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United States · Official source
763 records where Rep. Preyer, Richardson [D-NC-6] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of December 3 through December 9, 1979, as the "Boy Scouts Calendar Distribution Week."
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Authorizes and directs the President to designate the month of September, 1980, as "National Rehabilitation Month."
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any multicandidate political committee (other than a multicandidate committee of a political party) from making contributions to a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress and his or her authorized committees which in any calendar year exceeds: (1) $5,000 with respect to any general or special election and a primary election relating to such election; or (2) $7,500 (but not more than $5,000 for one election) with respect to a general or special election and both a primary and runoff election relating to such election. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress or any authorized political committee from accepting contributions from political committees, other than committees of a political party, aggregating more than $50,000 in any calendar year, except in the case of a candidate who is a candidate in a general election and a special election, such candidate may accept such contributions aggregating: (1) $50,000 with respect to such general and any primary election relating to such general election; and (2) $50,000 with respect to such special election and any primary election relating to such special election. Specifies that any contribution made in a year, other than the calendar year in which the election is held, is considered to be made in the calendar year in which such election is held, and any contribution made after the date of such election shall be considered a contribution with respect to such election only if such contribution is used to pay obligations incurred with respect to such election. Specifies that any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, by direct mail or other similar types of general public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such extension of credit is: (1) in an amount of more than $1,000; and (2) for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of appropriate design to Gerald F. Spiess, in recognition of his distinguished feat as a transatlantic sailor. Authorizes appropriations of up to $15,000 to strike such medal. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Child Health Assurance Act of 1979 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the State plan for medical assistance required by such title to provide for making "medical assistance" available to: (1) any individual who is under the age of 18 or, at the option of the State, to any individual over the age of 17 and under 21; and (2) any woman for the period of her pregnancy and for 60 days following the termination of her pregnancy, and to any child born as the result of such pregnancy, if the resources and income of such individual or woman meet the resource and income tests of eligibility set forth in this Act. Stipulates that no enrollment fee or charge will be imposed for any such individual or woman. Includes as "medical assistance": (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) outpatient hospital services; (3) laboratory and x-ray services; (4) skilled nursing facility services; (5) child health assessment services and continuing care services; (6) immunizations clinic services, diagnosis and treatment of vision and hearing problems, (including hearing aids and eyeglasses, prescribed drugs and insulin, prosthetic devices, home health services, physical therapy), and rehabilitative services; (7) ambulatory mental health services delivered in centers funded under the Community Mental Health Centers Act; (8) emergency crisis intervention inpatient mental health services; (9) routine dental care; (10) family planning services and supplies to certain individuals; (11) prenatal and postnatal services; and (12) physicians' services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a national child health assurance program (CHAP) income standard and a national maternal income standard for the purpose of establishing the eligibility of, and extent of medical assistance provided to, certain children and pregnant women. Sets the national child health assurance program income standard at two-thirds of the nonfarm income official poverty line and the national maternal income standard at 80 percent of the nonfarm income official poverty line. Requires a State Medicaid plan to assure the provision of outreach to pregnant women eligible for medical assistance. Defines "outreach" to mean the identification and location of pregnant women eligible for assistance and the informing of such women of the services available to them. Requires the provider of a child health assessment to: (1) provide timely and appropriate child health assessments to individuals under 21 who are eligible for Medicaid; (2) provide basic diagnostic and treatment services; (3) provide routine dental care; and (4) be reasonably accessible on a continuing basis to individuals whom it has assessed. Sets forth provisions concerning payments for CHAP services, including payments to health maintenance organizations for those who choose to have such services provided by such an organization. Directs the State agency to assure the compliance of providers with this Act. Requires a State Medicaid plan to develop, with substantial public input, a plan for the implementation of a CHAP which meets certain minimum levels of acceptable performance. Sets forth methods of determining Federal matching percentages and performance standards for the programs established under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress: (1) the level of performance of each State in implementing its CHAP; (2) the ratio of individuals under the age of 21 enrolled for Medicaid to the number of individuals under 21 whose income is below the nonfarm income official poverty line; and (3) the effectiveness of the performance standards established by this Act. Requires a State to submit a plan for outreach services to certain individuals eligible under the Medicaid program if the ratio of individuals under 21 enrolled in a State's Medicaid program to the number of individuals under 21 in families in that State whose income is below the nonfarm income official poverty line is significantly less than the national average. Requires a State, under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Act, to inform all families in the State receiving AFDC of the availability of child health assurance services available under title XIX. Prohibits a State's Medicaid plan from excluding aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the extent to which other Federal programs duplicate the health services provided under the Medicaid program to children and pregnant women. Directs the Secretary to study and, if necessary, conduct demonstration projects in order to evaluate (1) the participation of health care providers in the CHAP and (2) methods of improving their level of participation in such programs. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out demonstration projects designed to determine the effect of payment on a capitation basis for services provided under a CHAP. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the studies and projects conducted pursuant to this paragraph. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of the CHAP. Stipulates that certain individuals under the age of 21 shall remain eligible for Medicaid while inmates in certain juvenile institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate August 31, 1980, as "Working Mother's Day."
