United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1978
Amends the Public Health Service Act to stipulate that commissioned officers of the Regular and Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service shall receive the same pay and allowances as are authorized for members of the armed forces. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to detail personnel of the Service to any appropriate committee of the Congress. Entitles commissioned officers of the Service to the same rights as commissioned officers of the Army with respect to corrections of military records and reviews of discharges or dismissals. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Warrant Officers Corps within the Service for the purpose of providing support to the health and delivery systems maintained by the Regular and Reserve Corps of the Service. Stipulates that the Surgeon General shall have the grade corresponding with the grade of general; the Deputy Surgeon General shall have the grade corresponding with the grade of lieutenant general; and commissioned officers serving as senior administrators or directors of any agency of the Service in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare shall have the title of Assistant Surgeon General and shall have the grade corresponding with the grade of lieutenant general. Increases the number of special temporary positions in the grade of Assistant Surgeon General which the Surgeon General is authorized to create. Stipulates that an officer of the Service who has received educational financial assistance from the Service and who voluntarily leaves the Service within the greater of six months or twice the period of attendance at an educational institution, shall be obligated to reimburse the Service an amount equal to twice the financial assistance received by such officer. Stipulates that a commissioned officer of the Reserve Corps of the Service who is involuntarily released from active duty after completing at least five years of continuous active duty is entitled to a severance payment computed in accordance with provisions of this Act. Increases the pay grade for certain officers of the Service. Increases the number of years of service used for computing basic pay for those officers who have attained a masters or doctoral degree. Stipulates that members of the Service be treated in the same manner as members of an armed force with respect to advance payments.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1978
Amends the National Housing Act to make officers in the Public Health Service eligible for mortgage insurance currently available to servicemen in the armed forces, Coast Guard, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1978
Environmental Health Personnel Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to and enter into contracts with specified educational entities for special projects to develop new or expanded programs in environmental health and occupational health. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for this purpose for fiscal year 1980. Amends such Act to authorize similar grants and contracts to enable such entities to provide traineeships in the areas of environmental health and occupational health. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the approval of applications for and amounts of such grants. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and other appropriate individuals with respect to the need for trained personnel in such areas. Authorizes the appropriation of $4,500,000 for this purpose for fiscal year 1980. Amends such Act to remove the post baccalaureate degree and experience requirements for eligibility for public health traineeships and traineeships for students in other specified health-related programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for projects and programs in environmental health education. Includes environmental health sciences research as a category of eligibility for National Research Service Awards. Includes environmental health sciences research personnel as a category to be studied by the Secretary in his study to establish the Nation's overall need for specified research personnel. Includes, as a priority in the formulation of national health planning goals and in the development and operation of health planning and resources development programs, activities for the promotion of disease prevention, including studies of occupational and environmental factors affecting health and the development of environmental health personnel programs. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess, identify and give advice with respect to current and projected personnel needs for the administration and implementation of environmental protection laws under the jurisdiction of the Administrator or individual States. Establishes an advisory board to assist the Administrator in performing these functions. Directs the Administrator to coordinate EPA personnel development, education and training policies, programs and activities to meet the needs identified by this Act. Requires him to provide technical assistance to Federal and non-Federal entities to assist in the development of personnel training programs. Requires him to advise such entities to train and employ unemployed persons for positions identified as necessary for administering and implementing environmental protection programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for these purposes. Requires reports to Congress of the Administrator's activities, findings and recommendations which result from the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into agreements with eight States for the purpose of conducting demonstration projects for the training and employment as homemakers or home health aides of individuals who have been certified by the appropriate State or local government agency as being eligible for financial assistance under a State plan of Aid to Families with Dependent Children approved under Title IV of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to the Congress evaluating the demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend for one year, until October 1, 1979, the period of time during which the services of physicians in teaching hospitals will be included as inpatient hospital services under that Title.
