United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the people around the world desire a world free from the threat of war; (2) the President and General Secretary Gorbachev should reach an arms control agreement which significantly cuts nuclear stockpiles and halts the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union; and (3) the Congress invites all citizens to light candles from dusk to dawn on November 19 and 20, 1985, while the President and Gorbachev meet at the summit in Geneva, Switzerland.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1985
Establishes a U.S. Commission on Elections in the Philippines to observe and monitor elections in the Philippines. Requires the Commission to make two reports to the Congress: (1) the first one to deal with the Commission's preliminary findings on the election process; and (2) the second to be filed after an election is held, to evaluate the election's integrity and fairness.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1985
Trade Policy Act of 1985 - Declares the United States should: (1) coordinate Federal activities in order to form a systematic trade policy; (2) provide for the collection and evaluation of data necessary to form such a policy; and (3) build a new system of international trade and financial agreements. Establishes the National Trade Data Committee which shall: (1) establish and maintain a National Trade Data Bank; and (2) provide for the analysis and effective dissemination of information in the National Trade Data Bank. Requires the National Trade Data Bank to consist of international economic and trade data and to serve as a clearinghouse for such data. Requires the National Trade Data Committee to report to the Congress annually on the Data Bank and the information it contains. Excludes the actions of the National Trade Data Committee from certain provisions governing coordination of activities with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to establish in the Executive Office of the President a National Trade Council which will advise the President on coordinating national and international policies relating to trade. Terminates the Trade Policy Committee upon enactment of this Act. Establishes the Commission on U.S. Trade in the 1990's which shall study and make recommendations concerning U.S. international trade and export policies. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress by July 1, 1987. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and 1987. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President, by December 31, 1995, to take such action as may be necessary to: (1) revise all U.S. trade and financial agreements in order to meet specified objectives; or (2) replace such agreements with new agreements that meet such objectives. Requires such agreements to: (1) provide for the reciprocal exchange of obligations that are likely to be mutually economically advantageous to the signatories; (2) provide a reasonable likelihood that the United States can enforce the obligations of such agreements; (3) complement and reinforce other agreements; and (4) be subject to certain withdrawal provisions and fulfill certain objectives. Authorizes entering into a replacement agreement only if the President, before starting formal negotiations of such agreement: (1) notified specified congressional committees of such negotiations; and (2) consulted with such committees on such negotiations. Sets forth special provisions governing congressional consideration of a bill implementing such agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1985
United States Trade Data Bank Act - Title I: United States Trade Data Bank - Estabishes within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) the U.S. Trade Data Bank which shall serve as a clearinghouse for information on international economic and trade data. Directs the USTR to assess the information in the Trade Data Bank and consult with businesses and labor concerns regarding the structure and operation of the Trade Data Bank. Directs the USTR to provide: (1) a guide on exchange rates; and (2) comprehensive reports on the international competitiveness of individual U.S. industries. Requires the USTR to report annually to the Congress assessing the trade data and describing actions taken pursuant to this title. Title II: The Intragovernmental Council on Economic and Trade Data - Establishes the Intragovernmental Council on Economic and Trade Data which shall formulate and implement a comprehensive economic and trade data policy.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1985
Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from reducing the assets or earnings of, or delaying payments to, the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, Railroad Retirement Account, Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, and Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund in order to avoid violating the public debt limit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1985
Manufacture and Public Distribution of Certain Copyrighted Material Act-Amends the copyright law to extend the manufacturing clause, which prohibits the importation of certain English language books not manufactured in the United States and Canada, to cover printed material. Eliminates the Canadian exemption, per se. Permits exemptions from such restriction if a foreign country, including Canada, provides adequate copyright protection for foreign nationals and such country freely trades in printed matter with the United States. Eliminates the exemption for U.S. authors who transfer rights of reproduction to a foreign agent. Exempts the importation of specified works pursuant to specified agreements or treaties.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1985
Fair Furniture Trade Act of 1985 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to enter into a trade agreement with Canada which provides for changes in the Canadian tariff treatment for U.S. furniture products. Requires such agreement to provide for the elimination of: (1) differing tariff levels on furniture trade between the United States and Canada; and (2) any Canadian nontariff barrier to U.S. furniture products. Sets forth factors the President shall consider in negotiating such agreement. Provides for staged increases in the tariff on imports of Canadian furniture until such a trade agreement is implemented. Directs the President to consult with specified congressional and other committees in negotiating such agreement. Directs the President to proclaim the necessary changes in the Tariff Schedules of the United States in order to implement such a trade agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should begin talks with the Government of the Soviet Union aimed at creating a jointly administered U.S.-Soviet student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1985
