United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care Coverage Subtitle A: Increased Affordability and Availability for Employees Subtitle B: Improved Small Employer Purchasing Power of Affordable Health Insurance Subtitle C: Health Deduction Fairness Subtitle D: Improved Access to Community Health Services Subtitle E: Improved Access to Rural Health Services Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings Subtitle C: Medical Savings Accounts (Medisave) Subtitle D: Medicaid Program Flexibility Subtitle E: Limitations on Physician Self-Referrals Subtitle F: Removing Restrictions on Managed Care Subtitle G: Medicare Payment Changes Subtitle H: Limitation of Antitrust Recovery for Certain Hospital Joint Ventures Subtitle I: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self-Regulatory Entities Action Now Health Care Reform Act of 1993 - Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care Coverage - (Sec. 102) Preempts inconsistent State laws. (Sec. 103) Requires small employer health insurance carriers to offer a MedAccess basic plan (providing only benefits for essential preventive and medical services and having an actuarial value not over 60 percent of a MedAccess standard plan) and a MedAccess standard plan (providing benefits typical of the small employer market). Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to tax the failure of a carrier or plan to comply with related standards. Mandates: (1) acceptance of every small employer and full-time employee; or (2) in States that so provide, allocation of risk. (Sec. 104) Regulates pre-existing condition requirements, premiums, rating practices disclosure, minimum participation requirements, and renewability. (Sec. 108) Mandates development of models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms. Requires State (or Federal) establishment of at least one mechanism in each State. Amends the IRC to impose a tax in any such Federal reinsurance State. (Sec. 110) Establishes the Office of Private Health Care Coverage and a related advisory committee. (Sec. 111) Authorizes research and demonstration projects on the impact of these provisions on the availability of affordable small employer coverage. Requires: (1) methods for measuring the relative health risks of eligible individuals; and (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among small employer carriers. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 121) Preempts State laws: (1) requiring the offering of health plans providing certain services; and (2) prohibiting employer groups from purchasing health insurance. (Sec. 131) Amends the IRC to increase and make permanent deductions for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. (Sec. 141) Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to provide for grants to: (1) migrant and community health centers and to entities providing health services for the homeless to promote primary health services for underserved individuals; and (2) increase access to outpatient primary services in certain geographic areas. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 171) Changes the heading of title XII (Trauma Care) of the PHSA to "Emergency Medical Services" and makes similar changes to references within the title. (Sec. 172) Authorizes grants to States for State offices of emergency medical services. (Sec. 173) Requires projects under existing provisions to include demonstrations on telecommunications between rural medical facilities and other medical facilities with useful expertise or equipment. (Sec. 174) Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions of title XII. (Sec. 181) Mandates grants to States for rural air medical transport systems. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 191) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend special payments for the inpatient services of small, rural Medicare-dependent hospitals. Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement - (Sec. 211) Reforms medical malpractice regarding: (1) a statute of limitations; (2) use of alternative dispute resolution systems (ADRs), including for claims against the United States; (3) settlement offers and conferences; (4) noneconomic and punitive damages; (5) periodic payment for future damages; (6) mandatory offsets for collateral source payments; (7) contingent attorney's fees; (8) several and joint liability; (9) findings of negligence; (10) practice guidelines sanctioned as affirmative defenses; (11) the standard of proof regarding certain labor and delivery circumstances; (12) supersedure of certain State laws; and (13) establishment and certification of State ADRs. (Sec. 241) Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for sanctioning guidelines as affirmative defenses. Mandates: (1) research and demonstrations on the use of data on malpractice actions; and (2) development of a standard reporting form for State ADRs in transmitting information on disputes resolved. (Sec. 242) Authorizes State professional disciplinary agencies to make agreements with professional societies to allow the societies to: (1) participate in licensing; and (2) review malpractice allegations or other information on the practice patterns of a practitioner. (Sec. 243) Requires each health professional and provider to participate in a risk management program. (Sec. 244) Mandates grants: (1) for basic research on malpractice prevention and compensation and outcomes research; (2) to States to improve licensing and discipline; and (3) for public education on appropriate health care use and realistic expectations, public education on the resources and role of licensing and disciplinary boards, and development of faculty training and curricula regarding quality assurance, risk management, and medical injury protection. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 245) Mandates a study on factors preventing or discouraging physicians from volunteering in medically underserved areas. (Sec. 251) Regulates: (1) data elements, uniform claims forms, and uniform electronic transmission of data elements; (2) provider claims submission; and (3) hospital and non-hospital electronic medical data. (Sec. 262) Requires hospitals, in order to participate in Medicare, to maintain and electronically transmit clinical data on patients in a set of electronic comprehensive data elements. (Sec. 263) Provides for electronic transmission of data elements to Federal agencies. (Sec. 264) Prohibits plans from requiring that a provider provide any data element not in the set or transmit any data element in a manner inconsistent with standards. (Sec. 265) Establishes an advisory commission. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 271) Provides for a comparative health care value program in each State. Authorizes grants and appropriations. (Sec. 273) Requires each Federal agency concerned with health insurance or care to develop comparative value information. (Sec. 274) Mandates model systems for the gathering and analysis of data on health care cost, quality, and outcome. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 281) Provides for standards regarding Medicare and Medicaid identification cards. Establishes a Medicare and Medicaid system to provide information on primary payors. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 282) Nullifies any State law requiring that medical or health insurance records be maintained in written rather than electronic form. (Sec. 283) Provides for standards regarding: (1) beneficiary and provider identification numbers; and (2) coordination of benefits. (Sec. 285) Mandates grants to demonstrate the application of comprehensive information systems in continuously monitoring patient care and improving patient care. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Authorizes grants for: (1) communication links between plan and provider information systems; (2) regional or community-based clinical information systems; and (3) developing and testing, for physicians and non-hospital entities, the definition of a comprehensive data set and the specification and presentation of individual data elements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 291) Amends the IRC to exclude from an employee's gross income any amount contributed by the employer to a trust created exclusively to pay an individual's medical expenses (medical savings account). Sets contribution limits. Subjects the employee to taxation as owner of the account. (Sec. 301) Amends Medicaid provisions to modify contracting requirements for coordinated care services. (Sec. 311) Amends Medicare provisions to extend physician self-referral limitations to all payors and certain additional services. Revises exceptions. (Sec. 314) Mandates a study to estimate the changes in aggregate costs that will result from the amendments made by these provisions. (Sec. 321) Preempts managed care restrictions under State law. Mandates a study of managed care benefits and cost effectiveness. (Sec. 331) Amends Medicare provisions to revise the method for determining prospective payment updates to hospitals. (Sec. 332) Lowers the limitation amount and suspends certain annual adjustments regarding clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. (Sec. 343) Limits antitrust recovery to actual damages if certain requirements are met, including the filing and publication of information regarding hospital joint ventures. (Sec. 345) Establishes the Interagency Committee on Competition, Antitrust Policy, and Health Care. (Sec. 351) Prohibits, subject to exception, damages and other recovery under the Clayton Act or similar State laws from a medical self-regulatory entity engaging in standard setting or enforcement activities designed to promote the quality of health care and not conducted for financial gain.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Life Imprisonment for Egregious Recidivists Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to require the court, in the case of a conviction for a Federal violent felony, to sentence the defendant to life imprisonment if the defendant has previously been convicted of two other violent felonies. Specifies that this provision shall not be construed to prevent the imposition of the death penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1993 - Provides that certain qualified service of a member of the U.S. merchant marine, including a vessel crewmember of the U.S. Army Transport Service, during World War II constituted active military service for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge under such Act to each merchant marine member whose qualified service warrants such a discharge. Prohibits the payment of any retroactive benefits under this Act. Mandates a processing fee for any benefit application for such qualified service.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1993 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President legislative line item veto rescission authority. Makes such a rescission effective unless the Congress, during a review period of 20 calendar days, enacts a rescission disapproval bill.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Radio Free Asia Act of 1993 - Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to grant authority to the Board for International Broadcasting to operate a Radio Free Asia broadcasting service for the peoples of Asia. Revises the composition of the Board to add two additional members to be selected by the President. Allows funds made available to Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty to be used by Radio Free Asia. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Board to report to the Congress on the desirability of the geographic expansion of funded broadcasts, particularly to Africa and the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Provides for a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour on all highways with four lanes or more open to traffic located outside of urbanized areas. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to the Congress on the effects on highway safety of increasing the speed limit on such highways.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a person who has been elected to: (1) the Senate two times from being eligible for election or appointment to the Senate; and (2) the House of Representatives six times from being eligible for election to the House.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Constitutional Amendment - Establishes a four-year term of office for Members of the House of Representatives to coincide with the President's term of office. Requires any Representative who officially declares the candidacy for election to the Senate to resign his or her seat at the time of the declaration.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1992
Employment Dispute Resolution Act - Amends title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide for pre-litigation mediation by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) or another mediator. Prohibits suit while mediation is pending. Sets forth procedures and requirements. Amends Federal law to provide for pre-suit mediation, by the FMCS or another mediator, of disputes involving enforcement of employment-related contracts under provisions relating to equal rights under the law. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1992
Worker Protection Warnings Act of 1992 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to issue a final regulation establishing, as occupational safety and health standards, uniform warnings for personal protective equipment for occupational use. Requires such regulation to be issued within 12 months after enactment of this Act, meet certain conditions, and incorporate specified considerations. Preempts State and local law with respect to such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1992
EEOC Education, Technical Assistance, and Training Revolving Fund Act of 1992 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to establish the EEOC Education, Technical Assistance, and Training Revolving Fund and to pay the cost of providing such services relating to laws administered by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Requires the EEOC to charge fees to offset the costs. Transfers a specified amount to the Fund from the Salaries and Expenses appropriation of the EEOC.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1992
American Jobs Fairness Act of 1992 - Prohibits expenditure of Federal funds to purchase components for the Superconducting Super Collider that are manufactured outside the United States, except under a contract that was open to competitive bidding (with specified exceptions for certain components).
