United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1994
Occupational Safety and Health Reform Act - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to set forth separate requirements for OSHA coverage of employing authorities and instrumentalities of the Congress. (Sec. 3) Requires the following criteria in development of OSHA standards: (1) significant risk; (2) feasibility; (3) reasonable cost-benefit relationship; (4) cost-effective and minimal job loss; and (5) where practicable, expressed in objective criteria and desired performance. Revises standard priorities based on toxicity and numbers exposed. Revises rulemaking procedures. Requires a regulatory flexibility analysis for each standard promulgated. (Sec. 4) Requires an annual report on the number and nature of complaints to which the Secretary does not respond under OSHA because another Federal or State agency has jurisdiction, with recommendations on achieving coordination. Provides that employee safety and health participation committees are not prohibited under the National Labor Relations Act or the Railway Labor Act. Provides a nondisclosure privilege for voluntary safety and health audits and reviews. (Sec. 5) Deems a variance to have been issued as of the date of the application filing, if the Secretary fails to act on the application within 180 days of the filing, unless such delay is caused by the applicant's action or inaction. (Sec. 6) Revises inspection provisions. Requires inspections to be conducted by at least one individual trained in and knowledgeable of the industry or the types of hazards. Provides for fire hazard inspection training and referral. Prohibits routine inspections of employers of ten or fewer employees if such employers are: (1) farming operations which do not maintain a temporary labor camp; or (2) in a category of employers having an occupational injury or a lost day rate which is less than the national average. Grants the Secretary discretion in determining which employer complaints must receive formal inspection responses. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to establish an office to promote, administer, and coordinate programs and activities for worksite-based incentives for voluntary compliance with OSHA. Directs the Secretary to establish a voluntary compliance program granting partial exemption from OSHA general inspections for employers who either retain certain consultation or certification programs or have an exemplary safety record and a safety and health program meeting specified criteria. Provides for reduction or suspension of penalties for program participants under certain conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for certification of safety and health consultants to conduct inspections under such program. Directs the Secretary to award special recognition to worksites, companies, and other organizations which have implemented particularly effective approaches to occupational safety and health, including those providing for effective employee involvement. Authorizes consultative services to employers under Federal-State cooperative agreements. Directs the Secretary to establish programs for education, training, and technical assistance for employers and employees to assist in providing safe and healthful workplaces and OSHA compliance. Requires that at least one-fourth of the annual appropriation to carry out OSHA be expended for such worksite-based incentives for voluntary compliance. (Sec. 8) Adds employer defenses of employee misconduct or alternative safer methods. (Sec. 9) Extends the period for employer contests of citations by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Requires deference to be given the Commission's reasonable conclusions with respect to questions of law. (Sec. 10) Revises procedures for discrimination protection for whistle-blowers under OSHA, including extending the time for filing complaints, and providing for reviews, appeals, and mediation. (Sec. 11) Revises enforcement, including special conditions and practices, a mandatory special emphasis program, and investigations of deaths and serious incidents. (Sec. 12) Revises penalties in general, and with respect to special assessments, citations, knowing violations, and victims' rights. (Sec. 13) Requires States to make their applicable labeling, content, and hazard information requirements identical to OSHA standards. Authorizes waivers to State safety and health programs. (Sec. 14) Repeals authority for the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), thus abolishing it. Transfers to the Secretary of Labor functions and authorities of NIOSH and of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under OSHA. (Sec. 15) Authorizes employers to establish alcohol and substance abuse testing programs where there is a reasonable probability that any employee's safety or health could be endangered because of use of alcohol or a controlled substance in the workplace. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for such programs. (Sec. 16) Directs the Secretary to contract with a qualified organization or agency to conduct studies of the effects and costs of OSHA standards. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1994
Entitlement Control Act of 1994 - Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report to the Congress on the direct spending targets for each of FY 1995 through 2000. Requires inclusion in such targets of all mandatory Federal spending except deposit insurance and net interest. (Sec. 4) Requires the OMB Director to establish direct spending limits (caps) for FY 1995 through 2000, allowing for growth each year to reflect the consumer price index, the number of beneficiaries, and an additional growth allowance of one percent per year through 1998. Requires further cap adjustments to reflect increased direct spending resulting from any health reform legislation. Requires the President's budget to reflect the same adjustments as OMB's. (Sec. 5) Requires the President's budget to include a proposal to offset any OMB-projected excess of the caps for each year. Authorizes the President to propose, with justification in writing, increases in cap levels to allow for all or part of such excess. (Sec. 6) Requires the Congress to: (1) pass a budget resolution including reconciliation instructions to offset any OMB-projected excess in entitlement spending for each fiscal year; or (2) increase the caps. Prescribes procedures for congressional consideration of such a budget resolution. (Sec. 7) Provides for expedited spin-off legislation, following passage of a budget resolution conference report, to allocate spending among the budget functions under the overall entitlement cap for a fiscal year, establishing individual caps for each budget function based on the budget resolution. Makes such caps binding in law when the President signs such spin-off legislation. (Sec. 8) Mandates separate sequestrations for any would-be excess direct spending in each budget function covered by enactment of a spin-off law. (Sec. 9) Mandates a comprehensive sequestration with across-the-board cuts in all entitlement programs to keep direct spending within the aggregate budget cap in any year when spin-off legislation is not enacted. (Sec. 10) Specifies programs and activities exempted from sequestration. (Sec. 11) Sets forth general and special sequestration rules. (Sec. 12) Sets forth deadlines for estimating assumptions, sequestration reports, and orders. (Sec. 13) Prescribes rules for determining the current policy baseline for sequestration reports. (Sec. 14) Declares that reductions in entitlement spending made to comply with budget caps shall not be entered on the paygo scorecard under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), except in certain circumstances. (Sec. 15) Provides for expedited judicial review of the constitutionality of this Act. (Sec. 16) Provides that certain House of Representatives rules changes enacted as part of the entitlement review process shall not be effective for FY 1995 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Grants to Encourage Establishment of Community Rural Health Networks Title II: Incentives for Health Professionals to Practice in Rural Areas Subtitle A: National Health Service Corps Program Subtitle B: Incentives Under Other Programs Title III: Assistance for Institutional Providers Subtitle A: Community and Migrant Health Centers Subtitle B: Emergency Medical Systems Subtitle C: Assistance to Rural Providers Under Medicare Subtitle D: Demonstration Projects to Encourage Primary Care and Rural-Based Graduate Medical Education Title IV: United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Title V: Hospital Antitrust Fairness Title VI: Financing Rural Health Delivery System Development Act of 1994 - Title I: Grant to Encourage Establishment of Community Rural Health Networks - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to an eligible State for the development of plans to increase access to health care services for residents of areas in the State designated as chronically underserved areas. Provides for technical assistance for entities establishing or enhancing a community rural health network in an underserved rural area. Provides financial assistance to entities to provide for the development and implementation of community rural health networks. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Incentives for Health Professionals to Practice in Rural Areas - Subtitle A: National Health Service Corps Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude National Health Service Corps Loan Repayments from gross income. (Sec. 202) Amends the Public Health Service Act to take into consideration, when designating an area as a health professional shortage area, the number of individuals in the area paying through Medicare or Medicaid, the number of individuals who are uninsured, and the number of physicians who will accept additional Medicare and Medicaid patients. (Sec. 203) Increases the authorization of appropriations for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs. Subtitle B: Incentives Under Other Programs - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide incentives under those Acts to physicians informer shortage areas and to primary care physicians, in addition to those provided in Subtitle A. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish a model law for adoption by States to increase the access of individuals residing in underserved rural areas to health care services by expanding the services which non-physician health care professionals may provide in such areas. Title III: Assistance for Institutional Providers - Subtitle A: Community and Migrant Health Centers - Extends and increases the authorizations of appropriations for migrant health centers and community health centers. Subtitle B: Emergency Medical Systems - Revises title XII (Trauma Care) of the Public Health Service Act. Renames such title Emergency Health Services. Directs the Secretary to establish the Office of Emergency Medical Services to: conduct and support research and demonstration projects; (2) foster development of appropriate modern systems of services; (3) assist States; and (4) coordinate and sponsor related activities. Requires that activities meet the unique needs of underserved innercity and rural areas. Authorizes grants to States in order to improve the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services. Authorizes appropriations for emergency medical services and trauma care. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to make grants to assist States in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatments for injuries resulting from such emergencies. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Assistance to Rural Providers Under Medicare - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) increase by two the number of States eligible to participate in the essential access community hospital program; and (2) make other revisions concerning such program, including permitting the participation of hospitals in urban areas and the participation of hospitals in States adjoining participating States. Extends, by three years, the deadline for the development of prospective payment systems for both inpatient and outpatient rural primary care hospital services. (Sec. 331) Defines a rural emergency access care hospital and rural emergency access care hospital services for purposes of title XVIII. Provides for the coverage of such services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII. Subtitle D: Demonstration Projects to Encourage Primary Care and Rural-Based Graduate Medical Education - Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct a demonstration project to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering nonprimary care practice. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: United States - Mexico Border Health Commission - Authorizes the President to conclude an agreement with Mexico to establish a binational commission known as the United-States-Mexico Border Health Commission which shall: (1) conduct a needs assessment in the United States-Mexico border area to identify, evaluate, prevent, and resolve health problems that affect the general population of the area; (2) implement actions recommended by the assessment; and (3) formulate recommendations concerning payment for such health care. Title V: Hospital Antitrust Fairness - Exempts the merger or attempted merger of hospitals from the application of the antitrust laws; if specified conditions are met, including that: (1)a hospital be located outside of a city or in a city of less than 150,000; and (2) consumer costs would not increase and access would not be reduced if there was a merger. Title VI: Financing - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax based on the Medicare part B premium for individuals with a modified adjusted gross income exceeding $100,000 or $125,000 in the case of a joint return.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1994
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to coordinate the development of an improved meat and poultry inspection program. Obligates funding for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Protection of Consumer Choice Title II: Certification of Managed Care Plans and Utilization Review Programs Title III: Choice Requirements for Point of Service Plans Title IV: Choice of Health Plans for Enrollment Patient Protection Act of 1994 - Title I: Protection of Consumer Choice - Declares that this Act shall not be construed as prohibiting either: (1) an individual from purchasing health care services with his own funds, whether such services are covered within the individual's standard benefit package or from another provider; or (2) an employer from providing benefit coverage in addition to the comprehensive benefit package. Title II: Certification of Managed Care Plans and Utilization Review Programs - Sets forth a certification scheme for managed care plans and for qualified utilization review programs. Title III: Choice Requirements for Point of Service Plans - Sets forth choice and payment disclosure requirements for point of service plans. Title IV: Choice of Health Plans for Enrollment - Requires each health benefit plan sponsor and each voluntary health insurance purchasing cooperative or sponsor to provide a choice among the health plans offered.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that for purposes of issuing final guidelines under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 relating to unlawful harassment in employment, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission should exclude harassment based on religion.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 3266 (providing for automatic downward adjustments in the discretionary spending limits for FY 1994).
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994
Designates September 16, 1994, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Requires the display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag at: (1) all national cemeteries and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 30, 1994 (Memorial Day), September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day), and November 11, 1994 (Veterans Day); and (2) the White House and the buildings containing the primary offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Selective Service System on September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day).
