1.Short title; table of contents
(a)This Act may be cited as the
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health
Services Act of 2010
.
(b)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—Caregiver
support
Sec. 101. Assistance
and support services for caregivers.
Sec. 102. Medical
care for family caregivers.
Sec. 103. Counseling
and mental health services for caregivers.
Sec. 104. Lodging and
subsistence for attendants.
Title II—Women veterans
health care matters
Sec. 201. Study of
barriers for women veterans to health care from the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 202. Training
and certification for mental health care providers of the Department of
Veterans Affairs on care for veterans suffering from sexual trauma and
post-traumatic stress disorder.
Sec. 203. Pilot
program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated
from service in the Armed Forces.
Sec. 204. Service on
certain advisory committees of women recently separated from service in the
Armed Forces.
Sec. 205. Pilot
program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health
care.
Sec. 206. Care for
newborn children of women veterans receiving maternity care.
Title III—Rural health
improvements
Sec. 301. Improvements to the Education Debt Reduction
Program.
Sec. 302. Visual
impairment and orientation and mobility professionals education assistance
program.
Sec. 303. Demonstration projects on alternatives for expanding
care for veterans in rural areas.
Sec. 304. Program on
readjustment and mental health care services for veterans who served in
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sec. 305. Travel
reimbursement for veterans receiving treatment at facilities of the Department
of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 306. Pilot
program on incentives for physicians who assume inpatient responsibilities at
community hospitals in health professional shortage areas.
Sec. 307. Grants for
veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural
veterans.
Sec. 308. Modification of eligibility for participation in
pilot program of enhanced contract care authority for health care needs of
certain veterans.
Title IV—Mental health
care matters
Sec. 401. Eligibility
of members of the Armed Forces who serve in Operation Enduring Freedom or
Operation Iraqi Freedom for counseling and services through Readjustment
Counseling Service.
Sec. 402. Restoration
of authority of Readjustment Counseling Service to provide referral and other
assistance upon request to former members of the Armed Forces not authorized
counseling.
Sec. 403. Study on
suicides among veterans.
Title V—Other health
care matters
Sec. 501. Repeal of
certain annual reporting requirements.
Sec. 502. Submittal
date of annual report on Gulf War research.
Sec. 503. Payment for
care furnished to CHAMPVA beneficiaries.
Sec. 504. Disclosure
of patient treatment information from medical records of patients lacking
decisionmaking capacity.
Sec. 505. Enhancement
of quality management.
Sec. 506. Pilot
program on use of community-based organizations and local and State government
entities to ensure that veterans receive care and benefits for which they are
eligible.
Sec. 507. Specialized
residential care and rehabilitation for certain veterans.
Sec. 508. Expanded
study on the health impact of Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense.
Sec. 509. Use of
non-Department facilities for rehabilitation of individuals with traumatic
brain injury.
Sec. 510. Pilot
program on provision of dental insurance plans to veterans and survivors and
dependents of veterans.
Sec. 511. Prohibition
on collection of copayments from veterans who are catastrophically
disabled.
Sec. 512. Higher
priority status for certain veterans who are medal of honor
recipients.
Sec. 513. Hospital
care, medical services, and nursing home care for certain Vietnam-era veterans
exposed to herbicide and veterans of the Persian Gulf War.
Sec. 514. Establishment of Director of Physician Assistant
Services in Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 515. Committee
on Care of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury.
Sec. 516. Increase in
amount available to disabled veterans for improvements and structural
alterations furnished as part of home health services.
Sec. 517. Extension
of statutorily defined copayments for certain veterans for hospital care and
nursing home care.
Sec. 518. Extension
of authority to recover cost of certain care and services from disabled
veterans with health-plan contracts.
Title VI—Department
personnel matters
Sec. 601. Enhancement
of authorities for retention of medical professionals.
Sec. 602. Limitations
on overtime duty, weekend duty, and alternative work schedules for
nurses.
Sec. 603. Reauthorization of health professionals educational
assistance scholarship program.
Sec. 604. Loan
repayment program for clinical researchers from disadvantaged
backgrounds.
Title VII—Homeless
veterans matters
Sec. 701. Per diem
grant payments to nonconforming entities.
Title VIII—Nonprofit
research and education corporations
Sec. 801. General
authorities on establishment of corporations.
Sec. 802. Clarification of purposes of
corporations.
Sec. 803. Modification of requirements for boards of directors
of corporations.
Sec. 804. Clarification of powers of corporations.
Sec. 805. Redesignation of section 7364A of title 38, United
States Code.
Sec. 806. Improved
accountability and oversight of corporations.
Title IX—Construction
and naming matters
Sec. 901. Authorization of medical facility
projects.
Sec. 902. Designation
of Merril Lundman Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Havre,
Montana.
Sec. 903. Designation
of William C. Tallent Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic,
Knoxville, Tennessee.
Sec. 904. Designation
of Max J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Alexandria,
Minnesota.
Title X—Other
matters
Sec. 1001. Expansion
of authority for Department of Veterans Affairs police officers.
Sec. 1002. Uniform
allowance for Department of Veterans Affairs police officers.
Sec. 1003. Submission
of reports to Congress by Secretary of Veterans Affairs in electronic
form.
Sec. 1004. Determination of budgetary effects for purposes of
compliance with Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.
2.References to title 38, United States
CodeExcept 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.
<enum>I</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Caregiver support</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H93304C98E72640909235C8B8DACB929C" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>101.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Assistance and support services for
caregivers</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H41A9F271A0004A078EECAF18BC599020"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Assistance and support services</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA553623A3AEB49CC84FA0AAB3A481FF4"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subchapter II of chapter 17 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H90C5EB9EEF2D49B383DDB9830B9859BA" style="USC">
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H59DBAB4C947F4FF4B498BD2DCA69219C" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>1720G.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Assistance and support services for
caregivers</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H58E3C2D1817444108B277548515CD3AD"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Program of comprehensive assistance for
family caregivers</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HFAC8E2A772764034B17C09DC5AA41942"><enum>(1)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H850B96E5BA8D42AFA20F3E806A8BC7A8"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish a program of
comprehensive assistance for family caregivers of eligible veterans.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H381C8E6D8F844BF6A67631901110F8A7" indent="up2"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall only provide support
under the program required by subparagraph (A) to a family caregiver of an
eligible veteran if the Secretary determines it is in the best interest of the
eligible veteran to do so.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0B8227D9F6D544CEABB5041D4E2F2845" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of this subsection, an
eligible veteran is any individual who—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8DCCCBA6560F46DD9429B51CDA6E3C4A"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is a veteran or member of the Armed Forces
undergoing medical discharge from the Armed Forces;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H646018BA26B140528B880604B55829A4"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">has a serious injury (including traumatic
brain injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorder) incurred or
aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service on
or after September 11, 2001; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5764E0190C294066A481AA17F7D8FCDE"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is in need of personal care services
because of—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3779EDDF517D49A58FF5B886E813F996"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an inability to perform one or more
activities of daily living;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF79DCE7FC21C4236AA5B37A3F1C3D902"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a need for supervision or protection based
on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury;
or</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1AFB48B896014659B3BAEB9F39D179E3"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such other matters as the Secretary
considers appropriate.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB76DAB9944C848BC9C0117D49410B45F" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H0D98408A574740D197BB38F7F4CBF9E4"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">As part of the program required by
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide to family caregivers of eligible
veterans the following assistance:</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H200A538DCCD74F39932F294F78C5D04A" indent="up1"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To each family caregiver who is approved as
a provider of personal care services for an eligible veteran under paragraph
(6)—</text>
<subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5999332673B144DE8321743851218F52"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such instruction, preparation, and training
as the Secretary considers appropriate for the family caregiver to provide
personal care services to the eligible veteran;</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE780115FC65946C5A442D829C1F32C26"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">ongoing technical support consisting of
information and assistance to address, in a timely manner, the routine,
emergency, and specialized caregiving needs of the family caregiver in
providing personal care services to the eligible veteran;</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD0B11A8343EF4527992D5D5FB0AB2CEF"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">counseling; and</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFF35DF421936466CACC805F2E7F7612E"><enum>(IV)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">lodging and subsistence under section
111(e) of this title.</text>
</subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6C7D560C72E44A4083A78F69AAFE2D2A" indent="up1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To each family caregiver who is designated
as the primary provider of personal care services for an eligible veteran under
paragraph (7)—</text>
<subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H13067367B8674B3580DBCFA8A3519C6A"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the assistance described in clause
(i);</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H09F6E703BAAA46069D20C50303355AC7"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such mental health services as the
Secretary determines appropriate;</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDBF9CB25A79E457FA5F3BE1DD34D4BDC"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">respite care of not less than 30 days
annually, including 24-hour per day care of the veteran commensurate with the
care provided by the family caregiver to permit extended respite;</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H81299A2DB3DA4A9CB907CD7681A2CADF"><enum>(IV)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">medical care under section 1781 of this
title; and</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9D2EE23BC3E145E986887411EBAAC25F"><enum>(V)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a monthly personal caregiver
stipend.</text>
</subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3EDE86AB795E4F2BBE4446872B5BC884" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Respite care provided under subparagraph
(A)(ii)(III) shall be medically and age-appropriate and include in-home
care.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H81A36E5DD17C4B8FA24D89944D79C0C4" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><clause commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H07087FF3B944428FB953A83C45301191"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amount of the monthly personal
caregiver stipend provided under subparagraph (A)(ii)(V) shall be determined in
accordance with a schedule established by the Secretary that specifies stipends
based upon the amount and degree of personal care services provided.</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9F45A7050B424CF1BBCFD8A625537B67" indent="up1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall ensure, to the extent
practicable, that the schedule required by clause (i) specifies that the amount
of the monthly personal caregiver stipend provided to a primary provider of
personal care services for the provision of personal care services to an
eligible veteran is not less than the monthly amount a commercial home health
care entity would pay an individual in the geographic area of the eligible
veteran to provide equivalent personal care services to the eligible
veteran.</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDCC8F078CE3B4E2A89E0A97CDAF8EE10" indent="up1"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If personal care services are not available
from a commercial home health entity in the geographic area of an eligible
veteran, the amount of the monthly personal caregiver stipend payable under the
schedule required by clause (i) with respect to the eligible veteran shall be
determined by taking into consideration the costs of commercial providers of
personal care services in providing personal care services in geographic areas
other than the geographic area of the eligible veteran with similar costs of
living.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H552A118B0A3747278728044DD0B8E0D1" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An eligible veteran and a family member of
the eligible veteran seeking to participate in the program required by
paragraph (1) shall jointly submit to the Secretary an application therefor in
such form and in such manner as the Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1A92DCE0CB274527BC221DEBC1128ECF" indent="up1"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For each application submitted jointly by
an eligible veteran and family member, the Secretary shall evaluate—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9BB78DDFF91E44F097525A4B39420746"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the eligible veteran—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAE6ABA028A9D43FEBC2F8F9471A58AFD"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to identify the personal care services
required by the eligible veteran; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6757660DF6DF4EEEB11C5D55C1F1F8B5"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to determine whether such requirements
could be significantly or substantially satisfied through the provision of
personal care services from a family member; and</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0667CA9D8EE640EEA0367E66BBD41B0D"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the family member to determine the amount
of instruction, preparation, and training, if any, the family member requires
to provide the personal care services required by the eligible veteran—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H13230FA8EADD4B1A9D44BB0E657EC6AB"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">as a provider of personal care services for
the eligible veteran; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC92FC88C4DDA4F0384C1D7765A2BFA57"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">as the primary provider of personal care
services for the eligible veteran.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H16362B520E9448799A11CF62ADF2CEED" indent="up1"><enum>(6)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H06BB8C903F3B4A7D828CC5C9F33491F7"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall provide each family
member of an eligible veteran who makes a joint application under paragraph (4)
the instruction, preparation, and training determined to be required by such
family member under paragraph (5)(B).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA265A727249048B1A9934F4A117B9E63" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Upon the successful completion by a family
member of an eligible veteran of instruction, preparation, and training under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall approve the family member as a provider
of personal care services for the eligible veteran.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H498EE99C29364D4792247528288DE75E" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall, subject to regulations
the Secretary shall prescribe, provide for necessary travel, lodging, and per
diem expenses incurred by a family member of an eligible veteran in undergoing
instruction, preparation, and training under subparagraph (A).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6B61EE26EE2A4A648B7B03FB8F43E0F1" indent="up1"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the participation of a family member of
an eligible veteran in instruction, preparation, and training under
subparagraph (A) would interfere with the provision of personal care services
to the eligible veteran, the Secretary shall, subject to regulations as the
Secretary shall prescribe and in consultation with the veteran, provide respite
care to the eligible veteran during the provision of such instruction,
preparation, and training to the family member so that the family member can
participate in such instruction, preparation, and training without interfering
with the provision of such services to the eligible veteran.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7717EC13B17E4F4D94023381C67EFE26" indent="up1"><enum>(7)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H7F60245EFC8844709D86D4147C4D2163"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For each eligible veteran with at least one
family member who is described by subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall
designate one family member of such eligible veteran as the primary provider of
personal care services for such eligible veteran.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE62D4B733A434A11A6F6D1A67A8A1E34" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A
primary provider of personal care services designated for an eligible veteran
under subparagraph (A) shall be selected from among family members of the
eligible veteran who—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD8640251267F4687817852B59A97FE6F"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">are approved under paragraph (6) as a
provider of personal care services for the eligible veteran;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H22F24C3BA7014F2FA0950E141B318844"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">elect to provide the personal care services
to the eligible veteran that the Secretary determines the eligible veteran
requires under paragraph (5)(A)(i);</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H634C7706A0124C8BA3D6B5D2651F4D99"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">has the consent of the eligible veteran to
be the primary provider of personal care services for the eligible veteran;
and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFB85329F66194437AD8B6308C96B3C49"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">are considered by the Secretary as
competent to be the primary provider of personal care services for the eligible
veteran.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H14878104A57543C0956309EAA17BA183" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An eligible veteran receiving personal care
services from a family member designated as the primary provider of personal
care services for the eligible veteran under subparagraph (A) may, in
accordance with procedures the Secretary shall establish for such purposes,
revoke consent with respect to such family member under subparagraph
(B)(iii).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9D507C6DB4CA497CBBE903F581C85599" indent="up1"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If a family member designated as the
primary provider of personal care services for an eligible veteran under
subparagraph (A) subsequently fails to meet any requirement set forth in
subparagraph (B), the Secretary—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9680DB8CCEA741F9BDCFE0ED49D099D7"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">shall immediately revoke the family
member's designation under subparagraph (A); and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8A16435E8D064FD6B69D70055EC09796"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">may designate, in consultation with the
eligible veteran, a new primary provider of personal care services for the
eligible veteran under such subparagraph.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7BA41F9160E447EB86D592BF1BDA3EDA" indent="up1"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall take such actions as
may be necessary to ensure that the revocation of a designation under
subparagraph (A) with respect to an eligible veteran does not interfere with
the provision of personal care services required by the eligible
veteran.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFA57638DBC5E49F180839C857ACDB621" indent="up1"><enum>(8)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If an eligible veteran lacks the capacity
to make a decision under this subsection, the Secretary may, in accordance with
regulations and policies of the Department regarding appointment of guardians
or the use of powers of attorney, appoint a surrogate for the eligible veteran
who may make decisions and take action under this subsection on behalf of the
eligible veteran.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC804FF05FC134B42852228E7977F3DEC" indent="up1"><enum>(9)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HC3FF6E3E03A6474DBE84D1E81643ACA3"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall monitor the well-being
of each eligible veteran receiving personal care services under the program
required by paragraph (1).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB34481B7AC2A46F5A7A48F0DA6BF775C" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall document each finding
the Secretary considers pertinent to the appropriate delivery of personal care
services to an eligible veteran under the program.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC2B163C2A15C4A5795F12992BE5E69D1" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish procedures to
ensure appropriate follow-up regarding findings described in subparagraph (B).
