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51 records in 1994
Germany · German Bundestag · 19 December 1994
Situation straffällig gewordener ausländischer Jugendlicher im Vergleich zu der der deutschen straffällig gewordenen Jugendlichen
Germany · German Bundestag · 19 December 1994
Anzahl der Ermittlungsverfahren, U-Haft, Verurteilungen, verletzte bzw. getötete Personen
Germany · German Bundestag · 19 December 1994
Änderung § 57 Ausländergesetz betr. Neuregelung der Abschiebungshaft
Germany · German Bundestag · 14 December 1994
Aufenthaltsbefugnis für Deserteure und Kriegsdienstverweigerer aus dem ehemaligen Jugoslawien, Aussetzung der Abschiebung von Kosovo-Albanern nach § 54 Ausländergesetz
Germany · German Bundestag · 1 December 1994
Situation der Kurden nach dem Verbot der PKK, evtl. Modifizierung des Verbots
Germany · German Bundestag · 1 December 1994
Zahlenangaben zu den von Türken seit 1991 gestellten Asylanträgen, Folgen der Abschiebung
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Individuals and Their Families Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Subtitle C: Preemption Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness Subtitle E: Improved Access to Community Health Services Subtitle F: Improved Access to Rural Health Services Subtitle G: Assistance in Enrolling Uninsured Children in Health Insurance Subtitle H: Medicaid Reform Subtitle I: Remedies and Enforcement with Respect to Group Health Plans Subtitle J: Delivery of Health Care Services to Illegal Immigrants Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings and Fair Health Information Practices Subtitle C: Deduction for Cost of Catastrophic Health Plan; Medical Savings Accounts Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud Subtitle E: Increased Medicare Beneficiary Choice; Additional Medicare Reforms Subtitle F: Health Care Antitrust Improvements Subtitle G: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self-Regulatory Entities Subtitle H: Reform of Clinical Laboratory Requirements for Simple Tests Subtitle I: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Long-Term Care Subtitle A: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance Subtitle B: Establishment of Federal Standards for Long-Term Care Insurance Subtitle C: Protection of Assets Under Medicaid Through Use of Qualified Long-term Care Insurance Subtitle D: Studies Subtitle E: Volunteer Service Credit Demonstration Projects Affordable Health Care Now Act of 1994 - Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care - Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Individuals and Their Families - Part 1: Required Coverage Options for Eligible Employees, Spouses, and Dependents - Requires each employer to make available to each eligible employee a group health plan under which: (1) coverage of each eligible individual with respect to such employee may be elected on an annual basis; (2) coverage is provided for at least the required coverage specified; and (3) employees may elect to have premiums collected through payroll deduction. Does not require employer contributions to the cost of coverage under such a plan. Provides for the exclusion of: (1) employers who have been employers for less than two years or who have no more than two eligible employees or no more than two eligible employees not covered under any group health plan; and (2) family members under specified circumstances. Specifies that a group health plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this Act solely because a period of service by an eligible employee of not more than 60 days is required for coverage. Specifies that the required coverage is standard coverage, except that in the case of a small employer that has not contributed during the previous plan year to the cost of coverage for any eligible employee under any group health plan, the required coverage for the plan year is coverage under a MedAccess standard, MedAccess catastrophic, and MedAccess medisave plan. Requires standard coverage to include at least one option, either a fee-for-service option and if available, a point-of-service option and a managed care option. Provides for a five-year transition for existing group health plans. (Sec. 1002) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) compliance with applicable requirements through multiple employer health arrangements; and (2) coverage options under a State medical health allowance program. Part 2: Portability and Nondiscrimination - Prohibits a group health plan from imposing (and an insurer from requiring an employer from imposing through a waiting period for coverage under a plan or similar requirement) a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to treatment of a preexisting condition if: (1) the condition relates to a condition that was not diagnosed or treated within three months before the date of coverage under the plan; (2) the limitation or exclusion extends over more than six months after the date of coverage, applies to an individual who, as of the date of birth, was covered under the plan, or relates to pregnancy; or (3) an eligible individual has such coverage at the time the individual first became eligible. Specifies that, in the case of an individual who is eligible for coverage under a plan but for a waiting period imposed by the employer, the individual shall be treated as having been covered under the plan as of the earliest date of the beginning of the waiting period. Provides a one-time amnesty period for pre-existing condition exclusions. (Sec. 1012) Requires each group health plan to waive any period applicable to a preexisting condition for similar benefits with respect to an individual to the extent that the individual, prior to enrollment in such plan, was covered for the condition under any other health plan. (Sec. 1013) Prohibits: (1) a multiemployer plan and an exempted multiple employer health plan from canceling or denying renewal of coverage under such a plan for an employer other than for nonpayment of contributions, fraud or other misrepresentation, noncompliance with plan provisions, or because the plan is ceasing to provide any coverage in a geographic area; (2) an insurer from canceling a health insurance plan or denying renewal of coverage other than as prescribed above; and (3) an insurer who terminates the offering of health insurance plans in an area from offering such a plan to any employer in the area until five years after the date of the termination. Part 3: Standards for Managed Care Arrangements and Essential Community Providers - Sets forth requirements for group health plans and insurers that provide health care coverage through managed care arrangements. Requires such arrangements to assure that covered individuals have reasonably prompt access through the entity's provider network to the benefits package and to centers of excellence. (Sec. 1022) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to establish standards for utilization review programs and periodically review and update such standards to reflect changes in the delivery of health care services. Part 4: Enforcement; Effective Dates; Definitions - Makes provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 applicable with respect to enforcement of this Act (by the Department of Labor). Amends the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to impose a tax ($100 per day for each individual involved, subject to specified limitations) on the failure of an insurer to comply with the requirements under part 2, unless the Secretary determines that the State has in effect a regulatory enforcement mechanism that provides adequate sanctions. Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance - Part I: Marketplace for Small Business - Requires each insurer that makes available a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State to make available to each small employer in the State a MedAccess standard, MedAccess catastrophic, and MedAccess medisave plan, with exceptions for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and if a State provides for guaranteed availability (rather than guaranteed issue). Requires each insurer that offers a MedAccess plan to a small employer in a State to accept: (1) every small employer in the State that applies for coverage; and (2) every eligible individual who applies for enrollment on a timely basis. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) special rules for HMOs; (2) timely enrollment requirements; and (3) enrollment of spouses and dependents. Makes such requirements inapplicable in a State that has provided (in accordance with specified standards) a mechanism under which each insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in the State must participate in a program for assigning high-risk small employer groups (or individuals within such a group) among some or all such insurers, if the insurers comply. (Sec. 1102) Defines "MedAccess coverage" as a health insurance plan that: (1) is designed to provide standard coverage with substantial cost-sharing, only catastrophic coverage, or medisave coverage; (2) includes only essential and medically necessary services; (3) meets applicable requirements relating to guaranteed issue; and (4) meets specifies consumer protection standards. Defines "MedAccess standard coverage," "MedAccess catastrophic coverage," and "MedAccess medisave coverage" to mean a MedAccess plan that provides for at least standard coverage, for only catastrophic coverage, or medisave coverage, respectively. Requests the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to submit to the Secretary a set of rules which is sufficient for determining the actuarial value of coverage offered by a plan. Directs the Secretary to certify such set of rules for use under this subtitle if they meet such requirements or establish such a set of rules. Specifies that a health insurance plan is considered to provide: (1) standard coverage if the benefits are determined, in accordance with certified rules of actuarial equivalence, to have a value that is within five percentage points of an established target actuarial value for standard coverage; (2) catastrophic coverage if benefits are available under the plan for a year only to the extent that expenses for covered services in a year exceed a deductible amount that is consistent with a specified requirement for a catastrophic health plan under the Code, and are determined, in accordance with certified actuarial equivalence rules, to have a value that is within five percentage points of an established target actuarial value for catastrophic coverage; and (3) medisave coverage if such plan consists of a catastrophic health plan within the meaning of the Code and a medical savings account. Requests NAIC to submit to the Secretary target actuarial values for standard and catastrophic coverage. Permits NAIC to submit periodic revisions of, and permits the Secretary to revise, the set of rules of actuarial equivalence and target actuarial values where necessary to take into account changes in the relevant types of health benefits provisions, in deductible levels for catastrophic coverage, or in relevant demographic conditions. (Sec. 1103) Directs the Secretary to request NAIC to develop model regulations that specify standards with respect to requirements: (1) that insurers make available MedAccess plans; (2) of guaranteed availability of MedAccess plans to small employers; (3) relating to limits on premiums and certain consumer protections; and (4) relating to limitation of annual premium increases. Requires the Secretary to review such standards and, if NAIC fails to specify standards meeting such requirements, to promulgate standards. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the application of MedAccess standards and consumer protection standards by the States; and (2) the Federal role. (Sec. 1104) Sets forth provisions: (1) regarding limits on premium rate variations, including discounts for employer wellness programs; and (2) requiring an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose rating practices for health insurance plans, including rating practices for different populations and benefit designs. (Sec. 1105) Requires the Secretary of Labor to monitor the prevalence and impact of adverse risk selection in the full insured plans made available to small employers resulting from the decision of small employers to self-insure. (Sec. 1106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) request NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for health insurance plans made available to small employers for whom an insurer is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan; and (2) review such models or specify models. Sets forth provisions regarding implementation of reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms by the States and the Federal role. Part : Marketplace for Individuals - Makes the provisions of Part 1 applicable to insurers offering health insurance coverage to individuals and their dependents. Part 3: Voluntary Health Purchasing Arrangements - Provides for the establishment of voluntary health purchasing arrangements. (Sec. 1124) Requires such arrangements to offer enrollment in health insurance coverage only to: (1) all eligible employees employed by small employers in a service area; and (2) all eligible individuals residing in such area. Part 4: Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides definitions for purposes of this subtitle. (Sec. 1134) Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress on the implementation of this subtitle and the need for additional reforms to assure and expand coverage. (Sec. 1135) Authorizes the Director to conduct: (1) research on the impact of this subtitle on the availability of affordable health coverage for employees and dependents in the small employers group health care coverage market and other specified topics; and (2) demonstration projects relating to such topics. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods for measuring the relative health risks of eligible individuals in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under health insurance plans and, in particular, MedAccess plans; and (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among insurers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Preemption - Part 1: Scope of State Regulation - Makes inapplicable to a group health plan any State or local law requiring coverage of specific benefits, services, or categories of health care, or services of any class or type of provider of health care. (Sec. 1202) Makes inapplicable any State or local law prohibiting two or more employers from obtaining coverage under a multiple employer welfare arrangement under which all coverage: (1) consists of medical care described under specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA); and (2) is fully insured. (Sec. 1203) Preempts, for a five-year period, State law provisions which restrict: (1) reimbursement rates or selective contracting; (2) differential financing incentives; and (3) utilization review methods. Directs the Comptroller General to study benefits and cost effectiveness of use of managed care in health services delivery and to report to the Congress, including recommendations as to whether such preemption should be extended. Part 2: Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protections - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide a limited exemption from certain restrictions on ERISA preemption of State law for health plans maintained by multiple employers subject to certain Federal standards. Relieves such exempted multiple employer health plans of certain restrictions on preemption of State law, and treats them as employee welfare benefit plans. Sets forth exemption procedures, application and eligibility requirements, and additional notice, reporting, and actuarial requirements applicable to exempted multiple employer health plans. Requires multiple employer welfare arrangements providing certain medical care benefits to issue specified disclosures to participating employers. Requires each multiple employer welfare arrangement which is or has been an exempted multiple employer health plan, and under which coverage is not fully insured, to establish certain minimum reserves. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to permit alternative means of compliance. Sets forth corrective actions, including actions to avoid depletion of reserves and actions in connection with termination of arrangements. Provides for expirations, renewals, suspensions, and revocations of exemptions. Provides for review of actions of the Secretary, including denials of applications and suspensions or revocations of exemptions. Provides for alternative means of distribution of summary plan descriptions. (Sec. 1212) Revises provisions relating to scope of preemption rules, treatment of single employer arrangements, and treatment of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 1215) Sets forth special rules for employee leasing health care arrangements, providing that they be treated as multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 1216) Sets forth enforcement provisions relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements and employee leasing health care arrangements, including enforcement of filing requirements, actions by States in Federal court, criminal penalties for certain willful misrepresentations, cease activities orders, and responsibility for claims procedures. (Sec. 1217) Sets forth solvency requirements for certain self- insured group health plans. (Sec. 1218) Sets forth filing requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements providing health benefits. (Sec. 1219) Provides for cooperation between Federal and State authorities, including: (1) agreements for State enforcement of ERISA provisions applicable to multiple employer welfare arrangements which are or have been exempted multiple employer health plans; and (2) enforcement and technical assistance to States with respect to issues involving multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 1220) Sets forth transitional rules. Part 3: Encouragement of Multiple Employer Arrangements Providing Basic Health Benefits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the commonality of interest or geographic location requirement for tax-exempt trust status in the case of determining whether any multiple employer health plan or insured multiple employer health plan is a voluntary employees' beneficiary association meeting certain requirements, if: (1) such plan provides at least standard coverage consistent with specified provisions of this Act (the Affordable Health Care Now Act of 1994); and (2) in the case of such an insured plan, it meets specified ERISA requirements not preempted by this Act. (Sec. 1222) Amends ERISA to direct the Secretary of Labor to prescribe an alternative method for the filing of a single annual report with respect to all employers participating under a multiple employer welfare arrangement under which all coverage consists of medical care and is fully insured. (Sec. 1223) Sets forth provisions for determining compliance with coverage requirements through multiple employer health arrangements. Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for: (1) a permanent extension and an increase in the health insurance tax deduction for self-employed individuals; and (2) a deduction of health insurance premiums for certain previously uninsured individuals. Subtitle E: Improved Access to Community Health Services - Part 1: Increased Authorization for Community and Migrant Health Centers - Directs the Secretary to provide for grants to migrant and community health centers to promote primary health care services for underserved individuals. Allows grants to be used to promote the provision of off-site services, to improve birth outcomes in areas with high infant mortality and morbidity, to establish primary care clinics in areas in need, and for recruitment and training costs of necessary providers and operating costs for unreimbursed services. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the impact of such grants on access to health care, birth outcomes, and the use of emergency room services. Part 2: Grants for Projects for Coordinating Delivery of Services - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities: (1) to carry out demonstration projects to increase access to outpatient primary health services in specified geographic areas (i.e., areas that are rational areas for the delivery of health services, have a population of not more than 500,000 individuals, and have been designated by the Secretary as areas with a shortage of personal health services or that have a significant number of individuals with low incomes or insufficient health care insurance) through coordinating the delivery of services under Federal, State, local, and private programs; and (2) for developing plans to carry out such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Part 3: Community Health Networks - Sets forth qualifications for community health network arrangements. Subtitle F: Improved Access to Rural Health Services - Part 1: Establishment of Rural Emergency Access Care Hospitals Under Medicare - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) establishment of rural emergency access care hospitals under Medicare; and (2) coverage of and payment for rural emergency access care hospital services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Part 2: Rural Medical Emergencies Air Transport - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatments. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application and State plan requirements; (2) considerations in awarding grants; (3) State administration and use of grants; (4) the number of grants; and (5) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Part 3: Emergency Medical Services Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office of Emergency Medical Services, headed by a Director; (2) engage in specified emergency medical services activities, including disseminating information obtained in carrying out specified activities to public and private entities, providing technical assistance to State and local agencies, coordinating Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) activities with those of other Federal agencies; and (3) ensure that such activities are carried out consistent with certain requirements regarding maintaining an adequate number of health professionals with expertise in the provision of services, developing, periodically reviewing, and revising as appropriate guidelines for the provision of such services, appropriately using available technologies, and serving the unique needs of underserved inner-city and rural areas. (Sec. 1522) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of improving the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services, subject to specified matching fund, budgetary, and other requirements. (Sec. 1523) Provides for demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and medical facilities with expertise or equipment. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the telecommunications technologies demonstrated include interactive video telecommunications, static video imaging transmitted through the telephone system, and facsimiles transmitted through such system. (Sec. 1524) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) emergency medical services (including for State offices of Emergency Medical Services and for telecommunications demonstrations); and (2) trauma care and certain other activities. Part : Additional Rural Health Care Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to develop health plans to provide services exclusively in rural and frontier areas. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1532) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private hospitals in medically underserved rural communities, and to public and nonprofit outpatient facilities in such communities, to develop or increase capacity to provide primary health services. (Sec. 1533) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to such entities to conduct research and carry out demonstration projects to develop innovative approaches to the delivery of health care in rural areas, such as the use of telemedicine and mobile delivery units. (Sec. 1534) Authorizes appropriations for the training of rural health professionals other than physicians. Subtitle G: Assistance in Enrolling Uninsured Children in Health Insurance - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for the establishment of State premium subsidy programs to assist eligible needy children with premiums for standard health coverage. Subtitle H: Medicaid Reform - Amends SSA title XIX to: (1) provide for the establishment of State health allowance programs under which the State makes payments to an approved group health plan which provides coverage to eligible individuals as an allowance towards the costs of providing the individual with benefits under the plan; (2) modify Federal requirements to allow States more flexibility in contracting for coordinated care services under Medicaid; (3) make changes regarding the period of certain waivers under Medicaid; and (4) reduce the amount of Federal payment adjustments under Medicaid for disproportionate share hospitals. (Sec. 1713) Eliminates the duplicative pediatric immunization program under Medicare. Subtitle I: Remedies and Enforcement with Respect to Group Health Plans - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to set forth claims procedure special rules for group health plans. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a mediation program for disputes involving group health plan claims. Requires the Secretary to maintain a list of individuals with expertise to serve as facilitators under such program, and to propose a facilitator for each mediation subject to one objection by each party. Sets forth provisions for participation of attorneys, initiation of mediation, mediation procedures, time limits, costs, legal effect of participation, and confidentiality and admissibility. Sets forth court remedies for participants and beneficiaries with respect to group health plans. Subtitle J: Delivery of Health Care Services to Illegal Immigrants - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of health care to illegal immigrants, including the effect of illegal immigration on health costs and the shifting of health costs. Requires a report to the Congress, with recommendations on appropriate means of: (1) alleviating health problems peculiar to illegal immigrants; (2) financing health care provided to illegal immigrants; and(3) increasing intergovernmental cooperation and coordination of efforts of the United States and other countries to alleviate such health problems and finance such efforts. Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement - Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform - Part 1: General Provisions - Makes this subtitle applicable with respect to any medical malpractice liability claim and to any medical malpractice liability action brought in State or Federal court, except a claim or action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death to the extent that title XXI of the Public Health Service Act applies. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) preemption of State law; (2) effect on sovereign immunity and choice of law or venue; (3) jurisdiction; and (4) effective dates. Part 2: Medical Malpractice and Product Liability Reform - Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action from being brought in any State court during a calendar year unless the relevant claim has been initially resolved (i.e., a decision has been reached on whether the defendant is liable to the plaintiff for damages and on the amount of damages) under a certified alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system or an alternative Federal system. Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action from being brought in Federal court based on diversity of citizenship during a calendar year unless the relevant claim has been initially resolved under such a system in the State whose law applies. Directs the Attorney General to establish an ADR process for tort claims consisting of medical malpractice liability claims brought against the United States under chapter 171 of the Federal judicial code (U.S. Court of Federal Claims). Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action based on such a claim from being brought in any Federal court unless the claim has been initially resolved under such process. Sets forth procedures for filing actions. (Sec. 2012) Limits to $250,000 the amount of noneconomic damages that may be awarded to a claimant and family members in a medical malpractice liability action. Sets limits on punitive damages and on periodic payments for future losses. Reduces damages by any other payments made to compensate an individual for injuries. (Sec. 2013) Set forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on attorney fees and other costs; (2) joint and several liability (generally, liability may be found only for those damages directly attributable to the person's proportionate share of fault or responsibility for the injury); (3) a statute of limitations of seven years; and (4) a uniform standard for determining negligence (the defendant's conduct at the time of providing the health care services was not reasonable). (Sec. 2017) Specifies that in the case of a medical malpractice liability claim relating to services provided during labor or the delivery of a baby, if the health care professional did not previously treat the injured individual for the pregnancy, the trier of fact may not find that the defendant committed malpractice nor assess damages unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Part 3: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Lists requirements for State ADR systems, including that such a system: (1) applies to all medical malpractice liability claims under the jurisdiction of the courts of that State; (2) requires that a written opinion resolving the dispute be issued within six months after each party against whom the claim is filed has received notice of the claim; (3) is approved by the State or local governments; (4) provides for the transmittal to the State agency responsible for monitoring or disciplining health care professionals and providers of any findings of malpractice; and (5) provides for the regular transmittal of information on disputes resolved under the system to the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research in a manner that protects the identity of the parties involved. (Sec. 2032) Directs the Secretary, by October 1 of each year, to certify State ADR systems that meet such requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish an alternative Federal ADR system for the resolution of medical malpractice liability claims in States that do not have in effect a certified ADR system. (Sec. 2033) Directs the Secretary, within five years, to submit to the Congress a report describing and evaluating State ADR systems and the alternative Federal system, including: (1) information on the effect of the ADR systems on health care costs, access to health care, and quality of care provided within the State; and (2) to the extent that such report does not provide information on no-fault systems operated by States as ADR systems, an analysis of the feasibility and desirability of establishing a system for resolving medical malpractice liability claims on a no-fault basis. Part 4: Other Provisions Relating to Medical Malpractice Liability - Authorizes a State agency responsible for disciplinary actions for a type of health care practitioner to enter into agreements with State or county professional societies to permit their participation in the licensing of such practitioner and to review any health care malpractice action, claims, or allegation, or other information concerning the practice patterns of any such practitioner. Sets forth agreement requirements. (Sec. 2042) Directs the Secretary to study incentives adopted by State and local governments, insurers, medical societies, and other entities to encourage physicians to volunteer to provide health care services in medically underserved areas. (Sec. 2043) Directs each State to require: (1) each health care professional and health care provider to participate in a risk management program to prevent, and provide early warning of, practices which may result in injuries to patients or endanger patient safety; and (2) each provider of health care professional and provider liability insurance in the State to establish risk management programs or sanction programs of risk management for health care professionals and providers provided by other entities, and require each such professional or provider, as a condition of maintaining insurance, to participate in one such program at least once in each three-year period. (Sec. 2044) Directs the Secretary to make grants: (1) for basic research in the prevention of, and compensation for, injuries resulting from health care professional or provider malpractice and for research of the outcomes of health care procedures; (2) to States to assist in improving their ability to license and discipline health care professionals; and (3) to States and local governments, private nonprofit organizations, and health professional schools for educating the general public about the appropriate use of health care, realistic expectations of medical intervention, and the resources and role of health care professional licensing and disciplinary boards in investigating claims of incompetence or health care malpractice, and for developing programs of faculty training and curricula for educating health care professionals in quality assurance, risk management, and medical injury prevention. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings and Fair Health Information Practices - Part 1: Administrative Cost Savings - Subpart A: Standards for Data Elements and Transactions - Directs the Secretary to adopt standards and modifications to standards that a: (1) consistent with the objective of reducing the costs of providing and paying for health care; and (2) in use and generally accepted, developed, or modified by the standard-setting organizations accredited by the American National Standard Institute. (Sec. 2104) Directs the Secretary to adopt standards: (1) for data elements of health information; and (2) for transmitting information electronically. Subpart B: Requirements With Respect to Certain Transactions and Information - Specifies standard transactions. Subpart C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the Secretary to establish standards with respect to the operation of health information network services. (Sec. 2124) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects to promote the development and use of electronically integrated community-based clinical information systems and computerized patient medical records. Subpart D: Assistance to the Secretary - Establishes the Health Care Information Advisory Committee to: (1) assist the Secretary in complying with requirements under this Act; (2) be generally responsible for advising the Secretary and the Congress on the status of the health information network; and (3) make recommendations to correct problems in the network and to refine and improve the network. Part 2: Fair Health Information Practices - Subpart A: Duties of Health Information Trustees - Specifies the duties of health information trustees with respect to inspection of protected health information. (Sec. 2142) Provides a procedure to amend protected health information. Subpart B: Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information - Sets forth general limitations on the use and disclosure of protected health information by health information trustees. (Sec. 2152) Authorizes a health information trustee to disclose protected health information pursuant to a written authorization by the protected individual. (Sec. 2153) Describes the circumstances under which health information trustees may disclose protected health information to: (1) health plans, health care providers, and oversight agencies; (2) next of kin; (3) public health authorities; (4) health research entities; (5) authorities under emergencies; (6) courts or administrative agencies; (6) law enforcement agencies; (7) entities under subpoenas, warrants, and search warrants; and (8) health information service organizations. Subpart C: Access Procedures and Challenge Rights - Prohibits a government authority from obtaining protected health information about a protected individual from a health information trustee through subpoenas, warrants, and search warrants unless there is probable cause that the information is relevant to the law enforcement inquiry. (Sec. 2172) Establishes challenge procedures to such subpoenas. Subpart D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Restricts the information a health information trustee may disclose when a protected individual pays for health care through a payment card or electronic means. (Sec. 2183) Directs the Secretary to develop standards for electronic documents and communications. (Sec. 2184) Provides for the disclosure of protected health information to affiliated persons and agents and attorneys. (Sec. 2187) Requires States to establish a process for the maintenance of certain protected health information. Subpart : Enforcement - Provides for civil actions against health information trustees. (Sec. 2192) Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil money penalty against such trustees for a demonstrated pattern of failure to comply with this subpart. (Sec. 2193) Requires the Secretary to develop an alternative dispute resolution method for resolving claims for civil actions. (Sec. 2194) Amends the Federal criminal code to impose penalties for violations in disclosing and obtaining protected health information. Subpart F: Amendments to Title 5, United States Code - Requires certain Federal agency heads to promulgate rules protecting health information. Subpart G: Regulations, Research, and Education; Effective Dates; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws - Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this part not later than July 1, 1996. (Sec. 2197) Makes this part effective on January 1, 1997, except for certain provisions that take effect upon enactment. Subtitle C: Deduction for Cost of Catastrophic Health Plan; Medical Savings Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include under the medical expense deduction the portion of such expense attributable to coverage under a catastrophic health plan. (Sec. 2202) Allows individuals a tax deduction for a percentage of contributions made to a medical care savings account established for the benefit of an eligible individual. Allows such deduction whether or not an individual itemizes deductions. Disallows distributions from such accounts as medical expense deductions. Excludes employer contributions to such accounts from employment taxes. Establishes an excise tax for excess contributions to medical care savings accounts. Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud - Directs the Attorney General to establish an all-payer health care fraud and abuse control program. (Sec. 2302) Authorizes additional appropriations for such program and AG investigations of possible health care fraud. (Sec. 2303) Establishes in the Treasury the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund for use in preventing anti-fraud and abuse law violations and repaying Medicaid and other beneficiaries for cost-sharing. (Sec. 2311) Amends SSA title XI and the Federal criminal code to: (1) revise current sanctions to provide for, among other things, mandatory exclusion from Medicare and State health care program participation of individuals or entities convicted of a fraud-related felony in connection with the delivery of a health care item or service, and criminal penalties of fines and imprisonment for health care fraud; and (2) authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to issue advisory opinions with regard to specified matters, including matters concerning prohibited remuneration and service inducements. (Sec. 2315) Modifies: (1) current limitations under Medicare (SSA title XVIII) on physician self-referral; and (2) effective date exceptions under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 for such referrals made for clinical laboratory services. (Sec. 2316) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the costs of peer review contracts for Medicare HMOs. (Sec. 2332) Amends SSA title XVIII to require the Secretary to issue advisory opinions relating to prohibited referrals under Medicare. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations establishing systems under SSA titles XI and XVIII for the issuance of advisory opinions. Subtitle E: Increased Medicare Beneficiary Choice; Additional Medicare Reforms - Amends SSA title XVIII and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to make specified changes in HMO and Medicare supplemental policy provisions. Imposes mandates on the Secretary in order to afford Medicare beneficiaries additional avenues for choosing health care coverage, including enrollment in private health insurance plans. (Sec. 2411) Extends current rules for computing Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) premiums. (Sec. 2412) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the imposition of a Medicare part B premium tax for high-income Medicare part B beneficiaries. (Sec. 2413) Directs the Secretary to take such steps as necessary to consolidate administration of Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B. (Sec. 2414) Makes specified extensions with regard to Medicare as secondary payer, including those concerning data matches. Subtitle F: Health Care Antitrust Improvements - Exempts from all antitrust claims an activity relating to the provision of health care services that is: (1) within a "safe harbor" designated by the Attorney General, except for claims for injunctive relief asserted by the Attorney General or the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission in extraordinary circumstances; and (2) specified in and in compliance with the terms of a certificate of review issued by the Attorney General, where the activity occurs while the certificate is in effect, except for claims for injunctive relief. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of attorney fees and costs of suit to the prevailing party in an action based on a claim involving activity found to be exempt. (Sec. 2502) Directs the Attorney General to develop and designate specified safe harbors relating to the following, as well as to such other categories of activities as the Attorney General may designate (subject to specified requirements): (1) joint purchasing of health care services; (2) small hospital mergers; (3) startup and operation of collaborations between State-licensed providers through partial or full integration; (4) standard setting and enforcement activities by medical self-regulatory entities; (5) health care providers collectively supplying non-price medical information to buyers and consumers; (6) health care provider participation in surveys; (7) health care joint ventures' purchase or use of equipment or provision of advanced tertiary care services; (8) provision of market power screens at appropriate levels below which combinations of providers are too small to pose a realistic antitrust threat; (9) joint purchasing arrangements; and (10) good faith negotiations relating to legitimate collaborative activities. Directs the Attorney General to publish notice in the Federal Register soliciting proposals for additional safe harbors. Authorizes the Attorney General to modify or remove a safe harbor following notice and comment upon a determination that the safe harbor does not meet specified criteria. Sets forth criteria in establishing safe harbors, including: (1) the extent to which a competitive or collaborative activity will accomplish an increase in health care access and quality, the establishment of cost efficiencies, and increased ability of health care facilities to provide services in medically underserved areas or to underserved populations; and (2) whether designation as a safe harbor will result in specified desirable outcomes. (Sec. 2503) Directs the Attorney General to issue certificates of review for providers of health care services and to assist persons in applying for such certificates. Sets forth procedures regarding applications for, renovation of, and review of determinations regarding, such certificates. Limits the disclosure of information. (Sec. 2504) Sets forth provisions regarding notifications providing for a reduction in certain penalties under the antitrust laws for health care cooperative ventures. (Sec. 2505) Directs the Attorney General to periodically review the safe harbors, certificates of review, and notifications. (Sec. 2507) Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Health Care Competition Policy. Subtitle G: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self- Regulatory Entities - Part 1: Application of the Clayton Act to Medical Self-Regulatory Entities - Provides that no damages, cost of suit, or attorney fee may be recovered under section 4, 4A, or 4C of the Clayton Act, or under any similar State law, except by a State or the United States, from any medical self-regulatory entity as a result of engaging in standard setting or enforcement activities that are: (1) designed to promote the quality of health care provided to patients; and (2) not conducted for purposes of financial gain. Directs the court to award the cost of such a suit, including a reasonable attorney fee, to a substantially prevailing defendant. Part 2: Consultation by Federal Agencies - Requires any Federal agency engaged in the establishment of medical professional standards to consult with appropriate medical societies or associations, specialty boards, or recognized accrediting agencies, if available, in carrying out medical professional standard setting and guidelines or standards relating to the practice of medicine. Subtitle H: Reform of Clinical Laboratory Requirements for Simple Tests - Amends the Public Health Service Act to exempt clinical laboratories performing only simple examinations and procedures from certificate requirements. (Sec. 2703) Directs the Secretary to use existing appropriations to conduct the study relating to the reliability and quality control procedures of clinical laboratory testing programs and the effect of errors in the testing procedures and results on the diagnosis and treatment of patients. (Sec. 2704) Directs the Secretary to revise the membership of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee to contain a number of practicing physicians proportionate to the number of physician regulated clinical laboratories. Subtitle I: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires certain Government agencies to prefund health benefit contributions for their annuitants. (Sec. 2802) Makes aliens ineligible for social security and Medicaid benefits. (Sec. 2803) Limits the eligibility for social security benefits of certain drug and alcohol addicts. Title III: Long-Term Care - Subtitle A: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of qualified long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance for purposes of insurance company taxation. (Sec. 3002) Excludes from gross income benefits provided under a long-term care insurance contract. Includes in gross income employer-provided coverage for long-term care services. (Sec. 3003) Includes amounts paid for qualified long-term care services as medical expenses for individual itemized deductions. Includes any parent or grandparent as a dependent for purposes of such expenses. Subtitle B: Establishment of Federal Standards for Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate the establishment of model Federal standards for long-term care insurance. Prohibits the offering of a long-term care insurance policy in a State unless the State has a regulatory program meeting the requirements of this Act or the policy has been certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Authorizes grants to States for demonstration programs to improve enforcement of the standards. Authorizes appropriations. Imposes on agents selling long-term policies a duty of good faith and fair dealing. Prohibits twisting, high pressure tactics, and cold lead advertising. Mandates minimum financial standards, including income and asset criteria, for advising individuals considering the purchase of a long-term policy. Prohibits sales: (1) to an individual eligible for assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; (2) of duplicate service policies; and (3) of policies that reduce, limit, or coordinate benefits on the basis of eligibility for other coverage or benefits. Provides for: (1) criminal and civil penalties; and (2) agent training and certification. Sets forth additional carrier responsibilities relating to refunding of premiums, mailing of policies, providing information on denials of claims, reporting of information, and limiting compensation to agents for the sale or renewal of policies. Prohibits cancellation or nonrenewal of a long-term care policy except for nonpayment of premium or material misrepresentation. Sets forth continuation and conversion rights for group policies, regulating premiums for converted policies. Requires guaranteed issuance to an individual if the individual meets the minimum medical requirements of the policy. Mandates standards regarding upgraded benefits. Limits cancellation for nonpayment by an incapacitated individual. Requires: (1) subject to exceptions, uniform language and definitions, a uniform format, and at least one standard benefit package; and (2) disclosure of certain matters, including an outline of coverage. Mandates recommendations by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) regarding informing consumers on the long-term economic viability of long-term care insurance carriers. Limits certain conditions on benefits. Requires, if benefits are provided for home health care or community-based services, that certain minimum benefits be provided. Prohibits treating cognitive or mental impairments (including Alzheimer's disease and mental illness) differently from other medical conditions. Limits preexisting condition requirements. Requires: (1) each claimant to have a functional assessment by an individual or entity meeting NAIC qualifications and unconnected to the policy issuer; (2) inflation protection, unless rejected in writing by a policyholder; (3) disclosure of certain premium increases; and (4) nonforfeiture benefits. Prohibits a carrier from contesting a policy or claim based on fraud or misrepresentation unless notice is provided within a time period set by NAIC. Establishes the right of a purchaser to return a policy within a specified period. Defines "long-term care insurance policy," excluding: (1) any basic Medicare supplemental policies; (2) other insurance offered primarily to provide specified types of coverage; and (3) certain life insurance policies. Authorizes grants for programs to provide information, counseling, and assistance regarding the procurement of long-term insurance. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle : Protection of Assets Under Medicaid Through Use of Qualified Long-term Care Insurance - Amends the title XIX of the Social Security Act to require State Medicaid plans to disregard some or all of the individual's assets attributable to coverage under a qualified long-term care insurance contract in determining the individual's eligibility for long-term care services. Subtitle D: Studies - Requires the Comptroller General to study the feasibility of: (1) encouraging health care providers to donate their services to homebound patients; and (2) providing heads of households who care for elderly family members in their home with an income tax credit. (Sec. 3303) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of encouraging or requiring the use of a single designated public or nonprofit agency to coordinate, through case management, the provision of long-term care benefits under current Federal, State, and local programs in a geographic area. Subtitle E: Volunteer Service Credit Demonstration Projects - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to establish and operate a volunteer service credit demonstration project in each State.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1994
Denies a visa to an alien who has been involved in the foreign expropriation of property of any U.S. person.
Germany · German Bundestag · 25 November 1994
Rechtliche Grundlage der Strafanzeige, Rolle des türkischen Geheimdienstes und türkischer Presseorgane in Deutschland
Germany · German Bundestag · 21 November 1994
Anzahl der Ermittlungsverfahren, U-Haft, Verurteilungen, verletzte bzw. getötete Personen
Germany · German Bundestag · 21 November 1994
Anzahl der Ermittlungsverfahren, U-Haft, Verurteilungen, verletzte bzw. getötete Personen
Germany · German Bundestag · 17 November 1994
<strong>Bezug:</strong> Siehe auch B006 Der Gesetzesantrag ist textidentisch mit dem von der Fraktion der SPD eingebrachten Gesetzentwurf auf BT Drs 13/809 (s. B019)<br /> <br /> <strong>Inhalt:</strong> Erteilung einer Aufenthaltsbefugnis für Ausländer nach acht und, unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen, nach fünf Jahren, wenn sie sich am 1.3.1995 seit dieser Zeit im Bundesgebiet aufgrund einer Aufenthaltsgestattung nach dem Asylverfahrensgesetz oder geduldet aufhalten, Herausnahme der Altfälle aus dem Asylstreitverfahren durch Schaffung eines asylunabhängigen Bleiberechts; Änderung § 100 Ausländergesetz und Einfügung § 87b in das Asylverfahrensgesetz.<br /> <br /> Wegfall der Änderung von § 100 Ausländergesetz durch BR-Beschluß, Titeländerung (eingebracht als: Gesetz zur Änderung des Ausländergesetzes und des Asylverfahrensgesetzes). Ländern und Kommunen entstehen Mehrkosten.<br /> <br /> <strong>Nebenschlagwörter:</strong> Ausländergesetz/Änderung § 100 AuslG betr. Aufenthaltserlaubnis * Aufenthaltserlaubnis/Erweiterung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis für Ausländer mit Kindern * Ausländisches Kind/Erweiterung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis für Ausländer mit Kindern
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 1994
101 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications for naturalisation received so far this year under the business migration scheme; the number granted; if she has received the report of the interdepartmental committee which was charged with examining the scheme; the changes, if any, she plans to make in regard to the operation of the business migration scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1943/94]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 1994
83 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice when she asked the interdepartmental committee set up to examine procedures in the aliens division of her Department to examine the issue of the granting of citizenship under the business migration scheme. [1935/94]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 1994
101 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications for naturalisation received so far this year under the business migration scheme; the number granted; if she has received the report of the interdepartmental committee which was charged with examining the scheme; the changes, if any, she plans to make in regard to the operation of the business migration scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1943/94]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 1994
83 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice when she asked the interdepartmental committee set up to examine procedures in the aliens division of her Department to examine the issue of the granting of citizenship under the business migration scheme. [1935/94]
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1994
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Attorney General should consider implementing pilot projects to increase the efficiency of the deportation process by assuring alien orientation and representation; and (2) this resolution should not be construed as creating a right of representation at Government expense.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Physical Capital Investment Subtitle A: Highways and Mass Transit Subtitle B: Airports Subtitle C: Railroads Subtitle D: Water and Sewage Treatment Facilities Subtitle E: Environmental Restoration Subtitle F: Community Development Assistance Subtitle G: Education Infrastructure Subtitle H: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Title II: Human Capital Investment Subtitle A: Job Training Subtitle B: Education Subtitle C: Head Start Subtitle D: Programs Under Public Health Service Act Title III: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Subtitle A: Reduction in Employee Payroll Taxes; Credit for First-Time Homebuyers Subtitle B: Revenue Increases Title IV: Appropriations Title I: Physical Capital Investment - Subtitle A: Highways and Mass Transit - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize additional appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for interstate maintenance, surface transportation, and bridges. (Sec. 1002) Amends the Federal Transit Act to authorize additional appropriations and make available additional funding from the Mass Transit Account for certain formula grants and discretionary grants transit programs. Subtitle B: Airports - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to make available additional amounts for airport improvement program grants (including grants for airport noise compatibility planning). Subtitle C: Railroads - Amends the Department of Transportation Act to increase and extend the authorization of appropriations for local rail freight assistance. Subtitle D: Water and Sewage Treatment Facilities - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds. Subtitle E: Environmental Restoration - Provides funds for environmental restoration at facilities of the Departments of Defense and of Energy. Sets forth various authorizations of appropriations and makes appropriations for such purposes. Subtitle F: Community Development Assistance - Chapter 1: Community Development Block Grants - Authorizes additional appropriations for community development block grants under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Chapter 2: Community Banking and Economic Empowerment Act - Community Banking and Economic Empowerment Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide capital, operating, and technical assistance to community development lenders and certain eligible entities in order to: (1) make credit-related services available to low-income persons inadequately served by traditional lending institutions; and (2) promote development and revitalization of low-income neighborhoods. Delineates the purposes for which the Secretary of HUD may provide assistance to community development lenders and to the eligible entities establishing those lenders. Prescribes guidelines for assisted community development lenders, including assistance agreements and auditing procedures. (Sec. 1520) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act to preclude a regulated financial institution from receiving either an "outstanding" or a "satisfactory" rating for meeting community credit needs solely on the basis of its loans or investments in community development lenders. (Sec. 1521) Requires annual reports to the Congress. (Sec. 1524) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) capital and operating assistance for community development lenders; and (2) technical assistance for organizing and operating community development lenders. Subtitle G: Education Infrastructure - Education Infrastructure Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible local educational agencies to meet the National Education Goals through repair, renovation, alteration, and construction of public elementary or secondary school libraries, media centers, or facilities, used for academic or vocational instruction, including certain authorized activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1606) Sets forth requirements for: (1) priorities in selection of applications; (2) maintenance of effort, supplementation of non-Federal funds, and general limitations; (3) minority small business participation as project contractors or subcontractors, and payment of wages in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act; and (4) Federal evaluation. (Sec. 1610) Authorizes the comprehensive regional centers to provide technical assistance to such projects. Subtitle H: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency - Authorizes additional appropriations to the Secretary of Energy for renewable energy research, development, and demonstration programs described in specified provisions of the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989. (Sec. 1702) Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to increase and extend the authorization of appropriations for the Federal Energy Efficiency Fund and the new technology demonstration program. Title II: Human Capital Investment - Subtitle A: Job Training - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to establish an allied health professional job training program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to institutions of higher education to establish job training assistance programs for at-risk youths and long-term welfare recipients to become allied health professionals. Authorizes appropriations. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the following youth job training programs: (1) Youth Fair Chance under JTPA; and (2) Youthbuild under the Homeownership and Opportunity Through HOPE Act. Subtitle B: Education - Extends and increases the authorizations of appropriations for certain programs for educational personnel under the Adult Education Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Subtitle C: Head Start - Amends the Head Start Act to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for Head Start programs. Subtitle D: Programs Under Public Health Service Act - Chapter 1: Funding Initiative for Programs Providing Health Services - Authorizes additional appropriations for the following programs under the Public Health Service Act: (1) community health centers; (2) migrant health centers; (3) health care for the homeless; (4) preventive services regarding tuberculosis, breast and cervical cancer, lead exposure, HIV disease, and prostate cancer; (5) immunization; (6) cancer registries; (7) comprehensive school health education; (8) prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, and injuries; (9) child day care health and safety; (10) asthma; (11) environmental health, including response to urgent environmental threats to public health and environmental services regarding the health of individuals in the United States in the vicinity of the Mexican border; (12) block grants for community mental health services, prevention and treatment of substance abuse, and preventive health services; and (13) scholarship and loan repayment programs of the National Health Service Corps. Authorizes additional appropriations for the maternal and child health block grant program under the Social Security Act. Chapter 2: Community Health Advisor Program - National Community Health Advisor Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each State or State-designated entity that submits an appropriate application, to award formula grants for the development and operation of community health advisor (CHA) programs. Requires such States to: (1) operate a clearinghouse to maintain and disseminate information on CHA programs; (2) provide technical assistance for training CHAs; and (3) coordinate all CHA activities carried out by the State under the award. Limits administrative costs to 15 percent of the total award. (Sec. 2314) Provides CHA program objectives and goals. Requires funding agreements for such awards to give priority to developing and operating CHA programs for medically underserved communities (poor rural and inner city areas). (Sec. 2315) Requires a State to provide matching funds of 25 percent of award amounts toward such programs. Requires a CHA program in a State to be carried out in at least one urban area and one rural area. Requires ongoing supervision of CHAs involved in the program. Allows for expenditures under the award for training and continuing education programs. Requires reports from State applicants to the Secretary assessing the effectiveness of CHA programs. (Sec. 2317) Provides for the determination of the amount allotted to each chosen applicant, taking into account the population and poverty level of the area involved. (Sec. 2318) Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for quality assurance and cost-effectiveness of the CHA programs. (Sec. 2319) Requires evaluations of each such program. (Sec. 2320) Prohibits this chapter from being construed to require the Secretary to modify or terminate the Community Health Representative Program of the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 2322) Authorizes appropriations for the CHA program. Title III: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Subtitle A: Reduction in Employee Payroll Taxes; Credit for First-Time Homebuyers - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to provide a refundable credit for a portion of social security taxes for taxable years 1995 and 1996, equal to 20 percent of the taxpayer's social security taxes for that year, up to a maximum credit of $200, or $400 for a joint return. (Sec. 3002) Allows a nonrefundable personal credit for purchase of a principal residence by a first-time homebuyer. Sets such maximum overall credit at no more than $6,000. Subtitle B: Revenue Increases - Amends the IRC to establish a stock transfer excise tax. (Sec. 3102) Repeals a preferential rate of tax on capital gains. (Sec. 3103) Provides for a carryover basis for certain property acquired from a decedent. Provides for nonrecognition of gain where certain appreciated carryover basis property is used in satisfaction of a pecuniary bequest. Sets forth a procedure for binding determination of initial basis of carryover basis property. Sets forth requirements for information regarding carryover basis property acquired from a decedent. Sets penalties for negligent or fraudulent overstatement of initial basis and for failure to furnish such required information. Makes a $125,000 exclusion available to the spouse of a decedent in certain cases. (Sec. 3104) Allows unused capital loss carryovers to be transferred to an estate. Provides capital gain treatment for inherited art or similar property. Title IV: Appropriations - Appropriates amounts authorized under this Act. (Sec. 4002) Designates the entire amount appropriated under this Act as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: International Narcotics Control Title II: NATO Participation Act of 1994 International Narcotics Control Corrections Act of 1994 - Title I: International Narcotics Control - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to redefine a "major illicit drug producing country" as a country in which 1,000 hectares or more of illicit opium poppy or coca is cultivated or harvested annually or 5,000 hectares or more of illicit cannabis is cultivated or harvested annually unless the President determines that such cannabis production does not significantly affect the United States. Provides for advance notification to the appropriate congressional committees of any transfer by the Government to a foreign country, for narcotics control purposes, of property or funds seized or forfeited in connection with narcotics-related activities. Reallocates foreign assistance (currently, security assistance) withheld from countries that fail to take adequate steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking. Extends certain international narcotics control strategy reporting requirements and annual certification procedures for FY 1993 and 1994 through FY 1995. Makes such requirements and procedures currently applicable after September 30, 1994, effective after September 30, 1995 (the beginning of FY 1996). Repeals specified international narcotics control Acts. Exempts specified narcotics control-related transfers of excess defense articles, foreign military financing, and international military education and training from a prohibition on assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies. Waives all restrictions on assistance (except for countries that are "decertified" under narcotics control certification provisions) with respect to narcotics-related assistance provided during FY 1995 if the President notifies the appropriate congressional committees in advance. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to any country or international organization during FY 1995 for the prevention and suppression of international criminal activities. Exempts such assistance from the prohibition on assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies. Requires the President to take steps to ensure that the immediate relatives of any individual involved in drug trafficking are not permitted entry into the United States consistent with the Immigration and Nationality Act. Title II: NATO Participation Act of 1994 - NATO Participation Act of 1994 - Authorizes the President to establish a program to assist the transition to full North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other designated Partnership for Peace countries. Permits the President, in carrying out such program, to provide excess defense articles, international military education and training, and foreign military financing assistance to such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
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 · 6 October 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Legal Immigration Reform Subtitle A: Admission of Legal Immigrants Subtitle B: Admission of Refugees Title II: Illegal Immigration Control Subtitle A: Land Borders Control Subtitle B: Ports of Entry Control Subtitle C: Overseas Airports Control Subtitle D: Alien Smuggling Control Subtitle E: Employer Sanctions Enforcement Subtitle F: Prohibition on Welfare Benefits to Illegal Aliens Subtitle G: State and Local Cooperation in Immigration Enforcement Title III: Exclusion and Deportation Reform Subtitle A: Criminal Aliens Subtitle B: Terrorist Aliens Subtitle C: Enforcement of Deportation Orders Subtitle D: Expedited Asylum Review at Ports of Entry Subtitle E: Asylum Reform Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Provisions Title IV: Effective Date Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Legal Immigration Reform - Subtitle A: Admission of Legal Immigrants - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to reduce annual legal immigration ceilings. Subtitle B: Admission of Refugees - Amends the Act to place an annual ceiling on refugee admissions. Title II: Illegal Immigration Control - Subtitle A: Land Borders Control - Directs the Attorney General to: ( 1) place additional physical barriers along the United States-Mexico border; and (2) establish an interior repatriation program. Subtitle B: Ports of Entry Control - Authorizes the Attorney General to require ships arriving at U.S. entry ports to give 24 hours advance notice to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Subtitle C: Overseas Airports Controls - Directs the Attorney General to determine the feasibility of establishing: (1) specified numbers of preinspection stations at foreign airports identified as last departure points for the greatest numbers of U.S.-arriving passengers; and (2) an air carrier consultant program. (Sec. 222) Provides for airline personnel training in fraudulent document detection. Subtitle D: Alien Smuggling Control - Amends the Act to increase INS forfeiture authority for smuggling or harboring illegal aliens. (Sec. 232) Brings alien smuggling operations under the purview of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions. (Sec. 233) Increase penalties for certain alien smuggling offenses. (Sec. 234) Amends Federal law to authorize INS wiretaps for alien smuggling investigations. Subtitle E: Employer Sanctions Enforcement - Amends the Act with respect to employer sanction provisions, including: (1) work eligibility documents; and (2) social security telephone verification. Subtitle F: Prohibition on Welfare Benefits to Illegal Aliens - Prohibits the payment of: (1) direct Federal financial or social insurance benefits (except for emergency medical care) to illegal aliens; (2) unemployment benefits to aliens without employment authorization; or (3) housing benefits to illegal aliens. (Sec. 254) Authorizes appropriations for the automated System for Alien Verification of Eligibility (SAVE). Subtitle G: State and Local Cooperation in Immigration Enforcement - Prohibits Federal assistance to a State or locality that refuses to cooperate with the arrest and deportation of illegal aliens. (Sec. 262) Establishes a uniform vital statistics pilot program for three States with high numbers of undocumented aliens. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Exclusion and Deportation Reform - Subtitle A: Criminal Aliens - Amends the Act to include aliens on criminal probation or criminal parole among the categories of aliens subject to special registration. (Sec. 302) Expands the definition of "aggravated felony." (Sec. 503) Expedites deportation proceedings for specified criminal aliens. (Sec. 303) Provides for judicial deportation of aliens convicted of an aggravated felony. (Sec. 304) Restricts specified deportation defenses. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to study the use and effectiveness of the Prisoner Transfer Treaty with Mexico to remove convicted aliens from the United States. Subtitle B: Terrorist Aliens - Amends the Act to establish procedures for the removal of alien terrorists, including a special court to hear such cases. (Sec. 312) Makes membership in a terrorist organization a basis for U.S. exclusion. Subtitle C: Enforcement of Deportation Orders - Amends the Act to limit challenges to deportation orders. Subtitle D: Expedited Asylum Review at Ports of Entry - Amends the Act to revise port of entry alien inspection and exclusion provisions. Subtitle E: Asylum Reform - Amends the Act to revise asylum and related judicial review provisions. Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Act to authorize telephonic or electronic deportation hearings. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for provsions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage Subtitle A: Insurance Reforms Subtitle B: Benefits Subtitle C: Employer Responsibilities Subtitle D: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption Subtitle E: Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protection and Related Provisions Subtitle F: Definitions; General Provisions Title II: Removal of Financial Barriers to Access Subtitle A: Tax Deductibility for Individuals and Self- Employed Subtitle B: Premiums and Cost-Sharing Subsidy Program for Low-Income Individuals Title III: Medicaid Reforms Subtitle A: Treatment of Acute Care Benefits for AFDC and Non-cash Beneficiaries Subtitle B: Flexibility in Expenditures for Supplemental Benefits for AFDC and Non-cash Beneficiaries Subtitle C: Increased State Flexibility in Contracting for Coordinated Care Subtitle D: Additional Medicaid Reforms Title IV: Access Improvements Subtitle A: Expanding Access in Underserved Areas Subtitle B: Improved Access in Rural Areas Subtitle C: Academic Health Centers Subtitle D: United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Title V: Health Care Quality Enhancement Subtitle A: Quality Assurance Subtitle B: Primary Care Provider Education Title VI: Market Incentives to Containing Costs Subtitle A: Facilitating Establishment of Health Plan Purchasing Organization (HPPOs) Subtitle B: Preemption of State Benefit Mandates and Anti-Managed Care Laws Subtitle C: Malpractice Reform Subtitle D: Administrative Simplification Subtitle E: Fair Health Information Practices Subtitle F: Antitrust Subtitle G: Fraud and Abuse Subtitle H: Billing for Laboratory Services Title VII: Medicare Subtitle A: Increased Beneficiary Choice; Improved Program Efficiency Subtitle B: Savings Title VIII: Incentives to Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance Subtitle A: Establishment of Federal Standards for Long-term Care Insurance Subtitle B: Tax Treatment of Long-term Care Insurance Title IX: Department of Veterans Affairs Title X: Miscellaneous Savings Provisions Subtitle A: Automobile Insurance Coordination Subtitle B: Prefunding Government Health Benefits Contributions Bipartisan Health Care Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage - Subtitle A: Insurance Reform - Part 1: Guaranteed Access to Health Coverage - Requires carriers that offer health insurance coverage in the individual-small group market in a fair rating area to make available qualified standard coverage and high-deductible coverage to qualifying individuals or small employers. (Sec. 1001) Exempts federally qualified health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and HMOs or managed care organizations recognized by State laws from the requirement to provide high-deductible coverage. Prohibits the offer of high-deductible coverage unless the carrier also makes standard coverage available with identical benefits and the individual or employee demonstrates that they have available assets equal to at least the deductible amount under the high-deductible coverage. Requires carriers to provide for coverage of benefits for items and services furnished throughout the fair rating area. Prohibits carriers from limiting coverage to portions of interstate metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), requiring them to provide coverage throughout the entire MSA. Requires coverage offers to include a family coverage option. Prohibits carriers from requiring employers under group health plans to impose waiting periods for health coverage or require conditions on health coverage based on an individual's: (1) health status; (2) claims experience; (3) receipt of health care; (4) medical history; (5) receipt of public subsidies; or (6) lack of evidence of insurability. (Sec. 1002) Requires carriers to accept every small employer and qualifying individual that applies for enrollment during the required enrollment period. Provides that in the case of coverage offered by carriers or under group health plans that provide benefits through a managed care arrangement, the carriers or plans: (1) need not establish health care facilities throughout the fair rating area if the facilities are located in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of health status of individuals residing in proximity to such facilities; and (2) may deny coverage under certain conditions. Permits carriers to deny coverage if they do not have the necessary financial reserves. (Sec. 1003) Prohibits carriers from denying, cancelling, or refusing to renew health coverage except on the basis of nonpayment of premiums or fraud or because they are not providing a particular coverage option in the market. Sets limitations on market exit and re-entry by carriers. Establishes similar conditions for cancellation or denial by multiemployer plans and multiple employer health plans. (Sec. 1004) Prohibits carriers or group health plans from excluding coverage with respect to services provided for preexisting conditions, except as provided by this Act. Provides for exclusion periods of up to six months subject to certain conditions. Makes exclusions inapplicable to pregnancy, newborns, adopted children, and certain individuals enrolled or enrolling during an open enrollment period. (Sec. 1005) Sets forth provisions regarding enrollment periods. Part 2: Provision of Benefits - Establishes: (1) standards for managed care arrangements and requirements and utilization review programs; and (2) requirements for arrangements with essential community providers. (Sec. 1014) Provides for the establishment of medical savings accounts. Makes the account beneficiary the owner of the account and includes distributions not used for qualified medical expenses in the beneficiary's gross income. Sets forth uses and limitations for such accounts. Excludes: (1) employer contributions to any medical savings account of an eligible employee from gross income (to the extent such contributions do not exceed the excess of premiums for standard coverage over the premiums for high-deductible coverage); and (2) health benefit payments made by employers from employment taxes. Part 3: Fair Rating Practices - Provides that the premium rate established by carriers for health insurance coverage in the individual-small group market may not vary except by the following: (1) age; (2) geographic area; (3) family class; (4) benefit design of coverage and by type of coverage option; and (5) permitted expense category. (Sec. 1022) Directs carriers and group health plans to accept and apply premium certificates issued under State premium assistance programs under title XXI of the Social Security Act (as established by this Act). (Sec. 1023) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop a model risk adjustment system