United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1978
Privacy of Medical Records Act - Amends Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to direct a medical care facility to permit an individual to have access to such individual's own medical records unless such facility determines, in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, that such access would be likely to harm such individual. Requires a medical facility to correct a medical record within 30 days of an individual's request for correction. Requires a medical care facility to provide an individual with a written notice of its record keeping practices. Sets forth criteria governing the disclosure of medical records by a medical care facility. Permits an individual to authorize the disclosure of such individual's records to another. Authorizes a medical care facility to disclose a medical record without such authorization only in specified instances. Prohibits a medical care facility from participating in Medicare or Medicaid programs unless such facility provides assurances of compliance with this Act. Establishes criminal penalties for obtaining records under false pretenses. Permits a civil action to be brought for violation of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide, through demonstration projects, payments to individuals who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, benefits with respect to post-hospital extended care services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or intermediate care facility services or skilled nursing facility services under Title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, who do not require 24-hour nursing care or supervision, and who desire to establish a noninstitutional living arrangement which will meet their medical and other needs. Requires payments received to be used to finance appropriate noninstitutional living arrangements which meet the medical and other needs of the individual. Provides that such payments shall not be includable in gross income under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary to design demonstration projects for the purpose of determining: (1) the feasibility of transferring inpatients of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities to noninstitutional living arrangements; (2) the types and percentage of such inpatients who could live effectively in a noninstitutional living arrangement; and (3) the types and percentages of such inpatients who would benefit economically and qualitatively from transferring to a noninstitutional living arrangement. Directs that funds for such payments be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Fund established under the Social Security Act and from funds appropriated for Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Food Safety and Nutrition Amendments - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require food processors to: (1) notify the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare of any possibly adulterated food; (2) establish a food coding system; (3) maintain food distribution records; and (4) register with the Secretary. Provides for administrative detention of food believed to be adulterated. Requires: (1) State and local food labeling requirements to comply with Federal standards under such Act; (2) packaged perishable food to show the sell date; (3) certain labeling information regarding ingredients; and (4) importers to notify the Secretary of the identity of the imported food and the registration of the food processor.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Congressional Oversight Improvement Act - Establishes, as a Congressional office, the Office of Congressional Legal Counsel to be headed by a Congressional Legal Counsel to defend Congress, a House of Congress, committee, subcommittee, Member, officer, or employee of Congress or an agency of Congress in civil actions in which the validity of any official proceeding or action taken by such person or entity is placed in issue or in cases involving subpoenas. Requires that specified representational activities undertaken by the Counsel be authorized by the Joint Leadership Group, House, Senate, or concurrent resolution, or committee affirmation according to the proposed action. Requires the Counsel, upon direction, to bring a civil action to enforce any subpoena issued by a House of Congress, committee or subcommittee authorized to issue such subpoena. Gives the District Court for the District of Columbia original jurisdiction over any civil action brought by a House of Congress or any authorized committee or subcommittee concerning the enforcement or validity of subpoenas. Requires the Counsel to intervene or appear as amicus curiae in the name of Congress, a House of Congress, or an officer, office, agency, committee, subcommittee or chairman of a House of Congress or of Congress in any legal action in any Federal or State court in which the powers and responsibilities of Congress, under the Constitution, are placed in issue. Directs the Counsel to notify the Joint Leadership Group of any legal action in which the Counsel is of the opinion that intervention is in the interest of Congress. Stipulates that the Counsel shall represent a House of Congress or committee or subcommittee in immunity proceedings. Requires the Counsel to notify the Joint Leadership Group and any affected party of any conflict between the representation of such party and the carrying out of this Act, or compliance with professional standards. Sets forth the procedure for resolving such conflict. Relieves the Attorney General of any responsibility with respect to representational service encompassed by this Act upon written notice that the Counsel has undertaken such service. Authorizes appropriations to the Office through fiscal year 1982 to carry out its duties under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1978
Ethics in Government Act - Title I: Legislative Personnel Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires each Member of Congress, each Congressional officer and employee who is compensated at a rate equal to or more than the pay rate for grade GS-16, and any candidate for the office of Member to file an annual financial disclosure report (hereinafter referred to as "report") containing specified information including: (1) sources and amounts of income, gifts, and reimbursements; (2) the identity and approximate value of property held and liabilities owed; (3) transactions in property, commodities, and securities; and (4) certain financial interests of a spouse or dependent. Provides that such report be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate, for the employee's respective House. Directs the Clerk and the Secretary to: (1) send a copy of each report of a Member to the Secretary of State of the Member's State; (2) compile and publish the reports of each Member as a House or Senate document; (3) submit each report for review by either the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House or the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate; and (4) make such reports generally available to the public. Prohibits the use of information from such reports for commercial, credit, or solicitation purposes. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the implementation of this Title and the feasibility of conducting random audits of such reports. Establishes a civil penalty for violation of the requirements of this Act. Title II: Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires the President, Vice President, each presidential or vice-presidential candidate, each military officer rated at 0-7 or higher, each presidential appointee whose Senate confirmation is pending, and each employee of the Executive branch who is compensated at a pay rate equal to or greater than that for grade GS-16 to file such report as described in Title I of this Act which shall include additional information regarding positions held with business entities, and agreements with respect to future employment and continuation of payments by former employers. Establishes within the Civil Service Commission the Office of Government Ethics with which the following persons must file their reports: the President, Vice President, and candidates for those offices; the Postmaster General; the Deputy Postmaster General; the Governors of the Board of Governors of the Postal Service; presidential appointees; and agency heads. Requires other Federal personnel to file with the head of the agency employing such persons, or in the case of military officers, with the Secretary of their branch of service. Charges such Office with responsibility for: (1) the overall direction of executive branch policies related to preventing conflicts of interest; (2) monitoring compliance with this Title; (3) reviewing such reports to ascertain possible violations of conflict of interest laws; and (4) developing the method of determining the value of assets required to be disclosed under this Title. Requires that such reports be made generally available to the public. Prohibits the use of information from such reports as described in Title I. Extends from one to two years the period of prohibition on appearances before an agency by a former Federal employee or official on matters that were under such person's responsibility. Includes within such prohibition informal as well as formal contacts. Prohibits formal and informal contacts with such agencies by former employees on other matters for a period of one year after the end of such employment. Title III: Judicial Personnel Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires the Chief Justice and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, each Federal court judge, any presidential nominee for judicial office whose Senate confirmation is pending, and each judicial employee who is compensated at a pay rate equal to or greater than that for grade GS-16 to file such report as described in Title II. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to establish a Judicial Ethics Committee to: (1) receive such reports of judicial personnel; (2) monitor compliance with this Title; (3) provide for the availability of such reports to the public; (4) develop the method of determining the value of assets required to be disclosed under this Title; and (5) review such reports to ascertain possible violations of conflict of interest laws. Prohibits the use of information from such reports as described in Title I.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
Federal Information Centers Act - Requires the General Services Administration to establish a nationwide network of Federal Information Centers for the purpose of informing the public of programs and procedures of the Federal Government and for other appropriate and related purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
Third Party Search Protection Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to limit the circumstances under which a search warrant may be issued for property in possession of a third party. Allows a warrant to issue only if: (1) there is probable cause to believe the person in possession of the property committed or is committing a criminal offense; or (2) in any other case, only if a subpoena is not available or the property may be destroyed or removed and a restraining order would not prevent such removal or destruction.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Ethics in Government Act - Title I: Legislative Personnel Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires each Member of Congress, each Congressional officer and employee who is compensated at a rate equal to or more than the pay rate for grade GS-16, and any candidate for the office of Member to file an annual financial disclosure report (hereinafter referred to as "report") containing specified information including: (1) sources and amounts of income, gifts, and reimbursements; (2) the identity and approximate value of property held and liabilities owed; (3) transactions in property, commodities, and securities; and (4) certain financial interests of a spouse or dependent. Provides that such report be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate. Directs the Clerk and the Secretary to: (1) send a copy of each report of a Member to the Secretary of State of the Member's State; (2) compile and publish the reports of each Member as a House or Senate document; (3) submit each report for review by either the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House or the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate; and (4) make such reports generally available to the public. Prohibits the use of information from such reports for commercial, credit, or solicitation purposes. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the implementation of this Title and the feasibility of conducting random audits of such reports. Establishes criminal penalties for the violation of the requirements of this Act. Title II: Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires the President, Vice President, each presidential or vice-presidential candidate, each military officer rated at 0-7 or higher, each presidential appointee whose Senate confirmation is pending, and each employee of the Executive branch who is compensated at a pay rate equal to or greater than that for grade GS-16 to file such report as described in Title I of this Act which shall include additional information regarding positions held with business entities, and agreements with respect to future employment and continuation of payments by former employers. Establishes within the Civil Service Commission the Office of Government Ethics with which the following persons must file their reports: the President, Vice President, and candidates for those offices; the Postmaster General; the Deputy Postmaster General; the Governors of the Board of Governors of the Postal Service; presidential appointees; and agency heads. Requires other Federal personnel to file with the head of the agency employing such persons, or in the case of military officers, with the Secretary of their branch of service. Charges such Office with responsibility for: (1) the overall direction of executive branch policies related to preventing conflicts of interest; (2) monitoring compliance with this Title; (3) reviewing such reports to ascertain possible violations of conflict of interest laws; and (4) developing the method of determining the value of assets required to be disclosed under this Title. Requires that such reports be made generally available to the public. Prohibits the use of information from such reports as described in Title I. Extends from one to two years the period of prohibition on appearances before an agency by a former Federal employee or official on matters that were under such person's responsibility. Includes within such prohibition informal as well as formal contacts. Prohibits formal and informal contacts with such agencies by former employees on certain other matters for a period of one year after the end of such employment. Title III: Judicial Personnel Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires the Chief Justice and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, each Federal court judge, any presidential nominee for judicial office whose Senate confirmation is pending, and each judicial employee who is compensated at a pay rate equal to or greater than that for grade GS-16 to file such report as described in Title II. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to establish a Judicial Ethics Committee to: (1) receive such reports of judicial personnel; (2) monitor compliance with this Title; (3) provide for the availability of such reports to the public; (4) develop the method of determining the value of assets required to be disclosed under this Title; and (5) review such reports to ascertain possible violations of conflict of interest laws. Prohibits the use of information from such reports as described in Title I.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Public Health Service Act through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) grants and contracts for surveys of the feasibility of establishing, operating or expanding health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and (2) grants, contracts, loans and guarantees for planning and initial development costs related to the establishment of HMOs. Excludes from the definition of basic health services, any health service which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines by regulation is unusual or infrequently provided and is not generally recognized by health professionals as appropriate for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of an illness or injury. Authorizes up to $1,000,000 for the establishment of a HMO or $600,000 for a project to significantly expand the membership of, or areas served by a HMO. Increases the aggregate amount of principal of loans which may be made or guaranteed, or both, for the initial cost of operation of an HMO. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to HMOs for projects for the acquisition or construction of ambulatory health care facilities and for the acquisition of equipment for facilities acquired or constructed with such loan and to guarantee to lenders: (1) their loans to nonprofit private HMOs for such projects; and (2) their loans to private HMOs for such projects which will serve medically underserved populations. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Health Maintenance Organization Intern Program to provide training to individuals to become administrators, medical directors, or managers of, or assume other managerial positions with HMOs. Requires each HMO: (1) to file with the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require concerning the fiscal operations of the HMO; and (2) to make such information available to its members. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit State and local officers or employees responsible for the expenditures of substantial amounts of funds under the State Medicaid plan from conducting specified business dealings in connection with the State program after leaving office.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Amends the National Research Act to establish the President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research. Directs the Commission to study the legal, ethical, and social implications of: (1) the allocations of Federal resources for biomedical and behavioral research and health care delivery; (2) the requirements for informed consent to participation in research projects and medical procedures; (3) establishing a uniform definition of death; (4) counseling and testing for genetic diseases; (5) the differences in the availability of health services; (6) the requirements and guidelines applicable to clinical trials; (7) the establishment of standards of efficacy applicable to medical procedures performed on humans; (8) human in-vitro fertilization; and (9) other matters relating to medicine or biomedical or behavior research. Directs the Commission, upon completion of each study and no later than November 1 each fiscal year, to report its findings and activities to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Legislative Branch Disclosure Act - Requires each Member of Congress, officer of either House of Congress, principal assistant to a Member or officer, employee of a Member, officer, or committee who is compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the basic pay rate for grade GS-16, and any individual who becomes a candidate in any election for the office of Member to file an annual financial report. Sets forth the required contents of such financial reports. Requires that such reports be made available for public inspection. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for falsification of or failure to file the financial reports required by this Act. Authorizes the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives to establish procedures for the review of the financial reports required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1978
Excludes from the Federal law limiting and restricting the corporate powers of national banking associations to deal in and underwrite investment securities specified dealing in and underwriting of all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof or agency of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of Treasury to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the amendment made by the first section of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1978
Child Health Assurance Act - 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 and, at the option of the State, to any individual over the age of 17 and under 21, if the individual is a member of a family eligible for aid under the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children and does not exceed specified income standards; and (2) any woman for a period of her pregnancy and for 60 days following the termination of her pregnancy who on the basis of resources is eligible for aid under the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children and whose income does not exceed specified standards. 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 CHAP income standard at $2,400 for an individual, $3,000 for a family of two, and an additional $600 for each additional family member. Sets the national maternal income standard at $3,000 for a pregnant woman, increased by $600 for each additional family member. Defines the services to be made available to pregnant women and eligible individuals under age 21 pursuant to this Act. Requires each State plan for medical assistance under the Medicaid program to provide, in the case of any individual under 21 who has received a timely periodic child health assessment, all care and services available under such program and referral for care and services not available under Medicaid. Sets forth the standards of the "child health assessment" required by this Act. States that the health care provider performing such assessment must agree to perform such basic diagnostic and treatment services as an assessment shows to be necessary, or to refer a beneficiary to an appropriate provider for such services, and to provide beneficiaries with routine dental care. Requires such a provider to be reasonably accessible on a continuing basis to beneficiaries whom it has assessed. Stipulates that for individuals under 21 who have received a timely health assessment no enrollment fee or charge for any service will be imposed. Provides for the payment of a percentage of the cost of a State child health assessment program by the Federal Government. Defines the term "Federal CHAP percentage." Sets forth a formula for the determination of such percentage. Directs the Secretary to establish performance standards for CHAP'S. Sets forth penalties for States which fail to comply with such standards. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on each State's CHAP. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the coordination of health care services for children under Title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) and Title XIX of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary: (1) to study and conduct demonstration projects in order to evaluate the participation of health care providers in CHAP'S and methods of improving their level of participation in these programs; and (2) to develop and carry out experiments and demonstration projects designed to determine the effect of payment on a capitation basis for child health assessments and other services provided under CHAP'S upon the level of participation and performance of such providers in these programs. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such studies. Stipulates that certain individuals will remain eligible for Medicaid by disregarding specified involuntary increases in benefits, compensation, or pensions provided under specified Federal laws. 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 · 25 July 1978
