[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3479 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]

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115th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 3479

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT


 
   To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring 
 provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
                        and for other purposes.

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Department of 
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
                    TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY

                    Subtitle A--Health Care Matters

Sec. 101. Extension of authority for collection of copayments for 
                            hospital care and nursing home care.
Sec. 102. Extension of requirement to provide nursing home care to 
                            certain veterans with service-connected 
                            disabilities.
Sec. 103. Removal of authorization of appropriations to provide 
                            assistance and support services for 
                            caregivers.
Sec. 104. Making permanent authority for recovery from third parties of 
                            cost of care and services furnished to 
                            veterans with health-plan contracts for 
                            non-service-connected disability.
Sec. 105. Extension of authority for transfer of real property.
Sec. 106. Extension of authority for pilot program on assistance for 
                            child care for certain veterans receiving 
                            health care.
Sec. 107. Extension of authority to make grants to veterans service 
                            organizations for transportation of highly 
                            rural veterans.
Sec. 108. Extension of authority for pilot program on counseling in 
                            retreat settings for women veterans newly 
                            separated from service.
Sec. 109. Extension of temporary expansion of payments and allowances 
                            for beneficiary travel in connection with 
                            veterans receiving care from vet centers.
                      Subtitle B--Benefits Matters

Sec. 121. Making permanent authority for temporary expansion of 
                            eligibility for specially adapted housing 
                            assistance for certain veterans with 
                            disabilities causing difficulty ambulating.
Sec. 122. Extension of authority for specially adapted housing 
                            assistive technology grant program.
Sec. 123. Making permanent authority to guarantee payment of principal 
                            and interest on certificates or other 
                            securities.
Sec. 124. Making permanent authority for calculating net value of real 
                            property at time of foreclosure.
Sec. 125. Extension of authority relating to vendee loans.
Sec. 126. Making permanent authority to provide rehabilitation and 
                            vocational benefits to members of the Armed 
                            Forces with severe injuries or illnesses.
Sec. 127. Extension of authority to enter into agreement with the 
                            National Academy of Sciences regarding 
                            associations between diseases and exposure 
                            to dioxin and other chemical compounds in 
                            herbicides.
                 Subtitle C--Homeless Veterans Matters

Sec. 141. Extension of authority for homeless veterans reintegration 
                            programs.
Sec. 142. Extension of authority for homeless women veterans and 
                            homeless veterans with children 
                            reintegration program.
Sec. 143. Extension of authority for referral and counseling services 
                            for veterans at risk of homelessness 
                            transitioning from certain institutions.
Sec. 144. Extension of authority for treatment and rehabilitation 
                            services for seriously mentally ill and 
                            homeless veterans.
Sec. 145. Extension of authority for financial assistance for 
                            supportive services for very low-income 
                            veteran families in permanent housing.
Sec. 146. Extension of authority for grant program for homeless 
                            veterans with special needs.
Sec. 147. Extension of authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless 
                            Veterans.
                       Subtitle D--Other Matters

Sec. 161. Extension of authority for transportation of individuals to 
                            and from Department of Veterans Affairs 
                            facilities.
Sec. 162. Extension of authority for operation of the Department of 
                            Veterans Affairs regional office in Manila, 
                            the Republic of the Philippines.
Sec. 163. Extension of authority for monthly assistance allowances 
                            under the Office of National Veterans 
                            Sports Programs and Special Events.
Sec. 164. Extension of requirement to provide reports to Congress 
                            regarding equitable relief in the case of 
                            administrative error.
Sec. 165. Extension of authorization of appropriations for adaptive 
                            sports programs for disabled veterans and 
                            members of the armed forces.
Sec. 166. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Minority 
                            Veterans.
   TITLE II--IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH CARE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                                AFFAIRS

