[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3325 Reported in Senate (RS)]

                                                       Calendar No. 557
111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 3325

                          [Report No. 111-286]

 To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the waiver of the 
  collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of 
                   veterans, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 6, 2010

 Mr. Begich (for himself, Mr. Grassley, and Mr. Tester) introduced the 
 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on 
                           Veterans' Affairs

                           September 2, 2010

Reported under authority of the order of the Senate of August 5, 2010, 
     by Mr. Akaka, with an amendment and an amendment to the title
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                               in italic]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the waiver of the 
  collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of 
                   veterans, and for other purposes.

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

<DELETED>SECTION 1. AUTHORITY TO WAIVE COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS FOR 
              TELEHEALTH AND TELEMEDICINE VISITS OF VETERANS.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 17 of title 38, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1722A the 
following new section:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 1722B. Copayments: waiver of collection of copayments 
              for telehealth and telemedicine visits of 
              veterans</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``The Secretary may waive the imposition or collection of 
copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans under the 
laws administered by the Secretary.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 1722A the following new item:</DELETED>

<DELETED>``1722B. Copayments: waiver of collection of copayments for 
                            telehealth and telemedicine visits of 
                            veterans.''.

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

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans 
Telehealth and Other Care Improvements Act of 2010''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

              TITLE I--QUALITY OF CARE AND ACCESS MATTERS

Sec. 101. Waiver of collection of copayments for telehealth and 
                            telemedicine visits of veterans.
Sec. 102. Program of outreach to veterans.
Sec. 103. Annual report on low volume procedures involving use of 
                            radioactive isotopes at Department of 
                            Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
Sec. 104. Use of radioactive isotopes at Department of Veterans Affairs 
                            hospitals.
Sec. 105. Requirements relating to contracts for the provision of 
                            medical services.
Sec. 106. Conversion of multifamily transitional housing loan program 
                            to loan issuance program.
Sec. 107. Report on establishment of a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center 
                            or Polytrauma Network Site of the 
                            Department of Veterans Affairs in the 
                            northern Rockies or Dakotas.
Sec. 108. One-stop Internet website for information on benefits, 
                            resources, services, and opportunities for 
                            veterans and their families and caregivers.

               TITLE II--CONSTRUCTION AND NAMING MATTERS

Sec. 201. Authorization for fiscal year 2011 major medical facility 
                            construction project previously 
                            appropriated but not authorized.
Sec. 202. Additional authorization for a 2007 major medical facility 
                            construction project previously authorized.
Sec. 203. Authorization of fiscal year 2011 major medical facility 
                            leases.
Sec. 204. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 205. Report on use of energy efficient technologies and best 
                            practices in Department of Veterans Affairs 
                            medical facilities.
Sec. 206. Designation of George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans 
                            Affairs Medical Center.
Sec. 207. Requirement that bid savings on major medical facility 
                            projects of Department of Veterans Affairs 
                            be used for other major medical facility 
                            construction projects of the Department.

              TITLE I--QUALITY OF CARE AND ACCESS MATTERS

SEC. 101. WAIVER OF COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS FOR TELEHEALTH AND 
              TELEMEDICINE VISITS OF VETERANS.

    (a) Waiver.--
            (1) In general.--Subchapter III of chapter 17 of title 38, 
        United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1722A 
        the following new section:
``Sec. 1722B. Copayments: waiver of collection of copayments for 
              telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall waive the imposition or 
collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of 
veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary.
    ``(b) Sunset.--The requirement under subsection (a) shall expire on 
the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this 
section.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting 
        after the item relating to section 1722A the following new 
        item:

``1722B. Copayments: waiver of collection of copayments for telehealth 
                            and telemedicine visits of veterans.''.
    (b) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than five years after the date 
        of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        shall submit to Congress a report on the waiver of copayments 
        under section 1722B of such title, as added by subsection (a).
            (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) An assessment of whether waivers described in 
                paragraph (1) have resulted in increased utilization of 
                telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans under 
                the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
                Affairs.
                    (B) A description of the expenses or cost-savings, 
                as the case may be, realized by the Department of 
                Veterans Affairs as a result of such waivers.