Amends the charter of the Boy Scouts of America to stipulate that the annual report of the Boy Scouts shall be printed each year as a separate House document.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1978
Presidential Records Act - States that the United States shall reserve and retain complete ownership, possession, and control of all Presidential records. Requires the President to assure that the performance of official Presidential duties is adequately documented and that documentary materials be appropriately maintained. Permits the President to dispose only of such records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value if the President obtains the views, in writing, of the Archivist of the United States concerning the proposed disposal schedule of such records, and copies of such schedule and the Archivist's views are submitted to Congress at least 60 days in advance of the proposed disposal. Requires the Archivist to assume custody, control, and preservation of and access to the records of a President upon the conclusion of the President's term of office. Requires the Archivist to place such records in a Presidential archival depository or another archival facility operated by the United States. Authorizes the Archivist to designate, after consultation with the President, a director for each depository or facility. Permits restrictions on access to Presidential records for up to ten years if such documents have been validly classified as secret, relate to a Federal appointment, certain trade secrets or other commercial information obtained under privileged circumstances, consist of confidential communications requesting or submitting advice between the President and his advisers or between advisers, or contain personal information, disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Establishes limits on the duration of the restriction of disclosure of Presidential records. Subjects Presidential records to subpena or other judicial process for the purposes of any criminal investigation or proceeding. States that such records shall be available to an incumbent President and to either House of Congress. Makes the records of a former President available to such former President or the designated representative of such former President. Applies all provisions of this Act to Vice-Presidential, as well as Presidential records.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1978
Establishes a National Agricultural Cost of Production Board to review, and advise the Secretary of Agriculture concerning, the adequacy and accuracy of the cost-of-production formulas used by the Department of Agriculture in connection with the administration of its price support programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1978
Peace Corps Reform Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to re-declare the purpose of such Act to be to assist least advantaged people and countries in meeting basic living needs, strengthening development programs, and furthering a spirit of voluntary action. Creates the Peace Corps as a government corporation, with authority for operations vested in a Presidentially appointed Board of Directors. Establishes in the Peace Corps an Advisory Council to evaluate Corps policies and programs. Directs the Peace Corps to request host governments to establish advisory councils to advise Peace Corps Country Directors and host country government officials on Corps operating procedures. Requires the Board (formerly the President) to appoint the Director of the Peace Corps. Directs the Corps to coordinate programs with other volunteer and development organizations. Repeals specified provisions of the Peace Corps Act which empower the President and Secretary of State to carry out such Act. Increases from $125 to$150 the readjustment allowance for Peace Corps volunteers. Prohibts the assignment of volunteers to the clerical staffs of Peace Corps representatives abroad. Prohibits volunteers from serving more than five years in any ten-year period without personal approval from the Director. Requires the Corps, in encouraging volunteers to continue their contributions to good will development, to assist in the readjustment of, and utilization of skills developed by, former volunteers. Includes spouses living with volunteers as eligible to receive living and other allowances, health care, language training, and other benefits. Eliminates the position of "volunteer leaders" from the Peace Corps and makes conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the Domestic Volunteers Service Act of 1973 to eliminate one of the two Associate Directors of ACTION.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Amends the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act to set the fee for Federal migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps at $5, and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to raise such fee to $7.50 if funds in the migratory bird conservation fund have been obligated. Directs the Secretary to prohibit the hunting of migratory birds in any State which fails to approve an acquisition of water fowl habitat within a reasonable time.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Presidential Records Act - States that the United States shall reserve and retain complete ownership, possession, and control of all Presidential records. Requires the President to assure that the performance of official Presidential duties is adequately documented and that documentary materials be appropriately maintained. Permits the President to dispose only of such records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value if the President obtains the views, in writing, of the Archivist of the United States concerning the proposed disposal schedule of such records, and copies of such schedule and the Archivist's views are submitted to Congress at least 60 days in advance of the proposed disposal. Requires the Archivist to assume custody, control, and preservation of and access to the records of a President upon the conclusion of the President's term of office. Requires the Archivist to place such records in a Presidential archival depository or another archival facility operated by the United States. Authorizes the Archivist to designate, after consultation with the President, a director for each depository or facility. Permits restrictions on access to Presidential records for up to ten years if such documents have been validly classified as secret, relate to a Federal appointment, certain trade secrets or other commercial information obtained under privileged circumstances, consist of confidential communications requesting or submitting advice between the President and his advisers or between advisers, or contain personal information, disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Establishes limits on the duration of the restriction of disclosure of Presidential records. Subjects Presidential records to subpena or other judicial process for the purposes of any criminal investigation or proceeding. States that such records shall be available to an incumbent President and to either House of Congress. Makes the records of a former President available to such former President or the designated representative of such former President. Applies all provisions of this Act to Vice-Presidential, as well as Presidential records.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to acquire the Museum of African Art. Establishes a Commission for the Museum of African Art to assist the Board in the operation and development of the Museum. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code by providing graduated corporate income tax rates ranging, over seven brackets, from a 16 percent rate on a corporation's first $25,000 income to a 45 percent rate on income over $150,000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1978
Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to require issuers of securities to report only material information to offerees with respect to transactions not involving a public offering. Limits the rulemaking power of the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to prevent the disqualification of certain affiliates of issuers and sellers of restricted securities from the exemption from registration requirements allowed for persons not engaged in the distribution of securities. Exempts a security seller who makes a good faith attempt not to involve any public offering in a transaction from liability to a purchaser. Increases the small offering exemption from $500,000 to $3,000,000. Exempts small business investment companies licensed under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 from the terms of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1978
Amends the Small Business Act to increase, to the maximum amounts payable under the executive schedule for Federal employees, the maximum allowable compensation and travel expenses for experts and consultants employed by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1978
Establishes an administrative procedure and guidelines to be followed by a newly created office of the Department of the Interior in determining whether or not Indian Tribes shall be granted Federal recognition.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1978
Establishes an administrative procedure and guidelines to be followed by a newly created office of the Department of the Interior in determining whether or not Indian Tribes shall be granted Federal recognition.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1978
Peace Corps Reform Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to set forth the purposes of the Peace Corps. Creates the Peace Corps Foundation as a government corporation to carry out the purposes of the Peace Corps Act, to terminate on September 30, 1987. Establishes an Advisory Council within the Foundation to evaluate the policies of such Foundation and to advise its Board of Directors. Directs the Foundation to establish procedures to coordinate the programs of other volunteer and development organizations, public, private, and international. Increases the compensation of Peace Corps volunteers. Prohibits assignment of such volunteers to the clerical staffs of Peace Corps representatives abroad. Limits the period of service of a volunteer. Directs the Foundation to establish an organization for former volunteers to assist in the readjustment of volunteers returning to the United States. Permits the spouses of volunteers to receive subsistence benefits. Eliminates the position of "volunteer leader" from the Peace Corps. Exempts certain Peace Corps personnel from civil service requirements. Permits the President to assign Foreign Service and other government personnel to the Peace Corps only upon request of the Foundation. Repeals the President's authority to prescribe performance standards for personnel of the Peace Corps. Amends the Peace Corps Act with respect to volunteer training, participation of foreign nationals, assignment of volunteers to international organizations, compensation of experts and consultants, utilization of funds, foreign language proficiency, and encouragement and final support of voluntary service programs. Prohibits investigation of any employee of the Foundation to insure that employment or assignment of such person is in the national interest, except at the request of the volunteer. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to eliminate one of the two Associate Directors of ACTION. Transfers the assets and liabilities of the Peace Corp to the Foundation. Authorizes the appropriation of $300,000,000 for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 collectively.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1978
Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that, until such time as Kim Dong Jo is made available for examination under oath, authorization for the transfer of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to the Republic of Korea and appropriation of funds for transfer, directly or indirectly, to the Republic of Korea for nonmilitary purposes should be approved by the House of Representatives only where the refusal to so approve such authorization or appropriation would imperil the national security of the United States or the territorial integrity of the Republic of Korea. Declares it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the refusal of the United States to transfer things of value or funds to the Republic of Korea for nonmilitary purposes would not, under present circumstances, imperil the national security of the United States or the territorial integrity of the Republic of Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Federal Information Centers Act - Requires the General Services Administration to establish a nationwide network of Federal Information Centers for the purpose of informing the public of programs and procedures of the Federal Government and for other appropriate and related purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1978
Establishes an administrative procedure and guidelines to be followed by a newly created office of the Department of the Interior in determining whether or not Indian Tribes shall be granted Federal recognition.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1978
Health Services Research, Health Statistics, and Health Care Technology Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend authorizations of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for health service research, evaluation, and demonstration activities, and health statistical activities. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to establish standardized means for the collection of health information and statistics under laws administered by the Secretary. Establishes the Cooperative Health Statistical System, for the purpose of producing comparable and uniform health information and statistics. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to: (1) coordinate the activities of Federal agencies in the design and implementation of the System; and (2) make grants to State and local health agencies to assist them in meeting the cost of data collection carried out under the System. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to establish guidelines for the collection, compilation, analysis, publication, and distribution of statistics and information necessary for determining the effects and conditions of employment and indoor and outdoor environmental conditions on the public health. Requires the Secretary to conduct an ongoing study of the present and projected future costs of diseases and conditions which are environmentally related. Requires the Directors of the National Center for Health Statistics and the Center for Disease Control to serve as members of the Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease. Requires the Task Force to conduct a study to identify the need for and recommend guidelines for the collection, compilation, analysis, publication, and distribution of statistics and information necessary for determining: (1) the extent to which conditions of employment and indoor and outdoor environmental conditions may cause cancer or heart or lung diseases; and (2) the other effects on the public health which may reasonably be anticipated to result from such conditions. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the National Center for Health Care Technology. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to undertake and support comprehensive assessments of health care technology. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to undertake and support by grant or contract, research in, and demonstrations and evaluations of: (1) the factors that affect the use of health care technologies in the United States; and (2) methods for disseminating information on health care technologies to health professionals. Establishes the Health Care Technology Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary and the Director of the Center with respect to the performance of the National Center for Health Care Technology. Requires the United States Committee on Vital and Health Statistics to conduct a study of the issues respecting and the recommendations for establishing a Federal system: (1) to facilitate studies of the effects of hazardous substances on humans; and (2) to locate individuals who have been or may have been exposed to hazardous substances to determine the effect on their health of such exposure and to assist them in obtaining appropriate medical care and treatment. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the National Eye Institute, to carry out a program of grants for vision research facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the requirements for capitation grants for dental schools if the Secretary determines that compliance with such requirements will prevent a school from maintaining its accreditation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Independent Local Newspaper Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to promote the survival of independent newspapers by providing for the establishment of tax exempt trusts for paying estate taxes on such papers, and by postponing the payment of estate taxes on such papers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Health Centers Amendments - Title I - Public Health Service Act Amendments : Amends the Public Health Service Act to remove preventive dental services from the category of primary health services provided by migrant health centers and to designate such services as supplemental health services. Adds pharmaceutical services to the category of primary health services provided by such centers. Removes public health services from the supplemental health services provided by such centers and adds social services. Provides guidelines for the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to use in determining the amount of grants made to migrant health centers. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for migrant health centers. Removes preventive dental services from the primary health services provided by community health centers and adds pharmaceutical services. Includes preventive dental services in the supplemental health services provided by community health centers. Provides guidelines for the Secretary to follow in determining the amount of grants made to community health centers. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for community health centers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to provide technical assistance for the planning, developing, or operation of migrant health centers, community health centers, or any other centers for the delivery of primary health care. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects related to health services in rural medically underserved areas. Extends the authority of the Secretary to guarantee to non-Federal lenders payment of the principal of and interest on loans made to health maintenance organizations for planning projects through September 30, 1979. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for health maintenance organizations. Title II: Mental Health Programs - Community Mental Health Centers Amendments - Sets forth a schedule under which a community mental health center will provide, within three years of its establishment, the full range of mental health services required to be provided by such a center under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to add to the list of subjects deserving priority consideration in the formulation of national health planning goals: (1) the elimination of inappropriate placement in institutions of persons with mental health problems and the improvement of the quality of care provided in institutions providing mental health services; and (2) the assurance of access to community mental health centers and other mental health care providers for needed mental health services, and the emphasis on outpatient care as a preferable alternative to inpatient mental health services. Requires the health systems plan of each health systems agency established under the Public Health Service Act to include goals for the delivery of mental health services. States that such goals shall be developed with the assistance of persons knowledgeable and experienced in the delivery of such services. Authorizes State Health Coordinating Councils, in advising State health planning and development agencies, to use the assistance of persons knowledgeable in the delivery of mental health services. Requires that State plans under the Comprehensive Mental Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and the Drug Abuse and Treatment Act of 1972 be consistent with the State health plans in effect under the Public Health Service Act as amended by this Title. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual supplemental support grants to community mental health centers to assist such centers in meeting the costs of providing specified consultation and education services. Repeals the program of financial distress grants for community mental health centers effective October 1, 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for consultation and education services provided by community mental health centers. Repeals such services effective October 1, 1981. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for conversion grants for community mental health centers. Repeals such grants effective October 1, 1980. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) grants to plan community health center programs; (2) grants for initial operation of community health centers; (3) programs of the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Authorizes community mental health centers to carryover unobligated funds to the next succeeding year to be used for the same purposes for which such grant was made but only if the center is eligible to receive a grant for such succeeding year. Stipulates that the amount of a grant for such a center for any year shall be reduced by the amount of unobligated funds carried over. Requires the State mental health authority to: (1) establish minimum standards for the maintenance and operation of community mental health centers; (2) establish a program for community mental health centers within the State; and (3) designate a State advisory council to consult with it in carrying out its functions under this Act and the Public Health Service Act. Requires the Secretary to make grants to State mental health authorities to assist them in meeting the costs of carrying out State mental health programs. Requires each State, in order to receive such grants, to submit an application containing specified assurances. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Biomedical Research and Research Training Amendments - Title I: Libraries of Medicine - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1981 authorizations for assistance to medical libraries. Title II: Programs of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 to carry out programs for the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases. Title III: Programs of the National Cancer Institute - Extends the authorization of appropriations through 1981 for programs for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Provides for the appointment of the director of the National Cancer Institute by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare instead of by the President as is currently required. Requires the Director of the National Cancer Institute in carrying out the National Cancer Program: (1) to implement an expanded and intensified research program for the prevention of cancer caused by occupational or environmental exposure to carcinogens; and (2) to publish an annual report listing all known or suspected carcinogens to which a significant number of persons in the United States are exposed evaluating the existing regulatory standards designed to reduce or eliminate exposure to carcinogens. Requires the Director of the National Cancer Institute to establish and support programs for the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer and for rehabilitation and counseling respecting cancer. Requires such programs to include: (1) locally initiated education and demonstration programs to disseminate information respecting the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer and rehabilitation and counseling respecting cancer to health professionals providing care to individuals with cancer; (2) the demonstration of and the education of health professionals in methods for early detection of cancer and the identification of individuals with a high risk of developing cancer; and (3) the demonstration of new methods for the dissemination of information to the public concerning the early detection and treatment of cancer and information concerning unapproved and ineffective methods for the control of cancer. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, through the National Cancer Institute and in cooperation with the National Cancer Advisory Board, to carry out cancer research and investigation programs. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out such programs: (1) to purchase radium; and (2) to provide facilities for training and instruction in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Requires the National Cancer Program to consist of: (1) an expanded cancer research program including a research program for the prevention of cancer caused by occupational or environmental exposure to carcinogens; and (2) other activities of the Institute. Sets forth the duties and functions of the Director of the Institute in carrying out the National Cancer Program. Authorizes the Director of the Institute to make grants under this Act for cancer research or training. Stipulates that 18 members of the National Cancer Advisory Board shall be appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth procedures and regulations affecting the Board. Establishes the President's Cancer Panel. Requires the Panel to monitor the development and execution of the National Cancer Program. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the National Cancer Institute and the President's Cancer Panel. Title IV: National Research Service Awards - Extends authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for National Research Service Awards. Title V: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to make available for biomedical and behavioral research, substances and living organisms when such action would promote the ends of such research. Transfers authority from the Surgeon General to the Secretary to conduct, in the Public Health Service, research and investigation on the physical and mental impairments of man. Requires the Secretary to conduct and support studies and testing of substances for carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and other harmful biological effects. Requires the Secretary to establish a comprehensive program of research into the biological effects of low-level ionizing radiation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Developmental Disabilities Act Amendments - Amends the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act to rename such Act the Developmental Disabilities Act. Declares the purpose of such Act to be to assure that persons with developmental disabilities receive the services necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential and to ensure their legal and human rights. Replaces the National Advisory Council on Services and Facilities for Developmentally Disabled with the National Advisory Council on Services, Facilities, and Rights of the Developmentally Disabled. Includes among the duties of such Council the development of a national five year plan for persons with developmental disabilities. Extends to October 1, 1979, the deadline for the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop a system for evaluating programs under such Act. Extends State allotment authorizations to fiscal year 1981 and revises minimum State allotment provisions. Revises State plan requirements for such allotments. Revises the membership requirements of State Planning Councils to require that at least one-sixth of such Council's members be persons with developmental disabilities and at least one-sixth be immediate relatives or guardians of such persons. Extends the authorization of appropriations for special projects to fiscal year 1981. Revises the grant authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for university affiliated programs, and ends special grants for establishing satellite centers. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for such university affiliated programs, and to ensure that each Federal agency providing funds for the support of such programs reviews the funding application. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such programs to fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Amendments - Amends the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972: (1) to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1979; and (2) to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to annually report to the President and Congress on the extent of drug abuse in the United Statess, the effectiveness of the drug abuse prevention functions carried out through any entity of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and proposals for changes in the drug abuse prevention functions carried out through the Department. Requires each State plan submitted to the Secretary pursuant to such Act to provide reasonable opportunity for political subdivisions in the State to submit to the State agency recommendations respecting the preparation and carrying out of the State plan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1978
Nurse Training Amendments - Title I: Nurse Training - Amends Title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to extend for two fiscal years, through fiscal year 1980, the program of financial assistance for nurse training. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to cover the costs of traineeships for the training of licensed registered nurses to be nurse anesthetists. Requires the Secretary to arrange for a study to determine the need to continue a specific program of Federal financial support for nursing education. Title II: Other Health Professions Programs - Increases authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for National Health Service Corps programs. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the limits on Federal loan insurance and insured loans to students enrolled in a school of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Amends the Trade Act of 1974, with respect to the authority of the President to negotiate trade agreements, to direct the President to reserve any article for which an agreement limiting agricultural imports has been entered into, from negotiations to reduce or eliminate customs duties or import restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an individual's allowable charitable contributions shall be deducted when determining the individual's adjusted gross income, thereby allowing the deduction to individuals who do not itemize.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an individual's allowable charitable contributions shall be deducted when determining the individual's adjusted gross income, thereby allowing the deduction to individuals who do not itemize.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1978
