United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Bill of Rights for the Mentally Retarded - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish standards which assure the humane care, treatment, habilitation, and protection of the mentally retarded in residential facilities, and to improve the system for the provision of services to the mentally retarded through the encouragement of the support for the planning and development of strategies to implement such standards, minimize inappropriate admissions to residential facilities and stimulate the development of regional and community programs integrating such residential facilities which conform to such standards. Provides for a new title to the Public Health Service Act: Title XII: Support of Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to aid them with the cost of bringing existing residential facilities into compliance with the standards established under this Act, and to improve existing residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years, for such grants. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of assisting States in meeting the expenses for bringing publicly operated facilities and publicly assisted facilities into conformity with the standards established by this Act. Stipulates that any State desiring to receive such a grant shall submit a plan to the Secretary setting forth a schedule for compliance with such standards. Provides that the total of the grants with respect to any such project bringing facilities into conformity with the standards imposed by this Act may not exceed 75 percent of the necessary cost thereof as determined by the Secretary. Requires five years after the date of enactment of this Act, that no residential facility for the mentally retarded shall be eligible to receive payments either directly or indirectly under under any Federal law, unless such facility meets the standards promulgated under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private non-profit agency, organization or institution to meet the costs of development, improvement, extension, or expansion of community resources and community living situations for the mentally retarded other than living-in-residential facilities for the mentally retarded. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Standards for Residential Facilities for the Mentally Retarded to: (1) advise the Secretary with respect to any regulations promulgated or proposed in the implementation of the standards established under this Act; (2) study and evaluate such standards authorized by this Act; and (3) recommend to the Secretary any changes, revisions, modifications, or improvements in the standards established under this Act. Provides that the ultimate aim of the residential facility shall be to foster those behaviors that maximize the human qualities of the resident, increase the complexity of his behavior, and enhance his ability to cope with his environment. Requires such facilities to be located within, and conveniently accessible to, the population served, so as to have access to necessary generic community services. Provides that the facility and the surrounding community should be encouraged to share their services and resources on a reciprocal basis. Provides that residents of the facility should be integrated to the greatest possible extent with the general population. Provides that the facility shall have a written outline of the philosophy, objectives, and goals it is striving to achieve. Requires such outline to be available for distribution to staff, consumer representatives, and the interested public. Provides that the governing body of the facility shall exercise general direction and shall establish policies concerning the operation of the individuals served. Provides that the administration of the facility shall provide for effective staff and resident participation and communication. Requires the facility to designate a percentage of its operating budget for self-renewal purposes. Provides that the facility shall have a description of services for residents that is available to the public. Provides that the facility shall provide for meaningful and extensive consumer-representative and public participation. Provides that a public education and information program should be established that utilizes all communication media, and all service, religious and civil groups, to develop attitudes of understanding and acceptance of mentally retarded persons in all aspects of community living. Provides that admission and release procedures shall: (1) encourage voluntary admission; (2) give equal priority to person of comparable need; (3) facilitate emergency, partial, and short-term residential care; and (4) utilize the maximum feasible amount of voluntariness in each individual case. Authorizes the residential facility to admit only residents who have had a comprehensive evaluation. Provides that all admissions to the residential facility shall be considered temporary Provides that there shall be a regular, at least annual, joint review of the status of each resident by all relevant personnel. Provides that at the time of permanent release or transfer there shall be recorded a summary of findings, progress, and plans for protective supervision and other followup services in the resident's new environment. Provides that the performance of each employee of the facility shall be evaluated at least annually. Provides that staffing shall be sufficient so that the facility is not dependent upon the use of residents or volunteers for productive services. Provides that food services shall recognize and provide for the physiological, emotional, and cultural needs of each resident, through provision of a planned, nutritionally adequate diet. Provides that each resident shall have an adequate allowance of neat, clean, fashionable, and seasonable clothing. Provides that residents shall be trained to exercise maximum independence in health, hygiene, and grooming practices. Provides that living unit components or groupings shall be small enough to insure the development of meaningful interpersonal relationships among residents and between residents and staff. Requires dental services to be provided all residents in order to maximize their general health by maintaining an optimal level of daily oral health, through preventive measures and correcting existing oral diseases. Provides that educational services, defined as deliberate attempts to facilitate the intellectual, sensorimotor, and affective development of the individual, shall be available to all residents, regardless of chronological age, degree of retardation, or accompanying disabilities or handicaps. Provides that food and nutrition services shall be provided in order to: (1) insure optimal nutritional status of each resident, thereby enhancing his physical, emotional and social well-being; and (2) provide a nutritionally adequate diet, in a form consistent with developmental level, to meet the dietary needs of each resident. Makes library services, which include the location, acquisition, organization, utilization, retrieval, and delivery of materials in a variety of media, available to the facility, in order to support and strengthen its total habilitation program by providing complete and integrated multimedia information services to both staff and residents. Provides that medical services shall be provided in order to: (1) achieve and maintain an optimal level of general health for each resident; (2) maximize normal function and prevent disability; and (3) facilitate the optimal development of each resident. Provides that residents shall be provided with nursing services, in accordance with their needs, in order to: (1) develop and maintain an environment that will meet their total health needs; (2) foster optimal health; (3) encourage maximum self-care and independence; and (4) provide skilled nursing care. Provides that, where appropriate to the facility, there shall be a pharmacy and therapeutics committee, that includes one or more pharmacists, to develop policy on drug usage in the facility, and to develop and maintain a current formulary. Provides that physical and occupational therapy services shall be provided in order to: (1) prevent abnormal development and further disability; (2) facilitate the optimal development of each resident; and (3) enable the resident to be a contributing and participating member of the community in which he resides. Requires that psychological services be provided in order to facilitate, through the application of psychological principles, techniques, and skills, the optimal development of each resident. Provides that recreation services should provide each resident with a program of activities that: (1) promotes physical and mental health; (2) promotes optimal sensorimotor, cognitive,9 affective, and social development; (3) encourages movement from dependent to independent and interdependent functioning; and (4) provides for the enjoyable use of leisure time. Makes religious services available to residents, in accordance with their basic right to freedom of religion. Provides that all social services shall be available to all residents and their families in order to foster and facilitate: (1) maximum personal and social development of the resident; (2) positive family functioning; and (3) effective and satisfying social and community relationships. Provides that speech pathology and audiology services shall be available, in order to: (1) maximize the communications skills of all residents; and (2) provide for the evaluation, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of those residents with speech, hearing and/or language handicaps. Requires each facility to provide all its residents with rehabilitation services, which include the establishment, maintenance, and implementation of those programs that will ensure the optimal development or restoration of each resident physically, psychologically, socially and vocationally. Provides that volunteer services shall be provided in order to enhance opportunities for the fullest realization of the potential of each resident by: (1) increasing the amount, and improving the quality, of services and programs; and (2) facilitating positive relationships between the facility and the community which it serves. Provides that a record shall be maintained for each resident that is adequate for: (1) planning and continuous evaluating of the resident's habitation program; (2) providing a means of communication among all persons contributing to the resident's habilitation program; (3) furnishing documentary evidence of the resident's progress and of his response to his habilitation program; (4) serving as a basis for review, study, and evaluation of the overall programs provided by the facility for its residents; (5) protecting the legal rights of the residents, facility, and staff; and (6) providing data for use in research and education. Provides that the administration of the facility shall make provision for the design and conduct, or the supervision, of research that will objectively evaluate the effectiveness of program components and contribute to informed decisionmaking in the facility. Provides that the requirements of the Secretary shall be met, with specific reference to the following: (1) provision of adequate and alternate exits and doors; (2) provision of exit ramps, with nonskid surface and slope not exceeding one foot in twelve; and (3) provision for handrails on stairways. Provides that there shall be records that document strict compliance with the sanitation, health, and environmental safety codes of the State or local authorities having primary jurisdiction over the facility. Provides that adequate, modern administrative support shall be provided to efficiently meet the needs of, and contribute to, program services for residents, and to facilitate attainment of the goals and objectives of the facility. Provides that funds shall be budgeted and spent in accordance with the principles and procedures of program budgeting. Provides that there shall be written purchasing policies regarding authority and approvals for supplies, services and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Voter Registration Assistance Act - Establishes, within the Bureau of the Census, the Voter Registration Administration. Provides that the President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Administrator and two Associate Administrators for terms of four years each. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administration. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to States and political subdivisions thereof for improving their voter grants for the purpose of carrying out existing voter registration procedures. Provides that such grants shall not exceed 10 cents for each eligible voter in the State or political subdivision receiving the grant. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to any State or political subdivision thereof to increase the percentage of registered voters. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to any State or political subdivision thereof for planning and evaluating a system of voter registration utilizing electronic data processing or other similar procedures. Provides that a grant for such purpose shall not exceed a total of 1/2 cent for each registered voter in the jurisdiction receiving the grant, or $15,000 whichever is greater. Provides that the Administrator may make grants to any State or political subdivision thereof to carry out programs of voter registration by mail. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance in developing programs for the prevention and control of fraud in any State or political subdivision thereof and for improving voter registration and participation. Sets forth requirements which an application for assistance under this Act shall contain. Authorizes the Administrator to issue rules and regulations for the administration of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $45,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years, to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Children's Dental Health Act - Provides the following fund authorization for grants to State agencies or other oganizations to carry out programs of dental care for preschool and school age children who are unable to obtain such services: fiscal year 1973-$5,000,000; fiscal year 1974-$15,000,000; and $175-$30,000,000. Provides the following authorizations for grants for water treatment programs to prevent dental disease: fiscal year 1973-$2,000,000; fiscal year 1974-$3,000,000; and fiscal year 1975-$4,000,000. Provides for the Federal Government to share a portion of the costs of these programs. Authorizes grants totaling $57,000,000 covering the fiscal years 1973-1975 to public and private non-profit institutions to educate veterans and other persons as auxiliary dental personnel. Authorizes grants totaling $26,000,000 covering fiscal years 1973-1975 to dental schools and other organizations for projects to promote the most effective use of auxiliary dental personnel. Directs the President to appoint a seven member Dental Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on programs to meet the dental needs of the country. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the progress of the implementation and administration of the programs established by this Act. Gives the Secretary the power to regulate dentifrices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Provides for the extension of the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act through fiscal year 1976. Authorizes necessary appropriations for the purpose of making grants under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Health. Provides for a Secretary of Health, an Under Secretary, 7 Assistant Secretaries, and a Chief Medical Officer, all of whom shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under specified laws. Transfers various functions of the Secretary of H.E.W. in regard to the Public Health Service. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Education and Welfare. Authorizes the Secretary of Health to appoint and fix the compensation of such officers and employees as are necessary to carry out his functions. Transfers to the Secretary the personnel, property, and authorizations of the Acts and functions listed in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a working capital fund for expenses necessary for the maintenance and operation of common administrative services and equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for certain services and supplies for employees and their dependents stationed at remote localities. Provides that the Secretary shall appoint such advisory committees as appropriate for consultation with the Department in the performance of its functions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with educational institutions and public or private agencies for research into problems related to authorized programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the level of supplies of home heating oil has not been adequate to meet the needs of homes across the Nation, and (2) the major cause of the inadequate supply of such oil is the limitation on imports of petroleum and petroleum products. Provides that, beginning on the date of enactment of this resolution, the limitation shall not apply to the importation of crude oil or number 2 fuel oil (home heating oil) until the ninety-first day after the date of enactment of this resolution (in the case of crude oil) or April 1, 1974 (in the case of number 2 fuel oil).