SEC. 102. PROGRAM OF OUTREACH TO VETERANS.

    (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
establish a program of outreach to veterans for the purpose described 
in subsection (b).
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose described in this subsection is to 
increase the following:
            (1) The access and use by veterans of Federal, State, and 
        local programs providing compensation and other benefits for 
        service in the Armed Forces.
            (2) Awareness of such programs by veterans and their 
        eligibility for such programs.
    (c) Duration.--The program required by subsection (a) shall be 
carried out during the five-year period beginning on the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
    (d) Agreements to Carry Out Projects and Activities.--
            (1) Agreements with federal and state agencies.--In 
        carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the 
        Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into agreements with 
        other Federal and State agencies to carry out projects under 
        the jurisdiction of such agencies to further the purpose 
        described in subsection (b).
            (2) Agreements with applicable authorities and 
        commissions.--In carrying out the program required by 
        subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into agreements with 
        applicable authorities and commissions to provide technical 
        assistance, award grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise 
        provide amounts to persons or entities for projects and 
        activities that--
                    (A) increase outreach to, awareness by, and use by 
                veterans of programs described in subsection (b)(1);
                    (B) provide incentives for State and local 
                governments and veterans service organizations to 
                assist veterans in utilizing facilities and resources 
                available to veterans through the Department of 
                Veterans Affairs;
                    (C) provide incentives for State and local 
                governments and veterans service organizations to 
                assist veterans in utilizing resources available 
                through government and veterans service organizations 
                for veterans;
                    (D) educate communities and State and local 
                governments about the employment rights of veterans, 
                including the employment and reemployment of members of 
                the uniformed services under chapter 43 of title 38, 
                United States Code;
                    (E) provide technical assistance to businesses 
                owned by veterans; and
                    (F) encourage and assist nonprofit organizations, 
                businesses, and institutions of higher education to 
                carry out programs of assistance designed for veterans.
            (3) Applicable authorities and commissions.--For purposes 
        of the program required by subsection (a), the applicable 
        authorities and commissions are the following:
                    (A) The Appalachian Regional Commission, 
                established under section 14301(a) of title 40, United 
                States Code.
                    (B) The Delta Regional Authority, established under 
                section 382B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
                Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-1(a)).
                    (C) The Denali Commission, established under 
                section 303 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 
                U.S.C. 3121 note).
                    (D) The Northern Great Plains Regional Authority, 
                established under section 383B(a) of the Consolidated 
                Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb-1(a)).
                    (E) The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the 
                Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern 
                Border Regional Commission established under section 
                15301(a) of title 40, United States Code.
                    (F) Entities described in subparagraph (G) that 
                serve Native Americans, Alaska Natives, or native 
                Hawaiians (as such terms are defined in section 3765 of 
                title 38, United States Code).
                    (G) Commissions and development boards that are--
                            (i) not chartered by the Federal 
                        Government;
                            (ii) selected by the Secretary for purposes 
                        of the program; and
                            (iii) located in areas that present 
                        extraordinary challenges to veterans, as 
                        determined by the Secretary, including the 
                        following:
                                    (I) Areas in severe economic 
                                distress.
                                    (II) Areas with underdeveloped 
                                infrastructure.
                                    (III) Areas with unusual geographic 
                                characteristics, such as separation 
                                from the mainland.
    (e) Information, Advice, and Technical Assistance.--In carrying out 
the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs may provide, or contract with public or private organizations 
to provide, information, advice, and technical assistance to nonprofit 
organizations that provide services to communities in order to increase 
the number of veterans receiving such services.
    (f) Coordination With Previously Authorized Pilot Program on Use of 
Community-based Organizations and Local and State Government Entities 
for Outreach.--The Secretary may carry out the program required by 
subsection (a) in coordination with the pilot program required by 
section 506(a) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services 
Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 1160; 38 U.S.C. 523 note).
    (g) Report on Outreach Activities of Department of Veterans 
Affairs.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than four years after the date 
        of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
        Congress a comprehensive report on the activities of the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs regarding outreach to veterans.
            (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) A description of all of the activities of the 
                Department regarding outreach to veterans carried out 
                since the date of the enactment of this Act, including 
                the activities of the Department carried out under the 
                program required by subsection (a).
                    (B) An assessment of the effectiveness of the 
                activities described in subparagraph (A).
    (h) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``veterans service organization'' means any organization 
recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation 
of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.
    (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out the program required by subsection (a)--
            (1) $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
            (2) $35,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2012 through 
        2016.