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
Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require, at the option of a sugar owner, acceleration of the maturity date of loans on 1977 crop sugar to August 31, 1978, or the date of enactment, whichever is earlier. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, within 30 days after such maturity date, to move such sugar out of its present Commodity Credit Corporation storage warehouses in sugar-producing areas, and transport it to other areas, in oder to make way for storage of the 1978 crop under the price support loan program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt taxpayers from the payment of interest or a penalty on tax deficiencies attributable to erroneous advice obtained in writing from an Internal Revenue Service Officer or employee acting in an official capacity.
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 · 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 · 20 July 1978
Investment Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore part of the pre-1969 tax treatment of capital gains by repealing the capital gains item of tax preference for the minimum tax; lowering the corporate alternative tax to 25 percent of net capital gain; and lowering the alternative individual tax to 25 percent of net capital gain.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1978
Amends Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to provide that no Professional Standards Review Organization and no Statewide Professional Standards Review Council shall be considered an agency or authority of the United States Government for the purposes of the Administrative Procedure Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1978
Amends the Social Security Act to provide that a Professional Standards Review Organization shall not be considered an authority of the United States Government for the purposes of the Administrative Procedure Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 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 (HMO's); and (2) grants, contracts, loans and loan guarantees for planning and initial development costs related to the establishment of HMO's. Excuses HMO's from providing basic or supplemental health services if the organization is unable to provide such services because of an emergency or a war-risk hazard. 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. 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 HMO's 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 HMO's for such projects; and (2) their loans to private HMO's for such projects which will serve medically underserved populations. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Health Maintenance Organization Intern Program to provide, through the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare or HMO's, training to individuals to become administrators of HMO's or to assume other managerial positions with HMO's. 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 provide a reasonable opportunity for the public to inspect such information.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1978
Drug Regulation Reform Act - Title I: Drug Regulation Reform - States the findings of Congress. Prohibits the manufacture, importation, export, or distribution of a drug entity or a drug product without the prior issuance by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of a monograph containing a description of such drug and requirements and guidelines for the contents of information labeling for the forms of drug products eligible for licensing under such monograph. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require, in a monograph, postmarketing surveillance of any drug, old or new, for a period of up to five years. Limits the issuance of such monographs to drugs determined safe and effective. Defines "safe" as meaning the health benefits of the drug entity or product clearly outweigh the risks it presents, taking into account pertinent standards and requirements. Defines "effective" to mean that a drug entity when incorporated into a drug product used in accordance with the use conditions set forth on the drug label, will have the effect represented. Provides for amendment, suspension, or revocation of a monograph under specified conditions. Authorizes the provisional issuance of a monograph (not to exceed five years) for any drug entity intended to be used in treatment of a life-threatening or severely debilitating disease when: (1) no other effective methods of treatment exist; or (2) such drug entity offers a major advantage to patients compared to the benefits of alternative methods; and (3) delaying issuance would present significantly greater risks to patients affected by such disease. Requires significant evidence of effectiveness and safety for such provisional issuance. Establishes a monograph-petition review procedure requiring a public hearing on the issuance, amendment, or revocation of any monograph, followed by a review of the evidence and issues by a drug science advisory committee, whose recommendations shall be forwarded to the Secretary for his final decision. Authorizes judicial review of a final order of the Secretary by a United States Court of Appeals. Requires, with specified exceptions, the registration of domestic and foreign establishments engaged in the manufacture, importation, export, or distribution of any drug entity or drug product. Prohibits for five years after the issuance date of a monograph the licensure of any drug product without: (1) written authorization from the monograph petitioner; or (2) data and information independent of the monograph which would support a determination that the monograph could be issued. Permits the licensure of a drug product, after the expiration of such five year period, without the making of necessary animal and clinical studies already made to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug product under the original monograph. Requires registration of any drug to be used in a drug investigation, and revocation of registration if the human participants in the investigation are subject to unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury. Specifies standards and requirements for such investigations. Requires the informed consent of participants in such investigations unless the immediate use of the drug product is, in the investigator's opinion, needed to preserve the participant's life and time is not sufficient to obtain either consent from either the participant or his legal representative. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) issue written guidelines regarding protocols and methods for conducting investigations; and (2) to review and advise, upon request, regarding specified aspects of a drug investigation. Requires unlicensed drug products and drug entities not subject to monographs to obtain permits for export to foreign countries. Specifies requirements for such exports. Exempts homeopathic drug entities and products from monograph, licensure, and investigational use requirements if manufactured or imported in accordance with import/export registration requirements of this Act. Requires: (1) patient information labeling in layperson's language of the risks, benefits, side effects and so forth of any drug entity or product; and (2) practitioner information labeling that identifies the licensee, registrant, permittee and manufacturer of such drug. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a compendium of all prescription drugs eligible for licensing under issued monographs. Prohibits from the promotional labeling of any prescription drug product indications for use, comparisons with other drug products, or dosage recommendations not contained in the information labeling of such product. Prohibits drug product licensees and their agents from: (1) distributing sample prescription drug products without charge; and (2) providing services or transferring items to specified medical personnel or their families, if the value of the service or item is at least $5.00, and no charge is made. Requires disclosure of the sponsorship by a drug product licensee or distributor of medical and scientific educational materials (other than labeling). Forbids the disclosure by pharmacists and their agents of prescriptions or information contained in prescriptions to anybody but the patient, the prescribing practitioner, or other specified persons. Prohibits licensees and their agents from obtaining or attempting to obtain such information. Prescribes civil, criminal, and administrative penalties, and subjects drug entities and products to seizure, for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses in any matter relating to implementation or enforcement of this Title. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect drug manufacturing and distributing establishments to determine compliance with this Title. Limits the application of the provisions of this Title to drugs intended for human use. Title II: National Center for Clinical Pharmacology; Evaluation of the Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Center for Clinical Pharmacology to conduct and support, by grants: (1) research in clinical pharmacology and clinical pharmacy; and (2) an ongoing review and analysis of the use of drug products in the United States. Directs the Secretary to contract for an independent evaluation of Title I and its effect on: (1) protection of the public against adverse reactions from and misuse of drug products; (2) innovation in drug research; (3) the economics of the pharmaceutical industry; (4) the cost of drug products; (5) prescribing practices; and (6) the time required for the issuance of monographs. Requires a report on such evaluation to the appropriate Committees of Congress within seven years of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1978
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1978
Sugar Stabilization Act - Sets forth the policy of the Congress with respect to foreign trade in sugar. Title I: International Sugar Agreement - Authorizes the President to prohibit the importation of sugar from any country not a member of the International Sugar Organization, and to otherwise regulate foreign trade in sugar to implement the International Sugar Agreement. Establishes civil penalties for the violations of such regulations. Requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report on the Agreement. Title II: Domestic Sugar Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make an annual estimate of the sugar consumption needs of the United States. Establishes a formula for determining the price objectives of domestic sugar. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a quota for the importation of sugar, and to adjust such quota. Authorizes the Secretary to impose an import fee in order to attain the price objective for sugar. Prohibits the established quota from being filled by direct-consumption sugar, except in specified circumstances. Permits the Secretary to suspend such quota and fees under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a quota on the importation of "sugar-containing products. Prohibits the importation of sugar, liquid sugar, or "sugar-containing products" after the import quotas have been filled. Prohibits the importation of certain sugar or liquid sugar into the Virgin Islands in excess of 100 pounds annually. Prohibits the exportation of certain sugar from the United States. Regulates the exportation of sugar. Sets forth items to which the sugar quota shall not apply. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to carry out this Act. Establishes penalties for the violation of such regulations. Requires certain information to be furnished to the Secretary by persons engaged in the manufacture, marketing, transports, or industrial use, of sugar. Prohibits officials engaged in the administration of this Act to invest in sugar. Establishes penalties for the violation of such prohibition. Authorizes the President to suspend the operation of Title II of this Act in a national emergency. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (1) to conduct surveys and investigations to carry out this Act, and (2) to announce a "daily spot price" for raw sugar in specified circumstances. Terminates the authority of the Secretary under this Act on December 31, 1982.