Sec. 201. Treatment of modifications of contracts under Veterans 
                            Community Care program.
Sec. 202. Modification of provision requiring recognition and 
                            acceptance, on an interim basis, of 
                            credentials and qualifications of health 
                            care providers under community care 
                            program.
Sec. 203. Expansion of coverage of Veterans Care Agreements.
Sec. 204. Modification of authority for deduction of overpayments for 
                            health care.
Sec. 205. Modification of eligibility of former members of the Armed 
                            Forces for mental and behavioral health 
                            care from the Department of Veterans 
                            Affairs.
Sec. 206. Access of health care providers of the Department of Veterans 
                            Affairs to drug monitoring programs that do 
                            not participate in the national network.
Sec. 207. Elimination of report on activities and proposals involving 
                            contracting for performance by contractor 
                            personnel of work previously performed by 
                            Department employees.
Sec. 208. Additional report on increased availability of opioid 
                            receptor antagonists.
Sec. 209. Expansion of health care assessment to include all 
                            territories of the United States and the 
                            assessment of extended care services.
Sec. 210. Authorization of major medical facility project at Department 
                            of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles 
                            Medical Center.
Sec. 211. Technical amendments to VA MISSION Act of 2018 and amendments 
                            made by that Act.
                        TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 301. Approval of courses of education provided by public 
                            institutions of higher education for 
                            purposes of training and rehabilitation for 
                            veterans with service-connected 
                            disabilities conditional on in-State 
                            tuition rate for veterans.
Sec. 302. Corrective action for certain Department of Veterans Affairs 
                            employees for conflicts of interest with 
                            educational institutions operated for 
                            profit.
Sec. 303. Modification of compliance requirements for particular leases 
                            relating to Department of Veterans Affairs 
                            West Los Angeles Campus.

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

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

                    TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY

                    Subtitle A--Health Care Matters

SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS FOR 
              HOSPITAL CARE AND NURSING HOME CARE.

    Section 1710(f)(2)(B) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2019'' 
and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.

SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE NURSING HOME CARE TO 
              CERTAIN VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.

    Section 1710A(d) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.

SEC. 103. REMOVAL OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS TO PROVIDE 
              ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CAREGIVERS.

    Section 1720G is amended by striking subsection (e).

SEC. 104. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR RECOVERY FROM THIRD PARTIES OF 
              COST OF CARE AND SERVICES FURNISHED TO VETERANS WITH 
              HEALTH-PLAN CONTRACTS FOR NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED 
              DISABILITY.

    Section 1729(a)(2)(E) is amended, in the matter preceding clause 
(i), by striking ``before September 30, 2019,''.

SEC. 105. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY.

    Section 8118(a)(5) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2018'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.

SEC. 106. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON ASSISTANCE FOR 
              CHILD CARE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS RECEIVING HEALTH CARE.

    (a) Extension.--Subsection (e) of section 205 of the Caregivers and 
Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 
Stat. 1144; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended by striking ``September 30, 
2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (h) of such 
section is amended by striking ``and 2019'' and inserting ``2019, and 
2020''.

SEC. 107. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS TO VETERANS SERVICE 
              ORGANIZATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF HIGHLY RURAL 
              VETERANS.

    Section 307(d) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health 
Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 1154; 38 U.S.C. 
1710 note) is amended by striking ``2019'' and inserting ``2020''.

SEC. 108. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON COUNSELING IN 
              RETREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN VETERANS NEWLY SEPARATED FROM 
              SERVICE.

    (a) Extension.--Subsection (d) of section 203 of the Caregivers and 
Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 
Stat. 1143; 38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is amended by striking ``September 
30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (f) of such 
section is amended by striking ``and 2019'' and inserting ``2019, and 
2020''.

SEC. 109. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF PAYMENTS AND ALLOWANCES 
              FOR BENEFICIARY TRAVEL IN CONNECTION WITH VETERANS 
              RECEIVING CARE FROM VET CENTERS.

    Section 104(a) of the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for 
Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-154; 126 Stat. 1169), 
as amended by section 109(a) of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Expiring Authorities Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-62; 131 Stat. 1162), 
is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 
30, 2019''.

                      Subtitle B--Benefits Matters

SEC. 121. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF 
              ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR 
              CERTAIN VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES CAUSING DIFFICULTY 
              AMBULATING.

    Section 2101(a)(4) is amended by striking ``(A) Except'' and all 
that follows through ``(B) In each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, 
the Secretary'' and inserting ``In any fiscal year, the Secretary''.

SEC. 122. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING 
              ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROGRAM.

    Section 2108(g) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.