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994
National Community Service Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate students who volunteer to perform community service. Mandates that all surcharges received from such coin sales be paid to the National Community Service Trust to fund innovative community service programs at American universities, including the service, research, and teaching activities of the faculty and students involved in such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Elimination of Baseline Budgeting Title II: Changes in Discretionary Spending Limits Title III: Expedited Rescissions and Targeted Tax Benefits Title IV: Treatment of Emergency Spending Common Cents Budget Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Elimination of Baseline Budgeting - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) with respect to the baseline to remove requirements for inflation adjustments, except for purposes of adjusting discretionary spending limits. Removes the requirement that adjustments made for expiring housing contracts be sequential and cumulative. Requires the President's budget to include: (1) estimated expenditures and appropriations for the current year; (2) new budget authority in budget outlay comparisons; and (3) a certain comparison of levels of estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations that includes the proposed increase or decrease in spending in percentage terms. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make conforming changes to the development of the concurrent resolution on the budget. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to include in reports to budget committees certain current year comparisons and a table on sources of spending growth under current law in total mandatory spending for the budget year and the ensuing four fiscal years. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to report annually to the Congress on all programs and activities with permanent or indefinite spending authority or those programs for which budget authority is not provided for in advance by appropriation Acts. Title II: Changes in Discretionary Spending Limits - Reduces discretionary spending limits for new budget authority for any fiscal year by the amount in the Deficit Reduction Account. Requires each appropriation or rescission bill to contain a Deficit Reduction Account containing amounts resulting from reduced spending. Title III: Expedited Rescissions and Targeted Tax Benefits - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide for the expedited consideration of proposed rescissions of budget authority or repeals of targeted tax benefits. Title IV: Treatment of Emergency Spending - Limits emergency appropriations and legislation to the matter of emergency. Allows such a statute to contain other offsetting provisions that reduce spending or non-emergency appropriations for the designated emergency. Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill or joint resolution containing an emergency designation, if the legislation provides an appropriation for any other item or matter.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Construction Authorization Title II: Health Care Planning and Programs Title III: Medical Facilities Acquisition Title IV: State Home Program Title V: Miscellaneous Title I: Construction Authorization - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out the major medical facility (MMF) projects and leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for which funds are requested in the President's budget for FY 1995, with the exception of the construction of research additions at Huntington, West Virginia, and Portland, Oregon. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out additional MMF projects, in specified amounts, and additional MMF projects for which funds were appropriated in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1994. Authorizes FY 1995 appropriations for such purposes. Title II: Health Care Planning and Programs - Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe a specific, detailed statement of the mission of, and the clinical programs to be operated at, each Department health care facility; (2) review current Department health care missions; and (3) report on mission implementation timetables. (Sec. 202) Extends through FY 1997 (currently FY 1994) the pilot program for determining noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care. Extends eligibility for such pilot program to all veterans eligible for nursing home care. (Currently, there are further requirements of being treated for, or having a certain degree of, a service-connected disability.) Extends certain report deadlines under the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Pay Act of 1990. Title III: Medical Facilities Acquisition - Specifies additional information to be included within a prospectus of a proposed medical facility to be acquired by the Department for use in providing veterans' medical care. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to review the Department methodology for establishing the priority for major construction projects under consideration. Requires such methodology to be revised to give additional weight to projects intended to expand long-term care and ambulatory care programs. Requires a report. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to submit semiannually to the veterans' committees a report showing the current Department priorities for major medical construction projects, with the highest 20 projects specifically identified. (Sec. 304) Includes within the definition of a major medical facility project a project for providing additional ambulatory care involving a total expenditure of more than $5 million. Title IV: State Home Program - Directs the Secretary to pay to each State a per diem amount for each veteran receiving adult day health care in a State home if the veteran is eligible to receive such care in a Department facility. Provides the rate for such care and increases the per diem rate for domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care (currently authorized). (Sec. 402) Includes the construction of adult day health care facilities in the provision by the Department of financial assistance to States for the construction of medical facilities for veterans. Title V: Miscellaneous - Designates specified veterans' research advisory committees that the Secretary may not terminate unless determined to be no longer needed, with a 120-day prior notification of such a finding to the veterans' committees by way of a report. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the operation of child care centers at Department facilities. Provides a priority for such services to employees of the Department, followed by employees of other Federal departments and agencies. Allows the Secretary to provide child care services to members of the public when necessary to assure the center's financial success. Directs the Secretary to establish reasonable charges for such services with the proceeds to be used by such centers for staffing and other expenses. Outlines related authority of the Secretary with respect to establishing and operating such centers. (Sec. 503) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into contracts for the provision of utilities to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital in San Antonio, Texas; (2) during the period from February 28 through June 1, 1994, contract with facilities in the Republic of the Philippines other than the Veterans Memorial Medical Center to furnish hospital care and medical services to veterans for nonservice-connected disabilities if such veterans are unable to defray the cost of such care; and (3) undertake an administrative reorganization of the Department medical center in Sepulveda, California, without regard to a required waiting period.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
Requires the head of any Federal agency to differentiate between fats, oils, and greases of animal, marine, or vegetable origin, and other oils and greases in issuing certain regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Veterans' Persian Gulf War Benefits Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and expeditiously implement a uniform case assessment protocol that will ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from illnesses attributed to service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; (2) expedite efforts to develop case definitions or diagnoses for illnesses associated with such service; and (3) develop and implement a comprehensive outreach program to inform such veterans and their families of health-care services, including comprehensive medical evaluations, that may be available through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness that became manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within one year after completion of active duty in the Gulf War, with exceptions. Terminates compensation payments three years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) FY 1995 through 1997 for conducting research of the health risk and effects of service during the Gulf War and the treatment of such effects; and (2) FY 1995 for a survey of Persian Gulf veterans as to the incidence and nature of health problems occurring in such veterans and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Members of Congress should have the opportunity to offer, debate, and vote on an amendment striking any employer mandate in any legislation to reform our health care system.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1994 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to establish a registration renewal procedure. Requires active ingredients, for purposes of such procedure, to be classified as follows: (1) in group one if first contained in a pesticide initially registered before November 1, 1984; (2) in group two if first contained in a pesticide initially registered after October 31, 1984, but before this Act's enactment; or (3) in group three if first contained in a pesticide initially registered after this Act's enactment. (Sec. 2) Sets reapplication dates for active ingredients as follows: (1) 12-14 years after the issuance of a reregistration eligibility decision document for the active ingredient for those in group one; (2) ten to 13 years after this Act's enactment for those in group two; and (3) 12 years after the date of initial registration of a product containing the active ingredient for those in group three. Sets subsequent reapplication dates for active ingredients at 12 years after the preceding expiration date. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assess fees from registrants to cover costs associated with registration review. Permits the Administrator to cancel a registration for nonpayment. Establishes a registration renewal fund in the Treasury. Allows the continued use, distribution, or sale of existing stocks of an expired pesticide subject to conditions specified by the Administrator. (Sec. 3) Revises pesticide export provisions to prohibit the export of a pesticide that contains an active ingredient if virtually all uses of the active ingredient in the United States have been prohibited. Permits such exports where an export would be prohibited only because registration applications have been voluntarily withdrawn or cancelled by an applicant if the Administrator is unaware of any information indicating that use of the pesticide could pose adverse health or environmental risks. Authorizes such exports to a specified importing country if: (1) the pesticide is not subject to a prohibition for any human health related reason; and (2) the country has informed the Administrator that it wishes to import the pesticide and is aware that U.S. uses of the pesticide are prohibited. Requires the Administrator to prohibit, by order, persons from exporting a pesticide to a foreign country if such country has informed the Administrator or an international agency of which the United States is a member, that the country does not wish to import the pesticide and certifies that it: (1) is not producing or importing and will not produce or import the pesticide for use in the country; and (2) does not wish to import the pesticide because of human health or environmental concerns. Provides for withdrawal of such order if the country is not in compliance with such certification. Prohibits the export of a pesticide unless: (1) there is a tolerance or an exemption from certain tolerance requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) governing residues of each ingredient in the pesticide in at least one food; (2) there is a practical method for detecting residues in or on foods and the Administrator has an appropriately certified pesticide reference standard; or (3) the Administrator determines that the pesticide is not likely to be used in a manner resulting in residues in or on imported foods. Prohibits the export of a pesticide if any ingredient has not been and is not the subject of any registration unless the Administrator determines that: (1) for each active ingredient, there is a tolerance greater than zero or an exemption from the tolerance requirement under the FDCA; or (2) residues of the pesticide on food have been permitted or the pesticide has been approved for use in at least three countries that evaluate pesticides prior to marketing in accordance with internationally recognized scientific standards and on the basis of an independent scientific review of health and environmental risks; and (3) the country of import participates in the United Nations Environment Program-Food and Agriculture Organization system for exchange of information on pesticides in international trade. Permits persons to petition the Administrator to withdraw authorization to export such pesticides. Authorizes the Administrator to permit the export of a small quantity of a pesticide to a foreign country solely for research and development purposes, but not test marketing. Prohibits such export if the pesticide contains an active ingredient which has been prohibited for virtually all uses, with exceptions. Requires exporters, in the case of unregistered pesticides other than those containing active ingredients that are banned in the United States, to obtain signed statements from foreign purchasers acknowledging that they understand that the pesticide is not registered for use, and cannot be sold, in the United States. Prohibits the export of a pesticide or a device unless it complies with requirements of this Act and the label of the pesticide is written in an official language of the country of use and, to the extent not in conflict with the country's requirements, contains all health, safety, environmental, and other related information required to be included on labeling in the United States. Requires pesticide exporters to comply with the product stewardship provisions of the 1994 International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Permits the Administrator to prohibit noncomplying exporters from exporting for up to 180 days. Requires persons who distribute or sell pesticides for export to submit distribution or sale records to the Administrator as prescribed. Authorizes the assessment of fees on pesticide registrants to carry out export requirements and establishes a fund in the Treasury. Permits the Administrator to use a specified amount to provide countries technical assistance in certain pesticide safety, management, and training programs, alternative methods of pest control, and other related activities. Gives priority for assistance to developing countries that are major sources of food imported into the United States. Requires persons who export pesticides or produce pesticides for export to submit to the Administrator information regarding: (1) unreasonable environmental effects of the pesticides; and (2) the regulatory status of the pesticides in other countries that would affect exports. (Sec. 4) Revises the procedure for the cancellation, denial of registration, or change in the classification of pesticides. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator, by order and without a hearing, to cancel a pesticide registration or deny a registration application if the Administrator has revoked a tolerance regulation or denied a petition to establish a tolerance regulation for residues in or on food that could result from the use of the pesticide unless such use is unlikely to result in food that is adulterated. (Sec. 6) Revises procedures for suspension of pesticide registrations and removes certain provisions requiring hearings. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Administrator, if the risks associated with the use of a pesticide can be reduced by a change in the labeling, packaging, or composition of the pesticide, to issue a notice requiring registrants to make such change. Prohibits such change if it will prohibit or make uses of the pesticide economically unfeasible. Authorizes registrants to object to such changes and requires the Administrator to respond by withdrawing, modifying, or affirming the changes. Authorizes the Administrator to suspend a registration if a registrant fails to comply with a notice. Permits the continued sale or distribution of such pesticides for a limited period by persons other than the registrant. Authorizes the Administrator to require the recall of pesticides sold or distributed in violation of requirements. (Sec. 8) Requires the Administrator, if credible scientific evidence indicates that the use of a pesticide is likely to pose a significant risk to humans or the environment and additional information should be developed to reduce uncertainties regarding the risk, to restrict, reduce, or eliminate the use or production of the pesticide or evaluate other actions necessary to address the risk. (Sec. 9) Directs the Administrator to develop criteria for the designation of reduced risk pesticides. Permits registrants or registration applicants to request the Administrator to designate a pesticide as a reduced risk pesticide. Extends the period of exclusive use for data submitted to support the application for the original registration of a pesticide if the Administrator approves at least three minor uses of the pesticide or the pesticide has been designated as a reduced risk pesticide prior to the expiration of the period of exclusive use. Permits the Administrator to conditionally register a biological pesticide or a mixture of such pesticides not contained in any currently registered pesticide prior to the development of data necessary to determine whether a pesticide meets registration requirements. Conditions such registrations on a determination that use of the pesticide will not cause any adverse environmental effects and is in the public interest. Requires the Administrator to give priority to registration applications in the following order: (1) registration of pesticides that would meet pest control needs that are currently being addressed through emergency pesticide uses authorized under FIFRA (these uses exempt Federal or State agencies from requirements as dictated by emergency circumstances); (2) applications likely to reduce the risk of adverse environmental effects from the use of currently registered pesticides subject to cancellation proceedings; (3) applications for reduced risk pesticides; and (4) applications for minor use pesticides. Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture to review the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences' report, "Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children," and conduct surveys to document dietary exposure to pesticides among infants and children and perform other research as necessary to implement the recommendations. Revises provisions regarding pest control strategies to make it a goal to support research and development of methods that reduce health and environmental risks, including alternative pest control strategies. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator to implement a process for coordinating environmental risk reduction through identification of pesticides that pose significant risks and for which development of use reduction programs and research on safer alternative means of pest control should be high priority for research programs. Requires the Administrator to provide an annual list to the Secretary of agricultural use pesticides: (1) for which the Administrator is considering certain regulatory actions (e.g., cancellations, denials of registrations) that would affect their availability, including agricultural commodities and pests affected; (2) which otherwise pose significant health and environmental risks; and (3) for which there exists significant instances of pest resistance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review all available alternatives to the pesticides listed; and (2) develop a research and technology transfer plan for each pest-commodity combination on the list for which there are insufficient alternative pest control techniques that present less risk. Allocates funding to carry out such objectives. Expands provisions regarding integrated pest management to require the Secretary to implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support goals for adoption of integrated pest management. Directs the Secretary to implement pesticide use reduction goals in selected ecosystems. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Administrator, subject to specified conditions, to delay action to delete a minor food or feed use for which a registrant has not agreed to timely submit data necessary for reregistration. Authorizes appropriations for the development of public health data in cases where the Administrator determines that further study is needed on public health pesticides to support continued registration. (Sec. 11) Adds reregistration fee provisions. (Sec. 12) Permits a restricted use pesticide to be applied only by or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator or subject to other restrictions if the Administrator determines that the pesticide or its uses may cause adverse environmental effects without additional regulatory restriction. (Sec. 13) Revises judicial review procedures. (Sec. 14) Sets time limitations on claims for indemnity payments from the United States to persons suffering losses from cancelled pesticides. (Sec. 17) Expands current pesticide recordkeeping requirements. Revises enforcement authorities. Bars Federal contracts with persons convicted of offenses under FIFRA if such a contract is to be performed at any facility at which the violation giving rise to the offense occurred. Continues such prohibition until the condition giving rise to the conviction has been corrected. Requires the Administrator to treat Indian tribes as States under FIFRA. (Sec. 18) Provides protection to whistleblowers.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1994
Risk Assessment Improvement Act of 1994 - Establishes a Risk Assessment Program in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Requires the Director of the Program to: (1) develop a process to conduct scientific peer review of all risk assessment guidelines developed by EPA; and (2) provide recommendations to the EPA Administrator on risk assessment, research needs, and development of guidelines. Directs the Director to regularly develop, issue, and, not less than every three years for each guideline, review the need to update guidelines that establish methods for conducting scientifically sound risk assessment. Sets forth contents of such guidelines. Requires the Director to oversee the use of risk assessment guidelines by EPA Program and Regional Offices and ensure consistency in the use of such guidelines as is appropriate in application to various environmental media or hazards. Permits departures from guidelines under specified conditions. Requires the Director to regularly develop, issue, and update guidance within EPA for any risk characterizations that may be conducted by EPA. Sets forth contents of such guidance. Requires the Director to: (1) promote open dialogue to improve the use of risk assessments by decisionmakers and to accurately and clearly communicate risk characterizations; and (2) regularly evaluate risk assessment research and training needs of EPA and develop a strategy and schedule for carrying out such research and training. Provides for, as part of the Program, a two-year pilot project using comparative risk analysis to rank dissimilar environmental risks and provide a common basis for evaluating strategies for reducing or preventing such risks. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) periodically survey the manner in which Federal agencies are conducting risk assessment; (2) provide recommendations to the President based on such surveys; and (3) establish interagency mechanisms to promote coordination of Federal risk assessment and mechanisms between Federal and State agencies to communicate state-of-the-art risk assessment practices.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
National Security Budgeting and Deficit Control Act of 1994 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings) to extend the caps on defense and nondefense discretionary spending through FY 1998. Requires the special budget authority adjustment required in the final sequestration report for FY 1995 under such Act to be equally divided between the defense and nondefense categories for each applicable fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994
Dairy Producer Market Stabilization and Export Development Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish the national Class IV Pool (Pool), which shall establish a blend price for milk used in commercially exported dairy products; and (2) the Dairy Export Marketing Board (Board) which shall administer the Pool and work to expand dairy exports and markets. Directs the Board to: (1) establish a settlement fund to operate the Pool; and (2) prepare an annual Pool plan. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to revise excess purchase milk price reduction provisions. Extends: (1) the milk price support program (including the support rate); and (2) the dairy transfer program to the military and veterans' hospitals. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to extend Federal milk marketing order authority. Amends Federal law to extend the dairy indemnity program. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the dairy export incentive program. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend the Secretary's requirement to estimate Commodity Credit Corporation milk and milk products purchases, but stipulates that such estimates be made prior to Pool effects or purchase price revisions are determined. Amends provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 to include certain milk handler reimbursement provisions among the terms of Federal milk marketing orders.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994
United States Botanic Garden Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the founding of the United States Botanic Garden; and (2) pay all surcharges received from such coin sales to the National Fund for the United States Botanic Garden.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1994
Veterans' Compensation Rate Amendments of 1994 - Increases as of December 1, 1994, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for veterans' dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and children, and supplemental DIC for disabled adult children.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1994
Deficit Reduction Lock Box Act of 1994 - Establishes the Deficit Reduction Trust Fund consisting of amounts contained in deficit reduction lock box provisions of appropriations Acts. Reduces discretionary spending limits by amounts transferred to the Fund. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require that amounts resulting from reduced spending under general appropriations bills be placed in the Fund. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to score all general appropriations measures as passed by the House and Senate and to publish such scorecard in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Veterans Health Administration Staffing Levels Title II: Pilot Programs Title III: Health Care Resource Agreements Veterans Health Programs Improvement Act of 1994 - Title I: Veterans Health Administration Staffing Levels - Prohibits any reduction, during the five-year period beginning October 1, 1994, in the number of full-time equivalent employees in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs other than as specifically required by law or by the availability of funds. States that during such period no law imposing hiring restrictions on executive agencies to achieve workforce reductions shall apply to the VHA. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to the veterans' committees on VHA streamlining activities. Title II: Pilot Programs - Veterans Health-Care Pilot Program Act of 1994 - Authorizes the Secretary to establish and operate a pilot program in up to five States which have established a health care reform plan. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide health-care services to veterans and their dependents on the same or a similar basis as the State reform plan; (2) comply with State law in establishing and operating a veterans' health plan in such State; (3) conduct the pilot program in some or all Department health-care facilities in the State; and (4) establish appropriate catchment areas in the State for enrollment in the pilot programs. Outlines conditions for participation in the pilot programs, including a finding that the workload in one or more Department health care facilities in a State would otherwise decline to a level which would impair the ability to meet assigned missions. Allows a pilot program to be implemented only after the plan has been submitted to the Congress and 30 days have elapsed. Exempts certain high-priority veterans (e.g., those with severe disabilities) from the payment of premiums or copayments in connection with care received under a pilot program. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund for conducting the pilot programs. Authorizes appropriations to the fund for FY 1995 through 2000. Provides for: (1) authorized transfers from other accounts to such fund; (2) authorized fund receipts and disbursements; and (3) transfer to the Treasury of excess funds. Requires annual reports. Terminates the pilot programs on September 30, 2000. Title III: Health Care Resource Agreements - Authorizes the director of a Department health care facility serving veterans who reside in a State with a State health reform plan to enter into agreements with health plans and other health care providers to furnish or obtain any health care resource. Requires to provide for reimbursement to the Department based on a methodology that provides appropriate flexibility to establish an appropriate reimbursement rate.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1994
