[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1233 Reported in Senate (RS)]






                                                       Calendar No. 335
110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1233

                          [Report No. 110-147]

  To provide and enhance intervention, rehabilitative treatment, and 
    services to veterans with traumatic brain injury, and for other 
                               purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 26, 2007

Mr. Akaka (for himself, Mr. Craig, Mr. Specter, Mr. Sununu, Mr. Harkin, 
   Mr. Stevens, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Chambliss, and Mr. Leahy) 
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the 
                     Committee on Veterans' Affairs

                            August 29, 2007

Reported, under authority of the order of the Senate of August 3, 2007, 
     by Mr. Akaka, with an amendment and an amendment to the title
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                               in italic]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
  To provide and enhance intervention, rehabilitative treatment, and 
    services to veterans with traumatic brain injury, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans 
Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
is as follows:</DELETED>

<DELETED>Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
<DELETED>Sec. 2. Sense of Congress on Department of Veterans Affairs 
                            efforts in the rehabilitation and 
                            reintegration of veterans with traumatic 
                            brain injury.
<DELETED>Sec. 3. Individual rehabilitation and community reintegration 
                            plans for veterans and others with 
                            traumatic brain injury.
<DELETED>Sec. 4. Use of non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities 
                            for implementation of rehabilitation and 
                            community reintegration plans for traumatic 
                            brain injury.
<DELETED>Sec. 5. Research, education, and clinical care program on 
                            severe traumatic brain injury.
<DELETED>Sec. 6. Pilot program on assisted living services for veterans 
                            with traumatic brain injury.
<DELETED>Sec. 7. Age-appropriate nursing home care.
<DELETED>Sec. 8. Research on traumatic brain injury.

<DELETED>SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
              EFFORTS IN THE REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF 
              VETERANS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    It is the sense of Congress that--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs should have 
        the capacity and expertise to provide veterans who have a 
        traumatic brain injury with patient-centered health care, 
        rehabilitation, and community integration services that are 
        comparable to or exceed similar care and services available to 
        persons with such injuries in the academic and private 
        sector;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) rehabilitation for veterans who have a 
        traumatic brain injury should be individualized, comprehensive, 
        and multidisciplinary with the goals of optimizing the 
        independence of such veterans and reintegrating them into their 
        communities;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) family support is integral to the 
        rehabilitation and community reintegration of veterans who have 
        sustained a traumatic brain injury, and the Department should 
        provide the families of such veterans with education and 
        support;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (4) the Department of Defense and Department of 
        Veterans Affairs have made efforts to provide a smooth 
        transition of medical care and rehabilitative services to 
        individuals as they transition from the health care system of 
        the Department of Defense to that of the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs, but more can be done to assist veterans and their 
        families in the continuum of the rehabilitation, recovery, and 
        reintegration of wounded or injured veterans into their 
        communities; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (5) in planning for rehabilitation and community 
        reintegration of veterans who have a traumatic brain injury, it 
        is necessary for the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide 
        a system for life-long case management for such 
        veterans.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 3. INDIVIDUAL REHABILITATION AND COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION 
              PLANS FOR VETERANS AND OTHERS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN 
              INJURY.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1710B the 
following new section:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 1710C. Traumatic brain injury: plans for rehabilitation 
              and reintegration into the community</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(a) Plan Required.--The Secretary shall, for each 
veteran or member of the Armed Forces who receives inpatient 
rehabilitation care from the Department for a traumatic brain injury--
</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) develop an individualized plan for the 
        rehabilitation and reintegration of such individual into the 
        community; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) provide such plan to such individual before 
        such individual is discharged from inpatient care.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(b) Contents of Plan.--Each plan developed under 
subsection (a) shall include, for the individual covered by such plan, 
the following:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) Rehabilitation objectives for improving the 
        physical, cognitive, vocational, and psychosocial functioning 
        of such individual with the goal of maximizing the independence 
        and reintegration of such individual into the 
        community.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) A description of specific interventions, 
        rehabilitative treatments, and other services to achieve the 
        objectives described in paragraph (2), which description shall 
        set forth the type, frequency, duration, and location of such 
        interventions, treatments, and services.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(3) The name of the case manager designated in 
        accordance with subsection (d) to be responsible for the 
        implementation of such plan.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(4) Dates on which the effectiveness of the plan 
        will be reviewed in accordance with subsection (f).</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(c) Comprehensive Assessment.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) In general.--Each plan developed under 
        subsection (a) shall be based upon a comprehensive assessment, 
        developed in accordance with paragraph (2), of--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) the physical, cognitive, vocational, 
                and psychosocial impairments of such individual; 
                and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) the family education and family 
                support needs of such individual after discharge from 
                inpatient care.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Formation.--The comprehensive assessment 
        required under paragraph (1) with respect to an individual is a 
        comprehensive assessment of the matters set forth in that 
        paragraph by a team, composed by the Secretary for purposes of 
        the assessment, from among individuals with expertise in 
        traumatic brain injury as follows:</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) A neurologist.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) A rehabilitation 
                physician.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) A social worker.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) A neuropsychologist or 
                neuropsychiatrist.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(E) A physical therapist.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(F) A vocational rehabilitation 
                specialist.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(G) An occupational therapist.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(H) A rehabilitation nurse.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(I) Such other health care professionals 
                as the Secretary considers appropriate, including--
                </DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(i) an audiologist;</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(ii) a blind rehabilitation 
                        specialist;</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(iii) a recreational 
                        therapist;</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(iv) a speech language 
                        pathologist; and</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(v) a low vision 
                        optometrist.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(d) Case Manager.--The Secretary shall designate a case 
manager for each individual described in subsection (a) to be 
responsible for the implementation of the plan required by such 
subsection for such individual.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(e) Participation and Collaboration in Development of 
Plans.--(1) The Secretary shall involve each individual described in 
subsection (a), and the family of such individual, in the development 
of the plan for such individual under that subsection to the maximum 
extent practicable.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(2) The Secretary shall collaborate in the development 
of a plan for an individual under subsection (a) with an individual 
with expertise in the protection of, and advocacy for, individuals with 
traumatic brain injury if--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(A) the individual covered by such plan requests 
        such collaboration; or</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(B) if such individual is incapacitated, the 
        family or guardian of such individual requests such 
        collaboration.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(3) In the case of a plan required by subsection (a) for 
a member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty, the Secretary shall 
collaborate with the Secretary of Defense in the development of such 
plan.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(4) In developing vocational rehabilitation objectives 
required under subsection (b)(2) and in conducting the assessment 
required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall act through the 
Under Secretary for Health in coordination with the Vocational 
Rehabilitation and Employment Service of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(f) Evaluation.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) Periodic review by secretary.--The Secretary 
        shall periodically review the effectiveness of each plan 
        developed under subsection (a). The Secretary shall refine each 
        such plan as the Secretary considers appropriate in light of 
        such review.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Request for review by veterans.--In addition 
        to the periodic review required by paragraph (1), the Secretary 
        shall conduct a review of the plan of a veteran under paragraph 
        (1) at the request of such veteran, or in the case that such 
        veteran is incapacitated, at the request of the guardian or the 
        designee of such veteran.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 1710B the following new item:</DELETED>

<DELETED>``1710C. Traumatic brain injury: plans for rehabilitation and 
                            reintegration into the community.''.

<DELETED>SEC. 4. USE OF NON-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FACILITIES 
              FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF REHABILITATION AND COMMUNITY 
              REINTEGRATION PLANS FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1710C, as 
added by section 3 of this Act, the following new section:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 1710D. Traumatic brain injury: use of non-Department 
              facilities for rehabilitation</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(a) In General.--Subject to section 1710(a)(4) of this 
title and subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall provide 
intervention, rehabilitative treatment, or services to implement a plan 
developed under section 1710C of this title at a non-Department 
facility with which the Secretary has entered into an agreement for 
such purpose, to an individual--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) who is described in subsection (a) of such 
        section; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2)(A) to whom the Secretary is unable to 
        provide such intervention, treatment, or services at the 
        frequency or for the duration prescribed in such plan; 
        or</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(B) who resides at such distance, as determined 
        by the Secretary, from a Department medical facility as to make 
        the implementation of such plan through a Department facility 
        infeasible or impracticable.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(b) Standards.--The Secretary may not provide 
intervention, treatment, or services as described in subsection (a) at 
a non-Department facility under such subsection unless such facility 
maintains standards for the provision of such intervention, treatment, 
or services established by an independent, peer-reviewed organization 
that accredits specialized rehabilitation programs for adults with 
traumatic brain injury.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 1710C, as added by section 3 of this Act, the 
following new item:</DELETED>

<DELETED>``1710D. Traumatic brain injury: use of non-Department 
                            facilities for rehabilitation.''.