SEC. 123. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO GUARANTEE PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL 
              AND INTEREST ON CERTIFICATES OR OTHER SECURITIES.

    Section 3720(h) is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (2); and
            (2) by striking ``(1)''.

SEC. 124. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR CALCULATING NET VALUE OF REAL 
              PROPERTY AT TIME OF FORECLOSURE.

    Section 3732(c) is amended by striking paragraph (11).

SEC. 125. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO VENDEE LOANS.

    Section 3733(a)(7) is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
        ``September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2019''; 
        and
            (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``September 30, 
        2018,'' and inserting ``September 30, 2019,''.

SEC. 126. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE REHABILITATION AND 
              VOCATIONAL BENEFITS TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH 
              SEVERE INJURIES OR ILLNESSES.

    Section 1631(b) of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of Public Law 
110-181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (2); and
            (2) by striking ``(1) in general.--''.

SEC. 127. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH THE 
              NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES REGARDING ASSOCIATIONS 
              BETWEEN DISEASES AND EXPOSURE TO DIOXIN AND OTHER 
              CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN HERBICIDES.

    Section 3(i) of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-4; 38 
U.S.C. 1116 note) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.

                 Subtitle C--Homeless Veterans Matters

SEC. 141. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOMELESS VETERANS REINTEGRATION 
              PROGRAMS.

    Section 2021(e)(1)(F) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
``2020''.

SEC. 142. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS AND 
              HOMELESS VETERANS WITH CHILDREN REINTEGRATION PROGRAM.

    Section 2021A(f)(1) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
``2020''.

SEC. 143. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR REFERRAL AND COUNSELING SERVICES 
              FOR VETERANS AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS TRANSITIONING FROM 
              CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS.

    Section 2023(d) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.

SEC. 144. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION 
              SERVICES FOR SERIOUSLY MENTALLY ILL AND HOMELESS 
              VETERANS.

    (a) General Treatment.--Section 2031(b) is amended by striking 
``September 30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
    (b) Additional Services at Certain Locations.--Section 2033(d) is 
amended by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 
30, 2020''.

SEC. 145. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR 
              SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES 
              IN PERMANENT HOUSING.

    Section 2044(e)(1) is amended by striking subparagraph (F) and 
inserting the following:
            ``(F) $340,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
            ``(G) $380,000,000 for fiscal year 2019.''.

SEC. 146. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS 
              VETERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

    Section 2061(d)(1) is amended by striking ``2019'' and inserting 
``2020''.

SEC. 147. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HOMELESS 
              VETERANS.

    Section 2066(d) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2022''.

                       Subtitle D--Other Matters

SEC. 161. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORTATION OF INDIVIDUALS TO 
              AND FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FACILITIES.

    Section 111A(a)(2) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2019'' 
and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.

SEC. 162. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
              VETERANS AFFAIRS REGIONAL OFFICE IN MANILA, THE REPUBLIC 
              OF THE PHILIPPINES.

    Section 315(b) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2019''.

SEC. 163. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR MONTHLY ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCES 
              UNDER THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL VETERANS SPORTS PROGRAMS AND 
              SPECIAL EVENTS.

    Section 322(d)(4) is amended by striking ``2019'' and inserting 
``2020''.

SEC. 164. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE REPORTS TO CONGRESS 
              REGARDING EQUITABLE RELIEF IN THE CASE OF ADMINISTRATIVE 
              ERROR.

    Section 503(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2018'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2020''.

SEC. 165. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR ADAPTIVE 
              SPORTS PROGRAMS FOR DISABLED VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THE 
              ARMED FORCES.

    Section 521A is amended--
            (1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2019'' and 
        inserting ``2020''; and
            (2) in subsection (l), by striking ``2019'' and inserting 
        ``2020''.

SEC. 166. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MINORITY 
              VETERANS.

    (a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (e) of section 544 is 
amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 
30, 2022''.
    (b) Modification of Reporting Requirement.--Subsection (c)(1) of 
such section is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ``each year'' and inserting ``every other year''.