Such procedures may include the following:</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB7452D578B954AF99BDC9A6190A93FF4"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Visiting an eligible veteran in the
eligible veteran's home to review directly the quality of personal care
services provided to the eligible veteran.</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC430ADA7098C4E87993F951947B2BDF9"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Taking such corrective action with respect
to the findings of any review of the quality of personal care services provided
an eligible veteran as the Secretary considers appropriate, which may
include—</text>
<subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8A3F1719113E4C36A7F118DA675E164B"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">providing additional training to a family
caregiver; and</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H22CD3444129F40D2B04890AADCFA4957"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">suspending or revoking the approval of a
family caregiver under paragraph (6) or the designation of a family caregiver
under paragraph (7).</text>
</subclause></clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H10308D053AF74BDF81D93BC1DA34FD11" indent="up1"><enum>(10)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall carry out outreach to
inform eligible veterans and family members of eligible veterans of the program
required by paragraph (1) and the benefits of participating in the
program.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0B703ED289C54BF09B3C13A9EF441DC5"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Program of general caregiver support
services</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H10C5AEC8D4914C1A8554161BF864410B"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish a program of
support services for caregivers of covered veterans who are enrolled in the
health care system established under section 1705(a) of this title (including
caregivers who do not reside with such veterans).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4F34B659E93049C9A536D243627C3F61" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of this subsection, a covered
veteran is any individual who needs personal care services because of—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB5618A8CD368412491DD79E988168C4C"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an inability to perform one or more
activities of daily living;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H34879D7D0D77424086A07742601ABE58"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a need for supervision or protection based
on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury;
or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H927E147E866742F1BF1021EB6D8E82C4"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such other matters as the Secretary shall
specify.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H772B51641AE94FB289A53AD2821B79B4" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H4CB280CB796E453F8F824F75F3EE92C1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The support services furnished to
caregivers of covered veterans under the program required by paragraph (1)
shall include the following:</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD0DDE35D3B774449B02B209CDE21E476" indent="up1"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Services regarding the administering of
personal care services, which, subject to subparagraph (B), shall
include—</text>
<subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE2BD0C31BC9D4ED6A5CE7DEFBBFD9009"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">educational sessions made available both in
person and on an Internet website;</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA3A2D57434294EBC89912D80D3F63FB0"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">use of telehealth and other available
technologies; and</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H67866C6EB4B5435F9108568ABC76763A"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">teaching techniques, strategies, and skills
for caring for a disabled veteran;</text>
</subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8CFC10AF3AD243A389AF1DE0D2BECB41" indent="up1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Counseling and other services under section
1782 of this title.</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA61CF88940B449CCA42D63F87077D335" indent="up1"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Respite care under section 1720B of this
title that is medically and age appropriate for the veteran (including 24-hour
per day in-home care).</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4EFE4B52D7264C898C5F5D2E25B3C3F5" indent="up1"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Information concerning the supportive
services available to caregivers under this subsection and other public,
private, and nonprofit agencies that offer support to caregivers.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H53CB23A03F93419A862933822F5D2742" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary certifies to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives
that funding available for a fiscal year is insufficient to fund the provision
of services specified in one or more subclauses of subparagraph (A)(i), the
Secretary shall not be required under subparagraph (A) to provide the services
so specified in the certification during the period beginning on the date that
is 180 days after the date the certification is received by the Committees and
ending on the last day of the fiscal year.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7D5F82E9D488441F9C6E675EB3EFFB42" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In providing information under paragraph
(3)(A)(iv), the Secretary shall collaborate with the Assistant Secretary for
Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services in order to provide
caregivers access to aging and disability resource centers under the
Administration on Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H51A2B1CEF464491B96D0CDA09DB3EB2C" indent="up1"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out the program required by
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall conduct outreach to inform covered veterans
and caregivers of covered veterans about the program. The outreach shall
include an emphasis on covered veterans and caregivers of covered veterans
living in rural areas.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H61677971E4F44F7D8DD4E9ED9430E861"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Construction</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H40D9852917CB411F9FA4F01A41BCE3A1"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A decision by the Secretary under this
section affecting the furnishing of assistance or support shall be considered a
medical determination.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE98E635A5F274A7BA317531A78D56923" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nothing in this section shall be construed
to create—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0CF3AFDFF31644DDA82369BAEC9C4E10"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an employment relationship between the
Secretary and an individual in receipt of assistance or support under this
section; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H75372CDFAD044A68B79C8D53DC8B2F32"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any entitlement to any assistance or
support provided under this section.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HED6375083CBD490D9627D6A63BC7CCFA"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H12D03D5089994C93AA65B5A68E51E4C7"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>caregiver</term>, with
respect to an eligible veteran under subsection (a) or a covered veteran under
subsection (b), means an individual who provides personal care services to the
veteran.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF7737935CB7A431C9CA5DB978777321E"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>family caregiver</term>,
with respect to an eligible veteran under subsection (a), means a family member
who is a caregiver of the veteran.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H279A3751AAC8464DA62A9996D54DC5D4"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>family member</term>, with
respect to an eligible veteran under subsection (a), means an individual
who—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H177B89871E7C470B85358C53CAECAD49"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is a member of the family of the veteran,
including—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H697C510023124BF2BB88D1C19DCC63B0"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a parent;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE8A5F144F77F4D0B835E4295EB9FDB94"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a spouse;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE38E83737AC84D5AAFB120EE0FFE8B04"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a child;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5487085E18D94ACBB13EBBC619C26D8C"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a step-family member; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBC71DC34A5674B04A1AB716766B43840"><enum>(v)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an extended family member; or</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA23C268307494F1D8E18FA78C1B553BD"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">lives with the veteran but is not a member
of the family of the veteran.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6A84EDDED6254571B834195753304397"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>personal care
services</term>, with respect to an eligible veteran under subsection (a) or a
covered veteran under subsection (b), means services that provide the veteran
the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H420FD0E91FEE4F0799B9D9463F2050EB"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Assistance with one or more independent
activities of daily living.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8829AA38BE514487B00F06CCAED3690D"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any other non-institutional extended care
(as such term is used in section 1701(6)(E) of this title).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD7B9C9C4AB0D4802BBDF14B5B7A8E6ED"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of
appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out the programs required by subsections
(a) and (b)—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3B985C39F5154651A96A21C4F64AEAB7"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$60,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H33FE5CDEC38645F28C9720C99131DE4B"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$1,542,000,000 for the period of fiscal
years 2011 through
2015.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HABFAA064FCF94316801DCA2CD9B1455C"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item related to section 1720F the
following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDAE13CAA998B4A19A08931DFD6931D65" style="USC">
<toc>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">1720G. Assistance and support
services for
caregivers.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE3A21E6DE7994524BDDE7EB1B60B2852"><enum>(3)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Effective date</header>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC406E4E87CDC417A8A83360E5807AC1B"><enum>(A)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amendments made by this subsection
shall take effect on the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9A464D12355C48EE94FECBC9FF0123C2"><enum>(B)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Implementation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
commence the programs required by subsections (a) and (b) of section 1720G of
title 38, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1) of this subsection, on
the date on which the amendments made by this subsection take effect.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H78E9F08AB20A4BA8B8A4D2EFC42D511C"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Implementation plan and report</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCAC48D85DB914BCDA5A92C3FB2923DCB"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H048CF234B46C4F0EA6D0FBD0E3AFF230"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">develop a plan for the implementation of
the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers required by
section 1720G(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a)(1) of this section; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H96714B396D074ED8B6813EDCDB8C6CE8"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">submit to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on such plan.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H972C6526352E4D73ACD2376D4729DA61"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Consultation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In developing the plan required by
paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall consult with the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H81CDF94066E44C25936D1C21C203BE5B"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Individuals described in section
1720G(a)(2) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1) of
this section.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBA46A47F21844065AE5C9F9C3FCC4106"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Family members of such individuals who
provide personal care services to such individuals.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H447840A627BB48568891C207103D02CF"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Defense with respect to
matters concerning personal care services for members of the Armed Forces
undergoing medical discharge from the Armed Forces who are eligible to benefit
from personal care services furnished under the program of comprehensive
assistance required by section 1720G(a)(1) of such title, as so added.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDEBE59133F82499EBDA081DDEDD4E5D5"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Veterans service organizations, as
recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section
5902 of such title.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDCA1F3C0EADE46F18E952B3A2F159996"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">National organizations that specialize in
the provision of assistance to individuals with the types of disabilities that
family caregivers will encounter while providing personal care services under
the program of comprehensive assistance required by section 1720G(a)(1) of such
title, as so added.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H916E97223F17432785436DF43EE420B7"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">National organizations that specialize in
provision of assistance to family members of veterans who provide personal care
services to such veterans.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCE4F9E4FDEF84FA88DFC6875C900C9B7"><enum>(G)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such other organizations with an interest
in the provision of care to veterans and assistance to family caregivers as the
Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5062077C1F4A4EC3A6444ADE165EE798"><enum>(3)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report contents</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The report required by paragraph (1)(B)
shall contain the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAF0C64BAD9534E95AECAE5F5A7F0B694"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The plan required by paragraph
(1)(A).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H249EC3CA3E434C3F84394ACC6AB233CA"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A description of the individuals,
caregivers, and organizations consulted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
under paragraph (2).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4765F476D9CF44E89F42E832DF2B630A"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A description of such consultations.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H794EF84E56EE475B95F47DD0C6E5D101"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The recommendations of such individuals,
caregivers, and organizations, if any, that were not adopted and incorporated
into the plan required by paragraph (1)(A), and the reasons the Secretary did
not adopt such recommendations.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0ABB4D8B974042B5928A52592F2E9111"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Annual evaluation report</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H449A75CB81E34DC894CD48A9CF2E64B3"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 2 years after the date
described in subsection (a)(3)(A) and annually thereafter, 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 comprehensive report on the
implementation of section 1720G of title 38, United States Code, as added by
subsection (a)(1).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H94E86D39D66544F0944E29D62ACCFDAF"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Contents</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0FCC23859CC1481CBA33985A52DE9FF0"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to the program of
comprehensive assistance for family caregivers required by subsection (a)(1) of
such section 1720G and the program of general caregiver support services
required by subsection (b)(1) of such section—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H626FB38044EF46F68CDC7F54D876A6B2"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number of caregivers that received
assistance under such programs;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFB49074806CC486D9108B35966A1B89F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the cost to the Department of providing
assistance under such programs;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H100BAB48726A485284FE0923606B4229"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a description of the outcomes achieved by,
and any measurable benefits of, carrying out such programs;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE61A06A46CC14F1A9983D8F89109408B"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an assessment of the effectiveness and the
efficiency of the implementation of such programs; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1F282017A5D7430D83FE55FCD73EEC0C"><enum>(v)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such recommendations, including
recommendations for legislative or administrative action, as the Secretary
considers appropriate in light of carrying out such programs.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7F79F3BE73B74603A1029E55EC2B4490"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to the program of
comprehensive assistance for family caregivers required by such subsection
(a)(1)—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H08D6B05EB05E4A138F4A84D174D0BAF7"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a description of the outreach activities
carried out by the Secretary under such program; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H55992DB3604D4E4BA3D1D2FE749B52BE"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an assessment of the manner in which
resources are expended by the Secretary under such program, particularly with
respect to the provision of monthly personal caregiver stipends under paragraph
(3)(A)(ii)(v) of such subsection (a).</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H17050F7807A4474695FFAFC3E6D6A07D"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to the provision of general
caregiver support services required by such subsection (b)(1)—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0C508346D1944B688E4D2B67F8729FBC"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a summary of the support services made
available under the program;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H51B9D817455440A3B03AED5A467EDB05"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number of caregivers who received
support services under the program;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB26D37E0567341BC9E3F9EFC0DDC6152"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the cost to the Department of providing
each support service provided under the program; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H628F6ECD665C4150B40EEF7375C9C775"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such other information as the Secretary
considers appropriate.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H61491047B91744B08570C35AEB9C79E4"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report on expansion of family caregiver
assistance</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4C6BDA3EF4064BED876577D1499370BB"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 2 years after the date
described in subsection (a)(3)(A), 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 feasibility and advisability of
expanding the provision of assistance under section 1720G(a) of title 38,
United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), to family caregivers of
veterans who have a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
in the active military, naval, or air service before September 11, 2001.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5410DD095AA042F6B64DD019D3EBD737"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Recommendations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate with
respect to the expansion described in such paragraph.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCA8C73337EA649E48E6B05003F3D84FE" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>102.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Medical care for family
caregivers</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1781(a) is
amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7EF8B49A12A5451E992C8E5F02C158C6"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (2), by striking
<quote>and</quote> at the end;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCFF5D1A0E1A84A37B663A5A8A2BAB4AE"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (3), by inserting
<quote>and</quote> at the end; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6DF4E76222694CE6B50A890803C5A9E4"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after paragraph (3), the
following new paragraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDE94B12308A74B08BFC760387BCA2F4F" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD59FAD6F89C0475F942C44A74A68668E"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an individual designated as a primary
provider of personal care services under section 1720G(a)(7)(A) of this title
who is not entitled to care or services under a health-plan contract (as
defined in section 1725(f) of this
title);</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H133D0EB27E424F69BE3410D9202215DF" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>103.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Counseling and mental health services for
caregivers</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HADBBDF9B2D544277BAB92347EE68CD1B"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 1782(c) is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H93AE22C2B3F2440CA7697D01B7EB95EE"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (1), by striking <quote>;
or</quote> and inserting a semicolon;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAF248F3563774E89A92E48955FA3F222"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph
(3); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE5CBCCD5D3B74F93A8BA2C1AED974127"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after paragraph (1) the
following new paragraph (2):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3EF915A3DB8D4F3AA4ED727A68A110F3" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE07F95F7D2E244218BDD56E2C90EC10D"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a family caregiver of an eligible veteran
or a caregiver of a covered veteran (as those terms are defined in section
1720G of this title);
or</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDE6D134998A74ABDA2F10351C85B2C30"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Conforming amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The section heading of section 1782 is
amended by adding at the end, the following: <quote><header-in-text level="section" style="USC">and caregivers</header-in-text></quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9A098FE351B742BA9DFACBB3DF72BB93"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 is amended by striking the item relating to section 1782 and
inserting the following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE2055A5F785449EF8D8F9FB167AFA066" style="USC">
<toc>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">1782. Counseling, training, and
mental health services for immediate family members and
caregivers.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC317179ED96C4717ACD28D720C2A53CF" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>104.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Lodging and subsistence for
attendants</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 111(e) is
amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2F1B422E2BB24EE7B86A5A5B459C733C"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>When</quote> and
inserting the following: <quote>(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2),
when</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0FCB608A2F534342823D9D617656EC7C"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFD932FB6192148DA85636D7BE6682BA2" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H40975F527FD44D468F47333EAD79E9A2" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H726C095EEFA6434B8AC9D795D5F0AB27"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Without regard to whether an eligible
veteran entitled to mileage under this section for travel to a Department
facility for the purpose of medical examination, treatment, or care requires an
attendant in order to perform such travel, an attendant of such veteran
described in subparagraph (B) may be allowed expenses of travel (including
lodging and subsistence) upon the same basis as such veteran during—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE0678899D63A4493AA2D6BD1EFB6D0D3" indent="up1"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the period of time in which such veteran is
traveling to and from a Department facility for the purpose of medical
examination, treatment, or care; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8D36E34C1A8C481A9A3E26C106201D24" indent="up1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the duration of the medical examination,
treatment, or care episode for such veteran.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD6A6AB86BFDA493BA1160DD4D418CDB1" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An attendant of a veteran described in this
subparagraph is a provider of personal care services for such veteran who is
approved under paragraph (6) of section 1720G(a) of this title or designated
under paragraph (7) of such section 1720G(a).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H040BA0ED2520406E9B7B935B94A1D5B5" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may prescribe regulations to
carry out this paragraph. Such regulations may include provisions—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H20DF0755F865412085711B5A618C8098"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to limit the number of attendants that may
receive expenses of travel under this paragraph for a single medical
examination, treatment, or care episode of an eligible veteran; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H030D8397B62F4BCBB8FD1C28DE27F879"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to require such attendants to use certain
travel services.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF1EEA1A13E7E49E3882941345BC6A3F4" indent="up1"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this subsection, the term <term>eligible
veteran</term> has the meaning given that term in section 1720G(a)(2) of this
title.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><enum>II</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Women veterans health care matters</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7D1FC45506614D358D7421E9ED461564" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>201.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Study of barriers for women veterans to
health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3E8AF29CE25B4B63BA1A1D0116F876BC"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Study
required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall conduct a comprehensive study of the barriers to the
provision of comprehensive health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs
encountered by women who are veterans. In conducting the study, the Secretary
shall—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCE656B4E577148E282A3110E0C1DCC98"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">survey women veterans who seek or receive
hospital care or medical services provided by the Department of Veterans
Affairs as well as women veterans who do not seek or receive such care or
services;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4B8874F3B5BB4CB8B9D071A315AEC0EE"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">administer the survey to a representative
sample of women veterans from each Veterans Integrated Service Network;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H40B9F7EF203846CAB12C4967F0A528E7"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">ensure that the sample of women veterans
surveyed is of sufficient size for the study results to be statistically
significant and is a larger sample than that of the study referred to in
subsection (b).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD9214616ACC74839A8F80DAEA9EAF4CB"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Use of previous study</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In conducting the study required by
subsection (a), the Secretary shall build on the work of the study of the
Department of Veterans Affairs titled <quote>National Survey of Women Veterans
in Fiscal Year 2007–2008</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1F3CC099AEB64D5BB0BB16AA813572B2"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Elements of study</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In conducting the study required by
subsection (a), the Secretary shall conduct research on the effects of the
following on the women veterans surveyed in the study:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H03DAECD9E07747DE9B6B3B8380EFF42C"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The perceived stigma associated with
seeking mental health care services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1A9DB5F997F6448DBDB91870A4C219F7"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The effect of driving distance or
availability of other forms of transportation to the nearest medical facility
on access to care.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H41E0664475D14FEE888A4C0C2729BC18"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The availability of child care.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0D70F23CDA9941C4B4EFAE4278D9DA46"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The acceptability of integrated primary
care, women’s health clinics, or both.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2428C9C917E5423ABEEF72B6CA831954"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The comprehension of eligibility
requirements for, and the scope of services available under, hospital care and
medical services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5746E509B5624E9BA6213C4192DDB510"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The perception of personal safety and
comfort in inpatient, outpatient, and behavioral health facilities.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2613DB9536C542628509D7D3272BC4ED"><enum>(7)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The gender sensitivity of health care
providers and staff to issues that particularly affect women.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H94C954F5EF98431291C6C6CED736D290"><enum>(8)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The effectiveness of outreach for health
care services available to women veterans.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC3323BA387CA4C6B81C932FC1841C7B7"><enum>(9)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The location and operating hours of health
care facilities that provide services to women veterans.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA03D661743EC4139915975F5488ADA5C"><enum>(10)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such other significant barriers as the
Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1C83FBD40324435884CD0C0931EFE0B1"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Discharge by contract</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall enter into a contract
with a qualified independent entity or organization to carry out the study and
research required under this section.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H094703458B844C1E8C1DDBCF54B9EA5C"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Mandatory review of data by certain
Department divisions</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H01E748566543448595D4AA55CC724425"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall ensure that the head of
each division of the Department of Veterans Affairs specified in paragraph (2)
reviews the results of the study conducted under this section. The head of each
such division shall submit findings with respect to the study to the Under
Secretary for Health and to other pertinent program offices within the
Department of Veterans Affairs with responsibilities relating to health care
services for women veterans.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9B3195A33AA64BCFA8341DAEC828A0A7"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Specified divisions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The divisions of the Department of Veterans
Affairs specified in this paragraph are the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2708AA30CDB54A30A937EB2AAD0C72BB"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Center for Women Veterans established
under section 318 of title 38, United States Code.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDBC7E26D42EC4929A26D3D89B6356B95"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Advisory Committee on Women Veterans
established under section 542 of such title.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA013374A852F4FAE8AA7720F8DE52D3F"><enum>(f)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Reports</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H53E0A064C314401EA51A4AC3C5A6DD28"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report on implementation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 6 months after the date on
which the Department of Veterans Affairs publishes a final report on the study
titled <quote>National Survey of Women Veterans in Fiscal Year
2007–2008</quote>, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
status of the implementation of this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H09D9083665F7439BB676A7660E533511"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report on study</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 30 months after the date on
which the Department publishes such final report, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on the study required under this section. The report shall
include recommendations for such administrative and legislative action as the
Secretary considers appropriate. The report shall also include the findings of
the head of each division of the Department specified under subsection (e)(2)
and of the Under Secretary for Health.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7893885923AA477BBC1330D99F39C6AF"><enum>(g)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of
appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $4,000,000
to carry out this section.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEFDA36A4694A48F69190F1A1EB1FEFA7" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>202.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Training and certification for mental
health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs on care for
veterans suffering from sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress
disorder</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1720D is
amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCCAAFF339FEA4313B2C6F336BBF2A3C6"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating subsection (d) as
subsection (f); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8A80A26479F449DAA6C7375942EBEB84"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after subsection (c) the
following new subsections:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H92CBB120E2C04D17A8833D84E96B40BD" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H51DF9976E1D6485FB779931EBF277BBF"><enum>(d)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HDCA50B7AF4DE48FF8071AC1241165268"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall carry out a program to
provide graduate medical education, training, certification, and continuing
medical education for mental health professionals who provide counseling, care,
