United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1986
Nursing Home Resident Protection Act of 1986 - Title I: Medicare and Medicaid Programs - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require intermediate care facilities (other than mental health institutions) to meet skilled nursing facility requirements established under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act. Makes changes in the conditions placed upon skilled nursing facilities' Medicare participation relating to: (1) the quality and fairness of care; (2) patient participation in facility decision-making; and (3) the extent to which care approximates a patient's particular needs. Substantiates such objectives by providing a nonexclusive list of patients' rights at such facilities. Prohibits State agencies which have agreed to survey nursing facilities' compliance with Medicare participation conditions from providing such facilities with consultation services regarding such conditions. Requires that nursing facility survey results be posted in a place accessible to patients. Requires that nursing facility surveys be: (1) unannounced; (2) conducted by a multidisciplinary team of professionals trained and tested for their duties; (3) focused on the quality of care provided to patients; and (4) performed for each facility on a regular basis, the frequency of such surveys depending upon the facility's record. Directs State agencies to provide for the investigation of complaints against nursing facilities and to use specialized survey teams to survey and carry out enforcement action against chronically substandard facilities and other facilities threatening patients' well-being. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish criteria and procedures for evaluating an institution's plans for the correction of its violations of nursing facility standards. Directs the Secretary to conduct a random annual sample of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities in order to validate State determinations regarding provider compliance with Medicaid requirements. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement intermediate sanctions applicable to Medicare nursing or Medicaid intermediate care facilities which do not substantially satisfy the requirements placed on such facilities, but which do not immediately jeopardize the health, safety, and well-being of their patients. Gives such facilities the right to a hearing after the determination regarding such deficiencies is made. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to give an individual entitled to inpatient hospital services in a nursing or intermediate care facility the right to bring an action in an appropriate Federal district court when such facility's failure to meet the requirements of the Act adversely affects such individual. Title II: Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the ombudsman program of the Older Americans Act of 1965 to: (1) authorize an ombudsman to designate a representative to perform ombudsman functions; (2) increase the minimum which must be allotted to the program from grants to States for the provision of social services for the aged; (3) immunize ombudsmen and their representatives from liability under State and Federal law in the performance of their duties, so long as such duties are performed with due care; and (4) provide technical assistance and training for ombudsmen and their representatives. Establishes the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Advisory Council in the Department of Health and Human Services to advise the Secretary regarding the development and operation of the ombudsman program. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding data collected on complaints and conditions in long-term care facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1986
Effective Schools and Even Start Act - Requires each State receiving an allotment under a certain provision of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 after enactment of this Act to use a specified portion of such allotment to: (1) plan for, and review proposed changes in, effective schools programs; (2) implement and support effective schools programs; (3) obtain technical assistance and consultant services with respect to effective schools programs from qualified nonprofit educational organizations; (4) design, develop, and publish educational materials on effective schools programs; (5) develop and implement data collection and analysis systems concerning effective schools programs; (6) promote State and local educational agency awareness of effective schools information; (7) conduct evaluations of effective schools programs; and/or (8) otherwise identify and disseminate information concerning exemplary effective schools programs. Requires the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to provide assistance in order to inform State educational agencies of the requirements of this Act and to help such agencies comply with such requirements. Requires the Secretary to make grants from specified funds appropriated pursuant to the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 and the Adult Education Act to provide a program of adult literacy training which includes involving parents and children together in an effort to enhance the likelihood of educational achievement. Sets forth the elements to be included in such program. Defines an eligible program participant as a parent or child (aged three to seven) from a family: (1) that includes a parent who is eligible for participation in an adult basic education program under the Adult Education Act; and (2) that resides with a child (aged three to seven) in a certain type of school attendance area. Declares that any agency that operates an adult basic education program and serves an area which has an especially high concentration of children from low-income families is eligible to apply for a grant under the Even Start program. Sets forth the requirements for a grant application. Requires that two-thirds of the applications selected for final review shall be from urban areas and one-third shall be from rural areas. Provides for the creation of a review panel to make the final selection of grant recipients. Requires any State educational agency required to use funds for an effective school program to amend its application under a specified section of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to reflect the activities to be conducted with such funds. Requires such a State educational agency and an Even Start program applicant who has been selected to receive funding to enter into a program agreement with the Secretary. Sets forth the information to be included in such agreements. Requires the Secretary to analyze the effective schools programs conducted pursuant to this Act and report to the Congress on such programs by September 30, 1989. Requires the Secretary to provide for annual evaluations of the effectiveness of Even Start programs in providing specified services. Requires the results of the evaluations to be submitted to the national diffusion network for possible dissemination.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1986