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1992
Supports the planting of 500 redwood trees from California on the northwest coast of Spain in commemoration of the quincentenary of the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World. Designates such trees as a gift to the people of Spain made in the name of the people of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1992
Credit Availability and Regulatory Relief Act of 1992 - Title I: Supervisory Reforms - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the appropriate Federal banking agency to exempt any insured depository institution owned or controlled by a depository institution holding company from statutory examination requirements if: (1) the agency is satisfied that adequate internal controls and examination procedures exist within the holding company structure; and (2) the institutions owned or controlled by the holding company having at least 80 percent of all insured depository institutions owned or controlled by such holding company have been subjected to onsite examinations. Modifies statutory auditing and reporting requirements in order to reduce the regulatory costs incurred by insured depository institutions. Requires the Small Business Administration together with specified financial institution regulatory agencies to conduct a joint study and report to the Congress on the appropriate methods to obtain the information needed to assess the availability of credit to small businesses, including minority-owned small businesses and small farms. Repeals the existing mandate for certain regulatory standards for safety and soundness. Requires the appropriate Federal banking agencies to review their regulations and adopt uniform regulations. Excludes from bank closure requirements specified branches and automated teller machines. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to modify the aggregate statutory limits on insider lending. Repeals the current statutory mandate with respect to the regulation of interbank risks. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to change the assessment base calculation for deposit insurance premiums (from the two most recent quarterly call reports of the institution to the next-to-last call report and the one immediately before it). Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to: (1) establish a threshold of $100,000 or less level below which State-certified or State-licensed appraisers are not required for certain Federal real estate-related transactions; and (2) prohibit the States from requiring State-certified or State-licensed appraisers for such transactions. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to set forth guidelines for self-certification of small rural regulated financial institutions that have complied with such Act. Requires the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency to investigate any allegation filed against a regulated financial institution regarding whether it is helping to meet the credit needs of its community, consistent with safe and sound operation of the institution. Modifies the regulatory the guidelines for such institutions. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require: (1) the appropriate Federal banking agencies to jointly establish application requirements to reduce duplicative filings by depository institutions; and (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to minimize the regulatory burden imposed upon insured depository institutions. Removes certain interest rate restrictions placed upon depository institutions that are adequately capitalized. Repeals provisions relating to private deposit insurers and deposit institutions lacking Federal deposit insurance. Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from bringing an action or proceeding against a private deposit insurer for non-compliance with the requirement to complete a certain annual audit within a specified time period. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) those measures necessary to ensure adequate public disclosure of depository institutions that lack Federal deposit insurance; and (2) the appropriateness of imposing audit requirements on private deposit insurers. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to delay the effective dates for specified new requirements for insured financial institutions. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to accelerate the effective date by which savings associations may engage in certain affiliate transactions permitted for banks. Title II: Non-Supervisory Reforms - Subtitle A: Expedited Funds Availability and Electronic Transfers - Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act to eliminate next-day availability schedules for checks drawn on and deposited at an automated teller machine of the same depository institution. Makes the availability schedule for new accounts applicable during the 90-day (currently 30-day) period beginning on the date the account is established. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve Board) to establish rules imposing liability and allocating risk of loss among depository institutions and other entities participating in the payments system, including the States and political subdivisions on which checks are drawn. Subtitle B: Amendments to the Truth in Lending Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) exempt from its purview credit transactions involving consumers whose income or net worth exceeds specified thresholds; and (2) prohibit the recovery of punitive damages. Subtitle C: Homeownership Amendments - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to exempt lenders who finance the purchase of residential real estate from requirements to provide certain information booklets to borrowers if the lender denies the loan application within three business days after it is received. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to index the asset size of depository institutions exempt from the Act to increases in the Consumer Price Index. Amends the Competitive Equality Banking Act of 1987 to apply the definition of "adjustable rate mortgage loan" with respect to the interest rate cap to consumer loans only. Prohibits an appropriate Federal banking agency from requiring any depository institution to engage in Fair Housing Act data collection activities if such activities are already required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975. Subtitle D: Amendments to the Truth in Savings Act - Amends the Truth in Savings Act to direct the Federal Reserve to exempt certain broadcast, electronic, or outdoor advertisements from interest-rate disclosure requirements, as well as (at the Board's discretion) interest rate notice boards on the premises of an institution. Authorizes the Board to exempt or modify certain disclosure requirements with respect to specified accounts and interest rates. Limits the civil liability of a depository institution to an accountholder to the actual damages sustained. Subtitle E: Expedited Procedures for Bank Holding Companies - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act to set forth expedited procedures by which banks may reorganize into bank holding companies. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to: (1) reflect such expedited procedures; and (2) prescribe expedited procedures for bank holding companies to seek approval to engage in nonbanking activities. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to permit, with the concurrence of the Attorney General, the reduction to five days of the post-approval waiting period for bank holding company acquisitions and bank mergers.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1992
Syndex Fairness Act of 1992 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission to revise the regulations relating to nonduplication protection and syndicated exclusivity to permit the customers of cable television systems in towns, cities, or communities with populations of less than 50,000 to receive network programs for each network from affiliated television stations in the customers' States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1992
Urban Entrepreneurial Opportunities Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for equity contributions made by a corporation to an urban entrepreneurial opportunity financing subsidiary of such corporation. Requires the subsidiary to use such contribution in making qualified enterprise zone business loans to qualified small business concerns. Establishes an overall program limitation among the contributing corporations to be allocated by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1992
Calls upon the President to urge the United Nations Security Council to direct the Secretary General of the United Nations to provide a plan and budget for intervention as may be necessary to enforce the Security Council resolutions seeking cessation of hostilities in the former republics of Yugoslavia.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1992
Action Now Health Care Reform Act of 1992 - Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care Coverage - Subtitle A: Increased Affordability and Availability for Employees - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the NAIC) to develop model regulations requiring each carrier that makes available in a State any small employer health benefit plan to make available to each small employer in the State a MedAccess basic plan and a MedAccess standard. Directs the Secretary to develop such regulations, if the NAIC does not. Defines MedAccess plan as a health benefits plan that: (1) provides benefits typical of the benefits offered in the small employer health coverage market or provides only benefits for essential preventive and medical services and has an average actuarial value not exceeding 60 percent of the average actuarial value of the typical benefits offered in the small employer health coverage market; (2) accepts every small employer in the State applying for coverage and accepts for enrollment every eligible individual (defined as an individual who is a full-time employee and, if family coverage is offered, covers the employee's spouse and dependents under age 19 or under age 25 for students); and (3) meets consumer protection standards established by this Act relating to limitation of pre-existing condition clauses, continuity of coverage, renewability, and premium limitations. Prohibits the imposition, by a carrier, of a limitation of benefits based on the fact a condition pre-existed the effectiveness of the policy if: (1) the condition relates to a condition not diagnosed within three months before coverage under the plan; (2) the limitation extends beyond six months after coverage under the plan; (3) the limitation applies to an individual who, as of date of birth, was covered under the plan; and (4) the limitation relates to pregnancy. Requires continuous coverage. Prohibits cancellation of a plan or denial of coverage unless there is: (1) nonpayment of premiums; (2) fraud; (3) noncompliance with plan provisions; (4) failure to maintain the required number of enrollees; (5) misuse of a provider network provision; or (6) a cessation by the carrier of the provision of any plan in a State. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax which shall be paid by the carrier on the failure of a carrier or an employer health benefit plan to comply with the provisions of the Act. Directs the Secretary to request the NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for individuals and small employers who are enrolled under a small employer health benefit plan that meets the consumer protection standards and for whom a carrier is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan. Requires each State to establish and fund one or more reinsurance or allocation or allocation of risk mechanisms that are consistent with a model. Directs the Secretary to develop models, if the NAIC does not. Permits a State, in order to insure the financial solvency of the mechanism, to impose charges on any entity providing employee-related health benefits, so long as such charges do not discriminate with respect to entities that would not be subject to such charges. Directs the Secretary to establish a reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanism, if a State does not. Imposes an excise tax which shall be paid by the carrier on the providing of any health benefit plan which covers any employee in a Federal reinsurance State. Permits either a State or the Secretary (in a Federal reinsurance State) to require each employer health benefit plan to: (1) be registered; and (2) provide such information as is necessary for the reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office of Private Health Coverage to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary; and (2) provide for the appointment of an advisory committee to advise the Director. Permits the Director to research the impact of this subtitle and conduct related demonstration projects. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods of measuring, in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under small employer health benefit plans and, in particular, MedAccess plans, the relative health risks of eligible individuals; and (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among carriers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this paragraph. Subtitle B: Improved Small Employer Purchasing Power of Affordable Health Insurance - Preempts from insurance mandates a qualified small employer purchasing group, if the group consists of employers with not more than 100 employees, the group consists of not fewer than 100 employers, and the health benefit plans with respect to the employer members are in compliance with applicable State laws relating to health benefit plans. Subtitle C: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent and increase from 25 to 100 percent the health insurance tax deduction for the self-employed. Subtitle D: Improved Access to Community Health Services - Directs the Secretary to provide for a program of grants to migrant and community health centers receiving grants or contracts under provisions of the Public Health Service Act in order to promote the provision of primary health care services for underserved individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem as an employee of the Public Health Service, for purposes of civil actions against commissioned officers or employees, any officer, employee, or contractor who is a physician or other licensed health care practitioner while performing functions for an entity receiving Federal funds under provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Requires an entity, in order to receive a grant under such provisions, to implement certain policies to assure against malpractice. Requires: (1) the Attorney General to estimate the amount of all claims expected, during each year, to arise against such an entity from acts of officers or employees; (2) the Secretary to withhold from grants to such entities the amount estimated; and (3) the withheld amount to be transferred to the Treasury to pay judgments against the United States arising from such claims. Directs the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects for the purpose of increasing access to outpatient primary health services in geographic areas with a: (1) population of not more than 500,000 individuals; (2) shortage of personal health services; and (3) significant number of low-income or underinsured individuals. Sets forth requirements for receiving such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Improved Access to Rural Health Services - Retitles title XII of the Public Health Service Act "Emergency Medical Services" (formerly, "Trauma Care") and directs the Secretary to establish the Office of Emergency Medical Services which shall, with respect to emergency medical services (including trauma care): (1) conduct research; (2) sponsor workshops; (3) assist States; and (4) coordinate activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for the purposes of improving the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services. Sets forth matching fund requirements. Provides for demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and other medical facilities that have equipment that can be utilized through telecommunications. Authorizes appropriations for purposes of the programs of this paragraph. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas access to treatments for the injuries or other conditions arising from such emergencies. Sets forth requirements for grant applications. Authorizes appropriations. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend for one year special treatment rules for Medicare-dependent small rural hospitals. Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement - Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform - Prohibits bringing a medical malpractice claim: (1) more than two years after the alleged injury should reasonably have been discovered and in no event more than four years after the alleged injury occurred; and (2) in any State court unless there has been an initial resolution through a certified alternative dispute resolution system (ADR). Requires the use of ADR in a Federal medical malpractice liability claim. Requires a pre-trial settlement conference in any medical malpractice liability action. Sets limits on: (1) noneconomic damages; (2) punitive damages; and (3) attorney's fees. Requires offsets for damages paid by a collateral source. Requires liability in a medical malpractice action to be several and not joint. Provides a complete defense to any allegation of negligence in a medical malpractice liability action to any defendant who followed the appropriate practice guideline. Prohibits finding a defendant guilty in a medical malpractice liability action relating to services provided during labor or delivery of a baby if the defendant did not previously treat the plaintiff during the pregnancy, unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Directs the Secretary to determine whether a States' ADR meets ADR system requirements established by this Act. Establishes such requirements. Amends title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to earmark funds for sanctioning practice guidelines for purposes of an affirmative defense in medical malpractice liability actions. Permits a State agency responsible for the conduct of disciplinary actions for a type of health care practitioner to enter into agreements with State or county professional societies for such type of health care practitioner to permit such societies to participate in the licensing of such health care practitioner and to review health care malpractice allegations. Requires each State to require each health care professional and provider to participate in a risk management program to prevent and provide early warning of practices which may result in injuries to patients or which otherwise endanger patient safety. Directs the Secretary to make grants for the conduct of basic research in the prevention of and compensation for injuries resulting from health care professional or health care provider malpractice, and research of the outcomes of health care procedures. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to study the factors discouraging physicians from volunteering to provide health care services in medically underserved areas. Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings - Directs the Secretary to adopt standards relating to each of the following: (1) data elements for use in claims processing under health benefits plans; (2) uniform claim forms; and (3) uniform electronic transmission of the data elements. Authorizes the Secretary to require providers to submit claims to health benefit plans in accordance with such standards. Provides for periodic review of the standards. States that the term "health benefit plan," in this subtitle, includes the Medicare and Medicaid programs (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act). Requires the Secretary to promulgate standards for hospitals concerning electronic medical data. Permits the Secretary to promulgate standards concerning electronic medical data for providers that are not hospitals. Requires hospitals, in order to participate in Medicare, to: (1) maintain clinical data in a set of comprehensive data elements in electronic form on all patients; and (2) upon the Secretary's request, transmit electronically the data set and any data from such set. Provides for electronic transmission to Federal agencies. Prohibits a health benefit plan, if standards with respect to data elements are promulgated with respect to a class of provider, from requiring for the purpose of utilization review or as a condition of providing benefits under the plan that a provider in the class: (1) provide any data element not in the set of comprehensive data elements; or (2) transmit or present any such data element in a manner inconsistent with applicable standards. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory commission of hospital executive and data base managers, physicians, health services researchers, and technical experts in the collection and use of data and operation of data systems. Authorizes appropriations for such commission. Requires the Secretary, in order to assure the availability of comparative value information to purchasers of health care in each State, to determine whether each State is developing and implementing a health care value information program that meets stated criteria. Permits grants to a State for the development of its health care value information program. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Requires the head of each Federal agency with responsibility for the provision of health insurance or health care services to individuals to promptly develop health care value information relating to each program that such head administers. Directs the Secretary to develop model systems to facilitate: (1) the gathering of data on health care cost, quality, and outcome; and (2) analyzing such data to permit the valid comparison of such data. Authorizes appropriations for the development of such model systems. Directs the Secretary to adopt standards relating to the design and use of magnetized Medicare identification cards for the purpose of assisting health care providers in determining eligibility and billing. Authorizes appropriations. Nullifies any State law requiring that medical or health insurance records be maintained in written rather than electronic form. Requires each health benefit plan: (1) for each of its beneficiaries that has a social security number, to use that number as an identification number for claims processing; and (2) for each provider that has a unique identifier for Medicare purposes, to use that identifier for claims processing. Requires the Secretary to determine whether problems relating to the rules for determining liability when benefits are payable under two or more plans or the availability of information among such plans causes significant administrative problems, and if so, directs the Secretary to promulgate standards concerning liability and the transfer of information among plans. Directs the Secretary to provide grants to qualified entities to demonstrate the application of comprehensive information systems in continuously monitoring patient care and in improving patient care. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle C: Medical Savings Accounts (Medisave) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee any amount contributed by the employer to a medical savings account pursuant to a qualified medical savings account plan. Sets contribution limits. Defines a "medical savings account" as a trust created exclusively for purpose of paying an individual's medical expenses. Permits expenses from such account only to the extent such amounts are not compensated for by insurance. Subjects the employee to taxation as owner of the account. Subtitle D: Medicaid Program Flexibility - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify Medicaid contracting requirements for coordinated care services. Authorizes the Secretary to waive specified Medicaid requirements with respect to nursing facilities located in a State if the State provides assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the waiver of such requirements will not adversely affect the quality of life of the residents in such facilities. Subtitle E: Limitations on Physician Self-Referrals - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend physician self-referral limitations to all payors as well as to certain additional services. Revises exceptions. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study in order to estimate the changes in aggregate costs for designated health services, under the Medicare program and other health plans, which will result from the implementation of the amendments made by this subtitle. Subtitle F: Removing Restrictions on Managed Care - Preempts managed care restrictions under State law. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. Subtitle G: Medicare Payment Changes - Amends the Medicare program to make revisions in the methodology for determining updates to Medicare hospital payments. Provides for a reduction in Medicare payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. Subtitle H: Modification of the Operation of the Antitrust Laws to Hospitals - Permits two or more hospitals, without violating the antitrust laws, to share expensive medical services or high technology equipment. Directs the Secretary to grant waivers to exempt hospitals from the antitrust laws in order to carry out agreements permitting such sharing. Sets forth reporting requirements. Subtitle I: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self-Regulatory Entities - Prohibits damages, interest on damages, costs, or attorney's fees from being recovered under the Clayton Act or any similar State law from any medical self-regulatory entity as a result of engaging in standard setting or enforcement activities designed to promote the quality of health care provided to patients.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1992