Prohibits the President from issuing a letter of offer relating to proposed sales to Jordan of certain advanced weapons systems before the start of direct bilateral negotiations between Jordan and Israel. Prohibits delivery of any weapons if such a letter of offer is issued and accepted before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1985
Health Care for the Uninsured Act of 1985 - Permits States to establish States health care pools to: (1) provide health care services to all uninsured individuals; and (2) share among all hospitals in the State the costs of uncompensated care. Requires the implementation of the health care pool at the Federal level where a State does not establish such a program or receive a waiver from the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Allows the Secretary to grant a waiver if an independently formulated State plan would provide the same results. Lists the benefits such State health care pools are required to provide, including: (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) emergency outpatient services; (3) physician services; (4) prenatal, delivery, and post partum services; (5) laboratory and x-ray services; (6) nurse midwife services; (7) home health care services; and (8) inpatient drugs. Requires each uninsured individual who wishes to secure health care through the pool to pay a premium for such coverage based on the individual's family income. Allows a State to require deductibles and coinsurance amounts imposed for users of the services. Provides that the solvency of the State health care pools may be ensured through: (1) premiums collected from individuals; (2) revenues from a tax imposed on the operating net revenue of hospitals within the State; and (3) funds provided by the State. Provides that a hospital may be exempt from such taxes if it: (1) provides uncompensated care at a rate equal to or greater than 200 percent of the State average; or (2) provides care to individuals eligible for Medicaid at a rate equal to or greater than 200 percent of the State average. Requires the Secretary to establish a health care pool for any State which fails to do so. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish special accounts in the Treasury for such States to utilize in carrying out the health care pool established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a hospital services tax on hospitals which are not subject to a State established health care pool.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1985
Multifamily Housing Preservation Loan Act - Authorizes capital improvement loans for certain multifamily housing projects. Establishes in the Treasury the Multifamily Housing Preservation Fund. Authorizes FY 1986 and 1987 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1985
Dropout Retention and Recovery Act of 1985 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to add a new title X, the Dropout Retention and Recovery Program. (Redesignates the current title X as title XI.) Directs the Secretary of Education, from amounts appropriated to carry out this title for FY 1987 through 1990, to allocate grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) so that two-thirds of such grants in a fiscal year are made to LEAs serving urban areas, and one-third to LEAs serving rural areas. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out such allocation, to: (1) assure equitable distribution of such grants among U.S. regional areas; and (2) give priority to LEAs with the most severe dropout problem (as measured by number and proportion of students), and having applications showing the greatest potential for success. Permits a State educational agency (SEA) to apply for such a grant upon its own determination that no LEA is likely to qualify or that the SEA itself can best serve the needs of students in remote areas of the State. Permits one or more LEAs to jointly apply for such a grant. Directs the Secretary, from the amount allotted, to award as many grants as practicable to LEAs whose applications: (1) have been approved by the Secretary; and (2) propose a program of sufficient size and scope to be of value as a demonstration. Limits the number of such grants which an LEA (or an SEA) may receive to not more than one grant in each of three fiscal years. Requires that the amount of such a grant to an LEA be proportionate to the extent and severity of the local dropout problem, but limits that amount to not more than 90 percent of project cost in the first fiscal year, 75 percent in the second, and 50 percent in the third. Directs the Secretary, from amounts appropriated for FY 1986 through 1989, to reserve a specified amount in each fiscal year to: (1) conduct a study of the nature and extent of the school dropout problem in the United States; and (2) carry out specified planning process activities. Sets forth requirements for such study (including development of a model dropout information collection and reporting system and minimum reporting system requirements). Requires that the study be conducted through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. Requires any SEA which desires to have a title X grant made to one of its LEAs to carry out specified data analysis activities on the nature and extent of the State's dropout problem. Directs the Secretary to allot specified amounts to each SEA for such data analysis activities. Requires any State desiring to participate in such national school dropout study to appoint an advisory panel according to specified guidelines. Directs the SEA to: (1) with advisory panel advice, make recommendations to the Secretary concerning the standard definition of a student dropout and State and local needs for a model information and dissemination network; and (2) examine the impact of educational reform and excellance efforts in the State to reduce the dropout rate. Directs the Secretary to disseminate the results of the study and evaluate the success of projects assisted under this title. Requires each LEA (and, where appropriate, each SEA) to: (1) conduct a planning process with specified components relating to dropout prevention and reentry; and (2) develop a plan for the implementation of a title X project. Includes among plan requirements the addressing of the special needs of pregnant minors and school-age parents, Indians, migrants, and other identified high-risks populations. Sets forth title X grant application requirements and considerations for approval of such applications. Sets forth authorized activities for which title X grants may be used. Sets forth general provisions under title X, including requirements for payment withholding, auditing, and grant supplementation of other funds. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the activities assisted under title X. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990 to carry out the title X program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Sargent Shriver, in commemoration of the Peace Corps' 25th anniversary and in recognition of his contributions as its first director. Authorizes appropriations up to a specified amount. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal bearing the Peace Corps' emblem, the names of its past directors, and the likeness of Sargent Shriver.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1985
Declares that the Congress calls upon the President to direct the Agency for International Development (AID) to work in a global effort to provide support toward achieving the goal of universal access to childhood immunization by the year 1990. Sets forth specified actions to be taken by AID, in conjunction with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, in reaching such goal. Urges the President to seek both private and public assistance in the United States to achieve universal access to childhood immunization.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1985
Sino-American Nuclear Verification Act of 1985 - Prohibits issuing a license for the export to China of any nuclear equipment, materials, or technology and prohibits approving the transfer or retransfer to China of such equipment, materials, or technology until 30 days after the President has certified to the Congress that: (1) the verification of peaceful uses on exported items covered by the Agreement for Cooperation Between the United States and China will be essentially equivalent to that provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency; (2) China has communicated its recognition that the Agreement neither favorably nor unfavorably disposes the United States toward approving any alteration of material transferred pursuant to the Agreement or material used in or produced through the use of any material or facility transferred pursuant to the Agreement; (3) China has provided a statement of its nuclear nonproliferation policies, and those policies correspond to the description of such policies contained in a specified State Department document relating to China's nuclear nonproliferation policy; and (4) China has communicated its recognition that all proposed exports of nuclear materials, equipment, or technology under such agreement are subject to U.S. laws and regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should raise with the Soviet Union the matter of Poland's suppression of speech and political activity, and that by so doing the President raises and defends the principles of human rights as embodied in the Helsinki Accords.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1985
Social Security Disability Beneficiary Rehabilitation Act of 1985 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to establish disability categories which must be used by a State agency or by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as appropriate, to describe the condition of an individual at the time a determination is made as to whether such individual is under a disability for purposes of receiving disability benefits under title II. Requires that notice to an individual of a disability determination by the Secretary include, in addition to current law requirements: (1) an explanation of why a particular disability category is determined to best describe such individual's condition; and (2) in the case of an individual for whom vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living would be beneficial, a statement indicating such individual's eligibility for such services, an explanation of the disability review provisions as they apply to such individual, and information on how to apply for such services. Provides for hearings and review regarding disability categorizations. Requires that disability cases be reviewed for purposes of determining continuing eligibility for disability benefits at least once every three years where an individual was initially determined to be under a disability that is not permanent and at least once every seven years where an individual was initially determined to be under a permanent disability. Provides that in a case where an individual is under a disability and is receiving vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living, the case shall be reviewed for purposes of continuing eligibility whenever a State agency or the Secretary as appropriate determines that such a review is warranted. Requires a State agency or the Secretary, as appropriate, to refer any individual determined to fall within a disability category under which such individual will benefit from vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living to the appropriate State agency or unit administering such services pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Allows individuals referred to and dissatisfied with a provider of vocational rehabilitation services to request the State agency or the Secretary for a different provider. Specifies the type of rehabilitation services for which individuals determined to be disabiled are eligible, depending upon the disability category into which they fall. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to facilities which provide either vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living. Provides for the reimbursement of the appropriate State unit for the costs of furnishing comprehensive services for independent living pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 from the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund and from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. Requires facilities providing vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living to have an individualized written plan of vocational rehabilitation for each eligible individual. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards for such services. Revises the length of the period of trial work for individuals who are under a disability but who will benefit from vocational rehabilitation services and may be able to engage in gainful activity in the future. Doubles the earnings level used to establish an individual's ability to engage in substantial gainful activity for earnings from transitional work, supported work, and services performed in a sheltered workshop. Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to establish disability categories which must be used by a State agency or the Secretary, as appropriate, to describe the condition of an individual at the time a determination is made as to whether such individual is blind or disabled. Requires that notice to an individual of a disability determination include, in addition to current law requirements: (1) an explanation of why a particular category is determined to best describe such individual's condition; and (2) in the case of an individual for whom vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living would be beneficial, a statement indicating such individual's eligibility for such services and information on how to apply for such services. Provides for hearings and review regarding disability categorizations. Requires a State agency or the Secretary, as appropriate, to refer any individual determined to fall within a disability category under which such individual will benefit from vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living to the appropriate State agency or unit administering such services pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Allows individuals referred to and dissatisfied with a provider of such services to request the State agency or the Secretary for a different provider. Specifies the type of rehabilitation services for which individuals determined to be disabled are eligible, depending upon the disability category into which they fall. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to facilities which provide either vocational rehabilitation services or comprehensive services for independent living. Provides for the reimbursement of the appropriate State agencies or units for the costs of furnishing comprehensive services for independent living pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Requires providers of such services to have an individualized written plan of vocational rehabilitation for each eligible individual. Revises the length of the period of trial work for individuals who are under a disability but who will benefit from vocational rehabilitation services and may be able to engage in gainful activity in the future. Doubles the earnings level used to establish an individual's ability to engage in substantial gainful activity for earnings from transitional work, supported work, and services performed in a sheltered workshop.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1985
Establishes the Motor Carrier Administration in the Department of Transportation, to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President who shall report directly to the Secretary of Transportation. Creates the position of Deputy Administrator, to be appointed by the Secretary. Confers upon the Administrator duties and powers related to motor carriers and motor carrier safety under specified law. States that a decision of the Administrator implementing duties involving notice and hearing requirements is administratively final. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding a review of those Interstate Commerce Commission activities affecting motor carrier transportation which could be more efficiently performed by the Motor Carrier Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Poland should comply with basic human rights agreements to which it is a signatory, such as the Helsinki accords, and initiate a policy of national reconciliation; (2) the prosecution of those responsible for the death of Father Jerzy Popieluszko should be supported by Poland; (3) human rights monitoring committees in Poland should be supported; (4) the free flow of information on the activities of such committees can improve human rights policies in Poland and the continued improvement of human rights there would better relations between the United States and Poland; and (5) the President should convey Congress' concerns to Polish officials and to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1985
Export Promotion and Information Center Act - Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Commerce the Export Promotion and Information Center. Requires the Director of the Center to develop and maintain an export information system and to coordinate the gathering and dissemination of international trade information conducted by various Federal, State, and local agencies. Establishes an Export Promotion and Information Policy Board to advise the Director. Sets forth administrative provisions governing the Center and the Policy Board. Provides for fees to be charged by the Center for information. Establishes in the Treasury an Export Promotion and Information Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Trust Fund for FY 1986 through 1992. Terminates the Center on September 30, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1985
School Excellence and Reform Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 to make payments for programs of: (1) general improvement and excellence in education; and (2) reform and equity in education. Provides that no funds are authorized to carry out this Act for any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated to carry out each of the following provisions of law does not equal or exceed the amount appropriated for such purpose in the preceding fiscal year: (1) chapter 1 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981; (2) chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981; (3) title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, relating to bilingual education; (4) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act; and (5) the Education of the Handicapped Act. Sets forth (after reserving specified amounts for certain U.S. territories and possessions) formulas for State and local allocation of payments for general improvement and excellence in education. Provides, under such local allocation formula, for certain increases in the amount of such payments on the basis of numbers of children eligible to be counted for purposes of special needs funding under specified provisions of subpart 1 (Basic Grants) part A (Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) of title I (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Sets forth (after reserving specified amounts for payments to certain U.S. territories and possessions) formulas for State and local allocation for reform