   TITLE II--IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH CARE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                                AFFAIRS

SEC. 201. TREATMENT OF MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS UNDER VETERANS 
              COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 1703(h)(1) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting ``(A) 
        The Secretary shall''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
    ``(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the requirement to enter 
into consolidated, competitively bid contracts shall not restrict the 
authority of the Secretary under other provisions of law when modifying 
such a contract after entering into the contract.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on the effective date specified in section 101(b) of the 
John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA 
Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside 
Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182).

SEC. 202. MODIFICATION OF PROVISION REQUIRING RECOGNITION AND 
              ACCEPTANCE, ON AN INTERIM BASIS, OF CREDENTIALS AND 
              QUALIFICATIONS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS UNDER COMMUNITY 
              CARE PROGRAM.

    Section 1703(h)(5)(A) is amended by striking ``the date of the 
enactment'' and inserting ``the effective date specified in section 
101(b)''.

SEC. 203. EXPANSION OF COVERAGE OF VETERANS CARE AGREEMENTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1703A is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection:
    ``(l) Covered Individual Defined.--In this section, the term 
`covered individual' means any individual eligible for hospital care, 
medical services, or extended care services under this title or any 
other law administered by the Secretary.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1703A is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``veteran'' 
                each place it appears and inserting ``covered 
                individual''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (C)--
                            (i) by striking ``veteran'' and inserting 
                        ``covered individual''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``veteran's'' and 
                        inserting ``covered individual's'';
            (2) in subsection (e)(2)(B), by striking ``veteran'' each 
        place it appears and inserting ``covered individual'';
            (3) in subsection (f)(2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``veterans'' 
                and inserting ``covered individuals''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``veteran'' 
                and inserting ``covered individual'';
            (4) in subsection (g), by striking ``to veterans'' and 
        inserting ``to covered individuals''; and
            (5) in subsection (j)--
                    (A) by striking ``any veteran'' and inserting ``any 
                covered individual''; and
                    (B) by striking ``to veterans'' each place it 
                appears and inserting ``to covered individuals''.

SEC. 204. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR DEDUCTION OF OVERPAYMENTS FOR 
              HEALTH CARE.

    Section 1703D(e)(1) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``shall'' and inserting ``may''; and
            (2) by inserting before the period at the end the 
        following: ``and may use any other means authorized by another 
        provision of law to correct or recover overpayments''.

SEC. 205. MODIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY OF FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
              FORCES FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FROM THE 
              DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    Section 1720I(b)(3) is amended by striking ``is not otherwise 
eligible to enroll'' and inserting ``is not enrolled''.

SEC. 206. ACCESS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
              AFFAIRS TO DRUG MONITORING PROGRAMS THAT DO NOT 
              PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL NETWORK.

    Section 1730B is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, or any 
                individual State or regional prescription drug 
                monitoring program,'' after ``programs'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``such 
                network'' and inserting ``the national network of 
                State-based prescription monitoring programs, or, if 
                providing care in a State that does not participate in 
                such national network, an individual State or regional 
                prescription drug monitoring program,''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, or any 
                individual State or regional prescription drug 
                monitoring program,'' after programs; and
            (2) in subsection (c)(2) by inserting ``, or any individual 
        State or regional prescription drug monitoring program,'' after 
        ``programs''.

SEC. 207. ELIMINATION OF REPORT ON ACTIVITIES AND PROPOSALS INVOLVING 
              CONTRACTING FOR PERFORMANCE BY CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL OF 
              WORK PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED BY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES.

    Section 8110 is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (c); and
            (2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as 
        subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.

SEC. 208. ADDITIONAL REPORT ON INCREASED AVAILABILITY OF OPIOID 
              RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS.

    Section 911(e)(2) of the Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act 
(Public Law 114-198; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by inserting ``and 
not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018'' 
before ``the Secretary shall''.

SEC. 209. EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE ASSESSMENT TO INCLUDE ALL 
              TERRITORIES OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ASSESSMENT OF 
              EXTENDED CARE SERVICES.

