) developing and maintaining a system to monitor the number and specialties of individuals through their health professional education, any postgraduate training, and professional practice; and (4) developing, coordinating, and promoting other policies that expand the number of primary care practitioners. Sets as national goals that: (1) at least 50 percent of graduate medical residencies be in primary care within five years of this Act's enactment; and (2) there be a certain number, specified by the Board, of midlevel primary care practitioners employed in the health care system as of January 1, 2000. Directs the Board to: (1) establish a method of applying such goals to program goals for each medical residency program or consortium of programs and reducing payments for residency programs failing to meet their goals; (2) advise the Public Health Service on allocations of funding under specified programs to increase the supply of midlevel primary care practitioners; and (3) commission a study of the potential benefits and disadvantages of expanding the scope of practice authorized under State laws for any class of midlevel primary care practitioners. (Sec. 702) Requires the Board to establish an Advisory Committee on Health Professional Education to advise the Board concerning graduate medical education policies under this title. (Sec. 703) Directs the Board to transfer specified revenues from the American Health Security Trust Fund (Trust Fund) for specified existing programs supporting health professional education and nursing education and for the National Health Service Corps. Subtitle B: Direct Health Care Delivery - Requires the Board to transfer specified Trust Fund revenues to the Public Health Service for: (1) maternal and child health block grants, preventive health block grants, grants to States for community mental health services and prevention and treatment of substance abuse, and grants for HIV health care services; and (2) grants to nonprofit community health centers and similar facilities. (Sec. 713) Directs the Board to make grants to primary care centers (i.e., nonprofit community health centers, migrant health centers, and other federally qualified health centers) to serve medically underserved populations in urban and rural areas. Specifies that grant funds may be used to plan, develop, and deliver primary care in such areas. Subtitle C: Primary Care and Outcomes Research - Requires the Board to transfer specified Trust Fund revenues to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research for health outcomes research. (Sec. 722) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) an Office of Primary Care and Prevention Research to be headed by a Director who shall identify and coordinate research activities relating to primary care and prevention, including care provided by multidisciplinary teams. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of NIH to establish a national data system and clearinghouse on primary care and prevention research. Title VIII: Financing Provisions; American Health Security Trust Fund - Subtitle A: American Health Security Trust Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the American Health Security Trust Fund. Appropriates to the trust fund the increase in tax liabilities attributable to the application of amendments made by this title and receipts from the following programs: Medicare, Medicaid, Federal employees health benefit program, and the CHAMPUS program. Transfers to such trust fund amounts in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Increases in Corporate and Individual Income Tax Rates; Health Security Premium; Surtax on Individuals With Incomes Over $1,000,000 - Increases individual and corporate income tax rates, including the imposition of a health premium on such increased rates. Imposes a surtax on individuals with incomes over $1 million. Subtitle C: Employment Tax Changes - Increases the tax on employers for hospital insurance. Modifies self-employment and railroad retirement tax provisions. Makes State and local employees subject to the hospital insurance tax. Subtitle D: Other Revenue Increases Primarily Affecting Individuals - Makes permanent the overall limitation on itemized deductions for high-income taxpayers. Makes permanent the phaseout of the deduction for personal exemptions for such taxpayers. Removes residence sale, purchase, or lease expenses and meals while traveling from the deduction for moving expenses. Increases the overall dollar limitation for moving expenses in connection with the commencement of work. Makes the highest estate and gift tax rates permanent. Denies any deduction for club membership fees as an entertainment expense. Includes increased social security benefits in gross income. Provides for the collection of a monthly long-term health care premium for the elderly (other than the low-income elderly) for deposit into the American Health Security Trust Fund. Subtitle E: Other Revenue Increases Primarily Affecting Businesses - Applies mark-to-market accounting method rules for certain securities held by dealers in securities (with specified exceptions for certain types of securities such as those held for investment or as a hedge). Increases the applicable recovery period for depreciation of nonresidential real property under the accelerated cost recovery system. Includes imported property income of a controlled foreign corporation or related person as foreign base company income. Requires the separate application of the limitation on the foreign tax credit on imported property income. Applies the look-thru rules in the case of controlled foreign corporations to such income. Repeals: (1) the deduction for intangible drilling and development costs in the case of oil and gas wells and geothermal wells; (2) the percentage depletion for oil and gas wells; and (3) the application of like-kind exchange rules to real property. Disallows the capitalization of a percentage of advertising expenses. Allows the amortization of such disallowed amount. Subtitle F: Estimated Tax Provisions - Increases individual and corporate estimated tax payments. Repeals special rules which denied the use of a previous year's liability safe harbor for certain individuals with significant increases in tax liability from one year to the next. Modifies corporate annualized income installment provisions. Subtitle G: Alternative Taxable Years - Provides that the taxable year for an S corporation of partnership must be the same as an entity's reporting period if an entity has annual reports or statements which ascertain income profit or loss and are provided to shareholders or used for credit purposes. Revises computation of the amount of the required payment that must be made by a partnership or S corporation that elects a taxable year other than the required taxable year. Subtitle H: Deduction for Charitable Contribution of Appreciated Property Limited to Adjusted Basis - Limits the deduction for charitable contribution of appreciated property to the amount which would have been gained had the property been sold by the taxpayer at its fair market value. Subtitle I: Minimum 5 Percent Rate of Tax on Interest Paid to Foreign Persons - Sets a minimum rate of tax on interest paid to foreign persons notwithstanding any treaty obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
Medicare Diabetes Outpatient Self-Management Training Services Coverage Act of 1993 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of diabetes outpatient self-management training services.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Amends Federal law to increase the Federal payments in lieu of taxes to units of local government for entitlement land. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to adjust such payments by the rate of inflation according to the Consumer Price Index.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Capital Budgeting Act of 1993 - Amends Federal law to require that the budget the President submits to the Congress be a unified budget comprising an operating budget and a capital budget, each presented separately for unified, general, trust, and enterprise funds. Restricts the capital budget to the major activities and programs supporting the acquisition, construction, alteration, and rehabilitation of capital assets and includes all other items in the operating budget. Requires the President to present certain additional information, including the capital investments by State and local governments not financed by the Federal Government. Requires the House Committee on the Budget to submit legislation to establish additional deficit targets under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) beginning in FY 1995 which would require the eventual elimination of deficits in the operating account. Requires the House Committee on Government Operations to report legislation directing the Comptroller General to evaluate the value and usefulness: (1) of capital investments in the capital account on an annual basis; and (2) of proposed capital investments submitted to the House after enactment of this Act. Requires the House Committee on Rules to report legislation establishing rules to facilitate the enforcement of amendments made by this Act. Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to require reports to specified congressional committees on the actual, estimated, and proposed appropriations, receipts, and expenditures for capital and operating activities associated with certain transportation, water, and public buildings projects.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during the three-year period beginning on October 1, 1993, to conduct a rural health-care clinic program in States where significant numbers of veterans reside in areas geographically remote from existing health-care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directs the Secretary to commence operation of at least three such clinics in each fiscal year of the program. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on an evaluation of the program. Authorizes appropriations.