under which premiums applicable to coverage in the individual-small group market and coverage under small employer pooling arrangements and multiple employer welfare arrangements that are fully insured would be adjusted to take into account factors to predict the future need and efficient use of services by covered individuals in the market. Incorporates such model into a rule that specifies risk adjustment mechanisms. Requires each State to develop systems that conform with the Federal model. Part 4: Consumer Protections - Requires carriers and group health plans to provide information relating to their performance in providing coverage to specified individuals, including prospective enrollees. (Sec. 1032) Prohibits carriers from varying the commission or other remuneration to a person based on the claims experience or health status of individuals enrolled by or through such person. Subtitle B: Benefits - Sets forth provisions regarding standard coverage, preventive benefits to be covered without any deductible or cost-sharing, and high-deductible coverage. (Sec. 1105) Sets forth conditions under which supplemental benefits may be provided. (Sec. 1106) Requires carriers and group health plans to provide for an option under which children under 26 (without regard to whether they are students or disabled) will be treated as family members. Authorizes additional premiums for such option. (Sec. 1107) Includes coverage provided by Christian Science practitioners or in a Christian Science sanitorium within benefits under standard coverage. Subtitle C: Employer Responsibilities - Requires employers to make available to qualifying employees coverage under a group health plan that meets specified requirements, including: (1) an annual offering of coverage; (2) a choice of coverage and family coverage options; (3) an annual enrollment period; and (4) payroll withholding of premiums. (Sec. 1201) Provides that an employer is not required, subject to provisions regarding an equal contribution rule, to make any contribution to the cost of health coverage. Makes requirements regarding choice of coverage inapplicable if a group health plan is in effect as of July 1, 1994, and the employer makes contributions on behalf of employees under a collective bargaining agreement or similar contract. Excludes from this subtitle's requirements certain new and small employers. (Sec. 1202) Imposes an excise tax for failures of employers to comply with this subtitle. Subtitle D: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption; General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to request the NAIC to develop model regulations that specify standards with respect to this subtitle for carriers and health insurance coverage. (Sec. 1304) Imposes a tax on carriers that fail to comply with Parts 1 through 4 of Subtitle A and Subtitle B of this title unless a State has in effect a regulatory mechanism that provides sanctions. (Sec. 1305) Prohibits a single employer plan from offering health coverage other than through a carrier unless the plan has at least 100 eligible employees. Subtitle E: Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protections and Related Provisions - Part 1: Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protections - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish certification standards under title I (Protection of Employee Benefit Rights) for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) providing health benefits. (Sec. 1401) Treats as employee welfare benefits plans, and exempts from certain restrictions on preemption, a MEWA which provides benefits consisting solely of specified medical care, which is not fully insured, and which applies for and receives a specified certification. Requires certain disclosures to participating employers. Requires certified MEWAs which are not fully insured to maintain excess-stop loss coverage and specified types of reserves. Sets forth corrective actions which such MEWAs' operating committees must take: (1) to avoid depletion of reserves; or (2) in connection with termination of the MEWA. Provides for review of actions by the Secretary of Labor with respect to denials of applications for, or suspensions or revocations of, such certifications. Requires, in cases where coverage is provided under a multiple employer health plan and more than ten percent of the participating employers are small employers, that the arrangement is maintained in the form of a small employer pooling arrangement. Sets forth requirements for such arrangements. (Sec. 1402) Revises ERISA with respect to: (1) a specified exemption from preemption; (2) treatment of single employer arrangements; and (3) treatment of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 1405) Sets forth ERISA requirements relating to employee leasing health care arrangements (ELHAs). Provides for treatment of ELHAs as MEWAs, with certain exceptions. Sets forth special rules under which an ELHA may receive a MEWA certification. (Sec. 1408) Allows delegation to a State of some or all of the Secretary's enforcement authority with respect to MEWAs with certifications. Directs the Secretary to provide enforcement and technical assistance to the States with respect to MEWAs. Part 2: Simplifying Filing of Reports for Employers Covered under Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements Providing Fully Insured Coverage Consisting of Medical Care - Directs the Secretary to prescribe an alternative method for the filing of a single annual report for all participating employers under MEWAs under which all coverage consists of medical care and is fully insured. Subtitle F: Definitions; General Provisions - Part 1: Definitions - Sets forth specified definitions. (Sec. 1905) Makes this title effective for plan years beginning on or after 1997 with respect to group health plans and as of January 1, 1997, with respect to carriers (for coverage other than under a group health plan). Part 2: Report and Recommendations on Health Coverage and Access - Provides that it is an objective of this Act to assure by 2002 that: (1) all eligible individuals in the United States have access to health coverage; and (2) at least 95 percent of such individuals have such coverage. (Sec. 1912) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on the extent to which eligible individuals have, or have access to, health care coverage. Title II: Removal Of Financial Barriers To Access - Subtitle A: Tax Deductibility for Individuals and Self-Employed - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase on a graduated basis the tax deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals; (2) make the deduction permanent; (3) allow a tax deduction, regardless of whether the taxpayer itemizes other deductions, for health insurance costs of non-self-employed individuals not eligible to participate in any subsidized employer health plan; and (4) subject to taxation certain health benefits provided through cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements. Subtitle B: Premium and Cost-Sharing Subsidy Program for Low-Income Individuals - States that the amendments made by this subtitle and title III below provide for a transition from the current Medicaid system to a new system of acute care low-income assistance. (Sec. 2101) Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXI providing for the establishment of new State programs under which, as a requirement for State participation in Medicaid, certain low-income eligible individuals who are not Medicare beneficiaries, SSI recipients, prison inmates, or unlawful aliens will be eligible for premium and cost-sharing assistance for use in obtaining qualifying coverage of the standard and preventive health benefits discussed above under title I of this Act. Sets forth specific requirements for such programs, allowing waivers in the case of any demonstration project which in the judgment of the Secretary of Health and Human Services is likely to assist in promoting the objectives of new SSA title XXI. Creates in the Treasury the Health Care Assurance Trust Fund to contain the savings resulting from this Act and other specified amounts for use in paying States operating subsidy and supplemental acute care benefits programs. Establishes a mechanism for financing such programs that is designed to be deficit neutral. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated to carry out new SSA title XXI to provide premium or cost-sharing assistance or supplemental acute care benefits under part B added below in connection with any abortion, except in cases where an abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother or where the pregnancy results from rape or incest. Title III: Medicaid Reforms - Subtitle A: Treatment of Acute Care Benefits for AFDC and Non-Cash Beneficiaries - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to: (1) establish Medicaid rules for benefits for acute medical services for AFDC recipients and non-cash Medicaid beneficiaries; (2) provide for the division of acute medical service benefits into core benefits and supplemental acute care benefits; (3) limit the amount of Federal financial participation for benefits for acute medical services for AFDC recipient and non-cash Medicaid beneficiaries; (4) condition Federal financial participation on State maintenance-of-effort; and (5) provide for the continuation of State Medicaid eligibility categories. Subtitle B: Flexibility in Expenditures for Supplemental Benefits for AFDC and Non-Cash Beneficiaries - Amends new SSA title XXI to require each State to establish a State supplemental acute care benefits program. Subtitle C: Increased State Flexibility in Contracting for Coordinated Care - Amends SSA title XIX to modify Federal requirements to allow States more flexibility in contracting for coordinated care services. Subtitle D: Additional Medicaid Reforms - Amends SSA title XIX to make various specified changes providing for: (1) a reduction in the amount of payment adjustments for disproportionate share hospitals; (2) elimination of the medically needy program for individuals not in an institution; and (3) elimination of the Medicaid pediatric immunization program, and establishment of alternative delivery programs. Title IV: Access Improvements - Subtitle A: Expanding Access in Underserved Areas - Amends SSA title XI to provide for community health authorities demonstration projects for providing access to cost-effective preventive and primary care and related services for various areas and populations, including low-income residents of medically underserved areas or for medically underserved populations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to migrant and community health centers for the development of health service networks for serving high impact areas, medically underserved areas, or medically underserved populations within the area they serve. Subtitle B: Improved Access in Rural Areas - Part 1: Grants to Encourage Community Rural Health Networks - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to an eligible State for the development of plans to increase access to health care services for residents of areas in the State designated as chronically underserved areas. Provides for technical assistance for entities establishing or enhancing a community rural health network in an underserved rural area. Provides financial assistance to entities to provide for the development and implementation of community rural health networks. Authorizes appropriations. Part 2: Incentives for Health Professionals to Practice in Rural Areas - Subpart A: National Health Service Corps Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude National Health Service Corps Loan Repayments from gross income. (Sec. 4113) Increases the authorization of appropriations for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs. Subpart B: Incentives Under Other Programs - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide incentives under such Act to physicians in former shortage areas. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish a model law for adoption by States to increase the access of individuals residing in underserved rural areas to health care services by expanding the services which non-physician health care professionals may provide in such areas. Part 3: Assistance for Institutional Providers - Subpart A: Community and Migrant Health Centers - Extends and increases the authorizations of appropriations for migrant health centers and community health centers. Subpart B: Emergency Medical Systems - Revises title XII (Trauma Care) of the Public Health Service Act. Renames such title Emergency Medical and Trauma Care Services. Directs the Secretary to establish the Office of Emergency Medical and Trauma Care Services. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct and support research and demonstration projects; (2) foster development of appropriate modern systems of services; (3) assist States; and (4) coordinate and sponsor related activities. Requires that activities meet the unique needs of underserved inner-city and rural areas. (Sec. 4141) Authorizes grants to States to improve the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services. Authorizes appropriations for emergency medical services. (Sec. 4142) Directs the Secretary to make grants to assist States in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatments for injuries resulting from such emergencies. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart C: Assistance to Rural Providers Under Medicare - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) increase by two the number of States eligible to participate in the essential access community hospital program; and (2) make other revisions concerning such program, including permitting the participation of hospitals in urban areas and the participation of hospitals in States adjoining participating States. Extends, by three years, the deadline for the development of prospective payment systems for both inpatient and outpatient rural primary care hospital services. (Sec. 4152) Defines a rural emergency access care hospital and rural emergency access care hospital services for purposes of title XVIII. Provides for the coverage of such services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII. Subpart D: Demonstration Projects to Encourage Primary Care and Rural-Based Graduate Medical Education - Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct a demonstration project to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice. Authorizes appropriations. Part 4: Hospital Affiliated Primary Care Center - Requires the Secretary to make grants and provide technical assistance to community hospitals for the development and operation of primary care services in medically underserved areas. Provides for a plan to allow primary care centers to retain income earned from operation under certain conditions. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Academic Health Centers - Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the feasibility and desirability of making payments to facilities that are not hospitals for the costs of graduate medical education attributable to residents trained at such facilities; and (2) determining the funding needs of health professions schools. Subtitle D: United States-Mexico Border Health Commission - Authorizes the President to conclude an agreement with Mexico to establish a binational commission to be known as the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission. (Sec. 4302) Declares that it should be the duty of the Commission to: (1) conduct a needs assessment in the U.S.-Mexican border area to identify and resolve health problems that affect the general population of the area; and (2) formulate recommendations for a fair method by which the government of one country could reimburse a public or private entity in the other country for the cost of a health care service furnished to a citizen of the first country who is unable to pay for the service. States that the Commission should establish at least two regional border offices in selected locations. Title V: Health Care Quality Enhancement - Subtitle A: Quality Assurance - Directs the Secretary to establish a Health Quality Advisory Council to develop an initial set of quality measures to be used to assess the quality of carriers, group health plans, and multiple employer welfare arrangements. Provides for auditing of such entities to determine compliance with certain quality measure and reporting requirements. Subtitle B: Primary Care Provider Education - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through FY 1999 authorized funding for training for certain health service providers. Title VI: Market Incentives to Containing Costs - Subtitle A: Facilitating Establishment of Health Plan Purchasing Organization (HPPOs) - Part 1: Health Plan Purchasing Organizations - Authorizes the establishment of health plan purchasing organizations (HPPOs) in accordance with this part. (Sec. 6002) Requires HPPOs to enter into agreements with carriers that desire to make health coverage available through HPPOs. (Sec. 6004) Requires HPPOs to offer enrollment for coverage for carriers. Authorizes HPPOs to impose administrative fees for enrollment. (Sec. 6006) Requires States to: (1) review the access of residents who are not employees of large employers or Medicare beneficiaries to obtain standard health insurance coverage through an HPPO; and (2) take actions to ensure that public or private entities provide access to residents who are unable to obtain such coverage. Part 2: Encouragement of Multiple Employer Arrangements Providing Basic Health Benefits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the commonality of interest or geographic location requirement for tax exempt trust status for certified multiple employer health plans, fully-insured multiple employer welfare arrangements, and other specified plans described by ERISA. Part 3: Tax Exemption for High Risk Pools - Provides tax-exempt status to corporations or similar legal entities created by States or political subdivisions to establish risk pools to provide health insurance coverage to persons unable to obtain such insurance because of health conditions. Subtitle B: Preemption of State Benefit Mandates and Anti-Managed Care Laws - Preempts State laws that: (1) mandate health insurance benefits; (2) restrict managed care arrangements and utilization review programs; and (3) prohibit two or more employers from obtaining coverage that is fully-insured under multiple employer health plans. (Sec. 6105) Prohibits States from enforcing standards for health insurance coverage that differ from those established under title I of this Act. (Sec. 6106) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health care services. Subtitle C: Malpractice Reform - Part 1: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Makes this part applicable to any medical malpractice liability action brought in a Federal or State court and to any medical malpractice claim subject to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system that is initiated on or after January 1, 1996. (Sec. 6202) Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action from being brought in any State court during a calendar year unless the relevant claim has been initially resolved (i.e., a decision has been reached on whether the defendant is liable to the plaintiff for damages and on the amount of damages) under a certified ADR system or an alternative Federal system. Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action from being brought in Federal court based on diversity of citizenship during a calendar year unless the relevant claim has been initially resolved under such a system in the State whose law applies. Directs the Attorney General to establish an ADR process for tort claims consisting of medical malpractice liability claims brought against the United States. Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action based on such a claim from being brought in any Federal court unless the claim has been initially resolved under such process. Sets forth procedures for filing actions. (Sec. 6203) Authorizes States to develop specialty clinical practice guidelines to be certified by the Secretary. (Sec. 6204) Limits to $250,000 the amount of noneconomic damages that may be awarded to a claimant and family members in a medical malpractice liability action. (Sec. 6206) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on attorney fees and other costs; and (2) statutes of limitations. (Sec. 6208) Specifies that in the case of a medical malpractice claim relating to services provided during labor or the delivery of a baby, if the health care professional or provider did not previously treat the claimant for the pregnancy, the trier of fact may not find that the defendant committed malpractice nor assess damages unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. (Sec. 6210) Provides that this part preempts State law, except for State law that imposes greater restrictions than those provided in this part. Part 2: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADR) - Lists requirements for State ADR systems, including that such a system: (1) applies to all medical malpractice liability claims under the jurisdiction of the courts of that State; (2) requires that a written opinion resolving the dispute be issued within six months after each party against whom the claim is filed has received notice of the claim; (3) is approved by the State or local governments; (4) provides for the transmittal to the State agency responsible for monitoring or disciplining health care professionals and providers of any findings of malpractice; and (5) provides for the regular transmittal of information on disputes resolved under the system to the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research in a manner that protects the identity of the parties involved. (Sec. 6222) Directs the Secretary to certify State ADR systems that meet such requirements on an annual basis. Requires the Secretary to establish an alternative Federal ADR system for the resolution of medical malpractice liability claims in States that do not have in effect a certified ADR system. (Sec. 6223) Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report describing and evaluating State ADR systems and the alternative Federal system. Part 3: Definitions - Sets forth definitions for this subtitle. Subtitle D: Administrative Simplification - Part 1: Standards for Data Elements and Transactions - Directs the Secretary to adopt standards for: (1) the electronic transmission of health information data; and (2) information transactions. Part 2: Requirements with Respect to Certain Transactions and Information - Lists transactions to be considered as standard transactions with respect to plan sponsors and HPPOs. (Sec. 6322) Requires certified health information security organizations to make available to Federal or State agencies, pursuant to a cost-type contract, any non-identifiable health information that is held by the service, consists of data elements that are subject to a standard under part 1, and is requested by such an agency to fulfill a requirement under this Act. (Sec. 6323) Directs the Secretary to establish a procedure under which a plan sponsor or health provider that does not have the ability to transmit standard data elements and does not have access to a certified health information network may comply with this part. Part 3: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the Secretary to establish standards and a certification procedure for health information network services. (Sec. 6333) Provides that this subtitle supersedes State law. Prohibits the enforcement of any State law that requires medical or health plan records to be maintained or transmitted in written rather than electronic form, except as provided by the Secretary. (Sec. 6334) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects to promote the development and use of electronically integrated community-based clinical information systems and computerized patient medical records. Part 4: Assistance to the Secretary - Establishes the Health Care Information Advisory Committee to: (1) provide assistance to the Secretary in complying with the requirements imposed on the Secretary under this subtitle and subtitle E; (2) be responsible for advising the Secretary and the Congress on the status of the health information network; and (3) make recommendations to correct any problems that may occur in the network's implementation and operations and to refine and improve the network. Subtitle E: Fair Health Information Practices - Part 1: Duties of Health Information Trustees - Sets forth rights of individuals with respect to inspection of protected health information maintained by a health information trustee (specified entities, including health care providers, health benefit plan sponsors, and public health authorities). Makes exceptions to inspection rights if: (1) the information relates to mental health treatment notes or persons other than the protected individual; (2) the inspection could be expected to threaten an individual's life or personal safety; (3) the information could lead to the identification of a confidential source; (4) the information is used solely for administrative purposes or is duplicative; or (5) the information is compiled principally in anticipation of a legal proceeding. (Sec. 6402) Sets forth conditions under which a trustee must correct or amend information at the request of a protected individual. (Sec. 6404) Provides for: (1) recordkeeping with respect to health information disclosures; and (2) safeguards to ensure confidentiality and protection of information. Part 2: Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information - Permits a health information trustee to use protected health information only for a purpose that is compatible with and related to the purpose for which the information was collected or received or for which the trustee is authorized to disclose under this subtitle. (Sec. 6411) Limits the use or disclosure of protected health information by a health information trustee to the minimum amount of information necessary. (Sec. 6412) Authorizes a health information trustee to disclose protected health information pursuant to an authorization executed by the individual who is the subject of the information if specified requirements are met. (Sec. 6413) Authorizes the disclosure of protected health information, subject to specified restrictions: (1) in connection with treatment and payment; or (2) for use in an action against or investigation of an individual relating to receipt of or payment for health care. (Sec. 6414) Sets forth provisions regarding the disclosure of protected health information to next of kin and others. (Sec. 6415) Establishes requirements with respect to the reporting of protected health information: (1) to a public health authority; (2) for a health research project; (3) in emergency circumstances; (4) for judicial and administrative purposes; (5) to a law enforcement agency; (6) pursuant to subpoena or warrant; and (7) to a health information service organization. Part 3: Access Procedures and Challenge Rights - Sets forth access procedures and challenge rights with respect to attempts to obtain protected health information. Part 4: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that if a protected individual pays a health information trustee for health care by presenting a debit, credit, or other payment card or by other electronic means, the trustee may only disclose protected health information as is necessary for the processing of the payment transaction. (Sec. 6442) Sets forth conditions under which protected health information may be released to persons outside the United States. (Sec. 6443) Directs the Secretary to establish standards with respect to the creation, transmission, receipt, and maintenance, in electronic and magnetic form, of documents required or authorized under this subtitle. (Sec. 6444) Sets forth duties of affiliated persons to whom health information trustees are authorized to provide protected health information. (Sec. 6445) Sets forth the rights of persons acting as agents or attorneys of protected individuals or on behalf of minors. Part 5: Enforcement - Authorizes persons whose rights under this subtitle have been knowingly or negligently violated to maintain civil actions. Sets forth penalty provisions. (Sec. 6453) Directs the Secretary to develop alternative dispute resolution methods for use by individuals, health information trustees, and others in resolving claims made in civil actions. (Sec. 6454) Amends the Federal criminal code to provide penalties for offenses related to protected health information. Part 6: Amendments to Title 5, United States Code - Requires Federal agencies that are health information trustees to promulgate rules to exempt systems of records within such agencies, to the extent that such systems contain protected health information, from certain provisions regarding access and other requirements with respect to an individual's records. Part 7: Regulations, Research, and Education; Effective Dates; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws - Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this subtitle. (Sec. 6471) Authorizes the Secretary to sponsor: (1) research relating to the privacy and security of protected health information; (2) the development of consent forms governing the disclosure of such information; and (3) the development of technology to implement standards regarding such information. Directs the Secretary to establish education and awareness programs to: (1) foster security practices by health information trustees; (2) train personnel of health information trustees respecting their duties with respect to such information; and (3) inform individuals and employers who purchase health care respecting their rights with respect to such information. (Sec. 6474) Prohibits States from enforcing any law that is inconsistent with certain requirements of this subtitle or imposes additional requirements with respect to health information trustees. Subtitle F: Antitrust - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) provide for the development of guidelines on the application of antitrust laws to the activities of health plans; and (2) establish a review process under which a health plan may request the Department of Justice's opinion on the plan's conformity with the Federal antitrust laws. (Sec. 6502) Requires the Attorney General to issue a certificate of public advantage to each eligible health care collaborative activity that complies with this section's requirements. Provides that such activity shall not be liable under the antitrust laws for conduct described in the certificate if such conduct occurs while the certificate is in effect. Directs the Attorney General to issue such a certificate if: (1) the benefits that are likely to result from the activity outweigh the reduction in competition that is likely to result; and (2) such reduction is necessary to obtain such benefits. Sets forth activity eligibility requirements. (Sec. 6503) Directs the Attorney General to report annually to the Congress as part of the annual budget oversight proceedings concerning the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. Requires the report to enable the Congress to determine how enforcement of antitrust laws is affecting the formation of efficient, cost-saving joint ventures and if the certificate of public advantage procedure has resulted in undesirable reduction in competition in the health care marketplace. Subtitle G: Fraud and Abuse - Directs the Attorney General to establish a program to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local law enforcement programs to control fraud and abuse with respect to the delivery of and payment for health care in the United States; (2) conduct investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections relating to the delivery of and payment for health care in the United States; and (3) facilitate the enforcement of certain SSA title XI mandatory exclusion and other provisions applicable to health care fraud and abuse. Requires the Attorney General in carrying out such program to provide for coordination with law enforcement agencies, State Medicaid Fraud Control Units, State licensing agencies, as well as with third party insurers. (Sec. 6602) Authorizes additional appropriations for the Attorney General to investigate allegations of health care fraud and otherwise carry out the program established above. (Sec. 6603) Creates in the Treasury the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund consisting of Federal health anti-fraud and abuse penalties for use in: (1) carrying out the program above; (2) supporting educational activities to prevent the occurrence of violations of anti-fraud and abuse laws; and (3) repaying beneficiaries for cost- sharing. (Sec. 6611) Amends SSA title XI to revise current sanctions for health care fraud and abuse, among other changes, providing for: (1) mandatory exclusion from participation in Medicare and State health care programs of any individuals convicted of a felony relating to fraud or the unlawful manufacture, distribution, prescription, or dispensing of a controlled substance; and (2) establishment of a minimum period of exclusion for certain individuals and entities subject to permissive exclusion from Medicare and State health care programs. (Sec. 6615) Amends SSA title XVIII to modify the limitations on physician self-referral. (Sec. 6616) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the costs incurred by eligible organizations with risk-sharing contracts of complying with the requirement of entering into a written agreement with an entity providing peer review services with respect to services provided by the organization. (Sec. 6621) Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for: (1) penalties for health care fraud, including making it a felony; (2) rewards for information leading to prosecution relating to health care fraud; and (3) broadened application of mail fraud statute provisions. (Sec. 6631) Amends SSA titles XI and XVIII to authorize the issuance of advisory opinions by the Secretary according to specified guidelines. (Sec. 6641) Requires each State to establish and maintain a State agency to act as a Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Unit for: (1) investigating and prosecuting violations under any Federally-funded or mandated health care program relating to fraud under State laws; (2) reviewing complaints of abuse or neglect involving patients of facilities receiving Federal payments and, where appropriate, investigate and prosecute such complaints; and (3) providing for the collection, or referral for collection, of overpayments made under any such program and found by the Unit. Subtitle H: Billing for Laboratory Services - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make it unlawful for any person who furnishes ancillary health services to present a bill or demand for payment to any person other than the patient receiving such services, with specified exceptions. Exempts ancillary health services for which payment may be made under Medicare. (Sec. 6701) Defines "ancillary health services" as clinical laboratory services, diagnostic x-rays and other diagnostic tests, durable medical equipment, and physical therapy services. Sets forth conditions under which a person who furnishes ancillary health services may present a bill or demand for payment to specified entities other than the patient. Imposes civil penalties for repeated and knowing demands for payment in violation of this subtitle. Provides for other sanctions for such violations, including the suspension of laboratory certifications and exclusion from participation in Medicare programs. Title VII: Medicare - Subtitle A: Increased Beneficiary Choice; Improved Program Efficiency - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise provisions for payments to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to: (1) provide for the use of metropolitan statistical areas to determine adjusted average per capita cost; (2) require the Secretary to develop additional specified model packages of health benefits providing coverage for catastrophic illness, prescription drugs, and preventive services which an HMO may provide at its option; and (3) make various specified changes in HMO membership requirements, including changes in associated waiver provisions, and enrollment periods. (Sec. 7002) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to permit Medicare supplemental policies in all States. Modifies Medicare supplemental policy provisions. (Sec. 7003) Includes notice of available HMOs and carriers offering Medicare supplemental policies in the annual notice of Medicare benefits mailed to Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 7004) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and submit to the Congress a proposal for legislation which provides for the voluntary enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in private health insurance plans; (2) provide for a monthly payment to a qualified private health insurance plan on behalf of enrolled Medicare beneficiaries who choose to enroll in such a plan (with the enrollee paying any difference between the monthly premium charged under the plan and the amount paid for under Medicare for the enrollee's class, while maintaining budget-neutrality); and (3) take such steps as may be necessary to consolidate the administration of Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). (Sec. 7003) Includes notice of an individual's rights under State law with regard to the formulation of advance directives in the annual notice of Medicare benefits mailed to Medicare beneficiaries. Subtitle B: Savings - Amends Medicare provisions relating to Medicare part A to provide for reductions in: (1) the update for payments for inpatient hospital services; and (2) payments for capital-related costs for inpatient hospital services. (Sec. 7111) Amends Medicare part B provisions on payment for physicians' services to provide for: (1) use of cumulative performance standards; (2) treatment of default update; (3) use of real GDP to adjust for volume and intensity; (4) repeal of restriction on maximum reduction under conversion factor update adjustment provisions; and (5) reduction in the conversion factor for the physician fee schedule for 1995. (Sec. 7112) Provides for the imposition of coinsurance on laboratory services. (Sec. 7113) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an increase in the Medicare part B premiums for high-income individuals. (Sec. 7114) Amends Medicare to provide for: (1) the extension of the 25 percent part B premium; (2) a reduction in hospital outpatient services and home health services through the establishment of a prospective payment system; and (3) various specified changes with regard to Medicare as secondary payer. Title VIII: Incentives to Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance - Subtitle A: Establishment of Federal Standards for Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends SSA to provide for model standards incorporating specified requirements for sales practices, benefits, and other matters that long-term care insurance policies must meet. Establishes civil monetary penalties for violations. Requires the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to issue guidelines for endorsements of long-term care insurance policies, or that permit such policies to be offered for sale through the organization or association. Subtitle B: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of long-term care insurance contracts as accident or health insurance contracts generally, with qualified long-term services treated as medical care, among other changes with regard to long-term care insurance. Subtitle C: Studies - Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the feasibility of: (1) encouraging health care providers to donate their services to homebound patients; and (2) providing heads of households who care for elderly family members in their homes with a tax credit. (Sec. 8203) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on: (1) case management of current long-term care benefits; and (2) subacute care. Title IX: Department of Veterans Affairs - Authorizes each veteran residing in the United States, certain surviving spouses and children of such veterans (also living in the United States) who are not otherwise eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), and family members thereof to be enrolled with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care plan. Requires the payment of appropriate premiums, deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance with respect to such family members. Continues the eligibility of family members after the death of the veteran originally enrolled. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary, for purposes of this title) to establish enrollment ceilings to limit the number of eligible individuals enrolling for such coverage. Requires conformity of such plans with health plan requirements set forth in this Act and inclusion of all the items and services in the standard coverage under this Act. Directs the Secretary to continue to provide to veterans authorized VA care and services which are not included in the standard coverage provided under this Act. Provides for the continuation in the VA of specialized disabled veteran treatment and rehabilitative needs and facilities and requires a report on such continuation from the Secretary to specified congressional committees. Allows such plans to offer supplemental health benefits and cost-sharing policies consistent with this Act. Provides a limitation with regard to veterans who elect not to enroll to obtain such coverage. Prohibits the imposition of a cost-share charge of any kind upon a veteran for the treatment of a service-connected disability that requires specialized treatment by the VA. Prohibits funds appropriated to carry out this title from being used to provide abortions except when necessary to save the life of the mother or when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Prohibits the imposition of cost-sharing charges of any kind upon veterans who are disabled to a degree of ten percent or more, veterans released from service due to a service-connected disability, veterans receiving disability compensation from the VA, former prisoners of war, veterans of the Mexican border period or World War I, and veterans unable to defray the costs of such care. Directs the Secretary to establish rates for premiums and other applicable charges with respect to all other enrollees. Empowers the Secretary to recover from third parties the cost of providing such care and services if such care and services would have been required to be provided by such third party. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Coverage Fund to be used for VA health plan payments and services. Preserves existing health care benefits for facilities not offering qualified health coverage under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to organize VA health plans and facilities as plans and facilities offering qualified health coverage under this Act. Requires any health insurance program provided for Federal employees to include as an option enrollment to obtain VA coverage. Requires the Secretary to take appropriate steps to ensure the financial solvency and stability of the VA coverage and of the contractors and subcontractors providing services as part of such coverage. Preempts certain State action with respect to standards and requirements of such coverage. Requires VA health care facilities to serve as providers to individuals residing in a State that operates as a single payer system, with appropriate reimbursement. Authorizes the head official offering VA health coverage or the director of a VA health care facility to enter into agreements with health care plans, insurers, health care providers, and other entities to furnish or obtain any health-care resource. Provides certain other administrative and personnel flexibility to the Secretary in providing or obtaining such services. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) credit to a special fund specified amounts for FY 1995 and 1996 to be used for providing VA health coverage under this Act; and (2) report to the Congress on the operation of the VA health care system with respect to national health care reform as set forth under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to apply for and accept grants and other forms of assistance to meet the needs of special populations. (Sec. 9003) Makes veterans enrolled with a VA plan under this title eligible for nursing home care, outpatient care, and care provided to obviate the need for hospital admission. (Sec. 9004) Makes any herbicide-exposed veteran eligible for hospital and nursing home care for any disease for which the National Academy of Sciences has determined: (1) that there is a positive association between disease occurrence and herbicide exposure; (2) that there is evidence suggesting such an association, though the evidence is limited; or (3) that available studies are insufficient to permit a conclusion about the presence or absence of such an association. Limits the authorized length of such care for eligible veterans. (Sec. 9005) Extends the authority to provide priority outpatient health care to veterans for exposure to environmental hazards until October 1, 1998, for any disability which becomes manifest before October 1, 1996. (Sec. 9006) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the desirability and feasibility of waiving any requirement for cost-sharing under a VA health plan in the case of medical care provided to a family member of a Persian Gulf War veteran for any disease or disability which may be related to such service. (Sec. 9007) Directs the Secretary, during FY 1995 through 1997, to carry out and report to specified congressional committees on a study of the effect of telemedicine on the delivery of VA health care services. (Sec. 9008) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and submit to the Congress a proposal for legislation which provides for obtaining VA health coverage for Medicare beneficiaries who are veterans. (Sec. 9009) Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program to reduce waiting times for patients seeking health-care services in VA outpatient clinics and the traveling distance to such clinics by providing for operation of approximately 20 new outpatient clinics around two VA medical centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2004. Title X: Miscellaneous Savings Provisions - Subtitle A: Automobile Insurance Coordination - Requires individuals enrolled in a health plan to receive automobile insurance medical services exclusively through the health plan. Makes such services subject to all quality, cost containment, and anti-fraud and abuse provisions that apply generally to medical services provided by or through health plans. (Sec. 10002) Permits an individual and an automobile insurance carrier to agree that treatment for bodily injury sustained in an automobile accident shall be provided by other than the health plan through which such individual is enrolled. Authorizes States to require such carriers to make direct payment to health care providers for automobile insurance medical services that are covered by Medicare or Medicaid and an automobile insurance contract that provides for direct payment of medical services regardless of fault. (Sec. 10003) Requires carriers liable for payment for automobile insurance medical services to make payment to health plans to the extent of obligations under the contract. Grants federally funded health care plans first priority to receive payment pursuant to any obligation under an automobile insurance policy covering such medical services. (Sec. 10004) Directs States to establish systems for prompt payment for automobile insurance medical services by such carriers to health plans, including mechanisms for resolution of disputes. Requires sanctions to be prescribed for failures to comply with this subtitle's requirements. (Sec. 10005) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for allotments to States for administrative expenses in carrying out this subtitle. Subtitle B: Prefunding Government Health Benefits Contributions - Directs each Federal agency within the executive branch whose receipts and disbursements are not generally included in the totals of the Government budget submitted by the President, effective FY 1994 (or February 1, 1995, in the case of the agency with the greatest number of employees), to prepay the Government contributions which will be required in connection with providing health-benefits coverage for annuitants of such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1994
Authorizes the Secretary of State to refuse, revoke, restrict, or limit a passport in cases where the applicant or passport holder is a noncustodial parent who is the subject of an outstanding State warrant of arrest for nonpayment of child support where the amount in controversy is not less than $10,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1994
Denial of Passports to Noncustodial Parents in Cases of Nonpayment of Child Support - Authorizes the Secretary of State to refuse, revoke, restrict, or limit a passport if the Secretary determines or is informed by competent authority that the applicant or passport holder is a noncustodial parent who is the subject of an outstanding State arrest warrant for nonpayment of child support, where the amount in controversy is not less than $10,000.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1994
Prohibits the Attorney General from disapproving a named individual's petition for classification as an immediate relative, or application for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, on the grounds that his marriage to a named individual was entered into in order to evade U.S. immigration laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1994
Emergency Immigration Parole Correction Act of 1994 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit parole status from being granted: (1) on the basis of immigrant, familial, or refugee status; or (2) to aliens detained by U.S. authorities. Prohibits the adjustment to permanent residence status of Cuban and Haitian public interest parolees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1994
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and administer a Yakima River Basin Water Conservation Program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to carry out this Act. Prohibits conserved water resulting from the expenditure of Federal funds from being used to expand irrigation in the basin, except on the Yakama Indian Reservation. Directs the Secretary to establish the Yakima River Basin Conservation Advisory Group. Requires entities to submit water conservation plans to the Secretary for approval in order to participate in the conservation program. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the implementation by the Yakama Indian Nation of: (1) an irrigation demonstration project on the Yakama Indian Reservation that shall provide for the construction of distribution and on-farm irrigation facilities to use water savings resulting from system improvements to the Wapato Irrigation Project; and (2) a Toppenish Creek corridor enhancement project to demonstrate integration of management of agricultural, fish, wildlife, and cultural resources to meet tribal objectives. Authorizes appropriations. Details the instream flows the Secretary is required to provide through the Yakima Project Superintendent, requiring flow increases (obtained through voluntary sale and leasing of water or water rights or conservation measures) to facilitate anadromous fish migration. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on whether the water supply available for irrigation is adequate to sustain the agricultural economy of the Yakima River basin. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) modifying the radial gates at Cle Elum Dam to provide additional storage capacity in Lake Cle Elum; (2) providing for shoreline protection of the Lake; (3) constructing juvenile fish passage facilities at the Dam; (4) operation and maintenance responsibilities of the Federal Government for the Dam; and (5) environmental mitigation. Provides for the enhancement of water supplies for Yakima River Basin tributaries for fish and wildlife and irrigation purposes. Requires a study to determine the measures to be implemented to enhance water supplies for such purposes on Taneum Creek. Authorizes appropriations for such enhancement and for the Taneum Creek study. Authorizes appropriations to provide for electrification to enhance instream flows by eliminating the need to divert water to operate the hydraulic turbines which pump water to the Kennewick Irrigation District. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the irrigation water supply for the District shall not be affected by conservation, electrification, or subordination pursuant to this Act and any conservation measures shall be replaced by water developed through subordination or electrification. Authorizes appropriations to augment Kachess Reservoir stored water supplies from flows of Cabin and Silver Creeks which are excess to system demands. Requires the stored water supply resulting from the construction of facilities under this section to be used to: (1) enhance the water supply of the Kittitas Reclamation District and the Roza Irrigation District in years of proration; and (2) facilitate reservoir operations in the Easton Dam to Keechelus Dam reach of the Yakima River for the propagation of anadromous fish. Authorizes appropriations for the modification of the discharge facilities of Kachess Dam to improve reservoir operations for anadromous fish enhancement. Directs the Secretary to develop an interim operating plan for providing a general framework within which the Yakima Project Superintendent operates the Yakima Project. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for environmental compliance activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1994
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of "aggravated felony." Provides for the expedited deportation of aliens convicted of aggravated felonies. Authorizes U.S. district courts, upon the Attorney General's request, to issue a deportation order at such an alien's sentencing. Restricts certain deportation defenses. Directs the Attorney General to operate a criminal tracking center. Extends the visa waiver pilot program and creates a probationary status under such program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Insurance Reform Title II: State Innovation Subtitle A: State Waiver Authority Subtitle B: Existing State Laws Title III: Public Health and Rural and Underserved Access Improvement Title IV: Medical Research Title V: Revenue Provisions Subtitle A: Financing Provisions Subtitle B: Health Care Reform Trust Fund Health Innovation Partnership Act of 1994 - Title I: Health Insurance Reform - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop standards for health insurance plans with respect to: (1) the renewability and portability of coverage; (2) guaranteed issue with respect to all health insurance coverage products; (3) the establishment of an adjusted community rating system with adjustment factors limited to age; (4) solvency; (5) stop-loss standards for self-funded health insurance plans and multi-employer welfare arrangements and association plans; (6) the identification of minimum employer size for self- funding and the interrelationship between self-funding and the community-rated pool of enrollees; and (7) other appropriate areas. (Sec. 1001) Requires the Secretary to develop such standards if the NAIC fails to do so. (Sec. 1002) Revises provisions regarding Medicare supplemental policies. Title II: State Innovation - Subtitle A: State Waiver Authority - Includes within the objectives of the waiver programs approved under this title: (1) achieving the goals of increased health coverage and access; (2) containing the annual rate of growth in health care expenditures; (3) ensuring that patients receive high-quality, appropriate health care; and (4) testing alternative reforms. (Sec. 2001) Authorizes States to apply to the Secretary for alternative State health program waivers or limited State health care waivers. Directs the Secretary to establish a State Health Reform Advisory Board to monitor the status and progress achieved under waivers and to promote information exchange between States and the Federal Government. Requires the Board to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to minimizing the negative effect of State waivers on national employer groups, provider organizations, and insurers because of differing State requirements under waivers. Permits the Secretary to revoke any waiver of Federal law granted under this subtitle and to terminate any alternative State health program for good cause. Authorizes grants to States for carrying out alternative State health programs. Grants priority to programs that have the greatest opportunity to succeed in providing expanded coverage and in providing children and youth with access to health care. Earmarks funds for such grants from the Health Care Reform Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Existing State Laws - Continues certain existing waivers to Federal law for States and grants specified waivers from requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to health care laws of Hawaii and Oregon. Title III: Public Health and Rural and Underserved Access Improvement - Public Health and Rural and Underserved Access Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for grants to States for core functions of public health programs. Includes within such core functions: (1) data collection and analytical activities related to population-based status and outcomes monitoring; (2) activities to reduce environmental risk and to assure the safety of housing, schools, workplaces, day-care centers, and food and water; (3) investigation, control, and public- awareness activities regarding adverse health conditions; (4) public information and education programs to reduce health risks; (5) public health laboratory services that screen for diseases and conditions; (6) training and education in the field of public health; and (7) leadership, policy development, and administration activities. (Sec. 3002) Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for evaluating the extent to which clinical preventive services, health promotion and unintentional injury prevention activities, and interpersonal and community violence prevention activities achieve health care cost reductions and health status improvement. Directs the Secretary to issue practice guidelines that are based on the results of such evaluations. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) scholarships and loan repayment programs for individuals attending schools of public health; (2) grants to expand the capacity of certain educational institutions with public health programs; (3) grants to expand public health training programs in States lacking adequate programs; (4) area health education centers and health education training centers; (5) activities regarding centers for the prevention and treatment of poisoning and control of poisons; (6) certain school-related health services; (7) scholarships and loan repayment programs for school nurses; (8) grants to migrant and community health centers; (9) the National Health Service Corps; (10) satellite clinics to provide primary health care; and (11) community health advisor programs. Title IV: Medical Research - Establishes a National Fund for Health Research in the Treasury. (Sec. 4002) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to designate overpayments of tax or cash contributions to be paid over to the National Fund for Health Research. Title V: Revenue Provisions - Subtitle A: Financing Provisions - Increases the excise tax on the following tobacco and tobacco-related products: (1) cigarettes; (2) cigars; (3) cigarette papers and tubes; and (4) smokeless and pipe tobacco. (Sec. 5001) Imposes a tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured or imported into Puerto Rico. Provides a floor stocks tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in or imported into the United States or Puerto Rico which are removed before any tax-increase date and held on such date for sale. Bars a tax on cigarettes held for retail sale on any tax-increase date by any vending machine. Provides a tax credit against floor stocks taxes. Establishes conditions under which articles in foreign trade zones shall be subject to such taxes. (Sec. 5003) Imposes a tax on roll-your-own tobacco manufactured in or imported into the United States. Subtitle B: Health Care Reform Trust Fund - Establishes the Health Care Reform Trust Fund in the Treasury and provides for the deposit into such Fund of amounts received from taxes on tobacco products.
