United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1978
Farm Water Act - Replaces the existing acreage limitation of 160 acres of reclaimed land per individual with a limitation of 320 acres. Permits larger acreages where the land is less productive or other factors make it less valuable for agriculture. Lists specified lands to which the acreage limitations shall not apply including land within a water district which has paid construction charges of the reclamation project relating to the delivery of water to such landholding. Prevents the delivery of water to irrigable land in excess of 320 acres held in private ownership by a single landowner if such landowner refuses to execute a valid contract for the sale of such excess land. Permits delivery of project water to excess land after the effective date of this Act only if the title to such land is made subject to a condition that the land shall not be sold at a price greater than the landowner's costs increased only by the rate increase of the consumer price index for the period between the dates of purchase and sale. Abolishes the requirement that a qualified recipient must reside on or near a landholding in order for such landholding to be eligible to receive water. Enunciates the applicability of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation of the Senate of the kidnapping of Aldo Moro. Declares it the sense of the Senate that (1) Italy deserves the support of the United States, and (2) the President should instruct the Permanent Representative to the United Nations to press for consideration of solutions to the problem of terrorism in all appropriate forums.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to increase the participation by States, local communities, private nonprofit groups, and individual groups in efforts to prevent domestic violence and assist victims and dependents of victims of domestic violence. Requires each State, in order to obtain a grant under this Act, to establish a State citizen panel on domestic violence. Declares that such a panel shall be established to provide an opportunity for citizen participation in planning and developing efforts to prevent domestic violence and assist victims and dependents of victims of domestic violence, and provide citizens familiar with the problems of domestic violence an opportunity to make recommendations with respect to resolving such problems. Requires each panel: (1) to oversee within the State the implementation of Federal, State, and local projects under this Act; and (2) to study and make recommendations on matters relating to domestic violence. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to assist them in supporting programs and projects to prevent incidents of domestic violence. Sets forth requirements for applications for such grants. Requires each State receiving a grant to submit to the Secretary a report providing specified information on the implementation of projects to prevent domestic violence. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare the National Center on Domestic Violence. Declares the duties of the Director of such Center to be: (1) the coordination of all Federal programs with respect to domestic violence; and (2) the provision of a national information and resource clearinghouse for matters concerning domestic violence. Requires the Secretary, through the Director, to enter into contracts to provide for not less than one regional center for domestic violence to be located in each region of the United States as designated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, through the Director, to conduct research activities with respect to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary, through the Director, to annually submit to Congress a report on the programs authorized by this Act. Directs that the records of any person concerning such person's treatment for drug abuse, in connection with any program assisted under this Act, be kept confidential. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress, not later than three years after the enactment of this Act, as to the effectiveness of programs administered pursuant to this Act. Requires the Director to give particular attention to the availability of VISTA volunteers with respect to programs on domestic violence prevention. Establishes an Interagency Domestic Violence Council to assist the Director in coordinating all Federal programs regarding the prevention of domestic violence. Requires the States, to be eligible for grants under this Act, to contribute to programs supported by this Act in amounts specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Drug Regulation Reform Act - Title I: Drug Regulation Reform - States the findings of Congress. Prohibits the manufacture, importation, export, or distribution of a drug entity or a drug product without the prior issuance by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of a monograph containing a description of such drug and requirements and guidelines for the contents of information labeling for the forms of drug products eligible for licensing under such monograph. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require, in a monograph, postmarketing surveillance of any drug, old or new, for a period of up to five years. Limits the issuance of such monographs to drugs determined safe and effective. Defines "safe" as meaning the health benefits of the drug entity or product clearly outweigh the risks it presents, taking into account pertinent standards and requirements. Defines "effective" to mean that a drug entity when incorporated into a drug product used in accordance with the use conditions set forth on the drug label, will have the effect represented. Provides for amendment, suspension, or revocation of a monograph under specified conditions. Authorizes the provisional issuance of a monograph (for a period not to exceed five years) for any drug entity intended to be used in treatment of a life-threatening or severely debilitating disease when: (1) no other effective methods of treatment exist; or (2) such drug entity offers a major advantage to patients compared to the benefits of alternative methods; and (3) delaying issuance would present significantly greater risks to patients affected by such disease. Requires significant evidence of effectiveness and safety for such provisional issuance. Establishes a monograph-petition review procedure requiring a public hearing on the issuance, amendment, or revocation of any monograph, followed by a review of the evidence and issues by a drug science advisory committee, whose recommendations shall be forwarded to the Secretary for his final decision. Authorizes judicial review of a final order of the Secretary by a United States Court of Appeal. Requires, with specified exceptions, the registration of domestic and foreign establishments engaged in the manufacture, import, export, or distribution of any drug entity or drug product. Prohibits for five years after the issuance date of a monograph the licensure of any drug product without: (1) written authorization from the monograph petitioner; or (2) data and information independent of the monograph which would support a determination that the monograph could be issued. Permits the licensure of a drug product, after the expiration of such five year period, without the making of necessary animal and clinical studies already made to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug product under the original monograph. Requires registration of any drug to be used in a drug investigation, and revocation of registration if the human participants in the investigation are subject to unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury. Specifies standards and requirements for such investigations. Requires the informed consent of participants in such investigations unless the immediate use of the drug product is, in the investigator's opinion, needed to preserve the participant's life and time is not sufficient to obtain either consent from either the participant or his legal representative. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) issue written guidelines regarding protocols and methods for conducting investigations; and (2) to review and advise, upon request, regarding specified aspects of a drug investigation. Requires unlicensed drug products and drug entities not subject to monographs to obtain permits for export to foreign countries. Specifies requirements for such exports. Exempts homeopathic drug entities and products from monograph, licensure, and investigational use requirements if manufactured or imported in accordance with import/export registration requirements of this Act. Requires: (1) patient information labeling in lay persons' language of the risks, benefits, side effects and so forth of any drug entity or product; and (2) practitioner information labeling that identifies the licensee, registrant, permittee and manufacturer of such drug. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a compendium of all prescription drugs eligible for licensing under issued monographs. Prohibits from the promotional labeling of any prescription drug product indications for use, comparisons with other drug products, or dosage recommendations not contained in the information labeling of such product. Prohibits drug product licensees and their agents from: (1) distributing sample prescription drug products without charge; and (2) providing services or transferring items to specified medical personnel or their families, if the value of the service or item is at least $5.00, and no charge is made. Requires disclosure of the sponsorship by a drug product licensee or distriutor of medical and scientific educational materials (other than labeling). Forbids the disclosure by pharmacists and their agents of prescriptions or information contained in prescriptions to anybody but the patient, the prescribing practitioner, or other specified persons. Prohibits licensees and their agents from obtaining or attempting to obtain such information. Prescribes civil, criminal, and administrative penalties, and subjects drug entities and products to seizure, for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses in any matter relating to implementation or enforcement of this Title. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect drug manufacturing and distributing establishments to determine compliance with this Title. Title II: National Center for Clinical Pharmacology; Evaluation of the Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Center for Clinical Pharmacology to conduct and support, by grants: (1) research in clinical pharmacology and clinical pharmacy; and (2) an ongoing review and analysis of the use of drug products in the United States. Directs the Secretary to contract for an independent evaluation of Title I and its effect on: (1) protection of the public against adverse reactions from and misuse of drug products; (2) innovation in drug research; (3) the economics of the pharmaceutical industry; (4) the cost of drug products; (5) prescribing practices; and (6) the time required for the issuance of monographs. Requires a report on such evaluation to the appropriate Committees of Congress within seven years of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Refugee and Displaced Persons Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to define refugee or displaced person for purposes of such Act. Authorizes the admission of up to 40,000 refugees or displaced persons per year as immigrants. Empowers the Secretary of State to recommend to the Attorney General that all or any portion of a group of refugees or displaced persons be admitted into the United States conditionally in certain circumstances. Authorizes the Attorney General to allow parole admission of aliens for humanitarian reasons. Increases from 20 per cent to 26 per cent of the number of additional visas that shall be allocated to spouses, and unmarried sons or daughters of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Federal Buildings Artistic Enhancement Act - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to direct the Administrator of General Services to acquire works of art by living American artists and to circulate such works among public buildings throughout the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amends the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Act of 1968 to establish a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship in Social and Political Thought at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at the Smithsonian Institution. Establishes the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Trust Fund in the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential structures. Prohibits conflicts of interests on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Allows the Solar Bank to make loans directly, or through lending institutions which are entitled to reasonable fees for their services. Sets the annual interest rates on such loans at not more than three percent and limits the loans to a maximum of 30 years duration. Permits the Solar Bank to develop standards for certifying that the solar energy equipment, installation and related costs will result in a meaningful reduction in the conventional energy dependence of the year. Requires the Solar Bank to establish guidelines for the distribution of its loans among commercial and residential uses and requires that at least 60 percent of such monies loaned be for residential purposes. Establishes procedures govering the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Provides penalties for the violation of the loan contract or for fraud in the obtaining of such loan. Exempts the Solar Bank and its assets from taxation, except that the real and tangible personal property of the Bank shall be subject to Federal, State, and local taxation to the same extent as that of private corporations. Directs the General Accounting Office (GAO) to audit the financial transactions of the Bank, and grants the GAO access to all its books, records, and accounts. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Directs the Architect of the Capitol to study the feasibility of using solar energy for heating the hot water in the Phillip A. Hart Office Building now under construction. Directs the Architect to make cost comparisons between solar and conventional energy systems over specified periods of time and report such findings to the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Amateur Sports Act - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Makes findings and states that the policy of Congress is to promote amateur athletics and protect the right of amateur athletes to participate in athletic competition. Title II: Olympic Committee Reorganization - Amends the corporate charter of the Olympic Committee to (1) provide for a principal place of business of the United States Olympic Committee (Corporation); (2) set forth the objectives and purposes of the Corporation; (3) set forth the powers of the Corporation; and (4) subject to civil liability any person who uses an Olympic designation without authority to promote a private financial interest. Permits contributors or suppliers of goods or services to use the name of the United States Olympic Committee or its designation to advertise that such goods or services have been furnished to, approved, or selected by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to establish in its constitution and bylaws provisions for the resolution of disputes involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete or other specified individuals to participate in sanctioned athletic competitions. Authorizes the Corporation to recognize as a national governing body any amateur sports organization (but only one for each sport) which submits an application for recognition and complies with eligibility requirements. Sets forth such eligibility requirements. Sets forth the duties and powers of a national governing body and the requirements which an amateur sports organization must meet to hold an athletic competition sanctioned by a national governing body. Grants to the Corporation the power of review over the actions of any national governing body and invests a United States district court with jurisdiction to enjoin any action of a national governing body inconsistent with the terms of the Corporate charter. Sets forth procedures for the Corporation in (1) processing a complaint against a national governing body by an individual athlete or an amateur sports organization; (2) revoking recognition of a national governing body; and (3) replacing an incumbent national governing body. Provides for arbitration of a determination of the Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to lend financial assistance to the Corporation in developing amateur athletics in the United States. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the work of the national governing bodies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Amends the Reservoir Salvage Act of 1960, as amended, to authorize appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for fiscal years 1979-1983 for administration, investigation, and salvage operations of the program providing for recovery, protection, and preservation of significant scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data which may be lost through federally regulated, permitted, or licensed construction projects.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Community Schools and Comprehensive Community Education Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State and local educational agencies to pay the Federal share of establishing community education programs. Defines "community education program" as a program operated by a local educational agency providing educational, recreational, health care, cultural, and other related services for the community. Establishes a Community Education Advisory Council to advise the National Institute of Education concerning community education programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Indian Program Evaluation and Needs Assessment Act - Makes findings that Federal agencies dealing with Indian affairs have not adequately furnished Congress with the information necessary to assess the needs of Indians and Alaskan Natives and that such lack of information has hampered Congress in determining such needs and responding to them. Title I: Program Expenditure Data - Requires the head of each Federal agency to develop procedures for compiling, maintaining, keeping current and reporting to Congress information concerning (1) the agency's annual expenditures for programs and services for which Indians are eligible; (2) services or programs specifically for the benefit of Indians; and (3) the agency's method of delivery of services and funding. Requires further that each Federal agency which administers programs which are specifically directed to or for the benefit of Indians and other programs for which Indians are eligible maintain and report to Congress information on the relative amounts expended for the administration of such programs and for actual services and funding to Indians and individual Indian organizations. Directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs to provide Congress with a comprehensive record of land holdings and use patterns of Indian land. Requires the head of each Federal agency, in coordination with the Federal Interagency Council on Indian Affairs established by this Act, to conduct every five years a needs assessment program aimed at determining the actual needs and problems of Indians and Indian organizations that are eligible for the programs and services administered by each such agency. Title II: Federal Interagency Council On Indian Affairs - Establishes a Federal Interagency Council on Indian Affairs. Sets forth the duties of such Council in the development of a uniform format to be used by all Federal agencies in assessing the needs of Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Congregate Housing Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into contracts with public housing agencies for the establishment of congregate housing projects which are supplemented by supportive services for frail and physically impaired residents. Requires assisted public housing authorities to maintain any financial effort they were making in furtherance of congregate services prior to contract authority approval, unless the Secretary waives such requirement. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to permit the provision of congregate services in existing public housing. Makes provisions for the administration of services and requires assisted public housing agencies to employ elderly and physically disabled residents to the maximum extent practicable. Sets forth application procedures, requirements for eligibility for services, and rules for the setting of fees for congregate services. Directs assisted public housing agencies to review this program with eligible residents and with the professional assessment committee within the 12 month period prior to the submission of an application for renewed funding.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Public Health Service Act through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) grants and contracts for surveys of the feasibility of establishing, operating or expanding health maintenance organizations (HMO's); and (2) grants, contracts, loans and loan guarantees for planning and initial development costs related to the establishment of HMO's. Prohibits a health maintenance organization from paying more than 15 percent of the estimated total amount to be paid for basic and supplemental health services in a given fiscal year to individual physicians under contract to the HMO. Implements such prohibition over a four-year period. Requires HMO's to provide the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with specified information on major financial transactions among HMO's and related organizations. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary give priority to an application for funds for a feasibility survey or planning and initial development costs for an HMO in which 30 percent of the members are members of a medically underserved population. Increases the maximum amount available for grants for the initial development and operation of HMO's. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to public or private entities for the acquisition, construction, renovation, or purchase of ambulatory care facilities for HMO's. Repeals the prohibition against using funds appropriated under the Public Health Service Act, other than under the title pertaining to HMO's, for projects involving HMO's. Requires health systems agencies in reviewing facilities, equipment, or services of HMO's to include only those standards specified by the Secretary. Title II: Amendments to Titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act - Amends Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to remove HMO's from the capital expenditures limitations of the Medicare, Medicaid, and Maternal and Child Health programs of such Act. Permits a HMO, under Title XVIII (Medicare) of such Act, to have more than 50 percent of its membership over the age of 65 if the HMO is a public HMO, receives funding under the Community Health Centers program of the Public Health Service Act, or is granted a waiver by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, to annually determine a per capita rate of payment to each HMO for services provided under the Medicare program. States that such payment shall be equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost. Requires the Secretary to pay each HMO its rate on a monthly basis in advance. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a State to enter into a provider agreement under the Medicaid program with any HMO which requests such an agreement. Declares that under such agreement the State will reimburse the HMO for services and benefits covered under the State Medicaid plan. States that such payment shall be equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost of care to members of the HMO. Requires the State to pay each HMO its rate on a monthly basis in advance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1978
National Art Bank Act - Establishes, within the National Endowment for the Arts, an Art Bank to be headed by a Director. Authorizes the Director to purchase visual works of art for the Art Bank, to make such works available on loan to certain private and governmental entities for public display, to sponser exhibitions, and to assist State and local governments and nonprofit institutions in establishing Art Banks, of funds which may be expended for the work of any one artist during any one fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1978
WIC Amendments - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide the funds necessary to enable all States to operate or expand programs that provide supplemental nutrition and nutrition education to pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children (WIC programs). Requires each State to publicize the availability of WIC program benefits, using bilingual material in areas where a substantial number of low-income households speak a language other than English. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for WIC programs through fiscal year 1982. States that 20 percent of the funds appropriated for WIC programs shall be made available for State and local agency operational costs. Requires each State to submit annual plans describing how WIC program funds will be used. Requires States to hold public hearings on such plans. Increases the membership of the National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant, and Fetal Nutrition from 15 to 20 members. Adds representatives from specified groups, among them, Indian WIC programs and migrant WIC programs. Directs the Secretary to require all States receiving funds under this Act to insure continuous availability of program benefits to eligible migrant agricultural workers as they move from State to State. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations to prevent the dual receipt of benefits under the WIC program and the commodity supplemental food program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1978
Competition Improvements Act - Prohibits Federal agencies from taking action which tends to lessen competition except in specified circumstances. Authorizes the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to advise the agencies on the validity of exceptions to this Act. Requires each independent regulatory agency to devise procedures whereby the Attorney General will receive timely and adequate notice of important agency actions which may have a significant impact on competition. Places the burden of proof upon the agency to establish by substantial evidence that it has complied with the standard asserted in this Act in any proceeding for judicial review of such agency's order. Requires Federal departments and agencies to insure the integration of antitrust law and policy in all activities which may have an impact on competition. Requires each Federal department and agency to review its statutory authority, administrative regulations, policies, practices and procedures to determine whether they contain any deficiencies or inconsistencies which may prevent full compliance with the purpose of this Act. Requires the departments and agencies to recommend such measures to the President and to the Congress, as may be necessary, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to report annually to the President and to Congress on the degree to which Federal agencies have complied with the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1978
Genetic Disease Amendments - Title I: Revision and Extension of Genetic Diseases - Amends the National Sickle Cell Anemia, Cooley's Anemia, Tay-Sachs, and Genetic Diseases Act to include genetic conditions, as well as genetic diseases, within the program of research, counseling, and education established by such Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program for three fiscal years, through 1981. Title II: National Commission Amendment - Directs the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research to conduct a study of the ethical, social, and legal implications of voluntary testing, counseling, and information and education programs with respect to genetic diseases and conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1978
