United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Victims of Crime Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to promote the public welfare by establishing a means of meeting the financial needs of the innocent victims of violent crimes or their surviving dependents and intervenors acting to prevent the commission of crime or to assist in the apprehension of suspected criminals. Establishes a three member Violent Crimes Compensation Board within the Department of Justice. Gives to the Board specified administrative powers. States that the Board shall order the payment of compensation: (1) in the case of the personal injury of an intervenor or victim, to or on behalf of that person; or (2) in the case of the death of the intervenor or victim, to or on behalf of the surviving dependent or dependents of either of them. Provides that the Board shall determine the amount of compensation under this Act: (1) in the case of a claim by an intervenor or his surviving dependent or dependents, by computing the net losses of the claimant; and (2) in the case of a claim by a victim or his surviving dependent or dependents, by computing the pecuniary losses of the claimant. Places various limitations and requirements on orders for compensation, including the provision that no order for compensation shall be in excess of $50,000, including lump-sum and periodic payments. Provides that the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia shall have jurisdiction to review all final orders of the Board. Lists the crimes to which this Act is applicable. Creates the Criminal Victim Indemnity Fund which shall be the repository of: (1) criminal fines paid in the various courts of the United States, (2) additional amounts that may be appropriated to the Fund as provided by law, and (3) such other sums as may be contributed to the Fund by public or private agencies, organizations, or persons. Provides that the Fund shall be utilized only for the purposes of this Act. Establishes the Advisory Council on the Victims of Crime to review the administration of this Act and the various programs of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Requires the Board to transmit an annual report to Congress. Provides that any court of the United States may impose a maximum fine of $10,000, to be deposited into the Criminal Victim Indemnity Fund, on any person convicted of an offense resulting in personal injury, property loss, or death, in addition to any other penalty that might be imposed. Authorizes Federal grants to pay the costs of State programs which compensate victims of violent crime which are substantially comparable in coverage and limitations to the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Land Use Policy and Planning Assistance Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Purpose - Declares that it is a continuing responsibility of the Federal Government, consistent with the responsibility of State and local governments for land use planning and management, to undertake the development and implementation of a national land use policy which shall incorporate environmental, esthetic, economic, social, and other appropriate factors. Declares it to be the national policy to: (1) favor patterns of land use planning, management, and development which are in accord with sound environmental, economic, and social values and which encourage the wise and balanced use of the Nation's land resources; (2) assist State governments to develop and implement land use programs for non-Federal lands which will incorporate environmental, esthetic, economic, social, and other appropriate factors, and to develop a framework for the formulation, coordination, and implementation of State and local land use policies; (3) assist the State and local governments to improve upon their present land use planning and management efforts with respect to areas of critical environmental concern, key facilities, development and land use of regional benefit, and large scale development; (4) facilitate increased coordination in the administration of Federal programs and in the planning and management of Federal lands and adjacent non-Federal lands so as to encourage sound land use planning and management; and (5) promote the development of systematic methods for the exchange of land use, environmental, economic, and social data and information among all levels of governments. Title II: Aministration of Land Use Policy - Establishes in the Department of the Interior an Office of Land Use Policy Administration. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the office, shall: (1) maintain a continuing study of the land resources of the United States and their use; (2) cooperate with the States in the development of standard methods and classifications for the collection of land use data and in the establishment of effective procedures for the exchange and dissemination of land use data; (3) develop and maintain a Federal Land Use Information and Data Center; (4) make the information maintained at the Data Center available to Federal, regional, State, and local agencies conducting or concerned with land use planning and management and to the public; and (5) administer the grant-in-aid program established under the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Board on Land Use Policy to assist the Secretary in carrying out this Act. Authorizes the States to coordinate land use planning, policies, and programs with appropriate interstate entities, and a reasonable portion of the funds made available to such States under the provisions of this Act may be used therefor. Title III: Program of Assistance to the States - Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to each State to assist each State in developing and administering a State land use program meeting the requirements set forth in this Act. Provides that, as a condition to the continued eligibility of any State for grants after a period of three complete fiscal years following the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall have determined that the State has developed an adequate statewide land use planning process. Sets forth the requirements of such process. Provides that, in the determination of an adequate statewide land use process of any State, the Secretary shall confirm that the State has an eligible State land use planning agency established by the Governor of such State or by law. Provides that, as a condition of the continued eligibility of any State for grants after a period of five complete fiscal years following the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall determine that the State has developed an adequate State land use program. Provides that such program shall include methods of implementation for: (1) assuring that use and development of land in areas of critical environmental concern within the State is not inconsistent with the State land use program; (2) assuring that the use of land in areas within the State which are or may be impacted by key facilities, including the site location and the location of major improvement and major access features of key facilities, is not inconsistent with the State land use program; (3) assuring that