<DELETED>SEC. 5. RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND CLINICAL CARE PROGRAM ON 
              SEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) Program Required.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 of 
title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
7330 the following new section:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 7330A. Severe traumatic brain injury research, 
              education, and clinical care program</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall establish a 
program on research, education, and clinical care to provide intensive 
neuro-rehabilitation to veterans with a severe traumatic brain injury, 
including veterans in a minimally conscious state who would otherwise 
receive nursing home care.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(b) Collaboration Required.--The Secretary shall 
establish the program required by subsection (a) in collaboration with 
the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center of the Department of 
Defense and academic institutions selected by the Secretary from among 
institutions having an expertise in research in neuro-
rehabilitation.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(c) Education Required.--As part of the program required 
by subsection (a), the Secretary shall conduct educational programs on 
recognizing and diagnosing mild and moderate cases of traumatic brain 
injury.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 
2008 through 2012, $3,000,000 to carry out the program required by 
subsection (a).''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 73 of such title is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 7330 the following new item:</DELETED>

<DELETED>``7330A. Severe traumatic brain injury research, education, 
                            and clinical care program.''.
<DELETED>    (c) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to Congress a report on the research to be conducted under the program 
required by section 7330A of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
subsection (a).</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 6. PILOT PROGRAM ON ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES FOR VETERANS 
              WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) Pilot Program.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
carry out a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing 
assisted living services to eligible veterans to enhance the 
rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration of such 
veterans.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Duration of Program.--The pilot program shall be 
carried out during the five-year period beginning on the date of the 
commencement of the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (c) Program Locations.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) In general.--The pilot program shall be 
        carried out at locations selected by the Secretary for purposes 
        of the pilot program. Of the locations so selected--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) at least one shall be in each health 
                care region of the Veterans Health Administration that 
                contains a polytrauma center of the Department of 
                Veterans Affairs; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) any other locations shall be in areas 
                that contain high concentrations of veterans with 
                traumatic brain injury, as determined by the 
                Secretary.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) Special consideration for veterans in rural 
        areas.--Special consideration shall be given to provide 
        veterans in rural areas with an opportunity to participate in 
        the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (d) Provision of Assisted Living Services.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) Agreements.--In carrying out the pilot 
        program, the Secretary may enter into agreements for the 
        provision of assisted living services on behalf of eligible 
        veterans with either of the following:</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) A provider of services that has 
                entered into a provider agreement under section 1866(a) 
                of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
                1395cc(a)).</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) A provider participating under a State 
                plan under title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et 
                seq.).</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) Standards.--The Secretary may not place, 
        transfer, or admit a veteran to any facility for assisted 
        living services under this program unless the Secretary 
        determines that the facility meets such standards as the 
        Secretary may prescribe for purposes of the pilot program. Such 
        standards shall, to the extent practicable, be consistent with 
        the standards of Federal, State, and local agencies charged 
        with the responsibility of licensing or otherwise regulating or 
        inspecting such facilities.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (e) Continuation of Case Management and Rehabilitation 
Services.--In carrying the pilot program under subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall continue to provide each veteran who is receiving 
assisted living services under the pilot program with rehabilitative 
services and shall designate Department health-care employees to 
furnish case management services for veterans participating in the 
pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (f) Report.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the 
        completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to 
        the congressional veterans affairs committees a report on the 
        pilot program.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph 
        (1) shall include the following:</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) A description of the pilot 
                program.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) An assessment of the utility of the 
                activities under the pilot program in enhancing the 
                rehabilitation, quality of life, and community 
                reintegration of veterans with traumatic brain 
                injury.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (C) Such recommendations as the Secretary 
                considers appropriate regarding the extension or 
                expansion of the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (g) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) The term ``assisted living services'' means 
        services of a facility in providing room, board, and personal 
        care for and supervision of residents for their health, safety, 
        and welfare.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) The term ``case management services'' includes 
        the coordination and facilitation of all services furnished to 
        a veteran by the Department of Veterans Affairs, either 
        directly or through contract, including assessment of needs, 
        planning, referral (including referral for services to be 
        furnished by the Department, either directly or through a 
        contract, or by an entity other than the Department), 
        monitoring, reassessment, and followup.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) The term ``congressional veterans affairs 
        committees'' means--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of 
                the Senate; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of 
                the House of Representatives.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (4) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran 
        who--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (A) is enrolled in the Department of 
                Veterans Affairs health care system;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (B) has received treatment for traumatic 
                brain injury from the Department of Veterans 
                Affairs;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (C) is unable to manage routine activities 
                of daily living without supervision and assistance; 
                and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    (D) could reasonably be expected to 
                receive ongoing services after the end of the pilot 
                program under this section under another government 
                program or through other means.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out 
this section, $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
2013.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 7. AGE-APPROPRIATE NURSING HOME CARE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) Finding.--Congress finds that young veterans who are 
injured or disabled through military service and require long-term care 
should have access to age-appropriate nursing home care.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Requirement To Provide Age-Appropriate Nursing Home 
Care.--Section 1710A of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection 
        (d); and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the 
        following new subsection (c):</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(c) The Secretary shall ensure that nursing home care 
provided under subsection (a) is provided in an age-appropriate 
manner.''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 8. RESEARCH ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) Inclusion of Research on Traumatic Brain Injury Under 
Ongoing Research Programs.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in 
carrying out research programs and activities under the provisions of 
law referred to in subsection (b), ensure that such programs and 
activities include research on the sequelae of traumatic brain injury, 
including--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) research on visually-related neurological 
        conditions;</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) research on seizure disorders; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) research on means of improving the diagnosis, 
        treatment, and prevention of such sequelae.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Research Authorities.--The provisions of law referred 
to in this subsection are the following:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) Section 3119 of title 38, United States Code, 
        relating to rehabilitation research and special 
        projects.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) Section 7303 of title 38, United States Code, 
        relating to research programs of the Veterans Health 
        Administration.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (3) Section 7327 of title 38, United States Code, 
        relating to research, education, and clinical activities on 
        complex multi-trauma associated with combat injuries.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (c) Collaboration.--In carrying out the research required 
by subsection (a), the Secretary shall collaborate with facilities 
that--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (1) conduct research on rehabilitation for 
        individuals with traumatic brain injury; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    (2) receive grants for such research from the 
        National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of 
        the Department of Education.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (d) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on 
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a 
report describing in comprehensive detail the research to be carried 
out in order to fulfill the requirement in subsection (a).</DELETED>

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Traumatic 
Brain Injury and Health Programs Improvement Act of 2007''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.

                    TITLE I--TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Sec. 101. Sense of Congress on Department of Veterans Affairs efforts 
                            in the rehabilitation and reintegration of 
                            veterans with traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 102. Individual rehabilitation and community reintegration plans 
                            for veterans and others with traumatic 
                            brain injury.
Sec. 103. Use of non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities for 
                            implementation of rehabilitation and 
                            community reintegration plans for traumatic 
                            brain injury.
Sec. 104. Research, education, and clinical care program on severe 
                            traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 105. Pilot program on assisted living services for veterans with 
                            traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 106. Age-appropriate nursing home care.
Sec. 107. Research on traumatic brain injury.

               TITLE II--LANE EVANS BENEFITS IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 201. Extension of period of eligibility for health care for combat 
                            service in the Persian Gulf war or future 
                            hostilities.
Sec. 202. Report on veterans and the provision to veterans of benefits 
                            and services by the Department of Veterans 
                            Affairs.
Sec. 203. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital quality report card 
                            initiative.
Sec. 204. Mental health: service-connection status and evaluations for 
                            certain veterans.

                     TITLE III--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

Sec. 301. Enrollment of priority 8 veterans in patient enrollment 
                            system.
Sec. 302. Submittal of annual enrollment decisions to Congress.
Sec. 303. Prohibition on collection of copayments and other fees for 
                            hospital or nursing home care.
Sec. 304. Transportation grants for rural veterans service 
                            organizations.
Sec. 305. Demonstration projects on alternatives for expanding care for 
                            veterans in rural areas.
Sec. 306. Report to Congress on matters related to care for veterans 
                            who live in rural areas.
Sec. 307. Veterans beneficiary travel program.
Sec. 308. Modification of requirements for furnishing outpatient dental 
                            services to veterans with a service-
                            connected dental condition or disability.
Sec. 309. Exemption for hospice care from long-term care copayment 
                            requirements.

                  TITLE IV--HOMELESS VETERANS MATTERS

Sec. 401. Repeal of authority for adjustments to per diem payments to 
                            homeless veterans service centers for 
                            receipt of other sources of income.
Sec. 402. Demonstration program on preventing veterans at-risk of 
                            homelessness from becoming homeless.
Sec. 403. Expansion and extension of authority for program of referral 
                            and counseling services for at-risk 
                            veterans transitioning from certain 
                            institutions.
Sec. 404. Availability of grant funds to service centers for personnel.
Sec. 405. Permanent authority for domiciliary services for homeless 
                            veterans and enhancement of capacity of 
                            domiciliary care programs for female 
                            veterans.
Sec. 406. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
                            income veteran families in permanent 
                            housing.

                     TITLE V--CONSTRUCTION MATTERS

Sec. 501. Authorization of major medical facility project, Denver, 
                            Colorado.
Sec. 502. Increase in authorization for major medical facility project 
                            to consolidate the medical centers of the 
                            Department of Veterans Affairs at the 
                            University Drive and H. John Heinz III 
                            divisions, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Sec. 503. Authorization of major medical facility project, Atlanta, 
                            Georgia.
Sec. 504. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 505. Designation of Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs 
                            Medical Center.