and services under subsection (a).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7DA1065E7DC34BF4B385263CD204E758" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out the program required by
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1CAC995A58F94F86B286C610B537F85D"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">all mental health professionals described
in such paragraph have been trained in a consistent manner; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFDF34A57393744B0A78C4CA5AD185798"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">training described in such paragraph
includes principles of evidence-based treatment and care for sexual trauma and
post-traumatic stress disorder.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H446B56AD4B80498E9A1EF38062E5D6AE"><enum>(e)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each year, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress an annual report on the counseling, care, and services provided to
veterans pursuant to this section. Each report shall include data for the year
covered by the report with respect to each of the following:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H400826463D9044C7ADA7F4A8DF37B18D"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The number of mental health professionals,
graduate medical education trainees, and primary care providers who have been
certified under the program required by subsection (d) and the amount and
nature of continuing medical education provided under such program to such
professionals, trainees, and providers who are so certified.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF0A49541E691496E8995477235EE3447"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The number of women veterans who received
counseling and care and services under subsection (a) from professionals and
providers who received training under subsection (d).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H40CC6FD545D54FF7BF7EBF51A5358F34"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The number of graduate medical education,
training, certification, and continuing medical education courses provided by
reason of subsection (d).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0709666F7C34422D90F19563822C6179"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The number of trained full-time equivalent
employees required in each facility of the Department to meet the needs of
veterans requiring treatment and care for sexual trauma and post-traumatic
stress disorder.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE060744D90FD4230B8254D85F7227916"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such recommendations for improvements in
the treatment of women veterans with sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress
disorder as the Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0D49D554AC334C1DB3BB4E9F8E6CE70B"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such other information as the Secretary
considers
appropriate.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1A7C4393E5064DABB2DF0E489770475F" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>203.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program on counseling in retreat
settings for women veterans newly separated from service in the Armed
Forces</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5864454EBD104CCC880357F9C71F8713"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program required</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H099F65690E014FB6B118CAAE880211EC"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Commencing not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
carry out, through the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Veterans Health
Administration, a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of
providing reintegration and readjustment services described in subsection (b)
in group retreat settings to women veterans who are recently separated from
service in the Armed Forces after a prolonged deployment.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H365D51BB74614428928D480A03D013C1"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Participation at election of
veteran</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The participation of
a veteran in the pilot program under this section shall be at the election of
the veteran.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H34DAAFCFAD6E486791AA074411756A9F"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Covered services</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The services provided to a woman veteran
under the pilot program shall include the following:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4882717BD3E24654AE739741688FAE63"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Information on reintegration into the
veteran’s family, employment, and community.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEAEDCEB8958947F0B9FE485B541086C1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Financial counseling.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEAED425B89B741B9B6EFF80CCC4754FE"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Occupational counseling.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7A240D709F4B43F684A3D3FAFC6CF9BE"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Information and counseling on stress
reduction.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF00050A85D5C4728B69D3CDAAE1191C0"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Information and counseling on conflict
resolution.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1771A044F65E4F838716B1E8FC5451C8"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such other information and counseling as
the Secretary considers appropriate to assist a woman veteran under the pilot
program in reintegration into the veteran's family, employment, and
community.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3571584A554B42A686357FEE174391FC"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Locations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall carry out the pilot
program at not fewer than three locations selected by the Secretary for
purposes of the pilot program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4D3F8AE866C14BE3A448E28EA7A9BFFA"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Duration</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The pilot program shall be carried out
during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot
program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE506B262496B4144BB0809EEC239D3CB"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after the
completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report on the pilot program. The report shall contain the findings and
conclusions of the Secretary as a result of the pilot program, and shall
include such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the pilot
program as the Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H466D1ED3DD3040C89A126E4FC076D162"><enum>(f)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of
appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for each of
fiscal years 2010 and 2011, $2,000,000 to carry out the pilot program.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H120BFB2F298940CB86722D5B81CD9EF4" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>204.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Service on certain advisory committees of
women recently separated from service in the Armed Forces</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H04774FC023B8407AB462313853F8C4FF"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Advisory Committee on Women
Veterans</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 542(a)(2)(A)
is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3A6F05472A5B4A819478DBBD342258C4"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in clause (ii), by striking
<quote>and</quote> at the end;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBFC694D0DC3449DFB718CF6310866048"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in clause (iii), by striking the period at
the end and inserting <quote>; and</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1F0D62481D104952A3B7A2ED9F267C7B"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after clause (iii) the
following new clause:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8C3364F214624820BE31C673281EF2BD" style="OLC">
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9D45920BEFA14C7A94EBA228381FC329" indent="up2"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">women veterans who are recently separated
from service in the Armed
Forces.</text>
</clause><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H14BABF527B454A1DA231BCB68EA11C6F"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Advisory Committee on Minority
Veterans</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 544(a)(2)(A)
is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2215314364684E6D8BD804966DFC78CA"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in clause (iii), by striking
<quote>and</quote> at the end;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD17A60F9DC0C46888AF2E9A4F457573C"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in clause (iv), by striking the period at
the end and inserting <quote>; and</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H612EC64DCB7049F1B757656AE9F30F25"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after clause (iv) the
following new clause:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2B0513CA60CC49FA98A9E930B56DFB62" style="OLC">
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H35FD5748B5784EA59E48646AEA7E84CC" indent="up2"><enum>(v)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">women veterans who are minority group
members and are recently separated from service in the Armed
Forces.</text>
</clause><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H671AF1B9D690430195E2FB04283FF46D"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Applicability</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amendments made by this section shall
apply to appointments made on or after the date of the enactment of this
Act.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H338E699751E245CA879F54552D299B7A" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>205.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program on assistance for child care
for certain veterans receiving health care</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0B45E703705245CEB5AB3D634FD72EBC"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of
providing, subject to subsection (b), assistance to qualified veterans
described in subsection (c) to obtain child care so that such veterans can
receive health care services described in subsection (c).</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H810C01E5EE7F4D08BCF84E1377256F71"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Limitation on period of
payments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Assistance may only
be provided to a qualified veteran under the pilot program for receipt of child
care during the period that the qualified veteran—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA9C3C4785E0841599811AE395AD7983E"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">receives the types of health care services
described in subsection (c) at a facility of the Department; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF32B619D2B4E4C59A1336A8F91D7A5F6"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">requires travel to and return from such
facility for the receipt of such health care services.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF8F29A0744D7452C9ADCA6D089CEF6E2"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Qualified veterans</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of this section, a qualified
veteran is a veteran who is—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6EEB69304AEE424087A9770FEC4B76F6"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the primary caretaker of a child or
children; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9082C33D926546C6AA6173EE6B32C814"><enum>(2)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H2CC7F07911EC450D8959F9428F26346A"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">receiving from the Department—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H923D4FCAA17547B296EBBA0637B6E279" indent="up1"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">regular mental health care services;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H05334A7E2A974A99AED5E1FCE93A5CC5" indent="up1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">intensive mental health care services;
or</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0F080315C0D14EF5A97EAA1934E248C8" indent="up1"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such other intensive health care services
that the Secretary determines that provision of assistance to the veteran to
obtain child care would improve access to such health care services by the
veteran; or</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA8D275D4F9B3447FADB1EA232C7DDC33" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in need of regular or intensive mental
health care services from the Department, and but for lack of child care
services, would receive such health care services from the Department.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H54F5AB0E9DFE481D956F61CC432D4178"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Locations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall carry out the pilot
program in no fewer than three Veterans Integrated Service Networks selected by
the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1A24AE6CF4BC443480C6DD407F13E769"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Duration</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The pilot program shall be carried out
during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot
program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7C5BEA5B7ED242E4841DE17D4400D31A"><enum>(f)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Forms of child care assistance</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H03DAED915A954A62B5AF3D226E0CB3FA"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Child care assistance under this section
may include the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6537CD7F563C4ED7861165EA188EF927"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Stipends for the payment of child care
offered by licensed child care centers (either directly or through a voucher
program) which shall be, to the extent practicable, modeled after the
Department of Veterans Affairs Child Care Subsidy Program established pursuant
to section 630 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2002
(Public Law 107–67; 115 Stat. 552).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H85587F04B9E646B9A6BDEB774B5A8F04"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Direct provision of child care at an
on-site facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC5E4561D299A46788FEF4F4DB08ECABB"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Payments to private child care
agencies.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4E82480BD3054BB8B74A542CD20E0E12"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Collaboration with facilities or programs
of other Federal departments or agencies.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA261C08B443646FEBD1E7A08701D9248"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such other forms of assistance as the
Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3DE22C7A016B44A2A419A3F9EF4F0668"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Amounts of stipends</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In the case that child care assistance
under this section is provided as a stipend under paragraph (1)(A), such
stipend shall cover the full cost of such child care.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA7555E658FF248F3B4535C924E0F99FC"><enum>(g)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 6 months after the
completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report on the pilot program. The report shall include the findings and
conclusions of the Secretary as a result of the pilot program, and shall
include such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the pilot
program as the Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2C1EF5F5E738433CA9638BCCA74426DF"><enum>(h)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of
appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out
the pilot program $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H15C3B4055C754D37A705708E25E2CDBC" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>206.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Care for newborn children of women veterans
receiving maternity care</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H76C59291D9D94049ABB3C8E90D53D382"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8709D82CA3AB4CE9A632A0FD8704E585" style="USC">
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5CEF443FAA3B4FC2AFAD28D49BAB9173" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>1786.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Care for newborn children of women veterans
receiving maternity care</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3511F89DD0424FB48BA9BE1CF9A714A3"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may furnish health care
services described in subsection (b) to a newborn child of a woman veteran who
is receiving maternity care furnished by the Department for not more than seven
days after the birth of the child if the veteran delivered the child in—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5051E26FEAB741D88C6D6B5A77112EF5"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a facility of the Department; or</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA271A32F15BE406C866DBBC5C49797F5"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">another facility pursuant to a Department
contract for services relating to such delivery.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCD1C887506614043BAE29310D65F3E86"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Covered health care services</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Health care services described in this
subsection are all post-delivery care services, including routine care
services, that a newborn child
requires.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7DC6843AF01243F0894C20EE36EA01F4"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1785 the
following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H37EB3833037F4A7DBA48E4E64BE6D3DB" style="USC">
<toc>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">1786. Care for newborn children
of women veterans receiving maternity
care.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><enum>III</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Rural health improvements</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF0F98EE9E8384420A377DA16B6188F22" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>301.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Improvements to the Education Debt
Reduction Program</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H558071A1EEDB4D38A87D8D0B8B5989BC"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Inclusion of employee retention as purpose
of program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7681(a)(2)
is amended by inserting <quote>and retention</quote> after
<quote>recruitment</quote> the first time it appears.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H43A317662368468C9EE03D6125E9270B"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Expansion of eligibility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7682 is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6ED22D2228724AF288A0360B768630B2"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (a)(1), by striking <quote>a
recently appointed</quote> and inserting <quote>an</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H826EC52F4B7048A0BEC1EE80BB37EAB7"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking subsection (c).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9E7C0F5EE9BD4AD998FD5E69B9DCADB8"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Increase in maximum annual amount of
payments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (1) of
subsection (d) of section 7683 is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC8745FBA80BD4A8CBF5333E0CC9AE553"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>$44,000</quote> and
inserting <quote>$60,000</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB8DD889660E14C74A0FCD1CCEEC45EF6"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>$10,000</quote> and
inserting <quote>$12,000</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC111B0F314454569BBDB0504480E80AF"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Exception to limitation on amount for
certain participants</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such
subsection is further amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6F8F25E701B34DDBA7F3078F1D4E2C6A" style="USC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H274B907A7F82480286A403D17DDB7EEB" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H6154D377E287421EADBE349B207A9DF3"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may waive the limitations
under paragraphs (1) and (2) in the case of a participant described in
subparagraph (B). In the case of such a waiver, the total amount of education
debt repayments payable to that participant is the total amount of the
principal and the interest on the participant’s loans referred to in subsection
(a).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H650EC313E02049D08CC659B6C51E145F" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A
participant described in this subparagraph is a participant in the Program who
the Secretary determines serves in a position for which there is a shortage of
qualified employees by reason of either the location or the requirements of the
position.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC9BF3D3247C844EABF3099288A55E404" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>302.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Visual impairment and orientation and
mobility professionals education assistance program</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7CD4FBEFD95B429AAF7D2D7D0352D2F9"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment of program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Part V is amended by inserting after
chapter 74 the following new chapter:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD784E39BEC324473AE2C89828AD90166" style="USC">
<chapter commented="no" id="H57C6A95DF5E24BF8AB3DB317A36941F4" level-type="subsequent"><enum>75</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Visual Impairment and Orientation and
Mobility Professionals Educational Assistance Program</header>
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">Sec.</toc-entry>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7501. Establishment of
scholarship program; purpose.</toc-entry>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7502. Application and
acceptance.</toc-entry>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7503. Amount of assistance;
duration.</toc-entry>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7504. Agreement.</toc-entry>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7505. Repayment for failure
to satisfy requirements of agreement.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7FBC11B5A48F495EA4EBEFCB92F232E3" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7501.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment of scholarship program;
purpose</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCDFB6603EAD949F188787ABE18FA37A7"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary shall establish and carry out a scholarship
program to provide financial assistance in accordance with this chapter to
individuals who—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4D1EB5DC7B764AAEB715A15AFB146531"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">are accepted for enrollment or currently
enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in visual
impairment or orientation and mobility, or a dual degree or certification in
both such areas, at an accredited (as determined by the Secretary) educational
institution that is in a State; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H45249B8CD49A4B31BE619AB1E6546F11"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">enter into an agreement with the Secretary
as described in section 7504 of this title.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H595B812F04274B1EBFB12D716B0FF5C4"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Purpose</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The purpose of the scholarship program is
to increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists for the
Department and the Nation.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H392435D36E114B0096D472D80A4D8C97"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Outreach</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall publicize the
scholarship program to educational institutions throughout the United States,
with an emphasis on disseminating information to such institutions with high
numbers of Hispanic students and to Historically Black Colleges and
Universities.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3EC36D25D97848958BF9B30F98D961D2" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7502.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Application and acceptance</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5A3548D89F7E46969DC15A18DBAC141A"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Application</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H3B0230CFBE8C41A1903D8CC14AF81CCF"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To apply and participate in the scholarship
program under this chapter, an individual shall submit to the Secretary an
application for such participation together with an agreement described in
section 7504 of this title under which the participant agrees to serve a period
of obligated service in the Department as provided in the agreement in return
for payment of educational assistance as provided in the agreement.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H16086F27B0E1401FA2A7B93C1AAB7C7C" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In distributing application forms and
agreement forms to individuals desiring to participate in the scholarship
program, the Secretary shall include with such forms the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFC2B1BDEBE6D4AB0BF1AAE97ADF01694"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A fair summary of the rights and
liabilities of an individual whose application is approved (and whose agreement
is accepted) by the Secretary.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD85A7F4FEA2043B79BB7CB1CC466B4BE"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A full description of the terms and
conditions that apply to participation in the scholarship program and service
in the Department.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H64832A83AEC248F8A640A3B088044C94"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Approval</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H4F0D330C72A44377A2F87E9190DD14FC"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Upon the Secretary’s approval of an
individual’s participation in the scholarship program, the Secretary shall, in
writing, promptly notify the individual of that acceptance.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H70FDBA9E9F35468F8D2C3887EDC6B6DB" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An individual becomes a participant in the
scholarship program upon such approval by the Secretary.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD93995FDA3A5433292DEC48988CA5AB1" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7503.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Amount of assistance; duration</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA5F6EB80D61D4E5EA876C149087F9011"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Amount of assistance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amount of the financial assistance
provided an individual under the scholarship program under this chapter shall
be the amount determined by the Secretary as being necessary to pay the tuition
and fees of the individual. In the case of an individual enrolled in a program
of study leading to a dual degree or certification in both the areas of study
described in section 7501(a)(1) of this title, the tuition and fees shall not
exceed the amounts necessary for the minimum number of credit hours to achieve
such dual degree or certification.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA5BBCB792CFF46D090D438C6D68FC5AF"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Relationship to other
assistance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Financial
assistance may be provided to an individual under the scholarship program to
supplement other educational assistance to the extent that the total amount of
educational assistance received by the individual during an academic year does
not exceed the total tuition and fees for such academic year.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H27EEE4C8E4EA44B4BF648C0013E32BC6"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Maximum amount of assistance</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HC382A3BEFF2E4715950B1BBAAB085264"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The total amount of assistance provided
under the scholarship program for an academic year to an individual who is a
full-time student may not exceed $15,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAF68B95E5F944783B87E60D7A8FD0F0F" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In the case of an individual who is a
part-time student, the total amount of assistance provided under the
scholarship program shall bear the same ratio to the amount that would be paid
under paragraph (1) if the participant were a full-time student in the program
of study being pursued by the individual as the coursework carried by the
individual to full-time coursework in that program of study.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H54831BF406AB4202BF9810547386EB96" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The total amount of assistance provided to
an individual under the scholarship program may not exceed $45,000.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC16DB0A5831C47D4B943763F05402F9E"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Maximum duration of
assistance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Financial
assistance may not be provided to an individual under the scholarship program
for more than six academic years.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H84A1D022EC3942DDA41D612FE5D5C086" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7504.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Agreement</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">An agreement between the Secretary and a
participant in the scholarship program under this chapter shall be in writing,
shall be signed by the participant, and shall include—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9C68FAE833F64C9F88581F9386C14D9C"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Secretary’s agreement to provide the
participant with financial assistance as authorized under this chapter;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9F4F5D68D007439CB9893D4DE59D3412"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the participant’s agreement—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3CB097F5BC6F4C4498E955ED08FA731A"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to accept such financial assistance;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5FF4F6D57EF942788891ACA52C45B145"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to maintain enrollment and attendance in
the program of study described in section 7501(a)(1) of this title;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF0512298773248F6B87F6FAB025237AB"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">while enrolled in such program, to maintain
an acceptable level of academic standing (as determined by the educational
institution offering such program under regulations prescribed by the
Secretary); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4502C6078A3646B0B03B30C4EA5DDA0F"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">after completion of the program, to serve
as a full-time employee in the Department for a period of three years, to be
served within the first six years after the participant has completed such
program and received a degree or certificate described in section 7501(a)(1) of
this title; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1DE022F2CA3446BFBC52A7ED341B3A5E"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">any other terms and conditions that the
Secretary considers appropriate for carrying out this chapter.</text>
</paragraph></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB3761E5A26124413B214AF707E3F361D" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7505.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Repayment for failure to satisfy
requirements of agreement</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB13E834E0F7D4120938B59D0FC674B46"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An individual who receives educational
assistance under the scholarship program under this chapter shall repay to the
Secretary an amount equal to the unearned portion of such assistance if the
individual fails to satisfy the requirements of the agreement entered into
under section 7504 of this title, except in circumstances authorized by the
Secretary.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAF4B747731BB41C7B8DBF77D4F5AF3CA"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Amount of repayment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish, by
regulations, procedures for determining the amount of the repayment required
under this section and the circumstances under which an exception to the
required repayment may be granted.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4D8AA95DEE8949F1B3A8EC56F9C37779"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Waiver or suspension of
compliance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary
shall prescribe regulations providing for the waiver or suspension of any
obligation of an individual for service or payment under this chapter (or an
agreement under this chapter) whenever—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H71C5ED85F6384DA4A1E8240235CCE70F"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">noncompliance by the individual is due to
circumstances beyond the control of the individual; or</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE4DC3094FABF4E0897B2FC76A630D928"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Secretary determines that the waiver or
suspension of compliance is in the best interest of the United States.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7DC5B7ED68024EC984978F36C701F8EF"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Obligation as debt to United
States</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An obligation to repay
the Secretary under this section is, for all purposes, a debt owed the United
States. A discharge in bankruptcy under title 11 does not discharge a person
from such debt if the discharge order is entered less than five years after the
date of the termination of the agreement or contract on which the debt is
based.</text>
</subsection></section></chapter><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE2C83B69505D481C93C0A19F2367E2CF"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical amendments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The tables of chapters at the beginning of
title 38, and of part V, are each amended by inserting after the item relating
to chapter 74 the following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBF1481EA199B4DA394F37E666285CEDD" style="USC">
<toc>
<multi-column-toc-entry bold="off" level="section"><toc-enum>75.</toc-enum><level-header bold="off" level="section">Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals
Educational Assistance
Program</level-header><target>7501</target></multi-column-toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H601289FFD80C474EA7C9F91E491865F8"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Implementation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
implement chapter 75 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a), not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this
Act.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H68F46EEA875E4BAB8DA70290EA565EB9" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>303.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Demonstration projects on alternatives for
expanding care for veterans in rural areas</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8FE0BF1B75074EA3A413C572BE806523"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may,
through the Director of the Office of Rural Health, carry out demonstration
projects to examine the feasibility and advisability of alternatives for
expanding care for veterans in rural areas, which may include the
following:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H98E8039FC9714C0F88BFCA3A711C5407"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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)).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H70E0E355E67744859D2EB5F458E2CDE5"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD995069A56D446E4A6F36A7085FD694F"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Expanding coordination between the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service to expand care for