National Home Delivered Meals Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish a nutrition project for the elderly which, five or more days per week, provides at least one home-delivered hot meal which assures a minimum of one-third the daily recommended dietary allowances. Requires the State agencies administering the grant programs under which such nutrition projects are established to give preference in designating projects and awarding contracts or subcontracts, to the extent feasible, to existing meals-on-wheels projects. Directs the Commissioner on Aging to conduct a study of the effectiveness of the national home-delivered meals program. Directs the Commissioner to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using shelf-stable and/or frozen meal systems for the elderly as a component or as a substitute in emergencies for regular nutrition projects assisted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1978
Comprehensive Employment and Training Amendments - Revises generally the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) of 1973. Consolidates the administrative provisions of such Act in a new title. Amends the definition of "prime sponsor" to include Native American entities. Requires State prime sponsors to allow subareas to assist in the planning and delivery of services within their respective jurisdictions. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to act as a prime sponsor for an area under any of the employment and training programs when there is no other prime sponsor for an area or when services are not being provided to an area due to a complaint about the prime sponsor or to disapproval of a comprehensive plan. Revises the procedures for a prime sponsor to become eligible for grants. Requires each prime sponsor to submit a comprehensive employment and training plan consisting of a prime sponsor agreement, annual comprehensive employment and training services program supplements, individual annual program supplements for any additional programs the prime sponsor wishes to conduct, and a single assurance that the prime sponsor will comply with the Act, the regulations, and the comprehensive employment and training plan. Sets forth the information to be included in the agreement and program supplements. Amends provisions regarding review of comprehensive plans and complaints about and sanctions against prime sponsors. Changes the composition and meeting requirements of prime sponsor planning councils and State employment and training councils. Consolidates various assurances presently required to be submitted by prime sponsors and redesignates them as program conditions. Sets out those conditions which are applicable to all programs and those which are applicable to the public service employment programs. Includes among the former a requirement that small and minority businesses be given maximum reasonable opportunity to compete for contracts. Includes among the latter a limitation that no public service employment last more than 78 weeks in a five-year period. Redefines "unemployed" and "underemployed" for purposes of the Act. Permits institutionalized persons to be designated as "underemployed." Defines "economically disadvantaged" for purposes of the Act. Directs that "areas of substantial unemployment" be determined on the basis of a year's rather than a quarter's data. Extends the general authorization for appropriations for activities under CETA. Makes specified changes in the comprehensive employment and training services programs. Restricts eligibility for participation, with certain exceptions, to individuals who are both (1) economically disadvantaged and (2) unemployed, underemployed, or in school. Adds provisions relative to job search assistance. Authorizes prime sponsors to conduct occupational upgrading programs through agreements with public and private employers. Makes eligible for the upgrading program employees of participating employers who are operating at less than their full skill potential, particularly persons in entry level or dead end positions. Authorizes, rather than requires, the Secretary of Labor to provide services to groups of persons with particular labor market disadvantages under the Special Federal Responsibilities title of CETA. Adds as new groups specifically designated as targets of activities under such title handicapped workers, single parents, displaced homemakers, and persons who became unemployed in a loss of jobs areas. Increases the allotment of funds for programs for Native Americans. Directs that programs for migrant and seasonal workers be focused primarily on assistance in preparing for and obtaining more stable employment. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out job search and relocation activities as an ongoing national program. Consolidates the youth employment demonstration programs, the youth summer employment program, and the Job Corps in a separate title. Makes uniform the basic eligibility requirements for all programs except the entitlement project as follows: (1) age 16 through 21 or, if authorized by the Secretary, 14 through 21; (2) economically disadvantaged; and (3) unemployed or in school. Deletes Job Corps provisions relative to background investigations of applicants, oaths of allegiance for members, sex-segregated centers, cost per enrollee limitations, and political activity and discrimination. Places Job Corps property under concurrent Federal-State criminal jurisdiction. Specifies that transactions of private-for-profit operators of Job Corps Centers are not to be considered as generating gross receipts. Changes the name of the National Commission for Manpower Policy to National Commission for Employment and Training Policy. Expands the Commission's membership. Combines the present public service employment programs and emergency unemployment programs into a single new program. Restricts, beginning in fiscal year 1980, public service employment funds to those prime sponsors serving areas with high unemployment unless the national unemployment rate exceeds 4.75 percent. Limits participation in the program to economically disadvantaged persons who have been unemployed for at least five weeks. States that, in determining whether an individual is economically disadvantaged for purposes of the public service employment program, family income for the three, rather than the six, preceding months shall be taken into account. Requires that all public service employment jobs be in entry level positions. Creates a new title designed to place individuals in private sector jobs by providing financial assistance to prime sponsors for private sector initiatives, including on-the-job training and related activities. Directs participating prime sponsors to establish private industry councils to assist in the development of initiative programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1978
President's Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the President's Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavorial Research. Directs the Commission to issue a report every two years on the protection of human subjects of biomedical and behavioral research. Directs the Commission to complete any of the duties, and to periodically issue reports on this work of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, which remain unfinished on the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Commission to study the ethical, social, and legal implications of: (1) advances in biomedical and behavioral research technology; and (2) resource allocation decisions concerning health care research and delivery. Directs the Commission to issue a report on such studies every three years. Directs the Commission to undertake studies: (1) to identify the requirements for informed consent by patients before they receive any medical treatment regardless of the setting of such treatment; (2) to investigate and study the matter of defining death including the advisability of developing a uniform definition of death; (3) to investigate and study the ethical, moral, social and legal implications of voluntary testing, counseling, and information and education programs with respect to genetic diseases and conditions; (4) to access and evaluate current procedures and mechanisms designed to safeguard the privacy of research subjects to ensure confidentiality of patient records, and to ensure appropriate access to information contained in such records by such patients; and (5) to investigate or study any other appropriate matter consistent with the purposes of this Act on its own initiative, at the request of the head of a department or agency, or at the request of a committee of the Congress. Directs the Commission to issue reports on such studies upon their completion. States that personal data collected by the Commission pursuant to this Act may not be disclosed to any person other than the individual who is the subject of the data. Authorizes each head of an executive or military department to establish an ethics advisory board to advise him or her on ethical and moral issues involving activities of the department.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