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to extend the compliance date for certain provisions of the worker protection standard relating to pesticide safety requirements to October 23, 1995. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) develop and distribute pesticide safety training materials that convey, at a minimum, specified information set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations; and (2) assist the appropriate State, Federal, and tribal agencies in implementing pesticide safety training programs. Extends the compliance date for meeting a requirement for worker protection labeling statements on certain pesticide products from April 21, 1994, to October 23, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Insurance Reform Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business Subtitle C: Preemption Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness Title II: Preventing Fraud and Abuse Subtitle A: Establishment of All-Payer Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law Title III: Malpractice Reform Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADE) Title IV: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification Title V: Expanding Access/Preventive Care Subtitle A: Expanding Access Through Community Health Authorities Subtitle B: Expansion of Public Health Programs on Preventive Health Title VI: Antitrust Provisions Title VII: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants Health Reform Consensus Act of 1994 - Title I: Insurance Reform - Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families - Requires each employer to make available to each eligible employee a group health plan under which: (1) coverage of each eligible individual with respect to such employee may be elected on an annual basis; (2) coverage is provided for at least the required coverage specified; and (3) employees may elect to have premiums collected through payroll deduction. Does not require employer contributions to the cost of coverage under such a plan. Provides for the exclusion of: (1) employers who have been employers for less than two years or who have no more than two eligible employees or no more than two eligible employees not covered under any group health plan; and (2) family members under specified circumstances. Specifies that a group health plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this Act solely because a period of service by an eligible employee of not more than 60 days is required for coverage. Specifies that the required coverage is standard coverage, except that in the case of a small employer that has not contributed during the previous plan year to the cost of coverage for any eligible employee under any group health plan, the required coverage for the plan year is coverage under a standard plan and a catastrophic plan. Provides for a five-year transition for existing group health plans. (Sec. 1002) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) compliance with applicable requirements through multiple employer health arrangements; and (2) coverage options under a State medical health allowance program. (Sec. 1011) Prohibits a group health plan from imposing (and an insurer from requiring an employer from imposing through a waiting period for coverage under a plan or similar requirement) a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to treatment of a preexisting condition if: (1) the condition relates to a condition that was not diagnosed or treated within three months before the date of coverage under the plan; or (2) the limitation or exclusion extends over more than six month after the date of coverage, applies to an individual who, as of the date of birth, was covered under the plan, or relates to pregnancy. Specifies that, in the case of an individual who is eligible for coverage under a plan but for a waiting period imposed by the employer, the individual shall be treated as having been covered under the plan as of the earliest date of the beginning of the waiting period. (Sec. 1012) Requires each group health plan to waive any period applicable to a preexisting condition for similar benefits with respect to an individual to the extent that the individual, prior to enrollment in such plan, was covered for the condition under any other health plan. (Sec. 1013) Prohibits: (1) a multiemployer plan and an exempted multiple employer health plan from canceling or denying renewal of coverage under such a plan for an employer other than for nonpayment of contributions, fraud or other misrepresentation, noncompliance with plan provisions, failure to maintain minimum participation rates (in the case of a small employer) misuse of a provider network provision, or because the plan is ceasing to provide any coverage in a geographic area; (2) an insurer from canceling a health insurance plan or denying renewal of coverage other than as prescribed above; and (3) an insurer who terminates the offering of health insurance plans in an area from offering such a plan to any employer in the area until five years after the date of the termination. (Sec. 1021) Makes provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 applicable with respect to enforcement of this Act (by the Department of Labor). Imposes a civil penalty ($100 per day for each individual involved, subject to specified limitations) on the failure of an insurer to comply with the requirements of sections 1011 through 1013, unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) determines that the State has in effect a regulatory enforcement mechanism that provides adequate sanctions. Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business - Requires each insurer that makes available a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State to make available to each small employer in the State a standard plan and a catastrophic plan, with exceptions for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and if a State provides for guaranteed availability (rather than guaranteed issue). Requires each insurer that offers a standard or catastrophic plan to a small employer in a State to accept: (1) every small employer in the State that applies for coverage; and (2) every eligible individual who applies for enrollment on a timely basis. Sets forth provision regarding: (1) special rules for HMOs; (2) timely enrollment requirements; and (3) enrollment of spouses and dependents. Makes such requirements inapplicable in a State that has provided (in accordance with specified standards) a mechanism under which each insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in the State must participate in a program for assigning high-risk small employer groups (or individuals within such a group) among some or all such insurers, if the insurers comply. (Sec. 1102) Defines "health plan" as a health insurance plan that: (1) is designed to provide standard coverage with substantial cost-sharing or only catastrophic coverage; (2) meets applicable requirements relating to guaranteed issue; (3) meets specified consumer protection standards; and (4) meets any participation requirements with respect to an applicable reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanism. States that standard coverage includes: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) inpatient and outpatient physicians' services; (3) diagnostic tests; (4) specified preventive services; and (5) specified inpatient hospital care for mental disorders. Sets forth coverage scope, including that there be no limits on the amount, scope, or duration of items number one, two, and three in the preceding sentence. Sets forth exceptions. Sets forth limitations on deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Defines a catastrophic benefits package. Provides for the determination of target actuarial values for standard and catastrophic coverage. (Sec. 1103) Directs the Secretary to request NAIC to develop model regulations that specify standards with respect to requirements: (1) that insurers make available health plans; (2) of guaranteed availability of health plans to small employers; (3) relating to limits on premiums and certain consumer protections; (4) relating to limitation of annual premium increases; and (5) for standard and catastrophic coverage. Requires the Secretary to review such standards and, if NAIC fails to specify standards meeting such requirements, to promulgate standards. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the application of health plan standards and consumer protection standards by the States; (2) the Federal role; and (3) consumer protection standards. (Sec. 1104) Sets forth provisions: (1) regarding limits on premiums and annual premium increases; and (2) requiring an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose rating practices for health insurance plans, including rating practices for different populations and benefit designs. (Sec. 1106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) request NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for health insurance plans made available to small employers for whom an insurer is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan; and (2) review such models or specify models. Sets forth provisions regarding implementation of reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms by the States and the Federal role. (Sec. 1108) Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Private Health Care Coverage. Requires the Office Director to submit to the Congress annual reports evaluating health care coverage reform. (Sec. 1109) Authorizes the Director to conduct: (1) research on the impact of this subtitle on the availability of affordable health coverage for employees and dependents in the small employers group health care coverage market and other specified topics; and (2) demonstration projects relating to such topics. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods for measuring the relative health risks of eligible individuals in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under health insurance plans and, in particular, health plans; (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among insurers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Preemption - Prohibits: (1) State benefit mandates for group health plans; and (2) State or local law prohibitions against two or more employers obtaining coverage under an insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1203) Preempts State restrictions concerning: (1) reimbursement rates or selective contracting; (2) differential financial incentives; and (3) utilization review methods. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. (Sec. 1211) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow a limited exemption under preemption rules for multiple employer plans providing health benefits subject to certain Federal standards. Relieves exempted multiple employer plans providing medical care benefits of certain restrictions on preemption of State law. Treats such plans as employee welfare benefit plans. Allows commencement of new arrangements only if such exemption is in effect or an application is pending and the Secretary of Labor determines that provisional protection is appropriate. Sets forth exemption procedures, eligibility requirements, and additional requirements applicable to exempted arrangements. Requires certain disclosures to participating employers, maintenance of reserves, and corrective actions. Provides for expiration, suspension, and revocation of exemptions, and for review of actions by the Secretary. (Sec. 1213) Revises provisions relating to scope of preemption rules, and to treatment of single employer arrangements and of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 1215) Establishes special rules for employee leasing healthcare arrangements. Treats such arrangements as multiple employer welfare arrangements except when they are multiple employer health plans. (Sec. 1216) Sets forth enforcement provisions relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements and employee leasing health care arrangements. (Sec. 1217) Sets forth filing requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 1218) Provides for cooperation between Federal and State authorities in enforcing ERISA requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements with the limited exemption. (Sec. 1221) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the commonality of interest or geographic location requirement for tax exempt trust status for multiple employer health plans and insured multiple employer health plans if they meet certain requirements under ERISA and this Act. (Sec. 1231) Amends ERISA to direct the Secretary of Labor to prescribe an alternative method providing for a single annual report with respect to all employers who are covered under the same insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1241) Provides for compliance with applicable coverage requirements through multiemployer plans and other multiple employer health arrangements. Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a permanent extension and increase in the health insurance tax deduction for self-employed individuals. Title II: Preventing Fraud and Abuse - Subtitle A: Establishment of All-Payer Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Directs the Attorney General to establish a program to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local law enforcement programs to control health care fraud and abuse; (2) conduct investigations, audits, and inspections relating to the delivery of payment for health care; and (3) facilitate enforcement of provisions of the Social Security and other Acts applicable to health care fraud and abuse. Authorizes additional appropriations as necessary. (Sec. 2003) Establishes the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse - Excludes from participation in Medicare and State health care programs any individual or entity convicted of: (1) fraud in connection the delivery of a health care item or service; or (2) a felony related to a controlled substance. (Sec. 2103) Subjects to a civil monetary penalty any individual or entity offering inducements to individuals to receive any service or supply from a particular provider. (Sec. 2104) Permits the imposition of intermediate sanctions in addition to the current option of termination, for Medicare health maintenance organizations. Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners. Requires each government agency and health care plan to report to the Secretary any final adverse action taken against a health care provider, supplier, or practitioner. Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law - Establishes a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment for knowingly: (1) defrauding any health care plan; or (2) fraudulently obtaining money or property in connection with the delivery of health care items, benefits, or services. Permits a payment of up to $10,000 to any person furnishing information relating to any such crime. Title III: Malpractice Reform - Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions - Sets forth, for this title, findings, purposes, and definitions. Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Makes this subtitle applicable to any medical malpractice liability action brought in a Federal or State court and to any medical malpractice claim subject to an alternative dispute resolution system. (Sec. 3102) Prohibits bringing a medical malpractice liability action in either a State or Federal court unless there has been an initial resolution of the action under an alternative dispute resolution system. Directs the Attorney General to establish an alternative dispute resolution process for medical malpractice liability claims brought against the United States. (Sec. 3104) Sets limits on both noneconomic damages and punitive damages. (Sec. 3105) Provides for the periodic payment of future losses. (Sec. 3106) Limits attorney's fees. (Sec. 3108) Sets forth special provisions for certain obstetric services. Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution System (ADR) -Requires a State's alternative dispute resolution system, among other things to: (1) apply to all medical malpractice liability claims within the jurisdiction of the State's courts; (2) issue a written opinion resolving the dispute within six months of a defendant receiving notice; (3) qualify individuals who hear and resolve claims under the system; and (4) notify the appropriate State agency if there is a finding of malpractice, unless the provider contests the ADR decision. (Sec. 3202) Directs the Secretary to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Board in order to advise the Secretary regarding the establishment of State and Federal ADR systems. Provides for the certification of State ADR systems by the Board. Title IV: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification - Preempts State quill pen laws. (Sec. 4102) Provides for the confidentiality of electronic health care information. (Sec. 4003) Directs the Secretary to establish national goals for the health care industry concerning: (1) standardization for the electronic receipt and transmission of health plan information; (2) use of uniform health claims forms and identification numbers; (3) priority of insurers when benefits are payable under two or more health plans; and (4) availability of information among health plans when benefits are payable under two more plans. Requires the Secretary to promulgate requirements if the industry does not meet the goals. Provides for monetary penalties on any health plan that does not meet the Secretary's requirements. Title V: Expanding Access/Preventive Care - Subtitle A: Expanding Access Through Community Health Authorities - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary to operate a program under which States establish projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of various innovative health care delivery approaches through the operation of community health authorities. Requires a community health authority to be a nonprofit entity that: (1) serves a geographic area that includes those designated by the Public Health Service Act as medically underserved or as being in a health professions shortage area; (2) enrolls the Medicaid eligible; and (3) provides for the provision of at least preventive services, primary care services, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, and other services. (Sec. 5002) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to migrant and community health centers for the development of health service networks to serve high impact areas, medically underserved areas, or medically underserved populations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1999. Subtitle B: Expansion of Public Health Programs on Preventive Health - Authorizes appropriations, under the Public Health Service Act, for the following: (1) immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases; (2) prevention, control, and elimination of tuberculosis; (3) lead poisoning prevention; (4) preventive health measures with respect to breast and cervical cancers; (5) the Office of Minority Health Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; and (6) the Office of Minority Health; and (7) the preventive health and health services block grant. Title VI: Antitrust Provisions - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) provide for the development and publication of explicit guidelines on the application of antitrust laws to the activities of health plans; and (2) establish a review process under which the administrator or sponsor of a health plan may submit a request to the Attorney General to obtain a prompt opinion from the Department of Justice on the plan's conformity with Federal antitrust laws. (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the issuance of a certificate of public advantage by the Attorney General to each eligible health care collaborative activity if there is a finding that the benefits that are likely to result from carrying out the activity outweigh any reduction in competition that is likely to result and such reduction is reasonably necessary. Title VII: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants - Requires certain executive branch agencies to prefund government health benefits contributors for their annuitants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Tax Fairness for Agriculture Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit agricultural or horticultural organizations from treating member dues (limited to a specified amount) as unrelated business taxable income.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994
