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51 records in US in 1991
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to designate special inquiry officers as immigration judges and provide for their compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Job Training and Basic Skills Act of 1991 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to revise and extend employment and training assistance programs. Title I: Adult and Youth Employment and Training Programs - Subtitle A: Policy, Authorization of Appropriations, and Definitions - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to: (1) provide financial assistance to States and local service delivery areas (SDAs) to meet the training needs of low-income adults and youth and assist them in obtaining unsubsidized employment; (2) increase funds available for programs of training services for the disadvantaged by at least ten percent of the baseline each fiscal year to provide for growth in the number of eligible adults and youth served beyond the current five percent of the eligible population in need of these services; and (3) encourage provision of longer and more comprehensive education, training, and employment services to the eligible population, with increased funding to maintain current service levels. Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1993 and succeeding fiscal years. Defines "basic skills deficient" as reading or computing skills at or below eighth grade level. Adds the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, literacy organizations, and organizations serving older workers to the the list of community-based organizations. Revises the definition of "economically disadvantaged" to refer to the official poverty line. Revises the definition of "supportive services" to include: (1) drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral; and (2) individual and family counseling. Subtitle B: Job Training Partnership - Includes representatives of public assistance agencies and local welfare agencies on private industry councils (PICs) under JTPA. Revises other provisions for PIC membership. Applies the requirement for a job training plan to training services for the disadvantaged only. Revises requirements for the contents of such plans to provide for linkages with appropriate agencies and for outreach to recruit locally determined target groups. Adds community-based organizations to those entities reviewing such plans. Revises requirements for training services for the disadvantaged performance standards to: (1) promote delivery of services to the hard-to-serve; and (2) add measurement of increased basic education attainment and occupational skills (as well as the current measurement of increased employment and earnings and reduced dependency). Provides for the following additional factors in performance standards for youth programs: (1) attainment of employability competencies; (2) secondary and postsecondary school completion or its equivalent; (3) dropout prevention and recovery; and (4) enrollment in other education, training, or employment program or apprenticeship, or enlistment in the armed forces. Allows variations in standards to reflect differences between in-school and out-of-school programs. Requires the private industry council to determine levels for competency standards based on such factors as entry skill levels and other hiring requirements. Sets forth additional elements of performance standards. Retains the requirement that the Secretary prescribe performance measures, but states that such standards shall not be taken into consideration in the award of incentive grants. Provides that Governor's incentive grant awards shall be to service delivery areas (SDAs) conducting adult and youth programs which: (1) meet specified performance standards established by the Secretary, serve more than a specified minimum percentage of out-of-school youth, and exceed performance standards for hard-to-serve- populations; (2) place participants in employment providing wages at placement exceeding the appropriate performance criteria, as well as employer-assisted employment benefits (including health benefits); (3) meet specified performance standards established by the Governor; and (4) establish linkages with other programs to avoid duplication and enhance delivery of services. Retains the requirement for the Secretary to prescribe performance standards for dislocated workers employment and training assistance based on placement and retention in unsubsidized employment. Retains the requirement that such standards make appropriate allowance for the difference in cost resulting from serving workers receiving cetain needs-related payments. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of State Governors to prescribe, within certain parameters, variations in performance standards for training services for the disadvantaged and for dislocated workers employment and training assistance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide information and technical assistance on performance standards adjustments; (2) collect data that identify hard-to-serve individuals and long-term welfare dependency; (3) provide guidance on setting performance goals at the service provider level that encourages increased service to the hard-to-serve, particularly long-term welfare recipients; and (4) review performance standards to ensure that they provide maximum incentive in serving the hard-to-serve, particularly long-term welfare recipients, including those receiving benefits under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Supplement Security Income (SSI) programs under, respectively, part A of title IV, and title XVI, of the Social Security Act. Authorizes Governors to prescribe additional performance standards for these programs, which must be reported in the coordination and special services plan. Directs the Secretary to prescribe performance standards for: (1) employment and training programs for Native Americans and migrant and seasonal farm workers; (2) the Jobs Corps; and (3) the jobs for employable dependent individuals incentive bonus program. Directs the Secretary to prescribe a system for adjustments in JTPA performance standards for special populations to be served. (Current law requires prescriptions of such variations, but without system.) Authorizes the Secretary to modify JTPA performance standards not more often than once every two program years (except that Job Corps standards may be modified each program year). Prohibits such modifications from being retroactive. Sets forth required responses to failures to meet standards, including a process for correction. Requires each State Governor to provide technical assistance to SDAs failing to meet the performance standards. Requires the Governor, if an SDA continues to fail to meet performance standards for two program years, to impose a reorganization plan. Allows the alternative administrative entity under such reorganization plan to be a newly formed private industry council or any jointly selected by the Governor and the chief elected official of the largest local government in the SDA or substate area. Allows SDAs to appeal to the Secretary for revision of such reorganization plans. Defines "employment,"for purposes of JTPA performance standards, as employment for more than 20 hours per week. Requires SDAs, in selecting service providers, to consider provision of support services, including child care. Requires selection of service providers to be made on a competitive basis and to include: (1) a determination of such provider's ability to meet program design specifications that take into account JTPA's purposes and the goals established in the Governor's coordination and special services plan; and (2) documentation of compliance with procurement standards established by the Secretary, including the reasons for selection. Revises limitations on certain costs for specified programs, including general administrative costs, combined administration and support services costs, and training-related services costs. Prohibits duplication of supportive services which are available free to participants through other services. Adds provisions for SDA transfer and agreement. Provides for reallotment of funds for training services for the disadvantaged. Revises requirements for the Governor's coordination and special services plans to include: (1) descriptions of State coordination measures, projected grants uses, and services to older workers; (2) criteria for coordinating activities under JTPA with State and local services on aging and with programs operated under specified provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965; and (3) initiatives under the State innovation and coordination program. Revises provisions for State education coordination and grants. Eliminates specified provisions for training programs for older workers. Requires identification of any State- or SDA-rule, regulation, or policy funded by JTPA. Requires State labor market information programs to include training and technical assistance to support comprehensive career guidance and participant outcome activities for local programs assisted under JTPA. Revises general program requirements for service delivery systems. Exempts normal tuition charges for training or education from certain requirements for a breakdown of cost components. Exempts from specified cost limitations certain administrative expenses related to training incurred by community-based organizations. Limits the duration of on-the-job training to a period not in excess of that generally required for acquisition of skills needed for that position, but never exceeding six months. Requires on-the-job contracts to: (1) specify types and duration of training and other services; and (2) if an intermediary brokering contractor is used for placements, specify certain additional services and factors. Revises provisions relating to disposal of assets and program income. Revises certain Federal and fiscal administrative provisions. Allows the use of certain advance payment methods when contracting with nonprofit organizations of demonstrated effectiveness. Requires States to establish fiscal control and fund accounting procedures to ensure proper disbursal and accounting of Federal funds. Requires the State Governor to establish procurement standards for the State, local areas, and SDAs to ensure that specified criteria are met. Requires State Governors to: (1) conduct annual on-site monitoring of each SDA and substate area to ensure compliance with such procurement standards; (2) impose corrective action to secure prompt compliance; (3) impose specified sanctions in the event of failure to take required corrective action; and (4) certify annually the State's implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of such standards. Directs the Secretary to: (1) annually review the procurement standards; and (2) upon determination that the Governor has not fulfilled such requirements, to impose such corrective actions and sanctions. Directs the Secretary to review the implementation of these requirements and report with recommendations to the Congress on the effectiveness of such fiscal control provisions. Adds provisions relating to program income. Revises reporting, recordkeeping, and investigative requirements. Requires recipients to maintain and provide to the Secretary standardized records of a sufficient number of individual participants to provide an adequate sample size to allow for preparation of natural estimates to meet specified requirements. Requires the Secretary, Inspector General, or Comptroller General to furnish States or SDAs which are going to be investigated with the monitoring guides to be used by reviewers (for audits other than the initial survey or one investigating possible criminal or fraudulent conduct). Requires States, administrative entities conducting the programs, and recipients (other than sub-recipients) to monitor the performance of service providers in complying with the agreements under JTPA. Revises requirements for information in reports. Directs the Secretary to ensure that all elements required for reports are defined and reported uniformly. Requires Governors to ensure that procedures are developed for retention of records for specified periods. Requires the head of the Directorate for Civil Rights in the Department of Labor to report annually on the administration and enforcement of nondiscrimination provisions. Authorizes appropriations to increase the number of Directorate personnel in order to prepare such reports. Subtitle C: Training Services for the Disadvantaged - Revises JTPA title II provisions for training services for the disadvantaged adults and youth. (Divides JTPA title II into: (1) part A, Adult Opportunity Program; (2) part B, Summer Youth Employment and Training Programs; and Part C, Youth Program.) Revises adult program allotment provisions to establish State set-asides for education, performance incentives, and auditing and administration. Allows individuals, whether employed or unemployed, to be eligible for adult program services as long as they are adults (age 22 through 72) who are economically disadvantaged. Requires that at least 60 percent of program participants in each SDA be individuals who, in addition to being economically disadvantaged adults, are in one or more of the following categories: (1) basic skills deficient; (2) school dropouts; (3) recipients of each cash welfare payments; (4) offenders; (5) individuals with disabilities; (6) homeless; (7) unemployed for the previous six months or longer; (8) limited-English proficient; or (9) in an additional category identified by an SDA and approved by the Governor and the Secretary. (Retains the current provisions that allow up to ten percent of program participants in an SDA not to be economically disadvantaged if they have encountered barriers to employment.) Allows for transfers of limited portions of funds among JTPA title II programs. Establishes adult program design requirments, including: (1) assessment of participants' skill levels and service needs; (2) development of service strategies to identify employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services; (3) review of participant progress; and (4) if appropriate, basic and occupational skills training work experience be accompanied by other services designed to increase a participant's basic education or occupational skills. Allows an exception from such combination requirement only if: (1) the participant's assessment and service strategy indicate that the additional services are not appropriate; and (2) the activities are not available to the participant through the Employment Service or other public agencies. Allows continued provisions of counseling and supportive services to a participant for up to one year after termination from the program. Revises authorized services for which adult program funds may be used. Eliminates employment-generating activities from the list of such authorized services. Divides the lists of such services into direct training and training-related and supportive services. Authorizes State Governors, through agreements with various entities, to provide for job training and placement programs for older individuals (55 years of age and who are economically disadvantaged) for employment opportunities with private businesses, with such programs to be developed in conjunction with SDAs and consistent with SDA plans. Requires consideration to be given to assisting such programs involving training for jobs in growth industries and jobs reflecting the use of new technological skills. Requires Governors to: (1) coordinate delivery of such services with those under the Older Americans Act of 1965; and (2) give priority to service providers with demonstrated effectiveness in providing such services. Requires SDAs to link with: (1) other specified Federal programs; and (2) State, local, and private programs, as appropriate. Allows an SDA to transfer up to ten percent of adult program funds to the youth programs under certain conditions. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) conduct a study to determine the number and percentage of adults assisted under JTPA title II part A provisions for disadvantaged adults that remain employed for at least nine months after receiving such assistance; and (2) report such study findings to appropriate congressional committees within three years. Revises part B provisions for summer youth employment and training programs to limit administrative costs to 15 percent. Requires SDAs to: (1) expend funds for basic and remedial education as described in the State job training plan (but allows such funds to be provided for the year-round youth employment and training program, the Job Corps, the JOBS program, alternative or secondary schools, or other employment and training programs); (2) assess participant skill levels and service needs and develop service strategy for participants; and (3) provide follow-up services for participants for whom a service strategy has been developed. Allows individual concurrent enrollment in such programs and in disadvantaged youth programs. Sets forth part C provisions for the disadvantaged youth programs. Revises allotment formulas to establish set-asides for State education coordination and grants. Revises eligibility requirements for in-school youth and out-of-school youth. Requires that at least 70 percent of the funds for in-school youth and for out-of-school youth, respectively, be used for participation of specified targeted groups (with provisions for additional categories). Requires the youth program to be conducted, and services made available during the year or on a multiyear basis as appropriate. Establishes year-round program design requirements, including: (1) assessment of participants' skill levels and service needs; (2) development of service strategies to identify achievement objectives, appropriate employment goals, and appropriate services; (3) review of participant progress; and (4) if appropriate, basic skills training, occupational skills training, pre-employment and work maturity skills training, work experience combined with skills training, and supportive services. Requires that work experience, job search, job search skills training, and job club activities be accompanied by additional services which: (1) are designed to increase a participant's basic education or occupational skills; and (2) may be provided, sequentially or concurrently, under other education and training programs. Allows continued provision of counseling and supportive services to a participant for up to one year after termination from the program. Requires SDAs to establish linkages with the appropriate educational agencies responsible for services to participants. Provides that authorized youth services may include, but need not be limited to, the services described under the headings of direct training, training related services, and participant support services under part A adult program provisions. Provides that additional authorized youth services may include specified features. Requires SDAs to link the youth program with: (1) other specified Federal education and training programs; and (2) as appropriate, State, local, and private programs. Allows an SDA to transfer up to ten percent of youth program funds to the adult program under certain conditions. Subtitle D: Special Programs - Provides, with respect to JTPA title III employment and training assistance for dislocated workers, that an eligible dislocated worker participating in training (except on-the-job training) shall be deemed to be in training with the approval of the State agency for purposes of unemployment compensation. Subtitle E: National Programs - Revises JTPA title IV part A employment and training programs for Native Americans and migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Includes references to American Samoans under such Native American programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate a single organizational unit to have as its primary responsibility the administration of all Native American programs authorized under JTPA; and (2) promote recruitment and promotion of Indians, Alaska Natives, American Samoans, and Hawaiian Natives to positions in such unit. Establishes the Advisory Council on Native American Indian Job Training Programs. Revises the formulas for reservations of funds for Native American programs and for migrant and seasonal farmworker programs. Authorizes the Secretary to waive, under Native American programs and the migrant and seasonal farmworker programs, the requirement of biennial competition for grants for those grantees that: (1) have performed satisfactorily on their existing grant; and (2) submit a satisfactory two-year plan for the succeeding period. Requires JTPA grants for Native American programs and for migrant and seasonal farmworker programs to be consistent with specified standard competitive procurement procedures and auditing procedures. Amends JTPA title IV part B provisions for the Job Corps. Increases from ten to 20 percent the allowable number of nonresidential participants enrolled in the Job Corps in any year. Prohibits the Secretary from reducing the number of residential participants in Job Corps programs during any program year below the number during 1989 in order to increase the number of nonresidential participants. Revises JTPA title IV part D provisions for national activities. Sets forth provisions for training and information programs. Directs the Secretary to carry out specified staff training activities at national, regional, State, and local levels. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a clearinghouse to identify, develop, and disseminate innovative materials and successful program models, and to carry out other specified functions. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services to coordinate such clearinghouse activities with other relevant entities. Revises JTPA title IV part E provisions for the cooperative labor market information program. Authorizes the Secretary to engage in research, demonstration, or other activities (including ones that States may carry out) to determine the feasibility of various methods of organizing and making accessible nationwide information on the quarterly earnings for all individuals for whom such information is collected in the United States. Requires a report to the Congress on the findings resulting from such activities. Increases the annual amount of funds reserved for the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. Adds a new part H, Replication of Successful Programs, to JTPA title IV. Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants for replication of successful programs through the associated activities of: (1) public or private nonprofit organizations' technical assistance; and (2) State and SDA planning and program development. Establishes a new part I of JTPA title IV, the Fair Chance Youth Opportunities Unlimited Program. Authorizes the Secretary to establish such national program of Fair Chance Youth Opportunities Unlimited grants to pay 50 percent of the cost of comprehensive education, training, and employment services for youth in high poverty areas in urban and rural areas. Requires such grants to be awarded to the local service delivery area (on behalf of the participating community) in which the target area is located (or to designated grantees if the target area is a Native American Indian reservation or an Alaska Native village). Authorizes the Secretary to select as grant recipients up to 25 communities in the first fiscal year the program is authorized (and a total of 40 over the first five fiscal years). Makes such grants over a three-year period, with each year conditional upon compliance. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the renewal period for an additional two years. Authorizes participating communities to apply for grants for use on behalf of target areas. Requires that a designated target area have not more than 25,000 population, except in the case of single high school districts. Makes all youth aged 14 through 21 in the target area eligible to participate in assisted programs and activities. Requires each participating community to develop an integrated service delivery system in each target area which meets specified minimum criteria for services. Requires such program to also have an education component, outreach and recruitment efforts, youth program models, and measurable goals and outcomes. Sets forth requirements for maintenance of State and local funding levels, limitations on the use of program funds, applications, and Federal and local shares. Directs the Secretary to provide for technical assistance, independent evaluations, and a report. Subtitle F: General Provisions - Revises provisions for JTPA title V, Jobs for Employable Individuals Incentive Bonus Program. Grants each participating State a bonus for providing job training under JTPA to: (1) absent parents of children receiving aid to famiilies with dependent children (AFDC) under the Social Security Act, who subsequent to such training pay child support; and (2) blind or disabled individuals receiving supplemental security income (SSI) under the Social Security Act, who subsequent to such training are successfully placed in and retain employment. Makes the incentive bonus equal to the total, for up to two years after termination of the individuals from JTPA activities; (1) amounts of such child support paid by such absent parents; and (2) reduction in Federal contributions to the SSI amounts received by such blind or disabled individuals. Revises provisions for State use of such incentive bonus funds. Allows Job Corps centers (as well as SDAs) to make incentive payments to service providers. Extends to January 1, 1997, the deadline for the Secretary's report to the appropriate congressional committees on evaluation of the effectiveness of the incentive bonus program. Directs the Secretary to issue revised performance standards for the incentive bonus program pursuant to the amendment made by this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide guidance and technical assistance to States and SDAs relating to documentation required to verify the eligibility of participants under part A and B of title II of JTPA. Authorizes the Secretary to establish rules and procedures necessary for an orderly transition to programs established by, and implementation of, the amendments made by this title. Title II: State Human Resource Investment Councils - Directs each State receiving assistance under specified applicable Federal programs to establish a single State human resource investment council to: (1) review the provision of services and use of funds under applicable Federal human resource programs; (2) advise the Governor on methods of coordinating and using such services, funds, and resources, and on State and local standards and measures relating to such programs; (3) work cooperatively with the directors of the designated State units administering the State vocational rehabilitation programs and the directors of the State educational agencies to enhance employment and vocational education and training opportunities under applicable programs for individuals with disabilities; and (4) carry out a State Council's duties and functions as prescribed under applicable Federal law. Sets forth requirements for such State council's composition, including representation of business and industry, labor and community-based organizations, and State and local entities. Allows a State that receives financial assistance under an applicable program council to establish a consolidated council which shall have the authority and perform the duties, of a State council and an applicable program council. Makes conforming and technical amendments to the following Federal laws having applicable programs for purposes of such State human resource investment council: (1) the Adult Education Act; (2) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (3) the JTPA; (4) the Wagner-Peyser Act; and (5) the JOBS program under AFDC provisions of the Social Security Act. Makes conforming and technical amendments to the following other Federal laws with reference to such State job training coordinating councils and such consolidated councils: (1) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (2) the Education and Training for a Competitive America Act of 1988; (3) the Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act; and (4) the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Title III: Nontraditional Employment for Women - Nontraditional Employment for Women Act - Amends JTPA to define "nontraditional employment," as applied to women, to refer to occupations or fields of work where women comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed. Requires service delivery area (SDA) job training plans to include: (1) goals for the training of women in nontraditional employment and the training-related placement of women in nontraditional employment and apprenticeship; (2) a description of efforts to be undertaken to accomplish such goals, including efforts to increase awareness of such training and placement opportunities; and (3) procedures for annual reporting of the extent to which the SDA has met such goals and of a statistical breakdown of women trained and placed in nontraditional occupations, including specified types of information. Requires the State Governor's coordination and special services plan also to include such goals and descriptions of efforts for the training and placement of women in nontraditional employment under JTPA and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. Directs the State job training coordinating council to: (1) review, summarize, and annually disseminate the results of SDAs' and Governor's efforts to train and place women in nontraditional employment; and (2) obtain from the sex equity coordinator under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act a summary of activities and an analysis of results under that Act and disseminate such summary annually. Requires State education coordination grant recipients to provide statewide coordinated approaches, including model programs, to train, place, and retain women in nontraditional employment. Allows the use of funds under title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) of JTPA for outreach activities relating to education, training, work experience, and retention of women in nontraditional employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to use a specified portion of funds for national activities under JTPA for FY 1992 through 1995 to make grants to States to develop demonstration and exemplary programs to train and place women in nontraditional employment. Limits such grants to no more than six per fiscal year. Allows States receiving such assistance to award grants to service providers and SDAs under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to report, with recommendations, to the Congress within five years on the extent of success of States and SDAs, and the effectiveness of such demonstration programs, in training, placing, and retaining women in nontraditional employment. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to mean that the Congress is taking a position on the issue of comparable worth. Provides that failure to meet the goals in this Act shall not itself constitute a violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or any other Federal law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Temporary Protected Status for Haitians Act of 1991 - Provides for temporary protected status for certain Haitian nationals. States that it is U.S. policy to strongly encourage members of the Organization of American States to protect Haitians who have fled their country.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Provides for temporary protected status for nationals of Yugoslavia.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Equity in Citizenship Act of 1991 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant U.S. citizenship at birth to a person born before noon May 24, 1934, outside the limits and jurisdiction of the United States to an alien father and U.S. citizen mother who, prior to the birth of such person, had resided in the United States. Waives the physical U.S. presence requirements for a person claiming U.S. citizenship based upon descent from a person described above. Makes such provisions retroactive.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Health Care Access and Security Act of 1991 - Title I: Improvements in Health Insurance Affordability for Small Employers - Amends the Internal Revenue code to raise from 25 to 100 percent the deduction allowed to self-employed individuals for health insurance premiums and makes the deduction permanent. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to make grants to States for the establishment and operation of small employer health insurance purchasing programs. Permits grant funds to be used to finance administrative costs associated with developing and operating a group purchasing program for small employers. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Improvements in Health Insurance for Small Employers - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI: Standards for Small Employer Health Insurance and Certification of Managed Care Plans. Directs the Secretary to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop model standards and regulations concerning requirements for health insurance plans for small employers. Requires such plans to provide for: (1) guaranteed eligibility; (2) guaranteed availability; and (3) guaranteed renewability. Prohibits: (1) an insurer from refusing to renew or terminate a plan, except for nonpayment of premiums, fraud, or failure to maintain minimum participation rates; and (2) for certain services, discrimination based on health status. Sets limits controlling the variation of premium charges permitted among all small employers insured by an insurer. Requires the full disclosure of an insurer's rating practices. Requires a health insurance plan for small employers to offer: (1) both a standard benefit package and basic benefit package; and (2) a managed care option, if the insurer also offers such an option to other employers. Provides, under both the standard and basic package, for coverage of: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) inpatient and outpatient physician services; (3) diagnostic tests; and (4) preventive services. Provides, in addition, under the standard plan: (1) for the coverage of certain mental health care; (2) that, except as specified, there will be no limits on the amount, scope, or duration of benefits, and (3) for specified limits on deductibles, copayment, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Provides under the basic plan that: (1) premiums, deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing may be imposed; and (2) there shall be an out-of-pocket limit. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax of 25 percent of gross premiums on the issuer of any health insurance plan to a small employer if the plan does not meet the requirements of title XXI. Sets forth study and reporting requirements. Title III: Improvements in Portability of Private Health Insurance - Imposes an excise tax of $100 per day, with respect to a covered individual, on a group health plan for its failure to provide coverage for a preexisting condition, subject to stated exceptions. Title IV: Health Care Cost Containment - Establishes a Health Care Cost Commission which shall report annually to the President and the Congress on national health care costs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under title XXI of the Social Security Act, to establish a process for the certification of managed care plans and of utilization review programs. Sets forth requirements for certification. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to develop outcomes research and practice parameters for mental health services, including at least the diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention deficit syndrome disorders and manic depression. Amends Part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for research outcomes of health care services and procedures. Requires all Medicare carriers and intermediaries to accept electronic submission of claims in a specified uniform format. Title V: Malpractice Reform - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the implementation and evaluation of alternative dispute resolution systems (ADR). Sets forth eligibility requirements for States seeking such grants. Directs the Secretary to award not less than ten such grants each fiscal year, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) designate each State receiving such a grant as a model ADR State (making such State eligible for a two-year extension); and (2) disseminate information on the ADR systems implemented by such States to other States, health care professionals and providers, and other interested parties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and promulgate standards and regulations necessary to carry out the grant program, including qualification standards that States must meet to receive grants and regulations establishing State data gathering requirements; (2) take into account, in developing qualification standards, specified factors such as the effectiveness of such systems in supporting access to health care, encouraging improvements in the quality of care, resolving claims promptly, and providing predictable outcomes; (3) provide States with technical assistance; and (4) report to the Congress, within four years of the first grant, describing and evaluating the ADR systems implemented. Specifies that, with respect to any health care liability action brought in a Federal or State court and any medical malpractice claim or medical product liability claim subject to an ADR system: (1) no person may be required to pay more than $100,000 in a single payment in damages (whether for economic or non-economic losses) for expenses to be incurred in the future, but shall be permitted to make periodic payments (as determined by the court); (2) the total amount of damages that may be awarded to an individual and the family members of such individual for non-economic losses may not exceed $250,000; (3) the total amount of damages received by an individual shall be reduced by any other payment that has been or will be made to the individual to compensate such individual for the injury that was the subject of the action or claim; (4) a claimant's attorney's fees may not exceed 25 percent of the first $150,000 of any award or settlement, or 15 percent of any additional amounts, paid to the claimant; (5) the total amount of punitive damages that may be assessed may not exceed twice the total amount of the damages awarded to compensate the claimant for losses resulting from the injury; and (6) the liability of each defendant for non-economic losses shall be several only and not joint, and each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of non-economic losses allocated to the defendant in direct proportion to the defendant's percentage of responsibility. Establishes a two year statute of limitations for medical malpractice and product liability claims, beginning on the earlier of the date on which the injury that is the subject of the action was discovered or should reasonably have been discovered. Specifies that, in the case of a medical malpractice or product liability claim relating to services provided during labor or the delivery of a baby, if the claimant was not previously treated for the pregnancy by the defendant health care professional or provider a court may not find that the defendant committed malpractice and assess damages against the defendant unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Bars a defendant from being found to have committed malpractice unless the defendant's conduct at the time of providing the health care services that are the subject of the action was not reasonable, except where the claimant asserts that the defendant is liable under a strict liability theory. Bars the award of punitive damages with respect to any medical product liability claim alleged against a medical product producer if the drug or device that is the subject of the claim: (1) was subject to approval or premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with respect to the safety or performance of the drug or device, or the adequacy of the packaging or labeling; (2) was approved by FDA; or (3) is generally recognized as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established by FDA and applicable regulations. Makes an exception in the case of withheld information, misrepresentation, or illegal payment to an FDA official for purposes of securing approval of the drug or device. Provides for a separate proceeding to determine punitive damages. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the admissibility of evidence; and (2) criteria for determining the amount of punitive damages. Provides that the U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over health care liability actions based on Federal questions or based on specified provisions concerning commerce and antitrust regulations. Specifies that these provisions preempt State law only to the extent that State law: (1) permits the recovery by a claimant or the assessment against a defendant of a greater amount of damages; (2) permits the awarding of a greater amount of attorneys' fees; (3) establishes a longer period during which medical malpractice or product liability claims may be initiated; or (4) establishes a less strict standard of proof for determining whether a defendant has committed malpractice than these provisions. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to encourage the establishment of a nationwide risk retention group (RRG) for community and migrant health centers receiving assistance under such Act that meets specified requirements. Defines a RRG for purposes of these provisions as an entity defined in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 that: (1) provides professional liability insurance and other types of profitable insurance approved for issuance by the Secretary to community and migrant health centers; (2) provides insurance that applies to all claims filed against a community or migrant health center after the entity initiates insurance coverage and to claims arising from acts that occurred prior to the initiation of coverage if the claims are not covered by other insurance; and (3) meets such other requirements as the Secretary may establish. Title VI: Incentives for Private Long-Term Care Coverage - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for: (1) long-term care insurance contracts to be treated as accident or health insurance contracts; (2) amounts received under such contracts with respect to qualified long-term care services to be treated as amounts received for personal injuries or sickness; and (3) employer plans providing such services to be treated as an accident or health plan. Includes amounts paid for qualified long-term care services as medical expenses for individual itemized deductions. Excludes benefits received under such contracts from gross income. Provides for the treatment of prefunded post-retirement long-term care benefits plans in the same manner as prefunded post-retirement medical and life insurance benefit plans. Permits qualified long-term care insurance contracts to be offered in cafeteria plans (plans which offer two or more benefits). Allows the tax-free exchange of life insurance contracts for long-term care insurance contracts. Provides for the treatment of amounts paid to a terminally ill individual or one who is chronically ill and confined to a qualified facility as death benefits. Allows insurance companies to issue such accelerated death benefit riders on life insurance contracts. Declares that gross income does include excessive long-term care benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Au Pair Program Act of 1991 - Directs the Attorney General to establish an international cultural exchange program (au pair program) pursuant to specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Amends such Act to include au pair program participants among the nonimmigrant classifications of temporary cultural exchange program participants.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Comprehensive Health Care Access Improvement and Cost Containment Act of 1991 - Title I: Improving Access to Health Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a percentage of qualified health insurance expenses for incomes of less than $40,000. Limits such credit to $2,500. Excludes Medicare payments and subsidized expenses from treatment as qualified expenses. Provides for the advance payment of such credit to eligible individuals. Coordinates such credit with the: (1) health insurance credit allowed in determining the earned income credit; (2) deductions for health insurance expenses of self-employed individuals; and (3) itemized deduction for medical and dental expenses. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary), to establish a public awareness program to inform the public of the availability of the credit for health insurance expenses. Increases the deductible for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals from 25 percent to 100 percent and makes such deduction permanent. (Currently, it expires December 31, 1991.) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit the preemption of State mandated benefits. Directs the Secretary to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (Association) to develop a model set of regulations and laws to provide a uniform, low-cost, minimum insurance benefit package to include hospital, physician, primary care, preventive care and other selected services for purchase by individuals, businesses and governmental entities. Directs the Association to submit a copy of such model regulations and laws to specified congressional committees after the enactment of this Act. Provides that if the Association does not develop such a model set of regulations and laws, the Secretary shall develop such a model and submit a copy as required above. Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to add a new part D under which the Secretary shall allocate funds to States to pay for the Federal share of the costs of establishing qualified State uninsurable pool programs that provide health insurance for medically uninsurable individuals. Provides criminal penalties for false statements made in connection with the furnishing of items or services for which payment may be made by a State from funds allotted to the State under new part D. Authorizes appropriations to carry out new part D. Title II: Containing Costs of Health Care - Directs the Secretary to request the Association to develop a plan for standardizing public and private insurance forms. Directs the Association to submit a copy of the plan to specified congressional committees after the enactment of this Act. Provides that it shall not be considered a violation of the antitrust laws for hospitals to jointly undertake, in the provision of care, the purchasing, contracting for, or sharing of high technology services. Amends title VI (Assistance for Construction and Modernization of Hospitals and Other Medical Facilities) of the Public Health Service Act to add a new part D under which the Secretary shall establish and carry out demonstration projects to assist hospitals in acquiring and sharing high technology equipment and services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such new part D. Title III: Medical Malpractice Reform - Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of resolving medical malpractice claims in the same manner provided for resolving worker's compensation claims. Requires a report to the Congress on such study. Directs the Secretary to provide for demonstration projects by States that seek to reduce infant mortality by improving access in urban and rural underserved areas to obstetric services for eligible pregnant women under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Requires a report to the Congress on the demonstration projects carried out and on how project results may be used to implement programs to lower infant mortality and morbidity through improving the access of pregnant women to obstetric services in urban and rural underserved areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide liability protections for certain health care professionals of community health centers, migrant health centers, and health centers for the homeless. Prohibits the Secretary from making or renewing grants to such centers unless they implement appropriate policies and procedures to assure against malpractice and have no history of having malpractice claims filed against them, or, if such a history exists, they have fully cooperated with the Attorney General in defending against any such claims and either have taken, or will take, such corrective steps to assure against such claims in the future. Directs the Secretary to develop and make available to the public each year a compendium of the various State initiatives undertaken to address the obstetric access crisis in urban and rural areas. Requires the Secretary to provide a grant to a public or private non-profit organization to conduct a study on the rate of medical malpractice actions or claims relating to obstetrical care for patients whose care is paid for by Medicaid as compared to those whose care is paid for by private insurance. Requires a report to the Congress on such study. Title IV: Encouraging Preventive Health Care - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of a comprehensive health assessment and immunizations for prevention or treatment of infectious diseases. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide additional authorization of appropriations for provision of education and information regarding cancer. Title V: Improving Long-Term Care for the Elderly - Subtitle A: Comprehensive Long-Term Care Services for Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease - Part I: Expanded Medicare Benefits - Amends the Medicare program to add a new part C under which is created a long-term care program for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease. Part II: Expanding Medicaid Buy-In - Amends the Medicaid program to provide for expanding Medicaid buy-in of Medicare cost-sharing to cover long-term care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and additional indigent Medicare beneficiaries. Subtitle B: Tax Incentives to Promote Access to Long-Term Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for qualified elderly care expenses to the extent such expenses exceed five percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Defines such expenses as non-compensated payments for in-home custodial care provided to a qualifying elderly individual. Describes such an individual as one who has attained 65 years of age and who is a parent, grandparent, or dependent of the taxpayer. Includes the rendering of medical services or goods by a physician or registered professional nurse as a charitable contribution and provides for valuation of such services or goods. Excludes from gross income distributions from individual retirement accounts or annuities to pay long-term care expenses or to purchase insurance covering such expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Primary Health Care Investment Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to migrant and community health centers, the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment programs, and health services for the homeless. Amends provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act relating to payment to hospitals for inpatient services to modify requirements regarding the determination of approved FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) resident amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Small Business Health Care Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Improvements in Health Insurance Affordability for Small Employers - Amends the Internal Revenue code to raise from 25 to 100 percent the deduction allowed to self-employed individuals for health insurance premiums and makes the deduction permanent. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to make grants to up to 15 States for the establishment and operation of small employer health insurance purchasing programs. Permits grant funds to be used to finance administrative costs associated with developing and operating a group purchasing program for small employers. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Improvements in Health Insurance for Small Employers - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI: Standards for Small Employer Health Insurance and Certification of Managed Care Plans. Directs the Secretary to develop standards concerning requirements for health insurance plans for small employers. Requires such plans to provide for: (1) guaranteed eligibility; (2) guaranteed availability; and (3) guaranteed renewability. Prohibits: (1) an insurer from refusing to renew or terminate a plan, except for nonpayment of premiums, fraud, or failure to maintain minimum participation rates; and (2) for certain services, discrimination based on health status. Sets limits controlling the variation of premium charges permitted among all small employers insured by an insurer. Requires the full disclosure of an insurer's rating practices. Requires a health insurance plan for small employers to offer: (1) both a standard benefit package and basic benefit package; and (2) a managed care option, if the insurer also offers such an option to other employers. Provides, under both the standard and basic package, for coverage of: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) inpatient and outpatient physician services; (3) diagnostic tests; and (4) preventive services. Provides, in addition, under the standard plan: (1) for the coverage of certain mental health care; (2) that, except as specified, there will be no limits on the amount, scope, or duration of benefits, and (3) for specified limits on deductibles, copayment, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Provides under the basic plan that: (1) premiums, deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing may be imposed; and (2) there shall be an out-of-pocket limit. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax of 25 percent of gross premiums on the issuer of any health insurance plan to a small employer if the plan does not meet the requirements of title XXI. Sets forth study and reporting requirements. Title III: Improvements in Portability of Private Health Insurance - Imposes an excise tax of $100 per day, with respect to a covered individual, on a group health plan for its failure to provide coverage for a preexisting condition, subject to stated exceptions. Title IV: Health Care Cost Containment - Establishes a Health Care Cost Commission which shall report annually to the President and the Congress on national health care costs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under title XXI of the Social Security Act, to establish a process for the certification of managed care plans and of utilization review programs. Sets forth requirements for certification. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to develop outcomes research and practice parameters for mental health services, including at least the diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention deficit syndrome disorders and manic depression. Amends Part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for research outcomes of health care services and procedures. Mandates development of uniform claims forms for use by beneficiaries and health care providers in submitting claims under group health plans and titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to include entities receiving Federal funds under provisions relating to migrant health centers, community health centers, or health services for the homeless, and officers, employees, or contractors of such entities who are licensed health care practitioners, in the coverage of provisions regulating civil actions for injury resulting from medical or related functions against commissioned officers or employees of the Public Health Service. Subrogates to the United States any insurance claim such an entity or person has. Prohibits grants under provisions relating to migrant or community health centers or health services for the homeless unless the applicant has: (1) implemented policies and procedures to assure against malpractice; (2) reviewed the professional credentials, claims history, and other information regarding its licensed health care practitioners; and (3) no history of claims against it under such provisions relating to officers and employees of the Public Health Service, or has cooperated with the Attorney General in defending against such claims and has taken corrective action. Empowers the Attorney General, if certain conditions are met, to determine that an individual practitioner shall not be deemed a Public Health Service employee for purposes of these provisions. Prohibits hospitals from denying admitting privileges to an otherwise qualified health care provider who is an officer, employee, or contractor of such an entity. Title V: Medicare Prevention Benefits - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish frequency and payment limits for screening for fecal-occult blood tests and screening flexible sigmoidoscopies. Amends part C (Miscellaneous Provisions) of title XVIII to provide coverage for tetanus-diphtheria booster and its administration. Provides Medicare coverage for well-child services which is to include routine office visits, immunizations, laboratory tests, and preventive dental care. Expands the coverage of a screening mammography to provide for one such screening annually for all covered women over age 49. Directs the Secretary to establish and provide for a series of ongoing demonstration projects which provide coverage for specified preventive services, including: (1) glaucoma screening; (2) cholesterol screening; (3) osteoporosis screening and treatment; (4) screening services for pregnant women; (5) assessments for individuals beginning at age 65 or 75; and (6) other appropriate services. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to study and report concerning the development of a process for the regular review for the consideration of coverage of preventive services under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Amends the Immigration Act of 1990 to set aside at least 14 percent of the visas available under the diversity transition program for nationals of a certain country.
United States · United States Congress · 23 November 1991
Access to Health Care for All Americans Act of 1991 - Title I: Access and Affordability of Health Insurance for Small Employers - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction of 100 percent (currently, 25 percent) of the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals and to remove provisions terminating on a specified date the deductibility of such costs. Imposes a tax on insurers who fail to meet certain requirements regarding accident and health contracts for eligible small employers. Includes in those requirements issuance of contracts providing benefits identical to Medplan core benefits and contracts providing benefits identical to Medplan standard benefits. Sets forth pricing and marketing requirements. Requires that the contracts be guaranteed issue. Requires core and standard benefits to include: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services; (2) inpatient and outpatient surgical services; (3) inpatient and outpatient physicians' services; (4) diagnostic and screening services; (5) prenatal care; (6) ambulance services; and (7) durable medical equipment. Requires, in addition, that standard benefits include: (1) inpatient or outpatient treatment for a mental disorder; and (2) inpatient and outpatient treatment of a chemical dependency disorder. Limits deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and copayments. Requires guaranteed eligibility. Regulates preexisting condition limitations. Requires guaranteed renewability. Sets forth rating, disclosure, and recordkeeping requirements. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement with any State to apply State standards instead of the requirements of this Act if the Secretary determines that the State standards will carry out the purposes of this Act. Prohibits any such agreement from waiving the requirement of offering contracts with benefits identical to Medplan core benefits and contracts with benefits identical to Medplan standard benefits. Defines "eligible small employer" to mean those with between one and 50 employees. Preempts any provision of State law: (1) requiring any employer member of a qualified small employer purchasing group to offer any services, category of care, or services of any class or type of provider; (2) requiring any provider of insurance to pay a tax on premiums received from members of such a group; or (3) restricting certain aspects of managed care. Title II: Health Care Cost Control - Subtitle A: Encouraging Managed Care Plans - Mandates development of recommended standards regarding the benefits, coverage, and delivery systems provided under managed care plans, as well as the standards by which managed care entities operate. Establishes the Managed Care Advisory Committee. Preempts, with regard to managed care plans, provisions of State law relating to: (1) reimbursement rates or selective contracting; (2) differential financial incentives; (3) utilization review methods; or (4) benefits. Subtitle B: Medical Malpractice Reform - Chapter 1: Definitions and Findings - Sets forth definitions and findings with regard to this subtitle. Chapter 2: Expedited Medical Malpractice Settlements - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused during the provision of medical care under State law, except as superseded by this chapter. Provides, in certain circumstances, for recovery of attorney's fees by the prevailing party if the opposing party failed to accept an offer of settlement. Chapter 3: Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures - Establishes the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board of Advisors to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the establishment of a model voluntary alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program. Mandates a program to encourage States to develop and implement voluntary ADR procedures that meet the requirements of this subtitle. Requires a State which does not adopt its own procedures to adopt the model system. Allows a claimant or defendant to offer to proceed with an ADR procedure. Requires assessment of attorney's fees and costs against a recipient of such an offer who refuses to proceed if the refusal was unreasonable or not in good faith. Creates a rebuttable presumption that the refusal was unreasonable and not in good faith. Chapter 4: Uniform Standards for Medical Malpractice Cases - Applies this chapter to any medical malpractice action in any Federal or State court and any medical malpractice claim resolved through an ADR system. Limits: (1) lump sum payments for future losses; (2) noneconomic damages; and (3) attorney's fees. Makes the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages several and not joint. Sets forth time limits. Requires proof of malpractice by clear and convincing evidence in cases related to delivery of a baby when the health care professional did not previously provide prenatal care to the claimant (sometimes referred to as "drop in deliveries"). Chapter 5: Uniform Disciplinary Reforms - Requires States to comply with this chapter. Requires each State to: (1) allocate all fees for licensing or certification of each type of health care practitioner to the State agencies responsible for the conduct of licensing and disciplinary actions regarding that type of practitioner; and (2) allow the general public to be represented on State practitioner disciplinary boards. Prohibits monetary liability on the part of any individual serving on a State disciplinary board. Requires each State to: (1) have in effect a statewide risk management program; and (2) establish a health care disciplinary trust fund. Requires all punitive damages from all medical malpractice and medical products civil actions to be transferred to the fund. Mandates use of fund amounts to provide additional resources to the boards and to provide additional resources for State consumer protection activities. Chapter 6: Medical Products - Limits whether punitive damages, otherwise permitted by applicable law, may be awarded against a health care producer (defined as a designer, manufacturer, producer, or seller of a drug or device) in certain circumstances and, if so, specifies that specified evidence may be considered in determining the amount of the damages. Makes approval of a drug or device by the Food and Drug Administration an absolute defense to a claim of strict liability. Chapter 7: Community Health Centers - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a grant to an entity that represents recipients of grants under provisions relating to migrant and community health centers for the establishment of a nationwide risk retention group as provided for in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986. Requires that all such centers become members in the group and purchase the professional liability insurance offered by the group. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the group. Requires amounts saved by centers as a result of the group to be used for additional services by the centers and to defend against medical malpractice claims arising from center services. Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to the centers. Chapter 8: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for severability and for compliance deadlines. Title III: Rural Health Improvement Initiatives - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission to each submit to the Congress a report recommending a methodology for the elimination of the system of determining separate average standardized amounts for hospitals in large urban, other urban, or rural areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to modify priorities for awarding National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment contracts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income repayment under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to area health education centers. Authorizes competitive grants for networks among rural and urban health care providers to preserve and share health care resources and enhance the quality and availability of health care in rural areas. Allows the networks to be statewide or regional. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for certain health professionals providing services in rural health professional shortage areas during periods when they are not receiving scholarships or loan repayments under National Health Service Corps programs. Allows, with regard to elections to expense depreciable business assets, a higher aggregate cost to be taken into account for rural health care property in a rural health professional shortage area. Allows a deduction for a limited amount of the interest paid on medical education loans by an individual performing services under an agreement with an applicable rural community to perform professional services in the community. Authorizes use of the deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize competitive grants for the development and implementation of a plan for mental health outreach programs in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Improved Access to Long-Term Care - Subtitle A: Long-Term Care Insurance Promotion - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a procedure for the certification of health insurance policies for the elderly as meeting minimum standards and requirements, including: (1) meeting or exceeding the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Act Standards; (2) guaranteed renewability; (3) limited exclusion of preexisting conditions; (4) a specified period during which purchasers may rescind their purchase; and (5) simplified language. Mandates a study and report to the Congress on health insurance policies for the elderly. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit for a percentage of qualified long-term care premiums paid. Mandates: (1) an agreement between the Secretary of the Treasury and each State for the advance payment to certain individuals of the tax credit in the form of certificates usable for the purchase of long-term care insurance; and (2) a program to inform the public of the availability of the credit and filing procedures. Excludes distributions from qualified retirement plans, when used by certain individuals to pay for long-term care insurance contracts, from provisions imposing an additional tax on early distributions from such plans. Prohibits recognizing a gain or loss from the exchange by certain individuals of a life insurance, endowment, or annuity contract for a long-term care insurance contract. Subtitle B: Other Provisions Relating to Long-Term Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any distribution from an individual retirement plan used to pay premiums for any qualified long-term health insurance policy. Requires any amount paid under a life insurance contract on the life of an insured who is terminally ill, has a dread disease, or has been permanently confined to a nursing home to be treated as an amount paid by reason of the death of the insured. Requires, for provisions relating to definitions and special rules involving life insurance companies, references to life insurance to be treated as including a reference to a terminal illness or dread disease rider, defined as a provision of a life insurance contract which provides for payments to or for the benefit of an insured upon the insured becoming a terminally ill individual or incurring a dread disease. Amends provisions defining "life insurance contract" to include a terminal illness or dread disease rider or any qualified long-term care rider in the definition of "qualified additional benefits."
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Haitian Refugee Protection Act of 1991 - Directs the President to: (1) assure the protection of Haitian nationals under U.S. control; and (2) reallocate at least 2000 federally funded FY 1992 refugee admissions to Haiti. Provides for temporary protected status for certain Haitian nationals. Makes Haitian nationals who entered the United States as of the date of enactment of this Act eligible for assistance under the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
National Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Management Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize appropriations to carry out such Act for FY 1993 through 1998. Title I: State Solid Waste Management - Revises requirements for State solid waste management plans and establishes requirements for plan guidelines. Requires such plans to include: (1) an estimate of the capacity of the State to manage such waste; (2) an overall waste management strategy that covers the ten-year period beginning on the date of approval of a plan; (3) source reduction and recycling goals; (4) requirements for annual diversion away from disposal by combustion or landfilling of materials otherwise destined for disposal by such methods, with specified diversion rates for metals, glass, paper, plastics, and yard waste; (5) scrap tire requirements; (6) personnel training and public education; (7) requirements for the management of household hazardous waste, yard waste, and large household appliances; (8) actions to be taken to promote markets for recovered materials; (9) requirements for procurement of products made of recovered materials; (10) requirements for disclosure of costs of municipal solid waste management services to consumers; and (11) biennial reporting requirements. Repeals provisions concerning plan provisions for recycled oil. Sets forth submission, approval, and implementation procedures for State plans. Directs each State to identify the amounts and types of solid waste expected to be generated or transported in such State during the planning period. Provides for biennial updates of such inventory. Sets forth minimum requirements for scrap tire management under State solid waste management plans. Declares that plans must: (1) address the reduction and elimination of existing scrap tire piles that contain more than 3,000 tires; (2) address current and future disposal, recycling, recovery, and reuse of scrap tires; and (3) encourage the environmentally sound recycling of such tires through all available means. Prohibits: (1) the disposal of scrap tires in a landfill, monocell, or monofill, unless there is no reasonably available recycling alternative for such tires and such tires are shredded; (2) the operation of collection sites, except in compliance with specified regulations; (3) the storage of more than 3,000 scrap tires for more than 60 days at collection sites, unless necessary for further reuse, recovery, or recycling; and (4) the commingling of tires generated 18 months after this Act's enactment date with existing scrap tire piles. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), together with the heads of appropriate Federal agencies, to: (1) determine the extent of scrap tire piles on Federal property; and (2) implement a plan for, and report to the Congress on, the abatement of such piles. Repeals a provision concerning grants for discarded tire disposal. Authorizes a State to collect fees on the combustion or disposal in a landfill of municipal solid waste generated in another State. Establishes maximum limits for such fees. Prohibits fees from being changed more often than once every two years. Terminates such authority if a State is not in compliance with an approved solid waste management plan. Requires States to distribute out-of-state waste differential funds in equal amounts to: (1) political subdivisions in whose jurisdictions the facilities which accept the waste are located; and (2) political subdivisions for carrying out municipal solid waste management programs. Defines "out-of-State waste differential funds" as funds collected that exceed the amount that would have been collected if the waste had originated in the State. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from restricting or imposing fees on the transportation, storage, recycling, treatment, or disposal of solid waste on the basis that the waste originates in or is transported from another State. Permits States or political subdivisions to petition a State to reduce or eliminate a fee. Grants congressional approval to interstate compacts for the management of municipal solid waste. Authorizes States to establish programs for inspecting shipments of municipal solid waste that originate in other States for ensuring that such shipments contain only municipal solid waste. Requires a State that exports at least 30 percent of the solid waste generated annually to implement the following: (1) permit requirements for facilities (transfer stations) that remove solid waste from collection vehicles and place the waste in other transportation units for delivery to other waste management facilities; (2) a requirement that waste exported from the State through transfer stations be accompanied by a manifest listing entities that generated the waste and a statement that the waste was inspected; and (3) inspection programs for such waste. Authorizes a State to deny entry of waste shipped from another State if the shipment is not accompanied by a manifest. Authorizes States that are not imposing fees on waste generated in other States to impose limitations on waste imported for combustion or disposal purposes. Declares that such a limitation shall be no less than the amount of: (1) imported waste being transported annually into the State, as of the date of decision to impose the limitation; or (2) such amount expressed as a percentage of the total amount of waste being combusted or disposed of in landfills annually, as of the date of such decision. Provides for resolution by the Administrator of disputes concerning such amounts. Authorizes States that impose the percentage limitation to require, as a condition of any facility operating permit, that the amount of waste generated outside the State and managed at the facility may not exceed the amount equal to multiplying the percentage of the limitation by the total amount of waste managed at the facility. Permits political subdivisions to elect not to participate in import limitations for facilities in their jurisdictions upon notification of the State Governor. Title II: Federal Solid Waste Management Requirements - Requires the Administrator to specify a schedule for the promulgation of regulations for solid waste categories other than those under this title for which regulations are necessary. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the management of ash from municipal waste combustion units. Requires landfills into which such ash is disposed to provide for groundwater monitoring and to have double liners with leachate collection systems above and between such liners and leak detection systems. Permits the placement of such ash into a monofill with groundwater monitoring, a leachate collection system, and a single composite liner designed to prevent the migration of any constituent. Authorizes alternative landfill design requirements if demonstrated that such design prevents the migration of hazardous constituents. Permits disposal of ash in sanitary landfills if the ash is tested and meets specified criteria. Directs the Administrator, in developing regulations for the management of such ash, to promulgate criteria and testing procedures for identifying characteristics of ash that may pose a hazard to human health or the environment. Provides for the testing of ash by ash management facilities when disposal of ash occurs in facilities with alternative designs or the ash is to be recycled or reused. Requires ash failing in any characteristic under criteria and testing procedures to be disposed of in a landfill or monofill meeting this title's requirements or to be treated. Directs the Administrator to validate criteria and testing procedures by conducting an analysis of leachate at facilities disposing of or reusing ash from municipal waste combustion units. Authorizes the Administrator to issue a corrective action order or commence a civil action when there has been a release of a hazardous constituent from a facility regulated under this title. Provides for civil penalties for noncompliance with orders. Permits States to submit programs for implementation and concurrent enforcement of this title's requirements to the Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator or States, under certain conditions, to grant variances from ash disposal requirements to owners or operators of municipal waste combustion units. Limits such variances to a specified time period. Repeals a provision of the Solid Waste Disposal Act which exempts facilities burning household and specified nonhazardous waste from regulation requirements under such Act. Sets forth prohibitions on scrap tire disposal in conformance with prohibitions set forth under title I for State solid waste management plans. Prohibits the operation of scrap tire monofills, except in compliance with this Act. Exempts specified persons from such prohibitions (except for disposal prohibitions) if no threat of an adverse health or environmental effect will result from the exemption. Authorizes the Administrator to impose alternative requirements as a condition for an exemption. Directs the Administrator to provide financial assistance to States for implementing scrap tire management requirements. Grants a preference for assistance to applicants who have shown progress in eliminating scrap tire piles. Permits States to apply for assistance in conjunction with neighboring States. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to provide specifications for the quality and end uses of products made from: (1) mixed solid waste; and (2) compost made of yard trimmings, food scraps or food processing byproducts, specified nontoxic paper products soiled with food, or agricultural byproducts that have been separated from municipal solid waste at the source of generation. Requires the Administrator to promulgate standards for mixed municipal solid waste composting facilities. Directs States to issue permits to facilities in compliance with municipal solid waste management requirements. Prohibits the following activities, except in compliance with a permit: (1) the combustion of municipal solid waste; (2) the disposal of such waste in a landfill or the disposal of municipal solid waste combustor ash in a landfill or monofill; (3) the operation of a mixed municipal solid waste composting facility or of an intermediate processing or materials recovery facility; and (4) the operation of a scrap tire collection site or monofill. Directs States, as a condition of a permit, to require municipal waste combustion units and mixed municipal solid waste composting facilities to separate and prevent glass, metals, household hazardous waste, and other appropriate wastes from being accepted at such facilities. Requires States to provide regulatory authority to implement permit requirements. Provides that permits shall be for terms up to ten years. Authorizes the issuance of a single permit for a facility with multiple units. Requires facilities subject to permit requirements to pay annual fees to cover all State costs in administering the permit program. Sets forth requirements for the total amount of fees collected and calculations of fees. Authorizes States to promulgate regulations that provide that a class of facilities shall be deemed to be operating in compliance with a permit if the facilities will have minimal adverse health and environmental effects. Title III: Recycling - Permits packagers, effective December 31, 1995, to use only packages that: (1) are made of a material meeting a specified recovery rate by certain deadlines; (2) are made of materials that contain at least 25 percent, 35 percent, and 50 percent post-consumer material, effective December 31, 1995, December 31, 1998, and December 31, 2001, respectively; (3) are designed to be refilled or reused for their original purposes at least five times (requires 50 percent of packages produced to be returned for refilling or reuse); and (4) are reduced in volume or weight by specified percentages when compared to similar packages produced five years earlier. Provides that achievement of such a reduction shall qualify as compliance with packaging requirements for a period of five years. Requires the list of materials covered by such requirements to include, at a minimum, glass, metals, and plastic resins. Exempts from packaging requirements: (1) any part of a package used to provide tamper-resistant or -evident seals; (2) packages required by any Federal law or regulation related to health or safety; (3) any part of a package consisting of a flexible film which is in direct contact with food and is necessary to prevent spoilage; (4) packaging for drugs, drug products, or medical devices; and (5) packages determined by the Administrator to be de minimis. Directs packagers to submit annual certifications of compliance with packaging requirements to the Administrator with respect to each type of package used. Requires certificates to be submitted each time a package is reformulated or replaced. Requires paper manufacturers, no later than December 31, 1995, to ensure that specified types of paper are recovered, in the aggregate, at a rate of at least 40 percent. Directs the Administrator to establish a higher recovery rate for paper to be met no later than December 31, 2000. Authorizes the Administrator to establish recovery rates for additional materials. Sets forth reporting requirements for manufacturers of materials subject to recovery requirements. Directs the Administrator to complete a study to: (1) determine minimum content standards for paper products, products made from materials for which recovery rates are established, and products made from glass, metals, plastics, and rubber; and (2) analyze the manner in which compliance with such standards and with packaging requirements could be enforced for imports. Sets alternative minimum content standards for paper and other materials if recovery rates are not met. Prescribes monetary penalties for noncompliance with recovery rates or minimum content standards. Authorizes the Administrator, for any violation after a third violation of such standards or rates, to ban the sale in commerce of the concerned package or product. Provides for the use of penalties for technical assistance for solid waste management and resource recovery and conservation. Prohibits the intentional introduction of lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium into a package or packaging component during manufacturing or distribution. Sets forth the maximum allowable concentration level of the sum of such elements in packaging. Makes such regulations inapplicable (for a specified period) for packaging: (1) that was manufactured prior to the effective deadlines for maximum concentration levels; (2) to which lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium have been added to comply with Federal health or safety requirements or, because it is essential for the protection, safe handling, or function of the contents of the package, provided that the manufacturer, supplier, or distributor petitions EPA for the exemption; or (3) that would not exceed the maximum concentration levels but for the addition of post-consumer materials. Provides for the renewal of exemptions if the Administrator determines that a renewal is warranted. Requires packaging manufacturers or suppliers to furnish certificates of compliance with such requirements to the public, upon request. Prohibits: (1) the combustion of batteries or providing batteries as part of material to be composted at mixed municipal solid waste composting facilities; and (2) the disposal of lead-acid batteries, other than provided under the recycling requirements of this Act. Exempts from such prohibition the combustion, composting, or disposal of lead-acid batteries by owners or operators of municipal solid waste landfills, combustion units, composting facilities, or collection programs if such individuals: (1) inadvertently receive lead-acid batteries commingled with municipal solid waste that are not readily removable from the waste stream; (2) have established contractual requirements or other procedures to assure that such batteries are not received or accepted; and (3) are in compliance with applicable rules. Exempts small sealed consumer lead-acid batteries from such prohibition. Permits the disposal of lead-acid batteries only by delivery to retailers, wholesalers, or manufacturers of batteries of the same general type, regulated lead smelters or collection or recycling facilities, automotive dismantlers, or governmental curbside collection programs. Sets forth disposal requirements for such individuals. Prohibits battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers from refusing to accept batteries of the same type as the batteries sold. Directs wholesalers to remove used batteries from the place of business of the retailer. Requires notices to be posted in battery retail establishments that: (1) state that it is illegal to throw away such batteries and that Federal law requires acceptance of batteries for recycling and the return of batteries to authorized collectors, recyclers, processors, or automotive dismantlers; and (2) encourage the recycling of used batteries. Prohibits the sale of lead-acid batteries unless such batteries bear a label that identifies that they contain lead and sets forth requirements for recycling and acceptance. Prohibits State or local governments from enforcing labeling requirements unless identical with this Act's requirements. Requires the Administrator to: (1) study and report to the Congress on the collection, storage, recycling, and disposal of small sealed consumer batteries (including lead-acid batteries); and (2) publish a rule to regulate the management of such batteries or a determination that regulations are not needed. Authorizes the export of lead-acid batteries for recycling. Revises provisions concerning Federal procurement of recycled goods. Repeals a provision which limits the applicability of Federal procurement regulations to procurement occurring after the effective date of enactment of such regulations. Sets forth requirements for agency procurement programs. Requires procuring agencies to eliminate from specifications for procurement items: (1) practices that discriminate against the use of recovered materials in procurement items; and (2) any disincentives to source reduction. Revises procurement guidelines to include within such guidelines a designation of items which have been reduced in weight or volume or which will result in a decrease in the generation of waste by the procuring agency. Directs the Administrator to revise procurement guidelines for paper and requires Federal compliance with such guidelines by January 1, 1997. Requires the Administrator, by specified deadlines, to prepare final guidelines for: (1) compost made from yard and other organic waste; (2) asphalt made with crushed glass; (3) lead-acid batteries; (4) rubberized asphalt; (5) items produced with recovered rubber, plastic, or metals; (6) additional paper products; and (7) products produced with fibers recovered from pulp and paper mill sludge. Sets forth reporting requirements for procuring agencies. Directs the Administrator to establish a clearinghouse within EPA to provide information about procurement of items produced with recovered materials. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide technical assistance to States and local governments for development of expertise in the marketing of recovered materials. Title IV: Underground Storage Tanks - Authorizes appropriations for the regulation of underground storage tanks for FY 1993 through 1998. Makes amounts in the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund (established pursuant to the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986) available for regulating such tanks under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Prohibits more than 15 percent of the grants made after FY 1992 to States for underground storage tank release detection, prevention, and correction programs from being used by States to provide financial assistance to certain financially distressed petroleum tank owners. Title V: Other Provisions - Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations containing standards and criteria for environmental marketing claims. Grants the Federal Trade Commission enforcement authority with respect to violations concerning such claims. Requires the Administrator to establish an Independent Advisory Board on Environmental Marketing Claims. Sets forth requirements with respect to claims of recycled content, recyclability, reusability, compostability, or degradability of a product. Provides for the triennial review, and revision, as necessary, of regulations. Permits interested persons to petition the Administrator to promulgate additional regulations. Prohibits the issuance of general environmental seals of approval unless such seals are awarded according to criteria and standards as stringent as those contained in the regulations. Directs the Administrator to conduct a public information and education campaign to enable consumers to: (1) distinguish regulated environmental marketing claims from other claims; (2) have information about the criteria and standards used by the Administrator; and (3) have a better understanding about the environmental effects of products and packages. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from enforcing standards or criteria with respect to such claims unless identical to those promulgated by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to require plastic containers manufactured or offered for sale in the United States to be coded to identify the principal plastic resin used in such containers. Establishes a symbol and numbers identifying specific types of resins for such codes. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from enforcing requirements applicable to coding of plastic containers unless identical to those promulgated by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance to State and local governments for solid waste management and resource recovery and conservation. Retains the authority of States and political subdivisions to impose more stringent requirements pursuant to this Act. Requires solid waste facilities to grant access to EPA or State representatives for inspection purposes. Makes records obtained from such individuals available to the public, except those deemed as confidential. Prescribes penalties for willful disclosure of confidential records. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to require owners or operators of facilities where the presence of waste presents a health or environmental hazard to conduct monitoring, testing, and analysis. Prescribes civil penalties for failures to comply with such requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) treat Indian tribes as States under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) delegate primary enforcement authority for programs under such Act to Indian tribes; and (3) provide grant and contract assistance to tribes to carry out such Act. Sets forth conditions under which Indian tribes may be treated as States. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on: (1) recommendations for addressing hazardous and solid wastes and underground storage tanks within Indian country; (2) methods to maximize Indian participation in, and administration of, programs under such Act; and (3) the amount of assistance required and how the Administrator intends to provide such assistance to Indian tribes for the administration of such programs. Requires the Administrator to establish an inventory of: (1) sites within Indian country at which hazardous waste has been stored or disposed; and (2) open dumps within Indian country at which solid waste has been disposed. Directs the Administrator to assist Indian tribes in upgrading open dumps to comply with applicable requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Central Valley Project Fish and Wildlife Act of 1991 - Title I: Central Valley Fish and Wildlife - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) develop, select, and implement specified actions with respect to fish and wildlife habitat issues in the California Central Valley; and (2) establish a Central Valley Project (CVP) Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee (Committee) and a CVP Fish and Wildlife Task Force (Task Force). Includes among initial actions that the Secretary shall take by specified dates: (1) negotiation and execution of agreements with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) to mitigate the direct fishery losses associated with the operation of the Tracy Pumping Plant and the Contra Costa Canal Pumping Plant numbered one and to eliminate, to the extent practical, losses of salmon and steelhead trout due to flow fluctuations caused by the operation of Keswick, Nimbus, and Lewiston Regulating Dams; (2) installation and operation of a structural temperature control device at Shasta Dam and development and implementation of modifications in CVP operations to allow for control of water temperatures in the upper Sacramento River sufficient to protect salmon; (3) rehabilitation and expansion of the Coleman National Fish Hatchery; (4) development and implementation of a gravel replenishment program to restore and replenish spawning gravel lost due to the construction and operation of Shasta, Folsom, and New Melones Dams, bank protection programs, and other actions that have reduced availability of spawning gravel in the upper Sacramento River and the American and Stanislaus Rivers; and (5) development and implementation of a Delta Cross Channel monitoring and operational program to protect striped bass eggs and larvae as they approach the Delta Cross Channel gates. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide dependable water supplies of suitable quality to specified Central Valley wildlife refuges (refuges) until firm water supplies are available and provided (pursuant to agreements to be executed within one year after the enactment of this Act between the Secretary, the CDFG, and the Grasslands Resource Conservation District); (2) impose shortages, if the CVP cannot deliver a full supply in any water year to the refuges and the CVP contractors, on the CVP water provided to the refuges that are equal to those imposed on the nonwater rights CVP agricultural contractors; (3) implement actions authorized under this title without a reduction in the pumping or conveyance capacity, or both, needed to serve other CVP purposes; (4) encourage the conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater, and the multiple use of water supplies, as a means to facilitate the purposes of this title; and (5) establish a comprehensive assessment program to monitor fish and wildlife resources in the Central Valley and to assess the biological results of actions implemented pursuant to this title. Specifies that 51 percent of the cost of providing water to private refuges shall be paid for by such refuges, with the remainder allocated under this Act. Requires the Secretary to develop, evaluate, select, and implement, by specified dates, actions that address specified fish and wildlife protection, restoration, and enhancement issues, including: (1) developing and implementing programs to eliminate the need to reduce Keswick Dam releases every spring to place the Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District's Diversion Dam into operation and every fall to take the Dam out of operation to minimize fish passage problems for salmon at the CVP Red Bluff Diversion Dam and to augment natural production of salmon and steelhead trout population levels in the San Joaquin River system in above normal water years through means of artificial production; (2) constructing and operating a new satellite hatchery to augment the single and dual purpose channels at the Tehama Colusa Fish Facility and to further mitigate the impact of Shasta Dam on fishery resources; (3) constructing a salmon and steelhead trout hatchery on the Yuba River; (4) negotiating and executing an agreement with the CDFG that requires the release of the minimum flows necessary to take full advantage of the spawning, incubation, rearing, and outmigration potential of the upper Sacramento River and the Lower American River for salmon, subject to the physical capabilities of the CVP facilities involved; (5) providing flows to allow sufficient spawning, incubation, rearing, and outmigration conditions for salmon and steelhead trout from Whiskeytown Dam and a new fish ladder constructed at the McCormick-Saeltzer Dam; (6) evaluating and implementing a program to correct a defective fish screen at the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District's Sacramento River diversion; (7) assisting in the funding of enforcement measures to reduce the numbers of striped bass illegally taken from the San Francisco Bay Estuary; (8) providing such assistance as may be requested by the State of California to develop and implement fishing regulations that protect the older more productive striped bass females in order to maintain a viable reproducing striped bass population; and (9) developing and implementing measures that will provide additional dependable water supplies of suitable quality. Directs: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to expedite, and complete by December 31, 1995, efforts to clean up mines causing intermittent releases of lethal concentrations of dissolved metals from the Spring Creek Debris Dam; and (2) the Secretary, in the interim, to provide water from the Keswick Dam sufficient to dilute the Spring Creek Debris Dam discharges to concentration levels that allow survival of fish life below Keswick Dam, except when the U.S. Corps of Engineers flood control criteria for Shasta Dam limits that capability. Authorizes the Secretary to construct, in partnership with the State of California, a barrier at the head of Old River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta by December 31, 1995, to partially mitigate the impact of the CVP and State Water project pumping plants in the south Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta on the survival of young outmigrating salmon that are diverted from the San Joaquin River to the pumps. Directs the Task Force to: (1) identify additional actions that would provide mitigation of CVP impacts on, protect, restore, and enhance, Central Valley fish and wildlife habitat; (2) develop the information needed to evaluate such actions technically, determine the economic and biological feasibility using specified criteria, determine appropriate cost allocations specific to each action, and select actions to recommend to the Congress for authorization to implement; and (3) report to the Congress according to a specified schedule until the year 2010 when the Task Force shall cease to exist. Sets forth fish and wildlife habitat issues to be evaluated by the Task Force, including: (1) determination of the flows and habitat restoration measures needed to protect, restore, and enhance salmon and steelhead trout in parts of the San Joaquin River; (2) investigation of actions allowing closure or screening of the Delta Cross Channel and Georgiana Slough to prevent the diversion of out-migrating salmon and steelhead trout through those facilities; (3) investigation of the need to expand or develop wildlife refuges in the Central Valley; (4) investigation of alternative means of improving the reliability of water supplies currently available to privately owned wetlands in the Central Valley; (5) as a means of increasing survival of migrating young fish, investigation of the feasibility of using short pulses of increased water flows to move salmon, steelhead trout, and striped bass into and through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; (6) investigation of ways to maintain suitable temperatures for young salmon survival in the lower Sacramento River and in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta by controlling or relocating the discharge of irrigation return flows and sewage effluent; (7) investigation of the need for additional hatchery production to mitigate the impacts of water development on Central Valley fisheries where no other feasible means of mitigation is available or where hatchery production would enhance efforts to increase natural production of a particular species; (8) investigation of measures available to correct flow pattern problems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta created by the operation of the CVP and the California State Water Project; (9) evaluation of measures to avoid unqualified losses of juvenile anadromous fish due to unscreened or inadequately screened diversions on the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, their tributaries, and in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; and (10) elimination of barriers to upstream migration of salmon and steelhead trout adults to spawning areas downstream of existing storage facilities in the Central Valley caused by agricultural diversions and other obstructions. Directs the Secretary, the Committee, and the Task Force to consider specified criteria and factors and issue findings thereon when determining which alternate program, policies, or procedures should be implemented to protect, restore, or enhance fish and wildlife conditions. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) cost allocations; (2) additional authorities; and (3) funding to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act. Establishes the Committee and sets forth administrative provisions. Directs the Secretary to establish the Task Force. Sets forth provisions with respect to the selection of Task Force members and organization and operation of the Task Force. Title II: Water Transfers - Authorizes the Secretary, subject to specified limitations, to approve all transfer agreements: (1) among CVP contractors and between CVP contractors and noncontractors involving CVP water within the authorized CVP service area; (2) between CVP contractors and parties outside the CVP service area upon the determination that as a result of the proposed transaction over the term of the agreement there is no net export of water out of the CVP service area of the transferor; (3) between CVP water contractors and parties outside the CVP service area where the Secretary determines that as a result of the proposed transaction over the term of the agreement there will be a net export of water out of the service area of the transferor, provided that the water being transferred would not otherwise be available to other consumptive beneficial uses absent implementation of the program and that, over the term of the agreement in question, the transfer will have no significant, long-term adverse impact on groundwater conditions in the transferor's service area. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) transfers of water developed through temporary or permanent land fallowing; and (2) transfers outside the CVP service area during certain critical years. Specifies that: (1) all existing and future contracts for CVP water shall be deemed to allow for the transfers and exchanges provided for within this title; (2) all CVP contractors who are parties to a long-term transfer or exchange contract shall be entitled to renew its water contract for, at a minimum, a term equal to the remaining term of the transfer or exchange agreement at the time that the underlying contract is to be renewed; and (3) specified agreements entered into under this title shall provide that, during the years of actual transfer, CVP water subject to transfer shall be repayed at full cost. Title III: Water Conservation - Requires all existing CVP agricultural contractors, within two years after the enactment of this Act, to submit a report to the Secretary which identifies water conservation practicies and analyzes the costs and benefits to that entity and its customers of implementing each of such practices and any additional practices the Secretary determines should be analyzed. Requires all CVP agricultural contractors to develop a plan for implementation of such practices determined by the entity within the required water conservation report to be financially and otherwise feasible for the specific entity. Requires the entity to complete the plan for implementation within one year after completion of such report. Specifies that financially feasible conservation practices that will cause environmental harm or that are inconsistent with other legal requirements shall not be required to be implemented. Establishes a Water Conservation Incentive Program which shall be administered by the Secretary to encourage and assist with the on-farm implementation of the water conservation practices set forth in this title. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require all CVP municipal and industrial water users, to the extent they provide retail, municipal, and industrial water service, to comply with the provisions of a specified memorandum regarding urban water conservation in California. Requires the Secretary to evaluate the benefits and cost analysis for each of the water conservation practices found by the specific water user preparing the required reports not to be feasible and to determine: (1) which practices would make additional water available to Central Valley streams or to a usable ground water basin that would not otherwise be available; and (2) for each of specified practices, the benefit/cost ratio of implementation if that water were used to fulfill wildlife refuge water supply obligation or made available to other water agencies through the transfer provisions established by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to implement those water conservation practices identified which conserve water, are economically feasible, and are prudent, with the entity holding the contractual right to the water conserved and then make that water available for use by Central Valley refuges as required by provisions of this Act, subject to specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Chinese Protection Act of 1991 - Provides for the adjustment to permanent resident status of certain nationals of the People's Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
States it shall be U.S. policy that: (1) President Aristide should be reinstated as President of Haiti; (2) the United States will coordinate with the Organization of American States to implement the Haitian trade embargo; and (3) humanitarian assistance to Haitians will be extended and their forced repatriation will cease. Provides for temporary protected status for certain Haitian nationals. Directs the President to notify Haiti of U.S. intentions to terminate the migrant interdiction agreement between the two countries.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Declares a named individual to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Central Valley Project Fish and Wildlife Act of 1991 - Title I: Central Valley Fish and Wildlife - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) develop, select, and implement specified actions with respect to fish and wildlife habitat issues in the California Central Valley; and (2) establish a Central Valley Project (CVP) Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee (Committee) and a CVP Fish and Wildlife Task Force (Task Force). Includes among initial actions that the Secretary shall take by specified dates: (1) negotiation and execution of agreements with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) to mitigate the direct fishery losses associated with the operation of the Tracy Pumping Plant and the Contra Costa Canal Pumping Plant numbered one and to eliminate, to the extent practical, losses of salmon and steelhead trout due to flow fluctuations caused by the operation of Keswick, Nimbus, and Lewiston Regulating Dams; (2) installation and operation of a structural temperature control device at Shasta Dam and development and implementation of modifications in CVP operations to allow for control of water temperatures in the upper Sacramento River sufficient to protect salmon; (3) rehabilitation and expansion of the Coleman National Fish Hatchery; (4) development and implementation of a gravel replenishment program to restore and replenish spawning gravel lost due to the construction and operation of Shasta, Folsom, and New Melones Dams, bank protection programs, and other actions that have reduced availability of spawning gravel in the upper Sacramento River and the American and Stanislaus Rivers; and (5) development and implementation of a Delta Cross Channel monitoring and operational program to protect striped bass eggs and larvae as they approach the Delta Cross Channel gates. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide dependable water supplies of suitable quality to specified Central Valley wildlife refuges (refuges) until firm water supplies are available and provided (pursuant to agreements to be executed within one year after the enactment of this Act between the Secretary, the CDFG, and the Grasslands Resource Conservation District); (2) impose shortages, if the CVP cannot deliver a full supply in any water year to the refuges and the CVP contractors, on the CVP water provided to the refuges that are equal to those imposed on the nonwater rights CVP agricultural contractors; (3) implement actions authorized under this title without a reduction in the pumping or conveyance capacity, or both, needed to serve other CVP purposes; (4) encourage the conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater, and the multiple use of water supplies, as a means to facilitate the purposes of this title; and (5) establish a comprehensive assessment program to monitor fish and wildlife resources in the Central Valley and to assess the biological results of actions implemented pursuant to this title. Provides that 51 percent of the cost of providing water to private refuges shall be paid for by such refuges, with the remainder allocated under this Act. Requires the Secretary to develop, evaluate, select, and implement, by specified dates, actions that address specified fish and wildlife protection, restoration, and enhancement issues, including: (1) developing and implementing programs to eliminate the need to reduce Keswick Dam releases every Spring to place the Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District's Diversion Dam into operation and every Fall to take the Dam out of operation to minimize fish passage problems for salmon at the CVP Red Bluff Diversion Dam and to augment natural production of salmon and steelhead trout population levels in the San Joaquin River system in above-normal water years through means of artificial production; (2) constructing and operating a new satellite hatchery to augment the single and dual purpose channels at the Tehama Colusa Fish Facility and to further mitigate the impact of Shasta Dam on fishery resources; (3) constructing a salmon and steelhead trout hatchery on the Yuba River; (4) negotiating and executing an agreement with the CDFG that requires the release of the minimum flows necessary to take full advantage of the spawning, incubation, rearing, and outmigation potential of the upper Sacramento River and the Lower American River for salmon, subject to the physical capabilities of the CVP facilities involved; (5) providing flows to allow sufficient spawning, incubation, rearing, and outmigration conditions for salmon and steelhead trout from Whiskeytown Dam and a new fish ladder constructed at the McCormick-Saeltzer Dam; (6) evaluating and implementing a program to correct a defective fish screen at the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District's Sacramento River diversion; (7) assisting in the funding of enforcement measures to reduce the numbers of striped bass illegally taken from the San Francisco Bay Estuary; (8) providing such assistance as may be requested by the State of California to develop and implement fishing regulations that protect the older, more productive striped bass females in order to maintain a viable reproducing striped bass population; and (9) developing and implementing measures that will provide additional dependable water supplies of suitable quality. Directs: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to expedite, and complete by December 31, 1995, efforts to clean up mines causing intermittent releases of lethal concentrations of dissolved metals from the Spring Creek Debris Dam; and (2) the Secretary, in the interim, to provide water from the Keswick Dam sufficient to dilute the Spring Creek Debris Dam discharges to concentration levels that allow survival of fish life below Keswick Dam, except when the U.S. Corps of Engineers flood control criteria for Shasta Dam limits that capability. Authorizes the Secretary to construct, in partnership with the State of California, a barrier at the head of Old River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta by December 31, 1995, to partially mitigate the impact of the CVP and State Water project pumping plants in the south Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta on the survival of young outmigrating salmon that are diverted from the San Joaquin River to the pumps. Directs the Task Force to: (1) identify additional actions that would provide mitigation of CVP impacts on, protect, restore, and enhance, Central Valley fish and wildlife habitat; (2) develop the information needed to evaluate such actions technically, determine the economic and biological feasibility using specified criteria, determine appropriate cost allocations specific to each action, and select actions to recommend to the Congress for authorization to implement; and (3) report to the Congress according to a specified schedule until the year 2010 when the Task Force shall cease to exist. Sets forth fish and wildlife habitat issues to be evaluated by the Task Force, including: (1) determination of the flows and habitat restoration measures needed to protect, restore, and enhance salmon and steelhead trout in parts of the San Joaquin River; (2) investigation of actions allowing closure or screening of the Delta Cross Channel and Georgiana Slough to prevent the diversion of out-migrating salmon and steelhead trout through those facilities; (3) investigation of the need to expand or develop wildlife refuges in the Central Valley; (4) investigation of alternative means of improving the reliability of water supplies currently available to privately-owned wetlands in the Central Valley; (5) as a means of increasing survival of migrating young fish, investigation of the feasibility of using short pulses of increased water flows to move salmon, steelhead trout, and striped bass into and through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; (6) investigation of ways to maintain suitable temperatures for young salmon survival in the lower Sacramento River and in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta by controlling or relocating the discharge of irrigation return flows and sewage effluent; (7) investigation of the need for additional hatchery production to mitigate the impacts of water development on Central Valley fisheries where no other feasible means of mitigation is available or where hatchery production would enhance efforts to increase natural production of a particular species; (8) investigation of measures available to correct flow pattern problems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta created by the operation of the CVP and the California State Water Project; (9) evaluation of measures to avoid unqualified losses of juvenile anadromous fish due to unscreened or inadequately screened diversions on the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, their tributaries, and in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; and (10) elimination of barriers to upstream migration of salmon and steelhead trout adults to spawning areas downstream of existing storage facilities in the Central Valley caused by agricultural diversions and other obstructions. Directs the Secretary, the Committee, and the Task Force to consider specified criteria and factors and issue findings thereon when determining which alternate programs, policies, or procedures should be implemented to protect, restore, or enhance fish and wildlife conditions. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) cost allocations; (2) additional authorities; and (3) funding to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act. Establishes the Committee and sets forth administrative provisions. Directs the Secretary to establish the Task Force. Sets forth provisions with respect to the selection of Task Force members and organization and operation of the Task Force. Title II: Water Transfers - Authorizes the Secretary, subject to specified limitations, to approve all transfer agreements: (1) among CVP contractors and between CVP contractors and noncontractors involving CVP water within the authorized CVP service area; (2) between CVP contractors and parties outside the CVP service area upon the determination that as a result of the proposed transaction over the term of the agreement there is no net export of water out of the CVP service area of the transferor; (3) between CVP water contractors and parties outside the CVP service area where the Secretary determines that as a result of the proposed transaction over the term of the agreement there will be a net export of water out of the service area of the transferor, provided that the water being transferred would not otherwise be available to other consumptive beneficial uses absent implementation of the program and that, over the term of the agreement in question, the transfer will have no significant, long-term adverse impact on groundwater conditions in the transferor's service area. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) transfers of water developed through temporary or permanent land; and (2) transfers outside the CVP service area during certain critical years. Specifies that: (1) all existing and future contracts for CVP water shall be deemed to allow for the transfers and exchanges provided for within this title; (2) all CVP contractors who are parties to a long-term transfer or exchange contract shall be entitled to renew its water contract for, at a minimum, a term equal to the remaining term of the transfer or exchange agreement at the time that the underlying contract is to be renewed; and (3) specified agreements entered into under this title shall provide that, during the years of actual transfer, CVP water subject to transfer shall be repayed at full cost. Title III: Water Conservation - Requires all existing CVP agricultural contractors, within two years after the enactment of this Act, to submit a report to the Secretary which identifies water conservation practicies and analyzes the cost and benefits to that entity and its customers of implementing each of such practices and any additional practices the Secretary determines should be analyzed. Requires all CVP agricultural contractors to develop a plan for implementation of such practices determined by the entity within the required water conservation report to be financially and otherwise feasible for the specific entity. Requires the entity to complete the plan for implementation within one year after completion of such report. Specifies that financially feasible conservation practices that will cause environmental harm or that are inconsistent with other legal requirements shall not be required to be implemented. Establishes a Water Conservation Incentive Program which shall be administered by the Secretary to encourage and assist with the on-farm implementation of the water conservation practices set forth in this title. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require all CVP municipal and industrial water users, to the extent they provide retail, municipal, and industrial water service, to comply with the provisions of a specified memorandum regarding urban water conservation in California. Requires the Secretary to evaluate the benefits and cost analysis for each of the water conservation practices found by the specific water user preparing the required reports not to be feasible and to determine: (1) which practices would make additional water available to Central Valley streams or to a usable ground water basin that would not otherwise be available; and (2) for each of specified practices, the benefit/cost ratio of implementation if that water were used to fulfill wildlife refuge water supply obligations or made available to other water agencies through the transfer provisions established by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to implement those water conservation practices identified which conserve water, are economically feasible, and are prudent, with the entity holding the contractual right to the water conserved and then make that water available for use by Central Valley refuges as required by provisions of this Act, subject to specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Haitian Refugee Protection Act of 1991 - Directs the President to: (1) assure the protection of Haitian nationals under U.S. control; and (2) reallocate at least 2000 federally funded FY 1992 refugee admissions to Haiti. Provides for temporary protected status for certain Haitian nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992 - Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 1992 - Makes appropriations for FY 1992 for the following agencies within the Department of Labor: (1) Employment and Training Administration; (2) Labor-Management Services; (3) Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (4) Employment Standards Administration; (5) Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (6) Mine Safety and Health Administration; (7) Bureau of Labor Statistics; and (8) departmental management. Prohibits the use of funds to grant variances, interim orders, or letters of clarification to employers which will allow exposure of workers to chemicals or other workplace hazards in excess of existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for the purpose of conducting experiments on workers' health and safety. Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, to promulgate a final occupational health standard concerning occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Requires the final standard to be based on the proposed standard concerning occupational exposures to the hepatitis B virus, the human immunodeficiency virus and other bloodborne pathogens. Title II: Department of Health and Human Services - Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 1992 - Makes appropriations for FY 1992 for the following agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services: (1) Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) Centers for Disease Control; (3) National Institutes of Health; (4) Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration; (5) Assistant Secretary for Health; (6) Agency for Health Care Policy and Research; (7) Health Care Financing Administration; (8) Social Security Administration; (9) Administration for Children and Families; (10) Human Development Services; and (11) Office of the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make available through assignment not more than 60 employees of the Public Health Service to assist in child survival activities and to work in AIDS programs through and with funds provided by the Agency for International Development, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, or the World Health Organization. Prohibits the use of funds to pay for any experiment, or other activity that presents a danger to the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of a human participant or subject without written, informed consent of the participant or subject (or their parents or legal guardian, if they are under 18 years old). Prohibits any of the funds appropriated in this title for the National Institutes of Health and the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration from being used to pay the salary of an individual, through a grant or extramural mechanism, at a rate in excess of $125,000 per year. Prohibits the use of funds by the National Institutes of Health, or any other Federal agency, or recipient of Federal funds on any project that entails the capture or procurement of chimpanzees obtained from the wild. Makes funds available to the Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH) for extramural facilities construction grants if awarded competitively. Authorizes the Director to make available one percent of all NIH appropriations to high-priority activities. Prohibits such appropriations from being increased or decreased by more than the one percent by such transfers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine quarterly the extent to which contingency funds may be necessary for management of certain social security hospital and medical insurance trust funds. Prohibits the use of funds to perform abortions except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term. Reduces travel expenses for the Department and requires reduction for travel costs to be from amounts set forth in budget estimates submitted for appropriations. Permits the Director of NIH to transfer a portion of funds which become available on September 30, 1992, to other Institutes for cancer research if deemed appropriate. Directs the National Cancer Institute to establish a Matsunaga-Conte Prostate Cancer Research Center with funds provided under this Act. Prohibits the use of funds to conduct the SHARP survey of adult sexual behavior and the American Teenage Survey of adolescent sexual behavior. Provides additional funding for the National Institute on Aging. Permits the Director of NIH to transfer a portion of such funds as deemed appropriate to other Institutes for research directly related to Alzhelimer's disease. Makes funds available for information resource management. Reduces funds appropriated for the Office of Inspector General. Extends the moratorium against foster care cuts resulting from Federal compliance rules. Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of board members of the National Foundation for Biomedical Research. Title III: Department of Education - Department of Education Appropriations Act, 1992 - Makes appropriations for FY 1992 for the following purposes and agencies within the Department of Education: (1) compensatory education for the disadvantaged; (2) impact aid; (3) school improvement programs; (4) bilingual and immigrant education; (5) educational excellence; (6) rehabilitation services and handicapped disability research including the Helen Keller National Center); (7) special institutions for persons with disabilities including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (8) vocational and adult education; (9) student financial assistance; (10) guaranteed student loans (liquidation of contract authority); (11) higher education; (12) Howard University; (13) higher education facilities loans; (14) college housing and academic facilities loans; (15) education research, statistics, and improvement; (16) libraries; (17) departmental management; and (18) special education. Sets forth general provisions relating to auditing of certain institutions and to prohibitions on use of funds for certain forms of busing, other transportation, or transfers of students for purposes of desegregation. Prohibits the use of funds to prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in the public schools. Makes funds available for civic education programs and emergency grants. Provides for the transfer of educational excellence funds to the Community and Migrant Health Centers program, Comprehensive Child Development Centers, and new America 2000 educational excellence activities, if enacted into law. Provides that the deadline for enacting new authorization for the America 2000 initiatives may be delayed until April 1, 1992, if it is determined that sufficient progress is being made towards final approval of such legislation, except that this delay does not apply to programs administered by Department of Health and Human Services. Makes funds available for tribally controlled postsecondary vocational institutions. Makes funds available for the college housing and academic facilities loans program. Makes funds available the National Clearinghouse for Science and Mathematics, regional consortia, star schools, and territorial teacher training. Makes funds available for a biotechnology information education demonstration project under the Higher Education Act. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Commission on Responsibility for Financing Post-Secondary Education to accept, use, and dispose of money, gifts or donations of services or property. Title IV: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1991 for the following agencies: (1) ACTION; (2) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (3) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (4) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (5) National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; (6) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (7) National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality; (8) National Council on Disability; (9) National Labor Relations Board; (10) National Mediation Board; (11) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) Physician Payment Review Commission; (13) Prospective Payment Assessment Commission; (14) Railroad Retirement Board; (15) United States Institute of Peace; (16) Soldiers' and Airmen's Home; (17) United States Naval Home; and (18) the National Commission on Children. Title V: General Provisions - Prohbits the use of funds to pay student assistance or any remuneration to an applicant for admission, student, teacher, or other employee of an institution of higher education if such individual has engaged in conduct on or after August 1, 1969, which involves the use of force (or assistance to others in such use) or the threat of force or the seizure of a property under the control of an institution of higher education, to require or prevent the availability of certain curricula, or to prevent such institution's faculty, administrative officials, or students from engaging in their duties or pursuing their studies. Requires that sums necessary for FY 1992 pay raises for programs funded by this Act be absorbed within the levels appropriated in this Act. Reduces funds appropriated under this Act for salaries and expenses, including certain travel costs. Appropriates additional funds for the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the Federal Mines Safety and Health Review Commission for salaries and expenses. Delays the obligations of funds under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act until September 30, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1991
Health Care Access and Affordability Act of 1991 - Title I: Access to Primary and Preventive Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize appropriations through FY 1996 for the following programs: (1) immunization programs; (2) tuberculosis prevention grants; (3) lead poisoning prevention; (4) prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases; (5) migrant health centers; (6) community health centers; (7) health care services for the homeless; (8) substance abuse prevention program; (9) family planning project grants; (10) breast and cervical cancer prevention; (11) preventive health and health services block grant; and (12) HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) early intervention. Amends the Social Security Act to reauthorize appropriations for maternal and child health services block grants through FY 1997. Title II: Cost Containment - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish and implement a program for the conduct of clinical trials with respect to promising new drugs and disease treatments. Requires the Director to give priority to treatments targeted towards diseases determined: (1) to be the most costly to treat; (2) to have the highest mortality; or (3) to affect the greatest number of individuals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997. Extends through FY 1996 authorized appropriations for: (1) drug abuse demonstration projects of national significance; and (2) the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to use excess appropriations over FY 1992 amounts to expand research to determine the most cost-effective methods of health care and for developing and disseminating new practice guidelines related to such methods. Requires that priority be given to diseases and disorders determined to be the most costly to the United States and that evidence a wide variation in current medical practice. Directs the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of the Health Care Cost Control Advisory Committee, to report to appropriate congressional committees on the establishment of national spending targets for health care and health care services. Establishes the Health Care Cost Control Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1991
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to provide, on an expedited basis, for the parole admission of an alien admissible into the United States to attend the funeral of an immediate blood relative.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 1991 - Applies the naturalization through armed forces service provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act to an alien who served in a special guerilla unit in Laos during the period February 28, 1961 to September 18, 1978. Waives the English language naturalization requirement for such an alien (or widow or spouse).