Community Services Programs Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Head Start Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to carry out the Head Start program. Amends the Follow Through Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to carry out the Follow Through program. Amends the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981 to: (1) rename specified provisions as the "Dependent Care Programs Act"; and (2) authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to make allotments to States for such dependent care programs. Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act (the Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 for grants to States to ameliorate poverty. Requires compliance evaluations to include identification of the impact the use of such funds has on children, homeless families, and the elderly poor. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for use of community services block grants under the Act for specified programs of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 for community food and nutrition programs under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1986
Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to authorize home energy grants for FY 1987 through 1989. Deems the full amount of home energy assistance payments, regardless of whether made directly to a household or indirectly for its benefit, to be heating or cooling expenses for purposes of the excess shelter expense deduction under the Food Stamp Act of 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1986
Expresses the House of Representatives' disapproval of any proposal to establish a Social Security Court or limit, in any other manner, the jurisdiction of U.S. district courts over appeals of administrative decisions concerning entitlement to social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1986
Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act - Requires States to provide by law for elections for Federal office: (1) absentee registration and absentee voting for uniformed services voters and overseas voters; and (2) the use of alternative write-in absentee ballots by overseas voters. Directs the President to designate the head of an executive department to have primary responsibility for the administrative functions of this Act, including: (1) prescribing an official postcard form containing a voter registration and an absentee ballot application; (2) prescribing an alternative write-in ballot for overseas voters; (3) prescribing forms and designs for balloting materials; (4) distributing election materials; and (5) reporting to the Congress in even-numbered years on its effectiveness. Provides for the distribution of official postcards. Sets forth recommendations to the States in carrying out provisions of this Act. Authorizes the use of the alternative write-in ballots in lieu of absentee ballots under specified circumstances. Directs the Postmaster to expedite the transport of election materials and declares such materials free of postage.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1986
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exempt cost-of-living increases in civil service retirement and disability programs, (including the Central Intelligence Agency retirement and disability system, the Comptrollers General retirement system, the Foreign Service retirement and disability system, the judicial survivors' annuities system, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration retirement system, the Coast Guard retirement system, the Public Health Service commissioned officers retirement system, and the Tax Court judges survivors' retirement system), military retirement benefits and certain railroad retirement benefits from reduction under the President's sequestration order. Makes this Act effective for fiscal years beginning after October 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1986
Medicare Continuing Care, Equity, and Quality Assurance Act of 1986 - Title I: Continuing Care Reforms - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Continuing Care Policy Council composed of members with expertise in geriatrics or rehabilitative practices. Requires the Council to make recommendations to the Secretary concerning the administration of continuing care services under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and as such services are affected by title I of this Act. Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of the Medicare program to require the Secretary to establish medical claims standards which are to be applied uniformly and take into account a patient's medical profile, condition, and other practical considerations in determining the medical reasonableness and necessity of claims for continuing care services (defined to include extended care and home health services). Requires the Secretary to annually review and, if necessary, revise the standards. Authorizes a fiscal intermediary which has initially determined that some or all of a continuing care services claim may be denied, but has not yet officially denied the claim, to consult with the service provider, patient, and patient's physician to review the determination and approve a modified claim if the services are appropriate and the patient concurs in the modification. Directs the Secretary, in determining whether payments to home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities should be denied, to continue certain presumptions of compliance with reasonable and necessary services requirements until a system providing for case-by-case determinations of authorizations for continuing care services is implemented. Requires system implementation within 30 months of enactment of this Act. Requires a fiscal intermediary to reimburse a provider of continuing care for services provided to an individual for whom there was reasonable evidence of entitlement if the provider makes a timely request