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Increases to 90 percent the Federal share of funds to assist States and local public agencies in financing the acquisition, construction, and improvement of facilities and equipment for use in mass transportation service in urban areas.. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants or loans to any State or local public body to enable it to assist any mass transportation system which maintains mass transportation service in an urban area to pay operating expenses incurred as a result of providing such service. Specifies conditions for such grants or loans. Provides that, in order to finance such grants and loans, the Secretary is authorized to incur obligations on behalf of the United States in the form of grant agreements or otherwise in amounts aggregating not to exceed $800,000,000. Increases to $6,100,000,000 the authorization for obligations to finance other specified mass transportation programs. (Amends 49 U.S.C. 1602, 1603)
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Authorizes the Postal Rate Commission to make recommended decisions for changes in postal rates and fees and in mail classification matters to the Postal Service Board of Governors, and to render advisory opinions on postal services and complaints. Provides that the Commission may inquire into and examine any presentation made in any proceeding, and examine the types, quality, regularity, and reliability of any postal service, as well as the honesty, efficiency, and economy of postal management in order to carry out its duties and responsibilities. Empowers the Commission to conduct investigations, issue subpenas for witnesses, and compel the production of evidence in any proceeding from the Postal Service. Requires the Postal Service to submit to the Commission, at the time of request for a change in a rate or fee, a schedule of rates and fees it believes to be in the public interest and its case supporting the burden of proof, together with a comprehensive statement of the kinds, quality, regularity, and reliability of service proposed to be maintained for each class of mail or each type of service for which a change in a rate or fee is requested. Permits the Board of Governors to modify a recommended decision of the Commission only if the Commission's decision is not in accordance with the policies of the Postal Service title, or will not produce sufficient revenue for the operation of the Postal Service. Provides that if Congress fails to appropriate any of the amounts authorized to be appropriate for a class of mail sent at a free or reduced rate, and that amount was requested by the President in the Budget, the Postal Service may request the Postal Rate Commission to make a recommended decision for an adjustment in the rate for that class of mail so that the increased revenues received from the users of that class will equal the amount requested by the President for the class which Congress failed to appropriate. (Amends 39 U.S.C. 3603, 3604(c), 3622-3628)
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Requires the President, when he impounds funds appropriated or otherwise obligated for a specific purpose or project, within ten days thereafter transmit to the Senate and the House of Representatives a special message specifying: (1) the amount of the funds impounded; (2) the date on which the funds were ordered to be impounded; (3) the date the funds were impounded; (4) any account, department, or establishment of the Government to which such impounded funds would have been available for obligation except for such impoundment; (5) the period of time during which the funds are to be impounded; (6) the reasons for the impoundment; and (7) to the maximum extent practicable, the estimated fiscal, economic, and budgetary effect of the impoundment. Requires the President to cease the impounding of funds set forth in each special message within sixty calendar days of continuous session after the message is received by the Congress unless the specific impoundment shall have been ratified by the Congress by passage of a resolution. Establishes rules of debate for such resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Provides, under the Rural Electrification Act, that the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration is directed to fully obligate funds made available for each fiscal year for rural electrification programs provided for in such Act. (Amend 7 U.S.C. 901, 902, 904, 922)
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1973
Provides that there be printed for the use of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service one thousand seven hundred additional copies of its committee print of the current Congress entitled "United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions."
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1973
Emergency Rural Housing Act - Finds that there are millions of substandard dwelling units in rural areas, that existing agencies operating under existing authorities could not meet the needs of millions of the rural poor, and that there is a need for emergency action in rural housing programs. Establishes an Emergency Rural Housing Administration, the management of which shall be vested in an Administrator appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. Makes it the duty of the Administrator to provide minimal housing facilities for eligible persons in rural areas and small communities and to do so, to the extent possible, within a five-year period. Forbids the duties and powers of the Administration to be transferred to any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans to eligible persons to finance the acquisition of land and the construction thereon of minimal housing facilities, or to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing facilities in accordance with minimum housing facilities standards. Provides that at least 50 percent of the principal amount of any loan made shall be amortized over a period of not more than forty years, shall bear interest at a rate of not less than one percent per year, and shall be secured by a first mortgage. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire land and engage in the development of housing projects to be sold under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to finance all or part of the acquisition, and maintenance of: (1) minimal housing facilities in rural areas and small communities to be rented by eligible persons; (2) water and sewer facilities for such housing; and (3) related community facilities for such housing. Provides that the Administrator may enter into area responsibility agreements with any local agency. Forbids the Administrator to require, as a condition of assistance under this Act, the relocation of any eligible person in order to engage in or to facilitate the economic development of any area. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the operation of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $500,000,000 per year, reduced by an amounts paid into the Treasury each such year on the loans made by the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Community School Center Development Act - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide recreational, educational, and a variety of other community and social services through the establishment of a community school as a center for such activities in cooperation with other community groups. Title I: Community Education Center Grants - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to institutions of higher education to develop and establish programs in community education which will train people as community school directors. Provides that each application to the Commissioner for such grants shall: (1) provide that the programs and activities for which assistance is sought will be administered by or under the supervision of the applicant; (2) describe the programs and activities for which assistance is sought; (3) set forth fiscal control and fund accounting procedures; and (4) provide for reports in such form and containing such information as the Commissioner may reasonably require. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the title. Title II: Grants for Community Schools - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to local educational agencies for the establishment of new community school programs and the expansion of existing ones and for the training and salaries of community school directors as well as actual and administrative and operating expenses. Establishes standards for the apportionment of project grants available to each State. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the title. Title III: Community School Promotion - Directs the Commissioner to accumulate and disseminate pertinent information to local communities, to appoint twenty-five teams of not more than four individuals each to assist communities contemplating the adoption of a community school program, and to establish a program of permanent liaison between the community school districts and the Commissioner. Establishes in the Office of the Commissioner a Community Schools Advisory Council, the members to be appointed by the President for two-year terms. Directs the Commissioner to make available to the Council such information, staffs and other assistance as it may require to carry out its activities. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the title. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any department or agency to exercise control over the curriculum, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution or school system. Authorizes any State or local educational agency displeased with the Commissioner's final action with respect to the approval of applications to seek judicial review of the action in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals. Allows the Commissioner to delegate any of his functions under this Act, except the making of regulations, to any officer or employee of the Office of Education. Requires the Commissioner to transmit to the President and to the Congress annually a report of activities under this Act, including the name of each applicant and the number and amount of grants.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
New England States Fuel Oil Act - Authorizes the importation of No. 2 home heating oil, without regard to the existing quota system on petroleum products, for the purpose of residential heating in the New England States and authorizes the creation of a Northeast Oil Area. Removes the restrictions on the import of No. 2 home heating oil into the New England States. Directs the Secretary of State to undertake negotiations with the Government of Canada to eliminate all trade restrictions in petroleum and petroleum products between the United States and Canada and for the establishing of a "Northeastern Regional Oil Area" consisting of Eastern Canada and the New England States. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within one year, and each year thereafter until the negotiations are successful.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Veterans Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitative Act - Defines "disability" for purposes of hospital, domicilary and medical care for veterans under title 38 of the United States Code so as to include alcoholism and drug dependence. Defines "veteran" for purposes of hospital care and medical services for a service-connected disability as a person with an other than dishonorable discharge. Defines the term "rehabilitative services" so as to include such services as professional counseling, educational and vocational guidance, education, training and job referral and placement and such other intensive, skilled services applied on an in-patient or out-patient basis, over a protracted period as may be necessary to assist the individual disabled veteran to return, as soon and as completely rehabilitated as practicable, to his or her family and community as a productive, self-respecting, and self-sustaining member of society. Extends the presumption of service-connected active psychoses to three years. Provides for readjustment medical counseling and approrpiate followup care to a veteran of the Vietnam era who requests such care. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to carry out specified medical programs providing inpatient treatment, including treatment of the symptoms of detoxification, and outpatient treatment and rehabilitative services on a nationwide basis to the eligible veterans and persons suffering from the disability of alcoholism or alocholic abuse. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to furnish special medical treatment and rehabilitation services for drug dependence and drug abuse disabilities for any veteran. Describes such services to be provided. Provides that, when Federal facilities are not available, the Administrator is required to contract with community facilities with special priority, wherever feasible, for community-based multiple modality treatment programs which employ peer groups veterans and stress outreach efforts to identify and counsel veterans eligible for treatment and rehabilitation under the Act. Provides that a veteran applying for treatment and rehabilitative services, with an other than honorable or general discharge, shall be advised of his right to a review of the nature of his discharge and informed of programs that he would be entitled to with a general or honorable discharge. Provides for the payment for treatment and rehabilitative services for a Vietnam era veteran in a non-Veterans' Administration facility where V.A. facilities are not readily accessible. Authorizes treatment and rehabilitative services for a veteran charged with or convicted of a criminal offense, and not confined. Authorizes the furnishing of drugs and medicines to any veteran incarcerated who had been in a program previously if the attendant physician orders them. Directs the Administrator to utilize all V.A. resources including the use of peer group veterans, in seeking out and counseling veterans, especially Vietnam era veterans. Provides for the employment of former addict veterans to assist in the program wherever feasible. Authorizes the Administrator to carry out an affirmative action program, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, to urge all Federal agencies, private and public firms, organization, agencies, and persons to provide appropriate employment opportunities for veterans who have received treatment and who have been determined by competent medical authority to be sufficiently rehabilitated to be employable. Provides for a special rehabilitation program of education and training for veterans with alcohol and drug dependence conditions acquired or aggravated while in the service. Provides that the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of his duly authorized representatives, shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, accounts, records, reports, files, and all other things or property of non-Veterans' Administration facilities that are pertinent to payments received pursuant to contracts entered into under this Act. Provides that an active serviceman determined to have drug dependence disability may upon written request be transferred to a V.A. facility within the last 90 days of his tour of duty and be provided services under this Act as if he were a veteran. Requires all records and information divulged in connection with treatment and rehabilitative services under this Act to be kept confidential. Allows disclosure where there is a voluntary waiver, where the individual is a clear and present danger to himself or others, where the individual is deceased and information is necessary for benefits, and where a court order is obtained. Provides for an annual report to the Congress by the Administrator on the implementation of the programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Boston National Historic Sites Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire, only with the consent of the current owner, by donation or by purchase with donated or appropriated funds all lands and improvements thereon or interests therein comprising the following described areas: (1) Fanueil Hall, located at Dock Square, Boston; (2) Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston; (3) the area identified as the Old North Church area, 193 Salem Street, Boston; (4) the Old State House, Washington and State Street, Boston; (5) Bunker Hill, Breeds Hill, Boston; and (6) Old South Meeting House, Milk and Washington Streets, Boston. Provides that such lands, improvements and interests shall be known as the Boston National Historical Park. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the city of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and private organizations to assist in the preservation and interpretation of the properties listed in this Act, which in his opinion would best be preserved in private, municipal or State ownership. Allows the Secretary to accept donations of property of national historical interest and significance located in the city of Boston which he may deem proper for administration as part of the park. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an advisory commission which shall consist of three members recommended by the mayor of the city of Boston, three members recommended by the Governor of the State of Massachusetts, and one each by the organizations with which the Secretary has entered into cooperative agreements. Authorizes the Secretary to construct a suitable visitor center for the interpretation of the historical features of the park. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Health Maintenance Organization and Resources Development Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to assist in improving the system for the delivery of health care through encouragement of and support for the planning, development, and initial operation of health maintenance organizations, health service organizations, and area health education and service centers, particularly with the intent to improve the health of populations in medically underserved areas. Title I: Health Maintenance Organizations - Part A: Support of Health Maintenance Organizations - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this title. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public or private nonprofit agencies, organizations or institutions to assist in projects for planning or studying the feasibility of developing or expanding health maintenance organizations. Provides that no project may receive more than $250,000 in such grants. States that the Secretary shall give priority to those applicants that give assurances that at least thirty percent of their total enrollment shall be persons from medically underserved areas. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private nonprofit agency, organization, or institution to assist it in meeting the costs of projects to initially develop a health maintenance organization before it begins actual operation. Provides that no project may receive more than $1,000,000 in such grants. States that priority will be given to those applicants who assure the Secretary that at least thirty percent of their total enrollment will come from medically underserved areas. Specifies the uses for such grant funds. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private nonprofit health maintenance organization or any public or private nonprofit agency, organization, or institution intending to become a health maintenance organization to: (1) assist in meeting construction costs for ambulatory care facilities; and (2) assist in meeting capital investment costs for necessary transportation equipment. Provides that special consideration will be given to those applicants for grants to acquire or renovate existing facilities. Provides that no project may receive more than $2,500,000 in construction grants. States that priority will be given to those applicants who assure the Secretary that at least thirty percent of their total enrollment will come from medically underserved areas. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $74,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and private nonprofit health maintenance organizations to assist them in meeting operating deficits incurred during their first three years of operation. Provides that such grants may be made only after the Secretary has determined that the applicant has made reasonable attempts to meet his operating expenses. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $59,400,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to assist any public or private nonprofit health maintenance organization or any public or private nonprofit agency, organization, or institution intending to become a health maintenance organization to assist it in meeting the cost of constructing facilities for ambulatory care and transportation services. Provides that applications for loans to acquire or renovate existing facilities will be given special consideration. States that a loan for any project under this section may not exceed ninety percent of the costs. Authorizes to be appropriated for such loans $74,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Provides that appropriations for such loans, loan repayments, and other receipts in connection with construction loans shall be placed in a revolving fund to be used by the Secretary for such loans and other expenditures. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to any public or private nonprofit health maintenance organization to assist it in meeting a portion of its initial operating costs in excess of its gross revenues (as determined by regulation). Authorizes to be appropriated for such loans $59,400,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Part B: Supplemental Health Maintenance Organizations - Directs the Secretary to make grants and loans to supplemental health maintenance organizations from funds appropriated under this Act in amounts not to exceed 17.5 percent of the amounts appropriated for 'regular' health maintenance organizations. Title II: Support of Health Service Organizations - Declares that it is the purpose of this title to assist in the establishment of health service organizations and area health education centers primarily directed at defined rural population groups which are characterized by a lack of medical care services. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or private nonprofit agencies, organizations, or institutions to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to plan or study the feasibility of developing or expanding a health service organization. Provides that no project may receive more than $250,000 in such grants. Provides that grant funds awarded shall be available for expenditure by the grantee for no more than two years. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private nonprofit entity to assist it in meeting the cost of a project to initially develop a health service organization before it begins actual operation. States that no project may receive more than $1,000,000 in such grants. Provides that grant funds shall be used to: (1) implement an enrollment campaign; (2) design and arrange for the provision of health services; (3) develop administrative and internal organizational arrangements; (4) recruit personnel and conduct training activities; and (5) pay architects' and engineers' fees. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any public or private nonprofit health service organization to: (1) assist in meeting construction costs for those ambulatory care facilities (or portions of such facilities) that will be used to provide health services to its enrollees; and (2) assist in meeting capital investment costs for necessary transportation equipment that will be used to improve access to health services for its enrollees. States that special consideration will be given to those applicants for grants who acquire or renovate existing facilities. Provides that no project may receive more than $2,500,000 in construction grants under this section. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or private nonprofit health service organizations to assist them in meeting operating deficits incurred during their first three years of operation. States that such grants may be made only after the Secretary has determined that the applicant has made reasonable attempts to obtain funds from other sources. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to assist any public or private nonprofit health service organization or any public or private nonprofit agency, organization, or institution intending to become a health service organization to meet the costs of constructing facilities for ambulatory care and transportation services. Provides that such facilities must be used by the health service organization to provide health services to its enrollees. Provides that applications for loans to acquire or renovate existing facilities will be given special consideration. States that a loan for any project under this section may not exceed ninety percent of the costs. Authorizes to be appropriated for such loans $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to any public or private nonprofit health service organization to assist it in meeting a portion of its initial operating costs in excess of its gross revenues (as determined by regulation). States that such loans (with respect to any project) may not exceed: sixty percent of such excess operating costs for the first year; forty percent of such excess operating costs for the second year; and twenty percent of such excess operating costs for the third year. Authorizes to be appropriated for such loans $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years. Title III: Area Health Education and Service Centers and General Requirements - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to university health centers or to regional medical programs to assist them in meeting the costs of developing area health education and service centers. Specifies the uses for such grant funds. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants: $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to university health centers or regional medical programs to assist them in constructing and equipping educational facilities to be used by area health education and service centers. Provides that the Secretary may award such grants only after determining that applicants are unable to receive assistance for such purposes under titles I and II of the Medical Facilities Construction and Modernization Amendments of 1970 (Hill-Burton Act) and title IX of the National Housing Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants: $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Requires any loan made by the Secretary to bear interest at rates comparable to prevailing current interest rates for loans guaranteed under this title. States that no payment of principal on a loan is required until five years after the loan is made. Provides that loans may not be made unless the applicant gives the Secretary reasonable satisfaction of his ability to make payments of principal and interest when due and gives reasonable assurances that it will have such additional funds as are necessary to complete the project for which the loan is requested. Authorizes the Secretary, between January 1, 1974, and June 30, 1976, to: (1) guarantee loans made by non-Federal lenders to health maintenance organizations, health service organizations, and university health centers; and (2) pay interest subsidies on loans made by non-Federal lenders to private nonprofit health maintenance organizations, health service organizations, university health centers, and regional medical centers. Provides that loan guarantees and interest subsidies may be made to assist health maintenance organizations and health service organizations to carry out construction projects for ambulatory care facilities and necessary transportation equipment; to meet their initial development costs for three years; or to meet their operating costs for three years. Requires that the term of a loan for which a loan guarantee and interest subsidy is sought shall not exceed twenty-five years (if for construction) or fifteen years (if for operating costs), or such shorter period as the Secretary may prescribe. Requires an applicant to give assurances that it will keep and afford access to such records as the Secretary may require and make such reports containing such information and in such form as the Secretary may require. Requires that loan guarantees and interest subsidies be subject to such further terms and conditions that the Secretary determines are necessary. Authorizes the United States to recover amounts of its payments under a loan guarantee from the applicant unless the Secretary, for good cause, waives such right and upon making any payment the United States shall be subrogated to all the rights of the recipient of payments with respect to which the guarantee was made. Establishes in the Treasury a Health Maintenance Organization, Health Service Organization and Area Health Education and Service Center Loan Guarantee and Interest Subsidy Fund to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities under loan guarantees and to make payments of interest subsidies. Authorizes to be appropriated from time to time such sums as may be necessary to provide amounts required by the Fund. Provides that, if at any time sums in the Fund are insufficient, the Secretary is authorized to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in such forms and under such terms as the Secretary may prescribe with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires applications for assistance under this title to be submitted to and approved by the Secretary. States that applications must be submitted in such form and manner, and contain such information as the Secretary may prescribe. Requires recipients, upon completion of assistance under this title, to make a full and complete report to the Secretary describing the plans, developments, and operations in the areas enumerated in this title. Requires health maintenance organizations, health service organizations, or university health centers receiving assistance under this title to submit to the Secretary continuing assurances of financial responsibility; development and operation consistent with terms of this title and plans contained in the application; and other matters as prescribed by regulation. Requires an application for grants, loans, loan guarantees or interest subsidies to contain assurances that the applicant will enroll the maximum number of persons it will be able to serve effectively. Provides that it cannot enroll more than fifty percent of its enrollees from medically underserved areas (except in rural areas) as designated by the Secretary. Provides that such assistance may not be made unless the applicant demonstrates that it will or has met such conditions and that these conditions will be maintained. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate or cancel (after a hearing) any grant, loan, loan guarantee, or interest subsidy made to a health maintenance organization, health service organization, or university health center that is in substantial non-compliance with the material provisions of this title or after notice from the Commission on Quality Health Care that such organization has had its certificate of compliance suspended or revoked. Establishes in the Treasury a Health Maintenance Trust Fund to enable the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts with health maintenance and health service organizations for annual capitation payments authorized under this title. Allows health maintenance organizations and health service organizations, as well as organizations and providers that receive Quality Health Care Initiative Awards, to provide health care services in States, regardless of specified restrictive provisions in State laws. States that any health care provider which is certified by the Commission on Quality Health Care Assurance is eligible to apply for a Quality Health Care Initiative Award. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this section $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $500,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to health maintenance or health service organizations that provide health services to those individuals who cannot afford to pay the entire amount of a health maintenance or health service premium. Provides that individuals who cannot meet the entire expense of a health maintenance or health service premium will be expected to contribute a reasonable portion (as determined by the Secretary). States that the amount of such annual grants shall be equal to the difference between the maximum amount (as determined by the Secretary) an enrollee could reasonably be expected to pay toward the health maintenance, supplemental health maintenance or health service organization premium and the premium for membership enrollment in such health maintenance, supplemental health maintenance or health service organization for each person enrolled. Provides that such grants shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the total premium receipts for such health maintenance, supplemental health maintenance or health service organization for the next preceding year. Authorizes to be appropriated to make such grants $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $375,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $700,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that where a health maintenance, supplemental health maintenance, or health service organization proposes an increase in its premium rate and the Secretary determines that such increase is due in whole or in part to fulfillment of the requirement for open enrollment, in that such organization has in its enrolled population a disproportionate number of high-risk enrollees, the Secretary shall make annual grants to such organization equal to an amount that would eliminate the need for that part of the proposed premium increase caused by such disproportionate number of high-risk enrollees in such organization. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this section $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $350,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Title IV: Commission on Quality Health Care Assurance - Commission on Quality Health Care Assurance Act - Establishes a Commission on Quality Health Care Assurance as an independent agency in the Executive Branch. States that the Commission shall consist of eleven members who because of their experience or education are particularly qualified to serve. Provides that membership shall include representatives of the health care delivery industry, private organizations developing quality health care standards and consumers who are not related to the delivery of health care. Sets forth the duties and administrative powers of the Commission. Allows a health care provider covered under the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 to apply for an order to permit it to be temporarily out-of-compliance with a quality health care standard. Authorizes the Commission to grant the order if the applicant: (1) is unable to comply with the standard because personnel or equipment are unavailable, or necessary construction cannot be completed by the standard's effective date; and (2) has an effective program for coming into compliance with the standard as soon as possible. Requires providers to keep records of their activities which are governed by this Act. States that such records must be made available to the Commission and to the Secretary. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe rules and regulations for inspecting a provider's records and facilities. Requires providers to publish descriptions of any health care benefit plan covered under this Act. States that plan descriptions must be published within ninety days after the plan is established or when the plan becomes subject to the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to suspend the certificate of approval of any provider that is found, after a hearing, to be out-of-compliance with quality health care standards and suspend a provider's eligibility for assistance under this Act and the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963. Provides that providers who have had certificates suspended for an unreasonable period of time (as determined by the Commission) shall have their certificates revoked and shall be responsible for repaying part or all of the amounts received under such Acts. Authorizes the Commission to arrange with such providers for reimbursement of such amounts. Provides that persons who make false statements on any document required under this Act, upon conviction, will be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Authorizes providers of health care to enter into programs for the handling of malpractice claims which may arise out of the care and treatment of patients. States that such programs shall be based upon agreements between the patients and the providers of health care to submit all disputes, not settled to the satisfaction of both parties, to binding arbitration. Establishes procedures whereby the Commission may, by rule, promulgate, modify, or revoke any quality health assurance system criterion or norm. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent any State agency or court from asserting jurisdiction under State law over any health issue with respect to which no standard criterion, or norm is in effect under this Act. Requires any State which at any time desires to assume responsibility for the development and enforcement of health standards, criterions, or norms relating to any health issue with respect to which a Federal standard, criterion, or norm has been promulgated to submit to the Commission a State plan for the development of such standards, criterions, or norms and their enforcement. Provides that the Commission shall approve the plan submitted by a State if such plan meets requirements specified in this title. Makes provision for judicial review of an adverse decision by the Commission. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction, upon petition of the Commission, to restrain any conditions or practices by a provider of health care which are such that a danger exists which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm immediately or before the imminence of such danger can be eliminated through the enforcement procedures provided by this title. States that if the Commission arbitrarily or capriciously fails to seek relief under this section, any person, who may be injured by reason of such failure, or the representative of such person may bring an action against the Commission in the United States district court for the district in which the imminent danger is alleged to exist or the provider has its principal office, or for the District of Columbia, for a writ of mandamus to compel the Commission to seek such an order and for such further relief as may be appropriate. Authorizes to be appropriated for the carrying out of the provisions of this title $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Establishes a Federal Medical Malpractice Insurance Program, to be administered by the Commission on Quality Health Care. Requires the Commission to make medical malpractice liability reinsurance available to primary insurers of such liability to the extend that such primary insurers are liable for damages resulting from acts of an insured who holds a valid certificate of compliance in accordance with the requirements of this title. Provides that premium rates established by the Commission shall be: (1) uniform with respect to similar classifications of risks; (2) sufficient to provide adequate proceeds to pay all claims for probable losses over a reasonable period of years; and (3) exclusive of any loading for administrative expenses of the United States under this part. Authorizes the Commission to establish a Medical Malpractice Reinsurance Fund in the Treasury which shall be available: (1) to repay to the Secretary of the Treasury such sums as may be borrowed from him (together with interest) in accordance with the authority provided in this title; (2) to pay such administrative expenses (or portion of such expenses) of carrying out the reinsurance program as the Commission may deem necessary; and (3) to pay claims and other expenses and costs of the reinsurance program (including any premium equalization payments and reinsurance claims), as the Commission deems necessary. Title V: National Institute of Health Care Delivery - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a National Institute of Health Care Delivery. Provides that the Institute shall carry out a multidisciplinary research and development program to improve delivery of health care services and shall be the principal agency in the Department to coordinate and cooperate with the Commission for the improvement of health care in the United States. Provides that the Director and Deputy Director of the Institute shall be appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Director to appoint not to exceed four Assistant Directors. Provides that it shall be the function of the Institute to pursue methods and opportunities to improve and advance the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of health care delivery in the States, regions, and communities of the United States through initiation and support of studies, research, experimentation, development, demonstration and evaluation of areas and subjects set forth in this title. Provides that the Institute shall: (1) develop methods for, and support of, training of individuals to plan and conduct research, development, demonstrations, and evaluation of health care delivery and related services; (2) provide technical assistance and development of methods for the transfer of new knowledge, components, and systems to public and private agencies, programs, institutions, and individuals engaged in the improvement of health care delivery; and (3) collaborate with governments and private care institutions and programs in foreign countries for the exchange of information and support of research, experiments, demonstrations, and training in order to advance health care delivery in the United States and cooperating nations. Sets forth the administrative powers of the Director under this title. Provides that where funds are advanced for a single project under this Act by more than one Federal agency the Director may act for all in administering the funds advanced and a single non-Federal share requirement may be established according to the proportion of the funds advanced by each Federal agency. Provides for the transfer of research funds from other Government departments and agencies, with the approval of the head of the department or agency involved, for such use as is consistent for the purposes for which the funds were provided. Transfers the National Center for Health Services Research and Development from the Health Services and Mental Health Administration to the Institute. Authorizes the President, for a period of two years after the date of enactment of this title, to transfer to the Institute any functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare which relate primarily to the functions, powers and duties of the Director, as described by this title. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Health Care Delivery to be composed of twenty-one members. States that the Council shall consist of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Chief Medical Officer of the Veterans' Administration, a medical officer designated by the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the Health Services and Mental Health Administration, the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Director of the National Institute of Health Care Delivery, who shall be ex officio members, and fifteen members, who are not otherwise full-time employees of the United States, to be appointed by the President. Provides that the appointed members shall be: (1) leaders in the field of medical science, or in the organization, delivery or financing of health care; (2) leaders in the management sciences; and (3) representatives of the consumers of health care. Provides that the Council shall: (1) review programs, policies, and priorities of the Institute and centers established under this Act and advise the Director on the development and conduct of the programs of the Institute and centers; (2) examine and coordinate health care delivery efforts in cooperation and coordination with the Commission within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and other Federal departments and agencies so as to avoid duplication; and (3) assure that significant research and development findings of the Institute and centers are being disseminated to the health care system, and evaluate the extent such findings are making an impact on the health care delivery system. Provides that the Director shall, within one year after the date of his appointment and prior to February 1 of each year thereafter, prepare and submit a written report to the Secretary for his transmittal to the President and the Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this title (except for the provisions dealing with regional and special emphasis centers) the sums of $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that any unexpended sums may be carried over without fiscal year limitation. Authorizes the Director to enter into cooperative arrangements with public or private nonprofit agencies or institutions to pay all or part of the cost of planning, establishing, and providing operating support for: (1) not to exceed eight regional centers to carry out multidisciplinary research and development in health care delivery; (2) the Health Care Technology Center which shall focus on all forms of technology and its application in health care delivery; and (3) the Health Care Management Center which shall focus on the improvement of management and organization in the health field, the training and retraining of administrators, and the development of leaders, planners and policy analysts in such field. Provides that Federal support shall not exceed $2,000,000 per year per center, except for the Health Care Technology Center, and such support may be funded for an initial period of not to exceed three years. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of providing such support $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $35,000,000 for fiscal 1975; and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Provides that any unexpended sums may be carried over without fiscal year limitation. Authorizes the Director to provide funds to be used to increase the Federal contribution to research and demonstration projects, which have been designated by the National Advisory Council as essential, above the maximum level of Federal contributions otherwise authorized by any applicable law. Provides that the increased Federal contribution shall not exceed eighty precent of the cost of such projects. Provides that not to exceed ten percent of the funds authorized by this title shall be available for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Older Americans Comprehensive Services Amendments - Title I: Declaration of Objectives - States that the general purpose of this Act is to make available comprehensive health, education, and social service programs to our older citizens. Title II: Administration on Aging - Establishes in the office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Administration on Aging to carry out this Act. Declares that the Commissioner on Aging shall be the principal officer of the Administration. Establishes within the Administration on Aging a National Information and Resource ClearingHouse for the Aging to collect, review, organize, publish, and disseminate information and data related to the particular problems caused by aging, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting such problems. Establishes the Federal Council on the Aging to advise and assist the President as he may direct on matters relating to the special needs of Older Americans; to assist the Commissioner on Aging in carrying out his functions under this Act; to review and evaluate programs of the Federal Government and to make recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Commissioner, and Congress on policies and programs for the aged. Provides that, not later than one hundred and twenty days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a complete report on the activities carried out under this Act. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging - Prescribes standards and procedures for the establishment by the several States of State and area social service programs to concentrate resources in order to develop a greater capacity and foster development of comprehensive systems to serve older persons, to include services designed to assist older Americans in avoiding institutionalization. Authorizes appropriations totalling $600,000,000 for such programs for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975. Provides that the Commissioner shall not finally disapprove any State plan, or any modification thereof, without first affording the State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Title IV: Training and Research - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for the purpose of: (1) publicizing available opportunities for careers in the field of aging; (2) encouraging qualified persons to enter or re-enter the field of aging; (3) encouraging persons from other professions to undertake assignments on a part-time basis in the field of aging; and (4) assisting in covering the cost of courses of training or study in the field of aging. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct a study of the transportation problems of older Americans, with emphasis upon solutions that are practicable and can be implemented in a timely fashion. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for purposes of such transportation studies and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of: (1) establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology to recruit and train personnel; (2) conducting basic research on the problem of the aged; (3) providing consultation to public and voluntary organizations; and (4) creating opportunities for research projects with respect to aging. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purposes of attracting personnel to, and training personnel in, the field of aging; and for research and development projects. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for establishing multidisciplinary centers of gerontology. Title V: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to units of general purpose local government or other public or nonprofit private agencies to pay not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of leasing, altering, or renovating existing facilities to serve as multipurpose senior centers. Establishes standards to be followed by the Commissioner in making such grants and authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1973-1975 to carry out the provisions of this section. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure mortgages on multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years for the purpose of making grants to meet the costs of compensation of professional and technical personnel for the initial operation of multipurpose senior centers. Title VI: National Older Americans Volunteer Program - Provides that no compensation paid to individual volunteers under the Retired Senior volunteer program under the Older Americans Act shall be considered income for any purposes. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amount of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes appropriations of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the continuation of the Foster Grandparent Program under the Older Americans Act. Title VII: Nutrition Programs - Provides, under the Older Americans Act of 1965, that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation may donate specified products acquired by them to a recipient of a grant or contract for providing nutritional services for the elderly. Title VIII: Amendments to Other Acts - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States which have submitted a long-range program and an annual program for library services for older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher education to assist such institutions in planning, developing, and carrying out programs specifically designed to apply the resources of higher education to the problems of the elderly. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to State and local educational agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies for educational programs for elderly persons whose ability to speak and read the English language is limited and who live in an area with a culture different from their own. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3001, 3011(b); 42 U.S.C. 3012(3), (4); 42 U.S.C. 3044; 42 U.S.C. 3044a, 3044b; Amends 20 U.S.C. 354, 355, 355nts; 20 U.S.C. 1504(a) (2); 20 U.S.C. 1505(a); 20 U.S.C. 1078; 20 U.S.C. 1209, 1210, 1211; 20 U.S.C. 954) Title IX: Community Service Employment for Older American - Older Americans Community Service Employment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish an older American community service program in order to promote useful part-time work opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons 55 years old or older who have poor employment prospects Makes provisions for allotment of funds to State, local and private organizations to further the purposes of the program. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 to carry out this title. Title X: Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training - Middle-Aged and Older Workers Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, through the Manpower Administration, to make loans and grants for manpower training, including on-the-job, institutional, residential, and other training, designed to upgrade the work skills and capabilities of middle-aged and older persons. Authorizes the Secretary to make such studies, rules and provisions as necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out this title in fiscal year 1973 from funds otherwise available for similar programs. Authorizes appropriations in fiscal year 1974 of $100,000,000 for the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Establishes the birthplace of Susan B. Anthony in Adams, Massachusetts, as a national historic site. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