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Refugee Resettlement Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of State to make refugee determinations in instances where the Attorney General can not expeditiously do so. Changes the deadline for annual refugee admission determinations. Replaces the current Office of Refugee Resettlement with an Administration on Refugee and Migration Affairs. Requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consult with appropriate State, local, and private entities concerned with refugee resettlement. Revises State refugee resettlement administrative and case management provisions. Provides for earlier Federal reimbursement of State cash and medical assistance expenses. Provides flexibility for State use of social services funds. Obligates specified refugee resettlement assistance for schools, hospitals, and employment services in heavily impacted localities. Authorizes a refugee loan program through FY 1994 for social services leading to employment. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1998. Amends the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 to authorize appropriations through FY 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Health Equity and Access Improvement Act of 1991 - Title I: Tax Incentives for Health Care Access - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit of up to $600 for an individual ($1,200 for a family) for qualified health expenses. Provides that in the case of a taxpayer whose adjusted gross income exceeds $10,000 ($20,000 for a family) the credit shall be reduced by an amount equal to ten percent of the excess. Permits a tax deduction, for both itemizers and nonitemizers, for the cost of health insurance premiums for which no other compensation is received. Provides an employer health insurance credit for small businesses equal to 25 percent of the qualified health care costs of the employer in the first year the employer offers health coverage to employees and which is then reduced five percentage points annually. Raises from 25 percent to 100 percent the deduction allowed to self-employed individuals for health insurance premiums and makes the deduction permanent. Provides a credit for a qualified primary health services provider who practices in a rural health professional shortage area. Sets forth a formula for determining such credit. Excludes from gross income any payment made on behalf of a taxpayer by the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Permits a physician in a rural health professional shortage area to expense up to $25,000 worth of rural health care property. Provides that interest on student loan payments by medical professionals practicing in rural areas shall not be treated as personal interest and will therefore qualify as a tax deduction. Title II: Health Care Reform Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop a model health care insurance benefits plan that shall contain standards that entities offering health care insurance policies should meet with respect to the benefits and coverage provided under such policies and report on such standards to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to develop such a plan if the NAIC fails to develop such a plan or if the NAIC plan does not meet specified requirements. Sets forth such requirements. Requires the Secretary, taking into account recommendations of the Managed Care Advisory Committee, to develop recommended standards that insurers offering managed care plans should meet with respect to the benefits, coverage, and delivery systems provided under such plans. Establishes the Managed Care Advisory Committee. Provides that, in the case of a managed care plan meeting recommended standards, specified provision of State law will be preempted and will not be enforced against the managed care plan with respect to an insurer offering such plan. Permits a qualified small employer purchasing group, upon application to and approval by the Secretary, to enter into contracts with carriers to provide health insurance coverage to eligible employees. Establishes standards which health care insurers must meet in a contract with a small business. Requires such insurers, among other things, to: (1) provide coverage and benefits consistent with the model health care insurance benefits plan; (2) meet specified registration and disclosure requirements; (3) not exclude from coverage any eligible employee; (4) not extend beyond six months any limitation on any preexisting condition and, with respect to such limitation, apply it only to preexisting conditions which manifested themselves or for which medical care was sought during the three months preceding coverage; (5) guarantee renewability of the contract at the employer's election, unless the contract is terminated for cause; and (6) establish premiums that meet specified standards. Title III: Medical Liability Reform - Sets forth provisions concerning settlement offers in medical malpractice cases. Establishes an Alternative Dispute Resolution Board of Advisers to make recommendations to the Secretary concerning the establishment of a model voluntary alternative dispute resolution program for medical malpractice cases. Sets caps on the payment of future losses, non-economic damages, and attorneys' fees. Prohibits joint liability in a civil action for non-economic damages. Establishes a statute of limitations for a medical malpractice civil action. Requires each State to: (1) allocate its medical licensing fees to the State agency responsible for licensing and disciplinary actions; (2) require that at least 25 percent of a disciplinary board's membership shall be from the general public; (3) have in effect a Statewide risk management program; and (4) establish a health care disciplinary trust fund consisting of all punitive damage awards resulting from medical malpractice and medical product civil actions. Protects a health care producer of a drug or device from punitive damages if the drug or device was subject to approval or premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make a grant to an entity representing recipients of assistance at migrant and community health centers to develop a business plan and establish a nationwide risk retention group as provided for in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Public Health Provisions - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI: BASICARE. Authorizes appropriations under title XXI for the purpose of providing basic health care benefits to low-income uninsured individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) coverage. Requires a State, in order to receive funding under title XXI, to submit and have approved by the Secretary a BasiCare assistance plan. Sets forth plan requirements. Requires, for BasiCare eligibility, that: (1) family income be below 200 percent of the poverty line; (2) an individual not be eligible for Medicaid; and (3) an individual not be otherwise covered under a health plan by the individual's employer. Permits the imposition of deductibles, copayments, and premiums if income is between 100 to 200 percent of the poverty line. Establishes the Federal Medical Waiver Demonstration Board to review applications submitted by States to conduct health care-related demonstration projects. Requires the Board to develop at least three different model health care delivery plans. Permits the Board, upon approval of a State's demonstration project, to waive the following provisions of Federal law: (1) the Public Health Service Act; (2) title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (3) titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (BASICARE) of the Social Security Act; (4) all health care programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (5) the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Title V: Medically Underserved Areas - Authorizes appropriations for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program and the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Directs the Secretary to establish and administer a program to provide allotments to States to enable such States to provide grants for the creation or enhancement of community based primary health care entities that provide services to pregnant women and children up to age three. Requires grant recipients to substantially target populations of pregnant women and children who: (1) lack health care coverage or ability to pay for health care services; or (2) reside in medically underserved or health professional shortage areas. Directs the Secretary to award grants to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other entities submitting applications for the purpose of providing access to services for medically underserved populations or in high impact areas not currently served by a FQHC. Limits the expenditure of funds awarded an FQHC to the provision of those services provided under the Medicaid program and any unreimbursed costs of providing services under the community based primary health care grant program. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible entities to enable such entities to develop and implement a plan for mental health outreach programs in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, in awarding grants under the Public Health Service Act relating to the research, teaching, and training activities of health personnel educational entities, to give priority to those entities that have a high permanent rate for placing graduates in settings serving residents of medically underserved communities and that otherwise demonstrate a commitment to serving such communities. Directs the Secretary to award grants to health professions institutions to expand training programs that are targeted at those individuals desiring to practice in or serve the needs of medically underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible regional consortia to enhance and expand coordination among various health professions programs, particularly in medically underserved rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants, under the area health education center provisions of the Act, to rural communities to enable such communities to provide stipends to physicians, nurses, or other health professional trainees to encourage such individuals to continue to provide health care services in such rural communities. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible entities to enable such entities to facilitate the development of networks among rural and urban health care providers to preserve and share health care resources and enhance the quality and availability of health care in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible entities to enable such entities to develop and administer cooperatives in rural areas that will establish an effective case management and reimbursement system designed to support the economic viability of essential public or private health services, facilities, health care systems, and health care resources in such rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the: (1) Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to authorize appropriations for the Rural Health Care Transition Grant Program; and (2) Medicare program to authorize appropriations for the Essential Access Community Hospital Program. Title VI: Incentives to Encourage Preventive Services - Provides a tax credit for qualified preventive services of up to $250. Includes on a list of preventive services: (1) cancer screening tests; (2) childhood immunizations; (3) mammograms; (4) pap tests for uterine cancer; and (5) other specified examinations and tests. Authorizes appropriations, under the Public Health Service Act, for grants for preventive health service programs for the provision, without charge, of immunizations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1991
Au Pair Program Act of 1991 - Directs the Attorney General to establish an international cultural exchange program (au pair program) pursuant to specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Amends such Act to include au pair program participants among the nonimmigrant classifications of temporary cultural exchange program participants.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1991
Authorizes, under specified conditions, the inclusion of Portugal in the visa waiver program.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1991
Immigration Technical Corrections Act of 1991 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the Immigration Act of 1990, and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 to make technical and transitional changes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1991
Amends the Public Health Service Act to give, to States adopting measures relating to medical malpractice liability that give incentives to health care providers to provide services to individuals unable to pay, priority for assistance under provisions relating to: (1) migrant and community health centers; and (2) health services for the homeless and residents of public housing. Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to give priority to such States for assistance under provisions relating to: (1) comprehensive homeless assistance plans; and (2) discretionary allocations for urgent needs of homeless persons.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Citizenship Equity Act of 1991 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant U.S. citizenship at birth to a person born on or before May 24, 1934, outside the United States or its possessions to parents, one of whom is an alien, and the other a U.S. citizen who prior to the birth of such person was physically present in the United States or its possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include aliens on criminal probation or criminal parole among the categories of aliens subject to special registration.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit citizenship at birth to persons born in the United States to a mother who is a U.S. legal resident.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Limits citizenship at birth to persons born in the United States to a mother who is a U.S. legal resident.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1991
Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include entities receiving Federal funds under provisions relating to migrant health centers, community health centers, or health services for the homeless, and officers, employees, or contractors of such entities who are licensed health care practitioners, in the coverage of provisions regulating civil actions for injury resulting from medical or related functions against commissioned officers or employees of the Public Health Service. Subrogates to the United States any insurance claim such an entity or person has. Prohibits grants under provisions relating to migrant or community health centers or health services for the homeless unless the applicant has: (1) implemented policies and procedures to assure against malpractice; (2) reviewed the professional credentials, claims history, and other information regarding its licensed health care practitioners; and (3) no history of claims against it under such provisions relating to officers and employees of the Public Health Service, or has cooperated with the Attorney General in defending against such claims and has taken corrective action. Empowers the Attorney General, if certain conditions are met, to determine that an individual practitioner shall not be deemed a Public Health Service employee for purposes of these provisions. Prohibits hospitals from denying admitting privileges to an otherwise qualified health care provider who is an officer, employee, or contractor of such an entity.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1991
American Health Quality Act - Declares that the Congress finds that health care liability systems impact on interstate commerce by contributing to the high cost of health care and premiums for malpractice and products liability insurance purchased by health care providers and producers. Title I: Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to make enhanced Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) bonus payments for a two-year period to eligible States that submit a plan for the development or implementation of alternative dispute resolution systems (ADRS) to resolve health care liability claims as an alternative to a judicial proceeding in a Federal or State court. Sets forth eligibility, approval, and review requirements for such program. Directs the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to make recommendations to the Secretary concerning such requirements. Requires the Agency to appoint a panel of advisers to: (1) assist in developing criteria for an ADRS that States must meet to be eligible to receive enhanced payments and assist States in preparing applications; (2) as part of such criteria, assist States receiving enhanced payments in complying with data gathering and evaluation guidelines; (3) provide advice and assistance to representatives from State governments concerning the establishment of an ADRS; (4) develop qualification standards and assist States applying to be quality improvement States; (5) report, not later than four years after the approval of an application, to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees on States receiving enhanced payments; (6) recommend to such entities, not later than four years after enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of a mandated ADRS; and (7) report to such entities, not later than four years after approval of the first quality improvement State plan, concerning the reform of State health profession disciplinary boards or alternative quality assurance plans. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to award grants to private entities for the establishment of demonstration alternative dispute resolution programs in the private sector. Sets forth application requirements for such program. Requires the panel: (1) to provide assistance to such entities in designing and implementing an ADRS; and (2) report to the Agency, the Secretary, and the appropriate congressional committees with data collected on such systems, together with recommendations for improvements. Authorizes appropriations for the demonstration programs for FY 1992 through 1996. Amends the Social Security Act to revise certain Medicaid payment provisions to conform with enhanced payments made under this title. Title II: Uniform Standards for Health Care Liability Claims - Establishes uniform rules for health care liability actions brought in any Federal or State court and any health care action resolved through an ADRS. Establishes procedures for settlement offers, including the calculation of attorney fees. Requires mandatory periodic payments of awards exceeding $100,000. Limits non-economic damages to $250,000. Mandates reductions in damages received by an individual, where other payments will be or have been made to compensate such individual. Limits attorney fees to 25 percent of the first $150,000 of any award or settlement and 15 percent of any additional amount in excess of $150,000. Prohibits punitive damages from exceeding twice the award of compensatory damages. Allows a separate proceeding to decide if punitive damages are to be awarded or to decide the amount of such award. Requires that 50 percent of all awards of punitive damages resulting from health care liability actions be transferred to a State health care disciplinary trust fund to assist the State in the improvement of health care quality programs. Permits claimants pursuing punitive damages to collect reasonable attorney fees. Declares that the liability of each defendant for non-economic damages shall be several only and shall not be joint. Prohibits health care liability actions from being initiated after the expiration of the two-year period that begins on the date on which the alleged injury should reasonably have been discovered, but in no event later than four years after the date of the alleged occurrence of the injury. Provides an exception for minors. Requires a higher standard of proof in obstetric cases where the physician delivering the baby has not provided prenatal services prior to delivery. Prohibits punitive damages from being awarded against a manufacturer or product seller of a drug or device that caused a complaint, if the drug or device is in compliance with Food and Drug Administration approval processes. Declares that this title supersedes any State law only to the extent that such law establishes higher payment limits, applies joint and several liability to all damages, permits the recovery of a greater amount of damages or the awarding of a greater amount of attorney fees, or establishes a longer period during which a health care liability claim may be initiated. Title III: Health Care Injury Prevention - Directs the Secretary to establish a program to make enhanced Medicaid bonus payments for a two-year period to eligible States that submit a State plan for the development or implementation of a health care injury prevention program or an approved alternative. Sets forth eligibility and application requirements for States. Designates a State that receives enhanced payments as a quality improvement State. Requires a quality improvement State to: (1) establish a Statewide health care injury prevention program; and (2) cooperate with Federal research efforts with respect to patient outcomes, clinical effectiveness and clinical practice guidelines. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that establish performance criteria for the health care practitioner disciplinary board of such State in performing its oversight functions concerning health care professionals. Requires the State to: (1) allocate certain fees for the conduct of disciplinary actions with respect to health care professionals; (2) ensure that the general public is represented on such board; (3) grant immunity to such board from liability; (4) include a continuing education requirement in performance criteria for physicians who have been disciplined by such board. Title IV: Community Health Centers - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make a grant to an entity that represents recipients of assistance under provisions relating to migrant and community health centers to enable the entity to develop a business plan for, and to establish, a nationwide risk retention group as provided for in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986, and that meets other requirements. Allows the group to negotiate with other entities for the purpose of managing and administering the group, and for obtaining reinsurance. Requires the group to provide professional liability insurance, and other types of profitable insurance approved for issuance by the Secretary, to migrant and community health centers. Requires the centers, subject to exception, to become members of the group and purchase the group's insurance. Makes all professional staff members of the centers eligible to obtain the group's insurance. Requires the group to engage outside experts in insurance, financing, and business to analyze and audit the group. Requires the experts to provide the group with an evaluation of the plan and group. Requires the group to submit the plan and the evaluation to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to permit implementation of the plan and operation of the group if it will result in an increase in the amount of funds available for use by community and migrant health centers and other entities receiving assistance under the specified provisions. Authorizes appropriations for preparation of the plan, establishment of the group, and capitalization of the group. Requires assets remaining after dissolution of the group to be used by the Secretary to pay the remaining expenses of the group. Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to migrant and community health centers.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1991
Higher Education Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize its various programs. Title I: Partnerships for Educational Excellence - Revises HEA title I and renames it Partnerships for Educational Excellence (replaces the current title I, Postsecondary Programs for Nontraditional Students). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for the following title I programs: (1) part A, Urban Community Service; (2) part B, Urban and Rural College, University, and School Partnerships; (3) part D, Articulation Agreements; and (4) part E, Manufacturing Engineering Education. Establishes as part A of title I a Urban Community Service program to provide incentives to urban institutions (including academic, private, and civic bodies) to work together to devise and implement solutions to the most pressing and severe problems in their communities. Requires applications for such urban community service program grants to contain a plan agreed to by the members of a consortium that includes a public or private four-year institution of higher education (and, where possible and appropriate, a community college) in partnership with an urban school system, a local government, a private business, or a nonprofit institution. Allows the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to waive this consortium requirement for applicants with an appropriate integrated and coordinated plan. Gives priority to applications that: (1) include plans agreed to by a consortium of several members of the specified categories; and (2) propose to conduct joint projects supported by other local, State, and Federal programs. Requires grant funds to be used for planning, applied research, training, resource exchanges, technology transfers, delivery of services, or other activities to design and implement programs to assist urban communities to meet and address their most pressing problems. Includes the following problem areas among those for which such activities are authorized: (1) urban poverty and its alleviation; (2) health care including delivery and access; (3) under-performing school systems and students; (4) problems faced by the elderly in urban settings; (5) crime prevention and alternative interventions; (6) urban housing; (7) urban infrastructure; (8) economic development; and (9) other problem area which the participants agree are of high priority for that urban area. Establishes as part B of title I an Urban and Rural College, University, and School Partnerships program to encourage partnerships of urban institutions of higher education (or consortia of such institutions) and secondary schools and school systems serving low-income and disadvantaged urban or rural students to support programs to improve school retention and graduation rates, student academic skills, opportunities to continue education beyond high school, and prospects for productive employment. Requires an urban or rural institution of higher education (or consortium), to be eligible for such a university-school partnership grant, to enter a written partnership agreement with a local education agency (LEA). Allows such partnership to include businesses, labor organizations, professional associations, community-based organizations, or other public or private agencies or organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to university-school partnerships to support the authorized program activities. Requires that grant preference be given to: (1) programs to serve predominantly low-income neighborhoods; (2) partnerships to run programs during the regular school year and during the summer; and (3) programs to serve educationally disadvantaged students, potential dropouts, pregnant adolescents, and teen-aged parents. Requires maintenance of fiscal effort by LEAs participating in such partnership agreements. Requires such grant applications to assure: (1) establishment of a partnership governing body including one representative from each participant; (2) a gradually declining specified Federal share of project costs; and (3) use of such Federal grant funds to supplement and not supplant non-Federal funds. Sets forth title I part C administrative provisions to provide for: (1) peer review panels for part A or B grant applications; and (2) multiyear disbursement of Urban Community Service program grant funds, under specified conditions. Establishes as part D of title I an Articulation Agreements program of grants for articulation agreements and planning between partnerships of two-year and four-year institutions of higher education. (Current part D provisions for the Student Literacy Corps are revised and transferred to part B of title XI of HEA by this Act.) Directs the Secretary to make such grants to States to make awards to articulation partnerships between qualified institutions, on the basis of either a competition or a formula determined by the State. Provides for allocation of such grant funds to States: (1) by a formula based on the relative total amount of student assistance received under HEA title IV by students attending institutions in the State, if the authorization of appropriations for such grants program equals or exceeds a specified amount; or (2) if such authorized amount is less than the specified amount, by competitive grants which the Secretary is authorized to make to States. Sets forth requirements for State and local applications, articulation agreements, and State administrative costs limitations. Requires States to give priority to grant applications for programs which: (1) encourage teacher education; (2) have, as one partner participating in the agreement, an entity meeting a specified requirement for the tech-prep education program consortia (i.e. a local or intermediate educational agency or area vocational education school serving secondary school students, or a secondary school funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs) under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (3) contribute their own institutional resources; (4) are not subject to a student loan default reduction agreement under title IV (Student Assistance) of HEA; or (5) encourage articulation in subject areas of national importance as determined by the Secretary. Sets forth requirements for annual State program reports and for program evaluation by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to the Congress by January 31, 1996, on the results of such evaluation; and (2) disseminate findings relating to the most successful programs. Reserves limited amounts for such purposes. Establishes as part E of title I a Manufacturing Engineering Education program. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of grants to institutions of higher education to support enhancement of existing and establishment of new programs in manufacturing engineering education. Requires consultation with the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Requires the Secretary and the NSF Director to enter into an agreement to coordinate such grant program with similar NSF programs, and for NSF assistance in administering and managing such grant program. Sets forth requirements for programs of engineering supported by such grant awards. Requires such programs to be conducted at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. Sets forth components for such consolidated and integrated multidisciplinary programs. Requires significant involvement of industry in such programs. Sets forth requirements for grant proposals. Bases grant awards on merit competition. Sets forth minimum criteria for selection. Title II: Academic Library and Information Technology Enhancement - Revises HEA title II and renames it Academic Libraries in an Electronic Networked Environment (currently Academic Library and Information Technology Enhancement). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for the following title II programs: (1) part A, College Library Technology and Cooperation Grants; (2) part B, Library Education, Research, and Development; (3) part C, Improving Access to Research Library Resources; and (4) part D, Strengthening Library and Information Science Programs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Directs the Secretary to ensure that title II programs are administered by appropriate library experts. Transfers to title II part A program of the College Library Technology and Cooperation Grants (currently part D) and eliminates current part A provisions for College Library Resources. Revises such College Library Technology and Cooperation Grants program to add provisions emphasizing the accessing and sharing of library and information resources through technology. Requires the Secretary to give priority, in awarding certain such grants, to institutions of higher education seeking assistance for projects which assist developing institutions of higher education in linking one or more institutions of higher education to resource sharing networks. Increases the required minimum grant amount and sets a maximum amount for certain grants. Revises and renames title II part B as Library Education, Research, and Development (currently Library Training, Research, and Development). Requires the Secretary to consult with appropriate library and information science professional organizations to determine: (1) critical needs under provisions for grants and contracts for library education and human resources development, and (2) priorities for awarding grants for research and demonstrations. Revises provisions for library education and human resource development to include assistance for training for library and information science, particularly in areas of critical needs such as recruitment and retention of minorities. Requires that stipends for certain fellowships and traineeships be for those who demonstrate need and are working toward a graduate degree. Revises provisions for research and demonstration projects to include those related to education in library and information science and to enhancement of library services through use of new technology. Revises title II part C and renames it as Improving Access to Research Library Resources (currently Strengthening Research Library Resources). Eliminates provisions which precluded part C grant recipients from receiving certain other title II grants. Adds a new title II part D program for Strengthening Library and Information Science Programs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Directs the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, historically black colleges and universities and library organizations or agencies which have nationally approved programs in library and information science to educate and train African Americans and other ethnic minorities, particularly in areas of critical needs. Requires that at least 75 percent of such funds be used to establish or maintain graduate fellowships or traineeships. Allows the remainder to be used for: (1) costs of courses of study or staff development, including short-term or regular session institutes; and (2) establishing, developing, or expanding programs of library and information science, including new techniques of information transfer and communication technology. Title III: Institutional Aid - Revises and reauthorizes HEA title III (Institutional Aid). Revises title III part A (Strengthening Institutions) provisions relating to award of grants, eligible institutions, and duration of grants. Requires part A grant applications to describe measurable goals for the institution's financial management and academic program and include a plan for achieving such goals. Requires continuation applications to demonstrate progress made toward achievement of such goals. Revises title III part B (Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to add to authorized uses of part B grants: (1) development offices to improve contributions from alumni and the private sector; (2) programs of teacher education, including preparation for certification, to qualify students to teach in public elementary or secondary schools in the State; and (3) community outreach programs to encourage elementary and secondary students to develop the academic skills and interest to pursue postsecondary education. Increases the minimum allotment for each part B institution. Requires part B grant applications to describe measurable goals for the institution's financial management and academic programs and include a plan for achieving such goals. Includes as eligible for part B grants specified independent professional and graduate institutions, as well as any other part B institution offering a professional or doctoral degree program that the Secretary determines is deserving of such a grant. Provides that only certain of such specified institutions shall receive such funding if the total funding does not exceed a specified amount. Revises title III part C and renames it Endowment Challenge Grants for Institutions Eligible for Assistance under Part A or Part B (currently Challenge Grants, etc.). Repeals the Challenge Grant Program, but reauthorizes the Endowment Challenge Grant Program. Defines eligible institutions for purposes of such program. Revises conditions under which the Secretary may make an endowment challenge grant to an eligible institution. Revises selection criteria. Requires part C grant applications to include a description of the long- and short-term plans for raising and using the funds under part C. Requires a set-aside of 30 percent of part C funds for challenge grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, under specified conditions. Revises title III part D general provisions relating to application for assistance. Repeals provisions for special payments rules and for challenge grant program applications. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for title III Institutional Aid programs under: (1) part A, Strengthening Institutions; (2) part B, Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and (3) part C, Endowment Challenge Grants. Requires that 25 percent of specified excess funds under part A be allocated among eligible institutions at which at least 60 percent of the students are Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, or Pacific Islanders, or any combination thereof. Title IV: Student Assistance - Part A: Grants to Students in Attendance at Institutions of Higher Education - Subpart 1: Federal Pell Grants - Revises and reauthorizes programs under HEA title IV (Student Assistance). Revises and renames the Pell Grants program under title IV part A subpart 1 as the Federal Pell Grants program (later redesignates the provisions as subpart 2). Increases the maximum award amount for Pell Grants to $4,500 in academic year 1993-1994, with further increases based on the Consumer Price Index for academic years 1994-1995 through 1998-1999. Revises the formula for determining the amount of a Pell Grant award to a student. Sets forth payment schedules based on the expected family contribution and tuition costs, for various types of students. Modifies the prohibition against Pell Grant awards to students attending on a less than half-time basis, to allow such awards for not more than five semesters (or their equivalent). Revises provisions relating to the period of eligibility for Pell Grants. Includes as eligible for Pell Grants students in programs of study abroad that are approved for credit by the institution. Revises provisions relating to the eligibility index. Makes the Pell Grant program an entitlement. Gives every student who qualifies for a Pell Grant a contractual right against the United States for the amount of such grant to which they are entitled. Provides that Pell Grant recipients shall not be considered to be individual grantees for purposes of specified Federal law. Repeals specified provisions for a separate need analysis formula for Pell Grants. (Later in this Act, a single new need analysis formula and system is established for all title IV student aid programs, including Pell Grants. Subpart 2: Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants - Revises and renames the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants program under title IV part A subpart 2 as the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants program (supplemental grants) (later redesignates the provisions subpart 3). Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the supplemental grants program. Includes students in programs of study abroad that are approved for credit by the institution among those eligible for supplemental grants. Requires institutions in the supplemental grants program to agree that the Federal share of awards will not exceed 75 percent, unless the Secretary determines that a larger Federal share is required to further the purpose of the program. Requires institutions to assure that selection procedures will be designed to award supplemental grants, first, to students with exceptional need (i.e. the greatest financial need). Requires that a reasonable proportion of an institution's supplemental grants allocation be made available to certain nontraditional students (i.e. less than full-time, age 24 or older, single parents, or independent students), if such allocation is directly or indirectly based in part on the financial need of such students. Revises provisions relating to transfer of funds. Requires reduction of an institution's allocation for the next fiscal year by the amount returned, if this is more than ten percent of its allocation. Authorizes waiver of such reduction if it is contrary to the interest of the supplemental grants program. Subpart 3: State Student Incentive Grants - Revises title IV part A subpart 3 provisions for the program of Grants to States for Student Incentives (State student incentive grants program) (later redesignates these provisions as subpart 4). Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for such program. Includes, as eligible for grants from States under such program, eligible students participating in programs of study abroad approved for credit by the institutions. Increases to $5,000 (currently $2,500) the maximum amount for any such grants for full-time attendance at an institution of higher education and for campus-based community service work learning study jobs. Revises conditions for State allotments and expenditures under such program. Repeals the requirement for a reasonable proportion of a institution's allocation being made available to less than full-time students under such program. Subpart 4: Federal Early Outreach and Student Services Programs - Revises and renames subpart 4 of part A of title IV as Federal Early Outreach Services Programs (the current subpart 4, Special Programs for Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds, is repealed in name, but reauthorized and revised under subpart 4 Chapter 1 provisions for Trio Programs). (Also transfers such subpart 4 to subpart 1 of part A of title IV and then redesignates subparts 1, 2, 3 as 2, 3, 4.) Sets forth chapter 1, TRIO Programs, i.e. the revised and reauthorized Special Programs for Students for Disadvantaged Backgrounds. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for such programs. Adds to program goals motivation and preparation of such students for doctoral programs. Adds requirements for: (1) a peer review application process; (2) inflation adjustments; (3) minimum grant levels for specified programs; (4) duration of grants and contracts; (5) notice of application status; (6) early notification and technical training for potential providers of special programs and projects; (7) unlimited number of applications by an entity; and (8) coordination with other programs for disadvantaged students. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) members of groups underrepresented in higher education are represented as readers of TRIO programs applications; and (2) each such application is read by at least three reviewers not employed at the Department of Education. Sets forth requirements for documentation of status as a low-income individual, for purposes of TRIO programs eligibility. Revises provisions for the Talent Search program (one of the TRIO programs). Sets forth an expanded list of permissible services which talent search projects may offer, in addition to tutoring, including counseling, mentoring, and parent workshops. Lowers the minimum age and elementary education completion levels for participant eligibility to 11 years of age and five years of school completed (currently 12 and six, respectively, while retaining the maximum age level of 27 years). Revises provisions for the Upward Bound program (one of the TRIO programs). Adds to the list of permissible services which upward bound projects may offer mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers college faculty, students, or any combination thereof. Requires any assisted upward bound project which has received two or more years of program funding to include in its core curriculum: (1) instruction in mathematics through precalculus; (2) at least one laboratory science; (3) at least one foreign language; and (4) instruction in composition and literature. Revises provisions for Student Support Services (one of the TRIO programs). Adds requirements for design goals of support services projects, including increased rates of college retention, graduation, and transfers from two- to four-year institutions, and institutional climates supportive of low-income and first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities. Adds to permissible services for such projects mentoring programs involving school teachers, college faculty and/or students. Revises provisions for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (under TRIO programs provisions). Adds to permissible services: (1) mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, college faculty, and/or students; and (2) exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students. Allows costs for summer room and board, summer tuition, and transportation to summer programs to be paid in addition to the maximum annual amount for a student stipend. Eliminates provisions which: (1) conditioned program funding on specified minimum funding for other programs; and (2) set program funding limits. Revises provisions for Educational Opportunity Centers (under TRIO programs provisions). Expands the list of permissible services which such centers may offer, in addition to tutorial and counseling services, including public information campaigns, assistance in course selection, financial aid application, and entrance exam preparation, alternative education guidance for dropouts, career workshops, monitoring programs and special programs for students of limited English proficiency. Revises provisions for Staff Development Activities (for training for staff and leadership personnel for projects under TRIO Programs). Requires such training to be offered annually for new directors of such projects as well as annually specified topics and other topics chosen by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to make Outreach Grants to institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, and other public and private nonprofit organizations to provide outreach information to potential providers of programs and projects authorized under Federal Early Outreach and Student Services Programs (the new subpart 1) that could serve groups underrepresented in such programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make Project Evaluation grants and contracts to institutions of higher education and other public and private organizations to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of the various programs authorized under TRIO programs provisions (chapter 1); and (2) disseminate results of on-going evaluations to similar programs as well as to other individuals concerned with the postsecondary access and retention of low-income, first-generation students. Establishes National Liberty Scholarships and Partnerships Programs (as chapter 2 of the new subpart 1). Authorizes the Secretary to establish such programs through matching payments to States for: (1) State financial aid programs that award grants to low-income students who attain a high school diploma or its equivalent to guarantee them the financial assistance necessary to attend an institution of higher educaiton; and (2) a partnership program (provided by States in cooperation with local educational agencies, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations) of additional counseling, outreach, and supportive services for elementary, middle, and secondary students at risk of dropping out of school and for students and their parents regarding college financing options. Requires State plans for such financial aid program to provide for: (1) at least one-half of program costs from non-Federal funds; (2) all qualified students to be designated as eligible; and (3) first preference for payments of specified other grant funds to students eligible for grants under this program. Requires State plans for such partnership program to provide for matching the Federal grant with funds from non-Federal sources which will supplement and not supplant funds for existing State and local programs. Requires States, in order to receive such financial aid program payments, to establish or maintain a financial assistance program that awards grants to students in accordance with specified requirements. Requires that the maximum amount of such a grant be established by the State, but prohibits such amount from being less than 75 percent of the average cost of attendance for an in-State student in a four-year program at public institutions in such State. Defines "qualified student" for purposes of such financial aid program as one who: (1) is less than 22 years old at time of first grant award; (2) is receiving a Pell Grant for the academic year of the award or would be eligible for such Pell Grant but for their attendance on a less than half-time basis; (3) receives a high school diploma or equivalent in 1993 or thereafter; and (4) is enrolled in an authorized degree program in the State (States may opt to offer grant program portability for recipients at institutions in other participating States). Requires a State to demonstrate, under the partnership program, that it has increased the aggregate amount of its expenditures to provide comprehensive mentoring, counseling, outreach and supportive services. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for determining which types of services programs may be counted for such purpose. Lists examples of acceptable activities. Allows the State to include in such program participating of businesses, religious organizations, community groups, postsecondary educational institutions, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and other entities deemed appropriate by the Secretary. Sets forth requirements for Federal matching payments to States for such financial aid and partnership programs, with additional payments for limited administrative expenses. Bases State allotments under this Act on their relative allocations under provisions for grants for local educational agencies in counties with especially high concentrations of children from low-income families under the Elementary and Secondary Education of 1965. Prohibits any State from using more than 50 percent of its allotment for the comprehensive counseling, outreach, and support services partnership program. Sets forth reallotment provisions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for grants for matching payments to States for such financial aid and partnership program. Establishes Model Program Community Partnership Counseling Grants (as chapter 3 of the new subpart 1). Directs the Secretary to award grants to develop model programs for: (1) counseling students, at an early age, about college opportunities, precollege requirements, college admissions procedures, and financial aid opportunities, in ways designed or customized for use in specific geographic, social, and cultural environments; or (2) stimulating community partnerships with schools by providing tutoring, mentoring, work experiences, and other support services to make postsecondary education a realistic goal for all students. Gives priority to model programs directed at areas with a high proportion of minority, economically disadvantaged, or at-risk students. Sets forth requirements for: (1) either tailoring to a specific environment or community partnership with local businesses, labor organizations, or community groups; and (2) measurement of goals and outcomes. Directs the Secretary to collect, and disseminate through the National Diffusion Network, information on: (1) successful programs for counseling students about college and for early intervention to help them stay in school and pursue postsecondary education; and (2) model programs for counseling students in specific environments and for community partnership support services to make postsecondary education a realistic goal. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for such model program grants and such dissemination activities. Establishes the Presidential Achievement Awards Scholarships program (as chapter 4 of the new subpart 1), to award scholarships to Pell Grants recipients who: (1) have participated in a preparatory program for postsecondary education; and (2) demonstrate academic achievement. Allows Presidential Achievement Scholars to receive a Presidential Achievement scholarship for each year the student receives a Pell Grant and meets specified requirements for eligibility. Bases eligibility in the first year of postsecondary education on the student's receiving a Pell Grant and having: (1) participated for at least 36 months in an early intervention program meeting certain requirements; (2) completed secondary education, including three years of mathematics, two years of science, and four years of English; and (3) earned at least a 2.5 grade point average in the final two years of high school. Bases eligibility after the first year on the student's receiving a Pell Grant and: (1) having received a Presidential Achievement Award in a previous academic year; and (2) maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Sets such scholarship amount at 25 percent of the student's Pell Grant amount (with reductions for the amount by which the scholarship combined with any other assistance exceeds the cost of attendance). Sets forth provisions for award procedures, payment of scholarships, and awards cermonies. Establishes a program of Technical Assistance for Teachers and Counselors (as chapter 5 of the new subpart 1). Directs the Secretary to award two-year technical assistance grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to obtain specialized training for guidance counselors, teachers, and principals to counsel students about college opportunities, precollege requirements, college admissions procedures, and financial aid opportunities. Gives priority to LEAs serving school districts with significantly high proportions of students who do not continue on to higher education and who are educationally disadvantaged. Sets forth planning, evaluation, and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for such technical assistance grants. Establishes a National Student Savings Demonstration Program (as chapter 6 of the new subpart 1), to: (1) test the feasibility of a national program to encourage families to save for their children's college education, and thereby reduce the loan indebtedness of college students; and (2) help determine the most effective means of achieving such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to award a demonstration grant to not more than five States to conduct such a student savings program. Provides for a Federal match of not more than $50 per child. Gives priority to States proposing programs that establish accounts for a child prior to the age of compulsory school attendance in that State. Gives special consideration to States that: (1) permit employers to use pretax income in making contributions to a child's account; and (2) provide assurances that interest earned in such accounts shall be exempt from State taxes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for such program. Sets forth provisions for Public Information (as chapter 7 of the new subpart 1), including a database, information lines, and public advertising. Directs the Secretary to award a contract to establish and maintain: (1) a computerized database of all public and private financial assistance programs, to be accessible to schools and libraries through modems or toll-free telephone lines; and (2) a toll-free information line, including access by telecommunications devices for the deaf, to provide individualized financial assistance information to parents, students, and others, including referrals to postsecondary clearinghouse for individuals with disabilities. Directs the Secretary to encourage private nonprofit organizations to work with video producers to develop and deliver public service announcements and paid advertising messages that encourage economically disadvantaged, minority, or at-risk individuals to seek higher education and financial assistance counseling at public schools and libraries. Allows such announcements and messages to be specially designed for students of limited English proficiency. Requires the Secretary to keep the Congress informed of such advertising efforts and to recommend any additional legislative authority that will serve such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1998 for such Public Information programs. Subpart 5: Amendments to Subparts 5 through 8 of Part A - Revises provisions for Special Programs for Students Whose Families Are Engaged in Migrant and Seasonal Farmwork (Migrant Programs) (subpart 5 of part A of title IV of HEA), including the high school equivalency program (HEP) and the college assistance migrant program (CAMP). Includes under program eligibility provisions, for HEP recruitment services and CAMP outreach and recruitment services, certain persons who have participated under specified programs for migrants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or the Job Partnership Training Act. Extends the ordinary grant period to five years (currently three). Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for Migrant Programs. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program (subpart 6 of part A of title IV of HEA). Repeals provisions for certain definitions under such program. Repeals provisions for Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education (subpart 7 of part A of title IV of HEA), including: (1) certain cost-of-education payments to institutions of higher education based on numbers of students receiving Pell Grants; and (2) a veterans education outreach program. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for Special Child Care Services for Disadvantaged College Students (subpart 8 of part A of title IV of HEA). Part B: Federal Family Education Loans - Revises and renames HEA title IV part B as the Federal Family Education Loan Program (currently the Robert T. Stafford Student Loan Program). Refers to the program under this part as the Federal Stafford Student Loan Program (currently known as the Stafford or Guaranteed Student Loan- GSL-program) and to loans made under this part as Federal Stafford Loans. Limits the authorization to guarantee new loans under the part B (Stafford Loan) program, by making such guarantee authority contingent on timely rulemaking. Prohibits issuance of any such new loan guarantees after June 30, 1994, if the Secretary does not issue final regulations implementing the changes made this Act. (Under part D of this Act a Federal Direct Loans program replaces the Stafford or GSL program, with a phase-in process beginning in July 1994 and terminating GSL authority by the end of June 1996.) Revises Stafford or GSL program provisions to add provisions relating to guaranty agency funding and solvency, including requirements for: (1) information collection; (2) standards; (3) management plans; (4) penalties for failure to submit acceptable plans; (5) reports; and (6) confidential treatment of information. Revises payment rules for the GSL (and the FISL or federally-insured student loan) programs to: (1) require graduated or income-sensitive schedules upon borrower request; and (2) eliminate the special minimum payment rule for married couples. Adds special rules to cover approved study abroad, for purposes of student loan disbursement and amounts. Revises provisions relating to applicable interest rates. Revises provisions for agreements for Federal payments to reduce student interest rates. Prohibits eligible institutions with a cohort default rates of 20 percent or higher from providing loan applications directly to their students (who must therefore obtain an application from the lender). Provides for proration of GSL loan program amounts eligibility to course load. Requires a minimum payment of at least the interest due and payable. Revises provisions for deferments. Revises provisions relating to exclusion of forebearance from repayment period calculation. Revises provisions relating to consequences of institutional eligibility limitation, suspension, and termination actions. Requires participation agreements between the guaranty agency and each eligible institution. Requires notice to borrowers of any sale or other transfer of the loan to another holder. Allows requests for GSL program student loan repayment deferments by students engaged in graduate or postgraduate fellowship-supported study abroad (such as Fulbright grant recipients) to be approved until completion of the fellowship period. Adds requirements for conflict-of-interest restrictions on guaranty agency officers and employees. Authorizes guaranty agencies to enter into agreements under which State licensing boards will, upon request, furnish guarantee agencies with the addresses of student borrowers. Revises the time period during which a guaranty agency may file a claim for reimbursement. Limits additional review claims by exceptional performance lenders and loan servicers to cases of fraud or other purposeful misconduct in obtaining such designation. Revises provisions relating to subrogation. Requires guaranty agencies to submit lists of defaulted borrowers to institutions of higher education to check on the lists' accuracy, prior to filing reinsurance claims. Revises forbearance provisions. Provides for references to third party servicers. Sets forth special rules for exceptional performance in loans collection by eligible lenders and loan services. Revises provisions for cost of lender participation promotion to refer to eligible (rather than commercial) lenders. Provides for coordination of repayment of Stafford loans and Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS). Revises provisions relating to capitalization of interest. Revises provisions for parent (PLUS) loans with respect to: (1) copayable checks; (2) disbursement; (3) limitation of deferral; and (4) capitalization of interest. Revises provisions for consolidation loans with respect to: (1) use of consolidation to avoid default; (2) extension of the consolidation eligibility period; (3) consolidation of loans of married borrowers; (4) interest during deferral; (5) repayment periods; and (6) gradual and income-sensitive repayment. Revises loan proceeds disbursement rules to: (1) prohibit institutions from penalizing students because of delayed disbursement; and (2) allow weekly or monthly disbursement, with the borrower's permission. Adds provisions for unsubsidized Stafford loans for middle-income borrowers. Authorizes insured loans under the part B program for borrowers who do not qualify for Federal interest subsidy payments. Entitles any student meeting the definition of student eligibility under title IV general provisions to borrow an unsubsized Stafford loan. Sets forth provisions for: (1) determination of loan amount; (2) loan limits; (3) payment of principal and interest without subsidy payments to reduce interest costs; (4) reinsurance premium; and (5) single application form. Establishes an extended collection demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with guaranty agencies to establish up to nine demonstration programs designed to reduce defaults through extended efforts on delinquent student loans originally guaranteed by such agencies. Sets forth provisions for: (1) selection of participants; (2) eligibility of loans for inclusion in the program; (3) lender eligibility to participate; (4) extended collection period; and (5) reports, regulations, and applicability of other terms, conditions, and benefits. Terminates such demonstration program on September 30, 1995. Directs the Secretary to use at least a minimum specified amount of part B-Funds for default reduction activities, including program reviews, audits, debt management programs, training activities, and other management improvement activities. Revises part B administrative provisions relating to: (1) authority to regulate services; and (2) limitation, suspension, and termination. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations for: (1) standardization and simplification of student loan forms and procedures; and (2) standardization of data reporting. Directs the Secretary to: (1) undertake a program to encourage private and public employers to assist borrowers in repaying student loans under title IV, including options for payroll deduction and loan repayment matching under employee benefit packages; (2) publicize repayment models deserving recognition; and (3) make recommendations to appropriate congressional committees on changes to the tax code or other statutes that could encourage such efforts. Adds provisions relating to the consequences of guaranty agency insolvency. Revises requirements for student loan information by eligible lenders to include statements that the loan must be repaid and that the borrower's loan repayment obligation is distinct from the school's obligation to the borrower. Revises definition for the student loan insurance program. Repeals a separate definition of institution of higher education. Defines both institution of higher education and eligible institution as under title IV general provisions. Repeals a definition of vocational school. Revises the definition of eligible lender. Prohibits a cohort default rate above 15 percent. Requires use of proceeds from special allowance payments and interests payments from borrowers for need-based grant programs, except for reasonable reimbursement for direct administrative expenses. Defines third party servicer. Revises provisions for the Secretary's repayment of loans of bankrupt, deceased, or disabled borrowers to extend such treatment to borrowers: (1) who are unable to complete the program due to the closure of the institution; or (2) whose eligibility to borrow under part B GSL programs was fraudulently certified by the eligible institution. Provides that the Secretary shall pursue any claim available to such borrower against the institution (as well as discharge their liability by repaying the amount owed). Provides that the period of attendance at the institution which closed and at which the student was unable to complete the course of study shall not count against the student's period of eligibility for additional title IV assistance. Provides that borrowers whose loans have been discharged under these repayment provisions shall not be precluded from receiving additional title IV assistance. Directs the Secretary to report to credit bureaus on such repaid loans. Permits a certain special allowance to also be given on unsubsidized Stafford loans. Phases out origination fees under part B student loan programs, and eliminates discounting. Allows the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) (the Association) to charge interest on any loan on the same basis as national banks located in: (1) the District of Columbia; and (2) the State in which the lender is located. Part C: Federal Work-Study Programs - Revises and renames HEA title IV part C as Federal Work-Study Programs (currently Work-Study Programs). Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for part C work-study programs. Provides for reallocation of excess allocations as a consequence of failure to award work-study program funds, under specified conditions. Allows institutions to use work-study program funds to pay eligible students to engage in mentoring activities. Increases from $200 to $300 the amount of work-study program compensation in excess of need that a student may receive. Includes students who are age 24 or older, single parents, or independent students (as well as less-than-full-time students) among those for whom a reasonable proportion of an institution's work-study program funds must be available. Revises Federal share provisions. Adds provisions for approved study abroad eligibility for work-study programs. Requires work-study program grant agreements to provide assurances that employment made available from such program funds may be used to support programs for supportive services to students with disabilities. Sets forth provisions for carry-back authority. Increases the maximum amount of its work-study grant allotment which an institution may use for a community services job location and development program for its students. Establishes a work colleges program. Transfers to Part D of title XI current provisions for: (1) work study for community service-learning on behalf of low-income individuals and families; and (2) student community service job location and development. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 to carry out to work colleges program. Requires such funds to be allocated to qualifying institutions, in lieu of allocations under other specified work-study program provisions, upon application, for eligible students as defined under student aid provisions. Requires an institution receiving such a work colleges program allocation to expend an equal amount of matching funds from non-Federal sources for such program. Authorizes institutions to use such work colleges program funds for: (1) supporting qualified students' educational costs through self-help payments or credits provided under the institution's work-learning program within the limits of student aid program provisions; (2) promoting work-learning-service experience as a tool of postsecondary education, financial self-help, and community service-learning opportunities; (3) administering, developing, and assessing comprehensive college work-learning programs, including community based work-learning alternatives that expand opportunities for community service and career-related work; and (4) developing programs that develop sound citizenship and personal values, encourage student persistence, and make optimum use of college work-study dollars in HEA title IV aid in education and student development. Allows funds allocated to the institution under HEA title IV provisions for supplemental educational opportunity grants, work-study programs, and direct student loans to be transferred for use under the work colleges program to provide flexibility in strengthening the self-help-through-work element in financial aid packaging. Requires postsecondary institutions, in order to be eligible to participate in the work colleges program, to: (1) be public or private nonprofit institutions with stated commitments to service; (2) have comprehensive work-learning-service program for at least two years; (3) requires service by all resident students through a comprehensive work-learning program as an integral part of the institution's educational philosophy; and (4) provide through the institutional work program an opportunity for the students to contribute to the overall educational program and the welfare of the community as a whole. Part D: Federal Direct Loans - Establishes a Federal Direct Loans program as part D of title IV of HEA. (Eliminates the current part D, Income Contingent Direct Loans Demonstration Project.) (Provides that such Federal Direct Loans program shall replace the Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL) and the Perkins Direct Loan programs which shall be phased out.) Directs the Secretary to carry out such Federal direct loan program (the program) for qualified students at institutions of higher education during the period beginning on July 1, 1994. Directs the Secretary to make program payments for any fiscal year to: (1) each institution of higher education having a program agreement; and (2) the designated lending agent if such an institution designates one. Requires such payments to be made on the basis of the estimated needs of the institution's students, considering their demand and eligibility for subsidized and unsubsidized direct loans under the program. Sets forth program payment rules, in general and for initial payments. Declares that an institution with an approved application and agreement with the Secretary shall be deemed to have a contractual obligation (entitlement) from the United States for making the program payments specified in that application. Sets forth requirements for such applications of and agreements with institutions of higher education. Requires the Secretary to make program agreements for the academic year beginning July 1: (1) 1994, with a first cohort of 450-500 institutions; (2) 1995, with a second cohort of 950-1,000 institutions in addition to the first cohort; and (3) 1996, with a third cohort of any institutions desiring to participate. Provides for allowing institutions to designate lending agents to receive advances of program payments. Sets forth types of entities eligible to be designated lending agents. Entitles an institution to a payment for each fiscal year during which it makes student loans under such an agreement in lieu of reimbursement for its expenses in administering its student loan program during such year. Sets forth formulas for determining such payments. Requires each institution to use such payments first to carry out specified HEA provisions relating to administrative expenses and then for such additional administrative costs as that institution determines necessary. Deems an institution with such program agreement to have a contractural right to such payments. Provides for student eligibility for, and the amount of, subsidized and unsubsidized loans under the program. Limits program eligibility, among other criteria, to qualified students carrying at least one-half the normal academic workload and maintaining good standing. Allows subsidized loans under the program to be made only to students who meet the basic requirements but also demonstrate financial need for such a loan. Makes qualified graduate and professional students and qualified undergraduate independent students eligible to borrow unsubsidized loans under the program in specified amounts. Makes qualified undergraduate dependent students eligible for unsubsidized loans under the program, if the financial aid administrator determines after review that exceptional circumstances will likely preclude the student's parents from borrowing under the program. Prohibits students from being eligible to borrow unsubsidized loans under the program until they have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent. Declares that, if an institution's cohort default rate is 30 percent or more for the most recent fiscal year for which data is available, no undergraduate student at that institution may borrow unsubsidized loans under the program. Directs the Secretary to afford any such institution an opportunity to present evidence contesting the accuracy of the calculation of such rate. Makes parents of qualified dependent students eligible to borrow unsubsidized loans under the program in any amount, subject to specified restrictions based on cost of attendance and amount of other unsubsidized loans and student aid. Provides for determining subsidized loan amounts, based on cost of attendance, other types of student aid received, and expected family (or independent student self-help) contribution. Sets annual and aggregate limits for subsidized loans to first-year, undergraduate, and graduate or professional students. Provides for determining unsubsidized loans to students or parents, based on cost of attendance and other types of student aid. Sets forth annual and aggregate limits for unsubsidized loans for first-year, undergraduate, and graduate or professional students. Sets forth terms of loans under the program. Provides for deferments of repayment during specified periods of education or service. Allows borrowers to accelerate without penalty repayment of the whole or any part of the loan. Sets forth additional and separate terms for subsidized loans and for unsubsidized loans under the program. Sets forth requirements for multiple disbursement of student loans. Sets forth loan repayment rules, including minimum repayment amounts. Requires if a borrower so requests, that repayment be made in accordance with a graduated or income contingent schedule established by the Secretary. Allows the Secretary and the borrower to agree to increase the specified repayment period, but prohibits it from extending beyond 20 years. Directs the Secretary to notify the student borrower, at the beginning of the repayment period, of the availability of the flexible repayment program. Provides for interest rates on: (1) unsubsidized loans (the bonds equivalent rate of 52-week Treasury bills, plus three and one-quarter percent) (but not exceeding 12 percent); and (2) and subsidized loans (eight percent). Directs the Secretary to report such interest rates to the Congress for any fiscal year in which they are not sufficient to recover specified costs to the Government. Sets forth requirements for consolidation loans. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements to provide loans to consolidate eligible student loans whose outstanding indebtedness is at least $10,000. Sets forth terms and conditions of consolidation loans, including annual interest rates of at least eight percent. Directs the Secretary to establish repayment terms, including graduated and income contingent repayment schedules. Provides for administration of the program. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) a central data system to maintain records on all loans made under the program; and (2) default prevention programs. Provides for funding of the program through the sale of Government obligations. Sets forth the duties of the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to such sale and funding. Sets forth various amendments to phase out the Stafford Student Loan Program (GSL) by June 30, 1996. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and thereafter for administrative expenses necessary for carrying out title IV student aid programs, including expenses for staff personnel and compliance activities. Part E: Federal Perkins Loans - Revises and renames part E of title IV of HEA as Federal Perkins Loans (currently named Direct Loans to Students in Institutions of Higher Education or Perkins Loans). Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for contributions by the Secretary to Perkins Loans program student loan funds. Adds provisions for eligibility for study abroad. Provides for reduction of allocation as a consequence of failure to award funds. Revises Perkins loan program provisions for capital contributions by institutions. Requires an institution to match the Federal capital contribution if the institution is granted permission to participate in an Expanded Lending Option and has a default rate not more than seven and one-half percent. Requires all other institutions to contribute an amount at least one-third of the Federal amount. Adds requirements for institutions to disclose specified information to any credit bureau with which the Secretary has a specified agreement. Revise loan limits under the Perkins Loan program. Provides for a reasonable proportion of a institution's Perkins Loans to be made to nontraditional students, including less-than-full-time, age 24 or older, single parents, or independent students. Revises minimum monthly payments for loans made after a specified date. Provides for adjustment of excessive loan awards. Adds a deferment of Perkins loan repayment for family service agency employees who provide or supervise services to high-risk children from low-income communities and their families. Allows requests for deferment of Perkins loan repayment by students in graduate or post-graduate fellowship-supported study abroad (such as Fulbright grant recipients) until completion of the fellowship period. Authorizes the Secretary to grant an institution special repayment authority to compromise, within specified limits, on the repayment of defaulted Perkins loans, under specified conditions, to encourage repayment and protect U.S. interests. Revises provisions for cancellation of Perkins loans for certain public service. Adds special rules for determining the list of schools with specified percentages of educationally disadvantaged students at which full-time teaching service in any subject may qualify for such cancellation, and for continuing eligibility even if the school is no longer on such list. Adds provisions for such cancellation for full-time service as: (1) a teacher of infants, toddlers, children or youth with disabilities in a public or other nonprofit elementary or secondary school system, or as a professional provider of early intervention services; (2) nurse or medical technician providing health care services; or (3) family service agency employee providing or supervising services to high-risk children from low-income communities and their families. Revises an excess capital rule. Establishes the Perkins Loan Revolving Fund, to be available to the Secretary to make payments under part E. Provides that specified funds be deposited in such Fund. Provides for gradual termination of the Perkins Loan program, to be replaced by the Federal Direct Loans program. Prohibits any institution which has a Federal Direct Loans program agreement with the Secretary from receiving funds or making new loans under the Perkins Loan program. Requires deposit in an endowment fund of any collections of Perkins loans after an institution has begun distributing Federal Direct Loans. Requires the proceeds of such endowment fund to be awarded to student at that institution under specified provisions for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Part F: Need Analysis - Revises HEA title IV part F provisions for Need Analysis. Establishes a new single need analysis formula to be used in the calculation of financial need for all title IV Student Assistance programs (thus replacing the current separate formulas for Pell Grants and for other title IV programs). Bases such new formula on the current formula used for the Stafford (GSL) and the "campus-based" aid programs including supplemental grants and work-study programs. Revises provisions for amount of need. Eliminates provisions for a minimum student contribution. Revises provisions for cost of attendance. Revises provisions for expected family contribution: (1) in general; (2) for dependent students; (3) independent students without dependent children; and (4) independent students with dependent children. Revises provisions relating to the Secretary's authorization to prescribe specified updated need analysis tables and to propose modifications in the need analysis methodology. Revises provisions for the simplified needs test to provide for a by-pass and consideration as having a zero family contribution for those with family adjusted gross incomes less than or equal to the earned income tax credit. Retains provisions relating to: (1) the discretion of student financial aid administrators; (2) disregard of student aid in other Federal programs; and (3) Native American students. Revises definitions for need analysis provisions under title IV. Includes, under the definition of independent student, one who is 24 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year. Part G: General Provisions - Revises definitions for title IV (Student Assistance) in general. Excludes from the definition of institution of higher education, for purposes of title IV program eligibility, any institution which: (1) offers more than 50 percent of its courses by correspondence (also excludes correspondence courses from student eligibility); or (2) has filed for bankruptcy, if there is a judicial determination of fraud involving Federal funds. Sets forth certain eligible program requirements for proprietary institutions of higher education. Revises the definition of academic and award years. Sets forth certain eligible program standards for length of time of specified types of programs. Sets forth provisions for: (1) time limitations on, and renewal of, eligibility; (2) conditional certification of institutional eligibility; (3) branches; and (4) changes of ownership. Revises provisions relating to a master calendar. Revises provisions for forms and regulations for title IV student aid programs. Requires the common financial reporting form to be produced, distributed, and processed by the Secretary. Prohibits charging any parent or student a fee for the collection, processing, or delivery of financial aid through use of such a form. Requires institutions to pay the costs of other forms and their processing if they require or encourage students to use any form other than one approved by the Secretary. Requires use of the approved common form for purposes of title IV programs. Makes all data collected for the multiple data entry process the exclusive property of the Secretary. Prohibits such data from being transferred to a third party by an approved contractor without the Secretary's expressed written approval. Directs the Secretary to develop a streamlined reapplication process. Revises provisions for toll-free student aid information to include: (1) accessiblity for telecommunication devices for the deaf; and (2) referrals to a postsecondary clearinghouse for individuals with disabilities. Revises provisions for student eligibility for title IV student aid programs. Includes programs of study abroad approved for credit by the eligible institution among programs in which a student may receive such aid. Prohibits a student who is incarcerated from being eligible to receive a loan under title IV. Revises provisions for ability-to-benefit programs to include a State-prescribed determination process approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to verify all applications for aid through the use of any means available, including exchange of information with other Federal agencies. Revises provisions for loss of student eligibility for violation of loan limits to allow students who inadvertently exceed such borrowing limit to repay the excess amount prior to being certified for further title IV assistance. Sets forth provisions for the Secretary's verification of social security numbers provided by students to eligible institutions. Sets forth provisions for data base matching with the Selective Service. Provides for eligibility for title IV assistance for students in study abroad programs approved for credit by their home institutions. Provides that students enrolled in courses of instruction at eligible institutions of higher education that are offered in whole or part through visual telecommunications devices or mediums and lead to recognized associate, bachelor, or graduate degrees shall not: (1) be considered to be enrolled in correspondence courses (which are not eligible for student assistance); and (2) have their eligibility to participate in HEA title IV student assistance programs restricted or reduced solely on the basis of their enrollment in such courses offered through visual telecommunications. Prohibits the Secretary, for award years prior to enactment of this Act, to take any action against a student or eligible institution arising out of a prior award of student assistance if the institution demonstrates that its course of instruction would have been in conformance with such provisions. Revises statute of limitations provisions to provide that, with respect to any loan made part B GSL programs, a lender, holder, guaranty agency, or the Secretary shall not be subject to any claim or defense asserted by a borrower which is attributable to an act or failure to act by an educational institution attended by the borrower (unless the lender is an eligible institution). Establishes requirements for institutional refunds, refund policies, disclosures of policy. Revises provisions for information dissemination activities. Requires the institution to inform prospective student borrowers that study abroad programs approved for credit by the institution are eligible for student aid. Requires borrowers to provide certain information during the exit interview, regarding their expected permanent address, employer, next of kin, and corrections in the institution's records relating to their identification and location. Requires the institution to forward such information to the lender and guaranty agency. Establishes requirements for institutional information to students and prospective students regarding campus security policy and crime statistics. Sets forth provisions for campus security policy development. Revises provisions for a National Student Loan Data System to include requirements for: (1) common identifiers; and (2) integration of databases. Directs the Secretary to establish a centralized Student Loan Data System for use by schools, borrowers, holders, and guarantors in: (1) confirming borrower, internship, and residency status; and (2) identifying the current holder and servicer of a loan. Sets forth requirements for information in such system and restricted access, and deadlines for planning and implementation. Revises provisions for training in financial aid and student supportive services. Sets forth grant limitations. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for such training programs. Revises provisions for title IV program participation agreements. Requires institutions to disclose to prospective student relevant State licensing requirements for any job for which the course of instruction is designed. Prohibits institutions from: (1) making incentive payments to persons or entities engaged in student recruiting or admission or awarding of assistance; (2) employing or using any individual or organization that has committed fraud involving Federal funds; or (3) denying Federal aid to any eligible student because of participation in approved study abroad. Requires institutions: (1) acknowledge specified entities' information-sharing authority; (2) develop Default Management Plans under specified conditions; (3) comply with any specified maximum growth rates or percentages of aid recipients; and (4) complete specified surveys and collect and transmit specified information. Revises provisions relating to hearings and availability of records. Requires financial responsibility standards to: (1) be based on annual independent financial audit reports on institutions; and (2) require of every institution a letter of credit or other irrevocable bond to cover all potential liabilities to students and to the Secretary, for funds under title IV and cover all loan obligations discharged to students under specified provisions. Requires compliance audits of third party servicers. Authorizes emergency actions by the Secretary against any or all institutions under the substantial control of any individual or entity that is determined to have committed violations of any title IV program requirements or has been suspended or debarred by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to provide specified audit information to any appropriate Federal or State agency with responsibilities with respect to student assistance. Establishes a Quality Assurance Program. Authorizes the Secretary to select institutions for voluntary participation in such program based on criteria including demonstrated institutional performance and considering current quality assurance goals. Allows participating institutions to develop and implement their own systems to verify student financial aid application data. Exempts participating institutions from title IV reporting or verification requirements, and allows them to substitute such quality assurance reporting as the Secretary deems necessary. Sets forth conditions for removal from the program. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) select institutions for voluntary participation as experimental sites to provide recommendations on the impact and effectiveness of proposed regulations or new management initiatives; and (2) exempt such institutions from any title IV requirements or regulations that would bias experimental results. Directs the Secretary to assign to each participant (including institutions, lenders, and guaranty agencies) in title IV programs a single identification number. Increases the percentage of specified program funds which may be involved in certain inter-program transfers. Revises provisions for administrative expenses payments to require a reasonable proportion of an institution's funds to be available for financial aid services during times and in places to accommodate specified types of nontraditional students. Revises title IV provisions for criminal penalties. Increase the amount of fines for specified violations. Adds provisions relating to extent of liability for financial losses to the Federal Government, student aid recipients, and other proram participants and civil and criminal penalties, arising from material inaccuracy of information submitted by institution to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to require: (1) financial guarantees from an institution participating or seeking to participate in a title IV program, and/or from one or more individuals exercising substantial control over such institution; and (2) the assumption of personal liability by one or more such individuals, in accordance with specified provisions. Revises provisions for the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance to eliminate outdated provisions for a special institutional lender study. Sets forth provisions relating to the investigating and arrest authority and powers of designating employees of the Office of Inspector General, Department of Education. Establishes procedures for performance based regulatory relief for that satisfy specified criteria in title IV program participation. Requires regional meetings and negotiated rulemaking in developing regulations implementing amendments made to HEA title IV by this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for such purposes. Part H: Program Integrity - Establishes a new part H of title IV of HEA, Program Integrity. Sets forth requirements for State postsecondary approving agency programs for conduct or coordination of review and approval of institutions of higher education for purposes of title IV eligibility. Sets forth requirements for: (1) agreements with such State agencies; (2) Federal reimbursement of such State agency costs; (3) State agency functions, including criteria for review; (4) State standards, subject to disapproval by the Secretary, with differential standards for approval under specified conditions; (5) disapproval authority and procedures; (6) consumer complaints; and (7) enforcement mechanisms. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 and succeeding fiscal years for Federal reimbursement of State approving agency costs for such program integrity review and approval functions, in an amount not to exceed one percent of the amount appropriated for the fiscal year for title IV student financial assistance programs. Part I: Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to specified provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and the Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1991. Title V: Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Development - Revises HEA title V (Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Development). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for: (1) the new part A, State and Local Programs for Teacher Excellence; (2) part B, Teacher Scholarships and Fellowships (currently part D), including subpart 1 Paul Douglas Teacher Corps-Scholarships, and subpart 2 Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program; and (3) part C, National Programs, including subpart 1 National Mini Corps Program, subpart 3 Partnerships for Innovative Teacher Education, subpart 4 Teacher Opportunity Corps, subpart 5 National Job Bank for Teacher Recruitment, and subpart 6 Midcareer Teacher Training for Nontraditional Students (currently part A). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the part C subpart 7 Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification and Licensure. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 through 1998 for the part C subpart 2 National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Establishes, as the new part A of title V, State and Local Programs for Teacher Excellence. Provides for: (1) funds to State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and institutions of higher education to update and improve the skills of classroom teachers and school administrators; and (2) a comprehensive examination of State requirements for teacher preservice and certification. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs to improve the quality of teaching. Provides for allotment to States based on school-age population. Requires the SEA to allocate at least 50 percent of the State allotment to LEAs based on relative enrollments in their public schools and requiring any LEA receiving less than a specified minimum to form a consortium with other LEAs). Allows the SEA to reserve up to 25 percent of the State allotment for specified grants to institutions of higher education for teacher training programs. Directs the SEA to reserve not more than 25 percent of the State allotment to distribute to institutions of higher education for purposes of specified State uses of funds including assessment of teacher education programs, establishment of State Academies for Teachers and for School Administrators, and other teaching improvement activities. Requires the State to distribute such allotment funds to LEAs on a competitive basis if the appropriation for part A is less than a specified minimum amount. Sets forth requirements for State and local applications. Requires LEAs to use part A funds for inservice training of teachers. Allows LEAs to use such funds for: (1) programs to recruit individuals into teaching; (2) business partnerships for employee-teacher exchange and internship programs; and (3) other teaching improvement activities. Requires SEAs to use part A funds to conduct an assessment of teacher education programs within the State. Allows SEAs to use such funds for: (1) establishing State Academies for Teachers; (2) establishing State Academies for School Leaders; and (3) other teaching improvement activities. Requires each SEA receiving part A funds to undertake a study of teacher education programs and State laws and regulations relating to such programs, including standards or requirements for teacher certification and licensure. Sets forth deadlines for study results and reports. Sets forth provisions for competitive awards for and authorized activities of, State Academies for Teachers and State Academies for School Administrators. Sets forth provisions for applications by institutions of higher education for part A grants by SEAs. Requires SEAs to award such grants on a competitive basis to such institutions having departments, schools, or colleges of education, for: (1) institutional technical assistance to LEAs for inservice training; (2) innovations and improvements in teacher education programs within the institution to better meet LEAs needs for well-prepared teachers; (3) integrating the instruction of academic and vocational teacher education programs; (4) activities to encourage individuals, especially from minority groups, to pursue careers in education; and (5) implementing new requirements for teacher education programs, when the State study of such programs is completed. Requires part A funds to supplement, not supplant, regular non-Federal funds. Revises, and transfers to part B of title V of HEA, provisions for Teacher Scholarships and Fellowships (currently part D). Revises, extends, and renames subpart 1 as the Paul Douglas Teacher Corps Scholarships program (currently Paul Douglas, or Congressional, Teacher Scholarships program). Bases allocation among States on school-age population. Requires State agencies to make particular efforts to attract, and give priority consideration to, ethnic and racial minority students, students with disabilities, or other individuals historically underrepresented in teaching (as well as students from low-income disadvantaged backgrounds). Requires special consideration, in selecting teacher corps members, to be given to individuals who intend to teach: (1) students with disabilities (or provide related services for them); (2) limited English proficient students; (3) preschool age children; or (4) in curricular or geographic areas where there is a demonstrated shortage of qualified teachers. Retains and extends the subpart 2 Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program, a national fellowship program for outstanding teachers. Establishes title V part C provisions for National Programs. Establishes, as subpart 1, the National Mini Corps Program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to establish program partnerships with LEAs. Provides for program services for individuals who are: (1) first-generation college students or low-income individuals as defined under TRIO special programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; or (2) migrant or seasonal farmworkers, or the children of such farmworkers, who meet qualifications for attendance at a college or university. Provides for certain program services, also, for children who are: (1) migrant children; or (2) eligible to receive services for educationally disadvantaged children with special needs under chapter 1 of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 1). Requires the program to provide: (1) such individuals enrolled or planning to enroll in institutions of higher education with advice, training, and instructional services to help in being role models for such children; (2) such children with outreach and recruitment services to encourage them to enroll in teacher education programs; (3) such individuals enrolled in such an institution with support and instructional services to enable them to provide direct instructional services to such children, in coordination with SEA or LEA goals; (4) designation of college coordinators at participating institutions to train, supervise, and assign such individuals in cooperation with SEAs and LEAs in which such children have been identified; and (5) support for other activities related to encouraging such individuals to enter the teacher profession and provide a link to the community. Sets forth requirements for institutional applications, grant awards, and uses of funds. Establishes, as subpart 2 of part C, provisions for a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (the Board). Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to the Board from specified appropriations authorized for FY 1994 through 1998. Sets forth terms and conditions for such funding. Prohibits any funds from being made available to the Board after FY 1995 (except as authorized for FY 1994 through 1998). Requires the Board to consult at least twice annually with the Committee (i.e. the Fund for Improvement and Reform of Schools and Teaching Board) on design and execution of its overall research and development strategy, including compliance with merit review and open competition requirements. Requires funds for the Board under this Act to be used only for research and development of teacher assessment and certification procedures for elementary and secondary school teachers. Requires that priority be given to such activities relating to teaching: (1) the subject areas of mathematics, the sciences, foreign languages, and literacy (including reading, writing, and analytical ability); and (2) special educational populations, including limited English proficient children, gifted and talented children, children with disabilities, and economically and educationally disadvantaged children. Sets the Federal share of the cost of such Board activities at 50 percent. Requires the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Requires the Secretary of Education, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the National Research Council to review and comment on the Board's report and to report to such congressional committees on the Board's compliance with these provisions. Establishes, as subpart 3 of part C, provisions for a new Partnerships for Innovative Teacher Education program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and contracts with State and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and consortia of such institutions and agencies to plan, establish, and operate teaching schools to develop and put into practice the best knowledge about teaching. Provides that planning and implementation grant awards shall be for a term one year, with a total of five years of implementation grants under specified conditions. Provides for applications, priorities, uses of funds by award recipients, and authorized activities of such teaching schools. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent for planning grants and 33 1/3 percent for implementation grants. Establishes, as subpart 4 of part C, provisions for a Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC), to encourage institutions of higher education to offer educational programs and financial assistance to enable paraprofessionals working in shortage area schools serving disadvantaged students to become certified teachers. Directs the Secretary to allocate TOC program grant funds to States according to the same formula under which States receive ESEA chapter 1 funding for education of disadvantaged children. Requires TOC grant program agreements to include provisions for administration and recordkeeping by the State education or higher education agency. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to support TOC programs at institutions of higher education. Sets forth State grant application requirements and general criteria for State grants, including: (1) involvement of institutions of higher educaiton and shortage area schools or school districts; (2) full creditability to a baccalaurate program leading to teacher certification; (3) a program evaluation system; and (4) appropriate credit for paraprofessional classroom experience as practice or student teaching. Requires any paraprofessional who receives student financial assistance under the TOC program to agree to act as a paraprofessional in a shortage area school for at least one year for each year of such assistance, within ten years after completing the the postsecondary education. Requires repayment of all or part of such assistance, plus interest and reasonable collection costs, if the recipient fails to comply with this service requirements, except in specified circumstances. Requires that such student financial assistance supplement, but not supplant, other Federal or State assistance for which the student would otherwise qualify. Requires TOC program grants to be for a term of at least five years, subject to availability of appropriations. Allows States to use TOC program funds for: (1) student financial assistance to paraprofessionals to pay part or all of the costs of attendance in postsecondary education programs required for teacher certification; (2) instructional and supportive services for such paraprofessionals during participation in such programs; and (3) payment of child care expenses to attend postsecondary classes required for teacher certification. Establishes, as subpart 5 of part C, a National Job Bank for Teacher Recruitment. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), to study the feasibility of establishing: (1) a clearinghouse to operate a national teacher job bank; and (2) regional clearinghouses. Directs the Secretary, through OERI, to contract with one or more State entities, nonprofit organizations, or higher education institutions to pay the Federal share of costs of establishing a Teacher Job Bank Clearinghouse to help: (1) public and private education agencies locate qualified applicants for teaching-related positions; and (2) individuals locate teaching-related jobs or training necessary to enter the teaching profession. Sets forth requirements for applications and authorized uses of funds. Retains and extends, and transfers to subpart 6 of part C of title V, provisions for Midcareer Teacher Training for Nontraditional Students (currently part A of title V). Alternative Routes to Teacher and Principal Certification and Licensure Act of 1991 - Establishes, as subpart 7 of part C of title V of HEA, Alternative Routes to Teacher and Principal Certification and Licensure. Establishes program of assistance for alternative routes to teacher certification or licensure, to improve the supply of qualified elementary and secondary school teachers and principals by assisting State programs to help talented professionals who have demonstrated high competence in a subject area and wish to pursue education careers to meet State certification licensing requirements, with special emphasis on minority group member participation. Sets forth requirements for allotments, State applications, and uses of funds. Repeals this subpart as of July 1, 1995. (Authorized appropriations for this subpart for FY 1993.) Title VI: International Education Programs - Revises title VI of HEA, International Education Programs. Revises provisions for part A, International and Foreign Language Studies. Revises provisions for graduate and undergraduate language and area studies, to add to authorized uses of program grants the establishing and maintaining of linkages with overseas institutions of higher education and other organizations that may contribute to specified educational objectives of the program or center. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants to comprehensive language and area centers for programs of linkage or outreach: (1) between foreign language, area studies, and other international fields and professional schools and colleges; (2) with two-and four-year colleges and universities; (3) with departments or agencies of State and Federal governments; (4) with the news media, business, professional, or trade associations; and (5) carried out by summer institutes in foreign area and other international fields. Revises provisions for stipends. Revises provisions for language resource centers. Revises provisions for undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs. Limits program grants to not more than 50 percent of project costs. Replaces model grant provisions with provisions for grants to strengthen programs of demonstrated excellence to ensure their self-sustaining maintenance and growth and enhance their capacity-building and dissemination functions. Authorizes the Secretary to also make grants for programs of national significance for undergraduate international studies and foreign language education purposes. Retains and extends provisions for intensive summer language institutes. Revises provisions for research, studies, and annual reports. Revises provisions for assistance in acquiring and making available periodicals published outside the United States to add provisions for other research materials published outside the United States. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for such assistance (in addition to other funds authorized for part A). Requires the Secretary, in awarding grants under part A International and Foreign Language Studies, to ensure that an appropriate portion of such funds are used to support undergraduate education. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for title VI part A, International and Foreign Language Studies. Revises title VI part B provisions for Business and International Education Programs. Revises provisions both for centers for international business education and for education and training programs to add to authorized users of such center and program grants: (1) establishment of linkages overseas with institutions of higher education and other organizations that contribute to such centers' and programs' educational objectives, and (2) summer institutes in international business, foreign area, and other international studies designed to carry out specified purposes. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for title VI part B, Business and International Education Programs, including Centers for International Business Education and Education and Training Programs. Revises title VI part C general provisions to eliminate provisions for an Advisory Board. Adds a definition of critical languages. Provides that amendments to title VI establishing new programs or expanding existing programs pursuant to this Act shall not be funded in FY 1993 through 1997 unless and until the Congress enacts appropriations for pre-1992 title VI programs enacted prior to this Act at a level no less than their, FY 1992 funding. Establishes a new part D of title VI, the Institute for International Public Policy (the Institute), which shall, conduct a program to significantly increase the numbers of African Americans and other minorities in the foreign service of the United States. Authorizes the Institute to be established through grant or contract between the Secretary and an eligible recipient (a consortia of institutions eligible for title III part B assistance for historically Black colleges and universities, other institutions of higher education serving substantial numbers of African American and other minority students, and institutions of higher education with nationally recognized programs in training foreign service professionals). Requires each consortia to designate a host institution for the Institute. Sets forth the components of the academic program of the Institute, including a junior year abroad, academic year and summer internships, a masters degree program, and fellowships for full-time study for students who agree to enter the U.S. foreign service. Requires appointment of a Board of Visitors for the Institute. Sets forth matching requirements and provisions for gifts and donations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the Institute. Title VII: Construction, Reconstruction and Renovation of Academic Facilities - Revises title VII of HEA, Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Academic Facilities. Revises title VII program purposes, and makes a priority on renovation optional rather than mandatory. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the following title VII programs: (1) part A, Grants for the Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Undergraduate Academic Facilities; (2) part B, Grants for Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Graduate Academic Facilities; (3) part C, Loans for Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Academic, Housing, and Other Educational Facilities (consolidates the current parts C and F); and (4) part D, Grants to Pay Interest on Debt. Revises title VII part A provisions for Grants for the Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Undergraduate Academic Facilities. Limits the total payment of under part A for any fiscal years to institutions of higher education in any State to not move than 12 1/2 percent of part A appropriations. Directs the Secretary to use a national peer review panel in making part A grants to institutions. Retains provisions for cost limitations and use for maintenance. Retains part B provisions for Grants for Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Graduate Academic Facilities. Consolidates loan programs under current part C and part F provisions into a new part C, Loans for Construction, Reconstruction, and Renovation of Academic, Housing, and Other Educational Facilities. Sets forth provisions for such Federal assistance in the form of loans, use of funds, and a revolving loan fund. Limits to not more than 12 1/2 percent of part C funds in the form of loans the amount which may be made available to educational institutions within any one State. Directs the Secretary, in awarding part C loans, to give priority to loans for renovation or reconstruction of: (1) graduate or undergraduate academic facilities; and (2) older graduate or undergraduate academic facilities that have gone without major renovation or reconstruction for an extended period. Provides for a portion of funds obtained pursuant to specified provisions under title IV of the Housing Act of 1950 to be available for part C purposes. Retains part D provisions for Grants to Pay Interest on Debt, and part E provisions for the College Construction Loan Insurance Association. Eliminates provisions for part G, Special Programs. Establishes a new part F, Historically Black College and University Capital Financing. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into insurance agreements to provide financial insurance to guarantee full payment of principal and interest on qualified bonds to facilitate capital financing for historically Black colleges and universities (eligible institutions). Requires the Secretary to designate a qualified bonding authority that agrees to assume specified responsibilities, including using bond proceeds to make loans to eligible institutions for capital projects. Limits the aggregate principal amount of outstanding bonds insured under this Act together with any accrued unpaid interest thereon. Limits the specified portions of such aggregate amount which may be used for loans to eligible institutions that are, respectively, private or public. (Provides, for such purposes, that Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and Howard University in Washington, D.C., are public institutions.) Sets forth duties and powers of the Secretary under this part F, including procedures for designation of the bonding authority. Establishes, within the Department of Education, the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Advisory Board. Provides for minority business enterprise utilization under this part F. Repeals title VII part J (I) provisions for the Agriculture, Strategic Metals, Minerals, Forestry, and Oceans College and University Research Facilities and Instrumentation Modernization Program. Title VIII: Cooperative Education - Revises title VIII of HEA, Cooperative Education. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for cooperative education programs under title VIII. Limits eligibility to apply for new administration grants under title VIII to those institutions of higher education which have not received funds for the administration of the cooperative education program for the preceding ten years. Revises provisions for Federal share and applications. Title IX: Graduate Programs - Revises title IX of HEA, Graduate Programs. Directs the Secretary to provide for coordinated administration and regulation of assisted graduate programs to ensure that they are carried out in a manner most compatible with academic practices. Directs the Secretary to appoint administrative and technical employees with the appropriate educational background to assist in program adminstration. Revises and renames part A, Grants to Institutions to Encourage Women and Minority Participation in Graduate Education (currently, Grants to Institutions to Encourage Minority Participation in Graduate Education). Adds provisions for women (as well as for individuals from minority groups underrepresented in graduate education) under such part A program. Adds provisions for information collection under such part A program. Revises title IX part B provisions. Renames part B as Postbaccalaureate Opportunity and Harris Fellowship Programs (currently Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowships). Provides for a subpart 1 program of Postbaccaulaureate masters and professional education of women and minorities underrepresented in such education. Provides for a subpart 2 program, the Patricia Roberts Harris Graduate Fellowship Program, to provide, through institutions of higher education, grants to assist the doctoral education for women and individuals from underrepresented groups. Provides for individual stipends comparable with National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships. Revises title IX part C provisions for the Jacob K. Javits Fellows Program. Authorizes up to 600 new fellowships per year (currently limited to 450 per-year). Revises provisions for individual stipends (to be comparable with National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships). Sets the institutional assistance payment at $10,000, to be adjusted annually for inflation. Revises title IX part D provisions for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need. Provides for institutional commitments to provide stipends to complete graduate study to include students pursuing a doctoral degree after having completed a masters degree program. Provides for individual stipend comparable to National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships. Provides for an added institutional assistance payment of $10,000, to be adjusted for inflation. Revises title IX part E provisions for Assistance for Training in the Legal Profession. Requires such assistance to be for minority and other low-income, disadvantaged college graduates to successfully pursue a law degree and service in the legal profession. Requires such assistance to be through and annual grant on contract with the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO). Sets forth authorized services for part E legal training projects. Requires the Secretary, by grant or contract on a biennial basis, with CLEO, to cover all or part of costs of specified activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for specified authorized services provided by part E legal training projects. Revises title IX part F provisions for Law School Clinical Experience Programs. Authorize grant use to cover costs of continuing (as well as establishing or expanding) such programs. Increases the maximum amount any law school may receive under part F in any fiscal year (from $100,000 to $250,000). Establishes, as a new part G of title IX, a program of Grants to Institutions to Encourage Minorities to Enter the Higher Education Professorate. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education or to nonprofit organizations associated with such institutions with a demonstrated record of enhancing minority access to graduate education), in consortia with historically black colleges and universities and other institutions with significant enrollments of African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. States that such grants shall enable such institutions to: (1) identify talented candidates for and recipients of baccalaureate degrees and faculty who wish to enter or continue in the higher education professorate; and (2) provide such students and faculty with stipends and fellowships to assist them in obtaining a doctoral degree and returning to an institution of higher education to teach. Designates such fellowships as the Faculty Development Fellowships. Sets forth application and selection requirements. Requires each Faculty Development Fellowship recipient to agree to teach at an institution of higher education for two years for every one year of fellowship assistance, or else repay the fellowship. Sets forth repayment procedures and exceptions. Transfers to part H of title IX provisions for Authorization of Appropriations (currently part G). Extends for FY 1993 through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for the following title IX programs: (1) part A, Grants to Institutions to Encourage Women and Minority Participation in Graduate Education; (2) part B, subpart 1, Postbaccalaureate Opportunity Fellowships; (3) part B, subpart 2, Patricia Roberts Harris Graduate Fellowship Program; (4) part C, Jacob K. Javits Fellows Program; (5) part D, Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need; (6) part F, Law School Clinical Experience Programs; and (7) part G, Grants to Institutions to Encourage Minorities to Enter the Higher Education Professorate. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 through 1998 for part E, Assistance for Training in the Legal Profession (under part E, this Act also authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for specified authorized services provided by part E legal training projects). Title X: Postsecondary Improvement Program - Revises title X of HEA, Postsecondary Improvement Program. Authorizes the Secretary to make planning grants to institutions of higher education for the development and testing of innovative techniques in postsecondary education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for such planning grants. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for HEA title X part A, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (the Fund) (to which such planning grant provisions are added). Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for part B, Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Programs. Retains the current division of such funds as follows: (1) 50 percent for the Minority Science Improvement Program; (2) 33 1/3 percent for Science and Engineering Access Programs; and (3) 16 2/3 percent for the Special Services Projects progam. Redesignates the current part C of title X of HEA, Innovative Projects for Community Services and Student Financial Assistance, as part C of a new title XI of HEA (Student Community Service). Establishes a new part C of title X of HEA, Special Projects in Areas of National Need. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education, consortia thereof, and other public agencies and nonprofit institutions for innovative projects concerning one or more areas of particular national need in postsecondary education identified by the Secretary and the Director of the Fund. Sets forth application requirements. Requires areas of national need to initially include, but not be limited to: (1) international exchanges; (2) campus climate and culture; and (3) evaluation and dissemination. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for such grants Title XI: Student Community Service - Establishes a new title XI of HEA, Student Community Service, which consolidate current and new HEA community service programs. Some elements of the current title XI, Partnerships for Economic Development and Urban Community Service, are contained in revised forms under the new title I of HEA, as amended by this Act.) Establishes, as part A of title XI, Higher Education Innovative Projects for Community Service, to support innovative projects to encourage students to participate in community service activities while attending institutions of higher education (such provisions are revised and transferred from the National and Community Service Act of 1990). (The current part A of title XI of HEA is Partnerships for Community Development.) Authorizes the Secretary (after consultation with the Commission on National Service, to insure coordination of activities, to make part A grants to and contracts with institutions of higher education (including consortia of such institutions) working in partnership with other public agencies and nonprofit organizations, to: (1) enable institutions to create or expand community service activities to their students; (2) encourage community service projects designed and initiated by students; (3) encourage student participation in community service activities that engender social responsibility and commitment to the community; (4) encourage students to assist in teaching individuals with limited basic skills or an inability to read and write; and (5) provide for training teachers, prospective teachers, related education personnel, and community leaders in the skills necessary to develop community service acitivites. Requires, with respect to proposed community service activities, consideration of: (1) the particular needs of a community; (2) the grantee's ability to actively involve a major part of the community; and (3) whether the community will benefit substantially. Sets the Federal share at not more than 50 percent. Sets forth application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for such part A program. Establishes a new part B of title XI, Student Literacy Corps and Student Mentoring Corps (the current part D of title I of HEA provides for a Student Literacy Corps). Authorizes the Secretary to make part B grants to institutions of higher education for up to four years to carry out literacy corps programs and/or mentoring corps programs in public community agencies in the communities in which the institutions are located. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such grant funds. Sets forth application requirements for such programs. Sets forth provisions for technical assistance and coordination arrangements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for such part B programs. Sets forth, as part C of title XI, provisions for Innovative Projects for Community Services and Student Financial Independence (currently such provisions are under part C of title X). Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for such part C projects. Sets forth, as part D of title XI, provisions for Community Service-Learning. Transfers and revises such provisions, which are currently under title IV part C, for: (1) work-study for community service-learning on behalf of low-income individuals and families; and (2) community service job location and development programs for students at institutions of higher education. Establishes, as part E of title XI, Grants for Sexual Offenses Education and prevention programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make such part E program grants to and contracts with institutions of higher education, on a competitive basis. Requires program grants, in general, to be used to educate and provide support services to student victims of sexual offenses. Sets forth authorized activities. Requires that at least 25 percent ofprogram funds be available for grants for model demonstration programs, to be coordinated with local rape crisis centers, for: (1) development and implementation of quality rape prevention and education curricula; and (2) local programs to provide services to student sexual offense victims. Requires, under conditions for institutional eligibility for part E grants, written policies that: (1) prohibit all forms of sexual offenses; and (2) require disclosure to the victim of any sexual offense the outcome of any campus police investigation or campus disciplinary proceedings brought pursuant to the victim's complaint against the alleged perpetrator. Gives priority to grant applicants who do not have an established campus education program regarding sexual offenses. Sets forth requirements for part E grant applictions and grantee performance reports. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations for such program; and (2) report on such program to congressional committees responsible for issues relating to higher education and crime. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1995 for such part E grants for sexual offenses education and prevention programs. Repeals provisions of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 relating to Higher Education Innovative Projects for Innovative Eduction (such provisions are transferred in a revised form to part A of title XI of HEA by this Act, as described above). Title XII: General Provisions - Revises title XII of HEA, General Provisions. Revises HEA definitions, including that of institution of higher education, and adds, definitions with cross-reference to other laws. Revises antidiscrimination provisions to declare that nothing in HEA shall be construed to limit any individual's rights or responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or any other law. Adds requirements for institutional disclosures of foreign gifts. Requires such disclosure reports to be made to the Secretary and to be open to public inspection. Provides for court orders to enforce such disclosure requirements. Title XIII: Indian Higher Education Programs - Part A: Tribally Controlled Community Colleges - Amends the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 to extend the authorization of appropriations: (1) from FY 1992 through 1996, for technical assistance contracts, grants to tribally controlled community colleges, and a renovation program and construction of new facilities; and (2) from FY 1993 through 1997, for the tribally controlled community college endowment program grants and economic development program. Amends the Navajo Community College Act to extend the authorization of appropriations from FY 1993 through 1997 for construction grants. Part B: Higher Education Tribal Grant Authorization Act - Higher Education Tribal Grant Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary, for purposes of this part B of title XIII) to make grants to Indian tribes (tribes) to permit them to provide financial assistance to individual Indian students for the cost of attendance at institutions of higher education. Provides that such grants shall come from appropriations for supporting higher education grants for Indian students under the authority of the Snyder Act. Prohibits the Secretary from placing any restrictions not expressly authorized by this part on the use of funds provided to an Indian tribe under this part. Provides that this Act shall not affect any Federal trust responsibilities. Prohibits any termination, modification, suspension, or reduction of grants under this part which is only for the convenience of the administering agency. Allows any tribe to qualify for such a grant by filing: (1) a notice of intent to administer such a student assistance program, if such tribe obtains funds for educational purposes similar to those authorized in this part pursuant to a contract under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) (contracting tribe); or (2) an application for such a grant, if the tribe does not have such an ISDEAA contract (noncontracting tribe), under guidelines for programs under ISDEAA. Presumes an Indian tribe which has qualified for such a grant to continue to be eligible for such a grant for each succeeding fiscal year, unless the Secretary revokes such eligibility for a specified cause, involving failure to submit annual financial statements and program descriptions to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or biennial financial audits to the Secretary, or independently evaluated failure to comply with standards relating to eligible students, programs, or institutions of higher education, satisfactory progress, or allowable administrative costs, as determined under ISDEAA contracts. Sets forth procedural safeguards relating to such revocations, including written notice, opportunity and technical assistance to make corrections, and hearing and appeals applicable under ISDEAA. Directs the Secretary to continue to determine the amount of program funds to be received by each grantee under this part by the same method used for determining such distribution in FY 1991 for tribally-administered and BIA-administered programs of grants to individual Indians to defray postsecondary expenses. Provides for additional amounts to cover program administrative costs, determined for: (1) contracting tribes, by the method used by the grantee during the preceding ISDEAA contract period; and (2) noncontracting tribes, by the ISDEAA regulations governing such determinations, as in effect at the time of the grant application. Provides for a single grant to each grantee during any fiscal year, combining such program and administrative funds. Requires the grant to be maintained in a separate account. Requires the tribes to use such grants to make grants to individual Indian students to meet, on the basis of need, any educational expense of attendance in a postsecondary education program (as determined under ISDEAA contracts), to the extent such expense is not met through other sources or cannot be defrayed through the action of any State, Federal, or municipal Act (except that nothing in these provisions is to be interpreted as requiring any priority in consideration of resources). Allows use of such grants also for program administrative costs, within the specified limits. Bars use of grant funds for study at a divinity school or department or for any religious worship or sectarian activity. Sets forth provisions for grant payments. Requires that interest or any other income on grant funds: (1) be used only for the same purposes as the grants; (2) be the property of the tribe or tribal organization; and (3) not be taken into account by Federal officers or employees in determining whether to provide assistance, or the amount of assistance, under any Federal law. Sets forth requirements relating to investments and deposits of such funds. Provides that such funds shall not be considered for purposes of underrecovery or overrecovery determinations by any Federal agency for any other funds. Directs the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on the programs established under this part, including specified items. Requires that: (1) grant applications, and application modifications, be reviewed and approved by personnel under the direction and control of the Director of the Office of Indian Education Programs; and (2) required reports be submitted to such personnel. Requires that specified provisions of the ISDEAA be applicable to grants provided under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations relating to discharge of duties specifically assigned to the Secretary by this part. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing regulations in all other matters relating to the details of planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of grants under this part. Provides that regulations issued under these provisions shall not have the standing of a Federal statute for purposes of judicial review. Sets forth procedures for retrocession of programs assisted under this part. Makes any such retrocession requested by a tribe effective on a date specified by the Secretary not more than 120 days after such request, or such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Secretary and the tribe. Requires the Secretary, if such program is retroceded, to provide any tribe served by such program at least the same quantity and quality of services. Requires the tribal governing body requesting the retrocession to specify whether the retrocession shall be to: (1) a contract administered by the tribe, or a tribal entity, under the authority of the ISDEAA; or (2) a BIA-administered program. Part C: Critical Needs for Tribal Development Act - Critical Needs for Tribal Development Act - Authorizes an eligible Indian tribe or tribal organization to require any applicant for federally funded higher education assistance to enter into a critical area service agreement, as a condition of receipt of such assistance. Requires such tribe or tribal organization that implements such critical area service agreements to designate particular occupational areas as critical areas for the economic or human development needs of the tribe or its members, and to notify the Secretary of the Interior in writing of such designated critical areas. Establishes guidelines and procedures to implement such critical area service agreements. Part D: Institute of American Indian Native Culture and Arts Development - Amends the Higher Education Amendments of 1986 (of which title XV is the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Culture and Art Development Act is referred to as the Act for purposes of this part) to revise provisions relating to the Institute of American Indian Native Culture and Arts Development (the Institute) and its Board of Directors (the Board). Requires that Board members represent diverse fields of expertise, including finance, law, and fine arts higher education administration. Directs the President to carry out through the Board the publication of announcements of expiration of terms and the solicitation of nominations from Indian tribes and organizations to fill vacancies. Authorizes the Board to: (1) make recommendations based on nominations received; (2) make recommendations of its own; and (3) review and make comments on individuals being considered by the President for whom no nominations have been received. Grants the Board the power to recommend the continuation of Board members, in order to maintain stability and continuation, in accordance with specified procedures. Revises general powers of the Board. Authorizes the Board to: (1) enter into joint development ventures with public or private commercial or noncommercial entities for development of facilities to meet a specified required plan (provided that such ventures are related to and further the Institute's mission); and (2) designate annually a portion (up to ten percent) of specified appropriated funds for investment on a short-term basis to maximize yield and liquidity. Requires that interest and earnings on specified amounts received and invested by the Institute be expended to carry out the Act. Revises provisions for basic compensation rates for Institute staff to require these to be set at rates comparable to those of similar institutions of higher education (or, as at present, at civil service rates for individuals with comparable qualifications). Revises Institute functions to eliminate certain requirements relating to a Center for Culture and Art Studies, Center for Research and Cultural Exchange, and Museum of American Indian and Alaska Native Arts. Makes the Board responsible for establishing the policies and administrative organization relating to the administrative organization relating to the administrative control and monitoring responsibilities for all Institute subdivisions, administrative entities, and departments, with the specific responsibilities of each to lie solely within the discretion of the Board or its designee. Requires the Board to establish, within the Institute, departments for the study of culture and arts and for research and exchange, and a museum. Directs the Board to establish areas of competency for such departments. Authorizes the Institute to develop a policy or policies to extend preference to Indians in its program admissions and enrollment, employment, and contracts, fellowships, and grants. (Currently authorizes the Institute to simply extend such preference.) Revises provisions relating to transfer of functions, including certain provisions for forgiveness of amounts owed and hold harmless provisions. Eliminates requirements for an annual report by the Institute President. Revises provisions relating to the Institute's headquarters to refer to the Board, rather than the Secretary of the Interior. Provides that the Institute shall not be subject to any requirement for non-Federal matching funds as a condition for Federal assistance. Revises provisions for the Institute's endowment program. Allows the Institute to use funds from any non-Federal governmental source (as well as from any private or tribal source) to comply with a contribution requirement. Directs the Board to prepare a master plan on the short- and long-term facilities needs of the Institute, including specified types of evaluations, impact projections, periodic reviews, and needs prioritization. Requires transmittal of such plan to the Congress within 18 months after enactment of this part. Part E: Tribal Development Student Assistance Revolving Loan Program - Tribal Development Student Assistance Act - Establishes a student assistance revolving loan program for Native Americans, to be administered by tribes or tribal organizations. Requires that funds received under a grant under this part or recovered under specified provisions of this part be identified and accounted for separately from any other tribal or Federal funds received from the Federal Government. Requires that all funds in such account be used for the purposes of this Act. Makes the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary, for purposes of this part) responsible for establishing requirements for receipt, investment, and accounting of such funds to safeguard any financial interests of the Federal Government. Requires such funds to be: (1) invested by the tribe or tribal organization only in obligations of the United States or in obligations or securities guaranteed or insured by the United States; or (2) deposited only in accounts that are insured by an agency or instrumentality of the United States. Provide that any interest or investment income that accrues to any of such funds after they have been distributed to a tribe or tribal organization to make loans under this part shall be: (1) the property of the tribe or tribal organization; and (2) not taken into account by any Federal officer or employee in determining whether to provide to provide assistance, or the amount of assistance, under any provision of Federal law. Directs the Secretary to make grants under this part to: (1) tribes or multitribal organizations not serviced by current federally funded postsecondary institutions authorized for economic development grants; and (2) tribes or multitribal organizations which lack sufficient numbers of professionally trained tribal members to support established or ongoing economic development activities. Requires any tribe or tribal organization which receives such grant funds to make such funds available by loan to Native American students who have successfully completed 30 hours of postsecondary education and who are eligible for readmission to a postsecondary institution. Sets forth terms of such student loans, including: (1) being subject to repayment over a period of not more than five years; (2) not bearing interest; and (3) being subject to forgiveness for services to the tribe under specified provisions. Requires that calculation of the student's cost of attendance include all costs as determined by the tribe for purposes of fulfilling the policy of this part. Requires any student seeking such a loan to apply for and accept the maximum financial aid available from other sources. Prohibits such loans from being considered in needs analysis under any other Federal law, and from penalizing students in determining eligibility for other funds. Sets forth requirements for a written agreement between the tribe or tribal organization and the eligible recipient for service fulfillment or loan repayment. Requires the recipient to commit to: (1) perform, for each academic year of assistance under this part, one calendar year of service to the tribe or tribal organization in an occupation related to the course of study pursued and an economic or social tribal development plan (commencing not later than six months after the student ceases to carry at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload); or (2) repay to the tribe or tribal organization the full amount of the loan, in monthly or quarterly installments within five years (with such recovered funds to be reported annually to the Secretary and invested in the account). Sets forth provisions for: (1) limitations and conditions on such service; (2) waivers or suspensions of such service agreements; (3) pro rata reductions for partial service; and (4) annual certification of individuals' service by the tribe to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an application process for making grants to eligible entities; (2) take into account in reviewing applications the number of students with partial completion identified by the applicant, relative to the total number of tribal members who would be benefitted by the provision of services; and (3) attempt to achieve geographic and demographic diversity in such grants. Directs the Secretary, subject to the availability of funds and acceptable applications, to make five four-year grants to tribes or tribal organizations. Requires that the amount of administrative costs associated with such grants be negotiated by the Secretary with successful applicants and made a part of the grant agreement. Authorizes appropriations for this part for FY 1993 through 1997. Title XIV: Miscellaneous - Part A: Studies -Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to conduct, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), a two-year study of programs to increase the accessibility of postsecondary education for nontraditional students. Requires an interim and final report on such study to specified congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to evaluate the coordination of Federal student assistance programs with other benefit programs funded in whole or part with Federal funds. Requires particular attention to: (1) the effect of receipt of student aid on reduction or denial of other program benefits to such students; and (2) the attendance cost elements funded in whole or part by Federal student assistance programs for students eligible for other Federal programs, and the inclusion of room and/or board costs in such attendance costs. Requires a report on such study to appropriate congressional committees within three years. Directs the Secretary to conduct an annual special purpose survey of factors associated with participation of low-income, disadvantaged, and minority students in various types of postsecondary education. Requires such survey data to permit comparisons with other groups that have characteristically participated at higher rates than at-risk students. Requires consultation with the Congress and the elementary, secondary, and higher education community in developing such annual survey. Sets forth required inclusions in such survey. Requires the Secretary, in the event of significant findings related to underparticipation rates of at-risk and other students, to submit a plan containing policies and program modifications for ensuring the participation of at-risk students. Directs the Secretary, through OERI, to evaluate the effectiveness of postsecondary assistance guaranty programs for disadvantaged children that, in exchange for the child's commitment to achieving a satisfactory elementary and secondary education, promise the child the financial resources needed to pursue a postsecondary education. Requires such study to sample the types of such guarantee programs available, which may include supportive services, mentoring, study skills, and counseling for student participants. Requires dissemination of study findings. Requires an interim and a final report to specified congressional committees. Directs OERI to conduct a two-year study to: (1) assess information currently collected on graduate education; and (2) identify what additional information should be generated to guide the Department of Education in supporting graduate education. Requires consultation with other agencies and organizations involved in graduate education policies and programs. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate staffing requirements of the U.S. Department of Education's Center for International Education, including specified considerations. Requires consultation with institutions of higher education which have participated in specified international education programs under HEA and the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, and with national organizations of such institutions. Requires a report to the Congress within one year on such evaluation results. Part B: National Clearinghouse for Postsecondary Education Materials - Authorizes the Secretary to award a three-year grant or contract to establish a National Clearinghouse for Postsecondary Education Materials in accessible form, including audio and digital for students with disabilities. Sets forth authorized uses of such grant or contract funds. Sets forth a declining Federal share of program cost for each year of the award. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for such clearinghouse.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1991
Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 1991 - Applies the naturalization through armed forces service provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act to an alien who served in a special guerilla unit in Laos during the period February 28, 1961 to September 18, 1978. Waives the English language naturalization requirement for such an alien (or widow or spouse).