that the intermediary determine whether the individual is entitled to such services. Sets forth deadlines by which fiscal intermediaries must respond to provider inquiries concerning the medical necessity of continuing care services. Requires intermediaries to reimburse providers for medically unnecessary services provided over periods during which the intermediary's response is past due. Indemnifies beneficiaries who pay providers for continuing care services without knowing that they are unqualified for such services or that such services are medically unnecessary. Requires the Secretary to investigate allegations that a skilled nursing facility or home health agency has delayed or restricted acceptance of an individual until its receipt of the intermediary's response to its entitlement or medical necessity inquiries. Entitles individuals whose claim for continuing care services has been denied to a hearing by the Secretary and judicial review of the Secretary's final decision. Authorizes provider appeals on behalf of beneficiaries. Provides that, when a fiscal intermediary denies payment for continuing care services or a provider first furnishes such services, such organizations must inform beneficiaries regarding the individual's rights under this Act to appeal payment determinations. Amends part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Act to require peer review organizations, in certain situations to be determined by the Secretary, to perform independent medical reviews of fiscal intermediary denials of payment for continuing care services. Requires each peer review organization to annually report to the Secretary regarding such reviews. Directs peer review organizations to authorize payment for services which would not otherwise meet payment conditions where such organization certifies that exceptional circumstances exist to justify the cost-effective provision of the services. Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of the Medicare program to establish a special benefit consisting of payments to hospitals which retain patients who require only the level of care provided in a skilled nursing facility, but cannot transfer to such a facility due to the unavailability of space in such facilities. Requires the Secretary to establish performance standards for fiscal intermediary medical claims review which: (1) weigh the accuracy and timeliness of such review commensurately with cost savings from such review; (2) specify the qualifications required of review personnel; and (3) require an intensive level of review for new providers and providers with poor performance records. Requires the Secretary to annually inform the Continuing Care Policy Council regarding the intermediaries' performance under these standards. Directs the Secretary to establish a Medicare benefits management demonstration program, including projects which: (1) substitute, for the process of submitting separate claims by providers for an individual beneficiary, a single benefits manager that would identify and track the benefits most appropriate to the beneficiary; and (2) provide additional benefits to Medicare beneficiaries, including noncovered benefits if no additional costs are thereby imposed on beneficiaries or Medicare. Title II: Quality Assurance Reforms - Amends part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Act to establish a National Council on Quality Assurance. Directs the Director of the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment to provide for the appointment of members of the Council. States that the general functions of the Council shall be to: (1) provide oversight on the operations of the quality assurance system under the Medicare program; and (2) make recommendations annually to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Congress for improvements in the system. Sets forth the Council's functions more specifically. Requires the Council to report annually to the Congress on the functioning and progress of the Council. Authorizes appropriations. Requires contracts with peer review organizations to provide that: (1) at least one-half of the organizations' efforts must be on quality assurance activities; (2) quality assurance activities shall be conducted with respect to all the different types of items and services covered by Medicare; and (3) the level of activity for each of the different types of services and items shall reasonably reflect the proportion of Medicare payments made for that type of service or item. Adds to the definition of the term "peer review organization" so as to require such an entity to: (1) include in its composition representatives of other individuals responsible for the provision of services and items for which the organization is responsible for conducting quality assurance activities; and (2) have a consumer advisory board. Defines a "consumer advisory board." Requires any peer review organization to: (1) educate Medicare beneficiaries; (2) provide for a toll-free 24 hour telephone number, which shall be provided to Medicare beneficiaries for the purpose of receiving questions and complaints from Medicare beneficiaries; (3) assist in resolving any such complaints that are legitimate; (4) make available to its consumer advisory boards appropriate information received from the telephone service; and (5) train members of its consumer advisory board. Appropriates funds, in addition to any other amounts appropriated to carry out part B of title XI, from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for distribution to peer review organizations. Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program to require hospitals to implement a discharge planning process which meets guidelines and standards to be established by the Secretary, in conjunction with the Continuing Care Policy Council and Council on Quality Assurance, to: (1) protect against inappropriate early hospital discharges; (2) ensure a timely and smooth transition to the most appropriate type of and setting for post-hospital care; and (3) permit early initiation of the authorization process for continuing care services. Requires peer review organizations to monitor hospitals' compliance with discharge planning process requirements. Sets forth study and reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for annual increases in the minimum wage (five percent annually, plus any changes in the consumer price index), until a certain wage rate is attained (one-half the average hourly earnings of production or nonsupervisory workers on private nonagricultural payrolls).