Farm and Rural Medical Equity Reform Act of 1992 - Title I: Deductibility of Health Insurance Expenses for the Self-Employed - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals from 25 percent to 100 percent. Title II: Medical Savings Accounts - Allows individuals a tax deduction for contributions made to a medical care savings account established for the benefit of an eligible individual. Defines an eligible individual as: (1) one who is not covered by an employer-provided group health plan; or (2) one who is covered by such a plan which is a qualified catastrophic coverage health plan and is not covered by an other health plan. Makes such accounts tax-exempt, but subject to taxes imposed on unrelated business income of charitable, etc. organizations. Allows such deduction in arriving at adjusted gross income. Establishes an excise tax for excess contributions to medical care savings accounts and makes such accounts subject to the tax on prohibited transactions. Allows the transfer of unused amounts in flexible spending accounts of cafeteria plans to medical savings accounts. Provides special rules for transfers to cash or deferred arrangements. Allows the full deduction for medical, dental, etc., expenses for amounts paid for qualified catastrophic coverage health plans. Title III: Uniform Claims; Electronic Cards; Electronic Billing - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Advisory Council on Health Claim Processing Standardization to submit recommendations to the Secretary concerning: (1) standards for uniform health claim reimbursement forms for hospitals and physicians and the information to be contained on such forms; (2) standards for electronic cards that could be used to store a patient's insurance information and medical records; and (3) the computerization of health claim billing and the use of electronic means to transmit billing information from hospitals and physicians to insurers and the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, taking into account such recommendations, to specify a uniform health claim reimbursement form for use by hospitals and such a form for use by physicians. Title IV: Health Insurance Portability Provisions - Prohibits an insurance carrier from imposing (or requiring an employer to impose through a waiting period for coverage under a group health plan or similar requirement) a limitation or exclusion of benefits under a group health plan for a pre-existing condition under specified circumstances. Provides for the continuity of coverage through the previous satisfaction of a pre-existing condition requirement. Limits the amount by which premiums previously charged a small employer may be increased for a newly covered employer. Imposes an excise tax for violation of such provisions. Title V: Improved Access to Rural Health Services - Subtitle A: Rural Emergency Medical Services Amendments - Amends title XII (Trauma Care) of the Public Health Service Act to apply the title to emergency medical services (including trauma care) and to modify the duties of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the title. Establishes the Office of Emergency Medical Services. Authorizes grants to States to improve the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services. Requires projects under existing provisions to include demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and medical facilities that have expertise or equipment useful to the rural facilities through telecommunications. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out specified provisions of the title. Subtitle B: Extension of Special Treatment Rules for Medicare-Dependent, Small Rural Hospitals - Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend through March 31, 1994 (currently, 1993) special payments under part A of Medicare for the operating costs of inpatient services of small, rural Medicare-dependent hospitals. Subtitle C: Outreach Grants Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to demonstrate new and innovative models of outreach and health care services delivery in rural areas that lack basic health services. Conditions grants on formation of consortia of at least three health care providers or at least three social service providers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1992
State Initiatives in Child Welfare Act of 1992 - Title I: Child Welfare Entitlement Program - Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to create a capped entitlement program under a new part C, Child Welfare Entitlement. States that the purpose of this new part is to grant States the flexibility and resources necessary to provide appropriate services and activities to: (1) preserve and strengthen families with children at risk of needing placement outside their home; (2) reunite children with their families if an out-of-home placement is found to be necessary; (3) place children in adoptive homes or other permanent arrangements in a timely fashion if reunification with their families is not in the best interest of the child; and (4) ensure the well-being of children referred to public officials because of suspected or actual abuse or neglect. Sets forth criteria which States must meet in order to qualify for payments under such entitlement program. Provides for allotments and payments to qualified States, and supplemental payments under certain conditions. Provides that, except with respect to certain restrictions, States may use payments under this part in any manner that the State child welfare agency deems appropriate to accomplish the purpose of the part. Establishes a penalty for misuse of funds. Sets forth administrative provisions. Terminates such new entitlement program after FY 1997. Title II: Federal Oversight And Technical Assistance - Amends part B (Child-Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require State plans under such part to: (1) afford certain protections to foster children; (2) contain certifications respecting proper use of part B program payments and State audits of program expenditures; and (3) contain assurances respecting State compliance with Federal guidelines for protecting foster children. Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require State plans under such part to contain similar certifications. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for broker technical assistance to States with respect to child welfare. Provides funding for such assistance. Places a two-year moratorium on child protection compliance reviews and on disallowances and deferrals of expenditures under the Child-Welfare Services program. Establishes the Commission on Child Welfare Accountability (the Commission) to recommend to the Congress and the Secretary methods by which the Federal Government can better ensure the protection of children referred to State child protective services programs and the accountability of such programs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires each State to transmit to the Secretary and the Commission on Improvement of Child Protective Services Programs a report outlining the efforts that the State has made to ensure the uninterrupted provision of child protections under the Child-Welfare Services program. Requires HHS recommendations on a new accountability system for the protection of children to be transmitted to the Commission. Title III: Creating Reliable Information On Child Welfare - Amends part E to set June 1, 1992, as the deadline for final regulations providing for the implementation of a system currently authorized for the collection of data on adoption and foster care. Requires such regulations to provide for full implementation of such system by FY 1993. Provides for demonstration projects on foster care prevention, family reunification, and adoption assistance services. Requires HHS studies on State administration of Foster Care and Adoption Assistance programs. Authorizes appropriations. Amends part E to provide for a 90 percent match for data collection and information retrieval systems.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Job Training 2000 Act - Establishes, as part of the Federal system of funding for vocational training programs: (1) a network of local skill centers to provide a common point of entry; (2) a certification system; and (3) a voucher system. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Education for allocations to States and private industry councils to assist in carrying out title III of this Act, relating to certification of vocational training programs. Title I: General Provisions - Part A: Federal Responsibilities - Establishes the Federal Vocational Training Council (Federal Council), composed of the Secretaries of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs (or their designees) and such other agency heads as the President may designate. Includes among Federal Council functions: (1) advice and guidance on implementation of this Act to affected Federal, State, and local agencies and organizations; (2) ensuring application of consistent policies, practices, and procedures in Federal vocational training programs (including, through waiver authority, requiring common terms and performance standards, collection of common data, coordination and consolidation of timing and sequence, of State and local plans and reports); (3) serving as an information clearinghouse among Federal, State, and local officials; (4) evaluation of the this Act's effect on individuals, institutions, agencies, and labor markets; and (5) oversight of implementation and administration of this Act. Grants each member of the Federal Council limited waiver authority over regulations or provisions of law in their jurisdiction that would prevent application of consistent practices and procedures to the specified items. Terminates such authority three years after the effective date of this Act. Requires certain reports to the President by the Federal Council. Establishes a National Private Sector, Advisory Board on Vocational Training (Advisory Board), composed of 15 members appointed by the President. Allows the President to consider including: (1) representatives of the private sector, who shall be private sector owners or executives with substantial management or policy responsibility, to constitute a majority of the membership; (2) representatives of educational agencies, welfare and social service agencies, labor organizations, or community-based organizations; and (3) participants in vocational training programs and other individuals who have special knowledge and qualifications with respect to vocational training. Directs the Advisory Board to advise the Federal Council on carrying out its responsibilities, increasing private sector involvement in vocational training programs, and ways of ensuring that the Federal vocational training system meets labor market needs. Part B: State Human Resource Investment Council - Requires establishment of a single State human resource investment council (State Council) by each State that receives assistance under an applicable program (i.e. one under the Adult Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Wagner-Peyser Act, the JOBS program under AFDC provisions of the Social Security Act, specified employment and training provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, specified student aid provisions for Pell Grants, Supplemental Grants, Stafford Guaranteed Loans, Work-Study Programs, and Perkins Direct Loans under the Higher Education Act of 1965, Veterans Vocational Training programs, and other programs designated by the Federal Council). Requires the State Council to advise the Governor on: (1) coordination methods, after reviewing provision of services and use of funds under applicable programs; and (2) developing, implementing, and coordinating State and local standards and measures relating to applicable programs. Requires each State Council to consist of members appointed by the Governor who are representatives of: (1) business and industry (including agriculture, where appropriate), who shall constitute a majority of the membership; (2) organized labor and community-based organizations; (3) the chief administrative office from each State agency primarily responsible for administering an applicable program; (4) the State legislature and appropriate State agencies and organizations; (5) local governments; (6) local educational agencies and postsecondary institutions; (7) local welfare and public housing agencies; and (8) individuals with special knowledge and qualifications with respect to education and career development needs of members of special populations, women, and minorities, including one individual representative of special education. Requires each State to certify to the Federal Council the establishment and membership of the State Council at least 90 days before the beginning of each period of two program years for which a Job Training 2000 plan is submitted. Part C: Additional State Responsibilities - Requires each Governor to biennially issue a statement of goals and objectives for the Job Training 2000 system established in the State pursuant to this Act, in order to assist the private industry councils prepare the Job Training 2000 Plan. Requires dissemination of such statement to private industry councils and other interested agencies, organizations, and individuals. Requires each Governor to report annually to the Federal Council on activities undertaken in the State pursuant to this Act, including specified information and additional imports as requested. Includes among each Governor's oversight responsibilities with respect to private industry councils: (1) monitoring compliance; (2) providing technical assistance; and (3) applying sanctions, including revocation of plan approval or imposition of a reorganization plan (which may be appealed to the Secretary of Labor). Part D: Local Plan and Report - Requires each private industry council (PIC) to submit to the Governor a Job Training 2000 plan for two-year periods. Requires PICs to prepare such plans in a specified manner, and in consultation with representatives of: (1) Federal vocational training programs and local public and private providers of service to such programs, including programs authorized under specified Federal laws and provisions; and (2) local business, labor, educational, and community-based organization and other interested individuals and organizations. Sets forth required contents of such plans, including provisions relating to the certification system and the voucher system under this Act. Sets forth provisions for review and approval of such plans by the Governor (with State Council advice), with opportunities for PIC plan modifications and appeals to the Secretary of Labor, and final review by such Secretary. Requires annual PIC reports to the Governor and State Council. Title II: Skill Centers - Requires each PIC, in accordance with specified consultation procedures, to designate a network of skill centers in each service delivery area (SDA) to: (1) improve individuals' access to vocational training by designating common entry points to programs; (2) better inform individuals to employment opportunities, local labor market conditions, and local vocational training programs' performance; (3) facilitate matching local employers with potential employees who meet hiring qualifications and workforce skill needs; and (4) encourage greater coordination and minimize duplication of services between federally funded vocational training programs. Allows any entity or consortium located in the SDA to apply to be designated as a skill center (including Employment Service offices, community colleges, community-based organizations, administrative entities under JTPA, and other interested organizations and entities). Sets forth skill center functions, including providing specified services in the following categories: (1) core services which each center is required to make available; (2) enhanced services which each center may make available; and (3) specialized employer services which each center may provide to employers on a fee-for-service basis (income from which must be used to expand or enhance the services such center provides). Requires that programs authorized under specified Federal provisions (under certain of the Federal laws listed as applicable programs under title I part B), participate in the operation of the skill centers. Allows other programs providing basic skills, literacy, or vocational training to participate in such center operation as a party to an agreement if the PIC and other participating programs approve. Sets forth requirements for skill center: (1) designation procedures (including publication of notice, consultation, selection criteria, and charter issuance); (2) participating programs agreements with PIC (including exceptions where a participating program may be allowed to provide specified core services in addition to center provision of such services); (3) performance standards (prescribed by the Secretary of Labor in consultation with the Federal Council, with adjustments and additions by each Governor, and with sanctions for noncompliance); and (4) incentive grants, to be awarded to skill centers by Governors from funds available under specified provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act (Employment Service) and the JTPA. Title III: Certification System for Federal Vocational Training - Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate funds (appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this Act) to the States and PICs to assist in carrying out a certification system to: (1) ensure that only high quality vocational training programs are eligible to receive Federal funds; (2) establish performance standards to increase effectiveness of vocational training programs; and (3) promote the availability of information on the local level regarding performance of vocational training programs. Provides that such allocations shall be based on factors deemed appropriate by such Secretary, in consultation with the Federal Council. Requires a vocational training program provided by an institution or other service provider (except an on-the-job training program) to be certified in order to be eligible to receive Federal funds under specified covered programs (including those under certain of Federal laws and provisions listed as applicable programs under title I part B and mandatory participating programs under title II). Directs the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Federal Council, to prescribe performance standards for vocational training programs provided by an institution or other service provider. Prohibits such standards from being revised more frequently than once every two years. Requires such standards to address: (1) the institution's financial responsibility; (2) program costs; (3) student withdrawal rates; (4) student loan default rate at the institution; (5) graduate licensure rates; and (6) graduate employment placement, retention, and earnings. Authorizes additional standards based on other measures of program effectiveness in meeting special needs of disadvantaged students and in preparing students for employment, including meeting relevant industry skill standards. Allows PICs to modify levels of successful performance under each such standard, if local conditions so justify and if State and Federal approval is given. Sets forth certification procedures, including: (1) designation of a single State agency to certify programs, collect data, issue guidelines, and determine information to be included in applications; (2) role of the PIC (in the SDA in which the program is located) in certifying, upon notification of the application, whether the program meets performance standards (in which role a PIC may use staff of skill centers or other entities or may establish a consortium with other PICs in the State); (4) State agency approval of applications (with requirements for recertification under specified conditions, and authority to suspend program certification on an emergency basis); (5) appeal procedures at State and Federal levels; (6) conflict-of-interest prohibitions; and (7) PIC dissemination of information on program performance to the skill centers. Title IV: Vocational Training Voucher System - Establishes a vocational training voucher system. Requires that vocational training and related services provided to individuals from funds under the following covered programs shall only be provided through such voucher system: (1) title II (Training Services for the the Disadvantaged) and title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JTPA; (2) specified employment and training provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) the new Postsecondary Vocational Training program which this Act adds as part D of title II of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. Defines related services as those provided by a single service provider as part of a package of services which includes vocational training. Allows the covered program to provide, in addition to vocational training and related services, other services (which must be identified in the agreement) through such voucher system. Allows other Federal programs, in addition to the listed covered programs, to participate in the voucher system if such participation is consistent with the laws governing such programs and the PIC approves. Makes the PIC responsible for overseeing the establishment and operation of the voucher system. Directs the PIC, after consultation with local providers of vocational training, to enter into an agreement with the skill centers and the local agencies responsible for administering the covered programs and the additional programs. Requires such written agreement to specify: (1) common procedures for voucher issuance; (2) financial and management information systems to be used to administer the voucher system; (3) payment schedules relating to vouchers, including those for courses not completed by participants; and (4) conditions to ensure compliance with covered program requirements. Requires such vouchers to contain specified information and conditions, including an expiration date and the limitation that the voucher is only redeemable for certified programs. Requires at least 20 percent of the total payment to be withheld from the service provider until the participant has: (1) successfully completed the training; and (2) been employed and retained employment for a period of at least 90 days. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Federal Council, to issue regulations implementing such withholding requirements. Limits the total dollar amount of outstanding vouchers issued in an SDA by a covered program to not more than the amount of funds available to such program in such SDA. Sets forth special rules for vouchers issued for on-the-job training, including: (1) specification of a particular occupational area; (2) redemption only by employers with available positions approved by the covered program in that occupational area; and (3) inapplicability of the withholding requirement. Allows a contract for direct services, in lieu of a voucher, to be used for provision of vocational training and related services under a covered program if the PIC approves the program's request based on a finding of: (1) an insufficient number of providers in an SDA for a voucher system; or (2) programs in the SDA are unable to provide effective services to special participant populations, such as individuals with severe disabilities and substance abusers. Authorizes the Governor to direct a PIC to rescind such a contract upon determining that there was an insufficient basis for such findings. Title V: Conforming Amendments to Other Acts - Amends the Adult Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act, Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Wagner-Peyser Act, Social Security Act, and Food Stamp Act of 1977 to add requirements relating to duties of State human resources councils (as required by this Act) with respect to applicable programs under such Acts. Amends JTPA to add various program requirements (conforming to this Act) for certification of vocational training programs, participation in operation of skill centers, and vouchered services under JTPA title II (disadvantaged adults and youth programs) and title III (dislocated worker program). Revises JTPA provisions for the Job Corps to include specified arrangements with the skill centers, transfer of specified resources to skill centers, certification requirements for vocational training providers to be eligible for contracts with Job Corps Centers. Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to include the skill centers under provisions for incentive grants. Requires the employment service to: (1) participate in operation of the skill centers; (2) ensure that core services and agreed-upon enhanced services are provided only through skill centers; and (3) transfer sufficient resources to the skill centers to provide such services to individuals who are authorized to receive services under the Wagner-Peyser Act and who are not participants in other participating programs under the agreement. Allows local employment service offices to apply to be designated as skill centers. Amends Federal law relating to Veterans Vocational Training programs to include references to skill centers. Requires participation in the operation of skill centers and transfer of sufficient resources to such centers to provide the core services and agreed-upon enhanced services to individuals participating under provisions for Veterans Vocational Training. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act to require certain grants for postsecondary and adult vocational education programs under title II of such Act to be used only to provide assistance to vocational training programs certified under this Act. Requires a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may provide secondary level training to students under the Tech-Prep Education program (part E of title III fo the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act). Amends the JOBS program under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) provisions of the Social Security Act to require State agency participation in the operation of skill centers and transfers of sufficient resources to such centers to provide core services and agreed-upon enhanced services. Requires a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may receive funds under the JOBS program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may receive funds under certain employment and training project provisions of such Act. Requires vocational training under such Act to be provided only through the voucher system established under this Act. Allows other additional services to be provided through such system. Requires State agencies to enter into agreements relating to administration of the voucher system. Requires State agencies to: (1) participate in operation of skill centers and transfer sufficient resources to such centers to enable them to be the sole providers of core services and agreed-upon enhanced services to food stamp program participants determined to need vocational training. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require certification for certain institutions that offer vocational education, for purposes of eligibility for certain student aid programs (including specified grant, loan, and work-study programs). Requires such institutions to provide for skill center referrals, prior to enrollment, for students receiving such aid. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Refugee Assistance Act program under specified Federal law, and the Trade Adjustment Assistance program under the Trade Act of 1974 to require certification of vocational training programs under this Act as a condition of eligibility for funding under such Acts. Title VI: Effective Date and Transition - Allows each member of the Federal Council, in consultation with such Council, to establish transition rules and procedures for programs under their jurisdiction, for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow, on order of a veterinarian: (1) a new animal drug approved for one use to be used for a different purpose, provided the use does not result in residues in food in violation of established safe levels for the drug; and (2) a new drug approved for human use to be used in non-food producing animals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Rural Electrification Administration Improvement Act of 1992 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to provide that if a borrower of a loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) applies for an electric or telephone service loan from a private lender, REA shall grant the private lender a lien accommodation on the total assets securing the unpaid balance on an equal and pro rata basis with the Government lien, except if such private loan will adversely affect the borrower's ability to repay the Government. Subordinates the REA lien to a lien made by a private lender on a non-electric or non-telephone rural development loan if the borrower's revenues will be sufficient to meet all loan obligations. Revises discounted loan prepayment provisions to permit prepayment or sale of a loan that was advanced before a certain date or has been fully advanced for not less than two years. Limits future loan eligibility for prepaying borrowers. Repeals provisions regarding: (1) borrower net worth; and (2) the prepayment privatization demonstration program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Withdraws most favored nation status from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Authorizes the President to restore such status after he certifies to the Congress that: (1) such treatment would promote compliance with the provisions of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (2) Yugoslavia has ceased its armed conflict with the other ethnic peoples of the region, and has agreed to respect the borders of the six republics, that formerly comprised the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Revitalization of Health and Education in Rural America Act of 1992 - Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to direct the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration to establish a program for providing grants to qualified consortia to assist them in obtaining access to modern interactive telecommunications systems through the public switched network. Sets forth: (1) application requirements; (2) review and comment procedures (by a State agency); (3) criteria for selection of grantees (giving priority to applications demonstrating the greatest likelihood of successfully and efficiently carrying out specified activities, the participation of the local telephone exchange carrier in providing and operating the telecommunications transmission facilities required by a State plan for upgrading rural telecommunications infrastructure, and unconditional financial support from the local community, and ensuring (to the extent possible) that various regions of the United States benefit from the use of the grants); and (4) limits on the maximum grant amount and the period of disbursement of grants. Specifies that grants under this Act may be used to support the costs of activities involving the sending and receiving of information to improve health care or educational services in rural areas. Sets limitations with respect to: (1) the use of grant funds for the acquisition of interactive telecommunications equipment; (2) the use of such funds to employ consultants; and (3) the authorization of appropriations. Bars the use of funds under this Act to establish or operate a telecommunications network or telecommuncations service for hire. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (REA) to: (1) provide for a reduction in the interest rate on insured telephone loans for borrowers from States with plans for upgrading rural telecommunications infrastructure; and (2) eliminate a preference for rural telephone bank loans for borrowers located in such States. Modifies the definition of "rural area" for purposes of telephone loans to mean specified areas not included within the boundaries of an area having a population in excess of 10,000 (currently, 1,500) inhabitants. Expresses the sense of the Congress that persons eligible for telephone loans under the REA who are interested in upgrading telecommunications in rural areas should obtain financial assistance under such Act through a subsidiary in order to limit the assets subject to the lien requirements of such Act. Directs the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration and the Governor of the Rural Telephone Bank to prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Tax Extension Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from August 1, 1992, until August 1, 1993, the provisions governing the allocation of research and experimental expenditures for purposes of determining sources of income. Extends the following provisions from June 30, 1992, until December 31, 1993: (1) the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) the targeted jobs credit; (3) the authority to issue qualified mortgage bonds and qualified mortgage credit certificates; (4) the authority to issue qualified small issue bonds to finance manufacturing facilities and farm property; (5) employer-provided educational assistance; (6) the tax exclusion for employer-provided group legal services plans; (7) the energy investment credit for solar and geothermal property; (8) the credit for clinical testing expenses for certain drugs for rare diseases or conditions; and (9) health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Extends the low-income housing credit until December 31, 1993 with modifications. Expands the ten-year anti-churning rule waiver to certain projects substantially assisted, financed, or operated under the National Housing Act. Allows units occupied by certain full-time students to qualify for such credit. Authorizes the Treasury Department to waive penalties for certain de minimis errors and recertifications. Provides that certain community service facilities in projects in qualified census tracts are included in eligible basis as functionally related and subordinate facilities. Allows certain building owners to elect to use apartment size or family size in determining the credit's gross rent limitation. Provides for the tax treatment of resale price control and subsidy lien programs under mortgage revenue bond provisions. Repeals the tax preference for the appreciated property charitable deduction during 1992 and 1993. Requires a report by the Secretary of the Treasury to certain congressional committees on an advance valuation procedure.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