National Science Foundation Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for specified activities of the National Science Foundation for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Health Planning Amendments and Hospital Services Discontinuation Act - Title I; Three-Year Authorization Extensions - Extends, through fiscal year 1981, the authorization of appropriations under the Public Health Service Act for: (1) planning grants for health systems agencies; (2) grants for state health planning and development; (3) grants for regulating rates for the provision of health care; and (4) grants and for centers for health planning. Title II: Amendments to Health Planning Authorities - Amends the Public Health Service Act (Act) to permit the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area, such an area being an entity defined to facilitate health planning and development functions for a specified region, to request the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, without the concurrence of the Governors of other States which are part of such area, to redesignate an interstate area made up of an entire standard metropolitan statistical area. Authorizes the Secretary to change the boundary of a health service area if it would result in an area which better meets requirements specified in the Act. Excludes personnel records from the requirement that Health Systems Agencies (HSA's), State Health Planning and Development Agencies (SHPDA's), and Statewide Health Coordinating Councils (SHCC's) make their records available to the public. Directs that a majority of the members of an HSA governing body shall be those who are not providers of health care and have not within the 12 months preceding appointment been direct providers of health care. Permits HSA's to accept funds or contributions of services or facilities from health care insurers. Permits HSA's and SHPDA's to use funds granted in any fiscal year in the following fiscal year. Repeals the formula under which the amount of a planning grant for a HSA is now determined and states that such amount shall be determined by the Secretary. Requires State certificate of need programs to evaluate the need for major medical equipment. Defines the term major medical equipment to be equipment whose cost or fair market value (whichever is greater) exceeds $150,000. States that the number of representatives on the SHCC to which a health systems agency is entitled shall be proportional to the share of the State's population in the agency's health service area, except that each agency shall be entitled to at least one representative on the SHCC. Authorizes the Governor of a State to select a chairman from among the members of the SHCC; such selection is presently made by the members of the SHCC. Subjects a State health plan to the approval of the State's Governor. Limits HSA's and SHPDA's, in reviewing the facilities, equipment, or services of Health Maintenance Organizations, to those criteria specified by the Secretary, for such review. Title III: Assistance to Hospitals for Discontinuing Inappropriate Inpatient Services - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit hospitals that have been in operation for at least seven years to assist them in discontinuing inappropriate inpatient hospital services. States that, upon the request of a hospital for such a grant, the State health planning and development agency shall determine whether the service to be discontinued is, in fact, inappropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Women in Science and Technology Equal Opportunity Act - Title I: Statement of Findings, Purpose, and Policy - Sets forth the findings of Congress with respect to the employment of women in science and technological fields. Declares it the purpose of this Act to encourage the full participation of women in scientific, professional, and technical fields. Declares it the policy of the United States to assure equal opportunity for women in education, training, and employment in scientific and technical fields. Title II: Education - Directs the National Science Foundation to support activities to strengthen elementary and secondary school programs in science and mathematics to involve female students in such areas. Stipulates the areas which such support programs are to emphasize. Requires application to the Director of the National Science Foundation for grant and contract assistance for such programs. Directs the National Science Foundation to support programs in institutions of higher education (1) to increase the participation of women in scientific and technical studies, training and fellowship opportunities, and careers. Stipulates the areas which such support programs are to emphasize. Requires application to the Director of the National Science Foundation for grant and contract assistance for such programs. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to determine the amount of training and fellowship stipends awarded under this title. Directs the National Science Foundation to initiate a program of continuing education in science and engineering, emphasizing the participation of women. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to make grants to institutions of higherer education, other academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private business firms to develop courses and curricula for such continuing education programs. Authorizes the Director to allocate continuing education fellowships under this title. Directs the Director to require programs under this title to develop and utilize standardized evaluation tools to determine the impact of programs authorized hereunder. Authorizes the Director to furnish technical assistance to the devleopment of activities authorized by this title. Title III: Public Understanding - Directs the National Science Foundation to establish a Clearinghouse on Women in Science to collect and disseminate public information concerning activities which encourage the participation of women in science and technology. Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal years 1980 through 1989 for such Clearinghouse. Directs the National Science Foundation to conduct a research program to increase understanding of the potential contribution of women in these fields and to facilitate the participation and advancement of women in science and technology careers. Directs the National Science Foundation to support projects to improve information concerning the importance of women in science and technology through the media. Specifies the factors to be used in determining funding priorities for such projects. Requires the National Science Foundation to identify books and instructional materials to encourage girls and young women to study science and mathematics and to pursue careers in science and technology. Authorizes the Foundation to support the development of books and instructional materials which support these goals. Directs the Foundation to support community outreach activities to attract substantial numbers of women to such careers. Requires the Foundation to make grants to nonprofit organizations which sponsor community activities to enable such organizations to include programs related to science and mathematics. Directs the Foundation to make grants to museums and science centers to encourage women to study such fields, to enter such careers, and to stress the importance of equal opportunity for women in science and technology. Establishes the President's Committee for Equal Opportunity in Science Awards to recommend to the President recipients of the annual Distinguished Achievement in the Advancement of Women in Science Award, established by this Act. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to award annually the Mathematics and Science Incentive Awards, established by this Act, to schools which encourage the enrollment of women and girls in mathematics and science courses. Establishes the visiting women scientists program to enable women scientists to visit secondary schools and institutions of higher education to encourage girls and women to consider careers in these fields. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to select women to be visiting women scientists. Title IV: Equal Employment Opportunity - Directs the head of each Federal agency, national laboratory, and federally funded research and development center which supports research and development in science and technology, to (1) prevent discrimination against women in science and technology, (2) increase opportunities for the employment and advancement of women in these fields, and (3) to encourage the participation of minority and physically handicapped women in science and technology careers. Requires the head of each Federal agency which provides financial assistance for research and development in science and technology of at least $30,000,000 in any fiscal year, the head of each national laboratory, and federally funded research and development centers, to report annually to Congress concerning the employment status of women in such organizations. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to assess the participation and status of women in all disciplines and job categories of scientific and technological fields in the public sector, private enterprise, and academic institutions. Directs the Civil Service Commission to include in its training program for Federal officials information concerning the employment and encouragement of women in science and technology. Directs the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to include in existing registers women qualified for and seeking scientific and technological positions, and to circulate such registers to each Federal agency, national laboratory, and federally funded research and development center. Directs the Clearinghouse on Women in Science to compile an employment register listing qualified women seeking such positions, and listing positions available in public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. Directs the National Science Foundation to make grants to encourage the employment and advancement of women in science and technology through flexible work schedules, and other work-related arrangements. Title V: General Provisions - Specifies the authority of the Foundation to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1990 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1978
