[115th Congress Public Law 251]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



[[Page 3165]]

     DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2018

[[Page 132 STAT. 3166]]

Public Law 115-251
115th Congress

                                 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. <<NOTE: Sept. 29, 2018 -  [S. 3479]>> 

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Department of 
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018. 38 USC 101 note.>> 
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.

[[Page 132 STAT. 3167]]

                  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.

[[Page 132 STAT. 3168]]

                    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''.

[[Page 132 STAT. 3169]]

    (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.--''.

[[Page 132 STAT. 3170]]

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''.

[[Page 132 STAT. 3171]]

                        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

[[Page 132 STAT. 3172]]

the authority of the Secretary under other provisions of law when 
modifying such a contract after entering into the contract.''.
    (b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1703 note.>>  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''.

[[Page 132 STAT. 3173]]

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 <<NOTE: Ante, p. 
1462.>> 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

[[Page 132 STAT. 3174]]

                    (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--

[[Page 132 STAT. 3175]]

                    (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)--

[[Page 132 STAT. 3176]]

                          (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) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1424.>>  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) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1425.>>  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 <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1429.>>  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 <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1431.>>  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 <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1439.>>  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) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1467.>>  is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (d), by inserting ``of Veterans 
                Affairs'' after ``Department''; and

[[Page 132 STAT. 3177]]

                    (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) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1467.>>  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 <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1470.>> 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 <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1473.>>  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) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1479.>>  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''.

[[Page 132 STAT. 3178]]

                        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) <<NOTE: 38 USC 3679 note.>>  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'';

[[Page 132 STAT. 3179]]

                    (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) <<NOTE: Notification. Deadline.>>  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) <<NOTE: 38 USC 3683 note.>>  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

[[Page 132 STAT. 3180]]

or land-sharing agreement at the Campus that is not in compliance with 
such laws''.

    Approved September 29, 2018.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 3479:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 164 (2018):
            Sept. 18, considered and passed Senate.
            Sept. 25, considered and passed House.

                                  <all>