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
Social Security Act Mental Health Amendments of 1986 - Amends titles XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide benefits for chronically mentally ill individuals. Requires State plans under title XIX to include case management services and home and community-based services for such individuals. Requires any hospital receiving funds under titles XVIII or XIX to have a case plan established for, and a case manager assigned to such individuals prior to their discharge. Treats certain chronically mentally ill individuals about to be discharged from an institution as presumptively disabled for purposes of title XVI. Extends the period during which certain institutionalized mentally ill may receive SSI benefits if such individuals are expected to return home upon discharge. Provides Medicaid coverage for certain SSI recipients who are chronically mentally ill and would be institutionalized but for such coverage. Preserves the eligibility of such individuals for SSI benefits for the period during which they are in transitional living facilities. Repeals limits on coverage of outpatient services relating to mental illness under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
State Comprehensive Mental Health Services Plan Act of 1986 - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the development of State comprehensive mental health services plans. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987. Sets forth the requirements for such plans, which include: (1) establishing objectives for providing mental health prevention and treatment services; (2) describing the resources devoted to, and the activities to be carried out under, such plan; (3) providing case management services for each chronically mentally ill individual; (4) establishing and implementing a program of outreach to, and services for, chronically mentally ill individuals who are homeless; and (5) providing, to the maximum extent feasible, for the delivery of services through community mental health centers. Requires each State to transmit a report to the Secretary describing the progress made by such State in implementing its comprehensive plan. Requires each State to establish an Advisory Council on Mental Health Planning. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish national goals and objectives for a community-based system of mental health care; and (2) conduct a review, at least every three years, of each State's program to determine whether it is in accordance with the national goals and objectives. Authorizes appropriations for Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grants through FY 1988. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects to provide services for homeless mentally ill individuals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for asbestos hazard abatement in the schools. Directs the Administrator to develop a model accreditation plan for States to give accreditation to individuals who inspect, manage, abate, and analyze asbestos problems. Makes the use of accredited personnel a condition for receiving financial assistance under the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984. Requires each State Governor to establish administrative procedures for the certification of school asbestos inspection and abatement programs and for asbestos management plans, all to be carried forward by the local educational agency. Requires warning labels on any asbestos still in routine maintenance areas of a school building. Makes any local educational agency which fails to comply with this Act liable for civil penalties, including injunctive action. Requires the Administrator or appropriate Governor to investigate citizen complaints Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate State Governor to take necessary response measures where asbestos in a school building may be hazardous and adequate local measures have not been taken. Sets forth the relationship of pollution liability insurance risk retention groups to State law, including securities law. Establishes the Asbestos Trust Fund in the Treasury to carry out the Asbestos Hazards Abatement Assistance Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
Housing for the Chronically Mentally Ill Act of 1986 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to permit State mental health authorities, or other private nonprofit or public agencies designated by a State, to use vacant residential property to provide supervised living for the chronically mentally ill. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and for each fiscal year thereafter. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to set aside specified amounts beginning in FY 1986 for handicapped family housing loans. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize a housing voucher program for the chronically mentally ill. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1986
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that individuals who provide adult family foster care may elect to exclude from gross income any amounts received for such care. Limits such exclusion to amounts received for the care of up to ten qualified adults. Defines a "qualified adult" as any individual who: (1) has attained age 18; and (2) has been placed in an adult family home by a State or local agency or by a tax-exempt organization licensed as an adult family care-placing agency.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Parental and Medical Leave Act of 1986 - Title I: General Requirements for Parental and Medical Leave - Entitles employees to parental leave for specified periods in cases involving the birth, adoption, or serious health condition of a child. Entitles employees to temporary medical leave for specified periods in cases involving inability to work because of a serious health condition. Sets forth conditions for certification for such types of leave. Provides that such leave may be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave to cover part of such leave period. Sets forth employment and benefits protections relating to such leave. Provides for administrative enforcement of this title by the Secretary of Labor, as well as enforcement by civil action. Sets forth provisions for injunctive relief, monetary relief, and attorneys' fees. Requires employers to post notice of the pertinent provisions of this title. Title II: Parental Leave and Temporary Medical Leave for Civil Service Employees - Amends specified Federal law to entitle civil service employees to parental leave and temporary medical leave for specified periods. Provides that such leave will be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave for part of such leave. Sets forth protection for job position and health insurance benefits of employees using such leave. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations for administration of this title which are consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under title I of this Act. Title III: Commission on Paid Parental and Medical Leave - Establishes the Commission on Paid Parental and Medical Leave. Requires the Commission to report on its study of paid parental and medical leave to the Congress within two years after the Commission first meets. Terminates the Commission within 30 days after its final report. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effect of this Act on existing laws and existing employment benefits. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Risk Retention Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981 to exempt risk retention groups and purchasing groups (businesses which organize to purchase personal risk and liability insurance on a group basis) from State laws which prohibit, regulate, or otherwise discriminate against such groups. Revises the definition of "organization" eligible to form risk retention and purchasing groups to include businesses, professional groups, hospitals, schools, churches, or other institutions, and State and local governmental entities. Retitles such Act the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986. Excludes from the coverage of this Act product liability risk retention groups formed on or after January 1, 1985, under the laws of Bermuda or the Cayman Islands. Subjects such groups to State no-fault automobile insurance requirements. Limits the authority to provide insurance under such Act to liability insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exempt the pay adjustments of employees under the Federal prevailing rate pay system (blue collar employees) from the President's sequestration order.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1986
Declares that the House of Representatives calls upon the President to urge: (1) Jean-Claude Duvalier to return to the Haitian people the wealth he has taken illegally; and (2) other countries to deny him asylum until he returns such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1986
Medicare Part C: Catastrophic Health Insurance Act of 1986 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part C entitled "Program for Catastrophic Coverage, Long-Term Care, and Certain Preventive Benefits." (Redesignates the current part C as part D.) Provides coverage for individuals who are entitled to part A (Hospital Insurance) benefits, are enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), and enroll with a public or private organization having a contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide part C services (part C organizations). Requires part C organizations to provide services without imposing deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, or imposing time restrictions on benefits for inpatient hospital services or extended care services. Requires, in addition, that part C organizations provide: (1) routine biennial physical checkups; (2) routine eye care, including an annual vision examination and prescription eyeglasses; (3) dental services, including teeth cleaning, extractions, examinations, and dentures; (4) hearing examinations and aids; and (5) intermediate and long-term care services provided in the least restrictive environment. Directs part C organizations to provide additional health benefits to enrollees if the adjusted community payment rate for required services is less than the average per capita payment to the organization for the annual contract period. Authorizes the Secretary's contract with part C organizations to provide additional optional services if such services will not substantially discourage enrollments. Requires part C organizations to reimburse other organizations which provide medically and immediately necessary services to their enrollees in circumstances where such services could not reasonably have been obtained through the enrollee's organization. Requires the Secretary to make advance monthly payments to part C organizations in accordance with a per capita rate of payment for each class of enrollee, such rates to be determined annually pursuant to a specified formula. Authorizes retroactive payment adjustments to account for any difference between the actual number of individuals enrolled and the number estimated to be enrolled in determining the advance payment. Authorizes part C organizations to charge or permit providers to charge liable third parties or enrollees, to the extent they have been paid by third parties, for the organizations' services. Requires the Secretary's part C payments to be made exclusively to part C organizations. Provides that, where an individual receiving inpatient hospital services enrolls in a part C organization, such organization shall not be financially responsible for those services. Provides, however, that where part C enrollment is terminated while inpatient hospital services are being provided, the organization is financially responsible for such services from the date of enrollment to the date of discharge. Provides part C enrollees with protection against the risk of and responsibility for a part C organization's insolvency. Requires part C organizations to provide meaningful procedures for hearing and resolving grievances between the organization, or its service providers, and enrollees. Authorizes enrollee appeal to a local review board, at least one-half of which is composed of representatives of part C eligible individuals. Provides for further appeal to the Secretary where the amount in controversy is at least $100 and judicial review of the Secretary's determination if that amount equals or exceeds $1,000. Requires part C organizations to have an ongoing quality assurance program which stresses health outcomes and provides for the review of its health care services