                        TITLE VI--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 601. Reinstatement of health professionals scholarship program.
Sec. 602. Repeal of certain report requirements.
Sec. 603. Post 9/11 Global Operations defined.

SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

    Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an 
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal 
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to 
be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States 
Code.

                    TITLE I--TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

SEC. 101. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EFFORTS 
              IN THE REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF VETERANS WITH 
              TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs is a leader in the 
        field of traumatic brain injury care and coordination of such 
        care;
            (2) the Department of Veterans Affairs should have the 
        capacity and expertise to provide veterans who have a traumatic 
        brain injury with patient-centered health care, rehabilitation, 
        and community integration services that are comparable to or 
        exceed similar care and services available to persons with such 
        injuries in the academic and private sector;
            (3) rehabilitation for veterans who have a traumatic brain 
        injury should be individualized, comprehensive, and 
        interdisciplinary with the goals of optimizing the independence 
        of such veterans and reintegrating them into their communities;
            (4) family support is integral to the rehabilitation and 
        community reintegration of veterans who have sustained a 
        traumatic brain injury, and the Department should provide the 
        families of such veterans with education and support;
            (5) the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans 
        Affairs have made efforts to provide a smooth transition of 
        medical care and rehabilitative services to individuals as they 
        transition from the health care system of the Department of 
        Defense to that of the Department of Veterans Affairs, but more 
        can be done to assist veterans and their families in the 
        continuum of the rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration of 
        wounded or injured veterans into their communities;
            (6) in planning for rehabilitation and community 
        reintegration of veterans who have a traumatic brain injury, it 
        is necessary for the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide 
        a system for life-long case management for such veterans; and
            (7) in such system for life-long case management, it is 
        necessary to conduct outreach and to tailor specialized 
        traumatic brain injury case management and outreach for the 
        unique needs of veterans with traumatic brain injury who reside 
        in urban and non-urban settings.

SEC. 102. INDIVIDUAL REHABILITATION AND COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION PLANS 
              FOR VETERANS AND OTHERS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 is amended by 
inserting after section 1710B the following new section:
``Sec. 1710C. Traumatic brain injury: plans for rehabilitation and 
              reintegration into the community
    ``(a) Plan Required.--The Secretary shall, for each veteran or 
member of the Armed Forces who receives inpatient or outpatient 
rehabilitation care from the Department for a traumatic brain injury--
            ``(1) develop an individualized plan for the rehabilitation 
        and reintegration of such individual into the community; and
            ``(2) provide such plan in writing to such individual 
        before such individual is discharged from inpatient care, 
        following transition from active duty to the Department for 
        outpatient care, or as soon as practicable following diagnosis.
    ``(b) Contents of Plan.--Each plan developed under subsection (a) 
shall include, for the individual covered by such plan, the following:
            ``(1) Rehabilitation objectives for improving the physical, 
        cognitive, and vocational functioning of such individual with 
        the goal of maximizing the independence and reintegration of 
        such individual into the community.
            ``(2) Access, as warranted, to all appropriate 
        rehabilitative components of the traumatic brain injury 
        continuum of care.
            ``(3) A description of specific interventions, 
        rehabilitative treatments, and other services to achieve the 
        objectives described in paragraph (1), which description shall 
        set forth the type, frequency, duration, and location of such 
        interventions, treatments, and services.
            ``(4) The name of the case manager designated in accordance 
        with subsection (d) to be responsible for the implementation of 
        such plan.
            ``(5) Dates on which the effectiveness of the plan will be 
        reviewed in accordance with subsection (f).
    ``(c) Comprehensive Assessment.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each plan developed under subsection (a) 
        shall be based upon a comprehensive assessment, developed in 
        accordance with paragraph (2), of--
                    ``(A) the physical, cognitive, vocational, and 
                neuropsychological and social impairments of such 
                individual; and
                    ``(B) the family education and family support needs 
                of such individual after discharge from inpatient care.
            ``(2) Formation.--The comprehensive assessment required 
        under paragraph (1) with respect to an individual is a 
        comprehensive assessment of the matters set forth in that 
        paragraph by a team, composed by the Secretary for purposes of 
        the assessment from among, but not limited to, individuals with 
        expertise in traumatic brain injury, including the following:
                    ``(A) A neurologist or neuropsychiatrist.
                    ``(B) A rehabilitation physician.
                    ``(C) A social worker.
                    ``(D) A neuropsychologist.
                    ``(E) A physical therapist.
                    ``(F) A vocational rehabilitation specialist.
                    ``(G) An occupational therapist.
                    ``(H) A speech language pathologist.
                    ``(I) A rehabilitation nurse.
                    ``(J) An educational therapist.
                    ``(K) An audiologist.
                    ``(L) A blind rehabilitation specialist.
                    ``(M) A recreational therapist.
                    ``(N) A low vision optometrist.
                    ``(O) An orthotist or prostetist.
                    ``(P) An assistive technologist or rehabilitation 
                engineer.
                    ``(Q) An ophthalmologist.
                    ``(R) An otolaryngology physician.
                    ``(S) A dietician.
    ``(d) Case Manager.--(1) The Secretary shall designate a case 
manager for each individual described in subsection (a) to be 
responsible for the implementation of the plan, and coordination of 
such care, required by such subsection for such individual.
    ``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that such case manager has 
specific expertise in the care required by the individual to whom such 
case manager is designated, regardless of whether such case manager 
obtains such expertise through experience, education, or training.
    ``(e) Participation and Collaboration in Development of Plans.--(1) 
The Secretary shall involve each individual described in subsection 
(a), and the family or legal guardian of such individual, in the 
development of the plan for such individual under that subsection to 
the maximum extent practicable.
    ``(2) The Secretary shall collaborate in the development of a plan 
for an individual under subsection (a) with a State protection and 
advocacy system if--
            ``(A) the individual covered by such plan requests such 
        collaboration; or
            ``(B) in the case such individual is incapacitated, the 
        family or guardian of such individual requests such 
        collaboration.
    ``(3) In the case of a plan required by subsection (a) for a member 
of the Armed Forces who is on active duty, the Secretary shall 
collaborate with the Secretary of Defense in the development of such 
plan.
    ``(4) In developing vocational rehabilitation objectives required 
under subsection (b)(1) and in conducting the assessment required under 
subsection (c), the Secretary shall act through the Under Secretary for 
Health in coordination with the Vocational Rehabilitation and 
Employment Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    ``(f) Evaluation.--
            ``(1) Periodic review by secretary.--The Secretary shall 
        periodically review the effectiveness of each plan developed 
        under subsection (a). The Secretary shall refine each such plan 
        as the Secretary considers appropriate in light of such review.
            ``(2) Request for review by veterans.--In addition to the 
        periodic review required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
        conduct a review of the plan of a veteran under paragraph (1) 
        at the request of such veteran, or in the case that such 
        veteran is incapacitated, at the request of the guardian or the 
        designee of such veteran.
    ``(g) State Designated Protection and Advocacy System Defined.--In 
this section, the term `State protection and advocacy system' means a 
system established in a State under subtitle C of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 
et seq.) to protect and advocate for the rights of persons with 
development disabilities.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
1710B the following new item:

``1710C. Traumatic brain injury: plans for rehabilitation and 
                            reintegration into the community.''.

SEC. 103. USE OF NON-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FACILITIES FOR 
              IMPLEMENTATION OF REHABILITATION AND COMMUNITY 
              REINTEGRATION PLANS FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 is amended by 
inserting after section 1710C, as added by section 102 of this Act, the 
following new section:
``Sec. 1710D. Traumatic brain injury: use of non-Department facilities 
              for rehabilitation
    ``(a) In General.--Subject to section 1710(a)(4) of this title and 
subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall provide 
rehabilitative treatment or services to implement a plan developed 
under section 1710C of this title at a non-Department facility with 
which the Secretary has entered into an agreement for such purpose, to 
an individual--
            ``(1) who is described in section 1710C(a) of this title; 
        and
            ``(2)(A) to whom the Secretary is unable to provide such 
        treatment or services at the frequency or for the duration 
        prescribed in such plan; or
            ``(B) for whom the Secretary determines that it is optimal 
        with respect to the recovery and rehabilitation of such 
        individual .
    ``(b) Standards.--The Secretary may not provide treatment or 
services as described in subsection (a) at a non-Department facility 
under such subsection unless such facility maintains standards for the 
provision of such treatment or services established by an independent, 
peer-reviewed organization that accredits specialized rehabilitation 
programs for adults with traumatic brain injury.
    ``(c) Authorities of State Protection and Advocacy Systems.--With 
respect to the provision of rehabilitative treatment or services 
described in subsection (a) in a non-Department facility, a State 
designated protection and advocacy system established under subtitle C 
of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 
2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.) shall have the authorities described 
under such subtitle.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
1710C, as added by section 102 of this Act, the following new item:

``1710D. Traumatic brain injury: use of non-Department facilities for 
                            rehabilitation.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1710(a)(4) is amended by 
inserting ``the requirement in section 1710D of this title that the 
Secretary provide certain intervention, rehabilitative treatment, or 
services,'' after ``extended care services,''.