any large-scale subdivisions and other proposed large-scale development within the State of more than local significance in its impact upon the environment is not inconsistent with the State land use program; (4) assuring that any source of air, water, noise, or other pollution in the areas or from the uses or activities listed in this part shall not be located where it would result in a violation of any pollution standard or implementation plan; (5) periodically revising and updating the State land use program to meet changing conditions; (6) assuring dissemination of information to appropriate officials or representatives of local governments and members of the public and their participation in the development of and subsequent revisions in the State land use program and in the formulation of State guidelines, rules, and regulations for the development and administration of the State land use program; and (7) conducting a coordinated management program for the land and water resources of any coastal zone within the State in accordance with existing or then applicable Federal or State law. Provides that such methods of implementation shall include either one or a combination of the two following general techniques: (1) implementation by local governments pursuant to criteria and standards established by the State, such implementation to be subject to State administrative review with State authority to disapprove such implementation wherever it fails to meet such criteria and guidelines; and (2) direct State land use planning and regulation. Provides that the Secretary shall not make a grant to any State pursuant to this Act until he has ascertained that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is satisfied that the land use program of such State is in compliance with the goals of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the clean Air Act, and other Federal laws controlling pollution which fall within the jurisdiction of the Administrator. Requires Federal projects and activities significantly affecting land use to be consistent with State land use programs which conform to the provisions of this Act. Establishes a procedure for the withholding of funds under this Title. Title IV: Federal-State Coordination and Cooperation in the Planning and Management of Federal and Adjacent Non-Federal Lands - States that all agencies of the Federal Government charged with responsibility for the management of Federal lands shall consider State land use programs prepared pursuant to this Act and attempt to coordinate the State and Federal programs. Provides that the Secretary, at his discretion or upon the request of the Governor of any State involved, shall establish an Ad Hoc Federal-State Joint Committee or Committees to review specific problems arising from the management of Federal lands and adjacent non-Federal lands. States that, upon receipt of the recommendations of such committee, the Secretary shall take any appropriate action to minimize such conflict. Directs the Secretary to report biennially to the President and Congress concerning the coordination of the management of Federal land and adjacent non-Federal lands. Title V: General - Authorizes the President to designate an agency or agencies to issue guidelines to the Federal agencies to assist them in carrying out the requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary, with the assistance of the Office and the Board, to report biennially to the President and the Congress on land resources, uses of land, and current and emerging problems of land use. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants provided for in this Act in any amount not to exceed 66 2/3 percent of the estimiated cost of developing the State land use programs for the two fiscal years following the enactment of this Act. Provides that for the following three fiscal years grants may be made in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the estimated cost of developing and administering such programs. Authorizes to be appropriated for grants to the States under this Act $40,000,000 for each of the first two fiscal years following the enactment of this Act and $30,000,000 for each of the next three fiscal years. Authorizes to be appropriated, for each of the five full fiscal years following the enactment of this Act, $10,000,000 to the Secretary to be used exclusively for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Government in the Sunshine Act - Title I: Congressional Procedures - Requires each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives, including meetings to conduct hearings, shall be open to the public. Provides that a portion or portions of such meetings may be closed to the public if the committee or subcommittee determines by vote of a majority of the members present that the matters to be discussed or the testimony to be taken: (1) will disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national security or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to matters of committee staff personnel or internal staff management or procedure; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, injure the professional standing or otherwise expose to public contempt or obloquy any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will disclose the identity of any informer or law enforcement agent or of any information relating to the investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense that is required to be kept secret in the interests of effective law enforcement; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets of financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee of the Senate and House of Representatives to make a public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting (whether open or closed to the public) at least one week before such meeting unless the committee or subcommittee determines by a vote of the majority of its members that committee business requires that such meeting be called at an earlier date, in which case the committee shall make public announcement of the date, place and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript, including a list of all persons attending and their affiliation, shall be made of each meeting of each standing, select, or special committee or subcommittee. Provides that a copy of each such transcript shall be made available for public inspection within seven days of each such meeting, and additional copies of any transcript shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Provides that all the aforegoing requirements and exceptions applicable to the meetings of the committees and subcommittees of the House and Senate shall also be applicable to each meeting of a committee of conference. Establishes procedures to review and reverse any committee and subcommittee vote to close a meeting to the public or to delete from the publicly available copy a portion of a meeting transcript. Title II: Agency Procedure - Requires all meetings of any Federal agency to be open to the public unless a majority of the entire membership of an agency determines the meeting: (1) will probably disclose matters necessary to be kept secret in the interests of national