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1979 - Title I: Public Health Service Act Amendments and Clinical Laboratory Studies - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories, designed to assure consistent performance of accurate and reliable tests and other procedures and services. Stipulates that such standards shall: (1) require clinical laboratories subject to the standards to maintain appropriate quality control programs; (2) require such laboratories to maintain records, equipment, and facilities necessary for effective operation; (3) include requirements for periodic proficiency testing of laboratories; and (4) prescribe qualifications for directors, supervisors, and technical personnel employed in laboratories. Provides that the standards may vary on the basis of the type of laboratory services provided or the purposes for which the services are performed. Directs the Secretary to develop within one year of enactment standards for proficiency testing of clinical laboratories subject to the national standards. Applies the national standards to all laboratories engaged in interstate commerce or located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Provides that the standards provisions relating to personnel qualifications shall not apply for a two-year period to certain clinical laboratories located in rural areas. Exempts from the national standards any clinical laboratory which: (1) is located in the office of a physician, dentist, or podiatrist and performs services only in connection with the treatment of patients; (2) performs services only for biomedical or behavioral research; or (3) engages exclusively in the assessment of cardiac or pulmonary function. Subjects Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to the national standards, with certain exceptions. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensing of all clinical laboratories subject to national standards provided for under this Act. Prohibits a clinical laboratory subject to such standards from performing any tests or providing any services without a valid license. Sets forth circumstances under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke a laboratory's license. Enumerates criteria which a State must meet to have primary enforcement responsibility for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Directs the Secretary to review at least every two years the clinical laboratory regulatory activities of a State. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed and which either does not have such a license or is not part permitted under such license to perform such service. Authorizes the Secretary to enjoin the continuation of any activity by a clinical laboratory required to be licensed under this Act which constitutes a significant hazard to the public health. Authorizes an inspection procedure with respect to laboratories subject to the national standards. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with: (1) qualified public or nonprofit private entities to administer tests and make inspections as provided for under this Act; and (2) States to administer the licensure program provided in this Act under the Medicare program. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress with respect to the accuracy and costs of laboratory tests and procedures during the previous fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to establish a uniform regulatory program for the administration of the laboratory certification and regulation functions under this Act, Medicare and Medicaid, and the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Entitles the United States to recover from Alaska the value of certain medical facilities which were constructed with Public Health Service Act grants, if such facilities cease to be publicly owned and operated for the treatment of patients under Alaska's mental health program. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of: (1) existing voluntary certification standards and State licensure laws for laboratory personnel; (2) qualifications of entities that certify such personnel; (3) existing and proposed public and private mechanisms to determine the continued competence of such personnel; (4) existing laboratory proficiency testing methods; and (5) the relationship of requirements for such personnel and of clinical laboratory proficiency testing requirements with clinical laboratory performance. Specifies analyses to be included in such studies, and directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of the studies. Directs the Secretary to provide for a study concerning the quality of performance of exempt laboratories and to report the results to Congress within two years of enactment. Stipulates that if the results of tests performed by laboratories participating in proficiency testing programs are significantly more reliable and accurate than those of non-participants, that participation in such a program be made a condition of continued exemption from national standards. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of: (1) the quality of the tests and other procedures and services provided by highly specialized clinical laboratories, including highly specialized clinical laboratories exempted from the national standards; and (2) the effect of the amendments made by this Act on the quality and cost of clinical laboratory services. Title II: Social Security Act Amendments and Study and Report - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (General Provisions) to limit the amounts of certain payments for clinical laboratory services under the Maternal and Child Health program, Medicare, and Medicaid. Requires an independent clinical laboratory to disclose rate information to the Secretary as a condition of participation in such programs and the Grants to States for Services program. Amends title XVIII of such Act (Medicare) to set forth requirements with respect to payment for laboratory tests under Medicare. Requires all clinical laboratories to be licensed under this Act as a condition for Medicare certification. Amends title XIX of such Act (Medicaid) to allow a State to make arrangements for the purchase of certain laboratory services. Directs the Secretary to evaluate such arrangements and submit recommendations to Congress within two years of the date of enactment. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to a State plan's treatment of laboratory services. Directs the Secretary to conduct, and report to Congress the findings of, a study of the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals reimbursed under Medicare and Medicaid for the provision of clinical laboratory services to determine if such arrangements are in the public interest. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress specified billing information with respect to laboratory services under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979
Establishes in the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Energy which shall conduct a full and complete investigation and review of: (1) the development of sources of energy other than oil; (2) proposals for energy conservation; (3) the powers and duties of the proposed Energy Mobilization Board; (4) the powers and duties of the proposed Energy Security Corporation; (5) methods to provide for the energy needs of older Americans and low-income Americans at reasonable prices; (6) the impact of the President's proposals on energy on older and low-income Americans; and (7) any matters referred by the Speaker of the House for review and investigation. Requires the select committee to report to the House, not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this resolution, the results of its investigation and review, including such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1979
Expresses the sense of the House that: (1) the report of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare entitled "Report on Home Health Services Under Titles XVIII, XIX, and XX" is not responsive to the requirements set forth in the Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments; and (2) such report shall be returned to the Secretary and revised to comply with such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Designates the period of April 13 through April 19, 1980, as "Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust."
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Declares it the sense of Congress that the Postmaster General and the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee should give favorable consideration to the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Americans of Italian descent and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Philip Mazzei on December 25, 1980, or as soon as possible thereafter. States that the Postmaster General and the Committee should honor other foreign-born contributors to the revolutionary cause, from countries which have not yet been commemorated, prior to the conclusion of the American Bicentennial celebration in 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of April 1 through April 7, 1980, as "National Mime Week."
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Designates April 10, 1980, as "ORT Centennial Day" to salute the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training on its 100th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of September 16 through September 22, 1979, as "National Meals on Wheels Week."
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to permit local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed before the enactment of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Defense Production Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to authorize the President to allow the Department of Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority to guarantee loans for the purpose of expediting deliveries or services with respect to national defense contracts. Increases the maximum loan which any Federal agency may guarantee under such Act without the approval of Congress from $20,000,000 to $38,000,000. Requires notification to specified Congressional committees of any proposed obligation above such limit. Authorizes the agency involved to guarantee such a loan if neither House of Congress disapproves of such action within a specified time. Authorizes the President to provide loans to private business enterprises for the production of energy. Increases the ceiling for loans made to private enterprises pursuant to such Act from $25,000,000 to 48,000,000. Extends the President's power under such Act to purchase raw materials for the national defense through fiscal year 1995. Directs the President to attempt to achieve a national production goal of at least 500,000 barrels per day crude oil equivalent of synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks within five years. Authorizes and directs the President to require fuel and chemical feedstock suppliers to provide synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks in any case where the President deems it practicable and necessary to meet national defense needs. Authorizes the President, in carrying out these objectives, to: (1) contract for purchases or commitments to purchase synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks which may be for Government use or resale; and (2) encourage the development and production of such synthetic fuels and feedstocks for national defense preparedness. Terminates the President's authority to enter into such contracts at the end of fiscal year 1995. Sets forth procedures for the awarding and performance of such contracts. Authorizes the President to organize corporations to meet the production goal for synthetic fuels and feedstocks as set forth in this Act. Sets forth Congressional oversight measures with respect to the formation of such corporations. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000,000 for synthetic fuel and feedstock contracts as authorized pursuant to this Act. Extends specified provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1979
