United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Sets forth standards, relating to the rights of patients under the General Provisions of the Social Security Act, to be met by intermediate care facilities participating in programs under title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act. Provides that the statement of rights required to be adopted by such facilities shall include guarantees: (1) that the patient's civil and religious liberties will not be infringed; (2) that the patient has the right to private communications with his physician, attorney, or any other person; and (3) that the patient has the right to have privacy in treatment and in caring for personal needs and confidentiality in the treatment of personal and medical records.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that an individual may qualify for disability insurance benefits under the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program of the Social Security Act and the disability freeze if he has 40 quarters of coverage, regardless of when such quarters were earned.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Requires the return of any vessel which is the property of the United States and has been loaned or leased to a country which has, on or after January 1, 1967, seized any U.S. fishing vessel on account of its activities in waters recognized by the United States as international waters. Directs the Secretary of the Navy, if a leased ship is involved, to take such actions as may be necessary to insure the return of such vessel. (Adds 22 U.S.C. 1978)
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1975
Directs the President to use vessles and aircraft of the Coast Guard or of the United States Navy, or of both, in such manner as he deems appropriate to insure the safety of any United States commercial fishing vessel and its crew and equipment while such vessel is carrying out fishing activities in waters recognized by the United States as international waters. States that, the President is further authorized and directed to provide for the implementation of appropriate air and surface surveillance of those waters recognized by the United States as international waters in which United States commercial fishing vessels have been, or are likely to be, subjected to harassment or seizure by foreign nations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that the first $5,000 of compensation paid to law enforcement officers shall be excluded from gross income for income purposes under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Higher Education Funding Act - Authorizes an income tax deduction for contributions to a qualified higher education fund established by the taxpayer for the purposes of funding the higher education of his dependents. Limits the amount of the deduction to the lesser of: (1) $500 times the number of qualified beneficiaries; (2) 10 percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income; or (3) $2,500. Provides that a qualified education fund must be established by the taxpayer pursuant to a written plan: (1) solely for the purpose of defraying the cost of room, board, and tuition at an institution of higher education of one or more eligible beneficiaries; (2) which provides that no distribution shall be made by the fund (except upon termination thereof) other than to, or on behalf of, eligible beneficiaries; (3) which provides that upon termination of the fund all assets of the funds shall be distributed to the taxpayer or to his estate; (4) which prohibits contributions to the fund in excess of amounts deductible: and (5) under which the taxpayer consents to the income tax treatment upon termination of the fund. Defines "institution of higher education" as an educational institution: (1) which regularly offers education at a level above the twelfth grade; (2) contributions to or for the use of which constitute charitable contributions; (3) which is legally authorized to provide and does provide a program of postsecondary education; and (4) which is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association listed by the United States Commissioner of Education. Sets forth the tax treatment revisions to the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the creator of a qualified higher education fund and the tax treatment upon termination of such fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Extends to all unmarried individuals the full tax benefits of income splitting now enjoyed by married individuals filing joint returns. Provides the same income tax rate tables to all individuals, whether married and filing separately or unmarried. States that such income tax treatment shall become effective after December 31, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides that the 1974 increases in social security benefits shall be disregarded in determining an individual's eligibility for supplemental security income benefits under title XVI (Grants to States for Aged, Blind, or Disabled or for such Aid and Medical Assistance to the Aged) of the Social Security Act. Provides that support and maintenance furnished a mentally retarded individual living in another person's household shall not constitute income to him for supplemental security income benefit purposes under the same title.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Freedom of Access for the Elderly and Handicapped Act - Authorizes, under the Internal Revenue Code, a taxpayer to deduct expenses incurred during the taxable year in removing architectural and transportational barriers to the elderly and handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Excludes from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code the first $500 of interest on savings in the case of an individual taxpayer in a bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or similar thrift institution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Permits any returned prisoner of war of the Vietnam conflict to import free of duty additional personal and household effects during the one-year period after his return to the jurisdiction of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Automobile Driver Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a national campaign to educate drivers to the dangers of improper uses of motor vehicles. Imposes an additional tax of one-tenth of one cent per gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel sold to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Allows a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code to an employer with respect to a Vietnam veteran employed by a taxpayer for not less than 6 months during the 2-year period beginning on the date 1 year before the first day of the taxpayer's taxable year, if, as certified by the Secretary of Labor, the position which the individual is hired either (1) reflects the individual's prior civilian experience, his applicable military experience, or his educational level, or (2) provides training which leads to self improvement or job advancement.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Allows a credit against the individual income tax for 50 percent, up to $200, of tuition paid for the education of dependents who are full-time students at an elementary or secondary institution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Allows specified percentage tax deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, for the cost of acquiring recycled solid waste materials during the taxable year. Provides, in lieu of any allowable depreciation deduction, for the amortization of the cost basis of solid waste recycling facilities over a period of 60 months.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Allows a deduction from gross income in an amount of $25 per pint for donations of blood to nonprofit blood banks and other nonprofit organizations under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides a 50-percent across-the-board increase in benefits under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program of the Social Security Act with the resulting benefit costs to be borne equally by employers, employees, and the Federal Government. Raises the amount of outside earnings which a beneficary may have without suffering deductions from his benefits from $175 to $250 per month.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides a tax deduction as a charitable contribution for 90 percent (up to $2500) of the tuition and fees paid to an educational institution which qualifies under the Internal Revenue Code as a recipient of deductible charitable contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Provides an additional personal tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code for a taxpayer, his spouse, or his dependent, who is disabled. Defines the term "disabled" for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Increases to $7500 the amount of outside earnings which (subject to further increases under the automatic adjustment provisions) is permitted each year without any deduction from benefits under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1975
