United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Elderly and Handicapped Americans Transportation Services Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to allow airlines to offer free or reduced rate transportation to persons 65 years of age or older, and for handicapped persons and their necessary attendants. Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to allow common carriers subject to the provisions of such Act to provide free or reduced rate transportation to persons 65 years of age or older and to handicapped persons and their attendants. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to direct the Secretary of Transportation, in providing assistance under such Act, to give preferential treatment to State and local public bodies which agree to adopt and maintain specially reduced rates, not exceeding 50 percent of the regular rates, for handicapped persons and persons over 65. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to States and local public bodies in order to assist them in providing mass transportation services which will meet the needs of handicapped persons and persons over 65. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe standards for the design of buildings, structures, and facilities which are provided with financial assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act to insure that persons 65 or over and the physically or mentally handicapped will have ready access to, and use of, those buildings, structures, and facilities. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for special transportation research and demonstration projects for the handicapped and the elderly. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out such grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Requires the Secretary of State to reimburse States and political subdivisions thereof for the amount of revenue such States or subdivisions would derive from real property taxes on exempt United Nations property if such taxes were imposed on such property.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Permits employees in all executive agencies and in the government of the District of Columbia to take an active part in political management and in political campaigns so long as such participation does not involve the official authority or influence of such employees. Sets forth certain permitted activities as well as specific prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Immigration and Nationality Act - Establishes a five-member Board of Visa Appeals as an independent office within the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs of the Department of State, with members to be appointed by the Secretary of State. Gives the Board the jurisdiction to review any determination of a United States consular officer refusing to grant or revoking an immigration visa issued to an alien outside of the United States who has applied for classification as an immediate relative or as a preference immigrant. Makes the Board decision final. Gives parents of permanent resident aliens second preference status (currently covered by this preference are spouses and unmarried sons or unmarried daughters of such aliens). Removes from seventh preference status refugees from Communist countries or the Middle East and makes available immigrant visas annually on a first-come-first-served basis to: (1) those who are engaged solely or principally by a religious denomination and seek admission to the United States to perform duties to carry out the objectives of such denomination; and (2) retired persons; (3) private investors; and (4) finances of U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens (such aliens currently enter the United States on a nonpreference basis). Establishes a new provision for the admission of refugees from all over the world. Defines refugee as one who has fled from a Communist-dominated country or area, or has fled from any country and is unwilling to return "due to well-founded fear of persecution, or danger to his life or civil liberties"; or has been uprooted by natural calamity or military operations and is unable to return to his usual abode. Provides 12,000 immigrant visas annually to qualified refugees throughout the world, notwithstanding any numerical limitations of current law. Authorizes the Attorney General to parole alien refugees into the United States if such action is deemed to be in the public interest of the United States. Provides a permanent authority to adjust the status of refugee parolees to that of permanent residence. Provides adjustment of status, in cases of exceptional hardship, for natives of Western Hemisphere countries. Establishes a new statute of limitations which prevents the deportation: (1) of aliens lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence solely by reason of any conduct or conditions which occurred or existed ten years prior to the institution of deportation proceedings; (2) of aliens lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence if such aliens entered the U.S. prior to the age of 14 and have resided in the U.S. for a period of at least 20 years immediately preceding the institution of deportation proceedings against him. Facilitates the naturalization of: (1) persons over 50 years who have been living in the U.S. for at least 20 years; (2) permanent resident aliens employed overseas by an accredited American philanthropic organization; and (4) permanent resident aliens serving with the armed forces during hostilities in Vietnam. Permits the derivative acquisition of citizenship by a minor child, through his parents' naturalization, at 18 years of age instead of 16 as currently provided. Provides that final hearings upon petitions for naturalization can be held as late as 30 days before a pending general election. Eliminates the question of "country of former nationality" from the naturalization certificate. Establishes a Select Commission on Nationality and Naturalization to make a full and complete study and investigation of all matters relating to the policy and operation of title III: Nationality and Naturalization, of the Immigration and Nationality Act; including but not limited to, the effect of Federal judicial decisions in recent years on any of the provisions of such title and an analysis and evaluation of the fairness of the naturalization policy of the United States. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of nine members - three from the Senate, three from the House and three appointed by the President, and shall file its final report one year following enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Urban Recreational Opportunities Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to units of local government: (1) for the assessment of and planning for the total recreation need; and (2) for urban recreational services for underprivileged youth that will meet the needs identified in assessment programs. Directs that recreation programs be carried out through grants made directly to units of local government. Requires particular attention to the needs of Appalachia and Indian Tribes. Requires, to the maximum extent possible, that sites chosen for programs be located in low-income communities or areas. States that programs assisted under this Act shall, to the extent feasible, include information tours, cultural field trips, athletic activities, and admission to special events. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or private bodies or agencies, in coordination with units of local government, for the demonstration and evaluation of new methods and techniques of providing recreation support services for concentrations of underprivileged youth. Directs the Secretary to coordinate actions taken pursuant to this Act with those of other departments and agencies. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for fiscal years 1977,1978 and 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Motor Vehicle Mechanic Licensing Act - Requires each State to establish a motor vehicle mechanic licensing program which shall be approved by the Secretary of Labor. Establishes criteria for the examination of all individuals operating as motor vehicle mechanics on the effective date of such program in each State and the training and examination, as a condition for licensing, of any individual not operating as a mechanic on such date. Establishes disciplinary procedures for those license holding individuals whose competence is called into question. Reduces Federal highway funds to any State not implementing an approved State motor vehicle mechanic licensing program. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to pay not more than 80 percent of the cost of any State motor vehicle mechanic licensing program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Prohibits any officer of any executive department or agency, any officer of the Civil Service Commission, and any commissioned officer from requiring or requesting, or attempting to require or request any civilian employee, or any person seeking employment in the executive branch to: (1) disclose certain information relating to race, religion, national origin, income, and assets; (2) participate in activities not related to the employee's duties; (3) make any report concerning activities not related to job performance; (4) submit to certain tests designed to elicit specified personal information; (5) support the election of certain persons; (6) submit to interrogation without the presence of counsel if such employee is under investigation; or (7) invest in certain securities. Forbids such officials from taking any retaliatory action against employees who refuse to comply with requirements made unlawful by this Act. Permits actions to be brought by any employee organization on behalf of an employee. Establishes a three-member Board of Employees' Rights to: (1) receive and investigate complaints alleging violations of this Act; (2) conduct hearings; and (3) render decisions which constitute final decisions for purposes of judicial review. Sets forth enforcement procedures. Requires the Board to submit to Congress an annual report of its activities. Authorizes the appropriation not in excess of $100,000 to the Board to carry out its duties under this Act. Exempts certain national security agencies from compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Extends the provisions of the Flammable Fabrics Act to construction materials used in the interiors of homes, offices, and other places of assembly or accommodation. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to determine toxicity standards or promulgate other regulations when there is determined to be a danger from the toxic byproducts produced by the burning of such substances.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to call a White House Conference on Education in 1978 in order to stimulate a national assessment of the condition, needs, and goals of education and to obtain from a broadly representative group of citizens a report of findings and recommendations resulting from such assessment. Requires the Conference to include 5 areas of study in its agenda, as follows: (1) pre-school education, including child care and nutritional programs, and the needs of disadvantaged children; (2) the adequacy of primary education in teaching the skills of communication: reading, writing, and arithmetic; (3) the place of occupational education in helping to meet the nation's requirements for skilled workers; (4) the structure and needs of higher education, including ways of providing adequate levels of institutional support and student help; and (5) the adequacy of education at all levels in meeting the special needs of individuals. Authorizes the President to appoint a 35-member National Conference Committee, 12 members of which shall be educators, and the remainder representative of the public interest in education. Authorizes the Committee to describe the guidelines, organize the Conference, and make its final report before December 1, 1978. Authorizes grants ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $75,000 to each State to defray the expenses of the conferences. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Panama Canal Modernization Act - Directs the Governor of the Panama Canal Zone, under the supervision of the Secretary of the Army, to prosecute the work necessary to increase the capacity and improve the operations of the Panama Canal through the adaptation of the Third Locks project (H. Doc. 210, 76th Congress) at a total cost not to exceed $1,150,000,000. Establishes the Panama Canal Advisory and Inspection Board composed of five members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate to study and review plans and designs for the Third Locks project. Gives the Board powers to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Board to submit an annual report to the President and Congress on the progress of its work. Authorizes such appropriations to the Board as may be necessary to carry out its functions and activities under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, to establish a monetary penalty, in lieu of forfeiture of the merchandise being transported, for violations of such Act requiring that vessels engaged in coastwise trade be built and documented in the United States and that they be owned by United States citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish procedures to be followed by licensees of broadcasting stations to ascertain the needs, views, and interests of the residents of their service areas. Sets the term of a broadcast station license, or renewal, at four years and for any other class of station at five years. Provides that any license may be renewed upon its expiration, if the Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by the renewal of such license. Requires that in considering any application for renewal of a broadcast license, the Commission shall not consider: (1) the ownership interests or official connections of the applicant in other stations or other communications media or other businesses; or (2) the participation of ownership in the management of the station for which such application has been filed, unless the Commission has adopted rules prohibiting such ownership interest or activities or prescribing management structures, as the case may be, and given the renewal applicant a reasonable opportunity to conform with such rules. Directs the Commission to prescribe procedures to encourage licensees of broadcasting stations and persons raising significant issues regarding the operations of such stations to conduct, during the term of the licenses for such stations, good faith negotiations to resolve such issues. Allows appeals from decisions and orders of the Commission to be taken to the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which such broadcast facility is located. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a study to determine how it might expedite the elimination of those regulations of broadcast licensees required by the Communications Act of 1934 which do not serve the public interest and to make annual reports of the results of such study (including any recommendations for legislation) to the Committee on Commerce of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, to extend the coastwise laws of the United States with respect to the transportation of crude oil, residential fuel oil, and refined petroleum products, to the Virgin Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Guarantees to every athlete who wishes to engage in an organized professional team sport, the right to enter into a contract for such a purpose with any person without: (1) agreeing to permit that person to control his right, upon expiration of the contract, to enter into a contract with another person for such purpose, or; (2) agreeing to perform under such a contract for an unreasonable period of time. Declares such contract provisions unenforceable. States that a provision requiring an athlete to secure a release from the other party to the contract before entering into another sports contract is unenforceable. States that any person who deprives or conspires to deprive an athlete of his rights under this Act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Requires the Librarian of Congress, under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, to prepare and conduct seminars for freshmen Members of Congress and two additional persons designated by and for each such freshman Member to be held in November and December after each Congressional election. Authorizes reimbursement for travel, accommodations and food expenses for persons attending such seminars. Authorizes such freshmen Members to hire interim staffs for the period from the day they are declared to be elected in a general election to the Congress until the first day of the next regular session of Congress. Authorizes such freshmen Members to draw an advance on the stationary allowance to which they will be entitled after the first day of the next regular session of Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Establishes, as an independent establishment of the executive branch, the Federal Lobbying Disclosure Commission. Directs the Commission to avail itself of the assistance, including personnel and facilities, of the General Accounting Office and the Department of Justice. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the powers: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to questions as the Commission may prescribe; and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. States that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including: (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists who communicate with any officer or employee of the Executive or Legislative branch or with any Member of Congress forms required to be filed under this Act; (2) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting; (3) to make specified documents filed with it available for public inspection and copying; and (4) to prescribe suitable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that each lobbyist shall, within 15 days after becoming a lobbyist, file a notice of representation with the Commission. Provides that the notice of representation shall be in such form and detail as the Commission shall prescribe and sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities and sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the Commission containing such records. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require that comprehensive State plans which must be submitted for law enforcement assistance thereunder provide for (1) a system for the receipt, investigation, and determination of complaints submitted by law enforcement officers, and (2) the formulation of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights. Requires the discontinuance of such assistance to States, local government, and public agencies which have not established and put into operation such a complaint system or have not enacted such an officers' bill of rights within one year after the enactment of this Act. Lists protections which must be contained in each law enforcement officers' bill of rights including the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances; and (5) establishing a law enforcement officers' grievance commission in the jurisdiction to determine officer grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Budget Information Allocation Act - Requires the annual budget submitted by the President to set forth: (1) the amount proposed for expenditure in each State and each congressional district therein under each program proposed in the budget; (2) the amount by which Federal expenditures for each program would increase or decrease the total amount or allocation of the previous fiscal year in each State and each congressional district; and (3) the extent to which any function or activity of a Federal program would be expanded or restricted in each State or congressional district pursuant to any change from the previous fiscal year. Directs the President, through the Office of Management and Budget, to develop and implement projects for the improved gathering, compiling, analyzing, publishing, and disseminating of statistical information by the various agencies in the executive branch of Government. Provides for a semiannual report to Congress by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget describing the request made for budgetary information and summary data tables. Authorizes the Comptroller General to review the State and congressional budget estimates required under this Act. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in his role of assisting any Congressional committee having jurisdiction over revenue or appropriations, to furnish the Congress such supporting information as may be necessary to correct inaccurate State and congressional district allotments in the budget.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Prohibits the transportation of contraband cigarettes in interstate commerce. Defines "contraband cigarettes" as a quantity of more than 20,000 cigarettes, bearing no evidence of the payment of applicable State cigarette taxes, in the possession of any person other than a common or contract carrier or a person licensed by the tax department of the State where the cigarettes are found or by the Internal Revenue Service.