Indian veterans.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF6CFC2CA8F084A37863602E04F7CA2A9"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Geographic distribution</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall ensure that the
demonstration projects carried out under subsection (a) are located at
facilities that are geographically distributed throughout the United
States.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H71B916F891E34BBB8C786BCC046A5A1B"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report on the results
of the demonstration projects carried out under subsection (a) to—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H012A5AA9DB7C4E99860B8F5D2B8A9ACF"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H22AEA5654F694AF58BCA50201BC7457C"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H825A2C52DF1A4B528FBBF014E00ED3AF"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of
appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal
year 2010 and each fiscal year thereafter.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H19FF7CDCC1FE4BEC8A66F03789B2DE1D" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>304.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Program on readjustment and mental health
care services for veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraqi Freedom</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H48845A9FA44E4580A93F17132A4A6740"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Program required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a
program to provide—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF01B2C54093442C6BD698767AED82B9B"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom
and Operation Iraqi Freedom, particularly veterans who served in such
operations while in the National Guard and the Reserves—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCF9A58F5E8FC4824AABBB3295FC741F6"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">peer outreach services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H439C4CA8EF334047A3F1B667C45C9702"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">peer support services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD0D8BAF41F61455CADB45968B3724E60"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">readjustment counseling and services
described in section 1712A of title 38, United States Code; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4C052B41B6BF44A283E17FC540314D8C"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">mental health services; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC0F7C9E62FE148BE8E3C99A76EA6D32E"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to members of the immediate family of
veterans described in paragraph (1), during the 3-year period beginning on the
date of the return of such veterans from deployment in Operation Enduring
Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, education, support, counseling, and mental
health services to assist in—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H61D76319C13B47B789C0004E310F88B7"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the readjustment of such veterans to
civilian life;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF395CD89FC0B4EDD9E0BCFFFF3DE327F"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case such veterans have an injury or
illness incurred during such deployment, the recovery of such veterans from
such injury or illness; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H01C8C3A684DE4436A04A1E4771275A94"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the readjustment of the family following
the return of such veterans.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2DEA1AFFE0954AA3975DB4BE63D51B74"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Contracts with community mental health
centers and other qualified entities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out the program required by
subsection (a), the Secretary may contract with community mental health centers
and other qualified entities to provide the services required by such
subsection only in areas the Secretary determines are not adequately served by
other health care facilities or vet centers of the Department of Veterans
Affairs. Such contracts shall require each contracting community health center
or entity—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE698D093C132458ABDC58F9F1D3DA523"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to the extent practicable, to use
telehealth services for the delivery of services required by subsection
(a);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEDAC41B9FD0D4AE0A863BD79A0612C89"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to the extent practicable, to employ
veterans trained under subsection (c) in the provision of services covered by
that subsection;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1F538ACCD04540818F0B5905682A30F5"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to participate in the training program
conducted in accordance with subsection (d);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H06929AC2B0C240AE9C66EB2A27D4F153"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to comply with applicable protocols of the
Department before incurring any liability on behalf of the Department for the
provision of services required by subsection (a);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H58D7FD188AD347F2BFA1D5D3849833D7"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for each veteran for whom a community
mental health center or other qualified entity provides mental health services
under such contract, to provide the Department with such clinical summary
information as the Secretary shall require;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5964654A036B4E42AB47CA9F85695638"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to submit annual reports to the Secretary
containing, with respect to the program required by subsection (a) and for the
last full calendar year ending before the submittal of such report—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA35B0583B9104EBBA215BB65A32D38E1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number of the veterans served, veterans
diagnosed, and courses of treatment provided to veterans as part of the program
required by subsection (a); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H516D2BEDD43F40FFACD0451D72C5D438"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">demographic information for such services,
diagnoses, and courses of treatment; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5058BABB4D084864B2FC04CEA50F643F"><enum>(7)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to meet such other requirements as the
Secretary shall require.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2396C13D88B24F0DB72B5C3DF74ACF1F"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Training of veterans for provision of
peer-outreach and peer-support services</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out the program required by
subsection (a), the Secretary shall contract with a national not-for-profit
mental health organization to carry out a national program of training for
veterans described in subsection (a) to provide the services described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) of such subsection.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC5C9C7649AF24307882EEE70960A6189"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Training of clinicians for provision of
services</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall
conduct a training program for clinicians of community mental health centers or
entities that have contracts with the Secretary under subsection (b) to ensure
that such clinicians can provide the services required by subsection (a) in a
manner that—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2168B86873074BB4A6AC2FAC1CD06350"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">recognizes factors that are unique to the
experience of veterans who served on active duty in Operation Enduring Freedom
or Operation Iraqi Freedom (including their combat and military training
experiences); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB0AC0F3A969F4A5C8B3EDC7064D98B57"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">uses best practices and
technologies.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4DC02D0CB6CA46F2B2955814CF012949"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Vet center defined</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section, the term <term>vet
center</term> means a center for readjustment counseling and related mental
health services for veterans under section 1712A of title 38, United States
Code.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H43E151D48B6C4FBF911F3684FA1D4CE4" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>305.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Travel reimbursement for veterans receiving
treatment at facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7958669C564A43D0A282036CC3A2E2DE"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Enhancement of allowance based upon mileage
traveled</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 111 is
amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H82643332D8F340C28379291448B31E97"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (a), by striking
<quote>traveled,</quote> and inserting <quote>(at a rate of 41.5 cents per
mile),</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC936508EE0E94D37998D2BF88C390C98"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by amending subsection (g) to read as
follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF93ED1A8A521404B80C85078C4A439D7" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0A5523B656B74DA3A53A32971219C312"><enum>(g)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H3DE180CC489C4FCC9B983AB65A284378"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Beginning one year after the date of the
enactment of the <short-title>Caregivers and Veterans
Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010</short-title>, the Secretary may adjust the
mileage rate described in subsection (a) to be equal to 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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H19263FE6109A4451B333229A0ABA5B04" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If an adjustment in the mileage rate under
paragraph (1) results in a lower mileage rate than the mileage rate otherwise
specified in subsection (a), the Secretary shall, not later than 60 days before
the date of the implementation of the mileage rate as so adjusted, submit to
Congress a written report setting forth the adjustment in the mileage rate
under this subsection, together with a justification for the decision to make
the adjustment in the mileage rate under this
subsection.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0D4676B78FA348898926802E8E16BBFF"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Coverage of cost of transportation by
air</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (a) of section
111, as amended by subsection (a)(1), is further amended by inserting after the
first sentence the following new sentence: <quote>Actual necessary expense of
travel includes the reasonable costs of airfare if travel by air is the only
practical way to reach a Department facility.</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB9A397E3D2AB44D7BCD8B2D00B5AFBD5"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Elimination of limitation based on maximum
annual rate of pension</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (b)(1)(D)(i) of such section is
amended by inserting <quote>who is not traveling by air and</quote> before
<quote>whose annual</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H502C2D06DFB84C45B761A8C647FC79DB"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Determination of practicality</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (b) of such section is amended
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB6BB0DEF107E4AFFB7936BC84FB0EBD0" style="USC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA1729C0B78F04DEA904E0DB8C48B5176" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In determining for purposes of subsection
(a) whether travel by air is the only practical way for a veteran to reach a
Department facility, the Secretary shall consider the medical condition of the
veteran and any other impediments to the use of ground transportation by the
veteran.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H49B58BD28CD446F39909343E4277F9C5"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">No expansion of eligibility for beneficiary
travel</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amendments made by
subsections (b) and (d) of this section may not be construed as expanding or
otherwise modifying eligibility for payments or allowances for beneficiary
travel under section 111 of title 38, United States Code, as in effect on the
day before the date of the enactment of this Act.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H96F9E2EFDE9847028A3A33DBAB06E88D"><enum>(f)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clarification of relation to public
transportation in Veterans Health Administration Handbook</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 30 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall revise the
Veterans Health Administration Handbook to clarify that an allowance for travel
based on mileage paid under section 111(a) of title 38, United States Code, may
exceed the cost of such travel by public transportation regardless of medical
necessity.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H153A6523ED144D2EA63D8EEB5ECA32FA" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>306.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program on incentives for physicians
who assume inpatient responsibilities at community hospitals in health
professional shortage areas</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4F5D069D87CE45D7B384E29950A32637"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
carry out a pilot program to assess the feasability and advisability of each of
the following:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7CB9774A4B9642C7B355707E858BF101"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The provision of financial incentives to
eligible physicians who obtain and maintain inpatient privileges at community
hospitals in health professional shortage areas in order to facilitate the
provision by such physicians of primary care and mental health services to
veterans at such hospitals.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H697E883473844323A86759641882B60E"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The collection of payments from third-party
providers for care provided by eligible physicians to nonveterans while
discharging inpatient responsibilities at community hospitals in the course of
exercising the privileges described in paragraph (1).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8F5CA1E7284B4B1080C25316153B1C8E"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligible physicians</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of this section, an eligible
physician is a primary care or mental health physician employed by the
Department of Veterans Affairs on a full-time basis.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCE2BD8ECEF7D4BEEB0A6CF07E2F6ABC8"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Duration of program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The pilot program shall be carried out
during the 3-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot
program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD9EFB947CC684183A56188B83CB96633"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Locations</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE98710584CBB4069A952A2D5721CC8E4"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The pilot program shall be carried out at
not less than five community hospitals in each of not less than two Veterans
Integrated Services Networks. The hospitals shall be selected by the Secretary
using the results of the survey required under subsection (e).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8B37B96F85E6493DA4D3A20A57012BEE"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Qualifying community
hospitals</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A community
hospital may be selected by the Secretary as a location for the pilot program
if—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCC1C36CC72C245D68D18F0049FA2633A"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the hospital is located in a health
professional shortage area; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2C08498DBC0C4D6D8006E9C90FB3D1C4"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number of eligible physicians willing
to assume inpatient responsibilities at the hospital (as determined using the
result of the survey) is sufficient for purposes of the pilot program.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9CB1B6CCD9CE4F4DB2C568015E5E1878"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Survey of physician interest in
participation</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H57A32AE816F949D9BAE8C429F7506DB2"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 120 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a survey of eligible
physicians to determine the extent of the interest of such physicians in
participating in the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H62FD9C021DC94EDA8C7B3C17E43C09CE"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Elements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The survey shall disclose the type, amount,
and nature of the financial incentives to be provided under subsection (h) to
physicians participating in the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDBAD100994794DC999201E1B477C9302"><enum>(f)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Physician participation</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H363456CB1C68481FBB87AFCDCC1FC582"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall select physicians for
participation in the pilot program from among eligible physicians who—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H09D9A72CBFD7453896347A475EEB4619"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">express interest in participating in the
pilot program in the survey conducted under subsection (e);</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1BE6C1C8D45244B19B310A739692C39C"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">are in good standing with the Department;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8FD93AB79D394EFABA837493416B6EFA"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">primarily have clinical responsibilities
with the Department.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H830815F3FED847D2A4E9C7012BC80276"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Voluntary participation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Participation in the pilot program shall be
voluntary. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a physician
working for the Department to assume inpatient responsibilities at a community
hospital unless otherwise required as a term or condition of employment with
the Department.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0A3A91A7EAE24027B9880704C2BD88F4"><enum>(g)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Assumption of inpatient physician
responsibilities</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF57B6E878CF74B5C9AF5FB02596B3D85"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each eligible physician selected for
participation in the pilot program shall assume and maintain inpatient
responsibilities, including inpatient responsibilities with respect to
nonveterans, at one or more community hospitals selected by the Secretary for
participation in the pilot program under subsection (d).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0B940D8CAE34405BB771878923A3DF76"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Coverage under Federal Tort Claims
Act</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If an eligible physician
participating in the pilot program carries out on-call responsibilities at a
community hospital where privileges to practice at such hospital are
conditioned upon the provision of services to individuals who are not veterans
while the physician is on call for such hospital, the provision of such
services by the physician shall be considered an action within the scope of the
physician's office or employment for purposes of chapter 171 of title 28,
United States Code (commonly referred to as the <quote>Federal Tort Claims
Act</quote>).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF31A4201D0744DEFB90AECE0A8046D62"><enum>(h)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Compensation</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDFC75B33FE434D6AA0DDFEE7CE065760"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall provide each eligible
physician participating in the pilot program with such compensation (including
pay and other appropriate compensation) as the Secretary considers appropriate
to compensate such physician for the discharge of any inpatient
responsibilities by such physician at a community hospital for which such
physician would not otherwise be compensated by the Department as a full-time
employee of the Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0C4DF539D8274D1C9E8FD1DF2C8247E2"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Written agreement</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amount of any compensation to be
provided a physician under the pilot program shall be specified in a written
agreement entered into by the Secretary and the physician for purposes of the
pilot program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE586D943871F4B24967B9BFC9E6BE65A"><enum>(3)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Treatment of compensation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall consult with the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management on the inclusion of a provision
in the written agreement required under paragraph (2) that describes the
treatment under Federal law of any compensation provided a physician under the
pilot program, including treatment for purposes of retirement under the civil
service laws.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB48473D504FC4860BDB6EE41B6BADFCC"><enum>(i)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Collections from third
parties</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out the
pilot program for the purpose described in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary
shall implement a variety and range of requirements and mechanisms for the
collection from third-party payors of amounts to reimburse the Department for
health care services provided to nonveterans under the pilot program by
eligible physicians discharging inpatient responsibilities under the pilot
program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE638922D723C468998655E87EA87E332"><enum>(j)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on the pilot program, including the following:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H596F240B32A44B8BB0CBF4290AA62EBD"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The findings of the Secretary with respect
to the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H73F2EA7686B641CB89F0A145708A40BC"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The number of veterans and nonveterans
provided inpatient care by physicians participating in the pilot
program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H785A01A47E4741F8A1DA92697D5603E8"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amounts payable and collected under
subsection (i).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H99948C72202F4A2294CC4DA779AD13D8"><enum>(k)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8DF9B0B48CF64CA89BC6B48059152678"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Health professional shortage
area</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>health
professional shortage area</term> has the meaning given the term in section
332(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254e(a)).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD72DBC7863C34FBDA10306C9EF643B8E"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Inpatient responsibilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>inpatient
responsibilities</term> means on-call responsibilities customarily required of
a physician by a community hospital as a condition of granting privileges to
the physician to practice in the hospital.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H792514C012C4411486AF097FD98D175C" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>307.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grants for veterans service organizations
for transportation of highly rural veterans</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1DED9E818A4B4E8FA62A6E973354727D"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grants authorized</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB7A228293C834915820E7C87E9221E02"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to
veterans in highly rural areas.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB835524D6B9A48889A2627A65EB2C512"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligible recipients</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The following may be awarded a grant under
this section:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDC25A03EA17F482381F1AC64D7FCA537"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">State veterans service agencies.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA67C361AFE084FA495C0C94726D9685E"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Veterans service organizations.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H34D8B07191D643F0812D8356439CDEB3"><enum>(3)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Use of funds</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A State veterans service agency or veterans
service organization awarded a grant under this section may use the grant
amount to—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCE77E73E07154328BD01B7255947BBE5"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">assist veterans in highly rural areas to
travel to Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9D93924806B2498CA64DEFF6BB50DE87"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">otherwise assist in providing
transportation in connection with the provision of medical care to veterans in
highly rural areas.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H08E43E6DAE6A4ABA969583BA26341DDE"><enum>(4)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Maximum
amount</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amount of a grant
under this section may not exceed $50,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDE1A758EE3D74BABB3122141B6A904CA"><enum>(5)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">No matching requirement</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The recipient of a grant under this section
shall not be required to provide matching funds as a condition for receiving
such grant.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF5187A60CB584F2F913A06605FD5C865"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Regulations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall prescribe regulations
for—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB3D00A878AC346CCBC1C4717BE8E0881"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">evaluating grant applications under this
section; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBFCF7B70E1EC44F48437FC13BEB1ECEF"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">otherwise administering the program
established by this section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H42E93BF425284C798ACCF48377B76523"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5661EF08C30742F78B157EC6EB5A097C"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Highly rural</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>highly rural</term>, in the
case of an area, means that the area consists of a county or counties having a
population of less than seven persons per square mile.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA7F5E25C9E9042CAACCEC5EC229F01FA"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Veterans service organization</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>veterans service
organization</term> means any organization recognized by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title
38, United States Code.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H71BD37BDD4C64E3A9CC5590C1748FE42"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of
appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is
authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through
2014 to carry out this section.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDBDF600293D34D0DB077AEBD33F07AEB" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>308.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Modification of eligibility for
participation in pilot program of enhanced contract care authority for health
care needs of certain veterans</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Subsection (b) of section 403 of the
Veterans’ Mental Health and other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law
110–387; 122 Stat. 4125; 38 U.S.C. 1703 note) is amended to read as
follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3C3DAA0F65284D0BA16866DD25A0E914" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H687027C4555645DD9FFD9729FCEAA505"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Covered veterans</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of the pilot program under
this section, a covered veteran is any veteran who—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4B30BCACAA034FC58C5D9292D8C41ADE"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H201FF81703E54EF9BFCA73715EE2F962"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">enrolled in the system of patient
enrollment established under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code,
as of the date of the commencement of the pilot program under subsection
(a)(2); or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H86A104E96A514502AB3AD2FD0D39E71A"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">eligible for health care under section
1710(e)(3) of such title; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA6CE87BA67234F378A7C411D101084B1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">resides in a location that is—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H33CD2945B91F4EB7AFDA9881CCF92775"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">more than 60 minutes driving distance from
the nearest Department health care facility providing primary care services, if
the veteran is seeking such services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3F69C49900054770AACCEB448FE64473"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">more than 120 minutes driving distance from
the nearest Department health care facility providing acute hospital care, if
the veteran is seeking such care; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H52FEE6E2C0854E408201C32D4D23082F"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">more than 240 minutes driving distance from
the nearest Department health care facility providing tertiary care, if the
veteran is seeking such
care.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><enum>IV</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Mental health care matters</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB07014A282D341B9854C5F03E160D43F" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>401.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligibility of members of the Armed Forces
who serve in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom for
counseling and services through Readjustment Counseling Service</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H66C308567573413CA57C2DFBF0112F8F"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any member of the Armed Forces, including a
member of the National Guard or Reserve, who serves on active duty in the Armed
Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom is eligible for
readjustment counseling and related mental health services under section 1712A
of title 38, United States Code, through the Readjustment Counseling Service of
the Veterans Health Administration.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2C6A48FDED514524ADFE560B1BB8029D"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">No requirement for current active duty
service</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A member of the Armed
Forces who meets the requirements for eligibility for counseling and services
under subsection (a) is entitled to counseling and services under that
subsection regardless of whether or not the member is currently on active duty
in the Armed Forces at the time of receipt of counseling and services under
that subsection.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC927D72B679A4DC68C34AB5A414B6BCF"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Regulations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The eligibility of members of the Armed
Forces for counseling and services under subsection (a) shall be subject to
such regulations as the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall jointly prescribe for purposes of this section.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2C45C21A4CFC4ECFAD8C6D6C53EF9AC9"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subject to availability of
appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The provision
of counseling and services under subsection (a) shall be subject to the
availability of appropriations for such purpose.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA87CB7B8A87649B694613C3F9B63ED85" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>402.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Restoration of authority of Readjustment
Counseling Service to provide referral and other assistance upon request to
former members of the Armed Forces not authorized counseling</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1712A is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1B097E2618D4498C994DC4CF80EB0FA6"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating subsections (c) through
(f) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H65BDFD98EDA54522B8C2B97A7BB2495E"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after subsection (b) the
following new subsection (c):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H72ED452A5D534C9A9743FDD261C97E8F" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6A2A095398884B188A3CE4854E77E389"><enum>(c)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Upon receipt of a request for counseling
under this section from any individual who has been discharged or released from
active military, naval, or air service but who is not otherwise eligible for
such counseling, the Secretary shall—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4CC0A651394548CB9ED397EF71727B31"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provide referral services to assist such
individual, to the maximum extent practicable, in obtaining mental health care
and services from sources outside the Department; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF88160BE95374BCA94A6B89D509109E7"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">if pertinent, advise such individual of
such individual’s rights to apply to the appropriate military, naval, or air
service, and to the Department, for review of such individual’s discharge or
release from such
service.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEBA673726D094FAE8703BDF67A4BFD7E" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>403.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Study on suicides among veterans</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB292C7D2C78143AA83FDE40ECC607265"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Study
required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study to determine the number of veterans who
died by suicide between January 1, 1999, and the date of the enactment of this
Act.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC57E21A69F0D441183022671F654A88F"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Coordination</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out the study under subsection
(a) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall coordinate with—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H28C30F48E9B54550B4FB0BFACEFEBFC0"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Secretary of Defense;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8EBACAFD83F048BFA4547033E5DA6D0B"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">veterans service organizations;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H235BCE780E6641098929D75179EDE28F"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H583B9AE20AE8481A842140467FAC7EB3"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">State public health offices and veterans
agencies.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H78AEB66885CC47E79186DC035D5D5CF1"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report to Congress</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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 on the study
required under subsection (a) and the findings of the Secretary.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC2C4A22FCA454572A057871C803CBA8D"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Veterans service organization