Psychotropic Substances Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act, the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the Public Health Service Act to meet obligations under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1978
Legislative Branch Disclosure Act - Requires each Member of Congress, officer of either House of Congress. principal assistant to a Member or officer, employee of a Member, officer, or committee who is compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the basic pay rate for grade GS-16, and any individual who becomes a candidate in any election for the office of Member to file an annual financial report. Sets forth the required contents of such financial reports. Requires that such reports be made available for public inspection. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for falsification of or failure to file the financial reports required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1978
Social Security Tax Reduction Act - Amends Titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to finance the payment of disability insurance benefits and hospital insurance benefits through general tax revenues, rather than through employment and self-employment tax revenues. Reduces employment and self-employment tax rates below the rates established by the Social Security Financing Amendments of 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Health Planning and Resources Development Amendments - Title I: Revision of Health Planning Authority - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review annually the national guidelines for health planning promulgated under the Public Health Service Act. Requires the Secretary to determine whether health care delivery systems are meeting the standards and goals set forth in such guidelines and to periodically publish his findings. Directs health systems agencies designated under Title XV of such Act to provide such data as will enable the Secretary to carry out his responsibilities. 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; and (2) the adoption policies to contain the rise of health care costs and promote efficiency in the health care delivery system. Permits the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area, such an area being an entity designed to facilitate health planning and development functions for a specified region, to request, without the concurrence of the Governors of other States which are part of such area, the redesignation of an interstate area made up of an entire standard metropolitan statistical area. Directs the Secretary, in considering the application of an organization for designation as an area health systems agency, to give priority to an application which has been recommended by a Governor of a State within the area served by such agency for approval. Permits the State in which an agency is located an opportunity to comment on the performance of such agency before renewal by the Secretary of designating the agency as the health systems agency for a specified area. Increases from 12 to 36 months the maximum length of the term for which an entity may be designated as a health systems agency. Increases the term of a redesignation by the same term. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Governor and the Statewide Health Coordinating Council of each State in which a health systems agency is located before terminating such agency's designation as a health systems agency. Authorizes the Secretary to limit the functions an agency may perform if the Secretary determines that such agency has not fulfilled its obligations. Sets forth new criteria for the determination by the Secretary of the amount of the grant to be made each fiscal year to each health systems agency for the operation of such agency. Stipulates that funds provided under grants to a health systems agency for specified purposes in a fiscal year which have not been expended during such year, shall remain available for obligation in the succeeding fiscal year provided the designation of such health systems agency remains in effect during such succeeding year. Sets forth membership and selection requirements for the governing body of a health systems agency. Provides that records and meetings except for personnel matters shall be available to the public. States that each health systems agency shall have an identifiable program of providing assistance to the members of a governing body in making decisions for the agency. Prohibits any member of a governing body of a health systems or any member of Statewide Health Coordinating Council from voting on any matter with which such member has any substantial ownership, employment, fiduciary, contractual, creditor, or consultative relationship. Requires that each State health planning and development agency consult with the Statewide Health Coordinating Council to determine statewide health needs. Requires that each health planning and development agency conduct a public hearing on the proposed Annual Implementation Plan and shall give interested persons an opportunity to submit their views orally and in writing. Enumerates the requirements of a certificate of need program established by a State health planning and development agency (State Agency). States that such programs shall provide controls on the acquistion of additional equipment and facilities including: (1) review and determination of need for major medical equipment, health care facilities, and capital expenditures, (2) the acquisition and development of only such equipment, facilities, and services as the State Agency determines are needed; and (3) annual review of acquisition programs. Requires each health systems agency to coordinate its activities with any State entity which reviews rates and budgets of health care facilities. Requires health systems agencies located within the same standard metropolitan statistical area to coordinate their activities. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State health and development agencies to develop programs to reduce excess hospital capacity. Directs the Secretary, before renewing an agreement designating an agency of a State as the State health planning and development agency for that State, to provide each health systems agency designated for a health service area located in such State an opportunity to comment on the performance of the State Agency. Extends through fiscal year 1981 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. Title II: Revision of Authority for Health Resources Development - Amends Title XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary to make loans for: (1) modernization of medical facilities; (2) construction of new outpatient facilities; (3) construction of new inpatient facilities in areas determined to require additional facilities; and (4) conversion of existing medical facilities for the provision of new health services. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee 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 its 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. 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.
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