United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that in the case of any employee's tax exempt trust or any qualified tax exempt pension plan, the balance to the credit of an employee does not include any amount not paid or distributed during the taxable year of any recipient solely by reason of any potential liability of the trust or plan arising from any court action which is pending at the close of such taxable year. Provides that if any payment or distribution from a trust or plan is treated as a lump sum distribution by reason of this Act and if, after the completion of the court action referred to in this Act, there is a subsequent distribution or payment from such trust or plan within one taxable year of the recipient of the remaining balance to the credit of the employee, such subsequent distribution or payment shall be treated as a lump sum distribution. States that no gain or loss shall be recognized for income tax purposes with respect to the sale or exchange of employer securities if the proceeds are transferred by an employee to an individual retirement account, retirement annuity or retirement bond as provided by the Code.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Medical Device Amendments - Provides for the classification of medical devices intended for human use based upon their safety and effectiveness. Describes such classification as follows: (1) Class I includes devices not purported to be for a use which is of substantial importance in supporting, sustaining, or preventing impairment of human life or health and do not present a potential unreasonable risk of illness or injury, and for which general controls, as defined are sufficient; (2) Class II includes devices for which it is necessary to establish a performance standard to provide reasonable assurance of their safety and effectiveness; and (3) Class III includes devices for which there is insufficient information for the establishment of a performance standard to provide reasonable assurance of their safety and effectiveness, are purported to be for a use which is of substantial importance in supporting, sustaining, or preventing impairment of human life or health, or present a potential unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Gives the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare responsibility for classifying all such devices. Authorizes the Secretary to establish panels of experts for the purpose of securing recommendations with respect to such classifications. Provides that any such recommendation shall contain a summary of the data upon which the recommendation is based, and an identification of the risks to health presented by the device. Provides that, based on new information respecting a device, the Secretary may, upon his own initiative or upon petition of any interested person, by regulation: (1) change the classification of such device; and (2) revoke, because of the change, any regulation in effect with respect to such device. Authorizes the Secretary, by regulation, to establish a performance standard for a Class II device. Sets forth criteria to be followed in such standard which will assure that the device is safe and effective. Directs the Secretary to provide for periodic evaluation of performance standards established under this Act. Establishes procedures to be followed by the Secretary in developing and changing such standards. Provides that the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a notice inviting any person, including any Federal agency, to submit an existing standard or an offer to develop such a standard. Requires the Secretary to obtain from the offeror such information concerning the offeror as the Secretary determines is necessary to disclose potential conflicts of interests and the reliability of the offeror. States that if a standard or offer to create a standard is submitted to the Secretary which he does not accept, he shall publish in the Federal Register notice of that fact together with the reasons therefor. Authorizes the Secretary to accept offers to develop a proposed standard for a device. Allows the Secretary to contribute to the offeror's costs in developing a proposed standard. Provides for the development of performance standards by the Secretary when no other means are available. Requires premarket approval for Class III devices. Establishes procedures for such approval. Sets forth criteria upon which the approval or disapproval of such devices shall be based, including a lack of reasonable assurances by the applicant that such device is safe for use under the conditions prescribed in the proposed labeling. Allows the Secretary to withdraw his premarket approval of a device in specified circumstances. Sets forth procedures to be followed for the withdrawal of such approval. States that in the case of a class III device which is required to have an approval of an application submitted, such device shall be considered as having such an approval if a notice of completion of testing conducted in accordance with a product development protocol has been completed as required in the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to ban devices intended for human use if he finds that: (1) they present a substantial deception or a substantial risk of illness or human injury; and (2) such deception or risk could be eliminated by corrective labeling but the manufactuer does not do so. Sets forth procedures governing the banning of such devices. Provides that the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia shall hear appeals by any person adversely affected by a decision, rule, or order, of the Secretary under this Act. Provides that if the Secretary determines that a device intended for human use presents an unreasonable risk of substantial harm to the public health, and that notification of such risk is necessary, he may issue such order as may be necessary to assure that adequate notification is provided by the persons and means best suited under the circumstances, to all persons who should receive such notification in order to eliminate such risk. Authorizes the Secretary to require a manufacturer of a medical device intended for human use which: (1) presents a substantial risk of harm to the public health; and (2) was not properly designed or manufactured, to repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of such device at no cost to the person using it. Requires every person who is a manufacturer, importer, or distributor of a medical device intended for human use to establish and maintain such records as the Secretary may by regulation direct. Authorizes the Secretary to require that a device be limited to sale or distribution by prescription of a licensed medical practioner. Authorizes the Secretary to establish mandatory manufacturing methods for medical devices. Directs the Secretary to prescribe procedures under which devices intended for human use may be granted an exemption from the requirements of this Act to permit the investigational use of such devices by experts qualified by scientific training and experience to investigate the safety and effectiveness of such devices. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations under which a detailed summary of information respecting the safety and effectiveness of a device shall be made available to the public. States that such summaries shall include information respecting adverse effects of the device on health. Makes conforming amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Extends specified sections of such Act relating to labeling, inspection, and seizures to medical devices. Requires manufacturers of medical devices intended for human use to register with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and to provide specified information concerning such devices. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an identifiable office to provide technical and other nonfinancial assistance to small manufacturers of medical devices to assist them in complying with the requirements of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Allows foreign countries and agencies thereof and foreign companies to purchase and store United States agricultural commodities or the products thereof in the United States. Provides that such agricultural commodities or products, if so purchased and stored as a reserve for a period of twelve months or longer upon approval by the Secretary of Agriculture, may be exported without regard to any export restraints or controls.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1975
Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress. States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the restoration, maintenance, and rationalization of the physical facilities and financial stability of the rail system of the United States. Title II: Procedural Reform of the Interstate Commerce Commission - Sets forth organizational and procedural changes in the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Rail Services Planning Office. Authorizes the Commission to establish a new Office of Rail Public Counsel. Stipulates that such Office shall be authorized to seek judicial review of specified actions relating to common carriers under this Act. Authorizes the Office to present before the Commission the views of communities and users of rail service affected by proceedings initiated by or pending before the Commission. Directs the Commission to prescribe, not later than June 30, 1977, a uniform cost and revenue accounting and reporting system for all railroad carriers. Title III: Railroad Rates - Prohibits the Commission from holding the rate of a carrier of one mode of transportation up to a particular level to protect the traffic of a carrier of another mode, if the rate proposed by the carrier is compensatory. States that a rate that is compensatory may not be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the basis that it is too low. Provides that the rate of a carrier is deemed to be compensatory when it equals or exceeds the variable cost to such carrier of providing the specific transportation to which the rate applies. Permits carriers to file with the Commission a notice of intention to file a schedule stating a new rate, fare, charge, classification, regulation, or practice whenever the implementation of the proposed schedule would require a total capital investment of $1,000,000 or more, individually or collectively, by such carrier. Authorizes the Commission to exempt from regulation for temporary periods of time any person to whom the application of regulation is unnecessary to effectuate the National Transportation Policy. Title IV: Abandonment - Sets forth procedures to be followed by carriers seeking to abandon service on railroad lines. Title V: Mergers and Consolidations - Sets forth the revised procedure to be followed in merger proceedings before the Commission. Requires notice to be given to Governors of those States affected by rail service mergers under this Act. Sets a 90-day delimiting period in which the Commission is to receive applications for consideration under this Act. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Discriminatory State Tax Practices - Designates specific State tax and assessment proceedings which shall be deemed an unreasonable and unjust discrimination against, and an undue burden on, interstate commerce. Title VII: Employee Protection Provisions - Requires railroads to provide fair and equitable arrangements to protect the interests of the employees affected by the abandonments, mergers, and consolidations authorized under the procedures in this Act. Title VIII: Establishment of Rail Transportation Fund - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Rail Transportation Fund, to consist of four separate accounts designated as follows: (1) the Rail Services Continuation Subsidy Account; (2) the Consolidation, Merger, and Improvement of Facilities Account; (3) the Rail Passenger and Intermodal Facility Account; and (4) the Loan Guarantee for Rail Improvement and Service Account. Authorizes appropriations to the separate accounts through fiscal year 1980 from sums appropriated pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Permits the Secretary to guarantee, loans for the Rail Improvement and Service Account. Title IX: Regional Rail Reorganization Act Amendments - Authorizes the United States Railway Association to purchase debentures and preferred stock of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, in order to provide: (1) for the modernization, rehabilitation, and maintenance of rail properties acquired by the Corporation under this Act; (2) for the acquisition of equipment and other capital needs; (3) for the refinancing of indebtedness incurred by the Corporation under this Act; or (4) working capital as contemplated by the final system plan. Authorizes appropriations to the Association of $2,100,000,000 to be used to pruchase securities of the Corporation. Allows the Secretary to provide further financial assistance in the form of grants or loans in order to further the purposes of this Act. Title X: Studies and Revisions - Provides for appropriate existing law revision to implement this Act, Authorizes a study of Federal aid to rail transportation. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of railroad electrification for high density rail lines. Provides for a study and evaluation of the projected future of the rail system in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Clean Air Act Amendments - Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for fiscal years 1976 through 1978 for Federal enforcement procedures, vehicle and other equipment procurement, and other programs for air pollution control under the Clean Air Act. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources - Provides for the regulation of air pollution caused by vinyl chloride, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic organic matter found to be causes of or contributing to endangering public health. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard for specified gas concentrations. Requires a study of the effect on the public health and welfare of sulfates, vinyl chloride, and other matter present in the ambient air. Stipulates the basis for administrattive standards under the Clean Air Act. Defines terms under such Act. Defines "hazardous air pollutant" for purposes of such Act as meaning an air pollutant to which no ambient air quality standard is applicable and which in the judgment of the Administrator causes, or contributes to, air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to result in an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible, illnesss. Authorizes extensions of Federal compliance dates for State plans under the Clean Air Act. Authorizes the collection of excess emission fees under the Clean Air Act. Directs the Administrator, at the time a compliance date extension is granted or approved under such Act to any major stationary source of air pollution, to determine whether or not the circumstances which made such source eligible for such extension were primarily beyond the control of the owner or operator of such source. Provides for major stationary sources granted compliance date extensions under such Act to pay fees based on the amount of any air pollutant emitted by such sources in excess of the requirement with respect to which such extensions are granted if the circumstances which made such sources eligible for such extensions were not primarily beyond the control of the owners or operators of such sources. Provides for compliance date extensions for purposes of converting fuel burners to coal use through 1980. Provides under the Clean Air Act for measures designed to protect the