National Youth Apprenticeship Act of 1992 - Sets forth Federal, State, and local responsibilities in establishing the means for employers, local education agencies, labor organizations, and other appropriate entities to develop and implement youth apprenticeship programs under the national youth apprenticeship criteria (the criteria) established by this Act. Establishes an interagency committee, composed of the Secretaries of Labor, of Education, and of Commerce, to: (1) establish procedures for submission and review of plans by States; and (2) determine if such plans meet the criteria. Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to perform specified functions under this Act in consultation with the committee, including providing for criteria and safeguards compliance determination procedures, monitoring data collection, evaluation, review of fund use, policy guidance, resources and technical assistance, recognition and dissemination of outstanding programs, and research and demonstration activities. Directs the Governor of a participating State to submit to the Secretary a biennial State plan for youth apprenticeship programs which meets specified requirements. Directs the Governor also to designate the appropriate State authority to: (1) develop certain program guidelines for designating local entities and for including long-term employment possibilities; (2) certify that local programs meet the criteria, safeguards, and other appropriate standards; (3) provide technical assistance and other support to local entities and employers; and (4) provide for data collection, monitoring, and program evaluation. Requires local entities to ensure programs meet the criteria, safeguards, and other applicable standards. Requires participating schools to provide for career exploration and academic development to meet program entry and participation requirements. Requires local employers (in collaboration with labor organizations where appropriate) to: (1) employ youth apprentices; (2) assist participating schools in ensuring that curriculum content is relevant to the workplace; (3) take primary responsibility for ensuring success of worksite learning and work experience; and (4) inform local schools of each youth apprentice's performance. Requires local private industry councils to review and approve local youth apprenticeship programs to ensure that such programs: (1) meet local labor market demands; and (2) provide apprentices with broad-based competencies and transferable skills that facilitate career progression within the industries or trades in which the student is trained and employed. Sets forth the national youth apprenticeship criteria for programs, including criteria with respect to: (1) academic instruction; (2) work-based learning; (3) worksite learning and experience; (4) agreement commitment by youth apprentices, parents or guardians, employers (in collaboration with labor organizations where appropriate), and local educational agencies; (5) agreement provisions for educational outcomes and for wages and hours; and (6) information and guidance. Allows local entities to design programs using alternative program components, including specified models for tech-prep education and vocational education, and providing for formal coordination with other tech-prep programs and postsecondary education and training. Requires specified safeguards to apply to youth apprenticeship programs under this Act, including safeguards against: (1) displacement of currently employed workers (or those undergoing temporary layoffs, or those terminated by the employer with the intention of filling the vacancies with the youth apprentices; (2) impairment of existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements; (3) an unsafe or unhealthful workplace; (4) discrimination; and (5) conflict of interests by private industry council members. Sets forth the relationship of youth apprenticeship programs under this Act to other laws, including: (1) special lower minimum wages and student-learner requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; and (2) specified programs under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act, the Job Training Partnership Act, and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies to: (1) evaluate activities under this Act and other appropriate issues; and (2) examine State and local use, in support of this Act, of funds under specified Federal laws and of any other Federal, State, local, or private resources. Directs the Secretary to submit an initial report to the President on the results of such studies within two years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, to: (1) extend for five years the rural health care transition grant program; and (2) give preference in awarding grants under such program to projects which include programs of cooperation with other health care providers.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Prohibits a member of the armed forces or person seeking to become a member from being discriminated against by the armed forces on the basis of sexual orientation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Civil War Battlefield Commemorative Coin Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Civil War battlefield preservation. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one-dollar coins, and $1 per coin for the half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Civil War Battlefield Foundation for the preservation of historically significant Civil War battlefields.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992
Job Training 2000 Act - Establishes, as part of the Federal system of funding for vocational training programs: (1) a network of local skill centers to provide a common point of entry; (2) a certification system; and (3) a voucher system. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Education for allocations to States and private industry councils to assist in carrying out title III of this Act, relating to certification of vocational training programs. Title I: General Provisions - Part A: Federal Responsibilities - Establishes the Federal Vocational Training Council (Federal Council), composed of the Secretaries of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs (or their designees) and such other agency heads as the President may designate. Includes among Federal Council functions: (1) advice and guidance on implementation of this Act to affected Federal, State, and local agencies and organizations; (2) ensuring application of consistent policies, practices, and procedures in Federal vocational training programs (including, through waiver authority, requiring common terms and performance standards, collection of common data, coordination and consolidation of timing and sequence, of State and local plans and reports); (3) serving as an information clearinghouse among Federal, State, and local officials; (4) evaluation of this Act's effect on individuals, institutions, agencies, and labor markets; and (5) oversight of implementation and administration of this Act. Grants each member of the Federal Council limited waiver authority over regulations or provisions of law in their jurisdiction that would prevent application of consistent practices and procedures to the specified items. Terminates such authority three years after the effective date of this Act. Requires certain reports to the President by the Federal Council. Establishes a National Private Sector Advisory Board on Vocational Training (Advisory Board), composed of 15 members appointed by the President. Allows the President to consider including: (1) representatives of the private sector, who shall be private sector owners or executives with substantial management or policy responsibility, to constitute a majority of the membership; (2) representatives of educational agencies, welfare and social service agencies, labor organizations, or community-based organizations; and (3) participants in vocational training programs and other individuals who have special knowledge and qualifications with respect to vocational training. Directs the Advisory Board to advise the Federal Council on carrying out its responsibilities, increasing private sector involvement in vocational training programs, and ways of ensuring that the Federal vocational training system meets labor market needs. Part B: State Human Resource Investment Council - Requires establishment of a single State human resource investment council (State Council) by each State that receives assistance under an applicable program (i.e. one under the Adult Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Wagner-Peyser Act, the JOBS program under AFDC provisions of the Social Security Act, specified employment and training provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, specified student aid provisions for Pell Grants, Supplemental Grants, Stafford Guaranteed Loans, Work-Study Programs, and Perkins Direct Loans under the Higher Education Act of 1965, Veterans Vocational Training programs, and other programs designated by the Federal Council). Requires the State Council to advise the Governor on: (1) coordination methods, after reviewing provision of services and use of funds under applicable programs; and (2) developing, implementing, and coordinating State and local standards and measures relating to applicable programs. Requires each State Council to consist of members appointed by the Governor who are representatives of: (1) business and industry (including agriculture, where appropriate), who shall constitute a majority of the membership; (2) organized labor and community-based organizations; (3) the chief administrative offices from each State agency primarily responsible for administering an applicable program; (4) the State legislature and appropriate State agencies and organizations; (5) local governments; (6) local educational agencies and postsecondary institutions; (7) local welfare and public housing agencies; and (8) individuals with special knowledge and qualifications with respect to education and career development needs of members of special populations, women, and minorities, including one individual representative of special education. Requires each State to certify to the Federal Council the establishment and membership of the State Council at least 90 days before the beginning of each period of two program years for which a Job Training 2000 plan is submitted. Part C: Additional State Responsibilities - Requires each Governor to biennially issue a statement of goals and objectives for the Job Training 2000 system established in the State pursuant to this Act, in order to assist the private industry councils prepare the Job Training 2000 Plan. Requires dissemination of such statement to private industry councils and other interested agencies, organizations, and individuals. Requires each Governor to report annually to the Federal Council on activities undertaken in the State pursuant to this Act, including specified information and additional imports as requested. Includes among each Governor's oversight responsibilities with respect to private industry councils: (1) monitoring compliance; (2) providing technical assistance; and (3) applying sanctions, including revocation of plan approval or imposition of a reorganization plan (which may be appealed to the Secretary of Labor). Part D: Local Plan and Report - Requires each private industry council (PIC) to submit to the Governor a Job Training 2000 plan for two-year periods. Requires PICs to prepare such plans in a specified manner, and in consultation with representatives of: (1) Federal vocational training programs and local public and private providers of service to such programs, including programs authorized under specified Federal laws and provisions; and (2) local business, labor, educational, and community-based organizations and other interested individuals and organizations. Sets forth required contents of such plans, including provisions relating to the certification system and the voucher system under this Act. Sets forth provisions for review and approval of such plans by the Governor (with State Council advice), with opportunities for PIC plan modifications and appeals to the Secretary of Labor, and final review by such Secretary. Requires annual PIC reports to the Governor and State Council. Title II: Skill Centers - Requires each PIC, in accordance with specified consultation procedures, to designate a network of skill centers in each service delivery area (SDA) to: (1) improve individuals' access to vocational training by designating common entry points to programs; (2) better inform individuals of employment opportunities, local labor market conditions, and local vocational training programs' performance; (3) facilitate matching local employers with potential employees who meet hiring qualifications and workforce skill needs; and (4) encourage greater coordination and minimize duplication of services between federally funded vocational training programs. Allows any entity or consortium located in the SDA to apply to be designated as a skill center (including Employment Service offices, community colleges, community-based organizations, administrative entities under JTPA, and other interested organizations and entities). Sets forth skill center functions, including providing specified services in the following categories: (1) core services which each center is required to make available; (2) enhanced services which each center may make available; and (3) specialized employer services which each center may provide to employers on a fee-for-service basis (income from which must be used to expand or enhance the services such center provides). Requires that programs authorized under specified Federal provisions (under certain of the Federal laws listed as applicable programs under title I part B), participate in the operation