and equity in education. Provides, under such State allocation formula, for certain increases in payments based on numbers of children eligible to be counted under the aforementioned ESEA provisions for special educational needs funding. Authorizes the State educational agency to establish the relative weights of factors under such local allocation formula, but requires that such formula be composed of only the following factors: (1) the number of children aged five to 17, inclusive, who are eligible to be counted under the aforementioned ESEA provisions for special educations needs funding; (2) the graduation rate; (3) the absentee rate; and (4) the number of low-achieving students. Permits those general improvement and excellence funds which are allocated to local educational agencies to be used for: (1) pursuit of general educational excellence and improvement of instruction in mathematics, the sciences, communications skills, foreign languages, and technology; and (2) where necessary, for guidance and counseling. Permits those reform and equity funds which are retained by a State under specified provisions of this Act to be used to administer and carry out categorical programs and projects. Permits those reform and equity funds which are allocated to local educational agencies to be used for the development, expansion, or improvement of any of the following categorical programs and projects: (1) early childhood education; (2) school day care; (3) in-service teacher training; (4) dropout prevention; (5) effective schools; and (6) improvement of secondary schools basic skills instruction. Requires State applications for allocations of general improvement and excellence payments and reform and equity payments for any fiscal year under this Act to: (1) meet specified requirements under the General Education Provisions Act; and (2) in the case of reform and equity payment allocations, describe the intended use of funds to be retained by the State to enhance State reform efforts. Allows a local educational agency, in any fiscal year, to submit a single application for an allocation of general improvement and excellence funds or an allocation of reform and equity funds, or both. Permits two or more local educational agencies that propose to conduct joint programs and projects from funds for general improvement and excellence to file such application as a consortium or other combination. Prohibits a local educational agency from applying for an allocation of reform and equity funds unless the total number of children age five to 17, inclusive, in the schools of such agency who are eligible to be counted under the aforementioned ESEA provisions for special educational needs funding exceeds the lesser of 5,000 or 20 percent of the total enrollment of such schools. Requires local educational agencies, in order to receive either general improvement and excellence or reform and equity allocations, to have on file with the State educational agency an application which includes a description of the programs and projects to be funded and a plan for the improvement of the selected educational areas covered by such programs and projects. Requires such local educational agency or consortium applications, or application renewals, to also contain assurances that: (1) the programs and project are designed and implemented in consultation with the parents and classroom teachers of the children to be served; (2) the funds received under this Act will supplement and not supplant non-Federal funding; and (3) the local educational agency will comply with specified maintenance of effort requirements which the State educational agency must enforce. Requires each local educational agency receiving an allocation under this Act for any fiscal year to submit to the State educational agency evidence of progress in particular areas for which funds were expended or evidence of general improvement in the educational system, such as: (1) reductions in, or maintenance of acceptable levels of, absenteeism, discipline problems, and dropouts at the secondary level; (2) more instructional time; and (3) smaller class size. Authorizes the State educational agency, at the State's discretion, to conduct audits on a sampling basis to verify the accuracy of such submissions. Terminates a local educational agency's eligibility to obtain an allocation under this Act for more than three fiscal years, unless the evidence submitted demonstrates progress as verified by the State. Authorizes the Secretary, from specified amounts reserved from reform and equity funds, to make business involvement matching grants to local educational agencies. Sets the maximum amount of any such grant at 50 percent of the fair market value of any donation by local business concerns to the local educational agency for the conduct of programs and projects under this Act. Allows such donations to be in cash or in kind, and may consist of equipment, the services of business personnel, or training provided to the local educational agency.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for services performed by a physician assistant under the supervision of a physician.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in accordance with the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and other specified human rights agreements, the Soviet Union should: (1) drop all charges against Elena Bonner and restore the rights to travel and free expression to her and Doctor Sakharov; (2) allow correspondence between them and their relatives; and (3) allow Alexei Semyonov permission to visit them in the Soviet Union. Urges the President to protest Soviet violations of the Sakharovs' rights and to call upon other signatory nations of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to join such protests.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Adoption Assistance Amendments of 1985 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) eligibility for children eligible for adoption assistance payments.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1985