Germany · Bundesrat · 23 September 1994
<b>Europäische Impulse:</b> Siehe auch XB03, XB06, XB09 und XB11 <br><br><b>Inhalt:</b> Ratifizierung des Bonner Protokolls vom 26.4.1994 betr. Nichtanwendung der asylverfahrensrechtlichen Vorschriften des Schengener Durchführungsübereinkommens vom 19.6.1990 nach Inkrafttreten des Dubliner Übereinkommens vom 15.6.1990 zur Asylverfahrensregelung. Zusätzliche Kosten sind nicht zu erwarten. <br><br><b>Nebenschlagwörter:</b> Asyl/Bonner Protokoll vom 26.4.1994 zum Dubliner Übereinkommen vom 15.6.1990 betr. Asylverfahrensregelung * Schengener Abkommen/ Nichtanwendung der Asylregelungen des Schengener Abkommens durch Bonner Protokoll vom 26.4.1994
Germany · German Bundestag · 23 September 1994
<b>Bezug:</b> Der Gesetzentwurf wurde bereits in der 12.WP eingebracht (s. GESTA 12.WP 2c-XB13) <br><br><b>Europäische Impulse:</b> Dubliner Übereinkommen, BGBl II 1994, Nr. 28 S. 791 (s. GESTA 12.WP 1-XB09), Schengener Übereinkommen, BGBl II 1993, Nr. 23 S. 1010 (s. GESTA 12.WP 1-XB03) <br><br><b>Inhalt:</b> Ratifizierung des Bonner Protokolls vom 26.4.1994 betr. Nichtanwendung der asylverfahrensrechtlichen Vorschriften des Schengener Durchführungsübereinkommens vom 19.6.1990 nach Inkrafttreten des Dubliner Übereinkommens vom 15.6.1990 zur Asylverfahrensregelung. Zusätzliche Kosten sind nicht zu erwarten. <br><br><b>Nebenschlagwörter:</b> Asyl/Bonner Protokoll vom 26.4.1994 zum Dubliner Übereinkommen vom 15.6.1990 betr. Asylverfahrensregelung * Schengener Abkommen/ Nichtanwendung der Asylregelungen des Schengener Abkommens durch Bonner Protokoll vom 26.4.1994
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Insurance Reform Title II: State Innovation Subtitle A: State Waiver Authority Subtitle B: Existing State Laws Title III: Public Health and Rural and Underserved Access Improvement Title IV: Medical Research Title V: Revenue Provisions Subtitle A: Financing Provisions Subtitle B: Health Care Reform Trust Fund Health Innovation Partnership Act of 1994 - Title I: Health Insurance Reform - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop standards for health insurance plans with respect to: (1) the renewability and portability of coverage; (2) guaranteed issue with respect to all health insurance coverage products; (3) the establishment of an adjusted community rating system with adjustment factors limited to age; (4) solvency; (5) stop-loss standards for self-funded health insurance plans and multi-employer welfare arrangements and association plans; (6) the identification of minimum employer size for self-funding and the interrelationship between self-funding and the community-rated pool of enrollees; and (7) other appropriate areas. (Sec. 1001) Requires the Secretary to develop such standards if the NAIC fails to do so. (Sec. 1002) Revises provisions regarding Medicare supplemental policies. Title II: State Innovation - Subtitle A: State Waiver Authority - Includes within the objectives of the waiver programs approved under this title: (1) achieving the goals of increased health coverage and access; (2) containing the annual rate of growth in health care expenditures; (3) ensuring that patients receive high-quality, appropriate health care; and (4) testing alternative reforms. (Sec. 2001) Authorizes States to apply to the Secretary for alternative State health program waivers or limited State health care waivers. Directs the Secretary to establish a State Health Reform Advisory Board to monitor the status and progress achieved under waivers and to promote information exchange between States and the Federal Government. Requires the Board to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to minimizing the negative effect of State waivers on national employer groups, provider organizations, and insurers because of differing State requirements under waivers. Permits the Secretary to revoke any waiver of Federal law granted under this subtitle and to terminate any alternative State health program for good cause. Authorizes grants to States for carrying out alternative State health programs. Grants priority to programs that have the greatest opportunity to succeed in providing expanded coverage and in providing children and youth with access to health care. Earmarks funds for such grants from the Health Care Reform Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Existing State Laws - Continues certain existing waivers to Federal law for States and grants specified waivers from requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to health care laws of Hawaii, Oregon, Minnesota, Washington, and Connecticut. Title III: Public Health and Rural and Underserved Access Improvement - Public Health and Rural and Underserved Access Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for grants to States for core functions of public health programs. Includes within such core functions: (1) data collection and analytical activities related to population-based status and outcomes monitoring; (2) activities to reduce environmental risk and to assure the safety of housing, schools, workplaces, day-care centers, and food and water; (3) investigation, control, and public-awareness activities regarding adverse health conditions; (4) public information and education programs to reduce health risks; (5) public health laboratory services that screen for diseases and conditions; (6) training and education in the field of public health; and (7) leadership, policy development, and administration activities. (Sec. 3002) Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for evaluating the extent to which clinical preventive services, health promotion and unintentional injury prevention activities, and interpersonal and community violence prevention activities achieve health care cost reductions and health status improvement. Directs the Secretary to issue practice guidelines that are based on the results of such evaluations. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) scholarships and loan repayment programs for individuals attending schools of public health; (2) grants to expand the capacity of certain educational institutions with public health programs; (3) grants to expand public health training programs in States lacking adequate programs; (4) area health education centers and health education training centers; (5) activities regarding centers for the prevention and treatment of poisoning and control of poisons; (6) certain school-related health services; (7) grants to migrant and community health centers; (8) the National Health Service Corps; (9) satellite clinics to provide primary health care; and (10) community health advisor programs. Title IV: Medical Research - Establishes a National Fund for Health Research in the Treasury. (Sec. 4002) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to designate overpayments of tax or cash contributions to be paid over to the National Fund for Health Research. Title V: Revenue Provisions - Subtitle A: Financing Provisions - Increases the excise tax on the following tobacco and tobacco-related products: (1) cigarettes; (2) cigars; (3) cigarette papers and tubes; and (4) smokeless and pipe tobacco. (Sec. 5001) Imposes a tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured or imported into Puerto Rico. Provides a floor stocks tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in or imported into the United States or Puerto Rico which are removed before any tax-increase date and held on such date for sale. Bars a tax on cigarettes held for retail sale on any tax-increase date by any vending machine. Provides a tax credit against floor stocks taxes. Establishes conditions under which articles in foreign trade zones shall be subject to such taxes. (Sec. 5003) Imposes a tax on roll-your-own tobacco manufactured in or imported into the United States. Subtitle B: Health Care Reform Trust Fund - Establishes the Health Care Reform Trust Fund in the Treasury and provides for the deposit into such Fund of amounts received from taxes on tobacco products.
European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 22 September 1994
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1994
Authorizes the granting of a visa and admission to the United States for permanent residence pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act to a named individual.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1994
Immigration Moratorium Act of 1994 - Imposes a five-year immigration moratorium, with exceptions for refugees, certain priority and skilled workers, and immediate family members.
Germany · German Bundestag · 21 September 1994
Anzahl der abgelehnten algerischen Asylbewerber sowie die der anerkannten Asylbewerber (darunter auch Mitglieder der Islamischen Heilsfront FIS), Aktivitäten der FIS im Bundesgebiet und in Frankreich, Kontakte zwischen Deutschland und Frankreich hinsichtlich des Verhaltens gegenüber der FIS
Germany · German Bundestag · 21 September 1994
Anzahl der Todesfälle seit 1990 sowie deren Umstände, Ermittlungsverfahren
European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 21 September 1994
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1994
Amends the Immigration Act of 1990 to extend the diversity transition program with specified visa limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1994
Provides for taking from the Speaker's table H.R. 783 (Nationality and Naturalization Amendments of 1993) with a Senate amendment thereto and agreeing to the amendment with an amendment (incorporating the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994).
Germany · Bundesrat · 19 September 1994
<b>Bezug:</b> Siehe auch B48 und B98 <br><br><b>Inhalt:</b> Änderung § 32a Abs. 10 und 11 Ausländergesetz: Umwandlung der Regelung über die Anrechnung der sich bereits im Bundesgebiet aufhaltenden Bürgerkriegsflüchtlinge und Asylbewerber auf die jeweilige Länderquote in eine Kannvorschrift. Es entstehen keine zusätzlichen Kosten. <br><br><b>Nebenschlagwörter:</b> Flüchtling/Anrechnung der Bürgerkriegsflüchtlinge auf die Länderquote
Germany · German Bundestag · 19 September 1994
<b>Bezug:</b> Die Vorlage wurde bereits in der 12.WP eingebracht (s. GESTA 12.WP 2c-B109) Siehe auch B002, B018 und B070 <br><br><b>Inhalt:</b> Änderung § 32a Abs. 10 und 11 Ausländergesetz: Umwandlung der Regelung über die Anrechnung der sich bereits im Bundesgebiet aufhaltenden Bürgerkriegsflüchtlinge und Asylbewerber auf die jeweilige Länderquote in eine Kannvorschrift. Es entstehen keine zusätzlichen Kosten. <br><br><b>Nebenschlagwörter:</b> Flüchtling/Anrechnung der Bürgerkriegsflüchtlinge auf die Länderquote
Germany · German Bundestag · 15 September 1994
Eintreibung von Kriegssteuern durch das Konsulat der Republik Bosnien-Herzegowina in Stuttgart bei ihren im Südwesten Deutschlands lebenden Staatsbürgern als Voraussetzung für die Inanspruchnahme der Dienstleistungen des Konsulats, Steuereintreibungen anderer Republiken des ehemaligen Jugoslawien, Summe der Steuereinnahmen
Germany · German Bundestag · 14 September 1994
Teilweise Aufhebung der Verbotsverfügung des BMI vom November 1993, Rückerstattung beschlagnahmter Gegenstände, Wiedergutmachung für den Vollzug der Verbotsverfügung, Zahl der Verfahren
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1994
Crime Control Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (the Act) to eliminate the Model Intensive Grant Program, the Local Partnership Grant Program, the Local Crime Prevention Block Grant Program, the Family and Community Endeavor Schools Program, the Community-Based Justice Grant Program, the Urban Recreation Program, the At-Risk Youth Program, the Police Recruitment Program, the National Community Economic Partnership Program, the Community Schools Program, the Ounce of Prevention Program, the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program, the Drug Courts Program, and the Family Unity Demonstration Project. Revises the Act to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to construct, expand, modify, operate, or improve conventional prisons (currently, correctional facilities). Repeals provisions regarding the transfer of unused funds. Increases Federal mandatory minimum sentences for using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, employing minors in drug trafficking, and selling illegal drugs to minors. Bars the court from placing on probation or suspending the sentence of any person convicted of such offenses. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of "aggravated felony." Authorizes the Attorney General to issue a final order of deportation against any alien who was not lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or who had permanent resident status on a conditional basis, whom the Attorney General determines to be deportable under provisions relating to conviction of an aggravated felony. Limits judicial review of such determinations. Provides for deportation of permanent resident aliens under specified circumstances. Grants a U.S. district court jurisdiction to enter a judicial order of deportation at the time of sentencing against an alien whose criminal conviction causes such alien to be deportable if requested prior to sentencing by the U.S. Attorney. Restricts defenses to deportation. Enhances penalties for failing to depart or reentering after a final order of deportation. Limits collateral attacks on deportation orders. Directs the Attorney General to operate a criminal alien tracking center. Authorizes appropriations. Revises provisions of the Act pertaining to the non-application of mandatory minimum sentences in certain cases involving nonviolent drug offenses. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all grants authorized under the Act and not required to be distributed according to a formula prescribed by law shall be distributed in a fair and equitable manner that ensures that rural States receive a fair and proportional share of the funds.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1994
International Narcotics Control Corrections Act of 1994 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to redefine a "major illicit drug producing country" as a country in which 1,000 hectares or more of illicit opium poppy or coca is cultivated or harvested annually or 5,000 hectares or more of illicit cannabis is cultivated or harvested annually unless the President determines that such cannabis production does not significantly affect the United States. Provides for advance notification to the appropriate congressional committees of any transfer by the Government to a foreign country, for narcotics control purposes, of property or funds seized or forfeited in connection with narcotics-related activities. Reallocates foreign assistance (currently, security assistance) withheld from countries that fail to take adequate steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking. Extends certain international narcotics control strategy reporting requirements and annual certification procedures for FY 1993 and 1994 through FY 1995. Makes such requirements and procedures currently applicable after September 30, 1994, effective after September 30, 1995 (the beginning of FY 1996). Repeals specified international narcotics control Acts. Exempts specified narcotics control-related transfers of excess defense articles, foreign military financing, and international military education and training from a prohibition on assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies. Waives all restrictions on assistance (except for countries that are "decertified" under narcotics control certification provisions) with respect to narcotics-related assistance provided during FY 1995 if the President notifies the appropriate congressional committees in advance. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to any country or international organization during FY 1995 for the prevention and suppression of international criminal activities. Exempts such assistance from the prohibition on assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies. Requires the President to take steps to ensure that the immediate relatives of any individual involved in drug trafficking are not permitted entry into the United States consistent with the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1994
Makes technical corrections to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to exclude certain U.S. citizens hired at posts abroad who are not family members of U.S. Government employees from coverage under Foreign Service grievance provisions. Prohibits the sale or lease of defense articles or services by the U.S. Government to any country or international organization that is known to have sent letters to U.S. firms requesting compliance with, or soliciting information regarding compliance with, the secondary or tertiary (currently, primary or secondary) Arab League boycott unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the country or organization does not currently maintain such a policy or practice. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend the pilot visa waiver program through FY 1995. Authorizes the Secretary of State to expend a specified amount from the Department of State's Diplomatic and Consular Programs appropriation for the purchase of real property for use by the Department of State for its Miami Regional Center. Establishes principles for Voice of America broadcasts. Amend the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to extend a provision which authorizes the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) to transfer funds between accounts during the second fiscal year of an appropriation cycle. Requires that significant consideration be given to foreign language competence in the evaluation, assignment, and promotion of Foreign Service officers of the Department of State, Agency for International Development, and USIA. Authorizes the USIA Director to administer au pair programs through FY 1995. Permits funds derived from the sale of real property assets of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Munich, Germany, to be expended to meet one-time costs associated with the consolidation of U.S. Government broadcasting activities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1994
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) extend the visa waiver pilot program; and (2) create a probationary status under such program.
Germany · German Bundestag · 8 September 1994
Anzahl der Ermittlungsverfahren, U-Haft, Verurteilungen, verletzte bzw. getötete Personen
Germany · German Bundestag · 29 August 1994
Anzahl der Ermittlungsverfahren, U-Haft, Verurteilungen, verletzte bzw. getötete Personen