SEC. 104. RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND CLINICAL CARE PROGRAM ON SEVERE 
              TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

    (a) Program Required.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by 
inserting after section 7330 the following new section:
``Sec. 7330A. Severe traumatic brain injury research, education, and 
              clinical care program
    ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall establish a program on 
research, education, and clinical care to provide intensive neuro-
rehabilitation to veterans with a severe traumatic brain injury, 
including veterans in a minimally conscious state who would otherwise 
receive only long-term residential care.
    ``(b) Collaboration Required.--The Secretary shall establish the 
program required by subsection (a) in collaboration with the Defense 
and Veterans Brain Injury Center and academic institutions selected by 
the Secretary from among institutions having an expertise in research 
in neuro-rehabilitation.
    ``(c) Education Required.--As part of the program required by 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall, in collaboration with the Defense 
and Veterans Brain Injury Center, conduct educational programs on 
recognizing and diagnosing mild and moderate cases of traumatic brain 
injury.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
2012, $10,000,000 to carry out the program required by subsection 
(a).''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
7330 the following new item:

``7330A. Severe traumatic brain injury research, education, and 
                            clinical care program.''.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to Congress a report on the research to be conducted under the program 
required by section 7330A of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
subsection (a).

SEC. 105. PILOT PROGRAM ON ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES FOR VETERANS WITH 
              TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

    (a) Pilot Program.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in 
collaboration with the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, carry 
out a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assisted 
living services to eligible veterans to enhance the rehabilitation, 
quality of life, and community integration of such veterans.
    (b) Duration of Program.--The pilot program shall be carried out 
during the five-year period beginning on the date of the commencement 
of the pilot program.
    (c) Program Locations.--
            (1) In general.--The pilot program shall be carried out at 
        locations selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot 
        program. Of the locations so selected--
                    (A) at least one shall be in each health care 
                region of the Veterans Health Administration that 
                contains a polytrauma center of the Department of 
                Veterans Affairs; and
                    (B) any other locations shall be in areas that 
                contain high concentrations of veterans with traumatic 
                brain injury, as determined by the Secretary.
            (2) Special consideration for veterans in rural areas.--
        Special consideration shall be given to provide veterans in 
        rural areas with an opportunity to participate in the pilot 
        program.
    (d) Provision of Assisted Living Services.--
            (1) Agreements.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
        Secretary may enter into agreements for the provision of 
        assisted living services on behalf of eligible veterans with a 
        provider participating under a State plan or waiver under title 
        XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
            (2) Standards.--The Secretary may not place, transfer, or 
        admit a veteran to any facility for assisted living services 
        under this program unless the Secretary determines that the 
        facility meets such standards as the Secretary may prescribe 
        for purposes of the pilot program. Such standards shall, to the 
        extent practicable, be consistent with the standards of 
        Federal, State, and local agencies charged with the 
        responsibility of licensing or otherwise regulating or 
        inspecting such facilities.
    (e) Continuation of Case Management and Rehabilitation Services.--
In carrying the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
continue to provide each veteran who is receiving assisted living 
services under the pilot program with rehabilitative services and shall 
designate Department health-care employees to furnish case management 
services for veterans participating in the pilot program.
    (f) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the 
        completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to 
        the congressional veterans affairs committees a report on the 
        pilot program.
            (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) A description of the pilot program.
                    (B) An assessment of the utility of the activities 
                under the pilot program in enhancing the 
                rehabilitation, quality of life, and community 
                reintegration of veterans with traumatic brain injury.
                    (C) Such recommendations as the Secretary considers 
                appropriate regarding the extension or expansion of the 
                pilot program.
    (g) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``assisted living services'' means services of 
        a facility in providing room, board, and personal care for and 
        supervision of residents for their health, safety, and welfare.
            (2) The term ``case management services'' includes the 
        coordination and facilitation of all services furnished to a 
        veteran by the Department of Veterans Affairs, either directly 
        or through contract, including assessment of needs, planning, 
        referral (including referral for services to be furnished by 
        the Department, either directly or through a contract, or by an 
        entity other than the Department), monitoring, reassessment, 
        and followup.
            (3) The term ``congressional veterans affairs committees'' 
        means--
                    (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
                Senate; and
                    (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House 
                of Representatives.
            (4) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran who--
                    (A) is enrolled in the Department of Veterans 
                Affairs health care system;
                    (B) has received treatment for traumatic brain 
                injury from the Department of Veterans Affairs;
                    (C) is unable to manage routine activities of daily 
                living without supervision and assistance; and
                    (D) could reasonably be expected to receive ongoing 
                services after the end of the pilot program under this 
                section under another government program or through 
                other means.
    (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out this 
section, $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013.

SEC. 106. AGE-APPROPRIATE NURSING HOME CARE.

    (a) Finding.--Congress finds that young veterans who are injured or 
disabled through military service and require long-term care should 
have access to age-appropriate nursing home care.
    (b) Requirement To Provide Age-Appropriate Nursing Home Care.--
Section 1710A is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
        subsection (c):
    ``(c) The Secretary shall ensure that nursing home care provided 
under subsection (a) is provided in an age-appropriate manner.''.

SEC. 107. RESEARCH ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

    (a) Inclusion of Research on Traumatic Brain Injury Under Ongoing 
Research Programs.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in 
carrying out research programs and activities under the provisions of 
law referred to in subsection (b), ensure that such programs and 
activities include research on the sequelae of mild to severe forms of 
traumatic brain injury, including--
            (1) research on visually-related neurological conditions;
            (2) research on seizure disorders;
            (3) research on means of improving the diagnosis, 
        rehabilitative treatment, and prevention of such sequelae;
            (4) research to determine the most effective cognitive and 
        physical therapies for the sequelae of traumatic brain injury; 
        and
            (5) research on dual diagnosis of post-traumatic stress 
        disorder and traumatic brain injury.
    (b) Research Authorities.--The provisions of law referred to in 
this subsection are the following:
            (1) Section 3119 of title 38, United States Code, relating 
        to rehabilitation research and special projects.
            (2) Section 7303 of such title, relating to research 
        programs of the Veterans Health Administration.
            (3) Section 7327 of such title, relating to research, 
        education, and clinical activities on complex multi-trauma 
        associated with combat injuries.
    (c) Collaboration.--In carrying out the research required by 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall collaborate with facilities that--
            (1) conduct research on rehabilitation for individuals with 
        traumatic brain injury; and
            (2) receive grants for such research from the National 
        Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the 
        Department of Education.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
House of Representatives a report describing in comprehensive detail 
the research to be carried out pursuant to subsection (a).

               TITLE II--LANE EVANS BENEFITS IMPROVEMENTS

SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH CARE FOR COMBAT 
              SERVICE IN THE PERSIAN GULF WAR OR FUTURE HOSTILITIES.

    Section 1710(e)(3)(C) is amended by striking ``2 years'' and 
inserting ``5 years''.