stratrosphere, and the ozone in the stratosphere. Requires the Administrator to conduct a study of the cumulative effect of all substances and activities which may affect the stratosphere. Directs the Administrator to establish a Coordinating Committee for the coordination of the efforts of other Federal agencies carrying out research and studies related to research on stratospheric protection. Repaires a report to the Congress on the work of such Committee. Title II: Amendments Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Directs the Administrator to conduct a study on the necessity and effectiveness of indirect source review programs which are contained in State implementation plans in reducing or preventing any projected increase in emissions of any mobile source-related air pollutant. Requires a report to the Congress on the results of such study. Sets limitations upon controls of indirect pollution sources promulgated by the Administrator. Provides for test procedures for the measurement of evaporative emissions of hydrocarbons from vehicles and engines manufactured during or after model year 1978. Requires the establishment of emission standards under the Clean Air Act for pollutants from railroad locomotives, locomotive engines, and secondary power sources on railroad rolling stock. Requires that any such standards shall take effect after such period as the Administrator finds necessary, upon consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to permit the development and application of the requisite technology which is found to be feasible for controlling such emissions. Stipulates that regulations under the Clean Air Act governing vapor recovery for mobile source fuels at the retail outlets of such fuels shall provide that the cost of vapor recovery equipment procurement and installation shall be borne by the distributor and that no part of such shall be transferred to any retail outlet. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Provides for the redesignation of the air quality control regions within the States under the Clean Air Act. Requires the Administrator to conduct continuing evaluations of potential loss or shifts of employment which may result from the issuance of requiremtnts under this Act. Authorizes the employees discharged, laid-off, or threatened with layoffs, due to such requirements to request of the Administrator a full investigation of the matter. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct public hearings following such requests wherein he may require parties, including the employers involved, to report on the effect of such requirements. Prohibits employers from discharging any employee who makes such a request or who commences any proceeding under this title.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives disapproval of the Final System Plan prepared by the United States Railway Association and submitted to the House of Representatives on July 26, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines "household" under the Food Stamp Act as meaning a group of individuals who are sharing common living quarters, but who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, and who have access to cooking facilities and for whom food is customarily purchased in common. Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve any plan which permits any household to simultaneously participate in both the food stamp program and the distribution of federally donated foods. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget adjusted pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards of eligibility which shall include, but not be limited to, the amounts of liquid and nonliquid assets. Provides that household income for purposes of the food stamp program shall be the gross income of the household less: (1) a standard deduction of $100 a month applicable to all households; (2) an additional deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there at least one member who is age sixty-five or older. Limits eligibility to participate in the food stamp program to citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residency. States that no individual shall be considered eligible for the food stamp program as a member of a household if he is: (1) over 18; (2) is enrolled at an institution of higher education; and (3) is a dependent child for income tax purposes of a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Prohibits households which transfer liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program from becoming eligible for at least a ninety-day period. Requires the Secretary to issue photo identification cards to households certified eligible to participate in the program. States that households shall be charged thirty percent of their income for the coupon allotment issued to them. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further inssuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Provides for a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to delegate to the States specified functions with respect to the location and plans for structures, excavations, dredging, or fills in or on navigable and other waters of the United States covered under the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Requires that a condition of any such delegation shall be the enactment by the State of legislation, and a State permit program, which is at least as effective as the Federal standards under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Requires the special court to make partial distribution of the securities, obligations, and compensation deposited with such court to railroads in reorganization pending completion of distribution proceedings by such court under title III (Consolidated Rail Corporation) of the Regional Reorganization Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Terminates the powers and duties of the Interstate Commerce Commission under the Bankruptcy Act with respect to a railroad in reorganization which conveys rail properties to the Corporation or to a profitable railroad pursuant to the final system plan established under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week in November which includes Thanksgiving Day in each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Provides that within 15 days after the passage of this Act, the Federal Power Commission shall by regulation exempt natural gas companies from regulation under the Natural Gas Act of any activities or operation relating to the transportation or sale of natural gas; including natural gas subject to any contract for the sale or delivery of such gas, to any interstate natural gas pipeline company which does not have a sufficient supply of natural gas to fulfill the firm contractual requirements of specified customers, and which is curtailing deliveries pursuant to a curtailment plan on file with the Commission. Provides that no exemption granted under this Act shall exceed one year in duration, but the Commission may, for good cause shown, extend any exemption granted for an additional one year. States that the Commission shall not deny, in whole or in part, the purchase price paid by an interstate natural gas pipeline company for gas exempted under this Act and regulations issued hereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept any property or structure which comprises Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester New York. Provides that such property shall be preserved as an historic American site.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1975
Requires the United State Postal Service to provide rent-free postal lock boxes for persons who reside in rural areas who do not receive postal delivery service.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1975