County Government Environmental Control Demonstration Project Act - Authorizes the Council on Environmental Quality to enter into such arrangements as it may determine with the county commissioners of Bershire County, Massachusetts, for a three year demonstration project to provide a model for: (1) rejuvenating and strengthening county governments throughout the Nation in their ability to deal with environmental problems; (2) dealing with such environmental problems as waste of land, forest and wildlife resources, soil erosion and flood hazards; (3) solving such problems in cooperation with, and with the assistance of, the Federal and State and local governments; and (4) establishing priorities in solving county environmental problems. Provides that no funds shall be paid to such county pursuant to this Act until such county commissioners submit to the council a plan for carrying out such project which the council determines to be satisfactory for the purpose of this Act. Provides for the composition of the project commission required to administer such demonstration project subject to the supervision of the county commissioners. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $3,000,000 for payments to Berkshire County pursuant to this Act, and such sums as may be necessary for the administration of this Act by the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Vietnam Withdrawal Act - Provides that no funds appropriated under any law may be expended after the date of enactment of this Act to finance military or paramilitary operations in or over Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia. Provides that no funds appropriated under any law may be expended after sixty days after the date of enactment of this Act to support the deployment of United States armed forces in Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia. Provides that this Act shall have no force or effect if North Vietnam has not arranged for the release and repatriation of American prisoners of war and Americans missing in action by a date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Provides for the preservation and promotion of the Connecticut River Valley through the establishment of a Connecticut Historic Riverway. Establishes the Mount Holyoke Riverway Committee to consult with the Secretary of the Interior on the development and administration of the valley. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, reduced fares on the airlines on a space-available basis for individuals twenty-one years of age or younger or sixty-five years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility and desirability of a Boston Harbor National Recreation Area in the State of Massachusetts. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $300,000 to carry out such study.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Provides for the establishment of the Plymouth Rock National Memorial in the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Requires termination by July 1, 1975, of all weapons range activities conducted on or near the island of Culebra complex of the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range. Prohibits funds from being appropriated by the Congress after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Opportunities Industrialization Assistance Act - Authorizes $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purposes of this Act. Provides that appropriations not obligated in one fiscal year may be obligated in the next fiscal year and that obligated funds may be expended for two years after obligations. Directs the Secretary of Labor to assist the States in the establishment and operation of opportunities industrialization centers designed to provide comprehensive employment services and job opportunities for low-income persons who are unemployed or underemployed. Requires assurances that residents of the area to be served participate in the planning and operation of the center and that local businessmen will be consulted as to its development and operation. Gives priority to programs in the inner-city areas with high unemployment or underemployment. Authorizes the Secretary to establish criteria for the equitable distribution of money to the States. Limits Federal financial assistance to 90 percent of the program costs. Permits contributions in excess of this percentage if the Secretary determines that this is necessary in furtherance of the objectives of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to assure that these programs are operated in a manner designed to best fulfill the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to include, in the annual Department of Labor report, information as to activities conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Offshore Marine Environment Protection Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide for the fullest protection of the marine environment possible to prevent adverse impact which may result from the construction and operation of large-scale offshore artificial structures. Provides that no person shall construct or operate an artificial structure as defined in this Act until the Secretary of the Department in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is operating shall have certified that the artificial structure does not pose an unreasonable threat to the integrity of the marine environment in which it is to be located, and that all possible precautions have been taken to minimize adverse impact on the marine environment. Establishes criteria to be considered by the Secretary in reviewing and evaluating applications to build artificial offshore structures. Directs that copies of any communications, documents, reports, or information received or sent by any applicant (except those which relate to trade secrets) shall be made available to the public upon identifiable request. Provides that, in evaluating the effect of any proposed artificial structure on navigation, the Secretary shall consult with and obtain the views of the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Prescribes a fine of not less than $50,000 nor more than $200,000 for any person who begins to construct, constructs, or operates an artificial structure after the effective date of this Act without a prior certification by the Secretary. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 each for the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976 for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Education for all Handicapped Children Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to insure that all handicapped children receive maximum special educational services not later than 1976, to insure that State and local education agencies fulfill their primary responsibilities in providing such services, and to provide financial assistance to the State and local educational agencies to enable them to provide such services. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting the States in improving and expanding educational services for the education of handicapped children at the preschool, elementary, and secondary school levels. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal years 1973 through 1977 such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth a formula by which the sums appropriated pursuant to this Act shall be allotted. Provides that the Commissioner shall prescribe basic criteria to be applied by State agencies in approving applications for assistance under the State plan submitted under this Act. Provides that States desiring to participate in the program under this Act shall demonstrate to the Commissioner of Education that specific conditions have been met. Sets forth provisions which each State plan shall include. Provides that each participating State shall appoint an advisory panel which shall be broadly representative of individuals involved in the education of handicapped children. Sets forth the functions of such panel. Provides that the Commissioner shall report to the Congress annually regarding progress toward goals of this Act. Provides that the Federal share of programs pursuant to this Act shall be 75 percent. States that a maximum of 1 percent of the total of the grants paid under this Act for one year to a State agency may be paid to such agency by the Commissioner for the administration of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for this purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the acquisition and maintenance of the Goddard Rocket Launching Site to preserve the site where the first liquid propelled rocket was launched.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
National Science Policy and Priorities Act - States the Congressional declaration that the total Federal investment in science and technology must be raised to an expenditure level which is adequate to the human needs of the nation; and that Federal programs for civilian research and engineering must be focused in such priority problem areas as health care, poverty, public safety, pollution, unemployment, productivity, housing, education, transportation, nutrition, communications, and energy resources. Title I: Science Policy and Priorities for Civilian Research and Engineering - Science Policy Act - Requires the National Science Foundation to identify, research, and report on priority areas of civilian research and engineering likely to contribute to the resolution of such national problem areas as stated above. Authorizes appropriations totalling $50,000,000 for fiscal years 1974-1976 for such purposes. Title II: Design and Demonstration of Civil Science Systems - Civil Science Systems Act - Authorizes the Foundation to initiate and support programs which use science, technology, and advanced analytical techniques, such as systems analysis, to design civil science systems which are capable of providing improved public services in such areas as health care delivery, public safety, public sanitation, pollution control, housing, transportation, public utilities, communications, and education. Establishes within, the NSF, the Civil Science Systems Administration to administer programs carried out under this title. Establishes the Civil Science Systems Advisory Council, composed of 31 members, 18 of whom shall serve for terms of 3 years and be chosen from the following areas: business, labor, engineers, social and behavioral scientists, environmental and other community groups, and consumers. Authorizes the Director of the Administration to conduct and contract for planning studies for the design and demonstration of civil science systems capable of providing improved public services. Authorizes contracts: (1) for the conduct of applied social research into the economic, sociological, political, legal, administrative, and psychological aspects of the design, development, and implementation of such civil science systems; and (2) for research, testing, and evaluation of such civil science systems which make use of advanced science and technology. Authorizes the Director to establish a computerized Civil Science Systems Information Service, which shall collect the information pertaining to civil science systems resulting from programs under this title, and shall provide information to interested Government, educational, and private organizations. Requires the Director, in conducting programs under this title, to maintain coordination with appropriate Federal, State, regional, and local governmental agencies. Authorizes appropriations for this title of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $400,000,000 for 1975, and $600,000,000 for 1976. Title III: Transition of Technical Manpower to Civilian Programs - Technical Manpower Transition Act - Authorizes the Foundation to plan and assist in the transition of scientific and technical manpower from research and engineering programs which have been terminated or significantly reduced to other civilian-oriented research and engineering activities. Establishes an Advisory Panel on Transition of Scientific and Technical Manpower to Civilian Programs, to be composed of 31 members, 18 of whom shall serve for terms of 3 years and be chosen from the following categories: engineering and natural sciences, economics and social sciences, industry, labor, public affairs and manpower training, and unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians. Authorizes the Foundation to make grants: (1) for the conduct of research designed to study and appraise the social, economic, and managerial aspects of transition from defense research and engineering activities to civilian-oriented research and engineering activities; (2) for programs designed to facilitate the transition of scientific and technical activities to civilian programs at the State, local, or regional level; (3) for training programs for officers and employees of Federal, State, and local government who will be responsible for administering Government-assisted programs for civilian, social oriented research and engineering activities; (4) for establishing community conversion corporations which shall conduct civilian-oriented research and development activities focusing on the particular problems of the community where the corporation is located; (5) for job transition programs involving the hiring of unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians to work on civilian-oriented projects for which they are not yet fully qualified; (6) for career transition fellowships to unemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians to enable them to pursue a course of study through which they can acquire specialized technical knowledge and skills in fields other than the ones in which they are already proficient; (7) for placement programs for unemployed or underemployed scientists, engineers, and technicians; and (8) for education programs which design courses and curriculums intended to prepare students for careers in civilian, socially oriented research and engineering activities, in areas such as pollution control, mass transit, solid waste disposal systems, public utilities, public safety systems, and health care technology. Authorizes to be appropriated to carry out this title $152,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $203,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $205,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Title IV: Protection of Pension Rights of Scientists and Engineers - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to develop recommendations for modifications of Federal