SEC. 202. REPORT ON VETERANS AND THE PROVISION TO VETERANS OF BENEFITS 
              AND SERVICES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 5 is amended by inserting after section 
530 the following new section:
``Sec. 530A. Report on veterans and the provision to veterans of 
              benefits and services by the Department
    ``(a) Annual Report Required.--(1) Not later than 90 days after the 
end of the fiscal year in which this section is enacted and every 
fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on veterans and the provision to 
veterans of benefits and services under the laws administered by the 
Secretary.
    ``(2) Each report required by paragraph (1) shall provide the 
information specified in subsection (c), current as of the last day of 
the fiscal year for which the report is submitted.
    ``(b) Quarterly Report Required.--(1) Not later than 60 days after 
the end of the first quarter following the date on which this section 
is enacted and quarterly thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the claims of veterans 
for service-connected compensation under section 1114 of this title.
    ``(2) Each report required by paragraph (1) shall provide the 
information specified in subparagraphs (A) and (F) of subsection 
(c)(2), current as of the last day of the quarter for which the report 
is submitted.
    ``(c) Covered Information.--The information specified in this 
subsection for a report under subsection (a) is information on veterans 
and the provision to veterans of benefits and services under the laws 
administered by the Secretary as follows:
            ``(1) For each covered tour of duty category, aggregated 
        personal information on veterans provided benefits and services 
        under the laws administered by the Secretary, including 
        demographic information as follows:
                    ``(A) Sex.
                    ``(B) Age.
                    ``(C) Marital status (whether married, single, 
                separated, or divorced).
                    ``(D) Residence (by State, territory, or country).
                    ``(E) Armed Force, as of the date of discharge or 
                separation.
                    ``(F) Service as a member of a regular component of 
                the Armed Forces or as a Reserve (including whether 
                National Guard or Reserve).
                    ``(G) Separation status.
            ``(2) For each covered tour of duty category, aggregated 
        information on the compensation, pension, and other benefits 
        and services provided by the Department to veterans, or 
        provided with respect to such veterans as the case may be, 
        including the following:
                    ``(A) The claims of such veterans for service-
                connected compensation under section 1114 of this 
                title, including the following set forth by:
                            ``(i) The number of such claims received.
                            ``(ii) The number of such claims processed.
                            ``(iii) The number of such claims pending.
                            ``(iv) The number of such claims granted.
                            ``(v) The number of such claims denied.
                            ``(vi) The number of such claims with a 
                        combined disability rating of 10 percent or 
                        more.
                    ``(B) The amount of such compensation paid to such 
                veterans, stated as an average monthly amount of such 
                veterans receiving such compensation set forth by the 
                following:
                            ``(i) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of zero percent.
                            ``(ii) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 10 percent.
                            ``(iii) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 20 percent.
                            ``(iv) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 30 percent.
                            ``(v) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 40 percent.
                            ``(vi) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 50 percent.
                            ``(vii) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 60 percent.
                            ``(viii) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 70 percent.
                            ``(ix) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 80 percent.
                            ``(x) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 90 percent.
                            ``(xi) Such veterans with a disability 
                        rating of 100 percent.
                            ``(xii) Such veterans paid special monthly 
                        compensation under any of subsections (k) 
                        through (s) of section 1114 of this title.
                    ``(C) The claims for dependency and indemnity 
                compensation under chapter 13 of this title, with 
                respect to such veterans, including the following:
                            ``(i) The number of such claims received.
                            ``(ii) The number of such claims processed.
                            ``(iii) The number of such claims pending.
                            ``(iv) The number of such claims granted.
                            ``(v) The number of such claims denied.
                    ``(D) The amount of such dependency and indemnity 
                compensation paid with respect to survivors of such 
                veterans, stated as an average monthly amount.
                    ``(E) The number of such survivors who have one or 
                more dependent children under the age of 18 and who 
                receive additional benefits under section 1311(f) of 
                this title by reason thereof.
                    ``(F) The claims for pension under chapter 15 of 
                this title, for or with respect to such veterans, 
                including the following:
                            ``(i) The number of such claims received.
                            ``(ii) The number of such claims processed.
                            ``(iii) The number of such claims pending.
                            ``(iv) The number of such claims granted.
                            ``(v) The number of such claims denied.
                    ``(G) The amount of such pension paid for or with 
                respect to such veterans, stated as an average monthly 
                amount set forth by whether such veterans have--
                            ``(i) no eligible dependents;
                            ``(ii) one or more dependents;
                            ``(iii) benefits paid at the house bound 
                        rate; and
                            ``(iv) benefits paid at the rate for aid 
                        and attendance.
            ``(3) For each covered tour of duty category, aggregated 
        information on the use of vet centers by veterans, including 
        the number of veterans using services of vet centers set forth 
        by whether such veterans are members of the National Guard or 
        the Reserves.
            ``(4) For each covered tour of duty category, aggregated 
        information on the provision to veterans of health care 
        services by the Veterans Health Administration, set forth by 
        the following:
                    ``(A) Whether the services provided were inpatient 
                or outpatient services.
                    ``(B) Aggregate information about such veterans 
                served, including the number of such veterans set forth 
                by the following:
                            ``(i) Sex.
                            ``(ii) Age.
                            ``(iii) Armed Force, as of the date of 
                        discharge or separation.
                            ``(iv) Service as a member of a regular 
                        component of the Armed Forces or as a Reserve 
                        (including whether National Guard or Reserve).
                    ``(C) Where such services were provided, including 
                whether such services were provided in a hospital, vet 
                center, or a specialty care facility such as a 
                polytrauma center.
            ``(5) For each covered tour of duty category, aggregated 
        information on mental health disorders of veterans, including 
        the number of veterans who after December 31, 2002, have been 
        diagnosed or treated for one or more of the following:
                    ``(A) Post-traumatic stress disorder.
                    ``(B) Depressive disorders.
                    ``(C) Neurotic disorders.
                    ``(D) Substance use disorders.
                    ``(E) Acute reaction to stress.
                    ``(F) Such other mental disorders as the Secretary 
                considers appropriate.
    ``(d) Protection of Identities.--The Secretary shall take 
appropriate actions in preparing and submitting reports under this 
section to ensure that no personally identifying information on any 
particular veteran is included or otherwise improperly released in such 
reports.
    ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `appropriate committees of Congress' means--
                    ``(A) the Committees on Armed Services, 
                Appropriations, and Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; 
                and
                    ``(B) the Committees on Armed Services, 
                Appropriations, and Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
                Representatives.
            ``(2) The term `duty in the Post 9/11 Global Operations 
        theater' means service in the active military, naval, or air 
        service during the Post 9/11 Global Operations in a location 
        (including the airspace above) as follows:
                    ``(A) Afghanistan.
                    ``(B) Iraq.
                    ``(C) Any geographic location specified for an 
                award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary 
                Medal to members of the Armed Forces.
            ``(3) The term `covered tour of duty category' means the 
        following:
                    ``(A) Deployment in only in Afghanistan.
                    ``(B) Deployment in only in Iraq.
                    ``(C) Deployment in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
                    ``(D) Duty in the Post 9/11 Global Operations 
                theater other than in Afghanistan or Iraq.
                    ``(E) Any other duty not covered by subparagraphs 
                (A) through (D).
            ``(4) The term `vet center' means a center for the 
        provision of readjustment counseling and related mental health 
        services under section 1712A of this title.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 5 is amended by inserting after the item related to section 530 
the following new item:

``530A. Annual report on veterans and the provision to veterans of 
                            benefits and services by the Department.''.

SEC. 203. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOSPITAL QUALITY REPORT CARD 
              INITIATIVE.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish the 
Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative under title 38, United States 
Code, to ensure that information on the quality and performance of 
hospitals administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is readily 
available and accessible in order to--
            (1) inform patients and consumers about health care quality 
        in such hospitals;
            (2) assist health care providers of the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs in identifying opportunities for quality 
        improvement and cost containment; and
            (3) increase the understanding and general awareness of the 
        public of hospital quality issues.
    (b) Establishment.--Subchapter III of chapter 17 is amended by 
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1730A. Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish and implement 
a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative (in this section referred to 
as the `Initiative') to report on health care quality in VA hospitals.
    ``(b) Availability of Information on Quality and Performance of VA 
Hospitals.--(1)(A) Under the initiative, the Secretary shall make 
available to the public the most current information on the quality and 
performance of each VA hospital on the Internet web site or in the 
promotional literature of each such VA hospital. Such information shall 
include quality measures that allow for an assessment of the following, 
with respect to health care provided by VA hospitals:
            ``(i) Effectiveness.
            ``(ii) Safety.
            ``(iii) Timeliness.
            ``(iv) Efficiency.
            ``(v) Patient satisfaction.
    ``(B) In reporting information pursuant to subparagraph (A), the 
Secretary may display or provide links to reports or analyses on VA 
hospital quality and performance from all available objective sources, 
which may include the following:
            ``(i) The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare 
        Organizations.
            ``(ii) The Office of the Inspector General.
            ``(iii) The Office of the Medical Inspector.
            ``(iv) Offices of the Department involved in the collection 
        and dissemination of data on the performance of individual 
        hospitals.
            ``(v) National and local media entities.
            ``(vi) Professional journals.
            ``(vii) Such other sources as the Secretary considers 
        appropriate.
    ``(C) In reporting information as provided for under subparagraph 
(A), the Secretary may risk adjust quality measures to account for 
differences relating to--
            ``(i) the characteristics of the reporting VA hospital, 
        such as licensed bed size, geography, and teaching hospital 
        status; and
            ``(ii) patient characteristics, such as health status, 
        severity of illness, and socioeconomic status.
    ``(D) Under the Initiative, the Secretary may verify information 
reported under this paragraph to ensure accuracy and validity.
    ``(E) The Secretary shall disclose the nature and scope of 
information reported under this paragraph to all VA hospitals that are 
the subject of any such information.
    ``(F)(i) The Secretary shall inform the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
House of Representatives of the nature and scope of information to be 
reported under this paragraph.
    ``(ii) The Secretary shall ensure that information on health care 
quality is provided in a manner that is conducive for comparisons with 
other local hospitals or regional hospitals, as appropriate.
    ``(iii) The Secretary shall establish procedures for making 
information under this paragraph available to the public in accordance 
with the requirements of subparagraph (A).
    ``(G) The analytic methodologies and limitations on information 
sources utilized by the Secretary to develop and disseminate 
information under this paragraph may be identified and acknowledged in 
a notice or disclaimer, and may include the appropriate and 
inappropriate uses of such information.
    ``(H) Not less frequently than annually, the Secretary may compare 
quality measures data submitted by each VA hospital to the Secretary 
with quality measures data submitted to the Secretary in the prior year 
or years by each such VA hospital in order to identify actions that 
could lead to false or artificial improvements in the quality 
measurements of such VA hospitals.
    ``(2)(A) The Secretary shall develop and implement effective 
safeguards to protect against the unauthorized use or disclosure of VA 
hospital data that is reported under this section.
    ``(B) The Secretary shall develop and implement effective 
safeguards to protect against the dissemination of inconsistent, 
incomplete, invalid, inaccurate, or subjective VA hospital data.
    ``(C) The Secretary shall ensure that identifiable patient data 
shall not be released to the public.
    ``(c) Definition of VA Hospital.--In this section, the term `VA 
hospital' means a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 
administered by the Secretary.''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
1730 the following new item:

``1730A. Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative.''.