by health care professionals. Requires peer review organizations to review part C health care services. Directs the Secretary to annually review such services. Sets forth miscellaneous terms required in a part C organization's contract with the Secretary, including provisions facilitating the flow of information from such organizations. Requires each organization to have an annual 30-day open enrollment period and the Secretary to establish a single 30-day period where several organizations service the same area. Requires part C organizations to inform individuals seeking to enroll regarding benefits provided, premiums required, and such other information as the Secretary may require. Prohibits an organization's distribution of applications or promotional and informational materials unless such materials have been submitted to the Secretary at least 45 days before distribution and have not been disapproved. Terminates an individual's enrollment upon such individual's: (1) loss of entitlement to part A (Hospital Insurance) benefits; (2) termination from part B (Supplemenal Medical Insurance) enrollment; or (3) failure to pay part C premiums. Sets forth the procedure to be used in determining the monthly premium required of part C enrollees. Limits the monthly premium which may be required to a specified percentage of an individual's gross income, except in the case of late enrollments. Deposits such payments in the Federal Medicare Part C Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with States in order to effect the part C enrollment of eligible groups covered under certain State public assistance programs. Establishes the Medicare Part C Trust Fund in the Treasury. Transfers to such trust fund those amounts in other Medicare trust funds which would have been expended under parts A and B had the enrollee chosen coverage under those programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1986
Tax Amnesty, Enforcement, and Deficit Reduction Act of 1986 - Provides for a one-time tax amnesty from criminal and civil tax penalties for a taxpayer who: (1) files a written statement with specified information concerning any underpayment of tax; (2) pays the amount of such underpayment when filing the statement; and (3) within 30 days of notification of the amount of interest payable on any tax delinquent amount, pays the amount of such interest or delinquency. Permits installment payments in certain cases. Defines the amnesty period as the six-month period beginning on the first June 30 after the date of the enactment of this Act. Disallows such amnesty where: (1) any penalty (or addition to tax) had been assessed before the first day of the amnesty period; (2) there was fraud in seeking amnesty; or (3) a criminal investigation is pending. Provides that the amnesty provisions apply only to underpayments of Federal tax for taxable periods ending before January 1, 1985. Authorizes appropriations to inform the general public about the operation of the amnesty provisions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to the Congress not later than six months after enactment of this Act a plan for increasing Internal Revenue Service enforcement personnel by 2,500 additional agents on an estimate of revenues needed to implement such increase. Requires that any and all revenues raised through the tax amnesty authorized by this Act shall be devoted exclusively to a reduction in the budget deficit for the year in which those revenues are collected.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986
Money Laundering Prevention Act of 1986 - Requires a domestic financial institution and participant involved in any domestic coin or currency transaction involving amounts or denominations of $10,000 or more to file a report as prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires any institution involved in such a transaction involving amounts or denominations of $3,000 or more to obtain the following information and maintain a record of such information for five years: (1) the identity, address, and legal capacity of each participant in the transaction; (2) the identity of any real party in interest who is not directly participating; and (3) a description of the transaction. Requires each transaction record to be treated as a financial record of each person identified for purposes of the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978. Directs any person participating in such a transaction to provide to the institution or participant which is required to file such a report or maintain such a record: (1) such person's identity, address, and interest in the transaction; and (2) the identity of any other person for whom such person is acting.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986
Long-Term Care Patients' Rights Act of 1986 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States to establish written standards and procedures protecting and enforcing the rights of residents of long-term care facilities. Lists residents' rights encompassing: (1) medical care and treatment rights, including the right to be fully informed of one's condition and treatment, if such knowledge is not medically detrimental, and participate in planning such treatment; (2) the right to privacy during treatment and visits; (3) the right of confidentiality regarding one's personal records and mail; (4) freedom of association, including both the right to organize and to refuse to participate in group activities; (5) medical experimentation rights, requiring residents to give informed, voluntary, and written consent before involvement in such experimentation; (6) freedom from physical and mental abuse, including the right to refuse to work for the facility and the right to retain personal possessions; and (7) the right to manage, and remain informed of, one's personal financial affairs. Prohibits long-term care facilities from denying admission to, transferring, or discharging residents on the basis of the residents' source of payment for services, or medical history or condition (if the facility can adequately care for such condition). Prohibits resident transfers or discharge for nonmedical reasons without the resident's consent and reasonable notice, unless the resident is a threat to others or does not pay charges. Directs each long-term care facility, at specified times, to provide each resident with an