Health Care Improved Access Act of 1985 - Title I: Continuation of Health Insurance for Individuals Losing Employment-Related Coverage - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require employers with 25 or more employees to offer an option of continuation coverage to beneficiaries who would lose coverage under the health benefits plan because of: (1) the termination, or reduction of hours, of the covered employee; (2) the death of the covered employee; (3) the divorce or separation of the covered employee from his spouse; or (4) the covered employee's eligibility for Medicare benefits. States the terms of continuation coverage. Specifies certain notice requirements for the health benefits plan, the employer, and the employee. Requires the group health plan to provide for an open enrollment period for each married employee who is, or would be, covered under the plan whose spouse loses or will lose coverage under a health benefits plan due to the spouse's separation from employment. Requires such open enrollment period to: (1) be a period of at least 60 days; and (2) begin not earlier than 30 days before the spouse's separation from employment. States the terms of the enrollment option. Imposes civil penalties on any states notice and hearing rights for employers who do not comply with the requirements of this Act. Permits private actions for damages resulting from the employer's failure to comply with such requirements. Title II: Incentives for the Establishment of Statewide Insurance Pools - Requires the employer who offers a health benefits plan, or the entity through which the benefits are offered, to be a member of a qualified pooling association. Title III: Prohibiting Refusal of Examination or Appropriate Care to Stabilize Patients in Medical Emergencies - Requires hospitals with an emergency department to provide individuals seeking treatment with an appropriate medical screening examination to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists. States that where an emergency medical condition exists, or the individual is in active labor, the hospital must provide: (1) such treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition or to provide for treatment of the labor; or (2) for the transfer of the patient to another medical facility. Provides certain guidelines for the transfer of patients with emergency medical conditions to other medical facilities. Provides that the failure to meet the requirements of this Act subjects the hospital to: (1) termination of its Medicare provider agreement under title XVIII of the Social Security Act; (2) civil monetary penalties of up to $25,000 per violation; and (3) appropriate civil actions. Imposes criminal penalties upon responsible physicians under specified circumstances. Title IV: Demonstration Projects on Improving Access to Health Insurance for Small Employers and Self-Employed Individuals - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the conduct of studies and demonstration projects on ways to reduce the costs for small employers and self-employed individuals in obtaining health insurance. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the results of the studies and demonstration projects by January 1, 1988. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1985
Medicare Miscellaneous Amendments of 1985 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to change the deductible and coinsurance for inpatient hospital services and for post-hospital extended care services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission, to collect information and develop one or more methodologies to provide for area hospital wage adjustments for central cities and rural areas. Requires a report to Congress. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission, to conduct demonstration projects on the feasibility of making Medicare payments for physicians' services to hospital inpatients on the basis of diagnosis-related groups. Requires certain reports. Provides for the transfer of funds from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to the Secretary to carry out such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the late enrollment penalty under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for an individual who failed to enroll because of work related health insurance coverage, or coverage under his or her spouse's work related health insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Improved Public Health Through Nutrition Monitoring Act of 1985 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prepare the Comprehensive Health Promotion and Nutrition Monitoring Plan (comprehensive plan) to specify the manner in which the National Health Promotion and Nutrition Monitoring Program (coordinated program) will be implemented. Specifies the requirements of the comprehensive plan. Requires the Secretary to submit a draft of the comprehensive plan to the Congress and publish such plan, with a request for public comment, in the Federal Register within one year of enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit a final comprehensive plan to the President and the Congress within 60 days after the end of the period for public comment. Requires the Secretary to implement the comprehensive final plan. Grants specified congressional committees oversight responsibilities. Establishes a ten-year National Health Promotion and Nutrition Monitoring Program. States that such program shall include: (1) the assessment, collection, analysis, and reporting of information on health, dietary, and nutritional trends in the U.S.; (2) the assessment, analysis, and reporting of the effects on health status of food assistance programs; (3) sponsoring and conducting research; (4) maintaining, coordinating, implementing, and completing health, nutrition, and dietary surveys; (5) developing and maintaining health, nutrition, and dietary data bases; (6) coordinating Federal, State, local, and private activities; (7) providing scientific and technical assistance; and (8) providing grants to be carried out through the National Science Foundation and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control. Directs the Secretary to: (1) update and integrate into the coordinated program the Joint Implementation Plan for a Comprehensive National Nutrition Monitoring System; (2) provide for and coordinate Federal research; (3) enter into a contract for the interpretation of available data; (4) foster cost recovery management techniques; and (5) prepare annual reports. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint a Coordinator for Health Promotion and Nutrition Monitoring. Establishes the Interagency Health Promotion and Nutrition Monitoring Board to assist the Secretary. Establishes the Advisory Council on Health Promotion and Nutrition Monitoring to: (1) provide scientific and technical advice; (2) evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the implementation of the coordinated program; and (3) evaluate the coordinated program, the comprehensive plan, and the budget. Sets forth budget request procedures. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000249_200.jpg)