College Opportunity Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the standards for determining the family contribution with regard to basic educational opportunity grant amounts authorized by such Act. Removes the provision dealing with adjusted family income as an eligibility requirement for Federal interest payments on higher education student loans under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Act Amendments - Amends the term used to describe the providers of basic health services in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) organized under the Public Health Service Act from "health professionals" to "physicians," thereby excluding from the services provided by a HMO the services of dentists, nurses, podiatrists, optometrists, and such other individuals engaged in the delivery of health services as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may designate. Increases the maximum amounts available for: (1) grants and guarantees of loans for initial development of HMO's; (2) loans made or guaranteed for initial operation costs of HMO's. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and guarantees to nonfederal lenders of payment of principal and interest on loans made to equip, construct, acquire, or renovate ambulatory care facilities. Extends for five years, through fiscal year 1985, the period during which loans and loan guarantees may be made for initial operation costs of HMO's. Establishes in the Treasury a loan and loan guarantee fund which shall be available to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under loans and loan guarantees for the establishment and renovation of ambulatory care facilities. Directs employers who are required to offer membership in a HMO to their employees to arrange, at the option of the employee, for payroll deductions from such employees' salary for membership in a qualified HMO. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for feasibility surveys and planning and initial operating costs of HMO's. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Health Maintenance Organization Intern Program for the purpose of training qualified HMO administrators and managerial personnel. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for this purpose. Requires each HMO to annually file with the Secretary specified financial information. Requires the Secretary to annually file a report with Congress based on the information gathered from such financial disclosures.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1978
Food Amendments Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require processors of food for human consumption to develop, implement, and maintain adequate safety assurance procedures for each establishment which they own or operate. Sets forth requisite considerations in the development of such procedures. Exempts food processors whose establishments are unlikely, because of the nature or volume of food processing, to create more than a minimal risk of adulteration. Exempts from such procedures the processing of fresh fruits and vegetables, on-farm processing, fishing or the holding of fish on a vessel, and processing of food in a retail establishment. Provides that if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare finds that any class of food is processed, stored, or handled so as to present an unreasonable risk of adulteration, or existing safety assurance procedures are not adequate to protect against such risk, he shall immediately publish such finding in the Federal Register and promulgate regulations, to be effective within one year, establishing safety assurance standards. Provides that if the Secretary finds that a threat to the public health caused by adulteration of food requires the immediate adoption of, or immediate amendment to, an applicable safety assurance standard, he may promulgate such standard or amendment, without compliance with procedural prerequisites, and shall comply therewith as soon as practicable. Requires persons, subject to the requirements of this Act, to keep and make available such records, pertaining to safety assurance procedures and standards, as the Secretary may require. States that whenever a food processor acquires information indicating that any food which he has processed and which has left his control may be adulterated, or whenever such a processor institutes a recall of any food, such processor shall immediately notify the Secretary. Permits any person to commence a civil action for mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief against food processors in violation of this Act or regulations thereunder, or against the Secretary for failure to fulfill the requirements of this Act. States that the rulings of the court in any such action shall not be a bar to the institution of any judicial or administrative proceeding by the Secretary. Exempts from such provisions relating to safety assurance the processing of poultry, meat, and eggs, to the extent of the application of other specified statutes. Requires the Secretary to cooperate with the Small Business Administration for loans to assist affected small business concerns to comply with such provisions. Requires food manufacturers and packers to establish and implement a system of food coding, and apply such to all food products, which identifies the manufacturer, the plant, the food, the lot or batch number, and the date of packing. Directs the Secretary to make public sufficient information to enable consumers to comprehend the basic purposes of such coding systems. Exempts from such coding requirements packaged food which is packed in a retail establishment for sale therein or food not intended for human consumption. Permits the detainment for 20 days of any food, in interstate commerce, found or believed to be adulterated. Permits such detainment pending a seizure action, an action for injunction, or pending notification by the Secretary to a governmental authority having jurisdiction over such food. Imposes a civil penalty of $10,000 for each day of commission of prohibited acts regarding food, under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Sets forth procedures for and rights relating to proceedings for issuance, amendment, or repeal of any regulation authorized under such Act. Permits the awarding of attorneys' fees for rulemaking proceedings and litigation, under specified conditions. Provides, under such Act, that as to establishments for the manufacturing, processing, preparing, packaging, or holding of food, inspection shall extend to records bearing upon whether a food may be adulterated. Provides, under such Act, that any person who imports, or offers for importation, into the United States any food or class of food shall file a certificate with the Secretary prior to such importation identifying the food or class of foods and establishing that such food or class has been produced in accordance with safety assurance procedures and standards under such Act. States that the disclosure of information under this Act shall be governed by the Freedom of Information Act, except that if the Secretary determines that information is not a trade secret, but the originator of such information does so claim, the Secretary shall notify such originator with particularity of his intention to disclose, and shall not disclose such information until ten days following receipt of such information by such originator. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to establish regional offices for facilitating the administration of such Act. Imposes criminal penalties of up to one year imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine for commission of prohibited acts relating to food under such Act, by individuals who act knowingly, willfully, or without the care of a prudent man under the circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to require food processors to submit to him a registration statement, describing plant locations and foods processed therein, and to update such statement as appropriate. Permits exemptions from such requirement where it is determined that such registration is not necessary for the prevention of an unreasonable risk of adulteration of food or for the protection of the public health. Exempts from such registration the processing of poultry, meat, and eggs, to the extent such processing is covered by other statutes; processing of food in a retail establishment; processing of alcoholic beverages; and fishing vessels or the holding of fish. Subjects both registered and exempted establishments to inspection under this Act. Provides, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to misbranded foods, that dates on labels shall conform to regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires such regulations to: (1) identify those foods, except fruits and vegetables, for which date information is required to promote honesty and fair dealing; (2) require such foods to bear on the package or label the date by which it is recommended that such food be sold at retail for consumption or the date after which it is recommended that such food not be sold; and (3) require that such date be printed on the package or label of such food in a clear and conspicuous manner and in such form as will enable the consumer readily to identify and understand the significance of such date. States that packaged foods for human consumption, except fresh fruits and vegetables, to which vitamin, mineral, or amino acid has been added, or for which any claim respecting the presence of any vitamin, mineral, or amino acid or respecting nutritional value is made on the package or label, or in advertising or promotion, shall be deemed misbranded unless nutritional information is provided in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires mandatory ingredients of foods to be listed on the labels. Requires each ingredient to be listed by its common or usual name. Permits the Secretary to exempt from such requirements foods received in bulk containers at retail establishments, under specified conditions, and incidental additives present in foods. Requires public eating places serving margarine or oleomargarine to conspicuously notify the public of such fact. States that, unless a State or local law promotes the interests of consumers without unduly burdening interstate commerce, Federal labeling laws shall supersede all State and local laws. Exempts alcoholic beverages from the labeling requirements of this Act relating to date information, nutritional information, and ingredient listing by common name, but requires a study of the need for non- exemption of such beverages. Requires a study of the need for a logo or symbol on labels indicating the absence of artificial flavors or colors.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1978