Natural Gas Supply Act - Title I: States that it is the purpose of this Act to authorize the President or his delegate, the Federal Power Commission, and the Federal Energy Administration to deal with existing and imminent shortages and dislocations of natural gas in the national distribution system which jeopardize the public health, safety, and welfare; to provide protection of natural gas service to customers who use natural gas for high priority end uses during periods of curtailed deliveries by natural gas companies; and to assure increased supplies of natural gas at reasonable prices. Title II: - Interstate Pipeline Emergency Natural Gas Purchases Act - Grants the Federal Power Commission authority to allow interstate pipeline companies with insufficient natural gas for their high priority consumers of natural gas to acquire natural gas from intrastate sources and other interstate pipeline companies on an emergency basis free from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act. Title III: - Curtailed Consumers Emergency Natural Gas Purchasers Act - Allows curtailed high priority consumers of natural gas to purchase natural gas from the intrastate market by enabling them to arrange for the transportation of such gas by regulated interstate pipeline companies. Title IV: Emergency Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act Amendments - Provides authority to the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit the use of natural gas when petroleum products or coal can be substituted by powerplants and major fuel burning installations. Title V: - Propane Standby Allocation Act - Provides standby authority for the President to allocate propane during periods of actual or threatened severe shortages of natural gas. Title VI: - States that termination of the authorities granted under this Act shall not affect any action or pending proceedings, civil or criminal, not finally determined on such date, nor any action or proceeding based upon any act committed prior to such date. Title VII: - States that the Commission shall have no power to disallow, in whole or in part, in the rates and charges made, demanded, or received by any natural gas company the amounts paid for new natural gas, except that in any case where a natural gas company purchases natural gas from an affiliate or produces natural gas from its own properties, the Commission may disallow any portion of the cost thereof in the rate or charge made by such company which is in excess of current prices paid to nonaffiliates for comparable sales of new natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Provides that property used in, or related to, a taxpayer's business which was acquired at no cost to him shall not be a capital asset for purposes of taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Provides that within 15 days after the passage of this Act, the Federal Power Commission shall by regulation exempt natural gas companies from regulation under the Natural Gas Act of any activities or operation relating to the transportation or sale of natural gas; including natural gas subject to any contract for the sale or delivery of such gas, to any interstate natural gas pipeline company which does not have a sufficient supply of natural gas to fulfill the firm contractual requirements of specified customers, and which is curtailing deliveries pursuant to a curtailment plan on file with the Commission. Provides that no exemption granted under this Act shall exceed one year in duration, but the Commission may, for good cause shown, extend any exemption granted for an additional one year. States that the Commission shall not deny, in whole or in part, the purchase price paid by an interstate natural gas pipeline company for gas exempted under this Act and regulations issued hereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1975
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires candidates for Federal office, Members of the Congress, each officer and employee of the Federal Government who is compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 per year, Federal employees performing the duties of a GS-16 or higher, members of the Uniformed Services in the grade 0-6 or higher, the President, and the Vice President to file annually with the Comptroller General, a report containing a full and complete statement of: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from his spouse or any member of his immediate family) received by him, by and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value, including any fee or other honorarium received by him for or in connection with the preparation or delivery of any speech or address, attendance at any convention or other assembly of individuals, or the preparation of any article or other compensation for publication, and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the identity of each asset held by him, by him and his spouse jointly, by his spouse, or by his dependents, which has a value in excess of $1,000, and the amount of each liability owed by him or by him and his spouse jointl, together with the amount of each liability which is owned with respect to any financial interest which is under his constructive control, which is in excess of $1,000 as of the close of the preceding calendar year; (3) any transactions in securities of any business entity by him or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in transactions in the securities of such business entity exceeds $1,000 during such year; (4) all transactions in commodities by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction during the preceding calendar year if the aggregate amount involved in such transactions exceeds $1,000; and (5) any purchase or sale of real property or any interest therein by him, or by him and his spouse jointly, or by any person acting on his behalf or pursuant to his direction, during the preceding calendar year if the value of property involved in such purchase or sale exceeds $1,000. Defines the terms used in this Act. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Grants the Federal Power Commission emergency authority to exempt temporarily any activities or operations relating to the sale, transportation, transfer, or exchange in interstate commerce of natural gas or of commingled natural gas and synthetic natural gas, from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act, in order to alleviate the hardships caused by the natural gas shortage. Stipulates that no such exemption shall exceed 180 days. Directs that the Commission shall not deny the purchase price paid by an interstate natural gas pipeline company for gas exempted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Authorizes the President, pursuant to the provisions of the Defense Production Act, to make provision for purchases of or commitments to purchase products produced from coal gasification and liquefaction which may be used as fuels for Government use or resale, and for the encouragement of development and production of such fuels. Limits to $1,500,000,000 the maximum obligation of any guaranteeing agency under any loan, discount, advance, or commitment entered into under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Exempts, under the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the Federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels. Exempts such organization from the tax on communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Emergency Medical Services Systems Act Amendments - Extends through fiscal year 1979, under the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act, the prohibition of grants or contracts made by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, for the modernization of emergency facilities to States, units of local government, or other public service entities which did not receive a grant or contract for the same purpose the preceeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to make a second grant to or enter