SEC. 103. ANNUAL REPORT ON LOW VOLUME PROCEDURES INVOLVING USE OF 
              RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
              MEDICAL FACILITIES.

    (a) Annual Report Required.--Not later than 270 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter through 2013, 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 low volume procedures 
involving the use of radioactive isotopes carried out at each medical 
facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs in the year for which 
such report is submitted.
    (b) Elements.--Each report submitted to Congress under subsection 
(a) shall include the following:
            (1) The evaluation and the findings of the Secretary with 
        respect to the low volume procedures involving the use of 
        radioactive isotopes carried out at each medical facility of 
        the Department.
            (2) A description of the actions taken by the Secretary to 
        incorporate consideration of low-volume procedures involving 
        the use of radioactive isotopes in facility level quality 
        assurance plans.
    (c) Low Volume Procedures.--
            (1) In general.--For purposes of the report required by 
        this section, the Secretary shall define the term ``low volume 
        procedure'' in accordance with this subsection.
            (2) Threshold.--In defining the term ``low volume 
        procedure'', the Secretary shall establish a threshold for each 
        type of procedure involving radioactive isotopes carried out at 
        a medical facility of the Department whereby if the number of 
        procedures of a type carried out at a medical facility is less 
        than the threshold, the type of procedure is considered low 
        volume at that facility.

SEC. 104. USE OF RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
              HOSPITALS.

    (a) Training Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
ensure that all employees, including employees employed under a 
contract entered into with a non-government entity, who handle or 
perform procedures utilizing radioactive isotopes at a Department of 
Veterans Affairs hospital receive appropriate training on what 
constitutes a medical event, as defined in regulations prescribed by 
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and when and to whom a medical event 
should be reported.
    (b) Failure to Provide Training.--If the Secretary determines that 
a Department hospital has failed to provide the training required by 
subsection (a) to an employee described in that subsection, the 
Secretary shall ensure that radioactive isotopes are not used by that 
employee at that hospital until such training is provided to that 
employee.

SEC. 105. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO CONTRACTS FOR THE PROVISION OF 
              MEDICAL SERVICES.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 of title 38, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1703 the following 
new section:
``Sec. 1703A. Oversight of medical services provided by contractors
    ``(a) In General.--(1) The Secretary shall ensure that the quality 
assessment program of the Department includes appropriate oversight of 
medical services provided pursuant to a contract entered into by the 
Secretary with a non-government entity.
    ``(2) Oversight of a medical service required by paragraph (1) 
shall include, as appropriate to the service, the following:
            ``(A) Periodic peer reviews of such service.
            ``(B) Periodic written evaluations of the oversight 
        provided by the supervisor or manager of the individual 
        providing the service.
            ``(C) Such other evaluations as the Secretary determines 
        are appropriate.
    ``(3) The Secretary shall ensure that sufficient data is collected 
and analyzed by an employee of the Department in order to evaluate the 
quality of medical services provided pursuant to a contract entered 
into by the Secretary with a non-government entity.
    ``(b) Requirements Relating to Extension of Certain Contracts.--
Before any contracting officer of the Department may extend or renew 
any contract entered into by the Secretary with a non-government entity 
for the provision of medical services, the contracting officer shall 
review and take into consideration the results of the evaluations 
carried out under subsection (a).''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 1703 the following new item:

``1703A. Oversight of medical services provided by contractors.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) of section 1703A of such title, 
as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date of the 
enactment of this Act and subsection (b) of such section shall take 
effect on the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of 
this Act.

