United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1977
Utilization Control Amendments - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the States to establish methods and procedures for safeguarding against unnecessary utilization of health care and services and to conduct medical and independent professional review of health facilities participating in the Medicaid program to determine their compliance with the requirements of that program. Requires the States, through appropriate agencies, to: (1) review the written plans of care of each patient in skilled nursing facilities, mental institutions, and intermediate care facilities; (2) conduct periodic inspections of such facilities to evaluate (a) the care provided in such institutions; (b) the adequacy of the services provided in such institutions, (c) the necessity for continued care for patients in such facilities, and (d) the feasibility of providing such patients with alternative institutional or noninstitutional health care; and (3) make a full report on their findings with recommendations to the State agencies responsible for supervising the State Medicaid plan. Requires that the States establish utilization review procedures whereby hospital services are furnished under a plan established and reviewed by a physician and admissions and continued stays are screened by trained personnel who have no financial interest in the hospital and do not directly provide health care to hospital patients. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to reduce payments to States which fail to establish and implement a program of utilization review as required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Recombinant DNA Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to regulate recombinant DNA activities. Requires that all recombinant DNA activities conducted during the interim control period, which shall begin on the tenth day after the date of enactment of this Act, and end eighteen months after such date or on the date on which certain regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare take effect, whichever occurs first, be carried out in accordance with the physical and biological containment requirements in the recombinant DNA research guidelines of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare published on July 7, 1976. Requires that every individual or entity responsible for conducting any recombinant DNA activity on the date of enactment of this Act, or to be commenced during the interim control period, submit a report with respect to such activity to the Secretary. Requires each facility conducting any recombinant DNA activity to be licensed in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations with respect to the issuance of such licenses prescribing containment requirements, laboratory safety requirements, and reporting procedures. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to control the conduct of recombinant DNA activities carried on outside of such licensed facilities prescribing containment and personnel safety requirements. Sets forth the procedure for the issuance of licenses to facilities to conduct recombinant DNA activity with respect to the authority of the Secretary and local biohazards committees to issue such licenses. Requires the Secretary to compile a list of recombinant DNA activities authorized by this Act, and to make such list available for public inspection. Prohibits the licensing of any facility unless a local biohazards committee has been established in accordance with this Act with jurisdiction over such facility. Authorizes such committees to issue licenses to certain facilities, and requires such committees to inspect and monitor recombinant DNA activities conducted in such facilities. Authorizes the inspection of facilities conducting recombinant DNA activities by inspectors designated by the Secretary. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Sets forth the procedure for disclosure of certain otherwise confidential data if the Secretary or committee determines that the release of such data is necessary to protect against an imminent, unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. Establishes the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary in promulgating regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Wildlife on Federal Lands Trapping Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue such regulations, relating to trapping, as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any type of trap unless such trap utilizes the most humane capture method available for the species concerned, and minimizes the probability of capturing species for which such trap was not intended. Directs the Secretary to undertake a research program to develop such types of traps. Establishes an advisory commission to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to traps designed or intended for use. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting trapping on Federal lands where such trapping may reduce any species below specified levels. Sets forth a procedure for the application and issuance of trapping permits. Requires the attachment of a shipping certificate to any package containing the fur, hide, skin, horn, or feathers of any mammal or bird captured by any trap within any State or the District of Columbia if such package is transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) engaging in trapping without a permit issued pursuant to this Act; (2) violating any condition of such permit; (3) violating any regulation of the Secretary relating to trapping; (4) selling or transporting in interstate commerce an unapproved trap; or (5) falsifying the shipping certificate. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States with respect to the imposition of trapping regulations consistent with those prescribed under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one-year review and evaluation of all available information respecting the toxicity and carcinogenicity of food additives. Directs that the study include: (1) information respecting the ability to predict the effect on humans of food additives found to cause cancer in animals; and (2) information regarding the desirability of weighing risk and benefits when making regulatory decisions respecting such additives. Requires the Institute to report the results of such evaluation to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Directs the Secretary to permit the continued use of saccharin as a food, food additive, drug, or cosmetic for the 18-month period following enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Urban Trees Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, on a matching basis, to the States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam in order to provide financial assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs. Defines "arboriculture" as the planting, growing, maintenance, and protection of trees and shrubs. Authorizes appropriations of up to $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out such grant program. Requires that grants under this Act be made in accordance with an urban arboriculture plan for the selection, planting, and maintenance of trees agreed upon in advance by the Secretary and the State forester or other appropriate official. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay (in addition to any already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, or to the surviving spouse of each such veteran, or when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
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 · 1 June 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Recombinant DNA Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to regulate recombinant DNA activities. Requires that all recombinant DNA activities conducted during the interim control period, which shall begin on the tenth day after the date of enactment of this Act, and end eighteen months after such date or on the date on which certain regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare take effect, whichever occurs first, be carried out in accordance with the physical and biological containment requirements in the recombinant DNA research guidelines of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare published on July 7, 1976. Requires that every individual or entity responsible for conducting any recombinant DNA activity on the date of enactment of this Act, or to be commenced during the interim control period, submit a report with respect to such activity to the Secretary. Requires each facility conducting any recombinant DNA activity to be licensed in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations with respect to the issuance of such licenses prescribing containment requirements, laboratory safety requirements, and reporting procedures. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to control the conduct of recombinant DNA activities carried on outside of such licensed facilities prescribing containment and personnel safety requirements. Sets forth the procedure for the issuance of licenses to facilities to conduct recombinant DNA activity with respect to the authority of the Secretary and local biohazards committees to issue such licenses. Requires the Secretary to compile a list of recombinant DNA activities authorized by this Act, and to make such list available for public inspection. Prohibits the licensing of any facility unless a local biohazards committee has been established in accordance with this Act with jurisdiction over such facility. Authorizes such committees to issue licenses to certain facilities, and requires such committees to inspect and monitor recombinant DNA activities conducted in such facilities. Authorizes the inspection of facilities conducting recombinant DNA activities by inspectors designated by the Secretary. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Sets forth the procedure for disclosure of certain otherwise confidential data if the Secretary or committee determines that the release of such data is necessary to protect against an imminent, unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. Establishes the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary in promulgating regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Act - Prohibits the development of hard mineral resources of the deep seabed by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States except: (1) as authorized pursuant to this Act: (2) as authorized under a license issued by a reciprocating foreign state: or (3) as authorized by international agreement. Authorizes the issuance of licenses by the Secretary of Commerce to develop deep seabed mineral resources, in accordance with prescribed conditions. Stipulates that licenses shall remain in force for ten years or as long as commercial recovery from the block of land mineral resources continues. Authorizes the Secretary to establish procedures for the issuance of licenses. Requires the establishment of objective environmental standards for operations licensed under this Act. Sets forth a table of minimum annual expenditures per licensed block until commercial recovery from such block is initiated. Requires notification by each licensee to the Secretary after completion of exploration activities prior to the granting of an authorization to the licensee to begin commercial recovery. Requires that such request be made no earlier than six months, and no later that three months, prior to the projected commencement of such activity. Withdraws the following areas from licensing: (1) areas relinquished by the applicant under a license issued under this Act within the prior three years; (2) areas subject to a prior application or outstanding license; and (3) areas which would increase the licensees' holding to more than 30 percent of the deep seabed in a 250-kilometer circular area. Requires that licensees relinquish 75 percent of any block within ten years of the license date. Requires compliance with subsequent international agreements which may supersede the requirements of this Act. Stipulates that licensees suffering a measurable economic loss as a result of any international agreement shall be entitled to compensation from the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to establish reasonable licensing fees, not to exceed $100,000. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have original jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act, without regard to diversity of citizenship or amounts involved. Imposes a civil penalty of $10,000 per day for violations of this Act. Imposes a criminal penalty of $25,000 per day for willful and knowing violation of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Medicare - Medicaid Administrative and Reimbursement Reform Act - Establishes a new method of reimbursement for routine operating costs for hospitals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Requires the establishment of a uniform accounting and cost allocation system for determining operating and capital costs of hospitals providing services. Requires the establishment of a system by which hospitals will be classified by such criteria as: (1) size; (2) type of hospitals (general, teaching, or specialized care); and (3) other criteria. Stipulates that the term "routine operating costs" does not include: (1) capital costs; (2) direct personnel and supply costs of hospital education and training programs; (3) costs of interns, residents, and non- administrative physicians; (4) energy costs associated with heating and cooling the hospital plant; and (5) malpractice insurance expense; or (6) ancillary service costs. Directs the Secretary of Health Education, and Welfare to determine annually for the hospitals classified in each category of the hospital classification system established by this Act, an average per diem routine operating cost amount for use in determining the reasonable cost of that portion of the hospital's costs which consist of routine operating costs. Provides for the periodic increase during the year of the routine operating cost as determined pursuant to this Act to reflect increases in the cost of services which are attributable to inflation. Provides for the adjustment of the routine operating cost of a hospital to reflect higher costs to such hospital of a case mix which requires a greater intensity of care than that for other hospitals in the same classification. Directs the Secretary to establish a five-member Hospital Transitional Allowance Board to act on the applications of hospitals for reimbursement of expenses incurred in the retirement or conversion of underutilized facilities. Requires that such conversion promote efficient and economical delivery of services covered by the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Establishes a plan for the reimbursement of physicians under which participating doctors of medicine or osteopathy would accept the assignment of patients' claims for reimbursement under the Medicare program. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting the payment of such assigned claims to physicians. Promulgates an incentive payment to encourage physicians to participate in the program of assignment of claims. Sets forth criteria for determining the reasonable charge which may be made for physicians' services, and medical services, supplies and equipment under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Sets forth the conditions under which anesthesiologist, pathologists, and radiologists may be paid under the Medicare and Medicaid programs for patient care services. Authorizes payment, under the Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits program of Medicare, for antigens prepared by an allergist for a particular patient. Permits the Secretary to make agreements with the States under which the services of a State health agency will be utilized for the purpose of determining whether an institution in such State qualifies as a skilled nursing facility for purposes of the Medicaid program. Combines Medicare, Medicaid, Office of Long Term Care, and Bureau of Quality Assurance agencies into a single Administration for Health Care financing headed by an Assistant Secretary. Establishes specific performance criteria with respect to State administration of Medicaid. Terminates the Health Insurance Benefits Advisory Council. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit private regional pediatric respiratory centers affiliated with institutions in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory diseases in children and young adults and in providing health care services to children and young adults suffering from such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the making of such grants for fiscal year 1978 and the succeeding four fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water to meet present and projected future need. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of specified chemicals and compounds on the safety of drinking water, and means of removing, treating, or otherwise controlling contamination from such substances. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and to make grants to States or publicly owned water systems to assist in alleviating emergency situations respecting drinking water which may be anticipated to endanger public health.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1978. Sets forth the authorized end strength for active duty personnel and prescribes the average military student loads for the Coast Guard for such fiscal year. Stipulates that the obligated balances against appropriations for use by the Coast Guard for operation and maintenance and Reserve training purposes for the two preceeding fiscal years shall be merged with the current appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Child Health Assessment Act - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require State plans for the administration of such Title to include early, periodic screening or physical and and mental defects in children under the age of six who are members of families eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Establishes a Child Health Assessment Program under Medicaid. Requires State Medicaid plans to include child health assessments and primary care to specified individuals under the age of 21. Requires the State agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid plan to: (1) provide to specified individuals periodic health assessments; (2) provide a minimum range of diagnostic and treatment services; (3) be readily accessible on an ongoing basis; and (4) make required reports to the State or to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Allows an individual who has received a health assessment to remain eligible for all care and services provided under the State plan for six months after such individual's family has become ineligible for Medicaid or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Requires State medicaid plans to (1) encourage participation by physicians and health care centers in the child assessment program, and (2) assure the physicians and health care centers of the availability of appropriate support services. Fundings the program out of the sums appropriated for State Medicaid programs. Allows the Secretary to reduce, by 20 percent, a State's Medicaid funds if the State does not comply with standards promulgated for the Child Health Assessment Program. Allows the Secretary to make additional payments to States that have met the criteria for good performance of the States Child Health Assessment Program. Sets forth the criteria for determining good performance under such program. Repeals the previous provision of the Social Security Act relating to appropriations for Child Health Care Assessment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Hospital Cost Containment Act - Title I: Transitional Hospital Cost Constraint Provisions - States that it is the purpose of the program established by this title to constrain the rate of increases in total acute care hospital inpatient costs. States that the increase in total revenue which a hospital may receive in any accounting year in the form of: (1) reimbursement paid under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and by cost payers for inpatient services; and (2) charges imposed upon other persons for inpatient services, may not, on a per admission basis, exceed the average inpatient reimbursement due or inpatient charges imposed per inpatient admission in the base period by more than the percentage allowed under this Act. Sets forth formulas by which the limits of the increase in total revenue may be computed. Bases the "inpatient hospital revenue increase limit" on increase in the gross national product deflator. Excepts from such limits hospitals which are experiencing substantially higher costs as a result of extraordinary changes in patient loads or major changes in facilities and services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to promulgate inpatient hospital revenue increase limit applicable during a 12-month period beginning on October 1 of each year. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a formula for adjusting such revenue increase limit based on the number of admissions during a 12-month accounting period. Authorizes the Secretary to grant exceptions to the revenue increase limit during periods in which the excepted hospitals meet specified criteria. Permits any hospital which is dissatisfied by the decision of the Secretary to grant or not to if the amount in controversy is $25,000 or more, grant an exception, to obtain a hearing before the Provider Reimbursement Review Board established by the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint five additional members to such Board for the purpose of reviewing appeals under this title. Prohibits, under the Social Security Act, the payment of hospital costs in excess of the limits established pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the receipt by any hospital of payment by any cost payer for inpatient hospital services on a cost basis in excess of applicable limits. Subjects hospitals or cost payers in violation of these prohibitions to: (1) a Federal excise tax established by this Act; and (2) exclusion from participation in any of the programs established under the Medicaid, Medicare on Maternal and Child Health Services programs of the Social Security Act. Allows the Secretary to exclude from cost containment provisions: (1) hospitals meeting specified criteria, provided the Governor of the State in which such hospital is located requests such exclusion; and (2) hospitals engaged in certain experiments on demonstrations authorized by the Social Security Act. Requires every hospital to submit semiannually to the appropriate health systems agency, its average semiprivate room rate and the charges for the ten other representative services, most important for purposes of comparing hospitals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose an excise tax on payments received for inpatient hospital services in excess of the inpatient hospital revenue increase limit. Title II: Limitation on Hospital Capital Expenditures - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to promulgate: (1) an annual hospital capital expenditure limit; (2) a national ceiling for the supply of hospital beds; and (3) a national standard for the rate of occupancy of hospital beds. Sets forth the criteria to be considered by State health planning agencies when considering applications for certificates of need submitted by health facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of the three fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose known financial interests in persons subject to the Act or in applicants for financial assistance under the Act. Prohibits persons who are employees, officials, stockholders, or otherwise associated with major air pollution sources or their trade associations from serving as officers or employees of the Environmental Protection Agency or as public members of the National Commission on Air Quality. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such requirements. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources -Directs the Administrator to designate radioactive pollutants, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic organic matter as air pollutants to be regulated under the Act unless a finding is made that such substances will not contribute to air pollution likely to endanger public health. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide over a short-term period, absent a finding that such a standard is not required to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to revise and reissue criteria relating to short-term concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and related substances. Directs the Administrator to investigate the relationship between sulfates and public health and welfare. Redefines the term "air pollutant" to include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological substances. Revises the basis for air quality and emission control standards under the Act to regulate air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Directs the Administrator to prepare economic impact statements for various standards and regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Details information required to be included in such statements. Authorizes the Administrator or the States, subject to the approval of the Administrator, to issue delayed compliance orders to existing stationary sources unable to meet specified deadlines. Stipulates that such delayed compliance orders shall not result in postponement of original limitations for more than five years. Authorizes issuance of similar orders for primary nonferrous smelters. Stipulates that such orders may waive the requirement that continuous emission control systems be utilized in cases of economic hardship. Requires that primary nonferrous smelter orders not result in a postponement of applicable emission requirements beyond January 1, 1988. Requires sources subject to such orders to use the best practicable system of emission reduction. Authorizes the assessment of noncompliance penalties against stationary sources not in compliance with applicable emission limitations. Authorizes exemptions from such requirements based on energy requirements, demonstration of innovative technology, impossibility of compliance, or insignificance of the violation. Establishes criteria for determining the amount of such penalty, not to exceed $5,000 per day for each days' violation. Extends compliance dates for sources subject to coal conversion requirements in accordance with provisions of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974. Stipulates that compliance date extensions shall not be effective for sources in regions where national primary air quality standards are being violated as a result of the emissions of such sources. Stipulates that emission limitations under this Act shall require application of a system of continuous emission reduction, and that alteration of stack heights or other dispersion techniques shall not affect the degree of emission limitation required under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of the release of halocarbons and other substances on the stratosphere. Requires a National Academy of Sciences study and report on activities which may affect or modify the stratosphere or ozone in the stratosphere and on possible control methods. Directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a research and monitoring program to detect potentially harmful changes in the stratosphere. Directs the Administrator to regulate substances which may reasonably be anticipated to affect the stratosphere. Requires States to submit plans for prevention of significant deterioration of air quality in clean air regions, subject to approval by the Administrator. Establishes guidelines for classification of such regions. Imposes limitations on projected increases in ambient concentrations of pollutants for each class of such regions. Requires that new sources constructed in such regions acquire permits to be issued after public hearings and a finding that emissions from such facility will not contribute to air pollution in excess of the appropriate limits. Directs the Administrator to convene a conference on air quality monitoring every three years. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines to States with respect to monitoring and control of pollutants other than particulates and sulfur dioxide for purposes of prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality to conduct studies and investigations of specified air pollution issues. Authorizes the appropriations of $5,000,000 for such Commission studies. Directs the Administrator to provide training assistance to qualified personnel as part of the comprehensive research and development program established by the Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 per fiscal year for the three fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to periodically review air quality criteria published pursuant to the Act, with the assistance of recommendations from a seven-member independent scientific review committee. Revises procedures for establishment of new source performance standards to allow for greater input from States in the listing of categories of sources and pollutants for regulation under such provisions. Requires that alternative technological systems and technological innovations be considered where likely to result in equivalent reductions of emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to grant variances from new source standards for the use of technological innovations. Waives rights of governmental immunity in the case of Federal facilities subject to air pollution control requirements. Stipulates that nothing in the Act shall be construed as restricting States, localities, and interstate entities from seeking judicial relief against Federal instrumentalities under State or local air pollution laws. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement that State air pollution control agencies maintain previous levels of spending as a condition of receiving Federal aid where appropriate. Authorizes temporary emergency suspensions from clean air standards for economic or energy- related emergencies of a short-term nature. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations to prevent visibility impairment in clean air regions. Title II: Amendments Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Directs the Administrator to study, with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences, the necessity for indirect source controls to meet the objectives of the Act. Imposes limitations on the use of indirect source controls unless necessary to meet national primary ambient air quality standards for mobile source-related pollutants. Defines the term "indirect source" to include various facilities which may attract mobile sources of air pollution. Authorizes the Administrator to grant extensions of compliance dates for State transportation control plans in accordance with prescribed criteria. Revises emission standards for light duty motor vehicles to extend for three years from model year 1977 to 1980 the compliance date for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon standards. Imposes interim standards of 1.5 grams per mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per mile for carbon monoxide for model years 1977 thorough 1979. Extends the compliance date for nitrogen oxides standards for such vehicles from model year 1978 to 1981. Extends the 2.0 gram per mile interim standard for nitrogen oxides through model year 1980. Authorizes annual suspensions of emission standards for any model year before 1985 by the Administrator if prescribed criteria are met. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of emission of sulfuric acid mist and other unregulated pollutants from motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to limit emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured after model year 1979. Requires continuing studies on the effects of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator to study the possibility of increased use of cost-effectiveness analyses in order to achieve clean air objectives. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of particulate emissions from mobile sources. Requires that motor vehicle emission control regulations provide for nonconformance penalties to be assessed against manufacturers where vehicles fail to meet required standards. Stipulates that air craft emission regulations issued under this Act may be disapproved by the Secretary of Transportation if found to create a hazard to aircraft safety. Requires that motor vehicle emission control systems used to meet air pollution control requirements shall not contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety. Requires that State implementation plans provide for annual inspection and maintenance of light- duty vehicles in regions where transportation control measures are applicable. Stipulates that requirements imposed in such testing and inspection program shall be no less stringent than those in effect in New Jersey on the date of enactment of this provision. Revises requirements imposed upon motor vehicle manufactures with respect to warranties applicable to vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study the impact on competition of various warranties imposed by this Act with respect to such emission control systems. Imposes civil penalties for violations of antitampering provisions of the Act. Stipulates that the cost of emission control for vapor recovery with respect to mobile source fuels shall be borne by owners of retail outlets. Exempts independent small business marketers from such requirements for a two-year period, pending results from a Federal Trade Commission Study on the effects of such requirements on small business marketers. Establishes procedures to allow the Administrator to disapprove instructions for high altitude adjustments of motor vehicles where emission control performance resulting from such adjustments is inadequate. Requires that the Administrator prescribe fill pipe standards in conjunction with any vapor recovery regulations issued under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study onboard hydrocarbon control technology and carbon monoxide intrusion into sustained-use motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations governing the testing of fuels and fuel additives. Authorizes States to adopt and enforce more stringent motor vehicle emission control standards. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Authorizes States to redesignate air quality control regions. Requires the approval of the Administrator and the consent of affected States where emissions from such region may significantly affect another State. Requires State implementation plans to establish procedures for adequate consultation with local and regional governmental entities. Authorizes delegation of functions to units of local government by the Administrator under applicable implementation plan provisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct continuing evaluations of potential shifts or losses of unemployment which may be caused by air pollution control measures. Requires investigations of such specific instances upon written requests to the Administrator by affected employees. Establishes additional procedures for promulgation of rules and regulations under the Act. Establishes guidelines for judicial review of administrative actions under the Act. Prohibits discharge or discrimination against employees who participate in proceedings under the Act. Requires the Administrator to consult with State agencies prior to inspection and monitoring of stationary sources, except where the Administrator has reason to believe that information contained in such notice may be used to inform the stationary source about such proposed action. Requires consultation with States and localities prior to Federal actions to alleviate air pollution emergencies. Imposes criminal penalties of up to $5,000 per day for willful violations of such emergency orders. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures for abatement of interstate air pollution. Establishes a Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease to coordinate research control efforts with respect to human cancer and heart and lung disease that is associated with environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences, to study the problems associated with fine particulate matter. Directs the Administrator to establish a uniform, nation-wide air quality monitoring system. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to assess the feasibility of utilizing economic measures to supplement or replace regulatory controls imposed by the Act. Requires that State implementation plans prohibit sources utilizing intermittent control systems to meet delayed compliance interim requirements from temporarily reducing the pay of any employee as result of the use of such system. Establishes procedures for Congressional review and disapproval of regulations prescribed by the Administrator under the Act. Directs the Administrator to make recommendations for simplification of administration of the Act. Requires State implementational plans to prohibit conflicts of interest in State regulatory agencies in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Administrator. Requires that such regulations provide for (1) disclosure of known financial interests and (2) prohibitions against employees, officials, stockholders, or persons otherwise associated with major air pollution sources or their trade associations from serving as officers or employees of State or local air pollution control regulatory authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards for clinical laboratories in certain instances. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to such standards. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which laboratories perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has equally stringent standards in effect. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States enforcement of standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and the coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories which shall: (1) establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid, or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years for such offenses. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs with persons who provide clinical laboratory services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Recombinant DNA Regulation Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate standards applicable to the production or possession of recombinant DNA. Requires the issuance of final standards within one year of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue or renew a license for a facility to permit the production or possession of recombinant DNA at that facility only if the facility complies with the standards promulgated under this Act and such ancillary conditions as he may prescribe. States that such license shall be valid for up to three years. Allows the Secretary to permit an appropriate State, local agency, or a licensing or accrediting body to issue and renew such licenses. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke, suspend, or limit a license if he finds that a facility has violated or aided and abetted in the violation of any requirement established under this Act. Directs the Secretary to register any project involving recombinant DNA. Authorizes individuals designated by the Secretary to inspect any facility at which the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that recombinant DNA is present or is being produced. Requires the inspector after completion of the inspection, to report his findings in writing to the individual in charge of the facility. Requires each facility at which Recombinant DNA is produced or located to submit to the Secretary such reports concerning recombinant DNA at that facility as the Secretary may prescribe. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, any State or political subdivision thereof from establishing or continuing any requirement with respect to recombinant DNA activities that is different from any requirement applicable under this Act. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against any employee with respect to the employee's compensation terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee assisted or is about to participate in any manner in a proceeding to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate employee complaints of discrimination. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to consult with the Administrators of other agencies to avoid duplication of requirements and about other matters which may be of mutual interest. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for a violation of this Act. Establishes a penalty for willful or knowing violation of this Act of a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Punishes by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year a willful violation of any provision of this Act. Allows the Secretary to commence a civil action in an appropriate district court for the seizure or destruction of hazardous recombinant DNA or for other appropriate relief to prevent its production, movement, or spread.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to extend through fiscal year 1979, for Federal aid to State public water system supervision programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend appropriations for the rural water survey through fiscal year 1979. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water. Directs the Administrator to provide training for personnel of State and local agencies which have primary enforcement responsibility of public water systems. Allows the Administrator, under specified conditions, to make a grant to a State that has not assumed primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems within the State. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Directs the Administrator to prepare and make reasonably available to the public, an economic assessment statement before publication of notice of proposed rulemaking respecting the safety of public water systems.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to extend through fiscal year 1979, for Federal aid to State public water system supervision programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend appropriations for the rural water survey through fiscal year 1979. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water. Directs the Administrator to provide training for personnel of State and local agencies which have primary enforcement responsibility of public water systems. Allows the Administrator, under specified conditions, to make a grant to a State that has not assumed primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems within the State. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Directs the Administrator to prepare and make reasonably available to the public, an economic assessment statement before publication of notice of proposed rulemaking respecting the safety of public water systems.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to extend for three years the authorization for appropriations for the Department of Justice to carry out the control and enforcement provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agent does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agent for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public entity) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes, or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act or a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Makes review and certification requirements of the Social Security Act inapplicable to providers, suppliers, and practitioners being reviewed by any Professional Standards Review Organization designated by the Secretary to be competent to perform review responsibilities. Directs the Secretary to give priority to requests by Professional Standards Review Organizations for review responsibility with respect to services furnished in shared health facilities. States that where a Professional Standards Review Organization has been found competent by the Secretary to assume review responsibility with respect to specified types of health services, such reviews shall constitute the conclusive determination on those issues for purposes of payment under the Social Security Act. Requires professional Standards Review Organizations to provide data and information to assist Federal and State agencies having responsibility for identifying and investigating cases or patterns of fraud or abuse, and to assist the Secretary in carrying out appropriate health care planning and related activities. Requires the Secretary to make payment to qualified Professional Standards Review Organizations in an amount equal to the reasonable amount of the expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any suit, action, or proceeding brought against such organization, member, employee, or person related to the performance of any duty or function of such organization. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report on the administration, impact, and cost of the program during the preceding fiscal year. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue supoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in, or certification or recertification under, the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency, and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish by regulation a uniform functional accounting system and statistical system for the purpose of calculating the reasonable cost of services provided by health services institutions. Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require providers of services to use such uniform accounting and statistical systems in determining the cost of services provided under the provisions of such Titles.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Repeals the provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 permitting automatic cost-of-living adjustments in the salaries of Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Biomedical Research Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 the assistance programs for: medical libraries; cancer control programs; the National Cancer Institute; heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood disease prevention and treatment programs; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and the National Research Service awards. Allows an increase in payments made under this Act to national cancer research and demonstration and national heart research centers and demonstration centers in any fiscal year in which there is an increase in the cost of such centers as reflected in the Consumer Price Index. Appoints the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council and removes the Director of the National Science Foundation from such Council. Reduces from five to three the number of years that a national research and demonstration center for heart, blood vessel, lung and blood diseases may receive support and extensions of support under the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Health Services Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for grants to: (1) States for comprehensive public health services; (2) hypertension programs; (3) planning, development and operation of migrant health centers; (4) planning, development and operation of community health centers; (5) training and research of family planning projects; (6) infant sudden death syndrome programs; (7) hemophilia programs; and (8) blood separation centers. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to take into account unusual local conditions which are a barrier to access to personal health services when defining a medically underserved population. Authorizes the Administrator of the National Credit Union Administration to make insured loans to eligible students. Changes the definition of eligible institution for the purpose of student assistant programs to mean a school of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine, or public health within the United States that received a grant, or that the Secretary determines met the requirements for a grant for the preceding fiscal year. Extends to all educational loans obtained by an individual for costs at a school of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, or podiatry the program of loan forgiveness by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under specific employment agreements. Includes tuition and fees in traineeship awards made to students in schools of public health. Requires a school of medicine to reserve positions in the school year for students transferring from foreign schools of medicine. Directs the Secretary to identify those students who were enrolled either in foreign medical schools or in schools in the United States which prepare a student for entrance into the third year of medical school in the United States, and who passed part I of the National Board of Medical Examiners' examination. Directs the Secretary to apportion positions among schools of medicine in the United States to accommodate such students. Requires each area health center to provide a medical residency training program in general internal medicine, family medicine, or general pediatrics. Directs that grants for training in emergency medicine include the cost of graduate medical education traineeships for individuals who intend to specialize in the practice of emergency medicine. Directs that grants be made and contracts entered into for the improvement of programs of recruitment, training, and retraining of allied health personnel. Includes all public or nonprofit private entities capable of carrying out allied health special projects in the definition of entities eligible for grants for such projects. Establishes an Indian Health Scholarship Program under the national Health Service Corps Scholarship program. Directs the Secretary to make computations for certain nursing school programs based on the school year during which grants were applied. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 appropriations for: (1) planning and operation of community health centers; and (2) the National Center for Prevention and control of Rape. Increases from two to three the number of grants that a community mental health center is authorized to receive under sections of law in effect prior to the 1975 amendments to this Act without meeting the new requirements of this Act. Amends the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for maternal and child health and crippled children's services for fiscal year 1978, and for each fiscal year thereafter. Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1972 to extend, through fiscal year 1980, the authority of the Secretary to pay States under the Medicaid program for the compensation or training of inspectors of long term care facilities. Authorizes appropriations for home health services and home health services training under the Social Security Act for fiscal year 1978. Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 to authorize State plans required to be submitted under that Act to contain provisions relating to drug abuse or mental health. Amends the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to require that the Director of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy not be an employee of any department or agency of the United States engaged in any drug traffic prevention function. Amends the Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 to permit individuals who received scholarships under the Public Health and National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program before September 30,1977, to use periods of residency or internship served in a facility of the Public Health Service to satisfy obligations incurred under that Program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for: health systems agencies; State health planning and development agencies; centers for health planning; construction of State medical facilities; area health services development; health services, research, evaluation, and demonstration activities supported by such Act; and the National Center for Health Statistics. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement to a State for Medicaid expenditures unless services were provided by an entity which: (1) is a health maintenance organization; and (2) less than one-half of the membership consists of individuals who are recipients of Medicaid or Medicare. Extends to September 30, 1977, the authorizations of appropriations for grants to health maintenance organizations. Authorizes assistance to public entities desiring to be designated as health systems agencies. Includes as gross income, for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, any interest paid on a loan to a State for medical facilities after such facilities are sold by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Recombinant DNA Research Act - Amends Title IV (National Research Institutes), of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to regulate research with regard to recombinant DNA. Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations to implement the license requirements of this Act. Stipulates that such regulations shall: (1) prescribe physical and biological containment requirements for recombinant DNA research projects; (2) prescribe requirements respecting laboratory safety techniques to be followed by personnel involved in recombinant DNA research projects; (3) prescribe requirements respecting the establishment and operation of institutional review committees for recombinant DNA research; and (4) prescribe requirements respecting reports to be made by persons engaged in recombinant DNA projects. Prohibits anyone from engaging in a recombinant DNA research project 180 days after enactment of this Act unless such person holds a license to engage in such research or is under the direct supervisions of a person holding such a license. Prescribes the terms and conditions that an application for such a license and the license issued by the Secretary shall contain. States that such license shall be valid for up to 24 months and may be reviewed. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a detailed description of the research project for which the license was issued or renewed. Directs the Secretary to designate not more than ten centers for the conduct of research projects involving recombinant DNA which require the highest level of physical containment measures. Requires the Secretary to prescribe the information that an application for designation as a research center shall contain. Allows the Secretary to make grants to designated nonprofit private centers to enable such centers to meet the cost of complying with requirements for designation as a maximum containment research center. Authorizes agents designated by the Secretary to inspect any laboratory in a State in which recombinant DNA research is being conducted. Stipulates that such agents are not required to obtain a search warrant from any judicial officer prior to the inspection. Directs the inspector prior to leasing the premises to give the individual in charge of the laboratory a preliminary report indicating any violations of the licensing requirements. Requires the inspector to send a final written report to the agent in charge of the laboratory within 30 days of the completion of the inspection. Authorizes the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, to revoke the license of a person who has violated the terms and conditions of such license or has failed or refused to permit an authorized inspection. Makes any person violating such licensing requirements liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Allows a person who is aggrieved by an order of the Secretary assessing a civil penalty, to file a petition for judicial review with the circuit court in which such person resides or transacts business. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, any State or political subdivision thereof from establishing or continuing any requirement with respect to recombinant DNA research projects which is different from requirements established by the Secretary. Establishes the Recombinant DNA Research Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary related to the effective administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of the three fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose known financial interests in persons subject to the Act or in applicants for financial assistance under the Act. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources -Directs the Administrator to designate radioactive pollutants, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic organic matter as air pollutants to be regulated under the Act unless a finding is made that such substances will not contribute to air pollution likely to endanger public health. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide over a short-term period, absent a finding that such a standard is not required to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to revise and reissue criteria relating to short-term concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and related substances. Directs the Administrator to investigate the relationship between sulfates and public health and welfare. Redefines the term "air pollutant" to include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological substances. Revises the basis for air quality and emission control standards under the Act to regulate air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Directs the Administrator to prepare economic impact statements for various standards and regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Details information required to be included in such statements. Authorizes the Administrator or the States, subject to the approval of the Administrator, to issue delayed compliance orders to existing stationary sources unable to meet specified deadlines. Stipulates that such delayed compliance orders shall not result in postponement of original limitations for more than five years. Requires sources subject to such orders to use the best practicable system of emission reduction. Authorizes the assessment of noncompliance penalties against stationary sources not in compliance with applicable emission limitations. Authorizes exemptions from such requirements based on energy requirements, demonstration of innovative technology, impossibility of compliance, or insignificance of the violation. Establishes criteria for determining the amount of such penalty, not to exceed $5,000 per day for each day's violation. Extends compliance dates for sources subject to coal conversion requirements in accordance with provisions of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974. Stipulates that compliance date extensions shall not be effective for sources in regions where national primary air quality standards are being violated as a result of the emission of such sources. Stipulates that emission limitations under this Act shall require application of a system of continuous emission reduction, and that alteration of stack heights or other dispersion techniques shall not affect the degree of emission limitation required under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of the release of halocarbons and other substances on the stratosphere. Requires a National Academy of Sciences study and report on activities which may affect or modify the stratosphere or ozone in the stratosphere and on possible control methods. Directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a research and monitoring program to detect potentially harmful changes in the stratosphere. Directs the Administrator to regulate substances which may reasonably be anticipated to affect the stratosphere. Requires States to submit plans for prevention of significant deterioration of air regions, subject to approval by the Administrator. Establishes guidelines for classification of such regions. Imposes limitations on projected increases in ambient concentrations of pollutants for each class of such regions. Requires that new sources constructed in such regions acquire permits to be issued after public hearings and a finding that emissions from such facility will not contribute to air pollution in excess of the appropriate limits. Directs the Administrator to convene a conference on air quality monitoring every three years. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines to States with respect to monitoring and control of pollutants other than particulates and sulfur dioxide for purposes of prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality to conduct studies and investigations of specified air pollution issues. Authorizes the appropriation of $17,000,000 for such Commission studies. Directs the Administrator to provide training assistance to qualified personnel as part of the comprehensive research and development program established by the Act. Directs the Administrator to periodically review air quality criteria published pursuant to the Act, with the assistance of recommendations from a seven-member independent scientific review committee. Revises procedures for establishment of new source performance standards to allow for greater input from States in the listing of categories of sources and pollutants for regulation under such provisions. Requires that alternative technological systems and technological innovations be considered where likely to result in equivalent reductions of emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to grant variances from new source standards for the use of technological innovations. Waives rights of governmental immunity in the case of Federal facilities subject to air pollution control requirements. Stipulates that nothing in the Act shall be construed as restricting States, localities, and interstate entities from seeking judicial relief against Federal instrumentalities under State or local air pollution laws. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement that State air pollution control agencies maintain previous levels of spending as a condition of receiving Federal aid where appropriate. Authorizes temporary emergency suspensions from clean air standards for economic or energy-related emergencies of a short-term nature. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations to prevent visibility impairment in clean air regions. Title II: Amendments Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Directs the Administrator to study, with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences, the necessity for indirect source controls to meet the objectives of the Act. Imposes limitations on the use of indirect source controls unless necessary to meet national primary ambient air quality standards for mobile source-related pollutants. Defines the term "indirect source" to include various facilities which may attract mobile sources of air pollution. Authorizes the Administrator to grant extensions of compliance dates for State transportation control plans in accordance with prescribed criteria. Revises emission standards for light duty motor vehicles to extend for three years from model year 1977 to 1980 the compliance date for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon standards. Imposes interim standards of 1.5 grams per mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per mile for carbon monoxide for model years 1977 through 1979. Extends the compliance date for nitrogen oxides standards for such vehicles from model year 1978 to 1981. Extends the 2.0 gram per mile interim standard for nitrogen oxides through model year 1980. Authorizes annual suspensions of emission standards for any model year before 1985 by the Administrator if prescribed criteria are met. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of emission of sulfuric acid mist and other unregulated pollutants from motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to limit emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured after model year 1979. Requires continuing studies on the effects of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator to study the possibility of increased use of cost-effectiveness analyses in order to achieve clean air objectives. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of particulate emissions from mobile sources. Requires that motor vehicle emission control regulations provide for nonconformance penalties to be assessed against manufacturers where vehicles fail to meet required standards. Stipulates that aircraft emission regulations issued under this Act may be disapproved by the Secretary of Transportation if found to create a hazard to aircraft safety. Requires that motor vehicle emission control systems used to meet air pollution control requirements not contribute an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare,or safety. Requires that State implementation plans provide for annual inspection and maintenance of light-duty vehicles in regions where transportation control measures are applicable. Stipulates that the cost of emission control for vapor recovery with respect to mobile source fuels shall be borne by owners of retail outlets. Exempts independent small business marketers from such requirements for a two-year period, pending results from a Federal Trade Commission Study on the effects of such requirements on small business marketers. Establishes procedures to allow the Administrator to disapprove instructions for high altitude adjustments of motor vehicles where emission control performance resulting from such adjustments is inadequate. Requires that the Administrator prescribe fill pipe standards in conjunction with any vapor recovery regulations issued under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study onboard hydrocarbon control technological and carbon monoxide intrusion into sustained-use motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations governing the testing of fuels and fuel additives. Authorizes States to adopt and enforce more stringent motor vehicle emission control standards. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Authorizes States to redesignate air quality control regions. Requires the approval of the Administrator and the consent of affected States where emissions from such region may significantly affect another State. Requires State implementation plans to establish procedures for adequate consultation with local and regional governmental entities. Authorizes delegation of functions to units of local government by the Administrator under applicable implementation plan provisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct continuing evaluations of potential shifts or losses of unemployment which may be caused by air pollution control measures. Requires investigation of such specific instances upon written request to the Administrator by affected employees. Establishes additional procedures for promulgation of rules and regulations under the Act. Establishes guideline for judicial review of administrative actions under the Act. Prohibits discharge or discrimination against employees who participate in proceedings under the Act. Requires the Administrator to consult with State agencies prior to inspection and monitoring of stationary sources, except where the Administrator has reason to believe that information contained in such notice may be used to inform the stationary source about such proposed action. Requires consultation with States and localities prior to Federal actions to alleviate air pollution emergencies. Imposes criminal penalties of up to $5,000 per day for willful violation of such emergency orders. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures for abatement of interstate air pollution. Establishes a Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease to coordinate research and control efforts with respect to human cancer and heart and lung disease that is associated with environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences, to study the problems associated with fine particulate matter. Directs the Administrator to establish a uniform, nation-wide air quality monitoring system. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to assess the feasibility of utilizing economic measures to supplement or replace regulatory controls imposed by the Act. Requires that State implementation plans prohibit sources utilizing intermittent control systems to meet delayed compliance interim requirements from temporarily reducing the pay of any employee as result of the use of such system. Establishes procedures for Congressional review and disapproval of regulations prescribed by the Administrator under the Act. Directs the Administrator to make recommendations for simplification of administration of the Act. Requires State implementation plans to prohibit conflicts of interest in State regulatory agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Recombinant DNA Research Act - Amends Title IV (National Research Institutes), of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to regulate research with regard to recombinant DNA. Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations to implement the license requirements of this Act. Stipulates that such regulations shall: (1) prescribe physical and biological containment requirements for recombinant DNA research projects; (2) prescribe requirements respecting laboratory safety techniques to be followed by personnel involved in recombinant DNA research projects; (3) prescribe requirements respecting the establishment and operation of institutional review committees for recombinant DNA research; and (4) prescribe requirements respecting reports to be made by persons engaged in recombinant DNA projects. Prohibits anyone from engaging in a recombinant DNA research project 180 days after enactment of this Act unless such person holds a license to engage in such research or is under the direct supervisions of a person holding such a license. Prescribes the terms and conditions that an application for such a license and the license issued by the Secretary shall contain. States that such license shall be valid for up to 24 months and may be reviewed. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a detailed description of the research project for which the license was issued or renewed. Directs the Secretary to designate not more than ten centers for the conduct of research projects involving recombinant DNA which require the highest level of physical containment measures. Requires the Secretary to prescribe the information that an application for designation as a research center shall contain. Allows the Secretary to make grants to designated nonprofit private centers to enable such centers to meet the cost of complying with requirements for designation as a maximum containment research center. Authorizes agents designated by the Secretary to inspect any laboratory in a State in which recombinant DNA research is being conducted. Stipulates that such agents are not required to obtain a search warrant from any judicial officer prior to the inspection. Directs the inspector prior to leasing the premises to give the individual in charge of the laboratory a preliminary report indicating any violations of the licensing requirements. Requires the inspector to send a final written report to the agent in charge of the laboratory within 30 days of the completion of the inspection. Authorizes the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, to revoke the license of a person who has violated the terms and conditions of such license or has failed or refused to permit an authorized inspection. Makes any person violating such licensing requirements liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Allows a person who is aggrieved by an order of the Secretary assessing a civil penalty, to file a petition for judicial review with the circuit court in which such person resides or transacts business. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, any State or political subdivision thereof from establishing or continuing any requirement with respect to recombinant DNA research projects which is different from requirements established by the Secretary. Establishes the Recombinant DNA Research Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary related to the effective administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Act - Prohibits the development of hard mineral resources of the deep seabed by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States except: (1) as authorized pursuant to this Act: (2) as authorized under a license issued by a reciprocating foreign state: or (3) as authorized by international agreement. Authorizes the issuance of licenses by the Secretary of Commerce to develop deep seabed mineral resources, in accordance with prescribed conditions. Stipulates that licenses shall remain in force for ten years or as long as commercial recovery from the block of land mineral resources continues. Authorizes the Secretary to establish procedures for the issuance of licenses. Requires the establishment of objective environmental standards for operations licensed under this Act. Sets forth a table of minimum annual expenditures per licensed block until commercial recovery from such block is initiated. Requires notification by each licensee to the Secretary after completion of exploration activities prior to the granting of an authorization to the licensee to begin commercial recovery. Requires that such request be made no earlier than six months, and no later that three months, prior to the projected commencement of such activity. Withdraws the following areas from licensing: (1) areas relinquished by the applicant under a license issued under this Act within the prior three years; (2) areas subject to a prior application or outstanding license; and (3) areas which would increase the licensees' holding to more than 30 percent of the deep seabed in a 250-kilometer circular area. Requires that licensees relinquish 75 percent of any block within ten years of the license date. Requires compliance with subsequent international agreements which may supersede the requirements of this Act. Stipulates that licensees suffering a measurable economic loss as a result of any international agreement shall be entitled to compensation from the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to establish reasonable licensing fees, not to exceed $100,000. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have original jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act, without regard to diversity of citizenship or amounts involved. Imposes a civil penalty of $10,000 per day for violations of this Act. Imposes a criminal penalty of $25,000 per day for willful and knowing violation of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish by regulation a uniform functional accounting system and statistical system for the purpose of calculating the reasonable cost of services provided by health services institutions. Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require providers of services to use such uniform accounting and statistical systems in determining the cost of services provided under the provisions of such Titles.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of the three fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose known financial interests in persons subject to the Act or in applicants for financial assistance under the Act. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources - Directs the Administrator to designate radioactive pollutants, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic organic matter as air pollutants to be regulated under the Act unless a finding is made that such substances will not contribute to air pollution likely to endanger public health. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide over a short-term period, absent a finding that such a standard is not required to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to revise and reissue criteria relating to short-term concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and related substances. Directs the Administrator to investigate the relationship between sulfates and public health and welfare. Redefines the term "air pollutant" to include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological substances. Revises the basis for air qualify and emission control standards under the Act to regulate air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Directs the Administrator to prepare economic impact statements for various standards and regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Details information required to be included in such statements. Authorizes the Administrator or the States, subject to the approval of the Administrator, to issue delayed compliance orders to existing stationary sources unable to meet specified deadlines. Stipulates that such delayed compliance orders shall not result in postponement of original limitations for more than five years. Requires sources subject to such orders to use the best practicable system of emission reduction. Authorizes the assessment of noncompliance penalties against stationary sources not in compliance with applicable emission limitations. Authorizes exemptions from such requirements based on energy requirements, demonstration of innovative technology, impossibility of compliance, or insignificance of the violation. Establishes criteria for determining the amount of such penalty, not to exceed $5,000 per day for each day's violation. Extends compliance dates for sources subject to coal conversion requirements in accordance with provisions of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974. Stipulates that compliance date extensions shall not be effective for sources in regions where national primary air quality standards are being violated as a result of the emission of such sources. Stipulates that emission limitations under this Act shall require application of a system of continuous emission reduction, and that alteration of stack heights or other dispersion techniques shall not affect the degree of emission limitation required under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of the release of halocarbons and other substances on the stratosphere. Requires a National Academy of Sciences study and report on activities which may affect or modify the stratosphere or ozone in the stratosphere and on possible control methods. Directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a research and monitoring program to detect potentially harmful changes in the stratosphere. Directs the Administrator to regulate substances which may reasonably be anticipated to affect the stratosphere. Requires States to submit plans for prevention of significant deterioration of air regions, subject to approval by the Administrator. Establishes guidelines for classification of such regions. Imposes limitations on projected increases in ambient concentrations of pollutants for each class of such regions. Requires that new sources constructed in such regions acquire permits to be issued after public hearings and a finding that emissions from such facility will not contribute to air pollution in excess of the appropriate limits. Directs the Administrator to convene a conference on air quality monitoring every three years. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines to States with respect to monitoring and control of pollutants other than particulates and sulfur dioxide for purposes of prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality to conduct studies and investigations of specified air pollution issues. Authorizes the appropriation of $17,000,000 for such Commission studies. Directs the Administrator to provide training assistance to qualified personnel as part of the comprehensive research and development program established by the Act. Directs the Administrator to periodically review air quality criteria published pursuant to the Act, with the assistance of recommendations from a seven-member independent scientific review committee. Revises procedures for establishment of new source performance standards to allow for greater input from States in the listing of categories of sources and pollutants for regulation under such provisions. Requires that alternative technological systems and technological innovations be considered where likely to result in equivalent reductions of emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to grant variances from new source standards for the use of technological innovations. Waives rights of governmental immunity in the case of Federal facilities subject to air pollution control requirements. Stipulates that nothing in the Act shall be construed as restricting States, localities, and interstate entities from seeking judicial relief against Federal instrumentalities under State or local air pollution laws. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement that State air pollution control agencies maintain previous levels of spending as a condition of receiving Federal aid where appropriate. Authorizes temporary emergency suspensions from clean air standards for economic or energy-related emergencies of a short-term nature. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations to prevent visibility impairment in clean air regions. Title II: Amendments Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Directs the Administrator to study, with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences, the necessity for indirect source controls to meet the objectives of the Act. Imposes limitations on the use of indirect source controls unless necessary to meet national primary ambient air quality standards for mobile source-related pollutants. Defines the term "indirect source" to include various facilities which may attract mobile sources of air pollution. Authorizes the Administrator to grant extensions of compliance dates for State transportation control plans in accordance with prescribed criteria. Revises emission standards for light duty motor vehicles to extend for three years from model year 1977 to 1980 the compliance date for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon standards. Imposes interim standards of 1.5 grams per mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per mile for carbon monoxide for model years 1977 through 1979. Extends the compliance date for nitrogen oxides standards for such vehicles from model year 1978 to 1981. Extends the 2.0 gram per mile interim standard for nitrogen oxides through model year 1980. Authorizes annual suspensions of emission standards for any model year before 1985 by the Administrator if prescribed criteria are met. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of emission of sulfuric acid mist and other unregulated pollutants from motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to limit emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured after model year 1979. Requires continuing studies on the effects of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator to study the possibility of increased use of cost-effectiveness analyses in order to achieve clean air objectives. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of particulate emissions from mobile sources. Requires that motor vehicle emission control regulations provide for nonconformance penalties to be assessed against manufacturers where vehicles fail to meet required standards. Stipulates that aircraft emission regulations issued under this Act may be disapproved by the Secretary of Transportation if found to create a hazard to aircraft safety. Requires that motor vehicle emission control systems used to meet air pollution control requirements not contribute an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare,or safety. Requires that State implementation plans provide for annual inspection and maintenance of light-duty vehicles in regions where transportation control measures are applicable. Stipulates that the cost of emission control for vapor recovery with respect to mobile source fuels shall be borne by owners of retail outlets. Exempts independent small business marketers from such requirements for a two-year period, pending results from a Federal Trade Commission Study on the effects of such requirements on small business marketers. Establishes procedures to allow the Administrator to disapprove instructions for high altitude adjustments of motor vehicles where emission control performance resulting from such adjustments is inadequate. Requires that the Administrator prescribe fill pipe standards in conjunction with any vapor recovery regulations issued under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study onboard hydrocarbon control technology and carbon monoxide intrusion into sustained-use motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations governing the testing of fuels and fuel additives. Authorizes States to adopt and enforce more stringent motor vehicle emission control standards. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Authorizes States to redesignate air quality control regions. Requires the approval of the Administrator and the consent of affected States where emissions from such region may significantly affect another State. Requires State implementation plans to establish procedures for adequate consultation with local and regional governmental entities. Authorizes delegation of functions to units of local government by the Administrator under applicable implementation plan provisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct continuing evaluations of potential shifts or losses of unemployment which may be caused by air pollution control measures. Requires investigation of such specific instances upon written request to the Administrator by affected employees. Establishes additional procedures for promulgation of rules and regulations under the Act. Establishes guideline for judicial review of administrative actions under the Act. Prohibits discharge or discrimination against employees who participate in proceedings under the Act. Requires the Administrator to consult with State agencies prior to inspection and monitoring of stationary sources, except where the Administrator has reason to believe that information contained in such notice may be used to inform the stationary source about such proposed action. Requires consultation with States and localities prior to Federal actions to alleviate air pollution emergencies. Imposes criminal penalties of up to $5,000 per day for willful violation of such emergency orders. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures for abatement of interstate air pollution. Establishes a Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease to coordinate research and control efforts with respect to human cancer and heart and lung disease that is associated with environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences, to study the problems associated with fine particulate matter. Directs the Administrator to establish a uniform, nation-wide air quality monitoring system. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to assess the feasibility of utilizing economic measures to supplement or replace regulatory controls imposed by the Act. Requires that State implementation plans prohibit sources utilizing intermittent control systems to meet delayed compliance interim requirements from temporarily reducing the pay of any employee as result of the use of such system. Establishes procedures for Congressional review and disapproval of regulations prescribed by the Administrator under the Act. Directs the Administrator to make recommendations for simplification of administration of the Act. Requires State implementation plans to prohibit conflicts of interest in State regulatory agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agent does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agent for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public entity) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes, or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act or a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Makes review and certification requirements of the Social Security Act inapplicable to providers, suppliers, and practitioners being reviewed by any Professional Standards Review Organization designated by the Secretary to be competent to perform review responsibilities. Directs the Secretary to give priority to requests by Professional Standards Review Organizations for review responsibility with respect to services furnished in shared health facilities. States that where a Professional Standards Review Organization has been found competent by the Secretary to assume review responsibility with respect to specified types of health services, such reviews shall constitute the conclusive determination on those issues for purposes of payment under the Social Security Act. Requires professional Standards Review Organizations to provide data and information to assist Federal and State agencies having responsibility for identifying and investigating cases or patterns of fraud or abuse, and to assist the Secretary in carrying out appropriate health care planning and related activities. Requires the Secretary to make payment to qualified Professional Standards Review Organizations in an amount equal to the reasonable amount of the expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any suit, action, or proceeding brought against such organization, member, employee, or person related to the performance of any duty or function of such organization. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report on the administration, impact, and cost of the program during the preceding fiscal year. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue supoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in, or certification or recertification under, the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency, and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to provide that, if the delivery day for benefit checks under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefit checks for such month shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding such designated day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, without regard to whether the delivery of such checks is made in the same calendar month for which such benefit checks are issued.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares on a space-available basis for persons 60 years of age or older and for handicapped individuals and their attendants. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to conduct a study and to report to the Congress on the feasibility and economic impact on air carriers of providing such reduced rate transportation for persons 21 years of age or younger. Authorizes air carriers operating within the State of California pursuant to authority granted by the State public utilities commission or within the State of Florida pursuant to authority granted by the Public Service Commission and which operate aircraft capable of carrying 30 or more persons to enter into agreements with other air carriers to establish joint fares, rates and services. Specifies various methods for determining the lowest such joint fare or rate which may be established.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rogers, Paul G. [D-FL-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000401_200.jpg)