into a second contract with an eligible entity for the expansion and improvement of emergency medical services. Includes planning costs in the coverage of grants and contracts for expansion and improvement of emergency medical services. States that emphasis in awarding grants or contracts for research relating to the delivery of emergency medical services in rural areas should be placed on identifying and using techniques and methods to apply the results of such research. Authorizes recipients of grants or contracts for the: (1) establishment and operation; or (2) expansion and improvement of an emergency medical services system to use funds under such grant or contract for a training program related to such a system. Authorizes through fiscal year 1977 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for feasibility studies and planning in connection with the establishment and operation of an emergency medical services system. Authorizes through fiscal year 1980 appropriations for grants and contracts for the establishment and operation, and planning and improvement of such emergency systems. Directs that at least 20 percent of the funds appropriated be made available for feasibility studies and planning from 15 percent to 10 percent of the funds appropriated. Authorizes through fiscal year 1978 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for the support of research in emergency medical techniques, methods, devices, and delivery. Defines the duties of the unit established within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for the administration of grants made and contracts entered into under the Emergency Medical Services Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with schools of medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, and nursing and similar institutions to assist programs of training in the field of emergency medical service. Authorizes through fiscal year 1980 appropriations for the making of payments pursuant to grants and contracts for such training programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct two studies in areas related to the improvement of emergency medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Establishes, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare), a voluntary program to provide long-term care benefits for aged and disabled individuals who elect to enroll under such program, financed from premium payments by enrollees together with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by the States. Lists criteria for eligibility for long-term care service benefits. Provides that the benefits provided to an individual by this Act shall consist of (1) home health services, (2) homemaker services, (3) nutrition services, (4) long-term institutional care services, (5) day care and foster home services, and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Enumerates the requirements for a State long-term care agency. Provides for the payment of premiums for benefits received under this Act. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund. Creates a body to be known as the Board of Trustees, composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, all ex officio. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall be the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees and that the Commissioner of Social Security shall serve as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees. Provides that the Board of Trustees shall meet not less frequently than once each calendar year. Enumerates the duties of the Board of Trustees. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (i) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (ii) who resides in the area served by such center and (iii) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) performs such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides a formula for payments to States for the reimbursement of community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with organizations representing the chief executives of the various States, and other interested parties, to develop and make available to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act on a prospective basis. States that once a community long-term care center elects a particular prospective method, it may not alter its election without the prior approval of the Secretary. Provides that whenever the Secretary finds that the number of community long-term care centers electing a particular prospective payment method promulgated in accordance with this Act is not sufficient to provide an adequate basis for either the operation or evaluation of that method, the Secretary shall withdraw that method and allow the community long-term care centers which have elected such method to select another method withn 30 days of notice of such withdrawal. Permits a Governor of a State to certify to the Secretary a method of prospective payment other than those promulgated under this Act. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Provides for increases in supplemental security income benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Requires that the support price of milk be adjusted by the Secretary of Agriculture at the beginning of each quarter to reflect estimated changes during the immediately preceding quarter in the index of prices paid by farmers of production items, interest, taxes and wage rates.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Indian Health Care Improvement Act - States that the Congress declares that it is the policy of this Nation, in fulfillment of its special responsibilities and legal obligation to the American Indian people, to meet the national goal of providing the highest possible health status to Indians and to provide existing Indian health services with all resources necessary to effect that policy. Defines the terms used in this Act. Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare acting through the Indian Health Service, to make grants to public or nonprofit private health or educational entities or Indian tribes or tribal organizations to assist such entities in meeting the costs of: (1) identifying Indians with a potential for education or training in the health professions and encouraging and assisting them; (2) publicizing existing sources of financial aid available to Indians enrolled in any medical or health-related school referred to in this Act or who are undertaking training necessary to qualify them to enroll in any such school; or (3) establishing other programs which the Secretary determines will enhance and facilitate the enrollment of Indians, and the subsequent pursuit and completion by them of courses of study, in any school referred to in this Act. Authorizes to be appropraited specified sums for each of the seven fiscal years commencing with that of 1977 for payment of such grants. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make scholarship grants for up to two years to Indians who: (1) have successfully completed their high school education or high school equivalency; and (2) have demonstrated the capability to successfully complete courses of study in schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, or allied health professions. Authorizes appropriations for scholarship grants of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1978; and similar sums through fiscal year 1983. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make scholarship grants to individuals who are enrolled in schools of medicine, osteopathy, denistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, or allied health professions, and who agree to provide their professional services to Indians after the completion of their professional training. Authorizes appropriations for such grants of specified sums for the fiscal years 1977 through 1983, and of such sums as are necessary for the succeeding fiscal years, to continue to make scholarship grants under this Act to individuals who have received such grants prior to the end of the fifth fiscal year and who are eligible for such grants during each such succeeding fiscal year. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to make grants to individuals, nonprofit entities, appropriate public or private agencies, educational institutions, or Indian tribes and tribal organizations to enable the recipients of such grants to establish and carry out programs to train individuals so as to enable them to provide their services to Indians. Authorizes to be appropriated specified sums to carry out such provisions for the fiscal years 1977 through 1983. States that the Secretary may provide allowances to health professionals employed in the Service to enable them for a period of time each year prescribed by regulation of the Secretary to take leave of their duty stations for professional consultation and refresher training courses. Title II: Health Services - Authorizes the Secretary to expend specific amounts of funds over a five-fiscal year period for the following health services: (1) patient care; (2) field health, excluding dental care; (3) dental care; (4) mental health; (5) provision of health care personnel in primary and secondary Bureau of Indian Affairs schools; and (6) maintenance and repair. Title III: Health Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary to expend $528,637,000 over a seven-fiscal year period in order to eliminate inadequate, outdated, and otherwise unsatisfactory service in hospitals, health centers, health stations, staff housing, and other service facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to expend $378,000,000 within a five-fiscal year period following the enactment of this Act, to supply unmet needs for safe water and sanitary waste disposal facilities in existing and new Indian homes and communities. Title IV: Access to Health Services - Provides that the Secretary may enter into agreements with the appropriate State agency for the purpose of reimbursing such agency for health care and services provided in Service facilities to Indians who are beneficiaries of the Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act. Title V: Health Services for the Urban Indians - Directs the Secretary, acting through the Service, to enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to assist such organizations to establish and administer, in the urban centers in which such organizations are situated, programs which meet the requirements set forth in this Act of making health services more accessible to the urban Indian population. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of this title $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on progress made in effecting the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of $150,000 to support a one-year study by the National Indian Health Board of mental health problems, including alcoholism and related problems, among Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating Sunday, September 14, 1975, as "National Saint Elizabeth Seton Day" and calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Increases the Federal share of rail service continuation subsidies under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Increases the allowable term of such subsidies. Authorizes appropriations for such subsidies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Requires that any rule or regulation proposed by any officer or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government to implement a law or a program pursuant to a law must be submitted to both Houses of Congress for review. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective 60 legislative days after submission if Congress neither disapproves it by resolution or passes a concurrent resolution specifically approving such rule or regulation. Incorporates the provisions of this Act into the rules of the two Houses of Congress. Establishes procedural rules with respect to the consideration of a resolution disapproving the proposed rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives strong disapproval of efforts to expel Israel from the United Nations. States that if Israel is expelled the United States should reassess its relationship with the United Nations General Assembly. Provides that such reassessment shall include possible withdrawal from that body.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Government while engaged in a lessening of tensions with the People's Republic of China, do nothing to compromise continued close relations with the Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Requires under the Social Security Act the continued application of the 8 1/2 percent nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1975
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Makes the offering of supplemental health services, as defined by the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973, optional by health maintenance organizations. Eliminates the requirement imposed by such Act that health maintenance organizations offer annual open enrollment for individual membership. Redesignates medical treatment and referral services for drug or alcohol abuse or addiction and home health services as supplemental health services for purposes of such Act. Enables private entities to obtain federally guaranteed loans for the planning, initial development, and operation of a health maintenance organization to serve populations in addition to medically underserved populations. Includes State and local governmental employers as among those employers which must offer employees the option of membership in a health maintenance organization. Sets forth new procedures, penalties, and other requirements, to be applied by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare where health maintenance organizations are alleged to be in noncompliance with such Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations for programs under such Act an additional two years.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Expands the program of health maintenance organizations by: (1) including the service of professional personnel and allied health professions personnel for the effective and efficient delivery of the basic health services; (2) authorizing them to provide basic health services through medical groups, referral services and medical treatment for abuse of or addiction to alcohol or drugs, and supplemental health services; and (3) guaranteeing to non-Federal lenders payment of principal and interest on loans made to establish or expand health maintenance organizations or to serve medically underserved populations. Provides that in any fiscal year the amount disbursed to a health maintenance organization under this Act may not exceed $1,000,000. Requires employers of not less than 25 individuals to offer as a part of any health benefits plan the option of membership in qualified health maintenance organizations which are engaged in the provision of basic and supplemental health services in health maintenance organization service areas in which at least 25 of such employees reside. Provides criminal penalties for employers who violate this provision. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, in order to enforce compliance with assurances made by health maintenance organizations respecting the provision of basic and supplemental health services, to bring a civil action in Federal court. Makes appropriations to finance the activities of health maintenance organizations for fiscal years 1977 and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1975
