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651 records in US in 1973
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, that blood donations shall be considered as charitable contributions deductible from gross income in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 170(i))
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Children's Dental Health Act - Provides the following fund authorizations for grants to State agencies or other organizations to carry out the programs of dental care for preschool and school age children who are unable to obtain such services: fiscal year 1972-$5,000,000; fiscal year 1973-$15,000,000; and fiscal year 1974-$30,000,000. Provides for the Federal Government to share a portion of the costs of these programs. Provides the following authorizations for grants for water treatment programs to prevent dental disease: fiscal year 1972-$2,000,000; fiscal year 1973-$3,000,000; and fiscal year 1974-$4,000,000. Authorizes grants totaling $57,000,000 covering the fiscal years 1972-1974 to public and private non-profit institutions to educate Veterans and other persons as auxiliary dental personnel. Directs the President to appoint a seven member Dental Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on programs to meet the dental needs of the country. Authorizes grants totaling $26,000,000 covering fiscal years 1972-1974 to dental schools and other organizations for projects to promote the most effective use of auxiliary dental personnel. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the progress of the implementation and administration of the programs established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Extends through fiscal year 1976 the program of assistance for population research and voluntary family planning programs under title X of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Authorizes the Surgeon General to provide Federal assistance for special projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of programs to provide emergency care for heart attack victims by cardiologists and other trained persons in specially equipped ambulances. Provides that not more than 2 percent of the funds appropriated to carry out title IX of the Public Health Service Act shall be used to carry out the provisions of this Act. (Adds 42 U.S.C. 299h)
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Provides an incentive for physicians, dentists, and optometrists, to practice in areas where shortages of such personnel exist. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under the Public Health Service Act, to pay in full the principal and interest on any outstanding educational loan incurred by any physician, dentist, or optometrist during his professional- level training who practices in an area where shortages of such personnel exist. States that as need is established, the Secretary may add new categories of medical personnel to those incorporated in this Act. Provides that this Act applies to loans from both public and private sources.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make requests for appropriations for programs under the Public Health Services Act respecting a specific disease or category of diseases on the basis of the relative mortality and morbidity rates of the disease or category of diseases and its relative impact on the health of persons in the United States and on the economy.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
States the recognition by the Congress of the following general and special rights of the mentally retarded: (1) the mentally retarded person has the same basic rights as other citizens of the same State ; (2) the mentally retarded person has a right to proper medical care and physical restoration and to such education, training, habilitation, and guidance as will enable him to develop his ability and potential to the fullest possible extent, no matter how severe his degree of disability, and that no mentally handicapped person should be deprived of such services by reason of costs involved; (3) the mentally retarded person has a right to economic security and to a decent standard of living; (4) the mentally retarded person has a right to live with his own family or with foster parents, to participate in all aspects of community life, and to be provided with appropriate leisure time activities; (5) the mentally retarded person has a right to a qualified guardian when this is required to protect his personal well-being and interest; and (6) the mentally retarded person has a right to protection from exploitation, abuse, and degrading treatment and the procedure used for modification or denial of rights must contain proper legal safeguards against every form of abuse, must be based on an evaluation of the social capability of the mentally retarded person by qualified experts, and must be subject to periodic reviews and to the right of appeal to higher authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that the cooperative agreements recently entered into in Moscow marks a historic turning point in relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, and that the value goes well beyond the tangible scientific and technical benefits they should confer. States the hope of the Congress that both the United States and the Soviet Union will move to implement these accords with commitment and dispatch.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress in opposition to the closing of Public Health Service hospitals and clinics, and in favor of making additional funds available for the modernizing, upgrading, and expanding of all such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1973
Makes it the sense of the Congress that: (1) not less than $650,000,000 be appropriated annually over the next ten fiscal years for the national cancer research program; (2) not less than $250,000,000 of this appropriation be utilized to construct five new cancer research institutes in the United States during the first two years of the new appropriations; and (3) the funds thus appropriated be controlled and directed by a National Cancer Authority which would have the same absolute direction of the cure and control of cancer that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has over our conquest of space.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to contract with any qualified public, private, or nonprofit agency, institution, organization, or any qualified individual for the purpose of discovering, developing, testing, evaluating, or manufacturing a drug, chemical compound, or other substance, or instrument, or device which can be used safely and effectively to treat, prevent, or cure heroin addiction, or aid in the treatment or prevention of, or cure for, heroin addiction. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $50,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for all medical expenses (including medicine and drugs) paid during the taxable year, and not compenstated for by insurance or otherwise, for the care of any dependent who is the mother or father of the taxpayer or of his spouse, and has attained the age of 65 before the close of the taxable year. Allows a tax deduction for all medical expenses (including medicine and drugs) of the taxpayer and his spouse, if either has attained the age of 65 before the close of the taxable year. States that the amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to taxable years ending after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
New York Metropolitan Area Drug Addiction Act - Provides for the establishment of a Metropolitan Drug Addiction Commission to coordinate and make more effective in the New York metropolitan area the various Federal, State, and local programs for the control, treatment, and prevention of drug addiction. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of: (1) one Federal member appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; (2) the Governors of the States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut or their representatives; (3) the mayor of the city of New York or his representative; and (4) one member from each participating county in the metropolitan area. Assets that the Commission shall exercise overall comprehensive jurisdiction over drug addiction control activities in the metropolitan area, and as such shall have exclusive power (notwithstanding any other provision of law): (1) to administer all Federal, State, and local drug addiction control laws in such area; (2) to receive and expend all Federal, State, and local appropriations made available within the area for drug addiction control purposes; and (3) to supervise all private drug addiction research and treatment programs in the area. Provides that the Commission shall operate intake, guidance, counseling, legal placement, rehabilitation, outpatient, job-training, and postrelease advisory programs for drug addicts; encourage information and education programs on drug abuse; and operate drug pilot drug addiction programs, such as the methadone maintenance program. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $10,000,000, to remain available until expended, without fiscal-year limitation, to carry out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