security or the confidential conduct of the foreign relations of the United States; (2) will relate solely to individual agency personnel or to internal agency office management and procedures or financial auditing; (3) will tend to charge with crime or misconduct, or to disgrace, injure the professional standing or otherwise expose to public contempt of obloquy any individual, or will represent a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of any individual (unless it relates to any government officer or employee with respect to his official duties or employment); (4) will probably disclose the identity of any informer or law enforcement agent or of any information relating to the investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense that is required to be kept secret in the interests of effective law enforcement; or (5) will disclose information relating to the trade secrets or financial or commercial information pertaining specifically to a given person. Directs each agency to make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of each meeting at which official action is considered or discussed (whether open or closed to the public) at least one week before each meeting unless the agency determines by a vote of the majority of its members that agency business requires that such meetings be called at an earlier date, in which case the agency shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of such meeting at the earliest practicable opportunity. Provides that a complete transcript, including a list of all persons attending and their affiliations, shall be made of each meeting of each agency at which official action is considered or discussed (whether open or closed to the public). Provides that a copy of each such meeting shall be made available to the public for inspection, and additional copies of any transcript shall be furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication. Requires each agency to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this title. States that any citizen or person resident in the United States may bring a proceeding in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit: (1) to require an agency to promulgate such regulations if such agency has not promulgated such regulations within the time period specified herein; or (2) to set aside agency regulations issued pursuant to this Act that are not in accord with the requirements of this title and to require the promulgation of regulations that are in accord with such requirements. Gives the district courts of the United States jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this title by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or otherwise. Provides that such actions may be brought by any citizen or person resident in the United States. Provides that such actions shall be brought in the district wherein the plaintiff resides, or has his principal place of business, or where the agency in question has its headquarters.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Mining and Minerals Resources Research Act - Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for the fiscal year 1974 and each subsequent year thereafter sums adequate to provide $100,000 to each of the States in the first year, $150,000 in the second year, $200,000 in the third year, and $250,000 each year thereafter to assist each participating State in establishing and carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining, minerals, and related environmental research institute, center, or equivalent agency at one college or university in that State. Requires that Federal funds used to support such institutes must be matched by non-Federal funds. Makes it the duty of each such institute to arrange for studies or experiments in relation to mining, mineral, metallurgical, ceramic, fuel, scrap recycling, mined land reclamation, underground reservoir utilization, mineral economics, and related environmental research, and to provide for the training of scientists, engineers, and technicians in these fields. Requires an annual report to the Congress by the Secretary of the receipts and expenditures and work of the institutes in all States under the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall modify college-State relations, or authorize Federal control of education at any college or university. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Minerals Resources Research to consult with, and make recommendations to, the Secretary on all matters relating to mining and mineral resources research. Requires the Secretary to annually report to Congress on the receipts and expenditures and work of the institutes in all States under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Provides that a person eligible to receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled; Medicaid) may still be considered to be a member of a household or an elderly person eligible for benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, and for surplus food programs under the Agricultural Act of 1949 present law removes eligibility effective January 1, 1974. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 2012(e); 1431))
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
Provides, under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, that qualified drugs requiring a physician's prescription or certification shall be included among the items and service covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
World War I Pension Act - Increases non service-connected disability pensions of World War I veterans, their widows and children, by 10 percent. Increases the monthly rate payable to any World War I veteran for regular aid and attendance by $15 and increases the monthly rate for such veterans with permanent and total disability by $6 a month. Provides that the monthly rate to which any child or children of a veteran of World War I shall be increased by $8 in the case of one child and by $1 for each additional child. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 521(b), (c), (d), (e), 542)
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
Autistic Children Research Act - Directs the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) plan and develop a coordinated autism research program encompassing the programs of the National Institutes of Health and related programs of other research institutes, and other Federal and non-Federal programs; (2) collect, analyze and disseminate all data useful in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of autism; and (3) establish comprehensive, coordinated, diagnostic, and evaluation procedures that provide for early detection and effective guidance for autistic children. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and loans to public or private nonprofit entities operating or proposing to operate residential centers with education programs for autistic children. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $5,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1978 for the purpose of making such loans and grants. Defines the term "autistic" to mean severe disorders of communication and behavior, including various child psychoses.