SEC. 204. MENTAL HEALTH: SERVICE-CONNECTION STATUS AND EVALUATIONS FOR 
              CERTAIN VETERANS.

    (a) Presumption of Service-Connection of Mental Illness for Certain 
Veterans.--Section 1702 is amended--
            (1) by striking ``psychosis'' and inserting ``mental 
        illness''; and
            (2) in the heading, by striking ``psychosis'' and inserting 
        ``mental illness''.
    (b) Provision of Mental Health Evaluations for Certain Veterans.--
Upon the request of a veteran described in section 1710(e)(3)(C) of 
title 38, United States Code, the Secretary shall provide to such 
veteran a preliminary mental health evaluation as soon as practicable, 
but not later than 30 days after such request.

                     TITLE III--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

SEC. 301. ENROLLMENT OF PRIORITY 8 VETERANS IN PATIENT ENROLLMENT 
              SYSTEM.

    Section 17.36(c) of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, shall 
have no further force or effect.

SEC. 302. SUBMITTAL OF ANNUAL ENROLLMENT DECISIONS TO CONGRESS.

    Section 1705 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(d)(1) In operating the system of annual patient enrollment in 
accordance with subsection (a), the Secretary shall, not later than 
August 1 of each year, publish in the Federal Register notice of which 
categories of veterans the Secretary has determined will be eligible to 
be enrolled in the next fiscal year beginning after such publication.
    ``(2)(A) If, in a notice published in accordance with paragraph 
(1), the Secretary proposes to restrict the categories of veterans to 
be eligible to be enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment 
in a fiscal year, the Secretary shall, on the same date that such 
notice is published, submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of 
the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
Representatives a report setting forth an estimate of the difference 
between--
            ``(i) the cost to the Department in such fiscal year of 
        enrolling in such system any veterans who would otherwise be 
        enrolled if not for the operation of such restriction, and
            ``(ii) the cost to the Department in such fiscal year of 
        enrolling veterans as proposed by the Secretary in such notice.
    ``(B) The Secretary may not implement any restriction on the 
categories of veterans eligible to be enrolled in a fiscal year until 
45 days after the date on which the report on such restriction under 
subparagraph (A) is submitted under that subparagraph.''.

SEC. 303. PROHIBITION ON COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS AND OTHER FEES FOR 
              HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME CARE.

    (a) In General.--Section 1710 is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following new 
        subsection (h):
    ``(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a 
veteran who is catastrophically disabled shall not be required to make 
any payment otherwise required under subsection (f) or (g) for the 
receipt of hospital care or nursing home care under this section.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 2007.

SEC. 304. TRANSPORTATION GRANTS FOR RURAL VETERANS SERVICE 
              ORGANIZATIONS.

    (a) Grants Authorized.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
        establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation 
        options to veterans in remote rural areas.
            (2) Use of funds.--Grants awarded under this section may be 
        used by State veterans' service agencies, veterans service 
        organizations, and qualified community transportation 
        organizations to--
                    (A) assist veterans in remote rural areas to travel 
                to Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and
                    (B) otherwise assist in providing medical care to 
                veterans in remote rural areas.
            (3) Maximum amount.--The amount of a grant under this 
        section may not exceed $50,000.
            (4) No matching requirement.--The recipient of a grant 
        under this section shall not be required to provide matching 
        funds as a condition for receiving such grant.
    (b) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for--
            (1) evaluating grant applications under this section; and
            (2) otherwise administering the program established by this 
        section.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``qualified community transportation 
        organizations'' means a public or private nonprofit 
        organization that is eligible for a grant under sections 5307 
        and 5311 of title 49, United States Code.
            (2) The term ``veterans service organization'' means any 
        organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 
        38, United States Code.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated $6,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 
to carry out this section.

SEC. 305. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ON ALTERNATIVES FOR EXPANDING CARE FOR 
              VETERANS IN RURAL AREAS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, through the 
Director of the Office of Rural Health, shall carry out demonstration 
projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in 
rural areas, including the following:
            (1) Establishing a partnership between the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human 
        Services to coordinate care for veterans in rural areas at 
        community health centers.
            (2) Expanding coordination between the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service to expand care 
        for Native American veterans.
    (b) Geographic Distribution.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall ensure that the demonstration projects authorized under 
subsection (a) are located at not less than three facilities that are 
geographically distributed throughout the United States.
    (c) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit a 
report on the results of the demonstration projects conducted under 
subsection (a) to--
            (1) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
        Appropriations of the Senate; and
            (2) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
        Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 306. REPORT TO CONGRESS ON MATTERS RELATED TO CARE FOR VETERANS 
              WHO LIVE IN RURAL AREAS.

    (a) Annual Report.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to Congress each year, together with documents submitted to Congress in 
support of the budget of the President for the fiscal year beginning in 
such year (as submitted pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United 
States Code), an assessment, current as of the fiscal year ending in 
the year before such report is submitted, of the following:
            (1) The implementation of the provisions of this Act, 
        including the amendments made by sections 309 and 310.
            (2) The establishment and function of the Office of Rural 
        Health under section 7308 of title 38, United States Code.
            (3) The feasibility and advisability of establishing a 
        partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the 
        Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the Department of 
        Health and Human Services to coordinate care for veterans in 
        rural areas at critical access hospitals (as designated or 
        certified under section 1820 of the Social Security Act (42 
        U.S.C. 1395i-4)).
            (4) Plans for the Department to employ the use of 
        telemedicine to serve rural veterans.
    (b) Additional Requirements for Initial Report.--The Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress, together with the first 
report submitted under subsection (a), an assessment of the following:
            (1) The fee-basis health-care program required by 
        subsection (b) of section 212 of the Veterans Benefits, Health 
        Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-
        461; 120 Stat. 3422).
            (2) The outreach program required by section 213 of such 
        Act.

SEC. 307. VETERANS BENEFICIARY TRAVEL PROGRAM.

    (a) Repeal of Requirement To Adjust Amounts Deducted From Payments 
or Allowances for Beneficiary Travel.--Section 111(c) is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (5); and
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, except as provided in 
        paragraph (5) of this subsection,''.
    (b) Determination of Mileage Reimbursement Rate.--Section 111(g) is 
amended--
            (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
    ``(1) Subject to paragraph (3), in determining the amount of 
allowances or reimbursement to be paid under this section, the 
Secretary shall use the mileage reimbursement rate for the use of 
privately owned vehicles by Government employees on official business 
(when a Government vehicle is available), as prescribed by the 
Administrator of General Services under section 5707(b) of title 5.'';
            (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
        paragraph (3):
    ``(3) Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary 
may modify the amount of allowances or reimbursement to be paid under 
this section using a mileage reimbursement rate in excess of that 
prescribed under paragraph (1).''.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 14 months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee 
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report 
containing an estimate of the additional costs incurred by the 
Department of Veterans Affairs because of this section, including--
            (1) any costs resulting from increased utilization of 
        healthcare services by veterans eligible for travel allowances 
        or reimbursements under section 111 of title 38, United States 
        Code; and
            (2) the additional costs that would be incurred by the 
        Department should the Secretary exercise the authority 
        described in subsection (g)(3) of such section.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply with respect to travel expenses incurred after the expiration of 
the 90-day period that begins on the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 308. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR FURNISHING OUTPATIENT DENTAL 
              SERVICES TO VETERANS WITH A SERVICE-CONNECTED DENTAL 
              CONDITION OR DISABILITY.

    Section 1712(a)(1)(B)(iv) is amended by striking ``90-day'' and 
inserting ``180-day''.

SEC. 309. EXEMPTION FOR HOSPICE CARE FROM LONG-TERM CARE COPAYMENT 
              REQUIREMENTS.

    Section 1710 is amended--
            (1) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following 
        new paragraph:
            ``(6) This subsection does not apply to hospital care or 
        nursing home care that constitute hospice care.''; and
            (2) in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following 
        new paragraph:
            ``(4) This subsection does not apply to medical services 
        that constitute hospice care.''.

                  TITLE IV--HOMELESS VETERANS MATTERS

SEC. 401. REPEAL OF AUTHORITY FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO PER DIEM PAYMENTS TO 
              HOMELESS VETERANS SERVICE CENTERS FOR RECEIPT OF OTHER 
              SOURCES OF INCOME.

    Section 2012(a)(2) is amended--
            (1) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (D);
            (2) in subparagraph (A)--
                    (A) by striking ``The rate'' and inserting ``Except 
                as provided in subparagraph (B), the rate'';
                    (B) by striking ``adjusted by the Secretary under 
                subparagraph (B)''; and
                    (C) by designating the second sentence as 
                subparagraph (B) and indenting the margin of such 
                subparagraph, as so designated, two ems from the left 
                margin; and
            (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``to make the 
        adjustment under subparagraph (B)''.

