    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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. <>

    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.

    [[Page 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 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 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 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 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 3172]]

    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''.

    [[Page 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 <> 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 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 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 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) <>  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

    [[Page 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) <>  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''.

    [[Page 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) <>  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 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) <>  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

    [[Page 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.