defined</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section, the
term <term>veterans service organization</term> means any organization
recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section
5902 of title 38, United States Code.</text>
</subsection></section><enum>V</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Other health care matters</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H625C36ED2485404DA37C2E8DCF20605B" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>501.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Repeal of certain annual reporting
requirements</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF5F319211AB9417EBE0A33721C6A046C"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nurse pay report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7451 is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFF3704414C72428B8920A8361672A617"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking subsection (f); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFFEAAF7F73E54810830C2A00136150FD"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating subsection (g) as
subsection (f).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF6F613601B164AF69A2CFAEEA8C17FAD"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Long-term planning report</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H20463506E9F94791B8358AA8FE576117"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 8107 is repealed.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H740E9AFE4BB3494C90D9462EDDC16B63"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Conforming amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 81 is amended by striking the item relating to section 8107.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7712CCA05EDA4328B8B3368C07AF0728" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>502.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Submittal date of annual report on Gulf War
research</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 707(c)(1) of
the Persian Gulf War Veterans' Health Status Act (title VII of Public Law
102–585; 38 U.S.C. 527 note) is amended by striking <quote>Not later than March
1 of each year</quote> and inserting <quote>Not later than July 1, 2010, and
July 1 of each of the five following years</quote>.</text>
</section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC6CCDAD64C974256AC81595FD298CE42" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>503.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Payment for care furnished to CHAMPVA
beneficiaries</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1781 is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H36B59532FCA746EEB3EC1624B8BDE98D" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H13AC6D072DAD4A9382973E4AF2D88E81"><enum>(e)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Payment by the Secretary under this section
on behalf of a covered beneficiary for medical care shall constitute payment in
full and extinguish any liability on the part of the beneficiary for that
care.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H97A2897B67BF44F291C7EAFC500AC3EA" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>504.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Disclosure of patient treatment information
from medical records of patients lacking decisionmaking capacity</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 7332(b)(2) is amended by adding at
the end the following new subparagraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCF50FCBEA7004BDE81AF31D04F60A23F" style="OLC">
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H30CE7672946741029632B935044EBC7B" indent="up1"><enum>(F)</enum><clause commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HEA264A34DCD7497EAA6B2B2A61A5CACA"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">To a representative of a patient who lacks
decision-making capacity, when a practitioner deems the content of the given
record necessary for that representative to make an informed decision regarding
the patient's treatment.</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5D3FAC5B12BB4C65BF8CF38B360225A0" indent="up1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this subparagraph, the term
<term>representative</term> means an individual, organization, or other body
authorized under section 7331 of this title and its implementing regulations to
give informed consent on behalf of a patient who lacks decision-making
capacity.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0ADAEA0AB9D944659D015698C88A458E" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>505.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Enhancement of quality management</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H578075D71C84410A9CB611EC47CB34A1"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Enhancement of quality management through
quality management officers</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0BCABF5CD6D546A397CB5A78F27E6DC8"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by
inserting after section 7311 the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3693856537A84A5D81E17C1F76E7A3BD" style="USC">
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H81689B5E8DE64F7A84D9B6001EC1542F" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7311A.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Quality management officers</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA12ACBEA942642228BF9766096429BE3"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">National Quality Management
Officer</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HEBB6905E9A2349758FD2C8656F89D1BC"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Under Secretary for Health shall
designate an official of the Veterans Health Administration to act as the
principal quality management officer for the quality-assurance program required
by section 7311 of this title. The official so designated may be known as the
<term>National Quality Management Officer of the Veterans Health
Administration</term> (in this section referred to as the <term>National
Quality Management Officer</term>).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0C2ECD7257F64AE783451D4078EF4A7E" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The National Quality Management Officer
shall report directly to the Under Secretary for Health in the discharge of
responsibilities and duties of the Officer under this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4D519D0CCFC5414D89EC96FEAA2C85B6" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The National Quality Management Officer
shall be the official within the Veterans Health Administration who is
principally responsible for the quality-assurance program referred to in
paragraph (1). In carrying out that responsibility, the Officer shall be
responsible for the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H29A2FF9107844D3E835D325BFC5E7499"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishing and enforcing the requirements
of the program referred to in paragraph (1).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H005912FC426C4A11AFF32376F0CE80E8"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Developing an aggregate quality metric from
existing data sources, such as the Inpatient Evaluation Center of the
Department, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, and the External
Peer Review Program of the Veterans Health Administration, that could be used
to assess reliably the quality of care provided at individual Department
medical centers and associated community based outpatient clinics.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8867566D1175460588C2A6C5717BB006"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Ensuring that existing measures of quality,
including measures from the Inpatient Evaluation Center, the National Surgical
Quality Improvement Program, System-Wide Ongoing Assessment and Review reports
of the Department, and Combined Assessment Program reviews of the Office of
Inspector General of the Department, are monitored routinely and analyzed in a
manner that ensures the timely detection of quality of care issues.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H648CC3E2D1824CF59A0345F3D2C4A971"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Encouraging research and development in the
area of quality metrics for the purposes of improving how the Department
measures quality in individual facilities.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2A8B1AE5CA9D4E1B95ADE0AA3E3C28AA"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Carrying out such other responsibilities
and duties relating to quality management in the Veterans Health Administration
as the Under Secretary for Health shall specify.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H592E47060F5749298E5046A2995F9EB4" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The requirements under paragraph (3) shall
include requirements regarding the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEF7982E78457482F8270D79969993D22"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A confidential system for the submittal of
reports by Veterans Health Administration personnel regarding quality
management at Department facilities.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF33B7C0950BC40458576CA0C7A567AB1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Mechanisms for the peer review of the
actions of individuals appointed in the Veterans Health Administration in the
position of physician.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF0F4A5B63612493582F0A816473F1519"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Quality management officers for
VISNs</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H620B5228BC5847ED837F5EA501BA1556"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Regional Director of each Veterans
Integrated Services Network shall appoint an official of the Network to act as
the quality management officer of the Network.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9E9A55C7F5244C7C93610BAB183167FE" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The quality management officer for a
Veterans Integrated Services Network shall report to the Regional Director of
the Veterans Integrated Services Network, and to the National Quality
Management Officer, regarding the discharge of the responsibilities and duties
of the officer under this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H411F21FF1A544A7687F79546E134C5A7" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The quality management officer for a
Veterans Integrated Services Network shall—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEAB1050220A84845B168CD5AD40EA26D"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">direct the quality management office in the
Network; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1B6361B08DD344F381B42A154CB1F0E0"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">coordinate, monitor, and oversee the
quality management programs and activities of the Administration medical
facilities in the Network in order to ensure the thorough and uniform discharge
of quality management requirements under such programs and activities
throughout such facilities.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD588FB098A274675A54E81589982F977"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Quality management officers for medical
facilities</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HF8C6A7695E9C4F5AAB4E5AC545FAC569"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The director of each Veterans Health
Administration medical facility shall appoint a quality management officer for
that facility.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H468DA125637A43B4B31CBF7D8F26061E" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The quality management officer for a
facility shall report directly to the director of the facility, and to the
quality management officer of the Veterans Integrated Services Network in which
the facility is located, regarding the discharge of the responsibilities and
duties of the quality management officer under this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4A996F6235C841C0B909FE032A9C10D2" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The quality management officer for a
facility shall be responsible for designing, disseminating, and implementing
quality management programs and activities for the facility that meet the
requirements established by the National Quality Management Officer under
subsection (a).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9263CB0A40454220BACEC1E722802BED"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of
appropriations</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H2965058571B84CA680C4F06A9CD8138F"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided in paragraph (2), there
are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4B999A330FB645159D2D63ECC7CC139B" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is authorized to be appropriated to
carry out the provisions of subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) of subsection
(a)(3), $25,000,000 for the two-year period of fiscal years beginning after the
date of the enactment of this
section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H788A1FF1F0CE49AF944739D6CEB9E199"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7311 the
following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBE616DB0CE8140CA93752DB92A3359AA" style="USC">
<toc>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7311A. Quality management
officers.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H062C5DAF246E417BB7DA06B36D30A13B"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Reports on quality concerns under
quality-assurance program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7311(b) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H39DAB82B57874E4CAD971DA75619FBFA" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4E4CEE64CC484507A3AD1EC9DDAE99F6" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">As part of the quality-assurance program,
the Under Secretary for Health shall establish mechanisms through which
employees of Veterans Health Administration facilities may submit reports, on a
confidential basis, on matters relating to quality of care in Veterans Health
Administration facilities to the quality management officers of such facilities
under section 7311A(c) of this title. The mechanisms shall provide for the
prompt and thorough review of any reports so submitted by the receiving
officials.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1844E9CB27BF4DB0800588F71A9FD790"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Review of current health care quality
safeguards</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H70550AEE21E347A3B67B805C95A441EF"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
conduct a comprehensive review of all current policies and protocols of the
Department of Veterans Affairs for maintaining health care quality and patient
safety at Department medical facilities. The review shall include a review and
assessment of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, including an
assessment of—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4DA79FB68E52487E936BB52FA1A6AD2C"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the efficacy of the quality indicators
under the program;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEBAE1B90B78A4D979ECD7DE6A4C2FD8B"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the efficacy of the data collection methods
under the program;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H490ABFF266324B8DB316ED3F213B8326"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the efficacy of the frequency with which
regular data analyses are performed under the program; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H104A58FE4175428591E418E68685360E"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the extent to which the resources allocated
to the program are adequate to fulfill the stated function of the
program.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H04F3285398EF49BFA87BD66D5B84BCF2"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 60 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on
the review conducted under paragraph (1), including the findings of the
Secretary as a result of the review and such recommendations as the Secretary
considers appropriate in light of the review.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3D668FCE18B14B39AE5A5E7A8C655156" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>506.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program on use of community-based
organizations and local and State government entities to ensure that veterans
receive care and benefits for which they are eligible</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H79E56A52E4D34DA889AF11DB200A57BE"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using
community-based organizations and local and State government entities—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H23457E56F1B64FFC88BD4308CCEFE956"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to increase the coordination of community,
local, State, and Federal providers of health care and benefits for veterans to
assist veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian life in
such transition;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H52EE802E99AA47D9B9F2B5B76A1A83DE"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to increase the availability of high
quality medical and mental health services to veterans transitioning from
military service to civilian life;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H432F8BFA838D46D6A5C83458DAA143EC"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to provide assistance to families of
veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian life to help
such families adjust to such transition; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD50818E7B3A24A1183442CB79984E944"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to provide outreach to veterans and their
families to inform them about the availability of benefits and connect them
with appropriate care and benefit programs.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB3A1BEAE028048FDBFA9668A10C7FCC6"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Duration of program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The pilot program shall be carried out
during the 2-year period beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAD699C1021424FF5B9B041333E61CAC3"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Program locations</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H89B6E1A0475A49559815E585924E68CC"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The pilot program shall be carried out at
five locations selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot
program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H82110A55D3F7434EB4DD12FE467F9578"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Considerations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In selecting locations for the pilot
program, the Secretary shall consider the advisability of selecting locations
in—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H17BC221092ED448DA04A2B9A6BC76FD6"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">rural areas;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA068CF31BFE5488784D6D668B5D7A632"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">areas with populations that have a high
proportion of minority group representation;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCF850D5F8B384716BBF609B4987E971F"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">areas with populations that have a high
proportion of individuals who have limited access to health care; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8E5965735DEF4B1E8295F64630581BB5"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">areas that are not in close proximity to an
active duty military installation.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H43C59002316B4D6E876F64DB5FAA9975"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grants</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall carry out the pilot
program through the award of grants to community-based organizations and local
and State government entities.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H97311B5B360842FC94CE0ADCBB87EB66"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Selection of grant recipients</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE1509D0936D648CA841916E9F2FC7049"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A community-based organization or local or
State government entity seeking a grant under the pilot program shall submit to
the Secretary an application therefor in such form and in such manner as the
Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF71E46A178D04F72B0BD208AB9AF5489"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Elements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each application submitted under paragraph
(1) shall include the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H337F74AD10A74321B9B027C2A1FEECF1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A description of the consultations, if any,
with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the development of the proposal
under the application.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9436CFACD2FC4971B353BDABFE83381D"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A plan to coordinate activities under the
pilot program, to the greatest extent possible, with the local, State, and
Federal providers of services for veterans to reduce duplication of services
and to enhance the effect of such services.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H07E38F86C4C7417A8D3C3399FB230425"><enum>(f)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Use of grant funds</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall prescribe appropriate
uses of grant funds received under the pilot program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1C26C5EAE78447E3A35A2576C86D8EDF"><enum>(g)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report on program</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDA013A226B024EEEA32DB55517640E70"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after the
completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report on the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0E2C82B0302144F9B9CEE2218D1A5535"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Elements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0817E58620D94A4BB5022FC82338AE8F"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The findings and conclusions of the
Secretary with respect to the pilot program.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB19AA04625634C05B684BDB155286315"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An assessment of the benefits to veterans
of the pilot program.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H94AB9C3233154322A10A49B760F0647C"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The recommendations of the Secretary as to
the advisability of continuing the pilot program.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1959A11C932F49CA8905B1C2C8A61C2A" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>507.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Specialized residential care and
rehabilitation for certain veterans</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1720 is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6ACC4A96589D40A68F387E06A65DE09D" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE32959FB63A34C698C06B5429410C0C7"><enum>(g)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may contract with appropriate
entities to provide specialized residential care and rehabilitation services to
a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom who the
Secretary determines suffers from a traumatic brain injury, has an accumulation
of deficits in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily
living, and because of these deficits, would otherwise require admission to a
nursing home even though such care would generally exceed the veteran's nursing
needs.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6A6F3D2A853548E3AAC0F367E2B871E5" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>508.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Expanded study on the health impact of
Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H545E677A8B4A4AE2BAB1D148773F253F"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a
contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to conduct an
expanded study on the health impact of Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense
(Project SHAD).</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H50896F380C554B58A34A0851EC6E1D0B"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Covered veterans</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The study required by subsection (a) shall
include, to the extent practicable, all veterans who participated in Project
Shipboard Hazard and Defense.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9C1B698A1B904DEAA0865056E10AC049"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Use of existing studies</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The study required by subsection (a) may
use results from the study covered in the report titled <quote>Long-Term Health
Effects of Participation in Project SHAD</quote> of the Institute of Medicine
of the National Academies.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H19FFD79E2B3346C8BCCBFF908AE68CE5" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>509.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Use of non-Department facilities for
rehabilitation of individuals with traumatic brain injury</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1710E is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H43C0EFF35EB64C17B754934D1D127EFB"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating subsection (b) as
subsection (c);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H69048A7FAD9D47E789B50007D108EA84"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after subsection (a) the
following new subsection (b):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H438ACCD66A1B4499B18F314363D16461" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4AB10A4B004C4C72BB99C84632EEE21A"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Covered individuals</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The care and services provided under
subsection (a) shall be made available to an individual—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H999D00E3FAA8472E823381615C437F5A"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">who is described in section 1710C(a) of
this title; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB255F12E3A5B499FB5837384E4B8108C"><enum>(2)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H2BA47168C28647298C2A2D47F93BD759"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to whom the Secretary is unable to provide
such treatment or services at the frequency or for the duration prescribed in
such plan; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6D26DC72E00C4EA78B03E543E3E4CDD7" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for whom the Secretary determines that it
is optimal with respect to the recovery and rehabilitation for such
individual.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>;
and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5D5883566D6B421F99C71AB42BCCA59F"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by adding at the end the following new
subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H075E847440D348FA91A284531E3790EA" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1DC03EDEF7B645C69DE8B2BF7524CAEE"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Standards</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H657347234C9D4C87A038B954DB035C2A" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>510.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program on provision of dental
insurance plans to veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H163E452C092D4DC2B738058AA36DA621"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pilot program required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of
providing a dental insurance plan to veterans and survivors and dependents of
veterans described in subsection (b).</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4220345B4CE34F33B0F82045E15E1C25"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Covered veterans and survivors and
dependents</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The veterans and
survivors and dependents of veterans described in this subsection are as
follows:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H19185E59B170443FB4C4A2C5420DCBD8"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any veteran who is enrolled in the system
of annual patient enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United States
Code.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2759C34997BA48EE9841E961DF664714"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any survivor or dependent of a veteran who
is eligible for medical care under section 1781 of such title.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0D0905B9DC264C8E88E509EC545E3E38"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Duration of program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The pilot program shall be carried out
during the 3-year period beginning on the date that is 270 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H36A2DEB3E997415290DEECDE9B27487F"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Locations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The pilot program shall be carried out in
such Veterans Integrated Services Networks as the Secretary considers
appropriate for purposes of the pilot program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE3DA237D4C14465B966E179AED164252"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Administration</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall contract with a dental
insurer to administer the dental insurance plan provided under the pilot
program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4D8CE219DDC3447A9EF56DA6F1721CF9"><enum>(f)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Benefits</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The dental insurance plan under the pilot
program shall provide such benefits for dental care and treatment as the
Secretary considers appropriate for the dental insurance plan, including
diagnostic services, preventative services, endodontics and other restorative
services, surgical services, and emergency services.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE5B781CC48BA4D5C8D99992C5F1BDE77"><enum>(g)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Enrollment</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4303DE71C2084A4CBA20BDF493BFCE86"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Voluntary</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Enrollment in the dental insurance plan
under the pilot program shall be voluntary.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4F77A569F12044B1AC64952F491F88D7"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Minimum
period</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Enrollment in the
dental insurance plan shall be for such minimum period as the Secretary shall
prescribe for purposes of this section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD1636EFD1F854F87B05D906CD2E6D7AE"><enum>(h)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Premiums</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H753995ADDAFE4733BACE5007869549AE"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Premiums for coverage under the dental
insurance plan under the pilot program shall be in such amount or amounts as
the Secretary shall prescribe to cover all costs associated with the pilot
program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4D48C6A7AA9A4509ADC1371FD66D6AB2"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Annual adjustment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall adjust the premiums
payable under the pilot program for coverage under the dental insurance plan on
an annual basis. Each individual covered by the dental insurance plan at the
time of such an adjustment shall be notified of the amount and effective date
of such adjustment.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA1C81B6291F6490BAEE93857134ECA69"><enum>(3)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Responsibility for payment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each individual covered by the dental
insurance plan shall pay the entire premium for coverage under the dental
insurance plan, in addition to the full cost of any copayments.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEA24772EAF234766B782F7C44FB41FA0"><enum>(i)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Voluntary disenrollment</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H404C30FB3B094C59B666811F504B2BBD"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to enrollment in the dental
insurance plan under the pilot program, the Secretary shall—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB4B4FA1725CE468DA3EF2E88F4788D87"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">permit the voluntary disenrollment of an
individual in the dental insurance plan if the disenrollment occurs during the
30-day period beginning on the date of the enrollment of the individual in the
dental insurance plan; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9DBC5F1C94E44C26A769E8466AAAD211"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">permit the voluntary disenrollment of an
individual in the dental insurance plan for such circumstances as the Secretary
shall prescribe for purposes of this subsection, but only to the extent such
disenrollment does not jeopardize the fiscal integrity of the dental insurance
plan.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC3BDB32D8DDA43729E47380840BE98B2"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Allowable circumstances</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The circumstances prescribed under
paragraph (1)(B) shall include the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3E1114E1BA81499C99D6EC9D5187139E"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If an individual enrolled in the dental
insurance plan relocates to a location outside the jurisdiction of the dental
insurance plan that prevents use of the benefits under the dental insurance
plan.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8131AEB3600D4E35B458B3D8FB0003A5"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If an individual enrolled in the dental
insurance plan is prevented by a serious medical condition from being able to
obtain benefits under the dental insurance plan.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9370DB839C9A41F7A53492B68DD3CBB7"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such other circumstances as the Secretary
shall prescribe for purposes of this subsection.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC78767064842446CB581297858802408"><enum>(3)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment of procedures</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish procedures
for determinations on the permissibility of voluntary disenrollments under
paragraph (1)(B). Such procedures shall ensure timely determinations on the
permissibility of such disenrollments.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H89CCF105E3B94A85AACC41EDEC727AA4"><enum>(j)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Relationship to dental care provided by
Secretary</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nothing in this
section shall affect the responsibility of the Secretary to provide dental care
under section 1712 of title 38, United States Code, and the participation of an
individual in the dental insurance plan under the pilot program shall not
affect the individual’s entitlement to outpatient dental services and
treatment, and related dental appliances, under that section.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H954ABAF57A4F4229BF1FD2DAD765E11D"><enum>(k)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Regulations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The dental insurance plan under the pilot
program shall be administered under such regulations as the Secretary shall
prescribe.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA845355A2B09470FB610E604D4C32898" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>511.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Prohibition on collection of copayments
from veterans who are catastrophically disabled</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4072F6E1865C4AD1AD72646C2D48591D"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subchapter III of chapter 17 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H70CB8CD721544596907D8A829DD00DC9" style="USC">
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2736F2A15BF843C189D822D5F1A5DC74" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>1730A.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Prohibition on collection of copayments
from catastrophically disabled veterans</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Notwithstanding subsections (f) and (g) of
section 1710 and section 1722A(a) of this title or any other provision of law,
the Secretary may not require a veteran who is catastrophically disabled, as
defined by the Secretary, to make any copayment for the receipt of hospital
care or medical services under the laws administered by the
Secretary.</text>
</section><after-quoted-block>.