SEC. 402. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON PREVENTING VETERANS AT-RISK OF 
              HOMELESSNESS FROM BECOMING HOMELESS.

    (a) Demonstration Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
carry out a demonstration program for the purpose of--
            (1) identifying members of the Armed Forces on active duty 
        who are at risk of becoming homeless after they are discharged 
        or released from active duty; and
            (2) providing referral, counseling, and supportive 
        services, as appropriate, to help prevent such members, upon 
        becoming veterans, from becoming homeless.
    (b) Program Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the 
demonstration program in at least three locations.
    (c) Identification Criteria.--In developing and implementing the 
criteria to identify members of the Armed Forces, who upon becoming 
veterans, are at-risk of becoming homeless, the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall consult with the Secretary of Defense and such other 
officials and experts as the Secretary considers appropriate.
    (d) Contracts.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into 
contracts to provide the referral, counseling, and supportive services 
required under the demonstration program with entities or organizations 
that meet such requirements as the Secretary may establish.
    (e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary under subsection (a) 
shall expire on September 30, 2011.
    (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated $2,000,000 for the purpose of carrying out the provisions 
of this section.

SEC. 403. EXPANSION AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PROGRAM OF REFERRAL 
              AND COUNSELING SERVICES FOR AT-RISK VETERANS 
              TRANSITIONING FROM CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS.

    (a) Program Authority.--Subsection (a) of section 2023 is amended 
by striking ``a demonstration program for the purpose of determining 
the costs and benefits of providing'' and inserting ``a program of''.
    (b) Scope of Program.--Subsection (b) of such section is amended--
            (1) by striking ``Demonstration'' in the subsection 
        heading;
            (2) by striking ``demonstration''; and
            (3) by striking ``in at least six locations'' and inserting 
        ``in at least 12 locations''.
    (c) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (d) of such section is 
amended by striking ``shall cease'' and all that follows and inserting 
``shall cease on September 30, 2011.''.
    (d) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended by 
        striking ``demonstration''.
            (2) The heading of such section is amended to read as 
        follows:
``Sec. 2023. Referral and counseling services: veterans at risk of 
              homelessness who are transitioning from certain 
              institutions''.
            (3) Section 2022(f)(2)(C) of such title is amended by 
        striking ``demonstration''.
    (e) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 20 is amended by striking the item relating to section 2023 and 
inserting the following:

``2023. Referral and counseling services: veterans at risk of 
                            homelessness who are transitioning from 
                            certain institutions.''.

SEC. 404. AVAILABILITY OF GRANT FUNDS TO SERVICE CENTERS FOR PERSONNEL.

    Section 2011 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(i) Availability of Grant Funds for Service Center Personnel.--A 
grant under this section for a service center for homeless veterans may 
be used to provide funding for staff as necessary in order for the 
center to meet the service availability requirements of subsection 
(g)(1).''.

SEC. 405. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR DOMICILIARY SERVICES FOR HOMELESS 
              VETERANS AND ENHANCEMENT OF CAPACITY OF DOMICILIARY CARE 
              PROGRAMS FOR FEMALE VETERANS.

    Subsection (b) of section 2043 is amended to read as follows:
    ``(b) Enhancement of Capacity of Domiciliary Care Programs for 
Female Veterans.--The Secretary shall take appropriate actions to 
ensure that the domiciliary care programs of the Department are 
adequate, with respect to capacity and with respect to safety, to meet 
the needs of veterans who are women.''.

SEC. 406. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY LOW-
              INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT HOUSING.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to facilitate the 
provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran families 
in permanent housing.
    (b) Financial Assistance.--
            (1) In general.--Subchapter V of chapter 20 of title 38, 
        United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
        following new section:
``Sec. 2044. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
              income veteran families in permanent housing
    ``(a) Distribution of Financial Assistance.--(1) The Secretary 
shall provide financial assistance to eligible entities approved under 
this section to provide and coordinate the provision of supportive 
services described in subsection (b) for very low-income veteran 
families occupying permanent housing.
    ``(2) Financial assistance under this section shall consist of 
grants for each such family for which an approved eligible entity is 
providing or coordinating the provision of supportive services.
    ``(3)(A) The Secretary shall provide such grants to each eligible 
entity that is providing or coordinating the provision of supportive 
services.
    ``(B) The Secretary is authorized to establish intervals of payment 
for the administration of such grants and establish a maximum amount to 
be awarded, in accordance with the services being provided and their 
duration.
    ``(4) In providing financial assistance under paragraph (1), the 
Secretary shall give preference to entities providing or coordinating 
the provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran 
families who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.
    ``(5) The Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, 
financial assistance under this subsection is equitably distributed 
across geographic regions, including rural communities and tribal 
lands.
    ``(6) Each entity receiving financial assistance under this section 
to provide supportive services to a very low-income veteran family 
shall notify that family that such services are being paid for, in 
whole or in part, by the Department.
    ``(7) The Secretary may require entities receiving financial 
assistance under this section to submit a report to the Secretary that 
describes the projects carried out with such financial assistance.
    ``(b) Supportive Services.--The supportive services referred to in 
subsection (a) are the following:
            ``(1) Services provided by an eligible entity or a 
        subcontractor of an eligible entity that address the needs of 
        very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing, 
        including--
                    ``(A) outreach services;
                    ``(B) case management services;
                    ``(C) assistance in obtaining any benefits from the 
                Department which the veteran may be eligible to 
                receive, including, but not limited to, vocational and 
                rehabilitation counseling, employment and training 
                service, educational assistance, and health care 
                services; and
                    ``(D) assistance in obtaining and coordinating the 
                provision of other public benefits provided in federal, 
                State, or local agencies, or any organization defined 
                in subsection (f), including--
                            ``(i) health care services (including 
                        obtaining health insurance);
                            ``(ii) daily living services;
                            ``(iii) personal financial planning;
                            ``(iv) transportation services;
                            ``(v) income support services;
                            ``(vi) fiduciary and representative payee 
                        services;
                            ``(vii) legal services to assist the 
                        veteran family with issues that interfere with 
                        the family's ability to obtain or retain 
                        housing or supportive services;
                            ``(viii) child care;
                            ``(ix) housing counseling; and
                            ``(x) other services necessary for 
                        maintaining independent living.
            ``(2) Services described in paragraph (1) that are 
        delivered to very low-income veteran families who are homeless 
        and who are scheduled to become residents of permanent housing 
        within 90 days pending the location or development of housing 
        suitable for permanent housing.
            ``(3) Services described in paragraph (1) for very low-
        income veteran families who have voluntarily chosen to seek 
        other housing after a period of tenancy in permanent housing, 
        that are provided, for a period of 90 days after such families 
        exit permanent housing or until such families commence receipt 
        of other housing services adequate to meet their current needs, 
        but only to the extent that services under this paragraph are 
        designed to support such families in their choice to transition 
        into housing that is responsive to their individual needs and 
        preferences.
    ``(c) Application for Financial Assistance.--(1) An eligible entity 
seeking financial assistance under subsection (a) shall submit to the 
Secretary an application therefor in such form, in such manner, and 
containing such commitments and information as the Secretary determines 
to be necessary to carry out this section.
    ``(2) Each application submitted by an eligible entity under 
paragraph (1) shall contain--
            ``(A) a description of the supportive services proposed to 
        be provided by the eligible entity and the identified needs for 
        those services;
            ``(B) a description of the types of very low-income veteran 
        families proposed to be provided such services;
            ``(C) an estimate of the number of very low-income veteran 
        families proposed to be provided such services;
            ``(D) evidence of the experience of the eligible entity in 
        providing supportive services to very low-income veteran 
        families; and
            ``(E) a description of the managerial capacity of the 
        eligible entity--
                    ``(i) to coordinate the provision of supportive 
                services with the provision of permanent housing by the 
                eligible entity or by other organizations;
                    ``(ii) to assess continuously the needs of very 
                low-income veteran families for supportive services;
                    ``(iii) to coordinate the provision of supportive 
                services with the services of the Department;
                    ``(iv) to tailor supportive services to the needs 
                of very low-income veteran families; and
                    ``(v) to seek continuously new sources of 
                assistance to ensure the long-term provision of 
                supportive services to very low-income veteran 
                families.
    ``(3) The Secretary shall establish criteria for the selection of 
eligible entities to be provided financial assistance under this 
section.
    ``(d) Technical Assistance.--(1) The Secretary shall provide 
training and technical assistance to participating eligible entities 
regarding the planning, development, and provision of supportive 
services to very low-income veteran families occupying permanent 
housing, through the Technical Assistance grants program in section 
2064 of this title.
    ``(2) The Secretary may provide the training described in paragraph 
(1) directly or through grants or contracts with appropriate public or 
nonprofit private entities.
    ``(e) Funding.--(1) From amounts appropriated to the Department for 
Medical Services, there shall be available to carry out subsection (a), 
(b), and (c) amounts as follows:
            ``(A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
            ``(B) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
            ``(C) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
    ``(2) Not more than $750,000 may be available under paragraph (1) 
in any fiscal year to provide technical assistance under subsection 
(d).
    ``(3) There is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of 
the fiscal year 2008 through 2010 to carry out the provisions of 
subsection (d).
    ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `consumer cooperative' has the meaning given 
        such term in section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 
        1701q).
            ``(2) The term `eligible entity' means--
                    ``(A) a private nonprofit organization; or
                    ``(B) a consumer cooperative.
            ``(3) The term `homeless' has the meaning given that term 
        in section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act 
        (42 U.S.C. 11302).
            ``(4) The term `permanent housing' means community-based 
        housing without a designated length of stay.
            ``(5) The term `private nonprofit organization' means any 
        of the following:
                    ``(A) Any incorporated private institution or 
                foundation--
                            ``(i) no part of the net earnings of which 
                        inures to the benefit of any member, founder, 
                        contributor, or individual;
                            ``(ii) which has a governing board that is 
                        responsible for the operation of the supportive 
                        services provided under this section; and
                            ``(iii) which is approved by the Secretary 
                        as to financial responsibility.
                    ``(B) A for-profit limited partnership, the sole 
                general partner of which is an organization meeting the 
                requirements of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of 
                subparagraph (A).
                    ``(C) A corporation wholly owned and controlled by 
                an organization meeting the requirements of clauses 
                (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A).
                    ``(D) A tribally designated housing entity (as 
                defined in section 4 of the Native American Housing 
                Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 
                U.S.C. 4103)).
            ``(6)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the term 
        `very low-income veteran family' means a veteran family whose 
        income does not exceed 50 percent of the median income for an 
        area specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section, 
        as determined by the Secretary in accordance with this 
        paragraph.
            ``(B) The Secretary shall make appropriate adjustments to 
        the income requirement under subparagraph (A) based on family 
        size.
            ``(C) The Secretary may establish an income ceiling higher 
        or lower than 50 percent of the median income for an area if 
        the Secretary determines that such variations are necessary 
        because the area has unusually high or low construction costs, 
        fair market rents (as determined under section 8 of the United 
        States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f)), or family 
        incomes.
            ``(7) The term `veteran family' includes a veteran who is a 
        single person and a family in which the head of household or 
        the spouse of the head of household is a veteran.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of chapter 20 of such title is amended by inserting 
        after the item relating to section 2043 the following new item:

``2044. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
                            income veteran families in permanent 
                            housing.''.
    (c) Study of Effectiveness of Permanent Housing Program.--
            (1) In general.--For fiscal years 2008 and 2009, the 
        Secretary shall conduct a study of the effectiveness of the 
        permanent housing program under section 2044 of title 38, 
        United States Code, as added by subsection (b), in meeting the 
        needs of very low-income veteran families, as that term is 
        defined in that section.
            (2) Comparison.--In the study required by paragraph (1), 
        the Secretary shall compare the results of the program referred 
        to in that subsection with other programs of the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs dedicated to the delivery of housing and 
        services to veterans.
            (3) Criteria.--In making the comparison required in 
        paragraph (2), the Secretary shall examine the following:
                    (A) The satisfaction of veterans targeted by the 
                programs described in paragraph (2).
                    (B) The health status of such veterans.
                    (C) The housing provided such veterans under such 
                programs.
                    (D) The degree to which such veterans are 
                encouraged to productive activity by such programs.
            (4) Report.--Not later than March 31, 2010, the Secretary 
        shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
        Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
        Representatives a report on the results of the study required 
        by paragraph (1).

                     TITLE V--CONSTRUCTION MATTERS

SEC. 501. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT, DENVER, 
              COLORADO.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a 
major medical facility project for a replacement facility for the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, in an 
amount not to exceed $548,000,000.
    (b) Authority for Use of Existing Funds.--The Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs may obligate and expend any unobligated amount in the 
``Construction, Major Projects'' account of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs to purchase a site for, and for the construction of, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs replacement facility authorized in 
subsection (a).

SEC. 502. INCREASE IN AUTHORIZATION FOR MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT 
              TO CONSOLIDATE THE MEDICAL CENTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
              VETERANS AFFAIRS AT THE UNIVERSITY DRIVE AND H. JOHN 
              HEINZ III DIVISIONS, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

    Section 802(12) of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and 
Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461; 120 Stat. 3443) 
is amended by striking ``$189,205,000'' and inserting ``$248,000,000''.

SEC. 503. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT, ATLANTA, 
              GEORGIA.

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a major medical 
facility project for modernization of inpatient wards at the Department 
of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, in an amount not 
to exceed $20,534,000.

SEC. 504. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated for the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2008 for the Construction, Major 
Projects, account $627,329,000 for the projects authorized in sections 
501 and 503 and for the project covered by section 502.

SEC. 505. DESIGNATION OF CHARLIE NORWOOD DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
              MEDICAL CENTER.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Charlie Norwood volunteered for service in the United 
        States Army Dental Corps in a time of war, providing dental and 
        medical services in the Republic of Vietnam in 1968, earning 
        the Combat Medical Badge and two awards of the Bronze Star.
            (2) Captain Norwood, under combat conditions, helped 
        develop the Dental Corps operating procedures, that are now 
        standard, of delivering dentists to forward-fire bases, and 
        providing dental treatment for military service dogs.
            (3) Captain Norwood provided dental, emergency medical, and 
        surgical care for United States personnel, Vietnamese 
        civilians, and prisoners-of-war.
            (4) Dr. Norwood provided military dental care at Fort 
        Gordon, Georgia, following his service in Vietnam, then 
        provided private-practice dental care for the next 25 years for 
        patients in the greater Augusta, Georgia, area, including care 
        for military personnel, retirees, and dependents under 
        Department of Defense programs and for low-income patients 
        under Georgia Medicaid.
            (5) Congressman Norwood, upon being sworn into the United 
        States House of Representatives in 1995, pursued the 
        advancement of health and dental care for active duty and 
        retired military personnel and dependents, and for veterans, 
        through his public advocacy for strengthened Federal support 
        for military and veterans' health care programs and facilities.
            (6) Congressman Norwood co-authored and helped pass into 
        law the Keep our Promises to America's Military Retirees Act, 
        which restored lifetime healthcare benefits to veterans who are 
        military retirees through the creation of the Department of 
        Defense TRICARE for Life Program.
            (7) Congressman Norwood supported and helped pass into law 
        the Retired Pay Restoration Act providing relief from the 
        concurrent receipt rule penalizing disabled veterans who were 
        also military retirees.
            (8) Throughout his congressional service from 1995 to 2007, 
        Congressman Norwood repeatedly defeated attempts to reduce 
        Federal support for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
        Center in Augusta, Georgia, and succeeded in maintaining and 
        increasing Federal funding for the center.
            (9) Congressman Norwood maintained a life membership in The 
        American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Military 
        Order of the World Wars.
            (10) Congressman Norwood's role in protecting and improving 
        military and veteran's health care was recognized by the 
        Association of the United States Army through the presentation 
        of the Cocklin Award in 1998, and through his induction into 
        the Association's Audie Murphy Society in 1999.
    (b) Designation.--
            (1) In general.--The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
        Center located at 1 Freedom Way in Augusta, Georgia, shall 
        after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and 
        designated as the ``Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans 
        Affairs Medical Center''.
            (2) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, 
        document, record, or other paper of the United States to the 
        medical center referred to in paragraph (1) shall be considered 
        to be a reference to the Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans 
        Affairs Medical Center.

                        TITLE VI--OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 601. REINSTATEMENT OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

    Section 7618 is amended by striking ``December 31, 1998'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2012''.

SEC. 602. REPEAL OF CERTAIN REPORT REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Reports Repealed.--
            (1)(A) Section 7324 is repealed.
            (B) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is 
        amended by striking the item related to section 7324.
            (2) Paragraph (5) of section 7451(e) is repealed.
            (3)(A) Subsection (f) of section 7451 is repealed.
            (B) Subsection (g) of such section is redesignated as 
        subsection (f).
            (4)(A) Section 8107 is repealed.
            (B) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 81 is 
        amended by striking the item related to section 8107.
            (5) Subsection (g) of section 8153 is repealed.
    (b) Technical Amendments.--
            (1) Section 7451(c)(1) is amended by striking ``, in the 
        next annual report required by subsection (g),''.
            (2) Section 7452 is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (b)--
                            (i) by striking paragraph (2); and
                            (ii) by striking ``(1) Under regulations'' 
                        and inserting ``Under regulations''; and
                    (B) in subsection (e), by striking the last 
                sentence.

SEC. 603. POST 9/11 GLOBAL OPERATIONS DEFINED.

    Section 101 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
    ``(34) The term `Post 9/11 Global Operations' means the period of 
the Persian Gulf War beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on the 
date thereafter prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law.''.
            Amend the title so as to read: ``To amend title 38, United 
        States Code, to improve health care programs for veterans, and 
        for other purposes.''.
                                                       Calendar No. 335

110th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                                S. 1233

                          [Report No. 110-147]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

  To provide and enhance intervention, rehabilitative treatment, and 
    services to veterans with traumatic brain injury, and for other 
                               purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                            August 29, 2007

Reported, under authority of the order of the Senate of August 3, 2007, 
            with an amendment and an amendment to the title