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Prohibits (1) any individual from carrying into effect, or attempting or conspiring to carry into effect, any scheme in commerce to influence through bribery the conduct of any State or local law enforcement officer, including a judge, or other appointed or elected official and (2) any such officer or official from accepting a bribe pursuant to such a scheme or from failing to report any scheme violating this Act designed to influence his conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Youth Camp Safety Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to protect and safeguard the health and well-being of youth attending day camps, resident camps, and travel camps by providing for the establishment of Federal standards for the safe operation of youth camps. Confers upon the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Secretary for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States Court of Appeals. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States which have in effect approved State plans, such grants not to exceed eighty percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect youth camps and carry out investigations related thereto. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a comprehensive and detailed report on its administration under this Act. Authorizes penalties of up to $2,500 for each violation by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1977 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Federal Correctional Ombudsman Act - Establishes an office of the United States Correctional Ombudsman. Authorizes the Chief Ombudsman to investigate in such manner as he sees fit, either upon complaint or upon his own initiative, any administrative act of the Bureau of Prisons or the Board of Parole, pertaining to: (1) the treatment of any Federal prisoner or parolee; or (2) the conditions in any Federal penal or correctional institution or any institution which has contracted for the care or employment of any Federal prisoner. Sets forth procedures relative to such investigations. Directs the Chief Ombudsman to consult with the appropriate official or employee upon finding that any administrative act is (1) contrary to law; (2) unreasonable, unfair, oppressive, or unnecessarily discriminatory; (3) based on mistaken ascertainment of fact; (4) based on improper or irrelevant grounds; (5) performed in an inefficient manner; (6) unclear or inadequately explained when reasons should have been revealed; or (7) otherwise objectionable. States that if the Chief Ombudsman believes that an administrative act has been dictated by laws whose results are unfair or otherwise objectionable, he shall notify the appropriate committees of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Provides that no information disclosed to any ombudsman or to any staff or employee of the Office in connection with an investigation under this Act shall be disclosed to any other person except to the extent the Chief Ombudsman determines necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires the Chief Ombudsman to report annually to the Congress on the operations of the Office.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Prohibits a refiner or distributor of petroleum products from cancelling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a petroleum products franchise without furnishing prior written notification. Prohibits a refiner or distributor from terminating any such franchise except for one of the following reasons: (1) failure of the holder of the franchise to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement imposed; (2) failure of the holder of the franchise to act in good faith; or (3) withdrawal of the refiner or distributor from doing business in the State where the terminated franchise is located. Permits a retailer to bring a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief against any refiner or distributor who fails to act in good faith in performing or complying with any of the terms or provisions of the franchise or in terminating, cancelling or not renewing the franchise with such dealer.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Landlord-Tenant Act - Title I: National Landlord and Tenant Commission - Establishes the National Landlord and Tenant Commission. States that the Commission shall: (1) conduct and commission a study of landlord and tenant problems in the United States and review the implementation of the provisions of this Act; (2) submit to the President and to Congress such reports it deems appropriate; (3) publish the results of the investigations, studies, and research conducted under authority of this title; (4) make grants to the States for the establishment and maintenance of housing courts, and develop regulations concerning a review system for such grants; (5) develop model lease and rental agreement forms; (6) establish rules and guidelines for the purpose of implementing and enforcing this Act; and (7) appoint a special body to develop and implement a national rent control plan. Requires the Commission to the extent practicable, to utilize the services of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and all other Government agencies dealing with housing problems. Title II: Housing Courts - Authorizes the National Landlord-Tenant Commission to make grants to the States for the purpose of establishing and operating housing courts. Directs the Commission, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act to promulgate standards for landlord-tenant dispute settlement procedures. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979, and for the succeeding fiscal years such sums as Congress may authorize. Title III: Landlord-Tenant Act - States that this Act applies to, regulates, and determines rights, obligations, and remedies under a rental agreement, applicable to all rental units in the United States. Provides that housing courts of the States and all other appropriate courts of general jurisdiction may exercise jurisdiction over any landlord or tenant within their jurisdiction with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to this Act. Title IV: Provisions of the Rental Agreement - States that a landlord and a tenant may include in a rental agreement terms and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law, including rent, term of the agreement, and other provisions governing the rights, obligations, and remedies of the parties. Provides that in the absence of agreement or legislation fixing the amount of rent the tenant shall pay pursuant to this Act, the tenant shall pay as rent the fair rental value for the use and occupancy of the dwelling unit. Title V: Landlord Obligations - Requires every landlord to: (1) comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes; (2) make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition; (3) keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; (4) provide and maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, locks, and other existing facilities such as elevators, steps, and fire safety equipment supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord; (5) provide and maintain appropriate and convenient receptacles for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for its removal; and (6) supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat based on geographic location. Requires the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his behalf to disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy the name and address of: (1) the person authorized to manage the premises; and (2) the owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for the purpose of service of process and for the purpose of receiving and receipting complaints, notices, and demands. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of security deposits. Limits the amount of such deposit to one month's rent. Requires the payment of interest on such deposits. Title VI: Tenant Obligations - States that the tenant shall: (1) comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building and housing codes; (2) keep that part of the premises that he occupies and uses as clean and safe as the condition of the premises permit; (3) keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or those used by the tenant as clean as their condition permits; (4) use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances including elevators on the premises; (5) not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises or knowingly permit any person to do so; (6) regularly dispose from his dwelling unit all ashes, rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and safe manner; and (7) conduct himself and require other persons on the premises with his consent to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb his neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of the premises. Title VII: Landlord Remedies - Sets forth landlord's remedies for: (1) tenant's nonpayment of rent; (2) tenant's refusal to allow lawful access; and (3) tenant's abandonment. Makes provisions for landlord's remedies after the termination of the rental agreement. Title VIII: Tenant Remedies - Establishes tenant remedies for the landlord's: (1) violation of housing codes or the rental agreement; (2) failure to deliver possession; and (3) abuse of access. Title IX: Procedures for Contesting Allegations of Breach - Establishes procedures for both the landlord and the tenant to contest any allegations of a breach of the provisions of this Act or the rental agreement. Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that if any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or application of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Drug Safety, Consumer Information, and Medical Records Act - Title I: National Center for Clinical Pharmacology - Establishes, under the Public Health Service Act and within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Center for Clinical Pharmacology to provide support, in the nature of grants, for the study of clinical pharmacology. Enumerates the nature and general provisions of such grants. Provides for the collection of data regarding drug experiences and adverse drug reactions. Calls for a study to be conducted on the inappropriate prescribing of drugs and on whether controls are needed for such inappropriate prescribing. Requires all organizations receiving assistance under this Act to review the prescribing and administering of all drugs in the course of delivery of health care. Calls for the establishment of procedures to insure the confidentiality of medical records pertaining to the experiences of a specific individual in taking drugs. Provides for Congressional inspection of medical data. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 to carry out the purposes and projects of this title. Title II: Promotional Practices - Prohibits, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the giving by any person engaged in the manufacture, propagation, processing, or distribution of any drug of any gift or other free promotional item having a retail value of more than $5.00 to any practitioner, pharmacist, student, or any other person engaged in the delivery of health care. Prohibits the transfer of samples and free drugs to practitioners unless each such practitioner has filed a written request for such drug. Places additional restrictions on the transfer of any sample or other free drug. Places a prohibition on prescription surveys. Provides for: (1) price information in drug advertising; (2) restrictions on remainder labeling and advertising, and false and misleading advertising; and (3) certification of training programs for manufacturers' representatives. Title III: Drug Quality - Provides, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, for the establishment of regulations governing the requirements for proof of therapeutic equivalence of drugs. Provides procedures for certification of batches of specified kinds of drugs (other than insulin and antibiotics). Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements for drugs by persons subject to registration under this Act, specifying the procedures under which any such reports shall be made available to the committees of Congress. Title IV: National Drug Compendium - Calls for the preparation of a drug compendium, listing by established name, drugs lawfully available in the United States, to provide adequate and reliable prescribing information. Sets forth the method for compilation and publication of such compendium, including, (1) the appointment of a committee to advise the Secretary on compendium matters, and (2) the requirements governing advertising of information contained in the compendium. Title V: Consumer Drug Information - Requires specified prescription drug information to be included on all drug labels in such terms so that it is likely to be understood by the ordinary individual. Directs the establishment of a uniform system of coding for drugs consisting of: (1) the identity of the manufacturer, the drug, and the final packager; (2) the dosage form and strength of the drug; and (3) the number of drug units in the immediate container. Requires that pharmacies post prescription drug prices. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to identify methods for informing consumers of the costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of retail drugs. Empowers the Secretary to make grants to consumer groups for informing the public with price comparison data of drugs. Authorizes $1,000,000 to be appropriated for such grants for fiscal year 1978. Title VI: Recall Authority; Increased Criminal Penalty - Vests the Secretary with authority to recall an article of food, a drug, a device or a cosmetic which is liable to be proceeded against on libel of information and condemnation. Increases from $1,000 to $5,000 the criminal penalty for violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Health Action Corps Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to increase the number of trained professional personnel in the allied health field by providing young Americans training and practical work experience in the allied health field. Establishes within the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Health Action Corps. Provides that the Corps shall be headed by a Board of Directors which shall consist of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, or their respective designees. States that it shall be the duty of the Corps to provide opportunities for young Americans to participate in programs which provide training and practical work experience in the allied health field. States that such programs shall include career