X-Ray Systems Radiation Control Act - Provides that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall prescribe performance standards promulgated to control the emission of electronic product radiation which shall be applicable to all X-ray systems manufactured before and after such regulations take effect. Provides that commencing not more than six months after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary shall carry out a program of inspection of all X-ray systems in use in the United States for the purpose of determining whether such systems comply with the standards prescribed by the Act. Requires that each X-ray system be inspected not less than once every twelve months. Forbids any person to operate any X-ray system if the person who controls such system has been notified that such system does not comply with the standards prescribed by the Act. Forbids any person, other than a manufacturer, to sell or otherwise transfer any X-ray system unless prior to such sale or transfer he notifies the Secretary and receives the Secretary's authorization to sell or transfer such system. Forbids the Secretary to authorize the sale or transfer unless he is satisfied that such system complies with the standards prescribed by the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 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 Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, whenever 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 orthodontia) 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; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services, thus reversing the practice of Medicare; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in any institution, thus necessitating the two important restrictions on payments for institutional care. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increases when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment forr care is made through the 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 HEW 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 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 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, also, that they must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no charge to the patient for any covered services, 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, are 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. Requires that participating professional providers meet continuing education requirements established by the Board (in consultation with appropriate professional organizations). Provides that major surgery and certain other specialty services shall be covered only when provided by a board certified or board eligible physician (except in emergency circumstances). 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. Describes a comprehensive health service organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either 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. Provides that the organization, or professionals furnishing services may also serve non-enrollees, with payment to be made to the organization, or, at its request, to such professionals. Permits a foundation sponsored by a city, county, or State medical or dental society, by agreement with the Board, to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation or community health centers or the like which, through furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this 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 care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers, rather than on a unified structure, to round out the other elements of the system. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Permits the Board to contract with nonprofit health prepayment or insurance organizations which provide substantially comprehensive services to ambulatory patients, on terms similar to those specified for professional foundations. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home to have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Requires the Board in fixing, for institutional and other providers, standards beyond those specified in the statute, to take into consideration criteria established or recommended by appropriate professional organizations. 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 is also any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished (in emergencies, for example) by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Overrides, for purposes of the Health Security program, State laws of several kinds which inhibit the utilization or the mobility of health personnel, cloud the legality of so-called "corporate practice" of health professions, or restrict the creation of group practice organizations. 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 goverened 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 form 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 during 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, estimated change in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will 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, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category or 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 comprehensive health service organization will be paid for other than hospital or skilled nursing home services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions to assist 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, ot 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 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 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 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 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, systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs, and other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority ot the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of service, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. 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 with subsequent further increase if wage levels rise. Eliminates the wage ceiling from the employer tax, and 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 ans similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Provides the mechanism for increasing the wage base, by $600 intervals, in proportion to future increases in average wage levels. 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, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000 (with the same upward adjustment as in the employee tax for subsequent rises in average wage levels). 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. 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, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for service which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title III: Repeal or Amendments of Other Act - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Title IV: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of the State and the Secretary of the Treasury ot study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Sets forth Congressional findings concerning the shortage of appropriate services and facilities for the long-term care of the aged or chronically sick. Directs the Secretary to make a comprehensive study of the need for additional social, homemaker and other services for the most equitable and appropriate means of financing such services. 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 with the health security benefit program. Requires the Secretary and Administrator to consult with representatives of the affected beneficiary groups and include a summary of their views in the reports to Congress. Sets forth Congressional findings concerning medical malpractice, and the methods of determining liability and assessing damages, are unsatisfactory. Directs the Secretary to make a comprehensive study of the problem, including the most appropriate criterion of compensable injury, means of adjudication, and means of financing the payment of compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Requires that cosmetics containing mercury or any of its compounds bear labeling stating that fact. (Adds 21 U.S.C. 362(f))
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Permits a retired member of the uniformed services the right to elect whether he will receive health benefits under the provisions governing Armed Forces personnel or under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act when he qualifies for benefits under both. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1086)
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration and to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare 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 H.E.W. 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 appropriations 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 the President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $975,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, 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. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title and under title II of this Act. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped individuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to establish offices in ten to twenty geographically dispersed regions for client assistance pilot projects to provide counselors to inform and advise all clients and client applicants in the project area of all available benefits under this Act and to assist them in their relationships with projects, programs, and facilities providing services to them under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize 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 authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for grants to carry out the purposes of this title. Specifies the formula to be utilized in alloting such funds to the States. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies or organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for research and demonstration and training which hold promise of making a substantial contribution to the solution of problems related to the rehabilitation of individuals under this title. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $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 States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $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 insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage on the construction of facilities for programs for handicapped individuals. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used by the Commissioner as a revolving fund for carrying out the insurance provisions of this part. Provides that the total amount of outstanding mortgages shall not exceed $250,000,000. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for initial capital for such Fund. Authorizes the Commissioner to make annual interest grants to assist States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants in accordance with this part. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects or demonstrations for the provision of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicappped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families who are with them. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making grants under this part, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for construction, $800,000 for operations for fiscal year 1973, $1,200,000 for operations for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for operations for fiscal year 1975, for establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $4,000,000 for fiscal 1974, and $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for making grants and contracts for the expansion and improvement of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services for deaf and blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of establishing and operating National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated, for providing services for the treatment of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) provide policy advice and consultation to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Commissioner; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act; and (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000 for each of fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the functions of the Council. Title IV: Research and Training - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for the purpose of planning and conducting research, demonstrations, and related activities, which bear directly on the development of methods, procedures, and devices to assist in the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps. Authorizes to be appropriated for such research activities $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public and nonprofit agencies and organizations 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 to handicapped individuals and in performing other functions necessary to the development of such services. Authorizes to be appropriated for such training grants $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Provides that, in carrying out his duties under this Act, the Commissioner shall: (1) cooperate with, and render technical assistance to States in matters relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals; (2) provide short-term training and instruction in technical matters relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services; and (3) disseminate information relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services, and otherwise promote the cause of the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and their greater utilization in gainful and suitable employment. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) prepare a long-range projection for the provisions of comprehensive services to handicapped individuals; (2) analyze program operations; (3) encourage coordinated and cooperative planning; (4) provide assistance to other committees advising the Secretary; (5) develop means of promoting scientific research to bring about the full integration of handicapped individuals into all aspects of society; and (6) provide a central clearinghouse for information and resource availability for handicapped individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated for 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 that the Vocational Rehabilitation Act is repealed ninety 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 by each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to identify and eliminate transportation barriers that impede the mobility of handicapped individuals and aged handicapped individuals, and to prepare plans and proposals for such further action as may be necessary to the goals of adequate transportation and housing for handicapped individuals. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, and attitudinal barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $1,250,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the duties and functions of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
National Blood Bank Act - Establishes a National Blood Bank Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Prescribes standards by which the Director of such program shall designate a group or organization as a national blood bank system, including the requirement that all member blood banks maintain a program for the recruitment of voluntary blood donors, and a system of accreditation for member blood banks. Provides that the Director shall, in order to assure an adequate supply of pure and safe blood throughout the Nation: (1) develop new procedures, materials, and techniques to inform the public of the need to voluntarily donate blood; (2) provide direct assistance to establish an adequate supply of voluntary blood in those parts of the country where it is presently unavailable; (3) develop a national program to honor and recognize all voluntary donors; and (4) establish yearly goals of voluntary donors for each blood bank. Provides that the Director shall maintain a registry of all persons who give blood after July 1, 972, to a licensed blood bank. Provides that blood banks affected by this Act must be licensed by the Director subject to a fee of not more than $125 per annum and subject to periodic inspection by the Director. Requires the Director to issue such license when such blood bank agrees to require identification of each blood donor, agrees to transmit to the Director such information as the Director may require and when the application therefor contains or is accompanied by such information as the Director finds necessary and the applicant agrees and the Director determines that the blood bank will be operated in accordance with standards the Director issues to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Director to sue in the United States district court to enjoin any activity by a blood bank licensed under this Act which would constitute an imminent hazard to the public health. Provides for appeal from, and review of, such proceedings. Provides that a willful violation of the provisions of this Act shall be a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both. Establishes an Advisory Council to the Director appointed by the President to make recommendations to the Director on means of attaining the goals of the Program. Provides that, notwithstanding any antitrust law, a national blood bank system may exclude or reject from membership in such system any blood bank which does not qualify for tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the United States to contract for, or pay for, the provision of blood from a Class A Blood Bank, defined under this Act as part of a national blood bank system. Authorizes to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration and to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare 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 H.E.W. 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 appropriations 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 the President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $975,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, 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. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title and under title II of this Act. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped individuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to establish offices in ten to twenty geographically dispersed regions for client assistance pilot projects to provide counselors to inform and advise all clients and client applicants in the project area of all available benefits under this Act and to assist them in their relationships with projects, programs, and facilities providing services to them under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize 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 authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for grants to carry out the purposes of this title. Specifies the formula to be utilized in alloting such funds to the States. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies or organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for research and demonstration and training which hold promise of making a substantial contribution to the solution of problems related to the rehabilitation of individuals under this title. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $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 States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $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 insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage on the construction of facilities for programs for handicapped individuals. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used by the Commissioner as a revolving fund for carrying out the insurance provisions of this part. Provides that the total amount of outstanding mortgages shall not exceed $250,000,000. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for initial capital for such Fund. Authorizes the Commissioner to make annual interest grants to assist States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants in accordance with this part. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects or demonstrations for the provision of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicappped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families who are with them. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making grants under this part, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for construction, $800,000 for operations for fiscal year 1973, $1,200,000 for operations for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for operations for fiscal year 1975, for establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $4,000,000 for fiscal 1974, and $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for making grants and contracts for the expansion and improvement of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services for deaf and blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of establishing and operating National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated, for providing services for the treatment of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) provide policy advice and consultation to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Commissioner; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act; and (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000 for each of fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the functions of the Council. Title IV: Research and Training - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for the purpose of planning and conducting research, demonstrations, and related activities, which bear directly on the development of methods, procedures, and devices to assist in the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps. Authorizes to be appropriated for such research activities $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public and nonprofit agencies and organizations 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 to handicapped individuals and in performing other functions necessary to the development of such services. Authorizes to be appropriated for such training grants $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Provides that, in carrying out his duties under this Act, the Commissioner shall: (1) cooperate with, and render technical assistance to States in matters relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals; (2) provide short-term training and instruction in technical matters relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services; and (3) disseminate information relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services, and otherwise promote the cause of the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and their greater utilization in gainful and suitable employment. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) prepare a long-range projection for the provisions of comprehensive services to handicapped individuals; (2) analyze program operations; (3) encourage coordinated and cooperative planning; (4) provide assistance to other committees advising the Secretary; (5) develop means of promoting scientific research to bring about the full integration of handicapped individuals into all aspects of society; and (6) provide a central clearinghouse for information and resource availability for handicapped individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated for 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 that the Vocational Rehabilitation Act is repealed ninety 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 by each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to identify and eliminate transportation barriers that impede the mobility of handicapped individuals and aged handicapped individuals, and to prepare plans and proposals for such further action as may be necessary to the goals of adequate transportation and housing for handicapped individuals. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, and attitudinal barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $1,250,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the duties and functions of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Directs all hospitals which receive Federal grants, loans, or loan guarantees to allow the biological father to attend the birth of his child if the woman consents.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration and to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare 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 H.E.W. 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 appropriations 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 the President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $975,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, 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. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title and under title II of this Act. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped individuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to establish offices in ten to twenty geographically dispersed regions for client assistance pilot projects to provide counselors to inform and advise all clients and client applicants in the project area of all available benefits under this Act and to assist them in their relationships with projects, programs, and facilities providing services to them under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize 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 authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for grants to carry out the purposes of this title. Specifies the formula to be utilized in alloting such funds to the States. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies or organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for research and demonstration and training which hold promise of making a substantial contribution to the solution of problems related to the rehabilitation of individuals under this title. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $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 States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $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 insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage on the construction of facilities for programs for handicapped individuals. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used by the Commissioner as a revolving fund for carrying out the insurance provisions of this part. Provides that the total amount of outstanding mortgages shall not exceed $250,000,000. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for initial capital for such Fund. Authorizes the Commissioner to make annual interest grants to assist States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants in accordance with this part. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects or demonstrations for the provision of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicappped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families who are with them. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making grants under this part, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for construction, $800,000 for operations for fiscal year 1973, $1,200,000 for operations for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for operations for fiscal year 1975, for establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $4,000,000 for fiscal 1974, and $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for making grants and contracts for the expansion and improvement of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services for deaf and blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of establishing and operating National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated, for providing services for the treatment of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) provide policy advice and consultation to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Commissioner; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act; and (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000 for each of fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the functions of the Council. Title IV: Research and Training - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for the purpose of planning and conducting research, demonstrations, and related activities, which bear directly on the development of methods, procedures, and devices to assist in the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps. Authorizes to be appropriated for such research activities $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public and nonprofit agencies and organizations 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 to handicapped individuals and in performing other functions necessary to the development of such services. Authorizes to be appropriated for such training grants $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Provides that, in carrying out his duties under this Act, the Commissioner shall: (1) cooperate with, and render technical assistance to States in matters relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals; (2) provide short-term training and instruction in technical matters relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services; and (3) disseminate information relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services, and otherwise promote the cause of the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and their greater utilization in gainful and suitable employment. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) prepare a long-range projection for the provisions of comprehensive services to handicapped individuals; (2) analyze program operations; (3) encourage coordinated and cooperative planning; (4) provide assistance to other committees advising the Secretary; (5) develop means of promoting scientific research to bring about the full integration of handicapped individuals into all aspects of society; and (6) provide a central clearinghouse for information and resource availability for handicapped individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated for 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 that the Vocational Rehabilitation Act is repealed ninety 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 by each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to identify and eliminate transportation barriers that impede the mobility of handicapped individuals and aged handicapped individuals, and to prepare plans and proposals for such further action as may be necessary to the goals of adequate transportation and housing for handicapped individuals. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, and attitudinal barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $1,250,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the duties and functions of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1973
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for all medical expenses (including medicine and drugs) paid during the taxable year, and not compenstated for by insurance or otherwise, for the care of any dependent who is the mother or father of the taxpayer or of his spouse, and has attained the age of 65 before the close of the taxable year. Allows a tax deduction for all medical expenses (including medicine and drugs) of the taxpayer and his spouse, if either has attained the age of 65 before the close of the taxable year. States that the amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1968.