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 · 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
Health Services Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1979 for grants to States for comprehensive State health planning. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under the Act, to make grants to State health authorities to assist in meeting the costs of providing comprehensive public health services. Directs that funds received should be used to supplement non-Federal funds for comprehensive public health services and not to supplant such funds. Provides guidelines by which each State and local public health entity shall compute the amount of such funds it shall receive. Requires the Secretary to review annually the activities undertaken by each State public health authority to determine if such authority complied with the assurances provided with the application for funds. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold payment from authorities which have failed to meet such assurances. Provides that the total amount of grants received by a public health authority shall be determined by the Secretary and provides guidelines by which such a determination is to be made. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) disease control programs to immunize children against immunizable diseases; (2) rodent control programs; (3) other specified disease control programs under the Act; (4) projects and programs for the prevention and control of venereal disease; (5) project grants and contracts for family planning services; (6) training grants and contracts for personnel to carry out family planning service programs; (7) research in family planning; (8) assistance in developing and making available family planning and population growth information; (9) genetic disease programs; (10) sudden infant death syndrome programs; (11) hemophilia programs; (12) establishing, operating, and training personnel for home health services as defined in the Social Security Act; and (13) lead-based paint poisoning prevention programs. Requires the Secretary to conduct epidemiological assessments and surveillance of genetic diseases to define the scope and extent of such diseases and the need for programs to control such diseases. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State health authorities to assist them in meeting the costs of providing programs for screening for, and the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and control of hypertension. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for lead-based paint poisoning prevention programs. Defines "lead-based paint poisoning prevention program. Requires the Secretary to study the long-term effect on child development of various levels of lead in blood. Repeals provisions of the Act which require that grants for the establishment and operation or improvement of an emergency medical services systems facility be made for project costs in the year in which the grant is made. Requires the Secretary to establish, within the Office of the Secretary, a Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health. Requires the Panel to: (1) formulate specific goals with respect to the promotion of the health status of children and expectant mothers; and (2) develop a comprehensive national plan for achieving such goals.
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 · 17 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasurey to provide taxpayers (in writing) with whatever advice, information, or interpretations they request which pertain to the income tax. Provides that such responses shall not bind the Secretary except with respect to the computation of interest on underpayments. Provides that interest shall be suspended on income tax deficiencies arising through errors in these responses, or in tax returns prepared by the Internal Revenue Service, where the errors arise through the fault of the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1978
Condominium Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - States that abuses in the condominium industry have created a need for the establishment of national standards for consumer protection. Title II: Defines the terms used in this Act. Exempts from the terms of this Act condominium projects in which the units are restricted to non-residential uses and projects sold by a governmental agency. Makes any developer or agent liable for any fraudulent acts he commits in connection with a sale or offer to sell a condominium unit. Voids any provision in existing or future leases or management agreements which require owners to reimburse the developer for attorney's fees or money judgments. Grants the purchaser of a unit the right to cancel the sales contract within 15 days after signing the contract or after receiving the disclosure material, whichever is later. Sets forth national standards for consumer protection which must be followed by condominium developers, including: (1) placing any deposit made in connection with a reservation or sale of a unit in a trust or escrow; (2) terminating the right to control the owners association within five years; (3) refraining from displaying any advertising which is inconsistent with the information in the disclosure statement; (4) providing a one year warranty on each unit and a three year warranty on the common elements; and (5) in the case of condominium conversions, giving tenants 120 days' notice to vacate and a 60 day exclusive option to buy. Establishes standards for disclosure by developers of all material circumstances or features affecting their projects. States that this Act does not limit State and local governments from enacting or enforcing laws which do not conflict with the terms of this Act. Allows unit owners to terminate certain contracts which had to be accepted or ratified by the purchasers as a condition of purchase, and were entered into during the period when the developer was in control of the owners' association. Allows owners to seek a judicial determination that any lease or portion thereof is unconscionable if: the lease is for 21 years or contains provisions for automatic renewal for a period of more than 21 years and contains either an automatic rent increase clause or subjects the units to foreclosure for the owner's failure to make payments and contains provisions that shifts all obligations and liabilities associated with the maintenance and use of the property to the owners. Provides criminal penalties for violations of the terms of this Act and civil remedies for persons aggrieved by such violations. Makes provisions for the administration of this Act and authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to undertake research, education, information, and technical assistance activities designed to protect potential purchasers and owners of condominiums.