    Section 213 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel 
R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated 
Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended--
            (1) in the section header, by striking ``pacific 
        territories'' and inserting ``territories of the united 
        states'';
            (2) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by striking ``180 days'' and inserting ``270 
                days''; and
                    (B) by striking ``Pacific territories'' and 
                inserting ``territories of the United States'';
            (3) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
                        (A), by striking ``Pacific territories'' and 
                        inserting ``territories of the United States''; 
                        and
                            (ii) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(E) Extended care.''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) by striking ``community-based 
                        outpatient clinic'' and inserting ``medical 
                        facility''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``Pacific territory'' and 
                        inserting ``territory of the United States''; 
                        and
            (4) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) by striking ``Pacific territories'' and 
                inserting ``territories of the United States'';
                    (B) by striking ``and''; and
                    (C) by inserting before the period at the end the 
                following: ``, Puerto Rico, and the United States 
                Virgin Islands''.

SEC. 210. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT AT DEPARTMENT 
              OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WEST LOS ANGELES MEDICAL CENTER.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out 
the major medical facility project described in subsection (b) in 
fiscal year 2019, in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000.
    (b) Major Medical Facility Project.--The major medical facility 
project described in this subsection is the construction of a new 
regional food services facility building on the campus of the medical 
center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Los Angeles, 
California, to replace the seismically deficient Building 300, Regional 
Food Service Facility, which is located on the north campus of the 
medical center as of the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 211. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO VA MISSION ACT OF 2018 AND AMENDMENTS 
              MADE BY THAT ACT.