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
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
Allows a tax deduction, without limitation, under the Internal Revenue Code, for medical expenses paid for a dependent who: (1) has not attained the age of 19 before the close of the taxable year and is suffering from a physical or mental impairment or defect which has been in existence for more than 3 months and results in a substantial loss, or loss of use in a normal manner, of any substantial portion of the musculoskeletal system, or results in a substantial loss of vision, hearing, or speech; or (2) has attained the age of 19 before the close of the taxable year and is suffering from a physical or mental impairment or defect described in (1) which commenced prior to attaining such age. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 213(e))
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to utilize Department of Defense resources for the purpose of providing medical emergency transportation services to civilians.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations requiring carriers by rail, motor vehicle, and air modes of public transportation in interstate commerce to reserve some seating capacity for passengers who do not smoke.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that a donation by an individual of his own blood to a charitable organization shall be treated as a charitable contribution to such organization in an amount equal to $20 for each pint donated. Provides that such deduction shall not exceed $100 in the aggregate for any taxable year. (Amends 21 U.S.C. 170)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Residential Treatment Centers for Emotionally Distrubed Children in the District of Columbia Act - Directs the Commissioner of the District of Columbia to plan, establish, maintain, and operate residential treatment centers to be located in each community health catchment area for emotionally distrubed children which shall provide the following services on a twenty-four hour basis to outpatient children: (1) psychiatric treatment; (2) medical and dental treatment; (3) psychological services; (4) educational services; (5) medical and dental treatment; (3) psychological services; (4) educational services; (5) recreational therapy; (6) social services to relate the child to his or her family and to the community; and (7) nutritional services. Provides for the rental, remodeling, renovation, alteration and construction of facilities and the acquisition of necessary equipment and supplies, consultation, and educational services to other child-serving agencies, volunteer services, and such other services as the Commissioner deems appropriate. Establishes requirements for the staffing and patient load of such residential treatment centers. Provides for the administration of the centerss by the Commissioner of the District of Columbia in conjunction with the District of Columbia Council for Emotionally Disturbed Children, and authorizes appropriations of not less than $4,000,000 for each fiscal year after June 30, 1972 for the cost of operating the residential treatment centers and such sums as may be necessary for renting, remodeling, renovating, altering, constructing, or acquiring facilities to house such centers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides medical care under the Public Health Services Act for retired merchant seamen, whose age when added to the number of years and days during which other provisions of such Act are applicable to him, equals or exceeds seventy-five years. (Adds 42 U.S.C. 249(a)(9))
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Extends the coverage and protection of the National Labor Relations Act to any corporation or association operating a hospital, if no part of the net earnings inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Children's Dental Health Act - Provides the following fund authorizations for grants to State agencies or other organizations to carry out programs of dental care for preschool and school age children who are unable to obtain such services; fiscal year 1973 $5,000,000; fiscal year 1974 $3,000,000; and fiscal year 1975 $4,000,000. Provides for the Federal Government to share a portion of the costs of these programs. Authorizes grants totaling $57,000,000 covering the fiscal years 1973-1975 to public and private non-profit institutions to educate veterans and other persons as auxiliary dental personnel Authorizes grants totaling $26,000,000 covering fiscal years 1973-1975 to dental schools and other organizations for projects to promote the most effective use of auxiliary dental personnel. Directs the President to appoint a seven member Dental Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on programs to meet the dental needs of the country. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the progress of the implementation and administration of the programs established by this Act. Gives the Secretary the power to regulate dentifrices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Provides that the standards of eligibility under any State plan of operation shall not make ineligible any household which would have been eligible under the standards of eligibility provided by the State plan of operation in effect prior to January 11, 1971.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
State Drug Addiction Programs Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to assist States in establishing and operating drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation programs. Provides that priority for grants shall be given to those States with high numbers of narcotic addicts. Limits the Federal share to 50 percent of the cost. Provides that State applications for grants must designate the administering agency, describe the programs, and assure that sufficient funds are available to meet the non-Federal share of the project and to continue its operation. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides, under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, for the development and operation of narcotic treatment programs for drug abusers and addicts who are confined to or released from correctional institutions and facilities. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 3750b)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
National Commission on Health Science and Society Act - Establishes a National Commission on Health Science and Society composed of fifteen members to be appointed by the President from among the fields of medicine, public health, mental health, law, theology, biological science, physical science, social science, philosophy, humanities, health administration, government, and public affairs, and from the public at large. Provides that the Commission shall undertake a comprehensive investigation and study of the ethical, social, and legal implications of advances in biomedical research and technology, which shall include, without being limited to: (1) analysis and evaluation of scientific and technological advances in the biomedical sciences, current and projected; (2) analysis and evaluation of the implications of such advances, both for individuals and for society; (3) analysis and evaluation through the use of seminars and public hearings, and other appropriate means, of public understanding of and attitudes toward such implications; (4) analysis and evaluation of implications for public policy of such findings as are made with respect to the biomedical advances and public attitudes; (5) analysis and evaluation of scientific and technological advances in the fields of psychiatry and psychology, current and projected; (6) analysis and evaluation of the use of human subjects for purposes of experimentation or research; and (7) analysis and evaluation of the availability of health services to all segments of the population with particular emphasis on the health service needs of low-income segments of the population. Directs the Commission to transmit to the President and to the Congress one or more interim reports and, not later than two years after the first meeting of the Commission, one final report, containing detailed statements of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations, including such recommendations for action by public and private bodies and individuals as it deems advisable. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $1,000,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1973; and $1,000,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1974. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its final report to the President and Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Cosmetics Act - Provides that manufacturers of cosmetics shall register with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides that, as a part of such registration, each manufacturer shall file a statement with the Secretary in such form and detail as the Secretary shall prescribe. Provides that such statement shall include: (1) the name and address of the manufacturer and of any other person whose name will appear on the label or labeling of any cosmetic manufactured by such manufacturer, and the address of each plant in which such cosmetic is manufactured; (2) the name of each cosmetic manufactured by such manufacturer, and the formula of each such cosmetic which shall include the name and quantity of each component of each such cosmetic; (3) a copy of the label and labeling of each cosmetic manufactured by such manufacturer; and (4) a list of the uses of each cosmetic manufactured by such manufacturer which are represented on the label or labeling of each such cosmetic and any other reasonably foreseeable uses of each such cosmetic. Provides that whenever the information contained in a statement filed by a manufacturer under this Act is not accurate and up to date, such manufacturer shall file with the Secretary within thirty days after such statement is determined to be no longer accurate and up to date, such amendment or amendments as may be necessary to make the information contained in such statement accurate and up to date. Provides that no manufacturer of any cosmetic shall sell or offer for sale in the United States any cosmetic unless: (1) such manufacturer, either himself or by contract, tests such cosmetic as provided for in this Act; (2) such manufacturer submits to the Secretary an accurate and complete description of each test conducted concerning such cosmetic and the results of each such test; (3) such manufacturer submits to the Secretary an accurate and complete description of the process used to manufacture and package such cosmetic; and (4) such manufacturer submits to the Secretary a list of the health claims made on the label of such cosmetic or made in any advertising concerning such cosmetic. Requires the Secretary to receive from the manufacturers covered by this Act specified test information concerning their cosmetics. Authorizes the Secretary to require any type and number of tests for any of the above items, and for any other items, which he deems necessary in order to make a determination pursuant to this Act. Provides that each label of each cosmetic offered for sale in the United States shall include the following information: (1) an identification, including the address, of the manufacturer or distributor of such cosmetic; (2) the name of such cosmetic; (3) the name of each ingredient of such cosmetic, except that perfumes and colorings, may be designated as perfumes and colorings and that reasonable variations shall be permitted for small packages which shall be established by regulations prescribed by the Secretary; (4) the registration number assigned to the manufacturer of such cosmetic by the Secretary; (5) a list of the use or uses of such cosmetic, as the case may be, together with directions for each such use; and (6) the date after which such cosmetic should not be used because of the fact that any preservative or antibacterial agent which is an ingredient of such cosmetic is no longer effective. Requires cosmetics manufacturers to maintain complaint files and to report on these on a quarterly basis to the Secretary. Provides that each such report shall include the following information: (1) an identification of the person filing such report; and (2) the total number of consumer complaints received during the three-month period covered by such report with respect to each cosmetic manufactured by such person, the nature of each such complaint, the name and address of the person writing each such complaint, and any action taken by the person filing such report with respect to the complaint. Provides that manufacturers required to file such reports shall: (1) preserve any consumer complaint received with respect to any cosmetic manufactured by such person for a period of three years after the close of the three-month period covered by the report based on any such complaint; and (2) upon request of the Secretary, make such complaints available for inspection by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Defines "public facility" under the Disaster Relief Act so as to make nonprofit hospitals eligible for contributions by the Federal Government to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace such nonprofit hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Drug Abuse Education Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to: (1) institutions of higher education and other public or private agencies, institutions, or organizations for the conduct of special educational programs and activities concerning the use of drugs; and (2) State educational agencies in assisting local agencies in the planning, development, and implementation of drug abuse education. Authorizes appropriations of $3,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, $7,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and $12,000,000 for each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint an Advisory Committee on Drug Abuse Education to advise on the administration of such programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Attorney General to render technical assistance to local educational agencies and institutions of higher learning in the development and implementation of programs of drug abuse education.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of education institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and minimum criteria for education institutions conducting programs for the training of medical and dental practitioners. Provides that the Secretary shall develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists, and such other advice and assistance as he deems necessary. Provides that State and local governments shall be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing from all sources. Provides for procedures for the adoption of such standards by the States. Provides that the Secretary may make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the purposes of this Act. Declares it to be unlawful to conduct activities contrary to this Act. Provides that any violation of this Act by the owner or operator of an educational institution, or an individual applying radiation to human beings for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Provides that the Secretary shall submit to the Congress an annual report evaluating the implementation of this Act by the Federal Government and including such recommendations for legislation as he considers appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Artificial Organ, Transplantation, and Technological Development Act - Establishes a seven-member National Commission on Transplantation and Artificial Organs and provides that members would be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, with the Chairman and members selected on the basis of qualifications in medical, legal, social, economic and technical fields. Provides that the Commission shall function over a three-year period and requires it to review and report on all medical activities in the nation in the field of transplantation and the use of artificial organs for the treatment of disease, and to review legal, social, and technical problems associated with this area of medicine. Provides that it shall consider various ways by which the Federal Government can participate in developing the knowledge and facilities for the appropriate use of transplantation and artificial organs in the treatment of disease and make projections of the public need for readily available facilities for this purpose. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $30,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year until fiscal 1975 to provide funds to be used for assistance in establishing and operating regional and community programs for the preventing and treatment of kidney disease. Establishes in the Department of HEW the Office for Kidney Centers to administer the provisions of this Act. Provides that Federal assistance grants to such Centers or Units would be used for the following expenses: (1) 100 percent of the costs directly related to the training of physicians, staff members, patients and their families; (2) 100 percent of the costs for construction or renovation of existing facilities and for the necessary equipment to establish a Regional Kidney Center; (3) 60 to 90 percent of the costs for construction or renovation of existing facilities and for the necessary equipment to establish a Community Dialysis Unit; (4) 90 percent in the first year of full operation, 60 percent in the second year, and 30 percent in the third year, and thereafter of the operation and maintenance costs of Regional Kidney Centers and Community Dialysis Units established pursuant to this Act. Establishes a twelve-member National Advisory Committee on Kidney Disease Programs to advise and assist the Secretary of HEW in the preparation of regulations, policy and the administration of this Act as it pertains to the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients suffering from kidney disease. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to study the effectiveness of the coverage extended under this Act to individuals with kidney failure, giving particular attention to the need for increasing the duration of the benefits provided and for any other adjustments necessary to further the goals of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
National Catastrophic Illness Protection Act - PART A: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of the Congress that there are still many individuals who cannot secure or cannot afford adequate health insurance protection and that very little insurance protection is available to help meet the costs of a catastrophic illness or disease. Establishes as the policy of Congress the need for a National Catastrophic Illness Insurance program to encourage State and private insurers in the development of policies which will meet the problems set forth in the statement of findings. PART B: Establishment of Program; State Plans - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish and carry out a National Catastrophic Illness Insurance Program. Provides that the program shall involve the creation of State-wide plans providing extended health insurance , and that the Federal Government will reinsure insurers and pools of insurers who offer such insurance. Requires all plans to include: (1) that extended health insurance be available to all eligible individuals, and at a cost which is reasonable, subject only to deductibles authorized in this Act; (2) that where an insurer does not agree to write a policy of extended insurance, or does so under various limiting conditions, the State authority is notified and provides that the policy would then be placed with a pool or otherwise assigned to insurers by the "all-industry placement facility" ; (3) that data be compiled and studied in connection with the operation of the State-wide plan; (4) that certain reports be submitted to the State insurance authority by individual insurers; (5) that any cancellation of a policy provide for reasonable notice to permit coverage under a new policy to be written under the plan; and (6) that public information about the plan be readily distributed. Sets premium rates on the basis of a study of the risks in question and actuarial principals, such rates to be promulgated by the Secretary. Provides that, before payments are made under an extended insurance policy, a deductible must be satisfied through an equal amount of medical expenses paid or incurred by such individual. Provides that the amount of such deductible is determined by relating the extent of medical expenses to adjusted income and is equal to one-half of the amount by which a person's or family's adjusted income exceeds $1,000 but does not exceed $2,000; plus all of the amount by which such adjusted income exceeds $2,000. Provides that statements pledging participation and cooperation with the State insurance authority would be required of insurers seeking reinsurance under the program. Provides that no insurer shall direct any agent or broker not to solicit business through such a plan, nor penalize agents or brokers in any manner for submitting applications under the plan. Provides that the State plan shall be evaluated from time to time in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary. PART C: Reinsurance Coverage - Provides that the Secretary is authorized to reinsure against the losses which might be incurred under extended health insurance policies. Authorizes the Secretary to make agreements with insurers and pools for reinsurance in consideration of payments of reinsurance premiums deposited in the National Catastrophic Illness Insurance Fund in excess of the estimated amount of losses under such policies. Provides a detailed procedure for implementation of the reinsurance program in a State within specified time requirements, taking into account certain State and local factors which might affect such implementation. Provides that the Government may recover in the courts any unpaid premiums lawfully payable to the Government by an insurer under provisions of a 5-year statute of limitations. PART D: Government Program with Industry Assistance - Authorizes, after determination that a State-wide program cannot be carried out, or that the objective of the program would be materially assisted by the Federal Government's assumption of the plan, arrangements for operation by the Government to carry out the objectives of the program. PART E: Provisions of General Applicability - Provides procedures for judicial review of disallowances for claims for losses under the reinsurance program whether State-wide or operated by the Federal Government. Authorizes the Government to enter into contracts and other arrangements for claims review, and receiving and disbursing funds for making payments. Provides for the creation of a National Catastrophic Illness Insurance Fund for purposes of receiving premiums for reinsurance. Provides that the Secretary may make periodic payments to insurers and pools in recognition of reduction in premium rates below estimated risks. Authorizes the Secretary of HEW to exercise certain powers vested in the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Housing Act of 1950, in addition to powers provided in this proposal. Provides that the Secretary may, on a reimbursable basis, utilize the services of other Government agencies. Authorizes necessary payment adjustments in connection with the program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, to make grants to State agencies for the purpose of establishing centralized laboratory facilities for analyzing biological and environmental lead specimens obtained from local lead-based paint poisoning detection programs. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4801) Authorizes appropriations: (1) of $20,000,000 for each fiscal year after fiscal year 1972, for grants for detection and treatment of lead-based paint poisoning under the Act; (2) of $25,000,000 for each fiscal year after fiscal year 1972, for grants for elimination of lead-based paint poisoning, under the Act; and (3) of $5,000,000 for each fiscal year after fiscal year 1972, for the Federal demonstration and research program under the Act. (Amends 42 U.S.C. 4843)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Provides that each member of the Armed Forces shall be examined in an Armed Forces medical facility near the time of his scheduled release from active duty for the purpose of determining whether or not he is a narcotic addict. Provides that if any member is, as a result of such examination, found to be a narcotic addict, such member shall not be released from active duty and shall be immediately placed in an Armed Forces hospital for treatment of his addition, or the custody of the Suregeon General of the Public Health Service for treatment of his addiction in a hospital of the Service. Provides that such an addict may be released from active duty if he gives assurances that he will undergo private treatment for his addiction.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