Education for Exporting Act - Establishes the Federal Export Education Foundation. Directs such Foundation to enter into agreements with institutions of higher education, educational agencies, and business organizations to provide assistance in: (1) increasing awareness of international commerce in the United States; or (2) enhancing the ability of U.S. industry to engage in international commerce. Specifies various programs to be conducted by such Foundation, including: (1) work internships abroad; (2) cooperative activities to provide low-cost translation services and market research studies; (3) development of guides to commercial laws; (4) development of language and area studies courses; and (5) information regarding career opportunities for individuals with language, area studies, and international business backgrounds. Requires the accounts of such Foundation be audited annually and the results reported to the President and Congress. Establishes an Export Education Trust Fund in the U.S. Treasury consisting of appropriated sums and sums received as reimbursement for services provided under the Foundation's educational programs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend until June 30, 1981, the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not take specified actions to restrict the continued use of saccharin or of any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Replacement Motor Fuels Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the development and use of replacement fuels in the United States to replace gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement motor fuel containing the maximum percentage of alcohol, or other liquid produced from coal, oil, shale, or other substances as is economically and technically feasible. Directs the Secretary to determine with respect to replacement fuels: the most suitable raw materials for their production, the nature of the distribution systems and production processes of such fuels, the technical and economic feasibility of including liquids extracted from oil shale and coal in such program, and the technical and economic feasibility of reaching goal of replacing 20 percent of the gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement fuels by the year 1992. Directs the Secretary to set production goals for replacement fuels for each of calendar years through 1981 through 1987. Sets forth the manner of determining the percentage of replacement fuel by volume to be contained in the total quantity of gasoline and replacement fuel sold annually in commerce in the United States in calendar years 1981 through 1990, and directs the Secretary to issue a rule setting the minimum percentage replacement fuel to be sold for year 1981 through 1986 by any refiner. by any refiner. Sets forth provisions for the enforcement of such requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Integrated Environmental Assistance Act of 1979 - States that the objective of this Act is to provide a mechanism to encourage recipients of assistance under programs administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to design integrated environmental programs tailored to their specific needs which will result in a more effective and efficient method of dealing with interrelated environmental problems. Authorizes the Administrator of EPA to award assistance to support proposals intended to meet such objective. Sets forth requirements for approval of such integrated environmental programs, including the requirement that an integrated environmental plan address the objectives of at least two programs covered by EPA categorical grants. Provides that in the event an integrated environmental plan is not acceptable, the applicant is still permitted to apply for categorical assistance for the particular program. Requires the Governor of a State and the chief executive officer of a local government to sign integrated assistance applications to assure high level support and involvement in program integration. Authorizes the Administrator to award integrated assistance in lieu of categorical assistance. Limits the use of such integrated assistance funds. Limits the number of States and local governments which may participate in such program. Authorizes EPA to directly award integrated assistance to local governments and interstate agencies when the State either does not apply for integrated assistance or does not make adequate provision for the local government or interstate agency. Directs the States to consult with local governments during the process of developing such program plans. Authorizes the Administrator to permit applicants flexibility in proposing to transfer funds among the covered programs in their approved plans, with specified limitations. Allows each applicant for integrated assistance to compete with others for supplementary assistance for nonrecurring projects which are innovative, of special national significance, or which address other special environmental needs. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to unobligated sums and maintenance of effort. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for supplementary assistance for fiscal year 1980 and authorizes appropriations of necessary sums for each of fiscal years 1981-1984, in addition to funds authorized to be appropriated under the covered programs. Authorizes the Administrator to detail EPA personnel to a recipient to assist in carrying out approved integrated program plan. Terminates this Act on September 30, 1984. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such integrated assistance programs, including an evaluation of such programs and recommendations concerning their continuation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend for 36 months the current ban on any action by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with regard to saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - States the findings and purposes of the Act. Title II: Improved Security for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Parts - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish standards for motor vehicle safety which include standards to reduce motor vehicle theft by taking into account: (1) the costs and benefits of implementing such standards; (2) the effect of such implementation on automobile insurance costs; (3) savings in terms of time and convenience; and (4) safety considerations. Directs the Secretary to consult with specified individuals and groups interested in the problem of automobile theft when establishing such standards. Requires the Secretary, within 12 months of the enactment of this Act, to issue notices of rulemaking covering the unauthorized starting of a motor vehicle and the identification of major automobile components. Stipulates that proposed rules shall consider current technological developments in such areas. Directs the Secretary to issue final rules within 24 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires that a final rule shall become effective within two calendar years or before the introduction of two model years after such rule is issued. States that a Federal automobile security standard supercedes any State or local standard. Title III: Antifencing Measures - Establishes penalties for anyone who knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters any identification number for any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or vehicle part which has had such number removed unless: (1) the vehicle or part is owned by an innocent purchaser; or (2) the number is replaced according to applicable law. States that all provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, merchandise, and baggage shall apply to seizures and forfeitures of motor vehicles and vehicle parts. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title IV: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any self-propelled vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or part knowing it to have been stolen, or any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used self-propelled vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officer the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to carry firearms, execute and serve search and arrest warrants, serve subpoenas and summonses, and make arrests. Title V: Reporting and Requirements - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury, to report to Congress on: (1) developments in the area of identification of off-highway vehicles and parts thereof; and (2) other specified measures to help prevent the theft of such vehicles and parts.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Requests the President to declare the fourth Saturday of each September as "National Hunting and Fishing Day."
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1979
Mental Health Systems Act - Sets forth the findings and purposes of this Act. Title I: Meeting the Needs of the Chronically Mentally Ill - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to any State Agency (designated under the State plan pursuant to title VI of this Act): (1) for specified projects, including the planning and coordination of mental health and support services, identifying State-level barriers to the availability of such services to the chronically mentally ill, and improving the competency of mental health service personnel; and (2) for payments to any Core Service Agency (a public or nonprofit private entity designated by the State Agency to develop and promote mental health and support services to priority population groups) for such projects and additional activities, including educational and information services. Title II: Prevention of Mental Illness - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any State Agency for specified projects, including the planning and coordination of mental illness prevention activities, information services and demonstration projects related to mental illness prevention, and in-service and other training of health personnel in mental illness prevention measures. Title III: State Mental Health Systems Improvement - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any State Agency to improve the administration of mental health programs. Title IV: Community Mental Health Services - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities: (1) to prepare for providing mental health services (but only one grant not to exceed $75,000 may be made with respect to a mental health services area); (2) for projects providing mental health services to one or more priority population groups (with preference given to an entity serving an area which has no community mental health center); (3) for projects to develop comprehensive mental health services; (4) which are ambulatory health care centers or are affiliated with such centers and provide emergency, outpatient, and consultation and education services; (5) for the provision of mental health services which generally do not generate revenues; and (6) for projects to provide continued mental health services. Title V: Pilot Projects for State Administration of Grants - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with any State Agency for a demonstration project under which such Agency will pay the Federal funds due to entities for activities authorized by title IV of this Act or for assistance to Core Service Agencies and will perform other agreed-upon functions. Title VI: Requirements for Participation; Authorizations - Requires a State to have in effect a mental health services plan which is consistent with the State health plan prepared in accordance with title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Health Planning and Development) in order for the State Agency or any entity in such State to be eligible for grants under this Act. Specifies the content of such plans. Directs the Secretary to prescribe quality standards for mental health services. Allows grants to be made under title IV of this Act to any Indian tribe or urban Indian organization for projects serving members of such tribe or organization. Amends title III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties) to require individuals who receive a clinical traineeship in psychology, psychiatry, nursing, or social work with respect to mental health to serve, at the rate of one year for each year of the traineeship: (1) in a State mental institution; (2) for any entity eligible for a grant under title IV of this Act; (3) in a health manpower shortage area; or (4) in other service as determined by the Secretary. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Prohibits the appropriation of funds under the Community Mental Health Centers Act (other than for rape prevention and control) after September 30, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Establishes an Office of Professional Responsibility in the Department of Justice, to be headed by a Counsel appointed by the President, and charged with investigating and making recommendations to the Attorney General or other officials concerning conduct by a Department employee that may be in violation of law, of Department regulations or orders, or of applicable standards of conduct. Stipulates that internal inspection units within bureaus of the Department shall retain their primary responsibility to receive such information and conduct investigations. Requires any employee of the Department to promptly report knowledge of violations to the Counsel. Authorizes the Counsel to refer matters involving violations of law to the appropriate investigative agency and matters not involving violations of law to the appropriate office, division, bureau, or board, or its internal inspection unit. Allows the Counsel to assign a task force or individual to undertake an investigation. Directs the Counsel to submit to the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General or the Solicitor General reports on its activities and any finding of violations of laws to the Judiciary Committees of Congress. Establishes a Committee on Professional Responsibility, consisting of Department officials designated by the Attorney General, to advise the Counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Small Business Investment Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to include within the private offering exemption from full registration any transaction involving securities bearing a legend stating that such securities may not be sold or transferred except to accredited investors provided all purchasers of such securities are accredited investors or persons the issuer reasonably believes to be accredited investors and there is no general advertising or solicitation in connection with the transaction. Defines the term "accredited investor" to include: (1) banks, insurance companies, investment companies and their subsidiaries, and any fund, trust or account administered by a bank or insurance company; (2) persons designated by regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission on the basis of expertise or net worth; and (3) persons who rely on the investment advice of a qualified accredited investor. States that a person engaging in the sale or distribution of restricted securities (securities acquired in a transaction or chain of transactions not involving any public offering) shall not be considered an underwriter if such person has been the beneficial owner for at least five years. Limits civil liability in connection with the sale of securities in private offerings. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to grant an exemption from such Act to certain issuers which engage in the business of furnishing capital or providing business ventures and activities, purchasing securities for which no ready market is in existence, or reorganizing companies. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to prescribe necessary rules and regulations within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the month of March 1980 as "Youth Art Month."