Authorizes the appointment of Members of Congress to meet with representatives of the Japanese Diet for discussion of common problems in the interests of relations between the United States and Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to acquire the Museum of African Art. Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution a bureau to be known as the Museum of African Art. Sets forth the functions of such bureau. Establishes a Commission for the Museum of African Art to assist the Board in the operation and development of the Museum. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Health Services Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979: (1) for grants to State health and mental health authorities to assist in meeting the costs of providing comprehensive public health services; (2) for immunization of children; (3) for the control of diseases borne by rodents; (4) for other disease control programs; (5) for programs for the prevention and control of venereal disease; (6) for testing and counseling, information and education concerning programs relating to genetic diseases; and (7) for lead-based paint poisoning prevention. Establishes a program of grants to the States for hypertension control programs. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for such programs through fiscal year 1979. Amends the Act to extend through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations: (1) for planning and developing migrant health centers; (2) for operating such centers; (3) for inpatient and outpatient hospital services for migrant workers in high impact areas; (4) for planning and developing community health centers; and (5) for operating community health centers. Amends the Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981: (1) for hemophilia programs; (2) for blood separation centers; (3) for primary care centers in community hospitals as such hospitals are defined for purposes of this Act; and (4) for establishing, operating and training personnel for home health services as defined in the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
National Institutes of Health Care Research Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish the National Institutes of Health Care Research. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Institutes, to conduct and support research, demonstrations, evaluations, and statistical and epidemiological activities respecting the accessibility, acceptability, planning, organization, distribution, utilization, and financing of systems for the delivery of health care. Establishes the National Institute for Health Policy Research in the Institutes and requires the Secretary, acting through such Institute, to undertake and support research evaluation and demonstration projects respecting health services systems and delivery. Establishes the National Institute for Health Statistics and Epidemiology in the Institutes and requires the Secretary, acting through such Institute, to collect statistics on the extent and nature of illness and disability of the population of the United States. Establishes in the Institutes the National Center for the Evaluation of Medical Technology. Requires the Secretary, acting through such Center, to establish, in consultation with the Council for the Evaluation of Medical Technology, priorities for research, demonstrations, and evaluations of medical technologies. Lists guidelines for establishing such priorities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to assist public and/or private nonprofit entities in meeting the costs of planning and establishing new centers for research, demonstrations, and evaluations concerning the safety, efficiency, effectiveness, social, ethical and economic impact of particular medical technologies. Directs the Secretary to establish in such Center a National Council for the Evaluation of Medical Technologies. Authorizes the Council to publish material on exemplary standards, norms, and criteria concerning the utilization of particular medical technologies. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979, 1980 and 1981 for: (1) health services research, evaluation, and demonstration activities; (2) health statistical and epidemiological activities; and (3) medical technology research, evaluation and demonstration activities. Requires the Secretary to provide National Research Service Awards to the Institutes and for research matters set forth in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1978
Title I: Community Mental Health Centers Extension - Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Amends the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 to authorize through fiscal year 1979 appropriations for: (1) grants for planning community mental health centers (CMHC) programs; (2) public or nonprofit private community mental health centers and other public or private nonprofit entities which provide mental health services; (3) consultation and educational services of CMHC's; and (4) the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Allows unexpended grants made to CMHC's to be carried forward to the subsequent grant period without being deducted from the subsequent grant award. Title II: Biomedical Research Extension - Biomedical Research Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Surgeon General to make research chemicals and research animals available to appropriate public authorities, health officials and scientists engaged in special study. Directs that the appointed members of the Board of Regents of the National Library of Medicine be appointees of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare rather than of the President. Authorizes through fiscal year 1981 appropriations for medical libraries for programs under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes the Director of the National Cancer Institute to provide for the establishment of new centers for basic research. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for the National Cancer Institute. Authorizes through fiscal year 1979 appropriations for research and training in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood and the management of blood resources. Requires that National Research Service Awards to include cost of living increase allowances. Reduces from 20 months to 12 months the length of service in a health-related activity in which a nonteaching recipient of a National Health Service Award must engage for each year of such Award to the individual. Establishes a new formula for the calculation of the amount which the United States is entitled to recover from an individual who fails to fulfill the service obligations incurred by receipt of a National Health Service Award. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for payments under National Research Service Awards and grants for such Awards.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Nurse Training Amendments - Amends Title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to extend for two fiscal years, through fiscal year 1980, the program of financial assistance for nurse training.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1978