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 · 22 March 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 development 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 Councils' members be persons with developmental disabilities and at least one-sixth be immediate relatives or guardians of such persons. Extends 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 · 22 March 1978
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to study the costs of diseases which are environmentally related. Defines such diseases as those which may result in whole or in part from exposure to contaminants at work, at home, indoors, or in the ambient environment. Defines costs of such diseases to be both direct and indirect costs, including costs of prevention, treatment, convalescence, rehabilitation, and costs stemming from loss of income due to incapacitation. Extends the authorization of appropriations under such Act through fiscal year 1981: (1) for health service research, evaluation, and demonstration activities; and (2) for health statistical activities. Amends the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 to require the Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease to conduct a study to identify the extent to which indoor and outdoor environmental activities may cause cancer, heart, or lung diseases. Requires the Secretary, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to promulgate guidelines for the collection and distribution of information necessary to determine the effects of conditions of employment and indoor and outdoor environmental conditions on public health. Requires related Federal and Executive agencies to cooperate in compiling such information.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any right to, title to, or interest in the property of the United States Government agencies in the Panama Canal Zone or any real property and improvements thereon located in the zone should not be conveyed, relinquished, or otherwise disposed of to any foreign government without specific authorization of such conveyance, relinquishment, or other disposition by any Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Act Amendments - Amends the term used to describe the providers of basic health services in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) organized under the Public Health Service Act from "health professionals" to "physicians," thereby excluding from the services provided by a HMO the services of dentists, nurses, podiatrists, optometrists, and such other individuals engaged in the delivery of health services as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may designate. Increases the maximum amounts available for: (1) grants and guarantees of loans for initial development of HMO's; (2) loans made or guaranteed for initial operation costs of HMO's. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and guarantees to nonfederal lenders of payment of principal and interest on loans made to equip, construct, acquire, or renovate ambulatory care facilities. Extends for five years, through fiscal year 1985, the period during which loans and loan guarantees may be made for initial operation costs of HMO's. Establishes in the Treasury a loan and loan guarantee fund which shall be available to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under loans and loan guarantees for the establishment and renovation of ambulatory care facilities. Directs employers who are required to offer membership in a HMO to their employees to arrange, at the option of the employee, for payroll deductions from such employees' salary for membership in a qualified HMO. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for feasibility surveys and planning and initial operating costs of HMO's. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Health Maintenance Organization Intern Program for the purpose of training qualified HMO administrators and managerial personnel. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for this purpose. Requires each HMO to annually file with the Secretary specified financial information. Requires the Secretary to annually file a report with Congress based on the information gathered from such financial disclosures.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Drug Abuse Office 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 States, 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.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Drug Regulation Reform Act - Title I: Drug Regulation Reform - States the findings of Congress. Prohibits the manufacture, importation, export, or distribution of a drug entity or a drug product without the prior issuance by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of a monograph containing a description of such drug and requirements and guidelines for the contents of information labeling for the forms of drug products eligible for licensing under such monograph. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require, in a monograph, postmarketing surveillance of any drug, old or new, for a period of up to five years. Limits the issuance of such monographs to drugs determined safe and effective. Defines "safe" as meaning the health benefits of the drug entity or product clearly outweigh the risks it presents, taking into account pertinent standards and requirements. Defines "effective" to mean that a drug entity when incorporated into a drug product used in accordance with the use conditions set forth on the drug label, will have the effect represented. Provides for amendment, suspension, or revocation of a monograph under specified conditions. Authorizes the provisional issuance of a monograph (not to exceed five years) for any drug entity intended to be used in treatment of a life-threatening or severely debilitating disease when: (1) no other effective methods of treatment exist; or (2) such drug entity offers a major advantage to patients compared to the benefits of alternative methods; and (3) delaying issuance would