SEC. 106. CONVERSION OF MULTIFAMILY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING LOAN PROGRAM 
              TO LOAN ISSUANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) Authority To Issue Loans.--
            (1) In general.--Section 2051 of title 38, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a)--
                            (i) by striking ``The'' and inserting ``(1) 
                        The''; and
                            (ii) by adding at the end the following new 
                        paragraph:
    ``(2) The Secretary shall, utilizing funds available in the 
Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving Fund under 
section 2055 of this title, issue not more than five loans that meet 
the requirements of this subchapter.'';
                    (B) in subsection (b)--
                            (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``under 
                        subsection (a)'' and inserting ``under 
                        subsection (a)(1)'';
                            (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``under 
                        subsection (a)'' and inserting ``under 
                        subsection (a)(1)''; and
                            (iii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``or 
                        issued'' after ``guaranteed'';
                    (C) in subsection (c), by inserting ``or issued'' 
                after ``guaranteed''; and
                    (D) in subsection (g), by inserting ``or issued'' 
                after ``guaranteed''.
            (2) Authority to delegate approval authority.--Subsection 
        (c) of such section, as amended by paragraph (1)(C) of this 
        subsection, is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``A loan'' and inserting ``(1) A 
                loan''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraphs:
    ``(2) The Secretary may delegate approval under paragraph (1) to a 
State or local government entity.
    ``(3) Approval activity of a State or local government entity under 
paragraph (2) shall be subject to the supervision of the Secretary.''.
            (3) No limitation on size of multifamily transitional 
        housing projects.--Such section is further amended by adding at 
        the end the following new subsection:
    ``(h) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to provide for 
a minimum or maximum size of a multifamily transitional housing project 
that may be financed with a loan under this subchapter.''.
            (4) Sunset of authority to issue loan guarantees.--Such 
        section is further amended by adding at the end the following 
        new subsection:
    ``(i) The Secretary may not guarantee under subsection (a)(1) any 
loan that is closed after the date of the enactment of this subsection. 
The termination by this subsection of the authority to guarantee loans 
under this subsection shall not affect the validity of any loan 
guaranteed under this subchapter before the date of the enactment of 
this subsection and is in force on that date.''.
            (5) Conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Section 2052(d) of such title is amended by 
                inserting ``or issue'' after ``whether to guarantee''.
                    (B) Section 2053(a) of such title is amended by 
                inserting ``or issued'' after ``is guaranteed''.
                    (C) Section 2054(a) of such title is amended--
                            (i) in the first sentence, by inserting 
                        ``or issued'' after ``guaranteed''; and
                            (ii) in the last sentence, by inserting 
                        ``or loan'' after ``guarantee''.
            (6) Clerical amendments.--
                    (A) The heading of subchapter VI of chapter 20 of 
                such title is amended by striking ``LOAN GUARANTEE 
                FOR''.
                    (B) The table of sections at the beginning of such 
                chapter is amended by striking the item relating to 
                subchapter VI and inserting the following new item:

          ``subchapter vi--multifamily transitional housing''.

    (b) Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving Fund.--
            (1) In general.--Subchapter VI of chapter 20 of such title 
        is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2055. Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving 
              Fund
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of the 
United States a revolving fund known as the `Department of Veterans 
Affairs Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving Fund' 
(in this section referred to as the `Fund').
    ``(b) Elements.--There shall be deposited in the Fund the 
following, which shall constitute the assets of the Fund:
            ``(1) Amounts paid into the Fund under any provision of law 
        or regulation established by the Secretary imposing fees on 
        persons or entities issued a loan under this subchapter.
            ``(2) All other amounts received by the Secretary incident 
        to operations relating to the issuance of loans under this 
        subchapter, including--
                    ``(A) collections of principal and interest on 
                loans issued by the Secretary under this subchapter;
                    ``(B) proceeds from the sale, rental, use, or other 
                disposition of property acquired under this subchapter; 
                and
                    ``(C) penalties collected pursuant to this 
                subchapter.
            ``(3) Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available 
        before the date of the enactment of this section for purposes 
        of activities under this subchapter, including amounts 
        appropriated for such purposes under title I of the Department 
        of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and 
        Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106-
        74; 113 Stat. 1049).
    ``(c) Use of Funds.--The Fund shall be available to the Secretary, 
without fiscal year limitation, for all operations relating to the 
issuance of loans under this subchapter, consistent with the Federal 
Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of chapter 20 of such title is amended by inserting 
        after the item relating to section 2054 the following new item:

``2055. Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving 
                            Fund.''.
    (c) Clarification of Authority To Determine Terms and Conditions of 
Loans.--Subsection (a)(6) of section 2052 of such title is amended by 
inserting ``including with respect to forbearance, deferral, and loan 
forgiveness,'' after ``determines are reasonable,''.
    (d) Clarification of Types of Spaces That May Be Included in 
Covered Multifamily Transitional Housing Projects.--Subsection (c)(1) 
of such section 2052 is amended by striking ``or job training 
programs'' and inserting ``job training programs, other types of 
residential units, or other uses that the Secretary considers necessary 
for the sustainability of the project''.
    (e) Loan Defaults.--Section 2053 of such title is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c) The Secretary may impose such penalties or require such 
collateral as the Secretary considers necessary--
            ``(1) to discourage default on a loan issued under this 
        subchapter; or
            ``(2) to mitigate harm to the Department from default on a 
        loan issued under this subchapter.
    ``(d) The Secretary shall administer any property coming under the 
jurisdiction of the Secretary by reason of default on a loan issued or 
guaranteed under this subchapter in accordance with regulations 
prescribed by the Secretary for that purpose. Such administration of 
property may include selling, renting, or otherwise disposing of 
property as the Secretary considers appropriate.''.
    (f) Preferential Treatment of Veterans.--
            (1) In general.--Subchapter VI of chapter 20 of such title, 
        as amended by subsection (b), is further amended by adding at 
        the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2056. Preferential treatment of veterans
    ``No provision of Federal or State law may prohibit a multifamily 
transitional housing project described in section 2052(b) of this title 
from offering preferential treatment to veterans.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of such chapter, as amended by subsection (b), is 
        further amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``2056. Preferential treatment of veterans.''.
    (g) Technical Corrections.--Section 2052 of such title is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``counselling'' both 
        places it appears and inserting ``counseling''; and
            (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``, as assessed under 
        section 107 of Public Law 102-405''.

SEC. 107. REPORT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLYTRAUMA REHABILITATION CENTER 
              OR POLYTRAUMA NETWORK SITE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
              AFFAIRS IN THE NORTHERN ROCKIES OR DAKOTAS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to Congress a report on the feasibility and advisability of 
establishing a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network 
Site for the Department of Veterans Affairs in the northern Rockies or 
the Dakotas. One of the locations evaluated as a potential location for 
the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site, as the 
case may be, shall be the Fort Harrison Department of Veterans Affairs 
hospital in Lewis and Clark County, Montana.
    (b) Requirements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
include the following:
            (1) An assessment of the adequacy of existing Department of 
        Veterans Affairs facilities in the northern Rockies and the 
        Dakotas to address matters that are otherwise addressed by 
        Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers and Polytrauma Network Sites.
            (2) A comparative assessment of the effectiveness of 
        rehabilitation programs for individuals with traumatic brain 
        injuries in urban areas with the effectiveness of such programs 
        for individuals with traumatic brain injuries in rural and 
        frontier communities.
            (3) An assessment whether the low cost of living in the 
        northern Rockies and the Dakotas could reduce the financial 
        stress faced by veterans receiving care for traumatic brain 
        injury and their families and thereby improve the effectiveness 
        of such care.
            (4) An assessment whether therapies that can prevent or 
        remediate the development of secondary neurologic conditions 
        related to traumatic brain injury can be interrupted by stress 
        caused by living in an urban area.
    (c) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with appropriate 
State and local government agencies in the northern Rockies and the 
Dakotas in preparing the report required subsection (a).

SEC. 108. ONE-STOP INTERNET WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION ON BENEFITS, 
              RESOURCES, SERVICES, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS AND 
              THEIR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS.