oral, written, and understandable explanation of: (1) the resident's rights and responsibilities; (2) facility rules and regulations; and (3) services available in the facility. Requires public notice of such information as well as information concerning State procedures for enforcing residents' rights. Requires States to annually submit a written plan to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning State procedures for protecting and enforcing residents' rights. Specifies the State and community organizations responsible for developing the State plans. Requires State plans to provide for: (1) a procedure for the expeditious review and resolution of residents' complaints by each long-term care facility and by the State, when complaints are not satisfactorily resolved by the facility; (2) a process by which residents and facilities may appeal adverse complaint decisions; (3) a State ombudsman with the responsibility to receive, file, and investigate residents' complaints; (4) programs by which facilities educate their staff regarding residents' rights, facility rules and regulations, and complaint review procedures; and (5) a statewide uniform reporting and recording system of all rights violation complaints and their disposition, as well as a system for reporting cases of resident abuse or neglect so that designated State officials can redress such abuse. Provides that the rights and recourses set forth in this Act are nonexclusive. Requires States to prohibit Medicaid providers from discriminating against, or giving preference to, individuals merely because they receive Medicaid assistance. Creates a private right of action whereby Medicaid applicants and recipients may enforce, in Federal district courts, Federal laws and regulations protecting their welfare and rights.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986
Amends part B (Peer Review) of title IX of the Social Security Act to require peer review organizations receiving a Medicare beneficiary's request, while such beneficiary is still a hospital inpatient, for reconsideration of a determination denying payment for continuing inpatient hospital care to give the beneficiary notice of its reconsidered determination within two days of receiving the request.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1986
Disapproves a proposed deferral (number D86-48) of $500,000,000 of budget authority for the community development block grant program, as set forth in the President's message to the Congress on February 5, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1986
Repeals provisions of the Innovation Development Act of 1982 terminating assistance from the Small Business Administration to small businesses for research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1986
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exempt from reduction under any sequestration order certain student assistance programs, the guaranteed student loan program, and institutional development assistance programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1986
Excludes the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund from the Federal budget and the congressional budget. Exempts the Fund from general budget limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1986
Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide that any deferral of budget authority proposed by the President shall not take effect unless the Congress, within 45 legislative days after receiving the President's proposal, completes action on a bill making such deferral.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that volunteer work should be taken into account by employers when hiring and listed on employment application forms.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986
Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the manufacture and importation of any firearm that is not readily detectable as a firearm by standard airport security equipment and readily identifiable as a firearm. Exempts specified firearms from such manufacturing prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986
Authorizes and requests the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, gold medals to Anatoly and Avital Shcharansky in recognition of their supreme dedication and total commitment to human rights and freedoms. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to determine the design of the medals. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to sell bronze duplicates of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1986
Full Credit Card Cost Disclosure Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require that any credit card solicitation include information regarding finance charge conditions, interest rates, and other related charges and fees. Requires such information, as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to be prominently displayed and in table form.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to remove the existing 70-year upper age limit of the class to which the discrimination prohibitions apply, thus extending coverage to all individuals who are at least 40 years of age. Removes the 69-year upper age limit for group health plan coverage. Delays the effect of this Act for employees under a collective bargaining contract until January 1, 1990, or the termination of such contract, if earlier.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Drug Abuse Education Act of 1986 - Requires the Secretary of Education to establish a program of grants to States for drug abuse education in elementary and secondary schools. Lists the State and local educational agency uses of such funds. Restricts the amount States may use for administrative costs. Provides for: (1) the allotment of such grant funds to States; (2) State application for such grant funds; (3) allocations to local educational agencies; and (4) local application to State educational agencies. Provides for the equitable participation of children enrolled in private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools in such program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) collect and disseminate program-related information to State and local educational agencies; (2) provide technical assistance; and (3) identify research and development priorities. Authorizes appropriations for such activities. Provides that the use of such grant funds is to supplement and not supplant other Federal funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Amends title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to redesignate part F (National Talented Teacher Program) as "Part F-Christa McAuliffe National Talented Teacher Fellowship Program." Renames the fellowships awarded under part F the McAuliffe Fellowships.