Allows a deduction for income tax purposes of expenses including tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, food, and lodging incurred by the taxpayer for the education of a dependent at a primary or secondary educational institution. Provides that the amount of the deduction attributable to food and lodging shall not exceed $200 per semester, or $400 per year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Directs the Secretary of Labor to prepare and publish monthly a Consumer Price Index for the Elderly designed to reflect the retail prices of items purchased generally by individuals who are at least sixty-two years of age. Requires specified Federal officers to study and investigate any legislative and administrative action necessary for utilizing the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly in lieu of the Consumer Price Index in specific provisions of law referred to by this Act. Directs such officers to report to the Congress within ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act a detailed statement of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislation as a result of the study and investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) and title II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physicians prescription or certification shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides additional Federal payments to States for the amounts in excess of the total quarterly public assistance expenditures with respect to Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos, native Hawaiians, and other aboriginal persons authorized under State public assistance programs established pursuant to the Social Security Act. Provides that such payments shall be in addition to those otherwise payable to States as the Federal share of aid or assistance under the Social Security Act. Defines the terms "Indians" and "native Hawaiian". Authorizes to be appropriated, for each fiscal year, the sums necessary to enable the Secretary to make payments authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prohibits the extension of credit to Turkey under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 until the President reports to the Congress that Turkey is cooperating with the United States in the curtailment of heroin traffic.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to appoint students at State maritime academies and colleges as Reserve midshipmen in the United States Navy upon graduation from such academies or colleges.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
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 interim and final 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 for use in transactions between the landlord and the tenant; and (6) establish rules and guidelines for the purpose of implementing and enforcing this Act. 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 one hundred eighty days after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate standards for landlord-tenant dispute settlement procedures. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1976, and June 30, 1977 in order to carry out the purposes of this Act. 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 conduct governed by this Act or 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. 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 - 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 · 14 January 1975
Removes the exclusion of service performed in the employ of the United States from the definition of the term "employment" for purposes of eligibility under the Social Security Act. Permits officers and employees of the Federal Government to elect coverage under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance of the Social Security Act. Requires a person electing such coverage to file a certificate indicating his election within two years of the enactment of this Act. States that such an election will be irrevocable. Provides an additional filing period of six months, to begin five years after the close of the initial filing period, for those who could have filed within the initial period but did not do so. Requires a person filing a certificate pursuant to this Act to give notice to his employer at or before the time of filing such certificate. States that a certificate filed pursuant to this Act will be effective for the entire calendar quarter and all subsequent calendar quarters. Specifies conditions under which the certificate may be effective up to four calendar quarters immediately preceding the calendar quarter in which it is filed. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations requiring the heads of the various Federal agencies to know which of their employees qualify for elective coverage under this Act, or, in the alternative, to provide for the collection of the tax from a Federal employee electing such coverage, where it is not feasible for the head of the Federal agency or instrumentality involved to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Allows as a credit against the tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code a percentage of a taxpayer's employment expenses in employing a Vietnam veteran. Gives preference in percentages allowed as a credit to the hiring of a person who is physically handicapped, or who was a prisoner of war or missing in action. Specifies qualifying expenses and the percentages allowed depending on the length of a veteran's employment. Requires the payment of the higher of either the minimum wage or the prevailing wage. Defines terms and sets forth regulations for purposes of this Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 42)
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Establishes, as an independent establishment of the executive branch, the Federal Lobbying Disclosure Commission, composed of the Comptroller General and seven members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. 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 power: (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. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including: (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act; (2) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting; (3) to develop a filing, coding, and cross-indexing system consonant with the purpose of this Act; (4) to make specified documents filed with it available for public inspection and copying; (5) to preserve such reports and statements for a period of ten years; (6) to compile and summarize (in specified categories) information contained in notices and reports filed; (7) to make audits and field investigations with respect to statements and reports filed under the provisions of this Act; (8) to prepare a special study or report upon the request of any Member of the House of Representatives or the Senate from information in the records of the Commission; and (9) 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.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that persons who are blind and have at least six quarters of coverage shall be eligible for disability insurance benefits. Outlines those regulations which apply to the amount of benefits to be received. Defines blindness as used in this Act. Continues payment of such benefits as long as the blindness lasts, notwithstanding the amount of the individual's earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Child Abuse Act - Provides for the protection of children under 16 years of age who have had physical injury inflicted upon them, or who are further threatened with physical injury by the conduct of those responsible for their care and protection. Requires any doctor, schoolteacher, social worker, or welfare worker who finds or has reason to suspect that physical injury to a child (by guardians) has occurred to submit a full report to the appropriate police or judicial authorizies. Makes it a misdemeanor for such persons if they fail to report, and grants immunity to any such person who files a report in good faith. Directs the authority to which the report was filed to take the appropriate police and judicial action necessary to protect the child. Provides for removal of the child from the home if, in the investigation, it is determined that either or both parents are drug addicts. Provides that all payments or assistance under the Social Security Act shall be discontinued if either or both of the parents are guilty of child abuse or drug addictions, and that such assistance shall be made instead to an appropriate foster parent, foster home, or welfare agency to be used for the benefit of the child. Establishes a system whereby the Secretary of HEW shall issue a social security account number for every child in the United States (immediately after birth) in order to establish and place in operation an effective national child-identification system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Extends to forty-five months (presently thirty-six) the maximum number of school months covered by veterans' educational benefits for eligible veterans. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661)