National Kidney Disease Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public or nonprofit private universities and other agencies to assist in planning the development of cooperative medical programs. Provides that such programs shall be established for the purpose of engaging in research, training diagnosis and treatment of kidney or kidney-related diseases. Authorizes additional grants for the establishment and operation of cooperative medical programs, including the construction and equipment of facilities. Directs the Secretary to appoint a National Advisory Council on Kidney and Kidney-Related Diseases, consisting of the Surgeon General and 16 additional members to advise and assist the Secretary in administering this act and considering and recommending applications for grants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 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 Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, whenever 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 orthodontia) 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; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services, thus reversing the practice of Medicare; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in any institution, thus necessitating the two important restrictions on payments for institutional care. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increases when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment forr care is made through the 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 HEW 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 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 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, also, that they must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no charge to the patient for any covered services, 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, are 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. Requires that participating professional providers meet continuing education requirements established by the Board (in consultation with appropriate professional organizations). Provides that major surgery and certain other specialty services shall be covered only when provided by a board certified or board eligible physician (except in emergency circumstances). 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. Describes a comprehensive health service organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either 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. Provides that the organization, or professionals furnishing services may also serve non-enrollees, with payment to be made to the organization, or, at its request, to such professionals. Permits a foundation sponsored by a city, county, or State medical or dental society, by agreement with the Board, to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation or community health centers or the like which, through furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this 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 care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers, rather than on a unified structure, to round out the other elements of the system. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Permits the Board to contract with nonprofit health prepayment or insurance organizations which provide substantially comprehensive services to ambulatory patients, on terms similar to those specified for professional foundations. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home to have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Requires the Board in fixing, for institutional and other providers, standards beyond those specified in the statute, to take into consideration criteria established or recommended by appropriate professional organizations. 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 is also any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished (in emergencies, for example) by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Overrides, for purposes of the Health Security program, State laws of several kinds which inhibit the utilization or the mobility of health personnel, cloud the legality of so-called "corporate practice" of health professions, or restrict the creation of group practice organizations. 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 goverened 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 form 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 during 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, estimated change in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will 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, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category or 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 comprehensive health service organization will be paid for other than hospital or skilled nursing home services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions to assist 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, ot 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 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 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 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 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, systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs, and other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority ot the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of service, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. 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 with subsequent further increase if wage levels rise. Eliminates the wage ceiling from the employer tax, and 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 ans similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Provides the mechanism for increasing the wage base, by $600 intervals, in proportion to future increases in average wage levels. 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, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000 (with the same upward adjustment as in the employee tax for subsequent rises in average wage levels). 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. 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, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for service which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title III: Repeal or Amendments of Other Act - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Title IV: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of the State and the Secretary of the Treasury ot study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Sets forth Congressional findings concerning the shortage of appropriate services and facilities for the long-term care of the aged or chronically sick. Directs the Secretary to make a comprehensive study of the need for additional social, homemaker and other services for the most equitable and appropriate means of financing such services. 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 with the health security benefit program. Requires the Secretary and Administrator to consult with representatives of the affected beneficiary groups and include a summary of their views in the reports to Congress. Sets forth Congressional findings concerning medical malpractice, and the methods of determining liability and assessing damages, are unsatisfactory. Directs the Secretary to make a comprehensive study of the problem, including the most appropriate criterion of compensable injury, means of adjudication, and means of financing the payment of compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Vocational Rehabilitation Amendments Act - Authorizes an additional appropriation for fiscal year 1973, under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, of $25,000,000 for services to handicapped individuals suffering from end stage renal disease. Makes the number of grants to such individuals, together with an evaluation of the success of the services thereby afforded them, a part of the annual report required by the Act. Provides that grants under the Act cover the cost of articifical kidneys and supplies necessary for the treatment of end stage renal disease.