of the skill centers. Allows other programs providing basic skills, literacy, or vocational training to participate in such center operation as a party to an agreement if the PIC and other participating programs approve. Sets forth requirements for skill center: (1) designation procedures (including publication of notice, consultation, selection criteria, and charter issuance); (2) participating programs agreements with PIC (including exceptions where a participating program may be allowed to provide specified core services in addition to center provision of such services); (3) performance standards (prescribed by the Secretary of Labor in consultation with the Federal Council, with adjustments and additions by each Governor, and with sanctions for noncompliance); and (4) incentive grants, to be awarded to skill centers by Governors from funds available under specified provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act (Employment Service) and the JTPA. Title III: Certification System for Federal Vocational Training - Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate funds (appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this Act) to the States and PICs to assist in carrying out a certification system to: (1) ensure that only high quality vocational training programs are eligible to receive Federal funds; (2) establish performance standards to increase effectiveness of vocational training programs; and (3) promote the availability of information on the local level regarding performance of vocational training programs. Provides that such allocations shall be based on factors deemed appropriate by such Secretary, in consultation with the Federal Council. Requires a vocational training program provided by an institution or other service provider (except an on-the-job training program) to be certified in order to be eligible to receive Federal funds under specified covered programs (including those under certain of Federal laws and provisions listed as applicable programs under title I part B and mandatory participating programs under title II). Directs the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Federal Council, to prescribe performance standards for vocational training programs provided by an institution or other service provider. Prohibits such standards from being revised more frequently than once every two years. Requires such standards to address: (1) the institution's financial responsibility; (2) program costs; (3) student withdrawal rates; (4) student loan default rate at the institution; (5) graduate licensure rates; and (6) graduate employment placement, retention, and earnings. Authorizes additional standards based on other measures of program effectiveness in meeting special needs of disadvantaged students and in preparing students for employment, including meeting relevant industry skill standards. Allows PICs to modify levels of successful performance under each such standard, if local conditions so justify and if State and Federal approval is given. Sets forth certification procedures, including: (1) designation of a single State agency to certify programs, collect data, issue guidelines, and determine information to be included in applications; (2) role of the PIC (in the SDA in which the program is located) in certifying, upon notification of the application, whether the program meets performance standards (in which role a PIC may use staff of skill centers or other entities or may establish a consortium with other PICs in the State); (4) State agency approval of applications (with requirements for recertification under specified conditions, and authority to suspend program certification on an emergency basis); (5) appeal procedures at State and Federal levels; (6) conflict-of-interest prohibitions; and (7) PIC dissemination of information on program performance to the skill centers. Title IV: Vocational Training Voucher System - Establishes a vocational training voucher system. Requires that vocational training and related services provided to individuals from funds under the following covered programs shall only be provided through such voucher system: (1) title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) and title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JTPA; (2) specified employment and training provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) the new Postsecondary Vocational Training program which this Act adds as part D of title II of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. Defines related services as those provided by a single service provider as part of a package of services which includes vocational training. Allows the covered program to provide, in addition to vocational training and related services, other services (which must be identified in the agreement) through such voucher system. Allows other Federal programs, in addition to the listed covered programs, to participate in the voucher system if such participation is consistent with the laws governing such programs and the PIC approves. Makes the PIC responsible for overseeing the establishment and operation of the voucher system. Directs the PIC, after consultation with local providers of vocational training, to enter into an agreement with the skill centers and the local agencies responsible for administering the covered programs and the additional programs. Requires such written agreement to specify: (1) common procedures for voucher issuance; (2) financial and management information systems to be used to administer the voucher system; (3) payment schedules relating to vouchers, including those for courses not completed by participants; and (4) conditions to ensure compliance with covered program requirements. Requires such vouchers to contain specified information and conditions, including an expiration date and the limitation that the voucher is only redeemable for certified programs. Requires at least 20 percent of the total payment to be withheld from the service provider until the participant has: (1) successfully completed the training; and (2) been employed and retained employment for a period of at least 90 days. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Federal Council, to issue regulations implementing such withholding requirements. Limits the total dollar amount of outstanding vouchers issued in an SDA by a covered program to not more than the amount of funds available to such program in such SDA. Sets forth special rules for vouchers issued for on-the-job training, including: (1) specification of a particular occupational area; (2) redemption only by employers with available positions approved by the covered program in that occupational area; and (3) inapplicability of the withholding requirement. Allows a contract for direct services, in lieu of a voucher, to be used for provision of vocational training and related services under a covered program if the PIC approves the program's request based on a finding of: (1) an insufficient number of providers in an SDA for a voucher system; or (2) programs in the SDA are unable to provide effective services to special participant populations, such as individuals with severe disabilities and substance abusers. Authorizes the Governor to direct a PIC to rescind such a contract upon determining that there was an insufficient basis for such findings. Title V: Conforming Amendments to Other Acts - Amends the Adult Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act, Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Wagner-Peyser Act, Social Security Act, and Food Stamp Act of 1977 to add requirements relating to duties of State human resource councils (as required by this Act) with respect to applicable programs under such Acts. Amends JTPA to add various program requirements (conforming to this Act) for certification of vocational training programs, participation in operation of skill centers, and vouchered services under certain JTPA titles. Revises JTPA provisions for the Job Corps to include specified arrangements with the skill centers, transfer of specified resources to skill centers, certification requirements for vocational training providers to be eligible for contracts with Job Corps Centers. Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to include the skill centers under provisions for incentive grants. Requires the employment service to: (1) participate in operation of the skill centers; (2) ensure that core services and agreed-upon enhanced services are provided only through skill centers; and (3) transfer sufficient resources to the skill centers to provide such services to individuals who are authorized to receive services under the Wagner-Peyser Act and who are not participants in other participating programs under the agreement. Allows local employment service offices to apply to be designated as skill centers. Amends Federal law relating to Veterans Vocational Training programs to include references to skill centers. Requires participation in the operation of skill centers and transfer of sufficient resources to such centers to provide the core services and agreed-upon enhanced services to individuals participating under provisions for Veterans Vocational Training. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act to establish a new Postsecondary Vocational Training program (as part D of title II). Reserves a specified portion of funds for such programs. Provides for State allotments and local allocations under such program in accordance with specified funding formulas under JTPA. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) either completion of high school or nonenrollment in high school while being beyond compulsory attendance age; and (2) being economically disadvantaged as defined under JTPA. Requires use of program funds to provide eligible individuals with postsecondary vocational training and related services through the voucher system established under this Act. Requires a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may provide postsecondary level training to students under the Tech-Prep Education program (part E of title III of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act). Amends the JOBS program under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) provisions of the Social Security Act to require State agency participation in the operation of skill centers and transfers of sufficient resources to such centers to provide core services and agreed-upon enhanced services. Requires a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may receive funds under the JOBS program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may receive funds under certain employment and training project provisions of such Act. Requires vocational training under such Act to be provided only through the voucher system established under this Act. Allows other additional services to be provided through such system. Requires State agencies to enter into agreements relating to administration of the voucher system. Requires State agencies to: (1) participate in operation of skill centers and transfer sufficient resources to such centers to enable them to be the sole providers of core services and agreed-upon enhanced services to food stamp program participants determined to need vocational training. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require certification for certain institutions that offer vocational education, for purposes of eligibility for certain student aid programs (including specified grant, loan, and work-study programs). Requires such institutions to provide for skill center referrals, prior to enrollment, for students receiving such aid. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Refugee Assistance Act program under specified Federal law, and the Trade Adjustment Assistance program under the Trade Act of 1974 to require certification of vocational training programs under this Act as a condition of eligibility for funding under such Acts. Title VI: Effective Date and Transition - Allows each member of the Federal Council, in consultation with such Council, to establish transition rules and procedures for programs under their jurisdiction, for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $1,000 to $5,000 the amount of proceeds from certain gambling that is exempt from income tax withholding. (Currently, only proceeds from State-conducted lotteries are exempt up to such amount.)
![Official portrait of Rep. Gunderson, Steve [R-WI-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000524_200.jpg)