    (a) One-Stop Internet Website for Information on Benefits, 
Resources, Services, and Opportunities for Veterans and Their Families 
and Caregivers.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may 
        establish and maintain an interactive Internet website that 
        provides information on the benefits, resources, services, and 
        opportunities described in subsection (b). The Secretary may 
        enter into a contract with an appropriate Federal or private 
        sector entity for purposes of establishing or maintaining the 
        website.
            (2) Nature of website.--The website shall--
                    (A) serve to consolidate, expand on, and improve 
                information and links from other existing Internet 
                websites relating to the benefits, resources, services, 
                and opportunities described in subsection (b), and may 
                include such other information and links on such 
                benefits, resources, services, and opportunities as the 
                Secretary considers appropriate; and
                    (B) integrate dynamic Internet features and virtual 
                interface tools to provide veterans a personalized, 
                interactive, and user-centered Internet experience and 
                increase interoperability and facilitate collaborative 
                information sharing.
            (3) Utilization of existing website in establishment.--In 
        establishing the website, the Secretary may utilize an existing 
        Internet website, such as the National Resource Directory for 
        wounded veterans, as the basis for the website, in order to 
        avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.
            (4) Consultation.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
        carry out activities under this subsection in consultation with 
        the following:
                    (A) The Secretary of Defense.
                    (B) The Secretary of Labor.
                    (C) The Secretary of Education.
                    (D) The Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
                    (E) The Commissioner of Social Security.
                    (F) The Administrator of the Small Business 
                Administration.
                    (G) Any other Federal officials that the Secretary 
                of Veterans Affairs considers appropriate for purposes 
                of this section.
                    (H) Appropriate advisory committees on veterans 
                matters.
                    (I) Other representatives, individuals, and 
                organizations specified in section 6302(c) of title 38, 
                United States Code.
    (b) Benefits, Resources, Services, and Opportunities.--The 
benefits, resources, services, and opportunities described in this 
subsection are benefits, resources, services, and opportunities as 
follows:
            (1) Veterans benefits provided by or through the Department 
        of Veterans Affairs.
            (2) Veterans benefits provided by or through the Department 
        of Labor, including employment and reemployment benefits.
            (3) Tax benefits.
            (4) Social security benefits.
            (5) Veterans benefits provided by or through the Small 
        Business Administration.
            (6) Resources, services, and opportunities such as--
                    (A) resources for families, caregivers, educational 
                professionals, mental health professionals, and other 
                professionals that provide for veterans;
                    (B) resources on child care, home care, stress 
                management, mental health care, and veterans service 
                organizations (including website links to organization 
                locators and claims assistance); and
                    (C) information and links on State and local 
                resources, discounts available to veterans, volunteer 
                opportunities available to veterans, and community 
                events.
            (7) Assistance in applying for and receiving benefits and 
        resources under paragraphs (1) through (6).
            (8) Resources on peer-to-peer discussions, workshops, and 
        other interactive services for veterans and their families and 
        caregivers.
            (9) Information on ride-sharing for appointments.
            (10) Memorial notices.
            (11) Such other benefits, resources, services, 
        opportunities, and assistance as the Secretary considers 
        appropriate for purposes of the website.
    (c) Inclusion of Information on Website in Biennial Reports 
Relating to Outreach Activities.--
            (1) Biennial plan.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
        include in each biennial plan on outreach activities of the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs under section 6302 of title 38, 
        United States Code, the plans of the Department for the period 
        covered by such report for improving and enhancing the Internet 
        website required by this section to better provide information 
        on the benefits, resources, services, and opportunities 
        described in subsection (b) and to otherwise enhance the 
        website as a source for information on such benefits, 
        resources, services, and opportunities.
            (2) Biennial report.--The Secretary shall include in each 
        biennial report on outreach activities of the Department under 
        section 6308 of title 38, United States Code, a description of 
        the manner in which the Internet website required by this 
        section contributed to the outreach activities of the 
        Secretary, including outreach activities under chapter 63 of 
        such title.

               TITLE II--CONSTRUCTION AND NAMING MATTERS

SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011 MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
              CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED BUT NOT 
              AUTHORIZED.

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a major medical 
facility project in fiscal year 2011 for the construction of a new 
medical facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the project to be 
carried out in an amount not to exceed $995,000,000.

SEC. 202. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATION FOR A 2007 MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
              CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED.

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a major medical 
facility project in fiscal year 2011 to make seismic corrections for 
Buildings 7 and 126 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
Center in Long Beach, California, with the project to be carried out in 
an amount not to exceed $129,545,000.

SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2011 MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
              LEASES.