Increases the Federal share of rail service continuation subsidies under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Increases the allowable term of such subsidies. Authorizes appropriations for such subsidies.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for programs designed to reduce unemployment and to repair and improve essential railroad roadbeds and facilities. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, restoration, rehabilitation or improvement of roadbeds and facilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate guidelines and procedures with respect to grant applications. Sets forth certain items which must be included in each application. Limits the use of grants made pursuant to this Act to the payment of wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act. Requires that jobs created pursuant to this Act be made available first to furloughed railroad maintenance employees, then to persons who have exhausted their unemployment benefits, to unemployed persons who are not eligible for such benefits, and to other unemployed or underemployed persons. States that roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act if: (1) they are designated for transfer to the Consolidated Rail Corporation in the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act; (2) they are utilized by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; or (3) they are owned by a railroad in reorganization under the Bankruptcy Act. Sets forth as the goals toward which each project receiving financial assistance under this Act must be structured: (1) the reduction of unemployment; (2) the acceleration and expansion of a national rail rehabilitation effort; (3) the coordination of repair and rehabilitation work with other rail transportation priorities; (4) the completion of each such project within 12 months; and (5) the maximization of chances for permanent employment of individuals employed under such projects. Requires that wages paid to workers in projects undertaken with financial assistance pursuant to the terms of this Act be not less than those prevailing for similar work in the same locality. Authorizes the appropriation of $240,000,000 for providing financial assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1975
Provides that no debt owned to the United States by any foreign country may be settled in an amount less than full value of such debt unless the Congress by concurrent resolution approves of such settlement.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Makes the offering of supplemental health services, as defined by the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973, optional by health maintenance organizations. Eliminates the requirement imposed by such Act that health maintenance organizations offer annual open enrollment for individual membership. Redesignates medical treatment and referral services for drug or alcohol abuse or addiction and home health services as supplemental health services for purposes of such Act. Enables private entities to obtain federally guaranteed loans for the planning, initial development, and operation of a health maintenance organization to serve populations in addition to medically underserved populations. Includes State and local governmental employers as among those employers which must offer employees the option of membership in a health maintenance organization. Sets forth new procedures, penalties, and other requirements, to be applied by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare where health maintenance organizations are alleged to be in noncompliance with such Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations for programs under such Act an additional two years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
National Health Education and Disease Prevention Act - Title I: Health Information, Education, and Promotion - National Health Information, Education, and Promotion Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to formulate under the Public Health Service Act national goals, and a strategy to achieve such goals, with respect to health information, education, and promotion, preventive health services, and education in the appropriate use of medical care. Directs the Secretary to undertake research and demonstration projects, and training programs, to achieve such goals. Authorizes the Secretary to make recommendations to the Congress and to reorganize and coordinate health information, education, and promotion, preventive health services, and education in the appropriate use of medical care. Provides that no payment may be made under the Medicaid program of the Social Security Act unless the recipients provide health education in a form and a manner which meets the standards developed under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the status of health information, education, and preventive health services. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the National Institute for Health Information, Education, and Promotion to be headed by a Director. Authorizes to be appropriated a total of $150,000,000 for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 to the Institute for research programs, community programs, and information programs designed to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes the National Council on Health Information, Education, and Promotion and specifies the membership of the Council. Directs the Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Secretary on matters of general policy with respect to the functions of the Institute. Title II: Disease Prevention and Control - Disease Prevention and Control Amendments. Authorizes to be appropriated $120,000,000 in total for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for grants to States and public and nonprofit private entities to assist them in meeting the costs of disease prevention and control programs (including administrative costs and the costs of demonstrations and evaluations of such programs). Directs the Secretary to develop a program under which personnel, equipment, medical supplies, and other resources of the Public Health Service may be used to effectively control epidemics of any disease. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendment - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1975
Declares it to be the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the canal and zone, and should in no way cede, dilute, forfeit, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, power, authority, jurisdiction, territory, or property that are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere; (2) that there be no relinquishment or surrender of any presently vested United States sovereign right, power, or authority or property, tangible or intangible, except by treaty authorized by the Congress and duly ratified by the United States; and (3) that there be no recession to Panama, or other divestiture of any United States-owned property, tangible or intangible, without prior authorization by the Congress (House and Senate), as provided in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Permits the Secretary of the Treasury under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act to withhold a percentage of the total entitlement payment for any period to insure sufficient funds for final allocation of funds among the state and local units of government. Appropriates to the State and Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Funds: (1) $1,625,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, (2) $6,687,500,000 for fiscal year 1977, (3) $6,837,500,000 for fiscal year 1978, (4) $6,987,500,000 for fiscal year 1979, (5) $7,137,500,000 for fiscal year 1980, and (6) $7,287,500,000 fiscal year 1981. Appropriates to the Fund as noncontiguous States adjustments: (1) $1,195,000 for fiscal year 1976, and (2) $4,780,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1981. Exempts amounts appropriated to the Fund from the provisions of the Congressional Budget Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report