    (a) Title 38.--
            (1) Annual report on performance awards and bonuses.--
        Section 726(c)(3) is amended by striking ``, United States 
        Code''.
            (2) Veterans care agreements.--Section 1703A(h)(4) is 
        amended by striking ``, United States Code''.
            (3) Access standards.--Section 1703B(i) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``(1) The term'' and inserting ``In 
                this section:
            ``(1) The term'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1), by moving subparagraphs (A) 
                and (B) two ems to the right;
                    (C) by moving paragraph (2) two ems to the right; 
                and
                    (D) in paragraph (2), by striking ``refers to'' and 
                inserting ``means''.
            (4) Standards for quality.--Section 1703C(c) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``(c)(1) The term'' and inserting 
                ``(c) Definitions.-- In this section:
            ``(1) The term'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1), by moving subparagraphs (A) 
                and (B) two ems to the right;
                    (C) by moving paragraph (2) two ems to the right; 
                and
                    (D) in paragraph (2), by striking ``refers to'' and 
                inserting ``means''.
            (5) Prompt payment standard.--Section 1703D(g)(3) is 
        amended by striking ``of this Act, as amended by the Caring for 
        Our Veterans Act of 2018,'' and inserting ``of this title''.
            (6) Remediation of medical service lines.--Section 1706A is 
        amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding 
                paragraph (1), by inserting ``of this title'' after 
                ``section 1703(e)(1)''; and
                    (B) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``paragraph 
                (1)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)''.
            (7) Walk-in care.--Section 1725A is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (c), by striking ``or other 
                agreement'' and inserting ``agreement, or other 
                arrangement''; and
                    (B) in subsection (f)(4), by striking ``Section 
                8153(c)'' and inserting ``Sections 8153(c) and 
                1703A(j)''.
            (8) Authority to recover the cost of services furnished for 
        non-service-connected disabilities.--Section 1729(a)(2)(D) is 
        amending by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
        or''.
            (9) Agreements with state homes.--Section 
        1745(a)(4)(B)(ii)(III) is amended by striking ``subchapter V of 
        chapter 17 of this title'' and inserting ``this subchapter''.
            (10) Transplant procedures with live donors and related 
        services.--Section 1788(c) is amended by striking ``this 
        chapter'' and inserting ``this title''.
            (11) Quadrennial veterans health administration review.--
        Section 7330C is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a)--
                            (i) in paragraph (1), by striking 
                        ``Secretary of Veterans Affairs'' and inserting 
                        ``Secretary'';
                            (ii) in paragraph (2)--
                                    (I) in subparagraph (B), by 
                                striking ``Department of Veterans 
                                Affairs'' and inserting ``Department'';
                                    (II) in subparagraph (C), by 
                                striking ``of title 38, as added by 
                                section 102'' and inserting ``of this 
                                title''; and
                                    (III) in subparagraph (H)(i), by 
                                striking ``Department of Veterans 
                                Affairs'' and inserting 
                                ``Department'';and
                            (iii) in paragraph (4)--
                                    (I) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by 
                                inserting ``of this title'' after 
                                ``section 1703C''; and
                                    (II) in subparagraph (B), by 
                                inserting ``of this title'' after 
                                ``section 1703(b)'';
                    (B) in subsection (b)(2)(I), by inserting ``of this 
                title'' after ``section 1706A''; and
                    (C) in subsection (c)--
                            (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``such 
                        high performing'' and inserting ``a high-
                        performing''; and
                            (ii) in paragraph (3), by inserting 
                        ``such'' before ``a high-performing''.
            (12) Department of veterans affairs specialty education 
        loan repayment program.--Section 7693(a)(1) is amended by 
        striking ``is hired'' and inserting ``will be eligible for 
        appointment''.
    (b) VA MISSION ACT.--
            (1) Training program for administration of non-department 
        health care.--Section 122(a)(2) of the John S. McCain III, 
        Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal 
        Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 
        2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended by striking ``such title'' 
        and inserting ``title 38, United States Code''.
            (2) Processes for safe opioid prescribing practices by non-
        department providers.--Section 131 of the John S. McCain III, 
        Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal 
        Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 
        2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (c)(1)--
                            (i) by inserting ``of title 38, United 
                        States Code,'' after ``section 1703(a)(2)(A)'';
                            (ii) by striking ``of this title'' each 
                        place it appears and inserting ``of this Act''; 
                        and
                            (iii) by inserting ``of such title'' after 
                        ``section 1703A(e)(2)(F)''; and
                    (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``covered 
                veterans'' each place it appears and inserting 
                ``veterans''.
            (3) Plans for supplemental appropriations.--Section 141 of 
        the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson 
        VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated 
        Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended by 
        striking ``Whenever the Secretary'' and inserting ``Whenever 
        the Secretary of Veterans Affairs''.
            (4) Telemedicine reporting requirement.--Section 151(c)(1) 
        of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. 
        Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening 
        Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is 
        amended by striking ``section 1730B'' and inserting ``section 
        1730C''.
            (5) Expansion of family caregiver program.--Section 
        161(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and 
        Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and 
        Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public 
        Law 115-182) is amended by striking ``such title'' and 
        inserting ``title 38, United States Code''.
            (6) Specialty education loan repayment program.--Section 
        303 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. 
        Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening 
        Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is 
        amended--
                    (A) in subsection (d), by inserting ``of Veterans 
                Affairs'' after ``Department''; and
                    (B) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding 
                paragraph (1), by striking ``established'' and 
                inserting ``under subchapter VIII of chapter 76 of 
                title 38, United States Code, as enacted''.
            (7) Veterans healing veterans medical access and 
        scholarship program.--Section 304 of the John S. McCain III, 
        Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal 
        Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 
        2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``covered 
                medical schools'' and inserting ``covered medical 
                school''; and
                    (B) in subsection (b)--
                            (i) in paragraph (2), by striking 
                        ``entitled to'' and inserting ``concurrently 
                        receiving'';
                            (ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2019'' 
                        and inserting ``2020''; and
                            (iii) in paragraph (6), by striking 
                        ``subsection (e)'' and inserting ``subsection 
                        (d)'';
                    (C) in subsection (c)--
                            (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2019'' 
                        and inserting ``2020''; and
                            (ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2019'' 
                        and inserting ``2020'';
                    (D) in subsection (e), by striking ``2019'' and 
                inserting ``2020''; and
                    (E) in subsection (f), by striking ``December 31, 
                2020'' and inserting ``December 31, 2021''.
            (8) Development of criteria for designation of certain 
        medical facilities as underserved facilities and plan to 
        address problem of underserved facilities.--Section 401 of the 
        John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA 
        Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated 
        Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (b)(5), by adding ``or the 
                applicable access standards developed under section 
                1703B of title 38, United States Code'' after ``the 
                wait-time goals of the Department''; and
                    (B) in subsection (d)(2)(A), by striking ``section 
                407'' and inserting ``section 402''.
            (9) Pilot program on graduate medical education and 
        residency.--Section 403(b)(4) of the John S. McCain III, Daniel 
        K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems 
        and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 
        (Public Law 115-182) is amended by inserting ``under'' after 
        ``an agreement''.
            (10) Department of veterans affairs medical scribe pilot 
        program.--Section 507 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. 
        Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems 
        and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 
        (Public Law 115-182) is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``as 
                determine'' and inserting ``as determined''; and
                    (B) in subsection (c)(2)(C), by striking 
                ``speciality'' and inserting ``specialty''.