</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC9F3459CE9934D1892DD15B131C1A8A7"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA59A536C1B6C419A875D15DA790A68D3" style="OLC">
<toc>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">1730A. Prohibition on
collection of copayments from catastrophically disabled
veterans.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6941CDC61EFE4B8A862080C3D4F83B55" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>512.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Higher priority status for certain veterans
who are medal of honor recipients</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1705(a)(3) is amended by inserting
<quote>veterans who were awarded the medal of honor under section 3741, 6241,
or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title 14,</quote> after <quote>the Purple
Heart,</quote>.</text>
</section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9A9BC58594134A45AF5CBBD9216D15E9" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>513.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Hospital care, medical services, and
nursing home care for certain Vietnam-era veterans exposed to herbicide and
veterans of the Persian Gulf War</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1710(e) is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA18DE7B7FAA24029ACA7F1CAB82AE3FE"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (3)—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFCBC051324024256907E7FF431ADE512"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>subsection
(a)(2)(F)—</quote> and all that follows through <quote>(C) in the case</quote>
and inserting <quote>subsection (a)(2)(F) in the case</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H091282DF06D94F0AA6046EF20891D6B8"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) of
the former subparagraph (C) as subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such paragraph (3)
and by realigning the margin of such new subparagraphs two ems to the left;
and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3B86884B7D5D47A98B8F5DB3D54D9DB9"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (1)(C)—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H51977B88D13F4B3EA2CE4C9F78781FCC"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>paragraphs (2) and
(3)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraph (2)</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H14AC346D0CF7407792F17124DE038D67"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after <quote>on active
duty</quote> the following: <quote>between August 2, 1990, and November 11,
1998,</quote>.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7A8A9D9CD35C4AB9B078D42BC44DD552" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>514.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment of Director of Physician
Assistant Services in Veterans Health Administration</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB09D4D2C2A3B43599359D293348ED507"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7306(a) is amended by striking
paragraph (9) and inserting the following new paragraph (9):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0A56BD0235854E79B49EDB5377F8F558" style="USC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD788F6325BE64508A97290E17EF20A3B"><enum>(9)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Director of Physician Assistant
Services, who shall—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HECDBAD04109D472FB1C184101C430C03"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">serve in a full-time capacity at the
Central Office of the Department;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H10DB24C50A684F5B88B84FACD7CFF1CE"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">be a qualified physician assistant;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3DAAB5444B0146778738D582A714935B"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">be responsible and report directly to the
Chief Patient Care Services Officer of the Veterans Health Administration on
all matters relating to the education and training, employment, appropriate
use, and optimal participation of physician assistants within the programs and
initiatives of the
Administration.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB02D7526D096479AAF9C4C1634582E28"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Deadline for implementation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
ensure that an individual is serving as the Director of Physician Assistant
Services under paragraph (9) of section 7306(a) of title 38, United States
Code, as amended by subsection (a), by not later than 120 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H17CCDF428F604D889CBDDB98A23A78D7" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>515.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Committee on Care of Veterans with
Traumatic Brain Injury</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6CD1ABF6A7A64987828C4CC01C42B3F0"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment of committee</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by
inserting after section 7321 the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8EC8A400B9BD4E4C9B8C556CC8E74B4E" style="USC">
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE8BBAA23F1BE451DB9C771C50C91590A" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7321A.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Committee on Care of Veterans with
Traumatic Brain Injury</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1F44A26C983A4B4883E3AE8E723570B9"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall establish in the
Veterans Health Administration a committee to be known as the <quote>Committee
on Care of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury</quote>. The Under Secretary
for Health shall appoint employees of the Department with expertise in the care
of veterans with traumatic brain injury to serve on the committee.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEC92AFF04E4740618648482240E59F54"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Responsibilities of committee</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The committee shall assess, and carry out a
continuing assessment of, the capability of the Veterans Health Administration
to meet effectively the treatment and rehabilitation needs of veterans with
traumatic brain injury. In carrying out that responsibility, the committee
shall—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0EC56D290CEA4F9C85C59546787A71E7"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">evaluate the care provided to such veterans
through the Veterans Health Administration;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDB899D1C15854064BCB9A90E6E9941F4"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identify systemwide problems in caring for
such veterans in facilities of the Veterans Health Administration;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H090F371BB8814ADB843F06995DD749D8"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identify specific facilities within the
Veterans Health Administration at which program enrichment is needed to improve
treatment and rehabilitation of such veterans; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0EF8364259E04516920A06E83EED2160"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identify model programs which the committee
considers to have been successful in the treatment and rehabilitation of such
veterans and which should be implemented more widely in or through facilities
of the Veterans Health Administration.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCCA61C43B3284156833FF9F465C962CD"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Advice and recommendations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The committee shall—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDB03F0DAF0CE40ED88655286BC97C5C7"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">advise the Under Secretary regarding the
development of policies for the care and rehabilitation of veterans with
traumatic brain injury; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7E7CFAD3089148F096D4EF1726EFE855"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">make recommendations to the Under
Secretary—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H726F97FAF15D4E5DBE9B309C05559D99"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for improving programs of care of such
veterans at specific facilities and throughout the Veterans Health
Administration;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4AEF0037B402452C8C75936876AC6FDA"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for establishing special programs of
education and training relevant to the care of such veterans for employees of
the Veterans Health Administration;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7A255A5CA37D42BC895400E1AA8BF0A9"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">regarding research needs and priorities
relevant to the care of such veterans; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA979E21B39DA47ACA923A136012A3D6D"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">regarding the appropriate allocation of
resources for all such activities.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H28863A9A0CFC443498FDBE625E3A04E2"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Annual report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than June 1, 2010, and each year
thereafter, 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 implementation of this section. Each such
report shall include the following for the calendar year preceding the year in
which the report is submitted:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBEA4553F89EC4EFAB2B90BFBCE9EAA9C"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A list of the members of the
committee.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2D2F09A914A047EC8D277BA676BB7C73"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The assessment of the Under Secretary for
Health, after review of the findings of the committee, regarding the capability
of the Veterans Health Administration, on a systemwide and facility-by-facility
basis, to meet effectively the treatment and rehabilitation needs of veterans
with traumatic brain injury.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF7B71E2F8DFB4010AA0293070E95A23A"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The plans of the committee for further
assessments.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBB079AEE0F4F438F98A53A4E494D1372"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The findings and recommendations made by
the committee to the Under Secretary for Health and the views of the Under
Secretary on such findings and recommendations.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1E4F154DCCA346A281EBBD0230B382F8"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A description of the steps taken, plans
made (and a timetable for the execution of such plans), and resources to be
applied toward improving the capability of the Veterans Health Administration
to meet effectively the treatment and rehabilitation needs of veterans with
traumatic brain
injury.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3C83CF8D58C14293ACCAFDAB2EE9ADFF"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7321 the
following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H71F6FB04D36144DF81B3724EFB710300" style="USC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7321A. Committee on Care of
Veterans with Traumatic Brain
Injury.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H09B63B7D9DC34723BC25AD475178C6BC" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>516.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Increase in amount available to disabled
veterans for improvements and structural alterations furnished as part of home
health services</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEB055534911145FE9EE9D0EA228E45F1"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Increase</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 1717(a)(2) is amended by striking
subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDFC4855A81604EE98DF77ED023E9BBD5" style="OLC">
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H84549298E4C64BC4AE06E3B89F0AEA59" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of medical services furnished
under section 1710(a)(1) of this title, or for a disability described in
section 1710(a)(2)(C) of this title—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3FF2B2A46E274598A1A0B9CEC7E49214"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of a veteran who first applies
for benefits under this paragraph before the date of the
<short-title>Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health
Services Act of 2010</short-title>, $4,100; or</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3D797800E6A2411C834BBC02E3A873A5"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of a veteran who first applies
for benefits under this paragraph on or after the date of the
<short-title>Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health
Services Act of 2010</short-title>, $6,800; and</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H283E400D6A394D7DA6E4D058D8FB734B" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of medical services furnished
under any other provision of section 1710(a) of this title—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4A349C9AAD1A4C9FBFF1ABE0D6680753"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of a veteran who first applies
for benefits under this paragraph before the date of the
<short-title>Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health
Services Act of 2010</short-title>, $1,200; or</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEAA773727FB24717BFE09FAB3B8005B7"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of a veteran who first applies
for benefits under this paragraph on or after the date of the
<short-title>Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health
Services Act of 2010</short-title>,
$2,000.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0133917F85354484B791B6E92A426668"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Construction</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A veteran who exhausts such veteran’s
eligibility for benefits under section 1717(a)(2) of such title before the date
of the enactment of this Act, is not entitled to additional benefits under such
section by reason of the amendments made by subsection (a).</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2E60DB54C027428CA7E863F135A9A179" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>517.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Extension of statutorily defined copayments
for certain veterans for hospital care and nursing home care</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Subparagraph (B) of section 1710(f)(2) is
amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3E1AE506DFB941FBB56CF2BD64BF1352" style="USC">
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD57866D1F5984AB4B834CE9872C634BB"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">before September 30, 2012, an amount equal
to $10 for every day the veteran receives hospital care and $5 for every day
the veteran receives nursing home
care.</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7EEE06B0E8FC4689814914392F9CAC26" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>518.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Extension of authority to recover cost of
certain care and services from disabled veterans with health-plan
contracts</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Subparagraph (E) of
section 1729(a)(2) is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3095C0A9428C469EAB9704630FC9F920" style="USC">
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H114AF55612234DC6AEC8B96B610B17B6"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for which care and services are furnished
before October 1, 2012, under this chapter to a veteran who—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5D08FE0E1DC74B45BA1F61EF3036AE08"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">has a service-connected disability;
and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7F98BA8F64E54EDB8F75A109084C1AD2"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is entitled to care (or payment of the
expenses of care) under a health-plan
contract.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><enum>VI</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Department personnel matters</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAF8506226E6C4DAB9C81B78CD387B4A8" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>601.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Enhancement of authorities for retention of
medical professionals</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA9169073E5B84397AAFA4A0D49505D8A"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Secretarial authority To extend title 38
status to additional positions</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H68CF606D41B94C5EAB22BF3B8F70879C"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (3) of section 7401 is amended by
striking <quote>and blind rehabilitation outpatient specialists.</quote> and
inserting the following: “blind rehabilitation outpatient specialists, and such
other classes of health care occupations as the Secretary considers necessary
for the recruitment and retention needs of the Department subject to the
following requirements:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H12DB2975450E4D209F544F3169BC958B" style="USC">
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8C3CED3D040D436EB803C939671B5220"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such other classes of health care
occupations—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA39E61F897D54D6694DFD3C897C0FABB"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">are not occupations relating to
administrative, clerical, or physical plant maintenance and protective
services;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H632D19DDEB124496A53326DF77BC5A82"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">that would otherwise receive basic pay in
accordance with the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5;</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA36B70A85E524D38B07F2B8BE17C6270"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provide, as determined by the Secretary,
direct patient care services or services incident to direct patient services;
and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9AFB311F1EF84E9AA149EFEE3853ED13"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">would not otherwise be available to provide
medical care or treatment for veterans.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA76D14FF10254115A10D47972A1F6116"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 45 days before the Secretary
appoints any personnel for a class of health care occupations that is not
specifically listed in this paragraph, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Office of Management and
Budget notice of such appointment.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD08334828BD7417ABF91E84DA7D48CEB"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Before submitting notice under subparagraph
(B), the Secretary shall solicit comments from any labor organization
representing employees in such class and include such comments in such
notice.</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6CE5BECEB2494388AC2FAB6BF18F4751"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Appointment of nurse
assistants</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such paragraph is
further amended by inserting <quote>nurse assistants,</quote> after
<quote>licensed practical or vocational nurses,</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3C9F0DE57DF84FB6B90F921549D79E43"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Probationary periods for registered
nurses</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7403(b) is
amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC192127D73B943EABAE242D56B925EF9"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (1), by striking
<quote>Appointments</quote> and inserting <quote>Except as otherwise provided
in this subsection, appointments</quote>;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA6D9CE7ABC3945C4A519248B59F840B7"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph
(4); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H52D261C5701240B2A7C0510A033F761E"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after paragraph (1) the
following new paragraphs:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HACB0C2AD236545ABB40AC7C1DD7BD2C7" style="USC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H638000FE2AE34558899631F724A943D2" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to the appointment of a
registered nurse under this chapter, paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to
such appointment regardless of whether such appointment is on a full-time basis
or a part-time basis.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAFB37A261889454B8CB127C019176210" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An appointment described in subsection (a)
on a part-time basis of a person who has previously served on a full-time basis
for the probationary period for the position concerned shall be without a
probationary
period.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDCC556D47B514EAAAE89DD01D9BCD934"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Prohibition on temporary part-time
registered nurse appointments in excess of 2 years</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section
7405 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBBA36F1FBD1F4073977CCBD40A4548AB" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDEEA28A4726449E9AADEB1DF69BF0CBA"><enum>(g)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H6CA9B6CC233B468B8CC47C705EA52A36"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided in paragraph (3),
employment of a registered nurse on a temporary part-time basis under
subsection (a)(1) shall be for a probationary period of two years.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF1F6162CC81543FB88E55741D35E3F38" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided in paragraph (3), upon
completion by a registered nurse of the probationary period described in
paragraph (1)—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDE2C20C015A149C886D92EEA2A0DE81E"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the employment of such nurse shall—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H04CC9AE0C87D408988FA6CC1CD687D68"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">no longer be considered temporary;
and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1D642F111BCA46E38CA9F37EBA0A722E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">be considered an appointment described in
section 7403(a) of this title; and</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H95F4615CC88342B3957C68FFFFFC4C3E"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the nurse shall be considered to have
served the probationary period required by section 7403(b).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H300063EA33274208A461F75679165131" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">This subsection shall not apply to
appointments made on a term limited basis of less than or equal to three years
of—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA01B18F21FDB40EB9A14153AA1DE0E23"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">nurses with a part-time appointment
resulting from an academic affiliation or teaching position in a nursing
academy of the Department;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE762F2C37256487A8DDEBA3B062E53DC"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">nurses appointed as a result of a specific
research proposal or grant; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2146B4F8682142879C34F702E4BF9E64"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">nurses who are not citizens of the United
States and appointed under section 7407(a) of this
title.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEF92CEF8D40144889399D8C492AA81EE"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Rate of basic pay for appointees to the
Office of the Under Secretary for Health set to rate of basic pay for Senior
Executive Service positions</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H19EA736682E644FCA8A5A192B9897554"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7404(a) is amended—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBBA0DCBC3D7047279BA353688F4DDD02"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>The annual</quote> and
inserting <quote>(1) The annual</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3AE4A56DEA4A4AC5BC68C305479F7680"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>The pay</quote> and
inserting the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0D83690120F84498804C76884FECA3D7" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H83FC6E04A7F7451E83DD2FD6B4BF8C1D" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The
pay</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H16E7C9FB12F4449CA463DFA58E63BE32"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>under the preceding
sentence</quote> and inserting <quote>under paragraph (1)</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H184FF7D3117B4F4D85B5B85D0A3BB099"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H68C372EA8E52485F8F07DAB0780A3D11" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAF5AEBBF77AA4AD49520F6E45351E98D" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H7CB234387BA443918EB1B0C6C0EBDD32"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The rate of basic pay for a position to
which an Executive order applies under paragraph (1) and is not described by
paragraph (2) shall be set in accordance with section 5382 of title 5 as if
such position were a Senior Executive Service position (as such term is defined
in section 3132(a) of title 5).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB0F074C39F7E4444B2AE8F03AA961843" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A
rate of basic pay for a position may not be set under subparagraph (A) in
excess of—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFD77D6C2CBB745FB82EDE7E1877AE069"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case the position is not described
in clause (ii), the rate of basic pay payable for level III of the Executive
Schedule; or</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H07D38FDA149F42719C0469FE47B76B15"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case that the position is covered by
a performance appraisal system that meets the certification criteria
established by regulation under section 5307(d) of title 5, the rate of basic
pay payable for level II of the Executive Schedule.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6D7AE3189B504D728BC08A9D85CE2CE6" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding the provisions of
subsection (d) of section 5307 of title 5, the Secretary may make any
certification under that subsection instead of the Office of Personnel
Management and without concurrence of the Office of Management and
Budget.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6F24AA993B7E43C8943945B587B14587"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Effective
date</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amendments made by
paragraph (1) shall take effect on the first day of the first pay period
beginning after the day that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4B6CCB72BB384594A229FAF98C057607"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Special incentive pay for Department
pharmacist executives</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section
7410 is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB21BF20941BF4D0C961ED90918D63C13"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>The Secretary
may</quote> and inserting the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF981195E18FF41B7B897E81148463EDE" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0B5D48CE4AAD4FEB87DA271685E0B169"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary
may</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>;
and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H44A5A5CB87E648D2B9FF061E779F3883"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by adding at the end the following new
subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H55F295BB4F354738B0BFD8D6E6C2D9B2" style="USC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC926558053A54658A5409A7B9EED711B"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Special incentive pay for Department
pharmacist executives</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HBE239ECCDC924D608CCC5073EA1A21E0"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In order to recruit and retain highly
qualified Department pharmacist executives, the Secretary may authorize the
Under Secretary for Health to pay special incentive pay of not more than
$40,000 per year to an individual of the Veterans Health Administration who is
a pharmacist executive.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5A323C03CD174D39A66285903D792531" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In determining whether and how much special
pay to provide to such individual, the Under Secretary shall consider the
following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9C93F8869142443D9C9E62D11E96F848"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The grade and step of the position of the
individual.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC261454DFE974B01BF1DD8EBB46A9F5B"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The scope and complexity of the position of
the individual.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2AE35ECE92224B318B33C62DCDDA6EA6"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The personal qualifications of the
individual.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8C050110C92441F1BE53EBE7DEF4DA2C"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The characteristics of the labor market
concerned.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF9DD9379887A49C89A7ED4F915B2C45E"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such other factors as the Secretary
considers appropriate.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H90A28C10F20449598657FBF8F50D9DD3" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Special incentive pay under paragraph (1)
for an individual is in addition to all other pay (including basic pay) and
allowances to which the individual is entitled.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H78FD1774D1A34708AB6545E561877992" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided in paragraph (5),
special incentive pay under paragraph (1) for an individual shall be considered
basic pay for all purposes, including retirement benefits under chapters 83 and
84 of title 5, and other benefits.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC78561A4B26B4019B672C265A5FD53F9" indent="up1"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Special incentive pay under paragraph (1)
for an individual shall not be considered basic pay for purposes of adverse
actions under subchapter V of this chapter.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H08963E41642347488D1E17A1CAB8D96A" indent="up1"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Special incentive pay under paragraph (1)
may not be awarded to an individual in an amount that would result in an
aggregate amount of pay (including bonuses and awards) received by such
individual in a year under this title that is greater than the annual pay of
the
President.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA04DB091E93F4E69933865A6FE020650"><enum>(f)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pay for physicians and dentists</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD0B2B26929FE4FD499638448D5C62A1F"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Non-foreign cost of living adjustment
allowance</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7431(b) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7BFE249B6EBE41B79184460AC3031CFC" style="USC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H71A69F5EC4F14E188219A00E2BCB38A6"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The non-foreign cost of living adjustment
allowance authorized under section 5941 of title 5 for physicians and dentists
whose pay is set under this section shall be determined as a percentage of base
pay
only.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H055511C30F1240F4BC39C1451EB59B65"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Market pay determinations for physicians
and dentists in administrative or executive leadership positions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7431(c)(4)(B)(i) is amended by
adding at the end the following: <quote>The Secretary may exempt physicians and
dentists occupying administrative or executive leadership positions from the
requirements of the previous sentence.</quote>.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD7C0B36BD1CB4EDEA07BD6FF7305DB68"><enum>(3)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Exception to prohibition on reduction of
market pay</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7431(c)(7)
is amended by striking <quote>concerned.</quote> and inserting
<quote>concerned, unless there is a change in board certification or reduction
of privileges.</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBCC611FB4F594176B5AA72E0811A13B9"><enum>(g)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Adjustment of pay cap for
nurses</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7451(c)(2) is
amended by striking <quote>level V</quote> and inserting <quote>level
IV</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBE9D8479FAD540ADA52C0634F999F608"><enum>(h)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Exemption for certified registered nurse
anesthetists from limitation on authorized competitive pay</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7451(c)(2) is further amended by
adding at the end the following new sentence: <quote>The maximum rate of basic
pay for a grade for the position of certified registered nurse anesthetist
pursuant to an adjustment under subsection (d) may exceed the maximum rate
otherwise provided in the preceding sentence.</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H39A6A5D9EA27406386B93113A6661C78"><enum>(i)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Increased limitation on special pay for
nurse executives</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section
7452(g)(2) is amended by striking <quote>$25,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$100,000</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H584284EA402E442C857CD98D062DEC1F"><enum>(j)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Locality pay scale computations</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB35C19B05FE24F5AADBBFF02E068AE82"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Education, training, and support for
facility directors in wage surveys</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7451(d)(3) is amended by adding at