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Mary Lasker in recognition of her humanitarian contributions in medical research and education, urban beautification, and the fine arts. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) not provide any new food, development, or other economic assistance for Haiti; (2) suspend trade benefits to Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act; (3) call upon other donor countries to suspend direct assistance, including military assistance; and (4) impose economic sanctions against Haiti (excluding restrictions on U.S. food exports). Declares that all such sanctions should be continued until the Haitian Government takes steps to hold free elections, implement political reforms, establish political parties, and end human rights abuses. States that the United States should provide new food and other economic assistance only if the Haitian Government cooperates to implement such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1986
Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1986 - Amends the judicial code to increase the number of bankruptcy judges: (1) from two to three for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas; (2) from seven to eight for the Northern District of California; (3) from four to six for the Eastern District of California; (4) from 12 to 18 for the Central District of California; (5) from three to four for the Southern District of California; (6) from two to four for the Middle District of Florida; (7) from four to five for the Northern District of Georgia; (8) from one to two for the Southern District of Georgia; (9) from one to two for Idaho; (10) from eight to ten for the Northern District of Illinois; (11) from two to three for the Central District of Illinois; (12) from one to two for the Northern District of Iowa; (13) from one to two for the Southern District of Iowa; (14) from one to two for the Eastern District of Kentucky; (15) from two to three for the Western District of Louisiana; (16) from two to three for Maryland; (17) from two to three for the Western District of Michigan; (18) from one to two for Nebraska; (19) from two to three for Nevada; (20) from five to seven for New Jersey; (21) from one to two for the Western District of North Carolina; (22) from one to two for the Northern District of Oklahoma; (23) from two to three for the Western District of Oklahoma; (24) from three to four for the Western District of Pennsylvania; (25) from one to two for South Carolina; (26) from one to two for South Dakota; (27) from two to three for the Eastern District of Tennessee; (28) from two to three for the Western District of Tennessee; (29) from four to five for the Northern District of Texas; (30) from three to six for the Southern District of Texas; (31) from two to three for the Western District of Texas; (32) from two to three for Utah; (33) from one to two for the Eastern District of Washington; and (34) from three to four for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Makes members of the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico eligible for appointment to bankruptcy judgeships.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should urge the Government of South Africa to indicate its willingness to negotiate with the black majority by: (1) granting unconditional freedom to Nelson Mandela; (2) recognizing the African National Congress; and (3) establishing a framework for political talks.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1986
Disapproves specified proposed deferrals and rescissions of budget authority for specified housing and community development programs (including a rescission of budget authority for the housing for the elderly and the handicapped and the urban development action grant program and a deferral of budget authority for the community development block grant program).
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1986
Expresses the sense of the Congress, and instructs its committees and conferees, that the Congress will not approve any provisions in H.R. 3838 or in similar legislation that would adversely affect the tax-exempt status of the bonds or other obligations of the States or their political subdivisions and instrumentalities which comply with current law and which are issued prior to: (1) January 1, 1987; or (2) any later date provided in enacted law.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1986
Amends the Small Business Act to require any procurement requirement which is not suitable for the award of Government contracts to small businesses to be set aside for exclusive competition among small businesses if the Government procurement officer has a reasonable expectation that offers will be obtained from at least two responsible small businesses that offer products of different small business concerns and that such awards will be made at reasonable prices.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1986
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should award the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Michael J. Smith, Francis R. Scobee, Ronald E. McNair, Ellison S. Onizuka, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Gregory B. Jarvis, and Judith A. Resnik, all of whom died in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1986
Medicare Beneficiary Access Protection Act of 1986 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in determining whether payments to a home health agency should be denied under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, to apply a presumption of compliance until 12 months after certain regional intermediaries have begun to service such agencies. Requires the Secretary to apply a similar presumption of compliance to skilled nursing facilities for 30 months following enactment of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Mitchell, Parren J. [D-MD-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000826_200.jpg)