procurement regulations to insure that scientists, engineers, and those employed under Federal procurement, construction, or research contracts or grants, shall be protected against forfeiture of pension or retirement benefits as a consequence of job transfers or loss of employment resulting from terminations or modifications of Federal contracts or procurement policies. Title V: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Authorizes the Director to appoint additional personnel and advisory committees, and use the services of Federal, State, and local government organizations, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Makes provisions for the payment and withholding of funds under this Act. Requires records to be kept of costs by recipients of assistance under this Act. Provides for an audit of records of recipients of assistance. Requires provisions in grants or contracts under this Act governing the disposition of inventions produced thereunder in a manner calculated to protect the public interest and the equities of the individual or organization with which the grant or contract is executed. Prohibits any Foundation employee from retaining or transferring any rights, under the patent laws or transfering any rights, under the patent laws of the United States, in any invention which he may produce in connection with performing his assigned activities and which is directly related to the subject matter thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act - Title I: Organization - Establishes within the Department of Labor an Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent. Provides that the functions, records and personnel of the Office of Labor Management Services Administration necessary for the administration of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act are transferred to the Office of Pension and Welfare Plan Administration. Requires that, unless exempt, the provisions of the Act apply to any pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan established or maintained by an employer, a union, or both together in any industry or activity affecting interstate commerce. Requires administrators of pension and profit-sharing-retirement plans to file applications with the Secretary of Labor for registration of such plans. Title II: Vesting and Funding Requirements - Requires that no pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan may require, as a condition of eligibility to participate in the plan, a period of service longer than one year or an age greater than 25, whichever occurs later, except that any plan which provides 100 percent immediate vesting upon entry into the plan may restrict participation to those who have attained age 30, or three years of service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes the Secretary to defer, in whole or in part, applicability of the vesting provisions for a period not to exceed five years from the effective date of such requirements where a plan makes a showing that the vesting requirements would increase the employer's costs or contributions to the plan to an extent that substantial economic injury would result to the employer and to the interests of the participants. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing funding of multi-employer plans that cover a substantial portion of the industry or employees in a specific geographic area to assure that such plans are provided with sufficient assets to cover benefits under the plan. Title III: Voluntary Portability Program for Vested Pensions - Establishes a voluntary program known as the Voluntary Portability Program for portability of vested pension credits. Requires that, plans which are members of this program are required to pay, to a central portability fund administered by the Secretary, monies representing the value of the participant's vested rights when he is separated from the plan prior to retirement. Establishes a Voluntary Portability Program Fund under the supervision of the Secretary into which payments will be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the portability program. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance Program Established - Establishes a Private Pension Plan Termination Insurance Program administered by the Secretary, which requires plans to insure unfunded vested liabilities incurred prior to enactment of the Act, as well as after enactment of the Act. Requires the insurance program to insure participants against loss of vested benefits arising from plan termination. States that the Secretary shall make arrangements with employers on equitable terms for the reimbursement of insurance paid. Title V: Disclosure and Fiduciary Standards - Requires that annual reports filed are required to be accompanied by a certificate designating the Secretary as agent for service of process in any action arising under this Act. Restructures the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans so that it will serve as an advisory council for both the WPPDA and the Retirement Income Security for Employees Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Empowers the Secretary to petition the Federal courts to compel a pension or profit-sharing-retirement plan to comply with the Act or effect recoveries of moneys which may be due under the Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for interference with the rights of a pensioner or his beneficiary. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for the provisions in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Veterans Health Care Expansion Act - Title I: Hospital, Domicilliary, and Medical Care Benefits - Extends the definition of "private facilities" for which the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs contracts in order to provide hospital care to include facilities for the wife or child of a veteran who has a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from a service connected disability, and the widow or child of a veteran who died from such a disability. Includes in the term "hospital care" mental health services, consultation, professional counseling, and training of a veteran or dependent, or survivor if the veteran has no dependents, as may be necessary or appropriate to the effective treatment and rehabilitation of such individual. Adds home health services which the Administrator deems appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability of a veteran, or dependent, or survivor, to the definition of the term "medical services." Extends to all veterans hospital or nursing home care if such veteran is unable to defray the expenses of the necessary care. Allows the Administrator to furnish hospital or nursing home care to the wife or child of a veteran who has a total disability, permanent in nature from a service connected disability, and the widow or child of a veteran who died from such a disability. Permits the Administrator to furnish medical services for any disability on an outpatient or ambulatory basis to persons already described in this act and to any veteran who has a service connected disability rated at eighty percent or more. Authorizes the Administrator, under such regulations as he might prescribe, to reimburse veterans entitled to hospital care as medical services for the reasonable value of such care or services for which such veterans have made payment from sources other than the Veterans' Administration. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 628) Authorizes the President to assist the Republic of the Philippines in providing medical care and treatment for Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts under certain conditions. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 631) Provides that the President may authorize the Administrator to enter into a contract with the Veterans Memorial Hospital, with the approval of the appropriate department of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines under which the United States: (1) will pay for hospital care in the Republic of the Philippines, or for medical services which shall be provided either in Veterans' Administration facilities, or by contract, or otherwise, by the Administrator in accordance with the conditions and limitations applicable generally to beneficiaries under this title, for Commonwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator to be in need of such hospital care or medical services for service-connected disabilities; (2) will pay for hospital care at the Veterans Memorial Hospital for Commonwealth Army veterans determined by the Administrator to need such care for non-service-connected disabilities if they are unable to defray the expenses of necessary hospital care; and (3) will pay for hospital care, determined by the Administrator to be necessary, at the Veterans Memorial Hospital for new Philippine Scouts for service-connected disabilities and for non-service-connected disabilities, if they enlisted before July 4, 1946, and if they are unable to defray the expenses of necessary hospital care. Provides that the total of the payments authorized shall not exceed $2,000,000 for any one fiscal year ending before 1978. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year ending with fiscal year 1978, $100,000 to be used for the education and training of health service personnel at the hospital, and for the upgrading of equipment and in rehabilitating the physical plant and facilities of such hospital. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 632) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a comprehensive program providing sickle cell anemia screening, counseling, and treatment and to carry out research and research training in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of sickle cell anemia based upon such screening examinations and treatment. Requires the Administrator to include such information in his annual report to Congress. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 651-654) Title II: Amendments to Chapter 73 of Title 38, United States Code Relating to the Department of Medicine and Surgery - Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a major program of recruitment training, and employment of veterans with various medical military occupation specialties in order to provide a complete medical and hospital service for the medical care and treatment of veterans and to assist in providing an adequate supply of health manpower to the nation. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4101(b)) Establishes pay schedules for Assistant Chief Medical Directors, physicians and dentists, and nurses. Provides criteria on which nurses are to receive additional compensation. Enumerates restrictions on physicians, dentists, and nurses, including requirements that no such person may: (1) assume responsibility for the medical care of any patient other than a patient admitted for treatment at a Veterans' Administration facility, except in those cases where the individual, upon request and with the approval of the Chief Medical Director, assumes such responsibilities to assist communities or medical practice groups to meet medical needs which would not otherwise be available for a period not to exceed one hundred and eighty calendar days, which may be extended by the Chief Medical Director for additional periods not to exceed one hundred and eighty calendar days each; (2) teach or provide consultative services at any affiliated institution if such teaching or consultation will, because of its nature or duration, conflict with his responsibilities under this title; and (3) perform, in the course of carrying out his responsibilities under this title, professional services for the purpose of generating money for any fund or account which is maintained by an affiliated institution for the benefit of such institution, or for his personal benefit, or both. Provides that temporary full-time appointments of personnel, other than physicians, dentists, and nurses, shall not exceed one year. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 4114(a)(3)(A)) Provides that the Administrator may contract with one or more hospitals, medical schools, or medical installations having hospital facilities and participating with the Veterans' Administration in the training of interns or residents to provide for the central administration of stipend payments, provision of fringe benefits, and maintenance of records for such interns and residents by the designation of one such institution to serve as a central administrative agency for this purpose. Permits the Administrator to pay to such designated agency, without regard to any other law or regulation governing the expenditure of Government moneys either in advance or in arrears, all amount to cover the costs for the period such intern or resident serves in a Veterans' Administration hospital. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 4114(b)(2)) Title III: Amendments to Chapter 81 of Title 38, United States Code - Acquisition and Operation of Hospital and Domicilliary Facilities; Procurement and Supply - Requires the Administrator to provide for no less than an average of 98,500 operating beds in Veterans' Administration Hospitals and to maintain an average daily patient census in such beds of no less than 85,500 in any fiscal year. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and operate not less than eight thousand beds for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 5001(a)) Requires the Administrator to appoint an Advisory Committee on Structural Safety of Veterans' Administration Facilities to advise him on all matters of structural safety in the construction and remodeling of Veterans' Administration facilities. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 5001(b)) Title IV: Miscellaneous Amendments to Title 38 United States Code - Specifies certain miscellaneous amendments to title 38 of the United States Code. Title V: Effective Dates - Specifies the dates on which the provisions of this act shall become effective.