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following 
fiscal year 2011 major medical facility leases at the locations 
specified, in an amount not to exceed the amount shown for each such 
location:
            (1) Billings, Montana, Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 
        in an amount not to exceed $7,149,000.
            (2) Boston, Massachusetts, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount 
        not to exceed $3,316,000.
            (3) San Diego, California, Community Based Outpatient 
        Clinic, in an amount not to exceed $21,495,000.
            (4) San Francisco, California, Research Lab, in an amount 
        not to exceed $10,055,000.
            (5) San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mental Health Facility, in an 
        amount not to exceed $5,323,000.

SEC. 204. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations for Major Medical Facility 
Projects.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2011 or the year in which funds are 
appropriated for the Construction, Major Projects, account 
$1,124,545,000 for the projects authorized in sections 201 and 202.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations for Major Medical Facility 
Leases.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2011 or the year in which funds are 
appropriated for the Medical Facilities account $47,338,000 for the 
leases authorized in section 203.
    (c) Limitation.--The major medical facility projects authorized in 
sections 201 and 202 may only be carried out using--
            (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2011 pursuant to the 
        authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of this 
        section;
            (2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a 
        fiscal year before fiscal year 2011 that remain available for 
        obligation;
            (3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a 
        fiscal year after fiscal year 2011 that remain available for 
        obligation;
            (4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
        for fiscal year 2011 for a category of activity not specific to 
        a project;
            (5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
        for a fiscal year before 2011 for a category of activity not 
        specific to a project; and
            (6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
        for a fiscal year after 2011 for a category of activity not 
        specific to a project.

SEC. 205. REPORT ON USE OF ENERGY EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES AND BEST 
              PRACTICES IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL 
              FACILITIES.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to Congress a report on the use of energy efficient technologies and 
best practices in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
    (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include 
the following:
            (1) A description of the energy efficient technologies and 
        best practices used by the Department to make Department 
        medical facilities more energy efficient.
            (2) An assessment of the energy efficiency of the following 
        features of Department medical facilities:
                    (A) Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning 
                systems.
                    (B) Lighting.
                    (C) Elevators.
                    (D) Water heating.
                    (E) Information technology and electronics.
                    (F) Such other features as the Secretary considers 
                energy intensive.
            (3) The status of the compliance of Department medical 
        facilities with provisions of law that are applicable to the 
        energy efficiency of such facilities, as determined by the 
        Secretary.
            (4) A description of the activities carried out by the 
        Office of Construction and Facilities Management of the 
        Department to overhaul current master construction 
        specifications and to ensure that standardized efficiency 
        guidelines are being implemented in all Department medical 
        facilities.
    (c) Collaboration.--In preparing the report required by subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall collaborate with private sector experts and 
industry leaders in the energy efficiency of medical facilities, 
including the following:
            (1) The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and 
        Air-Conditioning Engineers.
            (2) The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.
            (3) The American Institute of Architects.

SEC. 206. DESIGNATION OF GEORGE H. O'BRIEN, JR., DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
              AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER.

    (a) Designation.--The Department of Veterans Affairs medical center 
located in Big Spring, Texas, shall be known and designated as the 
``George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
Center''.
    (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, 
paper, or other record of the United States to the Department of 
Veterans Affairs medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be 
deemed to be a reference to the ``George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of 
Veterans Affairs Medical Center''.

SEC. 207. REQUIREMENT THAT BID SAVINGS ON MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
              PROJECTS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BE USED FOR 
              OTHER MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE 
              DEPARTMENT.

    Section 8104(d) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``In any case'' and inserting ``(1) Except 
        as provided in paragraph (2), in any case''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(2) In any fiscal year, unobligated amounts in the Construction, 
Major Projects account that are a direct result of bid savings from a 
major medical facility project may only be obligated for other major 
medical facility projects authorized for that fiscal year or a previous 
fiscal year.''.
            Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to improve the 
        quality of health care provided by the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs, to increase access to health care and benefits 
        provided by the Department, to authorize major medical facility 
        construction projects of the Department, and for other 
        purposes.''.
                                                       Calendar No. 557

111th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                                S. 3325

                          [Report No. 111-286]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the waiver of the 
  collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of 
                   veterans, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                           September 2, 2010

        Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the title