Health Planning Amendments - Title I: Revision and Extension of National Health Planning and Development Authority - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area, such an area being an entity designed to facilitate health planning and development functions for a specified region, to request, without the concurrence of the Governors of other States which are part of such area, the redesignation of an interstate area made up of an entire standard metropolitan statistical area. States that no proposed revision of the boundaries of a health service area shall comprise an entire State without prior consensus of the Governor. Directs health systems agencies, such agencies being the bodies designated to provide health planning and development services in a health service area, and Statewide Health Coordinating Councils, to adopt procedures to ensure that no such agency or Council member, employee, consultant, or agent have any actual or apparent conflict of interests with any persons, organization or other entities. Sets forth criteria for selecting health system agency governing body and executive committee members. Directs that there be opportunity for residents of a health service area to participate in the selection process. Excludes from the open meeting requirement confidential agency meetings on personnel issues. Provides for the inclusion on the governing bodies of agencies of persons having their principal place of business within the health service area, doctors of medicine and osteopathy, and nonprofessional health workers. Adds to the statement of goals to be included in the Health Systems Plan (HSP) of a health systems agency a description of institutional health services needed in the area. Requires a State health plan prepared by the Council to have the concurrence of the Governor. Requires a State health coordinating council to coordinate the State health plan with the State mental health plan developed pursuant to the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Requires such plan to assess the minimum requirements for institutional health services and specified other health services. Prohibits the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from making any grant to a State health planning and development agency which does not have a State health plan in effect. Mandates health systems agencies to provide technical assistance in obtaining and filling out necessary forms to applicants applying for projects to achieve the HSP. Allows funds granted for State health planning and development and for regulation of health care rates to be used in a periods succeeding that for which it was granted without being deducted from the subsequent grant award. Extends the period of designation of a health systems agency from one to three years. Provides for a three year extension of such designation. Raises minimum grants to such agencies. Reduces by 25 percent per year for each year during which a State has not designated a State health planning and development agency, the amount of any allotment, grant, loan, or loan guarantee which the Secretary may have committed to a State under this Act. Requires periodic reviews of projects for which a certificate-of-need was issued. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for (1) grants to the States for specified health planning and development purposes, and (2) grants and allotments to the States for health resources development. Title II: Revision and Extension of Health Resources Development Authority - Requires the Governor of a State, as well as the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, to approve any State medical facilities plan under Title XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes appropriations under such title for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for the modernization, conversion, and construction of medical facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of financial assistance to encourage the voluntary consolidation of duplicative hospital services and the discontinuance of unneeded hospital inpatient services. Allows incentive payments received to be used for: (1) the planning, development, and delivery of ambulatory care services; (2) home health care services; (3) long term services; (4) other services designated by the Secretary; (5) preparation of a hospital to serve patients of a closed hospital or reasonable termination pay for personnel who lose employment because of discontinued services; or (6) retraining personnel and assisting them in securing employment. Sets forth provisions governing the application for such incentive payments and the administration of the payment plan. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Repeals Title IX (Education, Research Training, and Demonstration in the fields of Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Kidney Disease, and Other Related Diseases) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1978
Psychotropic Substances Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act, the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act to meet obligations under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1978
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to make grants to the States for the purposes of: (1) supporting direct legal services by providing funds to area agencies on aging; (2) supporting on the staff of the State agency charged with administering the State plan of assistance to the aging, a person whose functions include developing and providing legal support for the elderly; and (3) supporting the provision of training and technical assistance for legal services for the elderly. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants or contracts with resource centers which provide social services to the elderly to: (1) support research and assistance to organizations that develop pro bono legal services; (2) support projects which improve legal delivery services to the elderly; and (3) provide legal services to the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Authorizes a $543,000,000 appropriation for reimbursing States for expenditures made with respect to services provided by such States under specified titles of the Social Security Act. Sets forth procedures and time limitations for making claims for reimbursement and maximums amounts which a State may receive for providing services under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Minority Mental Health Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish within the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration a Division for Minority Mental Health Programs. Enumerates duties for the Secretary acting through the Division including: (1) the development of systems to assist minority populations in adopting and coping with racism; and (2) the development of special training programs aimed at the elimination of institutional racism.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Indian Cyclone Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for a United States contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction programs for the disaster-stricken areas of southern India.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to establish expedited procedures for the determination of matters involving carriers other than rail carriers before the Interstate Commerce Commission. Permits the Commission or a division to void the requirement that an initial decision be made on such matters where questions of policy, new or novel issues of law, or issues of general transportation policy are involved. Establishes review procedures for initial decisions made by a division, an individual Commissioner or an authorized employee. Stipulates that such an initial decision shall be deemed an action of the Commission on the twentieth day after it is served on the interested parties unless it is appealed during such period or by the end of an extended period as authorized or is stayed by the Commission, an individual Commissioner, division, or employee or appeal board. Authorizes the Commission to establish regulations to permit appeal boards to review specified types of initial decisions and issue administratively final decisions in specified situations. Stipulates that review after the appeal of an initial decision has been determined may only be granted on a clear showing that material new evidence, changed circumstances or matters of general transportation importance are involved. Authorizes the Commission to change final decisions where warranted because of material error, new evidence, or substantially changed circumstances. Stipulates that actions of the Commission shall become effective on the thirtieth day of service of such action upon the interested parties unless the Commission provides otherwise. Defines final actions by the Commission for purposes of judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
States that it shall be the policy of the United States to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise their traditional religions. Directs the various Federal executive agencies responsible for administering laws which interfere with the exercise of these religions to evaluate their policies and procedures in order to determine the changes necessary to protect and preserve American Indian religious cultural rights and practices.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1977
Authorizes and requests the President to annually designate the Sunday following Fire Service Recognition Day as "Memorial Sunday" for firefighters disabled or killed in the line of duty during the preceeding year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1977
Repeals specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act which deprive persons of their United States citizenship because of their desertion or failure to serve in the United States armed forces in a time of national emergency, because, as a naturalized citizen, such person resided outside the territory of the United States for a specified period, because such citizen with dual nationality sought the benefits of his non-United States nationality, and because such citizen, born outside the United States, failed to come to and reside in the United States. Confers citizenship upon persons born abroad with one U.S. citizen parent and one alien parent provided such alien parent resided in the United States for a period of two years prior to the birth of such person.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1977
Amends rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require that bills, joint resolutions, and amendments, reported by the Senate Committee on Finance, which contain or extend tax expenditures provisions be referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the committees having legislative jurisdiction over the subject matters involved.
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