the end the following new subparagraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4116DE26092A43B2A255C70320EDB38A" style="USC">
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2E0256E8ABF14813A929AFA5FBA3BB02" indent="up2"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Under Secretary for Health shall
provide appropriate education, training, and support to directors of Department
health care facilities in the conduct and use of surveys, including the use of
third-party surveys, under this
paragraph.</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0361F427278C449DB4213B5E36C7A815"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Information on methodology used in wage
surveys</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7451(e)(4) is
amended—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2F322227AF8D40A2B3A3BD70E511E341"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (E); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H89E116833B8642728D7DE131288E78F0"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
following new subparagraph (D):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H412208FE70844BEFBE7CEA657CEEFF88" style="USC">
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6E808BE317FD469B9300C1CC166114E5" indent="up1"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In any case in which the director conducts
such a wage survey during the period covered by the report and makes adjustment
in rates of basic pay applicable to one or more covered positions at the
facility, information on the methodology used in making such adjustment or
adjustments.</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H64A5BC41418848DF9ADCD2FD15479F8D"><enum>(3)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Disclosure of information to persons in
covered positions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section
7451(e), as amended by paragraph (2) of this subsection, is further amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC236C440D4D646229B30B6A3D930DD2F" style="USC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H68248A3A45364481854EABCC9A318E53" indent="up1"><enum>(6)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H3FC8D88DCF2E47D19CB578244AD16022"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Upon the request of an individual described
in subparagraph (B) for a report provided under paragraph (4) with respect to a
Department health-care facility, the Under Secretary for Health or the director
of such facility shall provide to the individual the most current report for
such facility provided under such paragraph.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H63418D415CD94EF8B8D2F57D42551586" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An individual described in this
subparagraph is—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6388653F2429401CBB82143268C0259B"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an individual in a covered position at a
Department health-care facility; or</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD57B04927C424A91B12EDB7ECEDB36ED"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a
representative of the labor organization representing that individual who is
designated by that individual to make the
request.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H187BD1FCF287435B80120A70422B64EE"><enum>(k)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Eligibility of part-Time nurses for
additional nurse pay</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1786917DDA1148F7BD10FF12F1A57668"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7453 is amended—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAFE5F5424DC24EB4A857454EDA5AB7EE"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (a), by striking <quote>a
nurse</quote> and inserting <quote>a full-time nurse or part-time
nurse</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0D98A36A62FE4203AAF5CE3C52E5AE93"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (b)—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC0BEA66733E9448CA0BC29B0F75F1C41"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the first sentence—</text>
<subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H59C895B248704E5C9B35ACDF4D881101"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>on a tour of
duty</quote>;</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB119C36EBB7E46E1AF8CB0A21110F6BC"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>service on such
tour</quote> and inserting <quote>such service</quote>; and</text>
</subclause><subclause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H817AA4ACE6B0414AA287554CCE5D5A45"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>of such tour</quote> and
inserting <quote>of such service</quote>; and</text>
</subclause></clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H40900D0810C34F788DC103AFF789B26A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the second sentence, by striking
<quote>of such tour</quote> and inserting <quote>of such
service</quote>;</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H19C60AB84F914DEA8A6122B2FD613B9B"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (c)—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H784C400A4F5043E4865E3C79FB7C57E3"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>on a tour of
duty</quote>; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H12B9D3C302554811B6E2E086BC2344FC"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>service on such
tour</quote> and inserting <quote>such service</quote>; and</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H079D3C141A0E4F0787C0745866D5D8D2"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (e)—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H446323A68F8446589CC844F264D86DCC"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (1), by striking <quote>eight
hours in a day</quote> and inserting <quote>eight consecutive hours</quote>;
and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB54E28D628BF4A1F91A4FCD5E6C4CEED"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (5)(A), by striking
<quote>tour of duty</quote> and inserting <quote>period of
service</quote>.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HACADF82552AF4913A9928822DF8FEACA"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Exclusion of application of additional
nurse pay provisions to certain additional employees</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (3) of section 7454(b) is amended
to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF94ABAC231184209833F67B17463F236" style="USC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9F7835D206D14B32B0E2BC5F16090EA1" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Employees appointed under section 7408 of
this title performing service on a tour of duty, any part of which is within
the period commencing at midnight Friday and ending at midnight Sunday, shall
receive additional pay in addition to the rate of basic pay provided such
employees for each hour of service on such tour at a rate equal to 25 percent
of such employee's hourly rate of basic
pay.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0E1CFB1D182A44C59293DF0DA2D50D38"><enum>(l)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Enhanced authority To increase rates of
basic pay To obtain or retain services of certain persons</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7455(c) is amended to read as
follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAC9824BF1D3F4B04847CD3194CB8082F" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFC8D96FAB29C4A90A2B65439C0F82483"><enum>(c)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HE463BE10AD6B42E597A86DA994514B00"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subject to paragraph (2), the amount of any
increase under subsection (a) in the minimum rate for any grade may not (except
in the case of nurse anesthetists, licensed practical nurses, licensed
vocational nurses, nursing positions otherwise covered by title 5, pharmacists,
and licensed physical therapists) exceed the maximum rate of basic pay
(excluding any locality-based comparability payment under section 5304 of title
5 or similar provision of law) for the grade or level by more than 30
percent.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9E5E9D6A1D644B0D8D69A02E8779023F" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">No rate may be established under this
section in excess of the rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the
Executive
Schedule.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H801F90E6D93240FE892B97B9070697C9" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>602.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Limitations on overtime duty, weekend duty,
and alternative work schedules for nurses</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HADB5158164B94974A5597926416CC5A7"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Overtime duty</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HECC24E96A8914112992940C2BD7A2693"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subchapter IV of chapter 74 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4CA44BFB6B8D4734A371CD3C088A5BE4" style="USC">
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H488F180A2DE44AE9B94FCA53C6CA2449" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7459.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nursing staff: special rules for overtime
duty</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5A93C91C4958492C89E950C79789B7D5"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Limitation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided in subsection (c), the
Secretary may not require nursing staff to work more than 40 hours (or 24 hours
if such staff is covered under section 7456 of this title) in an administrative
work week or more than eight consecutive hours (or 12 hours if such staff is
covered under section 7456 or 7456A of this title).</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7F4DACA3CCDF42DE9806EFF884239B12"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Voluntary overtime</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H9E800B7150754D478B6080753204516C"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nursing staff may on a voluntary basis
elect to work hours otherwise prohibited by subsection (a).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4874F5BEA0C449E395C73A89ED2A5FCE" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The refusal of nursing staff to work hours
prohibited by subsection (a) shall not be grounds—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H48F6A015955F4AEB90058EFCE96D2937"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to discriminate (within the meaning of
section 704(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–3(a))) against
the staff;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8BF7528B08EC4B5E849E166A407DC73B"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to dismiss or discharge the staff;
or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB83471174B4847CE881D27168ED9154C"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">for any other adverse personnel action
against the staff.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE03DD8C2A66B4408B62D3E2C5DD1DF4D"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Overtime under emergency
circumstances</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H2C2F6A99227E4AA8B28E1D3ACB0F3183"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may
require nursing staff to work hours otherwise prohibited by subsection (a)
if—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC7977A4376B748E9A7FA1EA3DC3D746B" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the work is a consequence of an emergency
that could not have been reasonably anticipated;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0FE84620A22A4AC4AD31FF8CC0E48F25" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the emergency is non-recurring and is not
caused by or aggravated by the inattention of the Secretary or lack of
reasonable contingency planning by the Secretary;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H68F5D6FE06394B9EAA404CE54B9333B8" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Secretary has exhausted all good faith,
reasonable attempts to obtain voluntary workers;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC600BB1BA97B409186C346B5D5A834AC" indent="up1"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the nurse staff have critical skills and
expertise that are required for the work; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5EBCEA69D7084390A071079C4AA462D9" indent="up1"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the work involves work for which the
standard of care for a patient assignment requires continuity of care through
completion of a case, treatment, or procedure.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H41F6AD0D85444CFCA07BB166BC0104B7" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nursing staff may not be required to work
hours under this subsection after the requirement for a direct role by the
staff in responding to medical needs resulting from the emergency ends.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC420C2536F0E4562BF6BDB7CE33A9998"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nursing staff defined</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section, the term <term>nursing
staff</term> includes the following:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEA30B92B18F0477FAFC504698FDDF622"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A registered nurse.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA04012D69E2147F89B961B20014002FC"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A licensed practical or vocational
nurse.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAC164CE0212F4ADCB1E5A7243DCFC6DF"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A nurse assistant appointed under this
chapter or title 5.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H11053CFC4E624A13B00A5102658147CF"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any other nurse position designated by the
Secretary for purposes of this
section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H618E241042404DB0A6CC1751D3EFB7AB"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 74 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7458 the
following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC020F63A01D740EEA37A8DFDDD7B2858" style="USC">
<toc>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7459. Nursing staff: special
rules for overtime
duty.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H37AC04E5BC3D40F4A53735233E3DA257"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Weekend duty</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7456 is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6C555F622FB0468C972C84BBCBAB0F75"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking subsection (c); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0C71948D5E404E2EBFBF4D1BA56354E9"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating subsection (d) as
subsection (c).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2456184C185C4D1CB03118B7783D40CB"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Alternate work schedules</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7C749A2D305C493FB9F1965909663191"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7456A(b)(1)(A) is amended by
striking <quote>three regularly scheduled</quote> and all that follows through
the period at the end and inserting <quote>six regularly scheduled 12-hour
tours of duty within a 14-day period shall be considered for all purposes to
have worked a full 80-hour pay period.</quote>.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H95A20751FC6C4478ACCAC3C2DC77042E"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Conforming amendments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7456A(b) is amended—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE79F1B2F202E447BABBB19DC4BA6F647"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the subsection heading, by striking
<quote><header-in-text level="subsection" style="USC">36/40</header-in-text></quote> and inserting <quote><header-in-text level="subsection" style="USC">72/80</header-in-text></quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H23DBD7C93E4447A790D8805D0C71E8DD"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (2)(A), by striking
<quote>40-hour basic work week</quote> and inserting <quote>80-hour pay
period</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H33D72C80EFB649CC9F969F109FD6B373"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (3), by striking
<quote>regularly</quote>.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA806D169E52A491480DCB076CF7017E6" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>603.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Reauthorization of health professionals
educational assistance scholarship program</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0EBDB67165944D18BD0C17D614C16267"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7618 is amended by striking
<quote>December 31, 1998</quote> and inserting <quote>December 31,
2014</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HABB56829FCCD496B957DC526D9AD783F"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Expansion of eligibility
requirements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section
7612(b)(2) is amended by striking <quote>(under section</quote> and all that
follows through <quote>or vocational nurse.</quote> and inserting the
following: <quote>as an appointee under paragraph (1) or (3) of section 7401 of
this title.</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF175F0E9E1E640318D00D00B87C414D6"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Additional program
requirements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subchapter II of
chapter 76, as amended by subsections (a) and (b), is further amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H60B1A82594E04C71926A32A6E2DD0620"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating section 7618 as section
7619; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCF6D117EA797448B916F324D1BB43A80"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after section 7617 the
following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HADF53E001A174C99B160D08B66BEB875" style="USC">
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H80E9DC7092364D0C8E9C0FE2E34B256B" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7618.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Additional program requirements</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5B0CAFEECB414344BEA0028FA33F036C"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Program modification</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding any provision of this
subchapter, the Secretary shall carry out this subchapter after the date of the
enactment of this section by modifying the Scholarship Program in such a manner
that the program and hiring processes are designed to fully employ Scholarship
Program graduates as soon as possible, if not immediately, upon graduation and
completion of necessary certifications, and to actively assist and monitor
graduates to ensure certifications are obtained in a minimal amount of time
following graduation.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H453DC233F23342FBB0FB93D895A5F06A"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clinical
tours</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall
require participants in the Scholarship Program to perform clinical tours in
assignments or locations determined by the Secretary while the participants are
enrolled in the course of education or training for which the scholarship is
provided.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8A9377077B0C4251A0C1B7ED867661A1"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Mentors</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall ensure that at the
commencement of the period of obligated service of a participant in the
Scholarship Program, the participant is assigned to a mentor who is employed in
the same facility where the participant performs such
service.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H318F6DED0D9E4C0EBF04781E6677F7D1"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 76 is amended by striking the item relating to section 7618 and
inserting the following new items:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6E02B982E5AF434E8D65D49A396D3C41" style="USC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7618. Additional program
requirements.</toc-entry>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7619. Expiration of
program.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE4019499A4074A069D68B725A12BEB55" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>604.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Loan repayment program for clinical
researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H64056EFE24DD4866BDBD989ADD8EA60A"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may, in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, use the
authorities available in section 487E of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 288–5) for the repayment of the principal and interest of educational
loans of appropriately qualified health professionals who are from
disadvantaged backgrounds in order to secure clinical research by such
professionals for the Veterans Health Administration.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9DE18EB66F094D0EB817FB6E7B905C1D"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Limitations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The exercise by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs of the authorities referred to in subsection (a) shall be subject to
the conditions and limitations specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section
487E(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 288–5(a)(2) and
(3)).</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF00E74267ACC44C69EC005AE80B458CA"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Funding</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Amounts for the repayment of principal and
interest of educational loans under this section shall be derived from amounts
available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health
Administration for Medical Services.</text>
</subsection></section><enum>VII</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Homeless veterans matters</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H42F51FA4B9974A16B94B83200943294C" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>701.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Per diem grant payments to nonconforming
entities</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 2012 is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1100B84988D64E558E5FFFEF4DBD3687" style="USC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDA9FD3731F2C4D9895D8C2183FF1C87E"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Per diem payments to nonconforming
entities</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H574EDD5CFD0A4F53A78DD2B1CF538F62"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may make funds available for
per diem payments under this section to the following grant recipients or
eligible entities:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6A9223947AC549C3B25EE27F9FB0971B" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grant recipients or eligible entities
that—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2AE30FB437B041ADA39F14D4F48DD9D6"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">meet each of the transitional and
supportive services criteria prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to subsection
(a)(1); and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAECFAB8C20EC45B5962777A7A3806E46"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">furnish services to homeless individuals,
of which less than 75 percent are veterans.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H16CC5B45941A4154AEB526EC49BE5C8E" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grant recipients or eligible entities
that—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBF136D2EF40E41BFAF9A0D6CBD18A3C2"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">meet at least one, but not all, of the
transitional and supportive services criteria prescribed by the Secretary
pursuant to subsection (a)(1); and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD4EFAFE7FDC74CE28357768322128A61"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">furnish services to homeless individuals,
of which not less than 75 percent are veterans.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC638238CA51A46758D4372D5E0C09B1B" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grant recipients or eligible entities
that—</text>
<clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H03F07B67713046E48E6596105E039D3F"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">meet at least one, but not all, of the
transitional and supportive services criteria prescribed by the Secretary
pursuant to subsection (a)(1); and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3DB65D926D2A42EBA65C0A6D81474536"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">furnish services to homeless individuals,
of which less than 75 percent are veterans.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6EC322C18EC7438ABE380D2BF5F58CFD" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), in
providing per diem payments under this subsection, the Secretary shall
determine the rate of such per diem payments in accordance with the following
order of priority:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1FCD5DD29C644405B2C452083B4D9B50"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grant recipients or eligible entities
described by paragraph (1)(A).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE4930CC284514F9CB2F57F128A7F4CEB"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grant recipients or eligible entities
described by paragraph (1)(B).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9E344DD4DE40492798FF7471CFB86478"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Grant recipients or eligible entities
described by paragraph (1)(C).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9C3947AF388B4056A69A9FDD68CB8EE0" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of this subsection, an
eligible entity is a nonprofit entity and may be an entity that is ineligible
to receive a grant under section 2011 of this title, but whom the Secretary
determines carries out the purposes described in that
section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><enum>VIII</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nonprofit research and education
corporations</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H61EEA70A9B5E41179FEDB02A2F89B9E4" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>801.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">General authorities on establishment of
corporations</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8A0027BDC2A54E5BA1CEB785A34C94A4"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of multi-medical center
research corporations</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HED239F0E8AD4491382DD87E2C7D22018"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7361 is amended—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4691F2F867524AA0B63D45C5A40EF694"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating subsection (b) as
subsection (e); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFBF0D15D1093465EB7C55E94CE709F1B"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after subsection (a) the
following new subsection (b):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4EB972AF8BA04B29AC201D6491EBFC29" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC6F55A90F4374A19A4F31EA18A8B5DE6"><enum>(b)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H90F5856D172645F89250166FB15FCAF3"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subject to paragraph (2), a corporation
established under this subchapter may facilitate the conduct of research,
education, or both at more than one medical center. Such a corporation shall be
known as a <quote>multi-medical center research corporation</quote>.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5D0E6DD1B2C4495684EBE38244DAFA86" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The board of directors of a multi-medical
center research corporation under this subsection shall include the official at
each Department medical center concerned who is, or who carries out the
responsibilities of, the medical center director of such center as specified in
section 7363(a)(1)(A)(i) of this title.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0C65898DF8F743398A54D729C4AADA8B" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In facilitating the conduct of research,
education, or both at more than one Department medical center under this
subchapter, a multi-medical center research corporation may administer receipts
and expenditures relating to such research, education, or both, as applicable,
performed at the Department medical centers
concerned.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H545C15BAF44C405591EEDA9EEE7462DD"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Expansion of existing corporations to
multi-medical center research corporations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such section is further amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDBB2F6B6E8B649E8B64D833B284468A1" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H977200E35A314ED193B40CFC54A552BB"><enum>(f)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A corporation established under this
subchapter may act as a multi-medical center research corporation under this
subchapter in accordance with subsection (b) if—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H071ADB1564B94E00977A28EA2C072787"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the board of directors of the corporation
approves a resolution permitting facilitation by the corporation of the conduct
of research, education, or both at the other Department medical center or
medical centers concerned; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFABE17019D4A47038B474293B534B2FB"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the Secretary approves the resolution of
the corporation under paragraph
(1).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD8558B14F3CE4AC1A7C3799B801F07B0"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Restatement and modification of authorities
on applicability of State law</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3256E1BA414749369E0DA72BBD07ACA2"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7361 as amended by subsection (a)
of this section, is further amended by inserting after subsection (b) the
following new subsection (c):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1BD8FCE3E01845BCAD83D936B00EAF10" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFDEC4236F099463E8B69A4012DEDBBC2"><enum>(c)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any corporation established under this
subchapter shall be established in accordance with the nonprofit corporation
laws of the State in which the applicable Department medical center is located
and shall, to the extent not inconsistent with any Federal law, be subject to
the laws of such State. In the case of any multi-medical center research
corporation that facilitates the conduct of research, education, or both at
Department medical centers located in different States, the corporation shall
be established in accordance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the State
in which one of such Department medical centers is
located.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA3645BE26C0D40C79FC296271494C868"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Conforming amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7365 is repealed.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA3298415E4724B85A363BA2F61202B87"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clarification of status of
corporations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7361, as
amended by this section, is further amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEDF41BEE069246F987040D1C1679F73F"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (a), by striking the second
sentence; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H69D2E66A35A04F4DB9C062177D100CBE"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after subsection (c) the
following new subsection (d):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDD52A100CE1D4DFB8D996CC8367AF96F" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H09B80CBA196849C5932529D83CA15AAC"><enum>(d)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HC2186EEE90F04754AFF4B0B24E23C9B2"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as otherwise provided in this
subchapter or under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, any corporation
established under this subchapter, and its officers, directors, and employees,
shall be required to comply only with those Federal laws, regulations, and
executive orders and directives that apply generally to private nonprofit
corporations.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF04602914D4E40358402128D29A39E4C" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A
corporation under this subchapter is not—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H83614192167A459085223B5DA26E37FE"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">owned or controlled by the United States;
or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H28A68A392CC74F9F8A1DF252D87F8BA9"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">an agency or instrumentality of the United
States.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2EFB164379C04B71847EC8B6D38836E7"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Reinstatement of requirement for 501(c)(3)
status of corporations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (e) of section 7361, as
redesignated by subsection (a)(1), is further amended by inserting
<quote>section 501(c)(3) of</quote> after <quote>exempt from taxation
under</quote>.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC812B50B2DF64354BA8BA4E8C52A642A" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>802.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clarification of purposes of
corporations</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1A947C5F39EA493D967656D73938B617"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clarification of purposes</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (a) of section 7362 is amended
in the first sentence—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5513D606F5494E368C4B5629F2F3296E"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>Any corporation</quote>
and all that follows through <quote>facilitate</quote> and inserting <quote>A
corporation established under this subchapter shall be established to provide a
flexible funding mechanism for the conduct of approved research and education
at one or more Department medical centers and to facilitate functions related
to the conduct of</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H80E32B9D39914810917CA146321F0885"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting before the period at the end