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for the expenses of the Department of Justice in carrying out its functions under such Act. Specifies the spending authority of the Drug Enforcement Administration in carrying out its functions under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Amends title II of the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 (Community Mental Health Centers) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape, to provide financial and technical assistance to State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations for rape prevention and treatment services, including training programs in counseling techniques, direct treatment, community education, transportation cost, self-help programs, telephone systems, emergency shelter programs, and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Changes the name of the National Historical Publications Commission to the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 to the General Services Administration for such Commission and for providing funds to Federal, State, and local agencies and to nonprofit organizations for the collecting, preserving, and publishing of historically significant documents.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to extend through fiscal year 1980 the current level of authorization of appropriations for programs of assistance under such Acts. Requires that at least ten percent of the funds appropriated be obligated for primary prevention programs. Encourages the development of prevention and treatment programs for women and the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Health Planning and Resources Development Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Revision of Health Planning Authority - Amends title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Planning and Development) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review annually the national guidelines for health planning promulgated under such Act. Requires the Secretary to determine whether health care delivery systems are meeting the standards and goals set forth in such guidelines and to publish periodically a summary of changes in resources needed to meet such goals. Directs health systems agencies (HSAs) and State health planning and development agencies (State Agencies) to provide such data as will enable the Secretary to carry out such duties. Adds to the list of subjects deserving priority consideration in the formulation of national health planning goals: (1) the discontinuance of duplicative or unneeded services and facilities; (2) the adoption of policies to contain the rising costs of health care delivery; (3) the improvement of mental health care, including eliminating of inappropriate placement of persons with mental health problems in institutions and emphasizing outpatient mental health services by assuring access to community mental health centers; and (4) the development and use of cost saving technology. Requires that at least one voting member of the National Council on Health Planning and Development be an administrator of a private hospital. Sets forth a finding that extensive coverage of health services, particularly inpatient services, and the prevailing method of third-party payment for health services have diminished the effect of market forces on the supply of services and have encouraged excessive use of services and facilities. States that the HSAs and State Agencies should perform their functions with regard to the extent to which such market forces appropriately allocate the supply of services. Revises the procedures for the redesignation of health service area boundaries, including redesignation if the boundaries of the proposed health service area would better meet certain current requirements. Eliminates the provision which gives priority for designation of health service areas which formerly had an areawide Comprehensive Health Planning Agency under previous health planning authority. Revises the status of Puerto Rico for the purposes of the health planning program by bringing it under the special provision which allows the State Agency to perform the functions of the HSA. Extends from one to three years the period of the designation and redesignation of an HSA. Revises the procedures for the designation and termination of HSAs, including requiring the Secretary to: (1) give priority to an application for HSA designation which has been recommended by the Governor; (2) permit the appropriate State Agency to comment on the performance of an HSA before its designation is renewed; and (3) consult with the Governor and the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) before terminating an HSA's designation. Authorizes the Secretary, after consultation with the National Council on Health Planning and Development, to terminate a designation agreement with an HSA under certain circumstances. Revises the criteria for the determination by the Secretary of the amount of the grant to be made in each fiscal year to each HSA. Sets forth a declining per capita funding formula. Increases the minimum planning grants to HSAs. Allows grants made to designated State Agencies for rate regulation and which are unobligated in the fiscal year for which they were made to be used in the succeeding fiscal year. States that the HSA governing body members who are residents of the health service area "shall include" individuals representing the principal social, economic, linguistic, handicapped, and racial populations and geographic areas and major purchasers of health care (replacing the current provision that such members be "broadly representative" of such groups). Permits providers whose principal place of business is in a health service area to be members of such HSA's governing body. Revises the provider categories with respect to HSA governing body composition to require the representation of podiatrists, physician assistants, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and an accredited school of medicine which may be in the health service area. Increases from one-third to one-half the proportion of the providers of health care who are members of the governing body or executive committee of an HSA who must be direct providers of health care. Makes additional revisions in the composition of an HSA governing body, including that the membership consist of individuals knowledgeable about mental health services and representative of: (1) any qualified health maintenance organizations which may be in the health service area; and (2) the Veterans Administration if the area has at least one VA health care facility. Stipulates that consumers on HSA governing bodies cannot have been "direct" health care providers within the 12 months preceding appointment, instead of "health care providers" as currently provided. Redefines "provider of health care" for purposes of the Act. Requires that subcommittees of advisory groups of HSA boards have a consumer majority. Directs each HSA to establish and make public a process for the selection of the members of its governing body and any subarea advisory councils which assures: (1) selection in accordance with current composition requirements; and (2) the opportunity for, and encouragement of, broad participation of the residents of the HSA. Requires such process to limit the selection of consumer and provider members by other members of such body or councils. Extends the immunity from damages currently given HSA employees to the HSA itself, but excepts from such immunity bodily injuries and physical damages to property. Excepts from the current requirement that HSA governing body meetings be public, meetings dealing with information of a personal nature or relating to the agency's participation in a judicial proceeding. Requires each HSA to have an identifiable program of providing assistance to the members of a governing body or other decision-making entity. Provides that at least one member of the HSA staff shall be responsible for assisting the consumer members of the HSA governing body. Authorizes HSA governing bodies to make advances to HSA members for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of HSA duties. Prohibits any member of a governing body of an HSA or any member of a SHCC from voting on any matter with which such member has any substantial ownership, employment, fiduciary, contractual, creditor, or consultative relationship. Requires HSA staff to have, to the extent feasible, expertise in financial and economic analysis and disease prevention. Adds to the functions of a SHCC the establishment of a uniform format for health systems plans (HSPs). Adds to the material to be included in the HSP goals for the delivery of mental health services. Requires the HSP and the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) to include a statement of changes in personnel, facilities, and other resources which are necessary to meet the agency's objectives. Requires that each State Agency determine statewide health needs after consultation with appropriate State authorities. Requires an HSA to conduct a public hearing on the establishment or revision of its AIP and to give interested parties an opportunity to submit their views orally and in writing. Provides for Indian self-determination as related to health planning. Eliminates the requirement that the HSP of an HSA be consistent with the national guidelines issued by the Secretary, but requires the HSA to submit to the State Agency and the SHCC a detailed statement of reasons for any inconsistencies between its HSP and AIP and such guidelines. Authorizes the Governor of a State to disapprove the State health plan approved by the SHCC upon a determination that the plan does not effectively meet the statewide health needs determined by the State Agency. Changes the frequency of the HSA, State Agency, and SHCC reviews from annually to biennially. Requires plans established under the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to be consistent with the State health plan, and conditions grants made under the Community Mental Health Centers Act on such plan being in effect. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to direct the State mental health authority to: (1) establish minimum standards for community mental health centers; (2) establish a program for such centers which is based on the need for comprehensive mental health services, consistent with the State health plan; (3) make such reports as the Secretary may require; and (4) designate a State advisory council to aid in carrying out such functions and the health planning provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Revises the review functions of the SHCCs. Enumerates additional criteria for HSA, State Agency, and SHCC review, including the accessibility to residents of the proposed services. Specifies the requirements of the certificate of need program established by a State Agency. Applies such program to major medical equipment, institutional health services, and capital expenditures. Prohibits the conditioning of the issuance of a certificate of need upon compliance with a requirement not directly related to the determination of need. Authorizes a State Agency to withdraw a certificate under certain circumstances. Requires such program to provide an appeals mechanism for review of decisions of a State Agency not to issue a certificate. Authorizes the program to compare and establish priorities for approval of applications. Sets a 90-day time limit for completion of review. Exempts from the certificate of need program, health maintenance organizations and other providers offering services on a prepaid basis, but requires such entities to notify the HSA and the State Agency of the offering of an institutional health service, the acquisition of major medical equipment, or the obligation of a capital expenditure. Stipulates that a certificate of need shall not be required for the acquisition of major medical equipment which will not be owned by or located in a health care facility unless a notice requirement is not met or unless the State Agency finds that such equipment will be used for inpatient services. Requires an HSA and State Agency to conduct appropriateness review of institutional health services which have been designated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, instead of "all" institutional services as currently provided. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State Agencies to develop programs to reduce excess hospital capacity. Establishes procedures which allow the Governor of a State to review an HSA decision disapproving a proposed use of Federal funds, and to authorize such use after considering any comments by the State Agency. Requires each health systems agency to coordinate its activities with any State entity which reviews rates and budgets of health care facilities. Requires HSAs located within the same standard metropolitan statistical area to coordinate their activities. Directs the Secretary to give each designated HSA within a State an opportunity to comment on the performance of a State Agency before renewing its designation. Extends from one to three years the period of the designation and redesignation of a State Agency. Revises the procedures for the termination of designated State Agencies, including that the Secretary consult with the National Council on Health Planning and Development. Modifies the current penalty provisions relating to the designation of State Agencies to link the cut-off of funds under certain Acts to the time of the promulgation of certificate of need regulations. Revises the composition of the Statewide health coordinating councils (SHCC). Provides for proportional representation of interstate HSAs on the SHCC. Authorizes the Governor to select the chairman of the SHCC (with the approval of the appropriate State legislative body). Increases from one-third to one-half the proportion of members of the SHCC who must be direct providers of health. Extends through fiscal year 1982 authorizations for: (1) planning grants; (2) State health planning and development; (3) rate regulation; (4) centers for health planning; and (5) area health services development funds. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of reviews conducted with respect to improvements in health care and restraints on increases in health care costs. Title II: Revision of Authority for Health Resources Development - Amends title XVI of the Public Health Service Act (Health Resources Development) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make loans through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) modernization of medical facilities; (2) construction of new outpatient medical facilities; (3) construction of new hospitals in areas experiencing rapid population growth or a reduction of hospital beds due to merger or closure of medical facilities; and (4) conversion of existing facilities to outpatient or long-term care facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee for such period the payment of principal and interest to: (1) non-Federal lenders for their loans to nonprofit private entities for medical facilities projects; and (2) the Federal Financing Bank for loans to nonprofit private entities for such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for construction or modernization projects designed to: (1) eliminate or prevent imminent safety hazards; or (2) avoid noncompliance with State or voluntary licensure or accreditation standards, with respect to medical facilities owned or operated by public entities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit entities for projects for: (1) construction of outpatient medical facilities providing services for medically underserved populations; and (2) conversion of existing medical facilities to provide such services. Directs the Secretary to assure, by regulation, the effective execution and management of projects carried out under this Act. Title III: Program to Assist and Encourage the Discontinuance of Unneeded Hospital Services - Amends title XVI of the Public Health Service Act (Health Resources Development) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a new program for providing grants and technical assistance to assist and encourage hospitals to discontinue the provision of unneeded hospital services. Directs the Secretary to study the effect of such program on the elimination of unneeded hospital services and to report the results of such study to Congress. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prescribe guidelines for the protection of employees affected by the discontinuance of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Repeals the provision of Federal law which allows a Member of Congress to send matter expressing condolences or congratulations as franked mail. Prohibits a Member or Member-elect from sending as franked mail any mass mailing which includes laudatory text concerning a Member or Member-elect unless such text is incidental to, and does not comprise a substantial portion of, the mailed item. Extends from 28 to 60 days the period of time before an election during which a Member may not, consistent with the policy of Congress, use his or her mail franking privileges if such Member is a candidate for re-election in such election. Declares that the use of such franking privilege for mass mailing outside of a Member's or Member-elect's home district is not within the policy of Congress if such person is a candidate for any other office. Requires franked mail to be sent by the most economical means. Limits the number of pieces of franked mail sent to six times the number of addresses to which such mail may be delivered under existing law. Requires Members of, or Members-elect to, the House of Representatives to submit mail, which is intended to be sent as franked mail under provisions allowing a simplified form of address, to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission") for an advisory opinion as to whether such proposed mailing is in compliance with such provisions. Prohibits a Member or Member-elect from sending as franked mail any mail for which the printing costs are not paid from funds appropriated by Congress. Extends to surviving relatives the franking privilege of the spouse of a Member of Congress who died in office in the event there is no surviving spouse (such privilege covering only mail relating to the death of such Member mailed within 180 days of death). Expands the authority of the Commission to cover advisory opinions involving any non-criminal law regarding franked mail. Authorizes the Commission to issue regulations or investigate franking privilege violations in connection with any other Federal law (other than criminal statutes) or in connection with any rule of the House relating to franked mail. Extends the Commission's jurisdiction over franking violations to include complaints against former Members and officers of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1984 to the General Services Administration for: (1) the National Historical Publications Commission; and (2) making funds available to Federal, State, and local agencies and to nonprofit organizations for the collection, preservation, and publication of documentary sources significant to the history of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to extend through fiscal year 1982 the current authorization for grants for training in emergency medical services. Amends title XII of such Act (Emergency Medical Services Systems) to extend through fiscal year 1982 the authorization of appropriations (at reduced levels) for assistance for emergency medical services systems. Limits the number of grants or contracts which a system may receive and the use of such assistance for the acquisition of equipment or facilities acquired with previous assistance. Extends through fiscal year 1982 the current authorization for grants for burn injury programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide financial assistance to public and nonprofit entities to establish and maintain poison control information and treatment centers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Title I: Nurse Training - Nurse Training Amendments of 1979 - Amends title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend the assistance program for nurse training and students, generally at reduced levels of authorization for fiscal year 1980. Establishes a new assistance program for training nurse anesthetists. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to arrange for the conduct of a study, either with the National Academy of Sciences (if such body agrees) or with another public or nonprofit private entity (if the Academy declines), to determine the need to continue a specific Federal assistance program for nursing education, taking into account specified factors, and to report the results of such study to Congress. Title II: Other Health Professions Programs - Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to increase the ceiling on federally insured loans in any academic year to a medical student in a school of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry from $10,000 to $15,000 upon a determination that educational costs require such increase. Increases the aggregate insured unpaid principal amount for all such insured loans made to any such borrower from $50,000 to $60,000. Authorizes the Secretary to defer the date used with respect to service requirements for National Health Service Corps scholarships for students of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry for a period longer than the current three-year limit for such deferment. Exempts a medical or osteopathic school participating in an area health education center program from the requirement that such school conduct a program for training physician assistants or nurse practitioners which emphasizes enrolling individuals from the area served by the center of the program, if another school participating in the same program meets such requirement. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the sums which may be obligated for schools of medicine and other types of health care which are financially distressed or unaccredited, from the total authorizations for start-up assistance, financial distress training, and curriculum development of medical schools. Title III: Public Health Service Administration - Public Health Service Administrative Amendments of l979 - Amends title II of the Public Health Service Act (Administration) to revise the administration of the Public Health Service. Permits warrant officers to be appointed to the Public Health Service. Establishes two additional positions of Assistant Surgeon General (the Chief Nurse Officer of the Service and the Chief Pharmacist Officer of the Service). Revises the severance requirements with respect to the promotion of officers of the Regular Corps. Authorizes the Surgeon General to detail service personnel to congressional committees. Makes certain revisions with respect to the reimbursement of the Service by an officer who voluntarily leaves the Service after receiving educational assistance. Allows commissioned officers of the Service additional benefits which are provided for commissioned officers of the Army. Entitles a commissioned officer of the Reserve Corps who is released from active duty for specified reasons to a severance payment. Increases the pay grade of the Surgeon General from 0-8 to 0-9. Allows service credit for certain commissioned officers of the service who attain educational degrees before entry or reentry into active service. Authorizes: (1) advance pay to be made to members of the Public Health Service; and (2) a uniform allowance to certain commissioned officers of the Service.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to tax income of married individuals filing tax returns separate from their spouses at the same rates applicable to unmarried individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Paperwork and Redtape Reduction Act of 1979 - Title I: Central Management and Control Responsibility - Requires Federal agencies to utilize methods of collecting information which: (1) impose a minimum burden on business; (2) require a minimum cost to the Government; and (3) eliminate any unnecessary duplication of efforts. Establishes, within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Office of Federal Information Management Policy (OFIMP) to have government-wide responsibility for setting policies and coordinating procedure governing the planning, budgeting, management, and control of Federal information management activities and of the measurement of the burdens imposed by such activities on businesses, State and local governments, and individuals. Requires the Administrator of OFIMP to: (1) publish annually, a report of the burdens imposed by the reporting requirements of each agency; (2) review, at least every three years, the information management activities and the paperwork reduction activities of each agency; (3) establish goals for the reduction of reporting requirements; (4) assist agencies in developing information management programs; (5) recommend policies to Congress, the President, and agencies concerning the confidentiality and security of information; (6) study and develop improved information and paperwork cost accounting and reduction techniques; and (7) promulgate standards concerning recordkeeping requirements imposed on the public. Sets forth procedures which enable the Administrator to designate one agency to collect information for two or more agencies requiring similar data. Prohibits any agency from collecting information which: (1) is collected by a designated agency; or (2) the Administrator determines is unnecessary. Authorizes the Administrator to order the exchange of information among agencies. Requires an agency, before collecting any information, to: (1) eliminate reporting requirements which seek information which is available through another Government source; (2) minimize the compliance burden on respondents; (3) plan the tabulation of the information in a manner which maximizes its usefulness to other agencies; and (4) obtain the Administrator's approval of such collection. Directs the Administrator to approve a collection request within 60 days after its receipt for a period not to exceed two years. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the activities of the OFIMP. Grants access to all records of such office to the Comptroller General. Requires that formal meetings of OFIMP to establish policies and regulations be open to the public. Specifies conditions under which confidential information may be released from one agency to another. Delegates specified information management duties of the Director of the OMB to the Administrator. Title II: Elimination of Unnecessary Duplication - Establishes, within OFIMP, a Federal Locator System composed of an information locator, a data element dictionary, and an information referral service. Directs the System to serve as the authoritative register for all recordkeeping requirements and all public-use, interagency, and intra-agency reports. Directs the Administrator to: (1) design and operate the system; (2) require the head of each agency to insert into the system a synopsis of the questions of each report and the information maintained for each reporting requirement of that agency; (3) compare the information sought by proposed reporting requirements to information in the system; and (4) make available the comparison results to agencies and the public. Requires the Administrator to insure that no actual data is contained within the locator system, except descriptive data profiles necessary to identify duplicative data or to locate information. Requires that any information holding which contains a data element of a personal or proprietary nature within the meaning of the Privacy Act of 1974 be identified as such and restricted in access and use. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that this Act take effect 60 days after its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Privacy of Medical Information Act - Title I: Requirements Applicable to Medical Care Facilities - Requires medical care facilities to permit individuals to inspect and have copies of their medical records. Provides for the correction of medical records at the individual's request. Directs medical care facilities to notify individuals of disclosures that may be made without the individual's authorization and the procedures to learn of such disclosures. Limits the disclosure of medical information to properly identified persons beyond the extent necessary. Permits the disclosure of medical records without the individual's authorization in specified circumstances, including employee use, health research, statutory requirements, audits and evaluations, law enforcement functions, judicial and administrative provisions, and benefit determinations. Authorizes U.S. district courts to grant delays, in specified circumstances, before making written statements available to the individual concerning such disclosure. Requires medical care facilities receiving Federal funds to comply with the disclosure provisions. Exempts medical information compiled by a medical care facility in anticipation of a civil action from the provisions concerning individual access and corrections. Requires penal authorities to comply only with the provisions concerning permissible disclosures of medical information. Title II: Requirements Applicable to Government Authorities - Sets forth limits on disclosures of medical information to governmental authorities. Establishes procedures for obtaining medical information pursuant to administrative and judicial search warrants, subpoenas, and written requests. Stipulates that the individual be notified of such disclosures unless an appropriate court orders a delay. Permits an individual to challenge a summons or subpoena of such individual's medical records by a governmental authority. Title III: General Provisions - Provides criminal and civil penalties for violations of the disclosure provisions. Exempts compliance surveys from the disclosure provisions in the Social Security Act. Requires Federal authorities requesting medical information concerning an individual to maintain records on its requests for such information. Exempts medical records maintained by medical care facilities from the disclosure provisions generally applicable to government agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979