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1991
USHealth Program Act of 1991 - Title I: Provision And Expansion Of Hospital, Medical, And Preventive Services To Cover All Americans Either Through A USHealth Program Or Qualified Employer Health Plans - Subtitle A: Coverage of Elderly, Disabled, Retired, and Other Non-Employed Individuals Through a USHealth Program - Part 1: Eligibility - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish the USHealth Program (Program) for the provision of hospital as well as long-term care and certain preventive benefits to U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents. Provides for incorporating into the Program for hospital care: (1) aliens who are employed with a foreign government or an international organization and reside in the United States; and (2) foreign visitors. Provides for low-income assistance under the Program. Repeals provisions of various other benefit programs rendered superfluous by the comprehensive nature of the Program. Makes conforming amendments to the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974. Provides transitional Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) coverage of pregnant women and infants up to 185 percent of the Federal poverty level. Increases to 100 percent the Federal medical assistance percentage for additional populations covered. Part 2: Benefits - Revises the scope of benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance). Lists under such part Program benefits which comprise: (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) medical and other health services; (3) comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility services and home intravenous drug therapy services; (4) alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation services; (5) outpatient mental health services; and (6) home health services. Changes payment provisions. Expands covered medical and other health services under Medicare to include the following preventive services as Program benefits: (1) prenatal care; (2) well-child care; (3) screening mammographies; (4) screening pap smears; (5) family planning services and supplies furnished to individuals of child-bearing age who desire such services and supplies; (6) colorectal cancer screening services; (7) counseling to modify risk factors for heart disease, cancer, and stroke, including dietary measures, weight reduction, smoking restriction, and physical conditioning; and (8) such other health services as the USHealth Board finds are cost-effective in the prevention of disease or illness. Directs the USHealth Board to establish: (1) frequency schedules for the provision of certain preventive services listed above; and (2) standards for entities furnishing preventive service under Medicare who otherwise are not qualified to provide other services under Medicare. Includes prescription drugs within such expanded coverage as Program benefits. Sets forth certification standards for comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility services, outpatient physical therapy services, outpatient speech pathology services, and home intravenous drug therapy services. Eliminates all mandatory benefits under the Medicaid program. Part 3: Payments For Services - Sets forth payment rules for inpatient hospital services, medical and other health services generally, prescription drugs, and home intravenous drug therapy services, which include no co-payments for inpatient hospital services. Directs the USHealth Board to: (1) establish a program to assure appropriate prescribing and dispensing practices; (2) prepare and update annually a guide for physicians concerning wholesale prices of commonly prescribed drugs; (3) establish a fee schedule for home intravenous drug therapy services; and (4) adjust Medicare payment rates for inpatient hospital services and physicians' services to reflect changes in the population served and other special circumstances. Requires the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission to conduct a study concerning appropriate adjustments in payments for inpatient hospital services to account for reduced hospital costs resulting from Medicare payment of prescription drugs and home intravenous drug therapy services. Provides protection against out-of-pocket expenses which exceed specified individual and family catastrophic limits. Prohibits service providers from imposing charges when a catastrophic limit has been reached. Details provisions with respect to the treatment of health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Repeals Medicare payment rules for outpatient mental health services. Subtitle B: Coverage of Employed Individuals Through Qualified Employer Health Plans - Part 1: General Provisions - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXI (Access to Health Insurance For Health Services Through Employment) under which employers are required to enroll their employees and dependents in a qualified employer health plan or in the Program. Sets forth rules for the enrollment of full- and part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees, including rules applicable in cases of families with more than one worker and where both employers offer enrollment under a qualified employer health plan. Phases in implementation of enrollment requirements according to a schedule based on the size of the employer. Sets forth enforcement provisions. Outlines requirements for qualified employer health plan premiums and cost-sharing, including limitations on the amount that may be charged for premiums. Gives qualified employer health plans the option of electing Program rules governing payments for services. Sets forth the requirements for standards to certify a health plan provided by an employer or sold to an individual as a qualified health plan, including: (1) requirements that plan benefits must at least mirror the Medicare part A health services provided under the Program; (2) requirements respecting limits on pre-existing condition exclusions and coverage standards for such required plan benefits; and (3) disclosure and other requirements to protect consumers. Prohibits certain State benefit and coverage rules under a qualified health plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a full deduction for health insurance costs of the self-employed and to make such deduction permanent. Part 2: Insurance Reform - Subpart A: General Reforms - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XXVII (Group Health Insurance Standards) under which insured and self-insured employment-related health plans must be ascertained as meeting certain standards established below in order to be, respectively, issued or offered. Provides sanctions for plans that fail to meet such standards, including possible loss of their qualified status. Requires the USHealth Board to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop specific standards to implement the requirements in the remaining paragraphs below which such plans must be ascertained as meeting. Provides that if NAIC fails to develop such standards or if the Board finds that such standards do not implement such requirements, the Board shall develop such standards. Requires that such plans may not discriminate on the basis of health status for certain services. Requires that pre-existing condition exclusions under such plans be treated in the same manner as is mandated under the Social Security Act for qualified health plans. Requires any carrier which offers such a plan to register with the applicable State regulatory authority. Requires that such carriers offer the same plans to all employers within their individual service areas. Details separate requirements with respect to HMOs. Specifies that a carrier may not offer or issue to an employer such a plan with a term of less than 12 months. Requires guaranteed renewability with some exceptions. Lists notice and other requirements applicable to renewals, including the requirement that the period of renewal for each employer plan be for a period of not less than 12 months. Provides an exception to the requirements in this paragraph for self-insured carriers and self-insured employment-related health plans. States that such requirements do apply to reinsurance carriers and employment-related reinsurance plans offered to such carriers or underwriting such self-insured plans. Requires that the premiums for all employer plans of the same entity shall be: (1) established based on a single cohesive rating system which is applied consistently for all employer groups and is designed not to treat groups, after a certain period, differently based on health or risk status; and (2) actuarially certified each year. Requires employer health plan premiums to be community-rated for a given geographical area. Disallows adjustments to premium rates based on age and gender of covered individuals. Requires a Program reimbursement election before employer health plan premium rates may be adjusted otherwise. Requires employer health plans to permit enrollment of individuals based on specified beneficiary classes. Provides an exception to the requirements in this paragraph for self-insured carriers and self-insured employment-related health plans. States that such requirements do apply to reinsurance carriers and employment-related reinsurance plans offered to such carriers or underwriting such self-insured plans. Prescribes a basic benefit package for employer health plans, with exceptions for employment-related reinsurance plans, self-insured plans, and HMO plans. Sets forth miscellaneous disclosure and recordkeeping requirements for employer health plans. Subpart B: Encouraging Establishment of Managed Care - Adds a new part 3 (Favorable Treatment of Network Plans and Utilization Review Programs) to new title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act added above to provide for favorable treatment of network plans and utilization review programs. Subpart C: Repeal of COBRA Continuation Requirements - Repeals COBRA continuation requirements under the Public Health Service Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Title II: Provision of Long-Term Home and Community-Based Care, Nursing Home Care, And Other Benefits For All Americans Through the USHealth Program - Adds a new part B (Long-Term Care Protection And Certain Preventive Benefits) to Medicare under which U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents are eligible for long-term care, without regard to age or disability status, and certain preventive benefits. Sets forth provisions respecting long-term care protection under new part B. Details eligibility criteria for long-term care which include requirements that only those individuals applying for benefits who have been determined by a Screening Agency to be limited in daily living activities or so cognitively impaired as to require ongoing supervision will be eligible for: (1) home and community-based services; (2) respite care; and (3) nursing facility services. Provides that the duration of such services shall be unlimited as long as the Case Management Agency determines, through its periodic review of a patient, that the patient continues to require such services. Requires that the determination of the need of an individual for such services shall be made by the Case Management Agency. Places limitations on coverage for respite care. Directs the USHealth Board to contract with States or other entities to act as Long-Term Care Screening Agencies for the State. Makes such agency responsible for assessing the eligibility of individuals for such services. Directs the USHealth Board to contract with a State or private nonprofit organization to establish and administer a Long-Term Care Case Management Agency for each designated area of a State. Requires such agency to: (1) provide case management services for eligible individuals directly or through contracts with home care or home health agencies; (2) develop a care plan for each individual determined to be eligible by a Screening Agency or approve such a plan which has been developed by a qualified service provider; (3) maintain a registry of qualified providers of home and community-based care and nursing facilities in the State; and (4) assist individuals in choosing qualified providers to carry out the care plan and in locating alternative providers if the individual becomes dissatisfied with the provider initially chosen. Requires a State, in addition to the USHealth Board, to monitor the performance of all designated Case Management Agencies and assure the fiscal stability of such agencies. Requires services provided to eligible individuals pursuant to a plan of care to be provided by qualified service providers. Lists service providers qualified to provide home and community-based services. Sets forth payment rules for home and community-based services and nursing facility services. Sets forth requirements for the certification of providers of such long-term care services. Establishes the Home and Community-Based Care Advisory Council to: (1) assist the USHealth Board in assuring the prompt and efficient implementation of long-term care protection under new part B; (2) regularly review the implementation of such protection; and (3) recommend to the Board and to the Congress any necessary modifications to such protection with respect to home and community-based services. Sets forth home- and community-based provider quality assurance requirements and case management agency quality assurance requirements. Directs the USHealth Board to develop and implement a standard and extended survey of home care agencies certified to receive payments for such long-term care services provided under new part B. Sets forth provisions respecting certain preventive benefits under new part B. Entitles U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents to the following preventive benefits: (1) routine physical checkups; (2) routine eye care (including the dispensing of corrective lenses); (3) dental care; and (4) hearing care. Specifies the specific items and services which comprise each such benefit. Sets forth special rules for children. Directs the USHealth Board to provide for a program for the certification of the safety and efficacy of hearing aids for which payment may be made under new part B. Sets forth payment rules, including rules prohibiting the application of deductibles or co-payments to payments for such preventive benefits. Directs the USHealth Board to make grants to: (1) educational institutions for programs to train individuals in the provision of home- and community-based care and nursing facility services; (2) State approved programs to develop and conduct programs to train individuals in the provision of home health aide services; and (3) accredited university schools of nursing to develop model consumer training programs to provide information and training about the delivery of home care services for caregivers as well as general information about the home- and community-based care service system. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Directs the Board to assist public or private nonprofit entities in meeting the costs of planning, developing, and operating centers for long-term care planning and technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the USHealth Board to conduct long-term home care demonstration projects for seriously mentally ill individuals and family caregivers. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Low-Income Assistance - Adds a new part C (Assistance For Low-Income Individuals) to Medicare under which low-income U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents who are enrolled under part A or under a qualified employer health plan or are entitled to benefits under part B may apply for assistance to limit or eliminate their financial obligations for premiums, deductibles, and co-payments. Title IV: USHealth Program Administration - Subtitle A: USHealth Administration - Adds a new part D (USHealth Administration) to Medicare to establish, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government, a USHealth Administration, to be governed by a USHealth Board, to administer the USHealth Program created under this Act. Abolishes the Health Care Financing Administration. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous - Repeals provisions regarding the use of public agencies or private organizations to facilitate payment to providers of services. Permits States to be carriers for administration of part A benefits. Makes miscellaneous conforming changes in carrier provisions. Adds additional administrative provisions to part A relating to prescription drugs. Directs the Director of the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment to provide for the appointment of a Prescription Drug Payment Review Commission to report annually to the Congress on methods of determining payment for prescription drugs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct various studies with respect to prescription drugs, including a study on the possible inclusion of experimental drugs under the Program, and to report to the Congress on the results of each such study. Requires General Accounting Office studies on wholesale prescription drug prices and the costs to pharmacies of doing business. Directs the USHealth Board to develop a standard prescription drug claims form. Subjects home intravenous drug therapy services to review by peer review organizations. Revises administrative provisions under Medicare regarding home intravenous drug therapy services. Makes miscellaneous and technical changes with respect to HMO coverage and payment. Sets forth special rules for frail elderly demonstration projects and similar projects. Title V: Quality Assurance And Cost Containment - Subtitle A: Quality Assurance - Amends part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to require contracts with peer review organizations to provide that: (1) major organizational efforts be devoted to quality assurance activities; and (2) quality assurance activities be conducted with respect to all the different types of health and long-term care covered by Medicare or through a private payor. Revises the definition of the term "peer review organization" to require such an entity to include representatives of providers of services for which quality assurance activities are conducted. Provides funding for increased quality assurance activities. Requires each utilization and quality control peer review organization to establish and staff a quality assurance board that will monitor the quality of care provided under Medicare in the area served by the organization. Amends the Medicare program to: (1) prohibit payments to health care providers which are not licensed and certified by the State; (2) direct the USHealth Board to promulgate a consumers' bill of rights which shall recognize specified rights as rights of consumers which may be asserted by the consumer or his or her representative or guardian; (3) revise the hospital discharge planning process to require a discharge planning process which meets guidelines and standards to be established by the USHealth Board that guard against early inappropriate hospital discharges and ensure a timely and smooth transition to the most appropriate type of and setting for post-hospital care; and (4) require HMOs to make outpatient mental health services available to their clients and ensure that quality assurance activities include such services. Amends the Peer Review program to require peer review organizations to monitor hospitals' compliance with discharge planning process requirements. Subtitle B: Cost-Containment - Sets forth a formula to determine the overall annual health care amount allowed to be spent under the Program. Directs the USHealth Board to conduct negotiations each year with representatives of the classes of health care providers in order to allocate overall spending among the different classes of providers. Requires a report to the Congress on negotiation results along with a specification of the amount to be allocated to each class of provider. Requires the Board to adjust each year the payment rates by each class of provider. Title VI: Financing - Amends the Medicare program to: (1) set forth rules for determining the premiums to be charged individuals and employers for enrollment under part A; (2) specify the early year premiums for aged and disabled part A enrollees and set forth rules for determining the premiums for later years; and (3) revise procedures for collecting part B premiums to provide for the collection of delinquent premiums. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate the limit on wages and self-employment income subject to social security and railroad retirement taxes; and (2) increase the health insurance tax rate. Requires State maintenance of effort payments. Redesignates the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund as the USHealth Program Trust Fund. Provides for off-budget treatment of the Fund. Extends the borrowing authority of the Fund. Dedicates additional specified revenues to the support of the Program. Repeals the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund and transfers the funds in, and obligations of, such Fund to the USHealth Program Trust Fund. Repeals the separate authorization of appropriations to cover Government contributions and provide a contingency reserve applicable to the former Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Title VII: Rural And Central City Demonstration Projects And Expansion Of Primary Care And Public Health Delivery Capacity - Directs the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration to provide for additional research and demonstration projects into how Medicare could be changed to better cover care for beneficiaries residing in rural areas and in central city areas of large cities. Requires an annual report to the Congress on the progress of such projects. Extends the authorizations for the following programs or services under the Public Health Service Act through the year 2000: (1) immunization programs; (2) tuberculosis prevention and control programs; (3) lead poisoning prevention programs; (4) programs (and projects) for the prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases; (5) migrant and community health center services; (6) homeless programs; (7) public housing programs; (8) family planning services; and (9) early intervention services for individuals with HIV disease. Directs the USHealth Board to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for projects to plan and develop primary care centers and public health clinics which will serve medically underserved populations. Directs the USHealth Board, every five years, beginning with 1994, to submit to the Congress a report on the impact of this Act in meeting the following Goals for the Nation stated in "Health People, 2000": (1) to increase the span of healthy life for Americans; (2) to reduce health disparities among Americans; and (3) to achieve access to preventive services for all Americans. Requires each report to include such recommendations with respect to changes in the benefits and payment policies under this Act as will best promote achievement of national health promotion and disease prevention goals and objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Hispanic Access to Higher Education Act of 1991 - Title I: Early Intervention - Part A: Early Outreach Program - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish an integrated early outreach program. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make allotments to States on the basis of relative State population and relative number of students enrolled in institutions of higher education in each State. Requires States to use such allotments to make grants and contracts to specified types of entities for providing various educational services to develop the academic skills and self-confidence of program participants necessary for success in higher education. Requires that: (1) at least two-thirds of program participants be low-income, racial or ethnic minorities underrepresented in higher education who are first-generation college students; and (2) the remaining one-third of such participants be either low-income individuals or first-generation college students. Requires participants to have completed five years of elementary education, and be between ten and 19 years of age (unless such limitations would defeat program purposes). Requires annual program reports to include data on student academic progress, appropriate income measures, gender, English proficiency, and the racial and ethnic background of program participants and service providers. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: National Survey of Factors Associated with Participation - Directs the Secretary to conduct a biennial survey, through the National Center for Educational Statistics, of factors associated with participation of low-income and minority students in various types of postsecondary education. Sets forth requirements for development of such survey and types of data to be included. Part C: TRIO Programs - Revises provisions for special programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds (TRIO programs). Directs the Secretary to reserve specified funds to provide assistance to current and new providers proposing programs that serve geographic areas or eligible populations which have been underserved by TRIO programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct outreach activities to ensure that entities eligible for TRIO programs assistance submit applications proposing such programs. Requires provision of assistance in developing applications and programs, as well as notice of the availability of such assistance. Directs the Secretary to ensure that readers of applications for TRIO program assistance represent diverse backgrounds reflecting the populations served by such program, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Native American Pacific Islanders (including Native Hawaiians), individuals with disabilities, and individuals from rural areas. Requires the Secretary to ensure that each such application is read by at least three reviewers not employed by the Department of Education. Title II: Teacher Recruitment and Training - Part A: Loan Forgiveness for Teachers - Establishes a demonstration program of Stafford student loan forgiveness for any borrower employed as a full-time teacher: (1) in a school which qualifies under HEA for loan cancellation for Perkins student loan recipients who teach at such schools; and (2) of mathematics, science, foreign languages, special education, bilingual education, or any other field where the State educational agency determines there is a shortage of qualified teachers. Directs the Secretary to assume the obligation to repay the following percentages of Stafford loans incurred during the borrower's last two undergraduate years: (1) 15 percent for the first or second academic year in which the borrower is a full-time teacher; (2) 20 percent for the third or fourth such years of teaching; and (3) 30 percent for the fifth year. Sets forth a special rule authorizing such repayments with respect to Stafford loans for a maximum of two years in returning to an institution of higher education after graduation to obtain a teaching certificate. Part B: Teacher Corps - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) to conduct Teacher Corps activities. Bases the amount of such grants on relative school-age population. Directs the Secretary to use funds for such program to: (1) disseminate information nationally about the availability of Teacher Corps scholarships to individuals leaving the armed services; and (2) conduct activities, with SEA cooperation, which foster communications and meetings, including training, of Teacher Corps members. Authorizes each SEA receiving such a grant to use such funds for: (1) grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for induction and mentor programs; (2) in-service and mentoring programs for Teacher Corps members at State and local levels; (3) technical assistance to LEAs for Teacher Corps and induction programs; (4) evaluation of Teacher Corps membership applications and awarding Teacher Corps scholarships; (5) Teacher Corps awards to individuals in training to become a school psychologist, school social worker, or a school counselor; (6) ensuring that members understand repayment obligations resulting from noncomplaince with scholarship conditions; (7) assistance for employment placement of Teacher Corps members; and (8) collection of scholarship repayments. Requires SEAs to give priority in awarding grants to LEAs with the greatest proportion of disadvantaged students, including racial and ethnic minorities. Allows each SEA to choose to administer such program through a preexisting experienced panel. Authorizes LEAs receiving grants to use such funds for: (1) induction programs for new Teacher Corps members and other new teachers; and (2) ensuring that Teacher Corps members participate in an induction program for at least one year, including working with a mentor teacher designated by the LEA. Allows such induction programs to be developed in cooperation with institutions of higher education. Requires the SEA, in cooperation with the State higher education agency, to select Teacher Corps members. Requires the SEA-established criteria to include specified factors. Requires special consideration for individuals who intend to teach limited English-proficient students, preschool age children, or students with disabilities (or to provide related services to students with disabilities). Requires priority consideration for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities, who are underrepresented in the teaching profession or the curricular areas in which they are preparing to teach. Sets forth application requirements for Teacher Corps membership, SEAs, and LEAs. Provides for Teacher Corps scholarships. Limits individual eligibility to a maximum of three years of specified types of programs of study. Limits individual scholarship amount and duration. Requires that such scholarships be considered in determining eligibility for HEA student assistance. Requires that total assistance not exceed need. Provides for continued eligibility. Sets forth scholarship conditions, including agreement to work as a teacher, upon completion of education, for five years in a school which qualifies for Perkins student loan cancellation under HEA, or to repay all or part of the scholarship, plus interest, if scholarship conditions are not complied with. Requires SEAs receiving Teacher Corps assistance to: (1) publicize availability of and application procedures for Teacher Corps scholarships, particularly among specified types of students and individuals; and (2) recruit minority students to participate in the Teacher Corps program. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits any such funds from being appropriated unless the amount appropriated to carry out the Paul Douglas Congressional Teacher Scholarships program under HEA equals or exceeds a specified amount. Part C: Teacher Opportunity Corps - Amends HEA to establish the Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) program, to encourage institutions of higher education to offer educational programs and financial assistance to enable paraprofessionals working in shortage area schools serving disadvantaged students to become certified teachers. Directs the Secretary to allocate TOC program grant funds to States according to the same formula under which States receive funding for education of disadvantaged children. Requires TOC grant program agreements to include provisions for administration and recordkeeping by the State education or higher education agency. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to support TOC programs at institutions of higher education. Sets forth State grant application requirements and general criteria for State grants, including: (1) involvement of institutions of higher education and shortage area schools or school districts; (2) full creditability to a baccalaurate program leading to teacher certification; (3) a program evaluation system; and (4) appropriate credit for paraprofessional classroom experience as practice or student teaching. Requires any paraprofessional who receives student financial assistance under the TOC program to agree to act as a paraprofessional in a shortage area school for at least one year for each year of such assistance, within ten years after completing postsecondary education. Requires repayment of all or part of such assistance, plus interest and reasonable collection costs, if the recipient fails to comply with his or her service requirements, except in specified circumstances. Requires that such student financial assistance supplement, but not supplant, other Federal or State assistance for which the student would otherwise qualify. Requires TOC program grants to be for a term of at least five years, subject to availability of appropriations. Allows States to use TOC program funds for: (1) student financial assistance to paraprofessionals to pay part or all of the costs of attendance (including child care) in postsecondary education programs required for teacher certification; (2) supportive services for such paraprofessionals during participation in such programs; and (3) payment of wage costs of substitute paraprofessionals to afford employed paraprofessionals release-time to attend postsecondary classes required for teacher certification. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Migrant Student Education - Part A: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Revises HEA special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork. Expands eligibility for the high school equivalency program and the college assistance migrant program to include certain persons who have participated in specified programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or the Job Training Partnership Act. Extends the grant period from three to five years. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the high school equivalency program and the college assistance migrant program. Part B: National Mini-Corps Program - Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a National Mini-Corps Program to: (1) provide certain migrant college students with training to help them serve as student or teacher role models, links to the community, and tutors and teachers of migrant children; (2) designate college coordinators at participating institutions to train, supervise, and assign migrant students in cooperation with the operating State agency in which migrant children with special needs have been identified; (3) provide academic assistance, home visits, parental involvement, parent-student advisement services, and family advocacy; (4) provide that the instructional services for migrant children are to be coordinated with the overall educational goals of the operating State agency; and (5) provide that migrant students participating in such programs work from ten to 15 hours per week and receive stipends for such services. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Medical Care Injury Compensation Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Grants to States for Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the implementation and evaluation of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) systems. Sets forth eligibility requirements for States seeking such grants. Directs the Secretary to award not less than ten such grants each fiscal year, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) designate each State receiving such a grant as a model ADR State (making such State eligible for a two-year extension); and (2) disseminate information on the ADR systems implemented by such States to other States, health care professionals and providers, and other interested parties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and promulgate standards and regulations necessary to carry out the grant program, including qualification standards that States must meet to receive grants and regulations establishing State data gathering requirements; (2) take into account, in developing qualification standards, specified factors such as the effectiveness of such systems in supporting access to health care, encouraging improvements in the quality of care, resolving claims promptly, and providing predictable outcomes; (3) provide States with technical assistance; and (4) report to the Congress, within four years of the first grant, describing and evaluating the ADR systems implemented. Title II: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Specifies that, with respect to any health care liability action brought in a Federal or State court and any medical malpractice claim or medical product liability claim subject to an ADR system: (1) no person may be required to pay more than $100,000 in a single payment in damages (whether for economic or non-economic losses) for expenses to be incurred in the future, but shall be permitted to make periodic payments (as determined by the court); (2) the total amount of damages that may be awarded to an individual and the family members of such individual for non-economic losses may not exceed $250,000; (3) the total amount of damages received by an individual shall be reduced by any other payment that has been or will be made to the individual to compensate such individual for the injury that was the subject of the action or claim; (4) a claimant's attorney's fees may not exceed 25 percent of the first $150,000 of any award or settlement, or 15 percent of any additional amounts, paid to the claimant; (5) the total amount of punitive damages that may be assessed may not exceed twice the total amount of the damages awarded to compensate the claimant for losses resulting from the injury; and (6) the liability of each defendant for non-economic losses shall be several only and not joint, and each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of non-economic losses allocated to the defendant in direct proportion to the defendant's percentage of responsibility. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice and product liability claims, beginning on the earlier of the date on which the injury that is the subject of the action was discovered or the date it should reasonably have been discovered. Specifies that, in the case of a medical malpractice or product liability claim relating to services provided during labor or the delivery of a baby, if the claimant was not previously treated for the pregnancy by the defendant health care professional or provider a court may not find that the defendant committed malpractice and assess damages against the defendant unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Bars a defendant from being found to have committed malpractice unless the defendant's conduct at the time of providing the health care services was not reasonable, except where the claimant asserts that the defendant is liable under a strict liability theory. Bars the award of punitive damages with respect to any medical product liability claim alleged against a medical product producer if the drug or device that is the subject of the claim: (1) was subject to approval or premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with respect to the safety or performance of the drug or device or the adequacy of the packaging or labeling; (2) was approved by FDA; or (3) is generally recognized as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established by FDA and applicable regulations. Makes an exception in the case of withheld information, misrepresentation, or illegal payment to an FDA official for purposes of securing approval of the drug or device. Provides for a separate proceeding to determine punitive damages. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the admissibility of evidence; and (2) criteria for determining the amount of punitive damages. Provides that the U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over health care liability actions based on Federal questions or based on specified provisions concerning commerce and antitrust regulations. Specifies that this title preempts State law only to the extent that State law: (1) permits the recovery by a claimant or the assessent against a defendant of a greater amount of damages; (2) permits the awarding of a greater amount of attorneys' fees; (3) establishes a longer period during which medical malpractice or product liability claims may be initiated; or (4) establishes a less strict standard of proof for determining whether a defendant has committed malpractice. Title III: Encouraging Establishment of Community and Migrant Health Center Risk Retention Group - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to encourage the establishment of a nationwide risk retention group (RRG) for community and migrant health centers receiving assistance under such Act. Defines an RRG for purposes of this title as an entity defined in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 that: (1) provides professional liability insurance and other types of profitable insurance approved for issuance by the Secretary to community and migrant health centers; (2) provides insurance that applies to all claims filed against a community or migrant health center after the entity initiates insurance coverage and to claims arising from acts that occurred prior to the initiation of coverage if the claims are not covered by other insurance; and (3) meets such other requirements as the Secretary may establish.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1991
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the registration of an alien convicted of a felony who is released on parole or charged with a felony but released because of mental incompetency. Subjects an alien to deportation and a civil fine for failure to register. Limits the number of times an alien may be provided voluntary departure.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Illegal Alien Transportation Prevention Act of 1991 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit transportation of illegal aliens for employment purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Immigration Document Fraud Prevention Act of 1991 - Provides for: (1) the replacement of current green cards with new counterfeit-resistant identification cards (which shall not be considered national identity cards) for all permanent resident aliens eligible to work in the United States; (2) a national program to educate employers about their responsibilities under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the uses of such cards; and (3) a demonstration program to determine the feasibility of a computerized telephone worker verification system for employers. Increases immigration fraud penalties. Authorizes FY 1993 and 1994 appropriations for activities under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Prohibits direct Federal financial benefits and unemployment assistance for illegal aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Improved Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 1991 - Increases FY 1993 personnel levels and funding for the Border Patrol. Provides for inservice training to familiarize Border Patrol personnel with the rights and varied cultural backgrounds of aliens and citizens. Authorizes FY 1993 appropriations. Increases FY 1993 personnel levels in the Wage and Hour Division with the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor, and assigns such additional personnel to areas with high concentrations of undocumented aliens. Increases for FY 1993 the number of Assistant United States Attorney positions, and assigns such additional personnel to prosecute persons who harbor or bring into the United States illegal aliens. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties for harboring or bringing into the United States aliens for profit. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Attorney General and the Secretary of State should initiate programs with Mexico and Canada to prevent and prosecute the smuggling of aliens into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Employer Sanctions Improvements Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the issuance of new counterfeit-resistant social security cards to employable aliens solely for the purpose of providing employment eligibility. Requires that cards issued to certain aliens specify the work authorization expiration date. Requires employers to: (1) maintain records of employee expiration dates; and (2) request expired-date employees to provide new cards. Directs the Administrator of Social Security to update the Social Security database with regard to such social security cards. States that such cards shall not be considered a national identity card. Authorizes FY 1993 and 1994 appropriations. Directs the Attorney General to conduct a related nationwide employer education program.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1991
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the admission of "O" and "P" nonimmigrants (aliens of extraordinary ability, entertainers, and athletes). Repeals the numerical limitation on "P" nonimmigrants. Requires the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees with regard to the use of "O" and "P" visas, their impact on U.S. labor, and restrictions upon U.S. citizens seeking such employment abroad. Revises "P-1" visa standards. Defines "extraordinary ability" as "distinction" for "O" visa purposes. Repeals the three-month out of country requirement for "P-2" and "P-3" visas. Makes employers liable for the return transportation costs of dismissed "O" and "P" aliens. Treats fashion modeling as a specialty occupation for nonimmigrant admissions purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1991
Health Access and Affordability Today Act of 1991 - Title I: Improvements in Access to Health Care - Subtitle A: Improvements in Medicaid Eligibility - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to mandate Medicaid eligibility for eligible persons with incomes below 133 percent of a State-adjusted poverty level. Allows each State Medicaid plan to elect to make eligible for medical assistance: (1) students in schools at which at least 70 percent of the students are eligible for assistance under specified programs; and (2) a younger sibling of the students being made eligible by these provisions. Mandates availability under these provisions of assistance for medical services required to terminate a pregnancy resulting from rape or incest. Adjusts payments to States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate references to the health insurance credit in provisions relating to: (1) the earned income credit; and (2) deductions for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Subtitle B: Improvements in Access to Providers Under the Medicare and Medicaid Programs - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on any health care provider (payable by a hospital, nursing facility, or individual provider) who discriminates against or denies treatment to any individual covered under title XIX (Medicaid) or parts A (Hospital Insurance) or B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Sets forth circumstances in which a hospital or nursing facility shall be treated as discriminating. Applies certain deficiency procedures to these provisions. Sets forth requirements regarding minimum Medicaid payment rates. Subtitle C: Improving Access of All Workers to Employer Health Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the providing of a group health plan unless: (1) all employees are eligible to participate in the plan (or another group plan of the employer meeting these requirements); and (2) the employer-provided benefit received by all employees is either the same dollar amount or the same percentage of the value of the coverage provided to each employee under the plan. Provides for part-time employees, small employers, and plans maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements. Subtitle D: Improved Provision of Services through Community Health Centers - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to add physicians coming to the United States to provide full-time medical services in a medically underserved area to the list of nonimmigrant aliens excluded from the definition of "immigrant." Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) health professions schools should require clinical experience in outpatient facilities that are principal sources of primary health services for medically underserved populations and offer courses that prepare students to practice at such facilities; (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services should issue, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget should cooperate in the issuance of, specified regulations regarding assignment of members of the National Health Service Corps; and (3) the Secretary should ensure the equitable allocation of assignments among urban and rural areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a grant for the establishment of a nationwide risk retention group to provide professional liability insurance and other approved types of profitable insurance to the migrant and community health centers. Requires all centers receiving funds under specified provisions and centers and clinics under certain other provisions to become members in the group. Makes all professional staff members of such centers eligible to obtain the insurance offered by the group. Authorizes appropriations for the grant and for capitalization of the group. Subtitle E: Continuation of Access through College and University Health Plans - Prohibits any State or the District of Columbia from establishing or enforcing any law or regulation that prevents a college or university health plan from offering students enrolled in the plan continuation coverage after graduation. Title II: Improvements in Affordability of Health Care - Preempts State laws and regulations dealing with: (1) health insurance under a health benefit plan; or (2) managed care. Mandates adoption of a specified standard (known as the X12 Standard) for electronic data interchange of health care related transactions as a standard under: (1) titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; (2) the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); and (3) veterans health programs and the Federal employees health benefit program under specified provisions of Federal law. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow deduction of the full amount (currently, 25 percent of the amount) of health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Removes provisions ending the deduction on a specified date. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive programmatic restrictions in title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act that hinder implementation of managed care plans under Medicare. Mandates a study of fraud in the health care industry and its impact on health care costs. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Access to Health Care. Requires data collection on: (1) rates and patterns of use of health services, collected through data on hospital discharges, including medical records and hospital bills; and (2) State efforts in health care reform. Authorizes the provision of funds to selected States to demonstrate innovative approaches of using existing data systems to evaluate State-based health care reform efforts. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Medicaid Financial Incentive for State Comprehensive Reform Package to Improve Access to Health Care and Reduce Costs of Health Care - Deems the Federal medical assistance percentage, if a State complies with this title, to be 100 percent of the expenditures attributable to: (1) individuals eligible for assistance only because of this title; or (2) the amount by which payments for medical assistance are increased by specified provisions relating to minimum Medicaid payment rates. Requires a State to enact a small employer health insurance market reform program including: (1) guaranteed access by each small employer group to private health insurance coverage, with a reinsurance mechanism mandated; (2) coverage of whole groups, with neither the employer nor the insurer able to exclude a high risk individual; (3) renewability of coverage; (4) continuity of coverage when an employee changes jobs or when an employer changes carriers; (5) rate and rate change limits; and (6) disclosure of rating practices and annual rating certification. Requires a State to enact laws requiring juveniles riding motorcycles to wear helmets, front seat passengers to wear a safety belt, and children under the age of four to be in a child restraint system. Requires a State to establish an alternative dispute resolution system for health care negligence and provide for malpractice liability reforms at least as stringent as specified requirements regarding future damages, collateral payment, noneconomic losses, attorney's fees, and statutes of limitations. Requires a State to establish one or more managed care plans for the provision of Medicaid services. Authorizes waiver of Medicaid programmatic restrictions that hinder implementation of managed care plans. Requires that there be in operation in a State a qualified pooling association, defined as an organization which: (1) is a nonprofit corporation; (2) permits health insurers, hospital and medical service plan corporations, health maintenance organizations, and employers and other health financing entities to be members; (3) makes specified levels of health insurance available, without regard to health, to all State residents not eligible for benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (4) charges a pool premium rate; and (5) assesses pool losses equitably among members. Specifies the levels of insurance covered. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to exclude such pools from provisions preempting State law.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1991
Provides for the adjustment of status to permanent resident for certain Polish and Hungarian parolees.