the following: <quote>or centers</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF2513B6187F34D37ADD92A7306103A59"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Modification of defined term relating to
education and training</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (b) of such section is amended
in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking <quote>the term
<term>education and training</term></quote> and inserting <quote>the term
<term>education</term> includes education and training and</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDE2DE75E941048F9A99E5C30D8419E96"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Repeal of role of corporations with respect
to fellowships</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (1)
of subsection (b) of such section is amended by striking the flush matter
following subparagraph (C).</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAADB71D450214A2E86A2E5055570E8C0"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Availability of education for families of
veteran patients</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph
(2) of subsection (b) of such section is amended by striking <quote>to patients
and to the families</quote> and inserting <quote>and includes education and
training for patients and families</quote>.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9EE87E3FC9B74F909102789729B78D10" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>803.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Modification of requirements for boards of
directors of corporations</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC1685F29CD884DF29249138CDD59C56D"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Requirements for department board
members</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (1) of
section 7363(a) is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0153CBC240A14405B17B14329B6AE2C3" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H74E6B1C16EDB41D18D53FF52B10D0D59"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">with respect to the Department medical
center—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF99AABBB0A7D4ED1A86957E0FAD9EB80"><enum>(A)</enum><clause commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H630E6623893743C48F755F80C42B03EF"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the director (or directors of each
Department medical center, in the case of a multi-medical center research
corporation);</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDB23DB28E71B406891481D6A0D3F2AC9" indent="up1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the chief of staff; and</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4DD18E84FD674AB29A5A3C30939585DF" indent="up1"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">as appropriate for the activities of such
corporation, the associate chief of staff for research and the associate chief
of staff for education; or</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H314922DF971C40B8ADF9195FF6FA2325"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of a Department medical center
at which one or more of the positions referred to in subparagraph (A) do not
exist, the official or officials who are responsible for carrying out the
responsibilities of such position or positions at the Department medical
center;
and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H12A607A5C375404C8B4917B64BE420D2"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Requirements for non-department board
members</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (2) of such
section is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB13CB4BE789E4DBDB85D502B32D47A80"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting <quote>not less than
two</quote> before <quote>members</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H36B2C3FF374142FFBC6000B69502D818"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>and who</quote> and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting <quote>and who have
backgrounds, or business, legal, financial, medical, or scientific expertise,
of benefit to the operations of the corporation.</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H222E2B2444FC432AA1ABDF20F334F35F"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Conflicts of interest</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (c) of section 7363 is amended
by striking <quote>, employed by, or have any other financial relationship
with</quote> and inserting <quote>or employed by</quote>.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H87C3634BC78E4D949DD13FEEA53843FB" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>804.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clarification of powers of
corporations</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB22CD4A1C0E94AC2B3964CA682D0468C"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7364 is amended to read as
follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H68D4E2D376554428930E3ADAAE07547F" style="USC">
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H02F5CA6C95C24A488A86E3BDA9A440A2" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>7364.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">General powers</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB0CB58F4BBE34509817227301EA998E1"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HAE383E9C482F467698113E42E13B5218"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A corporation established under this
subchapter may, solely to carry out the purposes of this subchapter—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H92D6220139514CDAAAD830817EA13980" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">accept, administer, retain, and spend funds
derived from gifts, contributions, grants, fees, reimbursements, and bequests
from individuals and public and private entities;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAC52F66C1722411D9E35B8032006C2B4" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">enter into contracts and agreements with
individuals and public and private entities;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H12D9A55EE6984D23BAD57FF8AC614CCB" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">subject to paragraph (2), set fees for
education and training facilitated under section 7362 of this title, and
receive, retain, administer, and spend funds in furtherance of such education
and training;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB5893B1EF8A74762BC62260C90D6D89F" indent="up1"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">reimburse amounts to the applicable
appropriation account of the Department for the Office of General Counsel for
any expenses of that Office in providing legal services attributable to
research and education agreements under this subchapter; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H85F67C2ACE524B28B1F165A2FB1372EB" indent="up1"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">employ such employees as the corporation
considers necessary for such purposes and fix the compensation of such
employees.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFE037D1651584026ABA8D1F6CB62A9FA" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Fees charged pursuant to paragraph (1)(C)
for education and training described in that paragraph to individuals who are
officers or employees of the Department may not be paid for by any funds
appropriated to the Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFC2DD0BB58A043648A9C8421A950887D" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Amounts reimbursed to the Office of General
Counsel under paragraph (1)(D) shall be available for use by the Office of the
General Counsel only for staff and training, and related travel, for the
provision of legal services described in that paragraph and shall remain
available for such use without fiscal year limitation.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB923F54744654E789EF4518BAE9AFB21"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Transfer and administration of
funds</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HF3005B772672409CBEF5F0202D6ED602"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided in paragraph (2), any
funds received by the Secretary for the conduct of research or education at a
Department medical center or centers, other than funds appropriated to the
Department, may be transferred to and administered by a corporation established
under this subchapter for such purposes.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H953F277406F5489BA572BE8D4CE07911" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A
Department medical center may reimburse the corporation for all or a portion of
the pay, benefits, or both of an employee of the corporation who is assigned to
the Department medical center if the assignment is carried out pursuant to
subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H17267C10FE754908A6E89CAE005B2A51" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A
Department medical center may retain and use funds provided to it by a
corporation established under this subchapter. Such funds shall be credited to
the applicable appropriation account of the Department and shall be available,
without fiscal year limitation, for the purposes of that account.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1CA2BB6854AD4DB7BE8247129F1D6E40"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Research projects</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except for reasonable and usual preliminary
costs for project planning before its approval, a corporation established under
this subchapter may not spend funds for a research project unless the project
is approved in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Under Secretary for
Health for research carried out with Department funds. Such procedures shall
include a scientific review process.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4D4536E415674AA990F20EDE84BF8B1D"><enum>(d)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Education activities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except for reasonable and usual preliminary
costs for activity planning before its approval, a corporation established
under this subchapter may not spend funds for an education activity unless the
activity is approved in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Under
Secretary for Health.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2CACD9994EB84C769FE50567922AA5E8"><enum>(e)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Policies and procedures</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Under Secretary for Health may
prescribe policies and procedures to guide the spending of funds by
corporations established under this subchapter that are consistent with the
purpose of such corporations as flexible funding mechanisms and with Federal
and State laws and regulations, and executive orders, circulars, and directives
that apply generally to the receipt and expenditure of funds by nonprofit
organizations exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of
1986.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0A1C925205694040A2936C1040AD652E"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Conforming amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7362(a), as amended by section
802(a)(1) of this Act, is further amended by striking the last sentence.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEEA8E0097E8745BB92D4B0F106E7B0D9" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>805.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Redesignation of section 7364A of title 38,
United States Code</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA47A4721BEC24A948E405A488C94A3E7"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Redesignation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7364A is redesignated as section
7365.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H48583B84F09649EEA77A043B88AF1C1D"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Clerical Amendments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 73 is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H78837F7D42394DA6B3001A37DA7A97CC"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking the item relating to section
7364A; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF98B2AEA78CB463AA3EF5ACDEBA0243D"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking the item relating to section
7365 and inserting the following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF9DDD9CAD8864243B5F72E9B970EA166" style="USC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">7365. Coverage of employees
under certain Federal tort claims
laws.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5F5E1BFDCA2842ED954BA413923B0B21" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>806.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Improved accountability and oversight of
corporations</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7E15956FB1B3445780C8B981DD906017"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Additional information in annual
reports</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (b) of
section 7366 is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H976D2DB519444E998ABEEFA4E9D0C769" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1C411F8E3E424BFDA23290E419C04AFA"><enum>(b)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H4B1BAC90606F404B8F9A113EC577F286"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each corporation shall submit to the
Secretary each year a report providing a detailed statement of the operations,
activities, and accomplishments of the corporation during that year.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFEE8B3439D8D4A17A161F7FBC79895ED" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H587A168650214443BECBB9740D4B4DB0"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A corporation with revenues in excess of
$500,000 for any year shall obtain an audit of the corporation for that
year.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H67EC46BCCB4C4250A88104214667498D" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A
corporation with annual revenues between $100,000 and $500,000 shall obtain an
audit of the corporation at least once every three years.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDBFE0E2492704E578C7C97A9BAA35D4D" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any audit under this paragraph shall be
performed by an independent auditor.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB10775B9FB764DB189A9643F972D5F20" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The corporation shall include in each
report to the Secretary under paragraph (1) the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H64C4FD53C0694F99AA3ABCC888F7A628"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The most recent audit of the corporation
under paragraph (2).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H143EF35CDFF24B52A3562AC501EF363B"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The most recent Internal Revenue Service
Form 990 <quote>Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax</quote> or
equivalent and the applicable schedules under such
form.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H34DA6A5146DC446CA29ABBCF57EACD97"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Conflict of interest policies</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (c) of such section is amended
to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H94276C674A6F4EE1A0CA8CE5DFDCE713" style="USC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF3854B0C8B034A23A4F6F70315CC0391"><enum>(c)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each director, officer, and employee of a
corporation established under this subchapter shall be subject to a conflict of
interest policy adopted by that
corporation.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC37B1F3BE08445C986A4E8B5414971FB"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Establishment of appropriate payee
reporting threshold</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (d)(3)(C) of such section is
amended by striking <quote>$35,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$50,000</quote>.</text>
</subsection></section><enum>IX</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Construction and naming matters</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HABE1883EEAC845BDBF7C08F0CCEC51C1" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>901.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of medical facility
projects</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H278AD4AEC95A4A8FB41930873DAB9DE3"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of fiscal year 2010 major
medical facility projects</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The
Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following major medical
facility projects in fiscal year 2010, with each project to be carried out in
the amount specified for such project:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA30CC33D4DA24A2698643110CCAC9FA3"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Construction (including acquisition of
land) for the realignment of services and closure projects at the Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Livermore, California, in an amount not to
exceed $55,430,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF0B4BE83E2364703BB1E76F78B6F30EE"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Construction (including acquisition of
land) for a new medical facility at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center in Louisville, Kentucky, in an amount not to exceed $75,000,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFF30BC3D7CC641029C461B76427E07C8"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Construction (including acquisition of
land) for a clinical expansion for a Mental Health Facility at the Department
of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, in an amount not to exceed
$15,640,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2040FFF7EB45460AACE44858A833E5DA"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Construction (including acquisition of
land) for a replacement bed tower and clinical expansion at the Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri, in an amount not to
exceed $43,340,000.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD82047468F8B495F83273027CDB1A078"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Extension of authorization for major
medical facility construction projects previously authorized</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry
out the following major medical facility projects in fiscal year 2010, as
follows with each project to be carried out in the amount specified for such
project:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE61BDF5D649B4819A2E2C51503F57F9A"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Replacement of the existing Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, in an amount not to exceed
$800,000,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCC20A98F17D946DDB96052FD96BA82FD"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Construction of Outpatient and Inpatient
Improvements in Bay Pines, Florida, in an amount not to exceed
$194,400,000.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1805D88D252A4BE9AD9E91C7AD3C4564"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of appropriations</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEFE2D4D2087F4B5DBF1358CA9DE1E5BE"><enum>(1)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Authorization of appropriations for
construction</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal
year 2010, or the year in which funds are appropriated, for the Construction,
Major Projects account—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE59F063CEB7549A69ACA602F308A9EC2"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$189,410,000 for the projects authorized in
subsection (a); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB06BCEE327EA458BB82450486A2940BC"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$994,400,000 for the projects authorized in
subsection (b).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H47C89CDE9AA0455CA6B879EF89B27D11"><enum>(2)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Limitation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The projects authorized in subsections (a)
and (b) may only be carried out using—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC8D832E8314F413F981E6B9E6BA0012B"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">funds appropriated for fiscal year 2010
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in paragraph (1);</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HACAF00EF3B6C494E9E1EF5E7651E7434"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">funds available for Construction, Major
Projects for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2010 that remain available for
obligation;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAB24971CCAAE4883B806303CAD8D47C3"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">funds available for Construction, Major
Projects for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2010 that remain available for
obligation;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7B6BAEAFFFCF44E892C2342AD1B43C34"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">funds appropriated for Construction, Major
Projects for fiscal year 2010 for a category of activity not specific to a
project;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE02B67E22A72495A9333AF61D4DADD7F"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">funds appropriated for Construction, Major
Projects for a fiscal year before 2010 for a category of activity not specific
to a project; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H74B82365C5F5416680446EDB8719CD42"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">funds appropriated for Construction, Major
Projects for a fiscal year after 2010 for a category of activity not specific
to a project.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3B16FC7491834214957E5D62160C182E" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>902.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Designation of Merril Lundman Department of
Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Havre, Montana</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAA2BC00B16D444788E8EC2F2BD7D7BDE"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Designation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Department of Veterans Affairs
outpatient clinic in Havre, Montana, shall after the date of the enactment of
this Act be known and designated as the <quote>Merril Lundman Department of
Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H811BF1CEEE2D407CAC0309D4E5EF214B"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">References</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any reference in any law, regulation, map,
document, record, or other paper of the United States to the outpatient clinic
referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to the
Merril Lundman Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3E4E4D5741D6456C8EB16CD00D426F63" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>903.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Designation of William C. Tallent
Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Knoxville, Tennessee</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H957CCDE7E13F476483716BA3FDF8FA78"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Designation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Department of Veterans Affairs
Outpatient Clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, shall after the date of the
enactment of this Act be known and designated as the <quote>William C. Tallent
Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1C7808D4A9054ABCAB0C47B3F6CD468C"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">References</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any reference in any law, regulation, map,
document, record, or other paper of the United States to the outpatient clinic
referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to the
William C. Tallent Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD21E911388D745E9A95FFCBF3F36B2C7" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>904.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Designation of Max J. Beilke Department of
Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Alexandria, Minnesota</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H63238EAA019B45948956C165A39008EB"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Designation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Department of Veterans Affairs
outpatient clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota, shall after the date of the
enactment of this Act be known and designated as the <quote>Max J. Beilke
Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H437E02DCF91247DA82CC011DB0857568"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">References</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any reference in any law, regulation, map,
document, record, or other paper of the United States to the outpatient clinic
referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to the Max
J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.</text>
</subsection></section><enum>X</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Other matters</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5A6C430902F74CE48D575FA3345656C9" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>1001.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Expansion of authority for Department of
Veterans Affairs police officers</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 902 is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H50E1A1CE9C804C5D803CB225B54C66B2"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (a)—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF76FBF9C402141FBA095DB705B11B869"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by amending paragraph (1) to read as
follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9F24D74119A94FAC82C9B58946E239DD" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H03D1E9B011454A678F4B0FEDCE61375D" indent="up1"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Employees of the Department who are
Department police officers shall, with respect to acts occurring on Department
property—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB39C701F3C874594A572DEF74586B766"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">enforce Federal laws;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H92240EB5588B4AA38BBFBE208B6D23AB"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">enforce the rules prescribed under section
901 of this title;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H68446B2F281541AF837D2D7F51989F8D"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">enforce traffic and motor vehicle laws of a
State or local government (by issuance of a citation for violation of such
laws) within the jurisdiction of which such Department property is located as
authorized by an express grant of authority under applicable State or local
law;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC2469D74A5D54DAD910AA81593E2D504"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">carry the appropriate Department-issued
weapons, including firearms, while off Department property in an official
capacity or while in an official travel status;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBA47404E41DD4CF7B875F930C7D7AE3E"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">conduct investigations, on and off
Department property, of offenses that may have been committed on property under
the original jurisdiction of Department, consistent with agreements or other
consultation with affected Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBF0E55C2227E4B86991FCC7EF4EA5285"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">carry out, as needed and appropriate, the
duties described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) when engaged in duties
authorized by other Federal
statutes.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4F52AD55CE724988A4A3075A93475EF9"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating
paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H91979A2ED62F49A18818C84CA5AB7CB5"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in paragraph (2), as redesignated by
subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, by inserting <quote>, and on any arrest
warrant issued by competent judicial authority</quote> before the period;
and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA1A6EBF573BA4BDEAEBE09A5CD115BE0"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by amending subsection (c) to read as
follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H839EE0BD3B1A41BD8646D2F5107AEBD8" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE31BFFFBEB0C4ABBAB87942346B5008F"><enum>(c)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The powers granted to Department police
officers designated under this section shall be exercised in accordance with
guidelines approved by the Secretary and the Attorney
General.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H768DF7F26F4F4B67873C3A161E112E21" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>1002.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Uniform allowance for Department of
Veterans Affairs police officers</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 903 is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD5A646A6B0774DC8A4C7A61C51B80761"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking subsection (b) and inserting
the following new subsection (b):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEC8EAE4DEBAB42ECBFEC272B0020A5BD" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4285C7025AAE41518A0F0070CA781A82"><enum>(b)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HAF4D36022B8C4FE2B578D207E4573125"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The amount of the allowance that the
Secretary may pay under this section is the lesser of—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H918694ECEF0141558E9C0755C18512B2" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the amount currently allowed as prescribed
by the Office of Personnel Management; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3C6C4E43B5E0477E8D7F7DAA3D727AFB" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">estimated costs or actual costs as
determined by periodic surveys conducted by the Department.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6496D5D627C7409CA2991FF5CAD2228A" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">During any fiscal year no officer shall
receive more for the purchase of a uniform described in subsection (a) than the
amount established under this
subsection.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>;
and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H01DCB24E9B0C4310A34869D1019FECB6"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking subsection (c) and inserting
the following new subsection (c):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HADEC647D7D8345F2AAE7CF73669A7821" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H087DB354B5EB4ACD848A133BEFB5193A"><enum>(c)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The allowance established under subsection
(b) shall be paid at the beginning of a Department police officer's employment
for those appointed on or after October 1, 2010. In the case of any other
Department police officer, an allowance in the amount established under
subsection (b) shall be paid upon the request of the
officer.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFE5F229E067845E2A91414BA2E5515FF" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>1003.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Submission of reports to Congress by
Secretary of Veterans Affairs in electronic form</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8DE40F1595F946CF9F59FB0FEDA5B262"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Chapter 1 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA77007B0490249E8B7339497FFDC96E8" style="USC">
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3353BEE826704E2AB680B86BADA19091" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>118.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Submission of reports to Congress in
electronic form</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2F9171879CC64DA7AEA0FFA3B2009A60"><enum>(a)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Whenever the Secretary or any other
official of the Department is required by law to submit to Congress (or any
committee of either chamber of Congress) a report, the Secretary or other
official shall submit to Congress (or such committee) a copy of the report in
an electronic format.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6E0784F3AE0F47B9953A6B28CEE8DBC8"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Treatment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The submission of a copy of a report in
accordance with this section shall be treated as meeting any requirement of law
to submit such report to Congress (or any committee of either chamber of
Congress).</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4DE25CC4AD2740C9B43315F68BDD590C"><enum>(c)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Report
defined</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of this
section, the term <term>report</term> includes any certification, notification,
or other communication in
writing.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF519C3ECFBBD41188D843FC06B85D7E1"><enum>(b)</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Technical and clerical
amendments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of
sections at the beginning of chapter 1 is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H56C3FE897C11468BB00E7CB658C371FF"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking the item relating to section
117; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0F250A9D0A2E4BFF8C567A6AD6C1C028"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by adding at the end the following new
items:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7429F1430771425E8BC7E4CCA025E09E" style="OLC">
<toc>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">117. Advance appropriations for
certain medical care accounts.</toc-entry>
<toc-entry bold="off" level="section">118. Reports to Congress:
submission in electronic
form.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC259A52F823C43F288B5DB5680E48149" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>1004.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Determination of budgetary effects for
purposes of compliance with Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The budgetary effects of this Act, for the
purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be
determined by reference to the latest statement titled <quote>Budgetary Effects
of PAYGO Legislation</quote> for this Act, submitted for printing in the
Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided
that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.</text>
</section>
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Vice President of the United States and President of the
Senate