Brown Lung Disease Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to compile and publish a list of State workers' compensation laws found to provide adequate coverage for byssinosis ("brown lung disease", arising out of employment in a textile plant), utilizing specified criteria. Subjects such a determination to judicial review in an appropriate circuit court. Requires any claim for death or total disability due to byssinosis to be filed under the State workers' compensation law, but entitles a worker or surviving family members to claim benefits under this Act during any period when such persons are not covered by a State law providing adequate coverage. Specifies the amounts of benefits to which retired and other workers suffering from byssinosis are entitled to be paid by the Secretary. Provides that such benefit payments shall be reduced by the amount of payments received from certain other sources, such as workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, disability insurance, or a percentage of Social Security benefits. Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to establish standards for determining whether a worker is, or deceased worker was, totally disabled from byssinosis. Makes every employer liable for the securing of benefits equal to or greater than those provided by this Act. Sets forth the means by which such an employer shall secure the payment of such benefits during any period in which the State workers' compensation law is not found to provide adequate coverage. Stipulates that this Act does not relieve any employer of the duty to comply with any State workers' compensation law and that any such law which provides greater benefits shall not be construed to conflict with this Act. Provides that during any period in which a State workers' compensation law is not included on the list published by the Secretary, certain provisions of the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act shall be applicable. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with and make grants to public and private agencies and organizations and individuals for the construction, purchase, and operation of fixed site and mobile clinical facilities for the analysis, examination, and treatment of respiratory and pulmonary impairments in active and inactive textile plant workers. Requires the Secretary to initiate research within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and authorizes the Secretary to make research grants to public and private agencies and organizations and individuals for the purpose of devising a simple and effective test to measure, detect, and treat respiratory and pulmonary impairments in active and inactive textile plant workers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979
Privacy of Research Records Act - Stipulates that Federal agencies and contractors, and grantees' of agencies research records shall be confidential. Prohibits the use of such individually identifiable records to directly affect the subjects of such record. Prohibits disclosure of such records without the prior written consent of the individual except under specified circumstances. Requires Federal agencies, contractors, and grantees to notify the subjects of their research records of the possibilities of disclosure in most circumstances. Sets forth limits on recontacting the subjects of research records. Prohibits the direct or indirect use of research records in judicial, administrative, or legislative proceedings in most circumstances. Directs agency heads to identify records as research records before collecting information from individuals. Requires Federal contractors and grantees to establish and maintain procedures protecting research records. Provides for criminal penalties, civil liability, and administrative sanctions for violations of these provisions. Stipulates that statutes providing greater protections to individual privacy are not inconsistent with this Act. Revises the restrictions on the disclosure of information to researchers. Exempts research records from specified provisions concerning records maintained on individuals. Requires the President to report to Congress regarding the records covered by such exemption. Requires Federal agency heads to designate research records before collecting information from individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Extends from 28 to 60 days the period of time before an election during which a Member of Congress may not use his or her mail franking privileges if such Member is a candidate for re-election. Prohibits the use of such franking privilege for mass mailing outside of a Member's or Member-elect's home district if such person is a candidate for any other office. Requires franked mail to be sent by the most economical means. Limits the number of pieces of franked mail sent to six times the number of addresses to which such mail may be delivered under existing law. Requires Members of, or Members-elect to, the House of Representatives to submit mail, which is intended to be sent as franked mail under provisions allowing a simplified form of address, to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards for an advisory opinion as to whether such proposed mailing is in compliance with such provisions. Prohibits a Member or Member-elect from sending as franked mail any mail for which the printing costs are not paid from funds appropriated by Congress. Extends to surviving relatives the franking privilege of the spouse of a Member of Congress who dies in office in the event there is no surviving spouse (such privilege covering only mail relating to the death of such Member mailed within 180 days of death). Expands the authority of the Commission to cover advisory opinions involving any non-criminal law regarding franked mail. Authorizes the Commission to issue regulations or investigate franking privilege violations in connection with any other Federal law (other than criminal statutes) or in connection with any rule of the House relating to franked mail. Extends the Commission's jurisdiction over franking violations to include complaints against former Members and officers of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1979
National Educational Opportunities Act of 1979 - States the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) establish a national policy on equal educational opportunities based on the implementation of quality education with equal educational opportunities for all students regardless of race, color, or national origin; (2) provide an experimental mechanism for States and their local educational systems to implement such national policy; (3) support experimental efforts to reduce achievement disparities between racial and socio-economic groups in the schools; and (4) facilitate, where possible, a reduction in the concentration of children from low-income and minority groups in certain schools primarily by means other than busing. Requires a State wishing to receive funds under this Act to submit a desegregation plan and an implementation plan. Sets forth the guidelines and requirements for such implementation plan, including: (1) the creation of a State advisory council and local advisory committees; (2) an intradistrict and interdistrict transfer plan; (3) an intradistrict and interdistrict cooperation plan; and (4) a compensatory education program. Requires such implementation to be submitted to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare by January 31, 1980. Requires the Secretary to provide notice to applicants 30 days before a final selection is made. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980-1984.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend the authorizations for appropriations under such Act through fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Health Planning and Resources Development Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Revision of Health Planning Authority - Amends title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Planning and Development) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review annually the national guidelines for health planning promulgated under such Act. Requires the Secretary to determine whether health care delivery systems are meeting the standards and goals set forth in such guidelines and to publish periodically a summary of changes in resources needed to meet such goals. Directs health systems agencies (HSAs) designated under this Act to provide such data as will enable the Secretary to carry out such duties. Adds to the list of subjects deserving priority consideration in the formulation of national health planning goals: (1) the discontinuance of duplicative or unneeded services and facilities; (2) the adoption of policies to contain the rising costs of health care delivery; and (3) the improvement of mental health care, including eliminating inappropriate placement of persons with mental health problems in institutions and emphasizing outpatient mental health services by assuring access to community mental health centers. Revises the procedures for the redesignation of health service area boundaries, including redesignation if the boundaries of the proposed health service area would better meet certain current requirements. Permits the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area to request that such area contain only part of a standard metropolitan statistical area, without the concurrence of the Governors of the other States which are part of such area, as required under current law. Eliminates the provision which gives priority for designation of health service areas which formerly had an areawide Comprehensive Health Planning Agency under previous health planning authority. Revises the status of Puerto Rico for the purposes of the health planning program. Extends from one to three years the period of the designation and redesignation of health systems agency (HSA). Revises the procedures for the designation and termination of HSAs, including requiring the Secretary to: (1) give priority to an application for HSA designation which has been recommended by the Governor; (2) permit the appropriate State health planning and development agency (State Agency) to comment on the performance of an HSA before its designation is renewed; (3) consult with the Governor and the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) before terminating an HSA's designation. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate a designation agreement with an HSA under certain circumstances and to limit the functions an agency may perform upon a determination that such agency has not fulfilled its obligations. Revises the criteria for the determination by the Secretary of the amount of the grant to be made in each fiscal year to each HSA. Increases the minimum planning grants to HSAs. Allows grants made to designated State Agencies for rate regulation and which are unobligated in the fiscal year for which they were made to be used in the succeeding fiscal year. Permits providers whose principal place of business is in an HSA area to be members of such HSA's governing body. Revises the provider categories with respect to HSA governing body composition to require the representation of hospitals and an accredited school of medicine which may be in the health service area. Increases from one-third to one-half the proportion of the providers of health care who are members of the governing body or executive committee of an HSA who must be direct providers of health care. Makes additional revisions in the composition of an HSA governing body, including that the membership consist of individuals knowledgeable about mental health services and representative of: (1) any qualified health maintenance organizations which may be in the health service area; and (2) the Veterans Administration if the area has at least one VA health care facility. Stipulates that consumers on HSA governing bodies cannot have been "direct" health care providers within the 12 months preceding appointment, instead of "health care providers" as currently provided. Requires that subcommittees of advisory groups of HSA boards have a consumer majority. Directs each HSA to establish and make public a process for the selection of the members of its governing body and any subarea advisory councils which assures: (1) selection in accordance with current composition requirements; and (2) the opportunity for, and encouragement of, broad participation of the residents of the HSA. Requires such process to limit the selection of consumer and provider members by other members of such body or councils. Provides that records and meetings of an HSA except for personnel matters shall be available to the public. Requires each HSA to have an identifiable program of providing assistance to the members of a governing body or other decision-making entity. Provides that at least one member of the HSA staff shall be responsible for assisting the consumer members of the HSA governing body. Authorizes HSA governing bodies to make advances to HSA members for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of HSA duties. Prohibits any member of a governing body of an HSA or any member of a SHCC from voting on any matter with which such member has any substantial ownership, employment, fiduciary, contractual, creditor, or consultative relationship. Requires HSA staff to have, to the extent feasible, expertise in financial and economic analysis and disease prevention. Adds to the material to be included in the health systems plan (HSP) of an HSA, goals for the delivery of mental health services. Requires that each State Agency determine statewide health needs after consultation with appropriate State authorities. Requires an HSA to conduct a public hearing on the establishment or revision of its Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) and to give interested parties an opportunity to submit their views orally and in writing. Provides for Indian self-determination as related to health planning. Eliminates the requirement that the HSP of an HSA be consistent with the national guidelines issued by the Secretary, but requires the HSA to submit to the State health planning and development agency (State Agency) and the SHCC a detailed statement of reasons for any inconsistencies between its HSP and AIP and such guidelines. Requires plans established under the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to be consistent with the State health plan, and conditions grants made under the Community Mental Health Centers Act on such plan being in effect. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to direct the State mental health authority to: (1) establish minimum standards for community mental health centers; (2) establish a program for such centers which is based on the need for comprehensive mental health services, consistent with the State health plan; (3) make such reports as the Secretary may require; and (4) designate a State advisory council to aid in carrying out such functions and the health planning provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Revises the review functions of the SHCCs. Enumerates additional criteria for HSA, State Agency, and SHCC review, including the accessibility to residents of the proposed services. Specifies the requirements of the certificate of need program established by a State Agency. Requires that a certificate of need application of a health maintenance organization for new institutional services be approved upon certain findings by the State Agency. Exempts from the program the acquisition of major medical equipment which will not be owned by or located in a health care facility in certain circumstances. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to enable the States to establish certificate of need programs which meet such requirements. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State Agencies to develop programs to reduce excess hospital capacity. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Establishes procedures which allow the Governor of a State to review an HSA decision disapproving a proposed use of Federal funds, and to authorize such use after considering any comments by the State Agency. Requires each health systems agency to coordinate its activities with any State entity which reviews rates and budgets of health care facilities. Requires HSAs located within the same standard metropolitan statistical area to coordinate their activities. Directs the Secretary to give each designated HSA within a State an opportunity to comment on the performance of a State health planning and development agency (State Agency) before renewing its designation. Extends from one to three years the period of the designation and redesignation of a State Agency. Revises the procedures for the termination of designated State Agencies. Revises the composition of SHCCs, including increasing from one-third to one-half the proportion of members who must be direct providers of health. Extends through fiscal year 1982 authorizations for: (1) planning grants; (2) State health planning and development; (3) rate regulation; (4) centers for health planning; and (5) area health services development funds. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of reviews conducted with respect to improvements in health care and restraints on increases in health care costs. Title II: Revision of Authority for Health Resources Development - Amends title XVI of the Public Health Service Act (Health Resources Development) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make loans through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) modernization of medical facilities; (2) construction of new outpatient medical facilities; (3) construction of new hospitals in areas experiencing rapid population growth or a reduction of hospital beds due to merger or closure of medical facilities; and (4) conversion of existing facilities to outpatient or long-term care facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee for such period the payment of principal and interest to: (1) non-Federal lenders for their loans to nonprofit private entities for medical facilities projects; and (2) the Federal Financing Bank for loans to nonprofit private entities for such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for construction or modernization projects designed to: (1) eliminate or prevent imminent safety hazards; or (2) avoid noncompliance with State or voluntary licensure or accreditation standards, with respect to medical facilities owned or operated by public entities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit entities for projects for: (1) construction of outpatient medical facilities providing services for medically underserved populations; and (2) conversion of existing medical facilities to provide such services. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to assure, by regulation, the effective execution and management of projects carried out under this Act. Title III: Program to Assist and Encourage the Discontinuance of Unneeded Hospital Services - Amends title XVI of the Public Health Service Act (Health Resources Development) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a new program for providing grants and technical assistance to assist and encourage hospitals to discontinue the provision of unneeded hospital services. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for such program. Directs the Secretary to study the effect of such program on the elimination of unneeded hospital services and to report the results of such study to Congress. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prescribe guidelines for the protection of employees affected by the discontinuance of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for the expenses of the Department of Justice in carrying out its functions under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to extend through fiscal year 1980 the current level of authorization of appropriations for programs of assistance under such Acts.