counseling, exposure to various health-related occupations, and training and work experience in clinical settings. Stipulates that the Corps shall be composed of volunteers selected by the Administrator in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Board. States that the term of enlistment in the Corps shall be one year plus time for training. Authorizes the Administrator to provide to any volunteer who has completed his period of enlistment: (1) a scholarship of $3,000 if such volunteer is a full-time student at a junior college, college, or university; or (2) a bonus of $3,000, if such volunteer works for one year in an area which (as determined by the Administrator) has a critical shortage of trained professional personnel in the allied health field. Stipulates that the Board shall establish a National Advisory Committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Board on matters relating to: (1) the recruitment of Corps volunteers; (2) evaluation of the quality of the training provided to the Corps volunteers; (3) the projected future demand for trained professionals in the allied health field; and (4) innovations in the utilization of trained professional personnel in the allied health field.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Entitles otherwise ineligible members of the uniformed services and their dependents to medical and dental care in a uniformed services facility during a 60-day period following separation from service. Grants post exchange and commissary privileges to such individuals during this period. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1074(a), 1076(a)).
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Transportation to amend a specified motor vehicle safety standard to require the installation of passive restraint devices in passenger cars manufactured three years after the issuance of such amendment. Stipulates that no motor vehicle safety standard may require a safety belt interlock system or a continuous buzzer designed to indicate that safety belts are not in use.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any person from making, or instructing any other person to make, any telephone call solely to threaten or harass any person at the called number in order to collect any money alleged to be due and owing. Specifies the types of acts prohibited by this Act. Provides that a person who makes a telephone call in violation of this Act shall be liable in a civil action to the person called for a penalty in an amount of $500 for each such telephone call, in addition to attorney's fees. Directs all telephone companies to notify each telephone subscriber of his right to privacy and to be free from telephone calls from persons calling to harass, abuse, threaten, or coerce. Prohibits any person from contacting any person's employer by telephone to inform the employer of any alleged debt of an employee unless the debt has been held in a valid court judgment to be due and owing.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Prohibited Knife Act - Revises the prohibition against the manufacture, sale, or transportation of a switchblade knife in interstate commerce or the manufacture, sale, or possession of a switchblade knife within any territory or possession of the United States or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Encompasses within such prohibition (1) any folding knife having an exposed blade of at least three inches; (2) any manufacture, sale, or possession of a prohibited knife by a person engaged in any trade or business involving the acquisition of articles in interstate commerce or the sale of articles or transfer of sold articles in interstate commerce; and (3) the transfer of possession of a prohibited knife by a member of the Armed Forces to any other person other than in the performance of duty. Amends the provision of law declaring switchblade knives unmailable to prohibit the mailing of such knives to supply or procurement officers of a State or local government. Applies such provision to folding knives having an exposed blade of at least three inches.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Trust for the Preservation of Historic Ships Act - Provides that in order to acquire, restore, and put on display ships of national interest and importance in the history of this Nation, and to identify and focus public attention and support for such acquisitions, restoration, and display, there is hereby created a charitable, educational, and nonprofit corporation, to be known as the National Trust for the Preservation of Historic Ships. Authorizes the Historic Ships Trust to acquire, with donated, appropriated, or other funds, ships of national interest and importance in the technical, commercial, and cultural maritime history of the United States and to restore and display such ships. Designates the members of a temporary board of trustees for the Historic Ships Trust. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to establish a suitable advisory commission. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Historic Ships Trust for fiscal year 1977 and for each of the next following four fiscal years the sum of $1,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit assistance for 12 months to any country in which the President determines property of the United States Government has been willfully damaged or destroyed by mob violence, unless the President certifies to Congress that such assistance is necessary to the national security.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Requires the Administrator of General Services, when intending to dispose of any real property owned by the United States, to notify the Members of Congress representing the district in which such property is located.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to publish a monthly price index reflecting the retail prices of items purchased generally by individuals 62 years of age and older, such index to be known as the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly. Directs specified Federal officers to study any legislative and administrative action necessary for utilizing such index in lieu of the Consumer Price Index for the purposes of enumerated provisions of law. Requires such officers, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, to transmit to each House of Congress a written report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Health. Establishes the offices of Secretary of Health, Under Secretary, seven Assistant Secretaries, and Chief Medical Officer, all of whom shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under specified Federal laws and in regard to specified functions of the Public Health Service. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Education and Welfare. Authorizes the Secretary of Health to appoint and fix the compensation of such officers and employees as are necessary to carry out his functions. Transfers to the Secretary the personnel, property and authorizations of the Acts and functions listed in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a working capital fund for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of common administrative services and equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint such advisory committees as appropriate for consultation with the Department in the performance of its functions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with educational institutions and public or private agencies for research into problems related to authorized programs. Establishes the National Advisory Commission on Health Planning to be composed of 19 members, to conduct a study of the programs of the Department, and submit a comprehensive report of its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the President, the Secretary, and the Congress. Provides that the Commission shall also conduct a detailed study of the current and future health needs of the United States, and issue a national health plan for health needs over the next ten years. Authorizes expenditures by the Commission not to exceed $5,000,000. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report in writing to the President for submission to the Congress on the activities of the Department during the preceding fiscal year. Continues all rules, contracts, and privileges effective under any Act previously listed, until suspended. Provides that this Act shall not affect any proceedings pending at the time of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to provide that local educational agencies shall not receive Federal financial assistance unless they provide educational services to all handicapped children at levels of expenditure at least equal to outlays for other children. Allows a civil action to be brought by the parent of a handicapped child to enforce the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Comprehensive Vision Care Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make annual grants to the States for the costs of establishing and operating programs under which students in public schools: (1) will receive free vision testing; and (2) will be provided, without charge, appropriate necessary follow-up services (including ophthalmologic and optometric services and eyeglasses). Authorizes such grants to be used to train personnel to administer such tests. Directs the Secretary to establish a panel to advise him with respect to the standards to be prescribed by him under this Act for qualified vision tests. States that such panel shall be composed of four ophthalmologists and four optometrists who by virtue of their training and experience are especially qualified to advise the Secretary with respect to such standards. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to the Congress respecting the grant program authorized under this Act and to include in such report his recommendations for such legislation as he deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Pollution Control Facility Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make loans to any applicant to aid in financing any project within an eligible area for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of a certified pollution control facility. Specifies the conditions for such loans. Stipulates that no loan shall be made which exceeds 65 percent of the aggregate cost of the project. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund available to the Secretary for the purpose of making loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $750,000,000 to be deposited in the revolving fund.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Cooperative Housing Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a National Bank for Cooperative Housing in order to provide assurances to private and public housing developers that a continual supply of public funds is being and will be made available to encourage the building of low- and middle-income cooperative housing. Creates a body corporate to be known as the National Bank for Cooperative Housing. Prohibits the making of loans by the Bank unless the borrower is unable to obtain funds on reasonable terms from other sources. Vests the management of the Bank in a Board of Directors consisting of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Labor, and ten other persons appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that of the ten persons so appointed, one shall be an elected or an appointed official of a State government, and one shall be an elected or appointed official of a local government. Requires all of the other directors to be from the private sector. Provides for the appointment of officers and employees of the Bank. Prohibits any director, officer, attorney, agent, or employee of the Bank from directly or indirectly participating in the deliberations upon or the determination of any question affecting his personal interests, or the interests of any corporation, partnership, or association in which he is directly or indirectly personally interested. Prohibits the Bank from engaging in political activities or providing financing for or assistance in any manner in any project or facility involving political parties. Prohibits the directors, officers, employees, or agents of the Bank in any way from using their connection with the Bank for the purpose of influencing the outcome of any election. Establishes the capital stock of the Bank at $1,000,000,000. Provides for the purchase of Bank stock by the Treasury of the United States. Establishes the borrowing authority of the Bank. Declares that it shall be the function of the Bank to make and guarantee loans for the purchase or construction of low- and middle-income cooperative housing. Allows the Bank to make direct loans: (1) to State and local governments, public agencies, nonprofit private organizations, corporations, companies, partnerships, and individuals for the purchase of low- and middle-income cooperative housing constructed after 1959; and (2) to developers, contractors, subcontractors, and other persons to finance the construction of low- and middle-income cooperative housing. Requires that the financial transactions of the Bank be audited by the General Accounting Office. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000,000 for subscription to the capital stock of the Bank. Provides that no person in the United States shall on the ground of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Food Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct research and development relating to the following: (1) new methods of protein production, including the treatment of waste materials with microorganisms; (2) new methods of improving the protein content of cereals and grains, including combining different types of these products to create the amino acid balance required for "complete" protein; (3) new methods of fertilizer production, including microbiological techniques; (4) new methods of processing vegetable protein into low-cost substitutes for meat and dairy products; and (5) the effect of existing public policy, including Federal and State regulation of food products, on the utilization of new methods of protein production, fertilizer production, and processing vegetable protein. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit entities and individuals for research, development, and demonstration projects, and provide for the conduct of research, development, and demonstration projects by contract with public or private entities or persons. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop and make available to educational and other nonprofit institutions an educational program relating to the preparation and use of the food products produced by the methods developed under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act through fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Authorizes the President to appoint the sons and daughters of recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross to the appropriate service academy.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Uniform Federal Welfare and Medicaid Assistance Act - Amends Title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children), Title XVIII (Medicare), and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide that the Federal matching rate for purposes of reimbursement to States under the programs of aid to needy families with children and medical assistance shall be set at 75 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program to develop advanced automobile propulsion systems within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to make grants for research projects designed to assist the furtherance of such program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate and report the extent to which the automobile industry utilizes advanced automotive technology. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test vehicles developed pursuant to the program established by this Act, in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the Clean Air Act and the Noise Control Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to test such vehicles in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, and the Automobile Information Disclosure Act. Establishes contracting procedures consistent with applicable provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to submit annual reports to Congress of activities pursuant to this Act, including results of economic surveys designed to evaluate the extent to which Federal guarantees of financial obligations may aid in developing commercial markets for advanced automobile technology. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require that efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration be directed towards the development of advanced automobile propulsion systems. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that no more than 60 percent of such appropriations shall be directly expended in Federal laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited deduction for amounts paid by or on behalf of an individual for an individual retirement account, an individual retirement annuity, an individual retirement bond, an employee's trust, or an annuity contract.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Consumer Product Testing Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to categorize consumer products into priority classifications for the purpose of developing standards for test protocols, the results of which will provide a basis to the consumer for judging and comparing product characteristics. Defines the terms used in this Act. Specifies relevant factors for the designation of priority classifications. Requires the Commission to commence a proceeding for the development of such a test protocol whenever the Commission determines that such would assist consumers in making informed purchases. Requires the Commission to promulgate advertising regulations with regard to products tested under this Act, and to furnish consumers with information about such products. Allows the Commission to contract for compliance of test results furnished by any person who has tested such products. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction over any alleged violations or hardship claims arising out of the provisions of this Act. States that it shall be a civil violation under the Federal Trade Commission Act to induce or encourage the purchase of a product by falsely representing that it has been tested or by misrepresenting the results of such test, and further, in the case of a person engaged in testing consumer products, to advertise or distribute a consumer product with respect to which there has been any statement or representation in violation of this Act. Provides for a conviction of a willful violation of this Act, or regulations promulgated hereunder, a fine of not more than $10,000 for each day of violation, or imprisonment for not more than two years or both. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979 in order to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Extends coverage to all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished. Extends coverage to: (1) comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered; (2) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency; and (3) pathology and radiology services as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Extends coverage to two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Lists approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and those available for use outside such organized settings. Declares that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Extends coverage to professional services of optometrists and podiatrists, subject to regulations, and diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law; and (2) services of a professional practitioner if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program becomes eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals. Makes psychiatric hospitals eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Allows the participation of the following as providers of health services under this Act: (1) a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients; (2) a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society; and (3) community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of medical services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when acting as an employee. Allows reimbursement for any services furnished by such institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other professional and nonprofessional health personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs that three separate accounts be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Make provision for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Stipulates that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Directs the Board to divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Stipulates that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Stipulates that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies shall be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Stipulates that a health organization shall be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires that the members be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services and the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent. Adds a new one percent Health Security Tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commission shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
![Official portrait of Rep. Murphy, John M. [D-NY-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001098_200.jpg)