present significantly greater risks to patients affected by such disease. Requires significant evidence of effectiveness and safety for such provisional issuance. Establishes a monograph-petition review procedure requiring a public hearing on the issuance, amendment, or revocation of any monograph, followed by a review of the evidence and issues by a drug science advisory committee, whose recommendations shall be forwarded to the Secretary for his final decision. Authorizes judicial review of a final order of the Secretary by a United States Court of Appeal. Requires, with specified exceptions, the registration of domestic and foreign establishments engaged in the manufacture, importation, export, or distribution of any drug entity or drug product. Prohibits for five years after the issuance date of a monograph the licensure of any drug product without: (1) written authorization from the monograph petitioner; or (2) data and information independent of the monograph which would support a determination that the monograph could be issued. Permits the licensure of a drug product, after the expiration of such five year period, without the making of necessary animal and clinical studies already made to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug product under the original monograph. Requires registration of any drug to be used in a drug investigation, and revocation of registration if the human participants in the investigation are subject to unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury. Specifies standards and requirements for such investigations. Requires the informed consent of participants in such investigations unless the immediate use of the drug product is, in the investigator's opinion, needed to preserve the participant's life and time is not sufficient to obtain either consent from either the participant or his legal representative. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) issue written guidelines regarding protocols and methods for conducting investigations; and (2) to review and advise, upon request, regarding specified aspects of a drug investigation. Requires unlicensed drug products and drug entities not subject to monographs to obtain permits for export to foreign countries. Specifies requirements for such exports. Exempts homeopathic drug entities and products from monograph, licensure, and investigational use requirements if manufactured or imported in accordance with import/export registration requirements of this Act. Requires: (1) patient information labeling in layperson's language of the risks, benefits, side effects and so forth of any drug entity or product; and (2) practitioner information labeling that identifies the licensee, registrant, permittee and manufacturer of such drug. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a compendium of all prescription drugs eligible for licensing under issued monographs. Prohibits from the promotional labeling of any prescription drug product indications for use, comparisons with other drug products, or dosage recommendations not contained in the information labeling of such product. Prohibits drug product licensees and their agents from: (1) distributing sample prescription drug products without charge; and (2) providing services or transferring items to specified medical personnel or their families, if the value of the service or item is at least $5.00, and no charge is made. Requires disclosure of the sponsorship by a drug product licensee or distriutor of medical and scientific educational materials (other than labeling). Forbids the disclosure by pharmacists and their agents of prescriptions or information contained in prescriptions to anybody but the patient, the prescribing practitioner, or other specified persons. Prohibits licensees and their agents from obtaining or attempting to obtain such information. Prescribes civil, criminal, and administrative penalties, and subjects drug entities and products to seizure, for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses in any matter relating to implementation or enforcement of this Title. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect drug manufacturing and distributing establishments to determine compliance with this Title. Title II: National Center for Clinical Pharmacology; Evaluation of the Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Center for Clinical Pharmacology to conduct and support, by grants: (1) research in clinical pharmacology and clinical pharmacy; and (2) an ongoing review and analysis of the use of drug products in the United States. Directs the Secretary to contract for an independent evaluation of Title I and its effect on: (1) protection of the public against adverse reactions from and misuse of drug products; (2) innovation in drug research; (3) the economics of the pharmaceutical industry; (4) the cost of drug products; (5) prescribing practices; and (6) the time required for the issuance of monographs. Requires a report on such evaluation to the appropriate Committees of Congress within seven years of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation of the House of Representatives of the kidnapping of Aldo Moro. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) Italy deserves the support of the United States, and (2) the President should instruct the Permanent Representative to the United Nations to press for consideration of solutions to the problem of terrorism in all appropriate forums.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amtrak Improvement Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for fiscal year 1979. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Corporation, to develop a preliminary recommendation for a route system for the Corporation which will provide an optional intercity railroad passenger system based on current and future market and population requirements. Specifies considerations which the Secretary is to consider in formulating such recommendations and specifies provisions to be included in such report. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to conduct public hearings on the Secretary's recommendations and to submit its findings to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to thoroughly consider such material in developing a final recommended route system for the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to submit final recommendations for such basic route system to both Houses of Congress and specified congressional committees. Stipulates that such final recommendations shall be deemed approved only by the adoption by both Houses of a resolution approving such recommendations. Directs the Corporation after such approval to complete the implementation of the basic route system as soon as possible. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to establish maximum travel times between points in the Northeast Corridor. Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to develop economical and reliable rolling stock and related equipment designed to be compatible with the track, and operating and marketing characteristics of the Northeast Corridor. Amends the Animal Welfare Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to exempt from the requirements of such Act, the transportation of cats and dogs in passenger rail service if the transportation substantially complies with such Act and will result in an increase in reliable and humane transport service for such animals. Directs the Postal Service to utilize the services of the Corporation in the surface transportation of mail so long as it would not result in a deterioration of mail services or increase in cost to the Federal Government. Authorizes the Corporation, notwithstanding the pendency of the route reexamination pursuant to this Act, to contract with a railroad filing a notice of discontinuance to continue such train operations. Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be subject to any State or local law with respect to the construction, maintenance, or repair of structures carrying public roads. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission in determining the compensation to be paid by the Corporation to other railroads or public transportation agencies for track or facility usage to limit such compensation to the avoidable costs of permitting the Corporation to use the railroad's or agency's tracks or facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to invalidate agreements preventing the broadcast of a professional sports game, by means of television, at the same time and in the same area in which the game is to be played if all tickets to such game have been sold 72 hours before gametime. Repeals this amendment effective February 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - 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 (HMO's); and (2) grants, contracts, loans and loan guarantees for planning and initial development costs related to the establishment of HMO's. Prohibits a health maintenance organization from paying more than 15 percent of the estimated total amount to be paid for basic and supplemental health services in a given fiscal year to individual physicians under contract to the HMO. Implements such prohibition over a four-year period. Requires HMO's to provide the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with specified information on major financial transactions among HMO's and related organizations. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary give priority to an application for funds for a feasibility survey or planning and initial development costs for an HMO in which 30 percent of the members are members of a medically underserved population. Increases the maximum amount available for grants for the initial development and operation of HMO's. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to public or private entities for the acquisition, construction, renovation, or purchase of ambulatory care facilities for HMO's. Repeals the prohibition against using funds appropriated under the Public Health Service Act, other than under the title pertaining to HMO's, for projects involving HMO's. Requires health systems agencies in reviewing facilities, equipment, or services of HMO's to include only those standards specified by the Secretary. Title II: Amendments to Titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act - Amends Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to remove HMO's from the capital expenditures limitations of the Medicare, Medicaid, and Maternal and Child Health programs of such Act. Permits a HMO, under Title XVIII (Medicare) of such Act, to have more than 50 percent of its membership over the age of 65 if the HMO is a public HMO, receives funding under the Community Health Centers program of the Public Health Service Act, or is granted a waiver by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, to annually determine a per capita rate of payment to each HMO for services provided under the Medicare program. States that such payment shall be equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost. Requires the Secretary to pay each HMO its rate on a monthly basis in advance. Title III: Amendments to Title XIX of the Social Security Act - Permits a HMO to have more than 50 percent of its membership as Medicare or Medicaid recipients if the HMO is a public HMO, receives funding under the Community Health Centers program, or is granted a waiver by the Secretary. Requires a State to enter into a provider agreement under the Medicaid program with any HMO which requests such an agreement. Declares that under such agreement, the State will reimburse the HMO for services and benefits covered under the State Medicaid plan. States that such payment shall be equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost of care to members of the HMO. Requires the State to pay each HMO its rate on a monthly basis in advance.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rogers, Paul G. [D-FL-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000401_200.jpg)