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the establishment of a Rehabilitation Services Administration and to establish an Office for the Handicapped and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of HEW under titles I through IV of this Act. Creates within such Administration a Division of Research,Training, and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title IV of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in the appropriation Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds, pursuant to regulations prescribed by th President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Part A: General Provisions - Authorizes to be appropriated in order to make grants to States under part B of this title $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; and $975,000,000 for fiscal year 1974. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Sets forth conditions which shall be included in a State plan for vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services submitted to the Commissioner for approval under this title. Provides for judicial review of an adverse decision of the Commissioner with respect to a State plan submitted for approval under this title. Part B: Basic Vocational and Comprehensive Rehabiliation Services - Provides for the allocation of the funds appropriated under Part A for Part B to the several States. States that the allocation to any State shall not be less than 1/4 of 1 percent of the amount appropriated, or $2,000,000, whichever is greater. Provides that for each fiscal year the Commissioner shall pay to each State an amount equal to the Federal share of the cost of vocational rehabilitation services under an approved State plan. States that this payment shall not exceed such State's allocation unde this part. Requires the Commissioner to set aside funds in an amount between $1,000,000 and $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1973, and up to $5,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1974-1975, to establish a system of client assistance pilot projects to advise clients of benefits available under this Act. Part C: Innovation and Expansion Grants - Entitles States to grants for special programs to expand vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with the most severe handicaps, particularly those who are poor and responsibility for whose treatment is shared by the State. Sets forth provisions for allotments among the States. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - Authorizes grants to assist the several States in developing and implementing continuing plans for meeting the current and future needs of handicapped individuals for whom a vocational goal is not possible or feasible, including the assessment of disability and rehabilitation potential, and for the training of specialized personnel needed for the provision of services to such individuals and research related thereto. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $80,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, for such purposes. Sets forth provisions for allotments to the States, with a minimum assurance of $150,000 per State. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities - Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants and contracts for the construction of rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or private nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Provides that an application for a grant under this title must conform to the general grant and contract requirements of this title. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purpose of making vocational training grants $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit private organizations and agencies to pay 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals in public and nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Requires the Commissioner to make the following determinations prior to making such grants: (1) that the purpose of the project is to prepare handicapped, especially severely handicapped, individuals for gainful and suitable employment; (2) that the individuals to receive training services under such project will include only those individuals who are determined to be suitable for and in need of such training services by the States agency or agencies of the State in which the rehabilitation facility is located; (3) that the full range of training services will be made available to such individual; and (4) that the project meets such other requirements as he may prescribe in regulations for providing such services. Authorizes the Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage which covers construction of a public or nonprofit rehabilitation facility, including equipment to be used in its operation. Sets forth conditions for the insurance of such mortgages. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used as a revolving fund to carry out this title. States that the total amount of outstanding mortgages insured shall not exceed $250,000,000. Provides that the Commissioner may make annual interest grants to State and public and nonprofit agencies to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commissioner such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purpose of making grants for special projects and demonstrations. States that such grants may pay 90 percent of the cost of the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families. Establishes the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults which shall: (1) demonstrate methods of: (a) providing the specialized intensive services, and other services, needed to rehabilitate handicapped individuals who are both deaf and blind; and (b) training the professional and allied personnel needed adequately to staff facilities specially designed to provide such services and training to such personnel who have been or will be working with deaf-blind individuals; (2) conduct research in the problems of, and ways of meeting the problems of, rehabilitating deaf-blind individuals; and (3) aid in the conduct of related activities which will expand or improve the services for or help improve public understanding of the problems of deaf-blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropraited for the purpose of establishing and operating such center $5,000,000 for construction which shall remain available until expended, and $800,000 for operations for fiscal year 1973; $1,200,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Provides for the establishment of Rehabilitation Centers for Deaf Individuals, and National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for special services for the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease and to provide rehabilitation services for older blind individuals. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of the Handicapped consisting of twenty members appointed by th Commissioner. Provides that the council shall: (1) provide policy advice and consultation on the planning, conduct, and review of programs authorized under this Act; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act, make recommendations with respect thereto, and make annual reports to the Secretary and the Commissioner for transmittal to the Congress; (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act; and (4) provide such other advisory services as the Secretary and Commissioner may request. Provides that any State which receives assistance under this Act shall establish and maintain a State Advisory Council which shall be appointed by the Governor, or in specified cases by the State board which governs vocational rehabilitation. Sets forth the functions of such council. Title IV: Research and Training - Provides that the Commissioner may make grants to, and contracts with, State public and nonprofit organizations to pay part of the cost of research projects which bear directly on the provision of services under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to pay all or part of the cost of specialized activities including the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purpose of this title. Title V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Sets forth the functions of the Commissioner in carrying out his duties under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies, investigations and evaluations of programs authorized by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving states goals. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on such determination and review to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to conduct such program and project evaluations. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall serve as a Special Assistant to the Secretary. Sets forth the function of the Office. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of this title $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Provides for the repeal of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees to insure the adequacy of hiring, placement, and advancement practices with respect to handicapped individuals within the Federal Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to consider problems in the areas that impede the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals. Establishes the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Sets forth the function of such Board. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the duties and functions of such Board. Requires any contract entered into by any Federal department or agency for the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services (including construction) for the United States to contain a provison requiring that, in employing persons to carry out such contract, the party contracting with the United States shall take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. States that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Public Safety Officers' Group Life Insurance Act - Authorizes the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to purchase from life insurance companies a policy or policies of group life insurance to provide the benefits provided under this Act. Provides that each such life insurance company must: (1) be licensed to issue life insurance in each of the fifty States of the United States and in the District of Columbia; and (2) as of the most recent December 31 for which information is available to the Administration have in effect at least 1 percent of the total amount of group life insurance which all life insurance companies have in effect in the United States. Provides that any purchased policy will automatically insure any public safety officer employed on a full time basis by a State or local government which has applied to participate in the insurance program and agreed to deduct from such officer's pay the amount of the premium, to be forwarded to the proper Federal agency as designated by the Administration. Specifies the amount of life insurance an officer may receive on the basis of their pay rate. Provides that each policy purchased by the Administration under this Act shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Administration, to the effect that any insurance thereunder on any public safety officer shall cease thirty-one days after: (1) his separation or release from full-time duty as such an officer; or (2) discontinuance of his pay as such an officer, whichever is earlier. Provides that each policy purchased under this Act shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Administration, for the conversion of such insurance effective the day following the date such insurance would cease. Specifies that during the period such insurance is in force the insured, upon request to the Administration, shall be furnished a list of life insurance companies participating in the program established under this Act and upon written application (within such period) to the participating company selected by the insured and payment of the required premiums be granted insurance without a medical examination on a permanent plan then currently written by such company which does not provide for the payment of any sum less than the face value thereof or for the payment of an additional amount of premiums if the insured engages in public safety activities. Requires that during any period in which a public safety officer is insured under a policy of insurance purchased by the Administration under this Act his employer shall withhold each pay period from his basic or other pay until separation or release from full-time duty as a public safety officer an amount determined by the Administration to be such officer's share of the cost of his group life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Sets forth the order of precedence in which the survivors of the officers will be awarded insurance benefits. States that each policy issued under this title shall include a schedule of basic premium rates and provides for the readjustment of rates. Establishes an Advisory Council on Public Safety Officer Group Life Insurance consisting of the Attorney General as Chairman, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Provides that the Council shall meet once a year, or more often at the call of the Attorney General, and shall review the administration of this Act and advise the Administration on matters of policy relating to activities thereunder. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are, covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet some other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended furing the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board shall divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of, methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amendable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000105_200.jpg)