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of 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. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for 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. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered 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. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, 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 those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of 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. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. 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 broad and general 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 remedial 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 he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these 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, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional 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. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides 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). Provides that the Board will divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. 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. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health maintenance organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. 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 administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. 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. Provides that the Advisory Council will 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 directly or by contract 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, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of 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. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States 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 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000 or, if higher 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. 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. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 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 Commissioner 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 - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that, after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. 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 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 veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Increases from 50 to 75 percent that portion of business loans which may be guaranteed by the Federal Government through the Veterans Administration and which may be used by veterans for the acquisition, construction, or repair of business property. Establishes $30,000 as the maximum amount of guaranty available to a veteran under this program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to local fire departments to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of purchasing heat-protective fire fighting suits and breathing apparatus. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
National Fire Data and Information Clearinghouse Act - Establishes a national clearinghouse within the National Bureau of Standards to be known as the National Fire Data and Information Clearinghouse to collect information and data relating to: (1) incidents of fires in the United States and their causes, locations and resultant deaths, injuries and property loss; (2) technological research and development with respect to fire suppression and prevention; and (3) hazardous substances. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to publish annually a catalogue of information and data stored in the Clearinghouse. Provides that copies shall be made available to interested persons and the general public. Authorizes the Secretary to prepare abstracts, digests, bibliographies, indexes, microfilms, and other reproductions of stored information and data and to make such items available to State and local goverments, industry and business, Federal agencies, and other interested persons. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain within the clearinghouse an emergency information center to provide fire service organizations with information at any time. Directs the Secretary to obtain a nationwide telephone number for such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides that any person who is engaged in any activity which affects interstate commerce and who is responsible for any pollution of air or water or for the creation of any unreasonable noise shall be subject to liability in monetary damages, injunction, declaratory judgment, or other appropriate relief in a class action brought by any person representing the interest of a group or class of persons whose lives, safety, health, property, or welfare has been endangered or adversely affected in any way by such pollution or noise. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction of class actions brought under this Act without regard to the amount in controversy. States that the remedies provided by this Act are in addition to any other remedies which may be available, and nothing in this Act shall be held to preempt or otherwise interfere with any Federal or State law.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Entitles specified veterans of the Mexican border period and of World War I and their widows and children to a veterans' pension benefit on the same basis as that accorded to veterans of the Spanish American War and their widows and children, respectively. Provides for an increase in pension rates applicable to such classes of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, that no air carrier shall discontinue service, in whole or in part, unless such discontinuance is found to be in the public interest by the Civil Aeronautics Board after public hearings.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Permits, under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance), the payment of benefits to a married couple on their combined earnings record where that method of computation produces a higher combined benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to insure that veterans be provided employment opportunities after discharge at minimum salary rates. Provides that the salary rate shall not be less than the lower of: (1) the rate of pay (adjusted to take into account all allowances and other personal and family benefits to members of the Armed Forces as well as basic pay) to which he was entitled while holding the highest rank attained by him while on active military service; (2) the highest rate of salary he earned before entering into active military service; or (3) the prevailing salary rate or civil service or wage board pay rate for equivalent employment in the area in which his legal residence, as listed in his official service records, is located.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides for emergency assistance grants under title XVI of the Social Security Act to recipients of supplemental security income benefits who have lost such benefit checks or the proceeds thereof. Authorizes cost-of-living increases in such benefits and in State supplementary payments, and prohibits reductions in such benefits because of social benefit increases. Provides for reimbursement to States for home relief payments to disabled applicants prior to determination of their disability, and permits payment of such benefits directly to drug addicts and alcoholics (without a third- party payee ) upon certification of the chief medical officer of the treating facility. Provides for the continuation on a permanent basis of the provision making supplemental security income recipients eligible for food stamps.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Modifies the project for hurricane-flood protection and beach erosion control at East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay, New York, by directing the Secretary of the Army to commence work on the beach erosion control aspect of the project independently of the hurricane-flood protection aspect of the project.
![Official portrait of Rep. Murphy, John M. [D-NY-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001098_200.jpg)