                        TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 301. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION PROVIDED BY PUBLIC 
              INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR PURPOSES OF TRAINING 
              AND REHABILITATION FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED 
              DISABILITIES CONDITIONAL ON IN-STATE TUITION RATE FOR 
              VETERANS.

    (a) In General.--Section 3679(c) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``chapter 30 or 33'' and 
        inserting ``chapter 30, 31, or 33'';
            (2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following 
        new subparagraph:
            ``(C) An individual who is entitled to rehabilitation under 
        section 3102(a) of this title.'';
            (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``paragraph (2)(A) or 
        (2)(B)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)(A), (2)(B), or (2)(C)''; 
        and
            (4) in paragraph (6), by striking ``chapters 30 and 33'' 
        and inserting ``chapters 30, 31, and 33''.
    (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to courses of education provided during a quarter, 
semester, or term, as applicable, that begins after March 1, 2019.

SEC. 302. CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
              EMPLOYEES FOR CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WITH EDUCATIONAL 
              INSTITUTIONS OPERATED FOR PROFIT.

    (a) In General.--Section 3683 of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) Department Officers and Employees.--(1) An officer or 
employee of the Department shall receive corrective action or 
disciplinary action if such officer or employee--
            ``(A) has, while serving as such an officer or employee, 
        owned any interest in, or received any wage, salary, dividend, 
        profit, or gift from, any educational institution operated for 
        profit; or
            ``(B) has, while serving as a covered officer or employee 
        of the Department, received any service from any educational 
        institution operated for profit.
    ``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered officer or employee of 
the Department' means an officer or employee of the Department who--
            ``(A) works on the administration of benefits under chapter 
        30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 of this title; or
            ``(B) has a potential conflict of interest involving an 
        educational institution operated for profit, as determined by 
        the Secretary.'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking ``If the Secretary'' and inserting 
                the following:
    ``(b) State Approving Agency Employees.--If the Secretary'';
                    (B) by striking ``wages, salary, dividends, 
                profits, gratuities, or services'' and inserting 
                ``wage, salary, dividend, profit, or gift'';
                    (C) by striking ``in which an eligible person or 
                veteran was pursuing a program of education or course 
                under this chapter or chapter 34 or 35 of this title'';
                    (D) by striking ``terminate the employment of'' and 
                inserting ``provide corrective action or disciplinary 
                action with respect to''; and
                    (E) by striking ``while such person is an officer 
                or employee of the State approving agency, or State 
                department of veterans' affairs or State department of 
                education'' and inserting ``until the completion of 
                such corrective action or disciplinary action'';
            (3) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) by striking ``A State approving agency'' and 
                inserting the following:
    ``(c) Disapproval of Courses.--A State approving agency'';
                    (B) by striking ``of Veterans Affairs''; and
                    (C) by striking ``wages, salary, dividends, 
                profits, gratuities, or services'' and inserting 
                ``wage, salary, dividend, profit, or gift''; and
            (4) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting 
                the following:
    ``(d) Waiver Authority.--(1) The Secretary may'';
                    (B) by striking ``of Veterans Affairs'';
                    (C) by striking ``, after reasonable notice and 
                public hearings,''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraph:
    ``(2) The Secretary shall provide public notice of any waiver 
granted under this subsection by not later than 30 days after the date 
on which such waiver is granted.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply 
with respect to conflicts of interest that occur on or after that date.

SEC. 303. MODIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICULAR LEASES 
              RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WEST LOS 
              ANGELES CAMPUS.

    Section 2(h)(1) of the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 (Public 
Law 114-226) is amended by striking ``any lease or land-sharing 
agreement at the Campus'' and inserting ``any new lease or land-sharing 
agreement at the Campus that is not in compliance with such laws''.

            Passed the Senate September 18, 2018.

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
115th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                                S. 3479

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT

   To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring 
 provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
                        and for other purposes.