Private Property Owners Bill of Rights - Requires Federal agency heads to: (1) comply with applicable State and tribal government laws in implementing and enforcing the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) and the permitting program for dredged or filled material under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA); (2) administer and implement the Acts in a manner that least affects the private property owners' constitutional and other legal rights; (3) develop and implement rules and regulations for ensuring that such rights are protected when making any final decision that restricts the use of private property; (4) obtain the consent of the property owner and provide appropriate notice before entering privately-owned property in order to collect information on it; and (5) give the property owner an opportunity to review and dispute the data collected before using it to implement or enforce any of the Acts. Amends ESA and FWPCA to provide for administrative appeals of certain actions, including those related to the denial of permits and the imposition of administrative penalties. Entitles a private property owner deprived of 50 percent or more of the fair market value or the economically viable use of a portion of property as a consequence of a final qualified agency action to receive compensation upon request in accordance with specified guidelines. Amends ESA to require the Secretary of the Interior to notify all private property owners or lessees of property subject to a management agreement and provide an appropriate opportunity for their participation in such an agreement when the Secretary enters into it with any non-Federal person establishing restrictions on property use.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1994
Designates the Federal building located at 100 East Houston Street in Marshall, Texas, as the Sam B. Hall, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1994
Immigration Moratorium Act of 1994 - Title I: Immigration Moratorium - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict U.S. immigration levels to specified numbers of family-sponsored immigrants, employment-based immigrants, and refugees. Title II: Prohibition of Federal Benefits for Certain Aliens - Prohibits direct Federal financial assistance and unemployment benefits to aliens who are not lawful permanent residents. Title III: Asylum Reform - Amends the Act to revise and expedite asylum procedures. Title IV: Citizenship - Restricts the basis for automatic U.S. citizenship for certain persons born in the United States to a mother who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident. Title V: Border Security - Increases the number of Border Patrol personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1994
World War II Peace Accords Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the 50th anniversary of the signing of the World War II peace accords on the U.S.S. Missouri should not go unrecognized at the national level; and (2) the United States should recognize such anniversary by minting and issuing a commemorative coin. Sets forth specifications for half dollar clad coins. Mandates that the surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation for the purpose of preserving the Pacific War heritage of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
Prohibits the Department of Transportation or any other Federal department, agency, or instrumentality from requiring any State or political subdivision to convert highway signs to metric units.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
Small Business Empowerment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual retirement account to be pledged as security for a qualified business loan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service should make such recommendation to the Postmaster General.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993
Child Abuse Accountability Act - Permits the garnishment of an annuity under the Civil Service or Federal Employees' Retirement Systems in order to satisfy a judgment against an annuitant for physically abusing a child.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993
Postal Service Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1993 - Rescinds a specified amount of the funds made available for the U.S. Postal Service in the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1994 on January 1, 1994, unless, before such date, the Postmaster General notifies the Congress that the Postal Service will not proceed with the adoption and implementation of a new corporate logo.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1993
Truth in Sentencing Act of 1993 - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to provide grants to States to build, expand, or operate space in correctional facilities in order to implement specified "truth in sentencing" requirements. Requires a State, to be eligible for funding under this Act, to have in effect throughout the State such requirements, including provisions which: (1) restrict parole, good-time credit release, or other forms of early release to require that criminals convicted of crimes of violence serve at least 85 percent of the sentence imposed by a judge or jury; (2) require the sentencing authority to allow the defendant's victim or the victim's family the opportunity to be heard regarding the issue of sentencing; (3) allow as a sentencing option a "life sentence" without the possibility of parole; and (4) provide that the victim and the victim's family shall be notified whenever such defendant is to be released. Makes exceptions that: (1) allow the State to provide that the Governor may permit the release of a prisoner after a public hearing in which representatives of the public and the prisoner's victims have an opportunity to be heard regarding the proposed release; and (2) make a State eligible for funding under this Act when that State has enacted legislation that provides for the State to be in compliance with this Act within three years of the enactment of such legislation. Sets forth provisions regarding the distribution of, and limitations on, funds. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for a reduction of full-time equivalent positions in all Federal agencies. Sets forth requirements regarding monitoring and notification of the President and the Congress as to whether such reductions are taking place (and, if they are not being met in a given agency, prohibits hiring for any position in such agency until the Office of Management and Budget notifies the President that the agency is in compliance).
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993
Propane Education and Research Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to conduct a referendum among producers and retail marketers to authorize the creation of the Propane Education and Research Council and the levying of an assessment on odorized propane. Makes it the Council's mission to develop programs and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; (3) propane market development; and (4) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which the Council shall set annual assessments to cover program costs. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to coordinate Council operations with any State propane education and research council. Proscribes the use of Council funds for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary to issue implementation regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993
Animal Enterprise Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for intentionally: (1) injuring, intimidating, or interfering with any person by force, threat of force, or physical obstruction because that person is engaging in activities in an animal enterprise; or (2) damaging or destroying the property of a facility because that facility is in part or in whole such an enterprise. Defines "animal enterprise" as a commercial or academic enterprise that uses animals for food or fiber production, agriculture, research, or testing; a zoo, aquarium, circus, rodeo, or lawful competitive animal event; or any fair or similar event intended to advance agriculture. Provides for civil actions by aggrieved persons, the U.S. Attorney General, and State attorneys general. Specifies that the Congress does not intend this Act to provide exclusive remedies with respect to the conduct prohibited by it, nor to preempt the legislation of States that may provide such remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Egg Research and Consumer Protection Title II: Watermelon Research and Promotion Title III: Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Information Title IV: Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Omnibus Agricultural Research and Promotion Improvement Act - Title I: Egg Research and Consumer Information - Egg Research and Consumer Information Improvement Act - Amends the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act to increase the maximum limit on assessment payments by egg producers to egg handlers. Permits an amendment to increase the assessment only if such increase is recommended by the Egg Board and approved by egg producers in a referendum. Increases the number of hens a producer may have to remain exempt from the assessment. Title II: Watermelon Research and Promotion - Watermelon Research and Promotion Improvement Act - Amends the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act to: (1) change from two-thirds approval to a majority needed in a referendum to approve a plan; (2) revise the definitions of producers and handlers; (3) revise rulemaking procedures for changing the assessment rate; (4) to include imported watermelons within the definition of watermelon and make importers applicable to orders of the Secretary; and (5) provide for the separate consideration in a referendum of specified amendments made under this title. Title III: Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Consideration - Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Information Act - Declares it to be policy to establish, pursuant to this title, procedures to develop and finance (through assessments) an effective and coordinated program of generic promotion, consumer information, and related research designed to strengthen the cut flowers and greens industry's position in the marketplace and to maintain and expand markets for cut flowers and greens. Sets forth provisions designed to implement such policy. Title IV: Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information - Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Improvement Act - Amends the Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act of 1990 to: (1) cover seedless and not seeded limes; (2) alter the composition of the Lime Board; (3) increase the de minimis exemption from the assessment; and (4) delay the initial referendum date.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1993
Cooperative Agricultural Programs Extended Retirement Credit Act of 1993 - Provides for crediting under certain conditions, service in certain Federal-State cooperative agricultural and other programs under the Civil Service Retirement System.
![Official portrait of Rep. Stenholm, Charles W. [D-TX-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000851_200.jpg)