with appropriate recommendations to the Congress no later than September 30, 1980, concerning the extension of this title. Declares that if the entitlement of any Indian tribe or Alaskan native village is waived for any entitlement period, then the amount of such entitlement shall become part of the entitlement of the county government of the county in which such unit is located. Increases the maximum percentage points per entitlement period until it reaches 175 percent. Directs each State and local unit of government which receives funds under such Act to submit a report to the Secretary after the close of each entitlement period on the use of the funds received. Directs such unit of local government which expects to receive funds to submit a report to the Secretary on how it plans to use the funds it expects to receive. Empowers the Secretary whenever he determines that a unit of government has failed to comply with an applicable regulation to withhold all or a portion of the entitlement funds due such unit of government, to terminate the eligibility of such unit of government, and to require repayment of the entitlement funds expended. Requires units of government to provide an opportunity for citizens to give recommendations and views on the proposed expenditures of all funds within such units distributed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1975
Authorizes additional appropriations under the International Travel Act through fiscal year 1978. Authorizes additional appropriations for promoting travel within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1975
Revises the statement of purpose of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act to include the reduction of the social and personal costs of drug abuse, and the assurance of the implementation of a program to combat drug abuse as objectives of that Act. Extends the existence of the Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention for one year, until June 30, 1976. Renames the "Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention" the "Office of Drug Abuse Policy. Reduces the number of employees of the Office. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out specified provisions of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act. Revises the provisions regulating the Special Fund administered by the Office. Authorizes the Director to make grants to private entities (other than Federal departments and agencies). Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for the purpose of making grants for the development of nonaddictive, synthetic replacements of opium drugs for medical use and in the treatment of heroin addiction. Requires the Director of the Office to provide for a central clearinghouse for drug abuse information and assistance requested from the Federal Government. Authorizes the Director, in providing clearinghouse services, to provide technical assistance, to convene conferences, and to draft and make available to State and local governments, model legislation with respect to drug abuse prevention. Revises the membership of the National Advisory Council for Drug Abuse Prevention. Includes on that council members from the fields of medicine, education, science, and social sciences and two former drug addicts or drug abusers. Adds to the functions of the Council as stated in the Act the requirement to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare concerning matters relating to the activities and functions of the Secretary in the field of drug abuse. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, through the Chief Medical Director, to prevent discrimination in admission or treatment of any veteran suffering from drug abuse or dependence because of such abuse or dependence. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for fiscal years 1975 through 1978 for the purpose of making grants to States pursuant to such Act. Authorizes the inclusion of provisions relating to alcoholism or mental health in State plans for more effective drug abuse prevention which are submitted to the Secretary pursuant to an application for a grant under such Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for fiscal years 1975 through 1978 for the purpose of making grants to public and private nonprofit organizations pursuant to such Act. Provides for the transfer of the functions, powers, and duties of the Director of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy to the National Institute on Drug Abuse on July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1975
Authorizes payment under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act for services furnished by physician extenders and clinical staff of community mental health centers.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1975
Medical Malpractice Claims Settlement Assistance Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the achievement of equal access to quality health care at a reasonable cost is jeopardized by the uncertain future availability and cost of medical malpractice insurance. Title I: Federal Authority - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make available to insurance companies and other insurers reinsurance against medical malpractice claims by any of their insureds which exceed $200,000 within a qualified State. Defines "qualified States" as a State which meets requirements set forth in this Act. Permits the Secretary to use existing facilities and services in carrying out his responsibilities under this Act. Entitles the Secretary to recover from any insurer the amount of any unpaid premiums lawfully payable by such insurer to the Secretary. Requires, as a condition to the receipt of reinsurance, that each insurer file specified information with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to conduct comprehensive studies of medical malpractice claims and litigation, in order to determine methods of minimizing the costs of such a system. Title II: State Programs - Requires States to establish a program for the arbitration of medical malpractice claims. Provides that any civil action arising from a claim for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice on the part of any health professional or health care insitution may be instituted in a court of the State only after there has been an arbitration of the claim which forms the basis for such action. Sets forth procedures governing the initiation of arbitration, the appointment of an arbitration panel, hearing procedures, the decision of the arbitration panel, proceedings subsequent to the decision of the arbitration panel, the admissibility of the arbitration panel decision as evidence at trial, and the reporting of arbitration decisions. Requires States to establish and appropriately enforce a schedule of maximum contingent fee rates which may be charged or accepted by attorneys for services performed in connection with claims for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice. Provides that in order for any State to be eligible for Medicaid payments under title XIX of the Social Security, such State must have in effect a patient grievance mechanism applicable to all health care entities within the State. States that in order to qualify for malpractice reinsurance under this Act, such patient grievance mechanism must (1) receive, investigate, and evaluate grievances of patients respecting medical injuries occurring in noninstitutional settings, and (2) assist in the equitable settlement of any claims arising out of such grievances. Requires such mechanism to make quarterly reports to the Secretary on the grievances received by the mechanism, the disposition of such grievances, and the medical malpractice claims arising out of such grievances.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hastings, James F. [R-NY-39]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000327_200.jpg)