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
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
Full Opportunity and National Goals and Priorities Act - Makes it the policy of the Federal Government to promote and encourage such conditions as will give every American the opportunity to live in decency and dignity, and to provide a clear and precise picture of whether such conditions are promoted and encouraged in areas such as health, education and training, rehabilitation, housing, vocational opportunities, the arts and humanities, and special assistance for the mentally ill and retarded, the deprived, the abandoned, and the criminal, and by measuring progress in meeting such needs. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress not later than February 15 of each year a report to be known as the social report, setting forth: (1) the overall progress and effectiveness of Federal efforts designed to carry out the above policy with particular emphasis upon the manner in which such efforts serve to meet national social needs in such areas as health, education and opprotunities, the arts and humanities, and special assistance for the mentally ill and retarded, the deprived, the abandoned, and the criminal; (2) a review of State, local, and private efforts designed to create the the conditions above; (3) current and foreseeable needs in the areas served by such efforts and the progress of development of plans to meet such needs; and (4) programs and policies for carrying out the above policy, together with such recommendations for legislation as he may deem necessary or desireable. Creates a Council of Social Advisers to the President to aid him in the preparation of his report, to gather and analyze data concerning programs designed to carry out the Act's policy, to develop priorities for the programs, and to appraise other government programs. Establishes an Office of Goals and Priorities Analysis within Congress which shall conduct a continuing analysis of national goals and priorities and provide Congress with information, data, and analysis necessary for enlightened priority decisions. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to hold hearings on the national goals and priorities as it deems advisable.
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
National Diabetes Research and Education Act - Directs the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases to establish a National Task Force on Diabetes to formulate a long-range plan to combat diabetes with specific recommendations concerning the utilization and organization of national resources for that purpose after conducting a comprehensive study and survey investigating the magnitude of diabetes mellitus, its epidemiology, its economic and social consequences, and an evaluation of available scientific information and the national resources capable of dealing with the problem. Requires that such National Task Force shall provide for: (1) a coordinated research program encompassing the programs of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases, related programs of the other research institutes, and other Federal and non-Federal programs; (2) the utilization of existing research facilities and personnel of the National Institutes of Health for accelerated exploration of opportunities of special promise in scientific areas related to the known complications of diabetes mellitus; (3) a system for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of all data useful in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes mellitus, including the establishment of a diabetes research data bank to collect, catalog, store, and disseminate insofar as is practicable the results of diabetes research undertaken for the use of any person involved in diabetes research; (4) support of manpower programs of training in fundamental sciences and clinical disciplines to provide an expanded and continuing manpower base from which to select investigators, physicians, and allied health professions personnel, for participation in clinical and basic research and treatment programs relating to diabetes including, where appropriate, the use of training stipends, fellowships, and career awards; (5) budget estimates and projections reflecting the funds required to fully implement the recommended plan; (6) methods of education for persons having diabetes; and (7) an emphasis on the counseling to persons, especially children, having diabetes and to their families with regard to adjustments and medical regimen required of such persons. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for the purpose of establishing the National Task Force under this Act. Directs the Director to establish programs for cooperation with State and other health agencies in the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes as well as programs of public, professional, and patient education. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1973, 1974, and 1975, and the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary thereafter, for the diabetes control program. Authorizes the Director to make grants to, or contract with States, political subdivisions, universities, hospitals, and other public or nonprofit private institutions, agencies, or organizations, which are community oriented, for projects and programs for the conduct of research, demonstration, training in and utilization of allied health personnel, or public and professional education for the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus, or counseling and assistance in self-management. Provides that such grants shall cover a maximum of 75 percent of the costs of such projects and programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and a like sum for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years, and such sums as may be necessary thereafter, for the purpose of such grants under this Act. Authorizes the Director to establish not more than six model diabetes research, treatment, and education clinics throughout the United States within the framework of existing programs. Provides that the purpose of such clinics shall be to test the feasibility of such clinics with regard to: (1) the development of improved methods of detecting diabetes; (2) the development of improved methods of intervention against high-risk factors which cause diabetes; and (3) the development of highly skilled manpower in diabetes diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Authorizes the appropriation for the establishment of the clinics authorized under this Act $6,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, and a like sum for each of the next two succeeding fiscal years and such sums as are necessary thereafter.
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. Mondale, Walter F. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000851_200.jpg)