[107th Congress Public Law 135]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
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[DOCID: f:publ135.107]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF
2001
[[Page 115 STAT. 2446]]
Public Law 107-135
107th Congress
An Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the authority of the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recruit and retain qualified nurses for
the Veterans Health Administration, to provide an additional basis for
establishing the inability of veterans to defray expenses of necessary
medical care, to enhance certain health care programs of the Department
of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. <<NOTE: Jan. 23,
2002 - [H.R. 3447]>>
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Department of
Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001.>>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) <<NOTE: 38 USC 101 note.>> Short Title.--This Act may be cited
as the ``Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement
Act of 2001''.
(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--ENHANCEMENT OF NURSE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION AUTHORITIES
Subtitle A--Recruitment Authorities
Sec. 101. Enhancement of employee incentive scholarship program.
Sec. 102. Enhancement of education debt reduction program.
Sec. 103. Report on requests for waivers of pay reductions for
reemployed annuitants to fill nurse positions.
Subtitle B--Retention Authorities
Sec. 121. Additional pay for Saturday tours of duty for additional
health care professionals in the Veterans Health
Administration.
Sec. 122. Unused sick leave included in annuity computation of
registered nurses within the Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 123. Evaluation of Department of Veterans Affairs nurse managed
clinics.
Sec. 124. Staffing levels for operations of medical facilities.
Sec. 125. Annual report on use of authorities to enhance retention of
experienced nurses.
Sec. 126. Report on mandatory overtime for nurses and nursing assistants
in Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
Subtitle C--Other Authorities
Sec. 131. Organizational responsibility of the Director of the Nursing
Service.
Sec. 132. Computation of annuity for part-time service performed by
certain health-care professionals before April 7, 1986.
Sec. 133. Modification of nurse locality pay authorities.
Subtitle D--National Commission on VA Nursing
Sec. 141. Establishment of Commission.
Sec. 142. Duties of Commission.
Sec. 143. Reports.
Sec. 144. Powers.
Sec. 145. Personnel matters.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2447]]
Sec. 146. Termination of Commission.
TITLE II--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 201. Authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide service
dogs for veterans with certain disabilities.
Sec. 202. gement of health care for certain low-income veterans.
Sec. 203. Maintenance of capacity for specialized treatment and
rehabilitative needs of disabled veterans.
Sec. 204. Program for provision of chiropractic care and services to
veterans.
Sec. 205. nds for field offices of the Office of Research Compliance and
Assurance.
Sec. 206. Major medical facility construction.
Sec. 207. Sense of Congress on special telephone services for veterans.
Sec. 208. Recodification of bereavement counseling authority and certain
other health-related authorities.
Sec. 209. Extension of expiring collections authorities.
Sec. 210. Personal emergency response system for veterans with service-
connected disabilities.
Sec. 211. One-year extension of eligibility for health care of veterans
who served in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War.
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--ENHANCEMENT OF NURSE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION AUTHORITIES
Subtitle A--Recruitment Authorities
SEC. 101. ENHANCEMENT OF EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Permanent Authority.--(1) Section 7676 <<NOTE: 38 USC 7676.>>
is repealed.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 76 is amended
by striking the item relating to section 7676.
(b) Minimum Period of Department Employment for Eligibility.--
Section 7672(b) is amended by striking ``2 years'' and inserting ``one
year''.
(c) Scholarship Amount.--Subsection (b) of section 7673 is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``for any 1 year'' and
inserting ``for the equivalent of one year of full-time
coursework''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following
new paragraph (2):
``(2) in the case of a participant in the Program who is a
part-time student, shall bear the same ratio to the amount that
would be paid under paragraph (1) if the participant were a
full-time student in the course of education or training being
pursued by the participant as the coursework carried by the
participant to full-time coursework in that course of education
or training.''.
(d) Limitation on Payment.--Subsection (c) of section 7673 is
amended to read as follows:
``(c) Limitations on Period of Payment.--(1) The maximum number of
school years for which a scholarship may be paid under
[[Page 115 STAT. 2448]]
subsection (a) to a participant in the Program shall be six school
years.
``(2) A participant in the Program may not receive a scholarship
under subsection (a) for more than the equivalent of three years of
full-time coursework.''.
(e) Full-Time Coursework.--Section 7673 <<NOTE: 38 USC 7673.>> is
further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Full-Time Coursework.--For purposes of this section, full-time
coursework shall consist of the following:
``(1) In the case of undergraduate coursework, 30 semester
hours per undergraduate school year.
``(2) In the case of graduate coursework, 18 semester hours
per graduate school year.''.
(f) Annual Adjustment of Maximum Scholarship Amount.--Section 7631
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``and the maximum
Selected Reserve member stipend amount'' and inserting ``the
maximum Selected Reserve member stipend amount, the maximum
employee incentive scholarship amount,''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6);
and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following
new paragraph (4):
``(4) The term `maximum employee incentive scholarship
amount' means the maximum amount of the scholarship payable to a
participant in the Department of Veterans Affairs Employee
Incentive Scholarship Program under subchapter VI of this
chapter, as specified in section 7673(b)(1) of this title and as
previously adjusted (if at all) in accordance with this
section.''.
(g) Technical Amendments.--Section 7631(b) is further amended by
striking ``this subsection'' each place it appears and inserting ``this
section''.
SEC. 102. ENHANCEMENT OF EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM.
(a) Permanent Authority.--(1) Section 7684 is repealed.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 76 is amended
by striking the item relating to section 7684.
(b) Eligible Individuals.--Subsection (a)(1) of section 7682 is
amended--
(1) by striking ``under an appointment under section 7402(b)
of this title in a position'' and inserting ``in a position (as
determined by the Secretary) providing direct-patient care
services or services incident to direct-patient care services'';
and
(2) by striking ``(as determined by the Secretary)'' and
inserting ``(as so determined)''.
(c) Maximum Debt Reduction Amount.--Section 7683(d)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``for a year''; and
(2) by striking ``exceed--'' and all that follows through
the end of the paragraph and inserting ``exceed $44,000 over a
total of five years of participation in the Program, of which
not more than $10,000 of such payments may be made in each of
the fourth and fifth years of participation in the Program.''.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2449]]
(d) Annual Adjustment of Maximum Debt Reduction Payments Amount.--
(1) Section 7631, as amended by section 101(f) of this Act, is further
amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting before the period at
the end of the first sentence the following: ``and the maximum
education debt reduction payments amount''; and
(B) in subsection (b), by inserting after paragraph (4) the
following new paragraph (5):
``(5) The term `maximum education debt reduction payments
amount' means the maximum amount of education debt reduction
payments payable to a participant in the Department of Veterans
Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program under subchapter VII of
this chapter, as specified in section 7683(d)(1) of this title
and as previously adjusted (if at all) in accordance with this
section.''.
(2) <<NOTE: 38 USC 7631 note.>> Notwithstanding section 7631(a)(1)
of title 38, United States Code, as amended by paragraph (1), the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall not increase the maximum education
debt reduction payments amount under that section in calendar year 2002.
(e) <<NOTE: 38 USC 7682 note.>> Temporary Expansion of Individuals
Eligible for Participation in Program.--(1) Notwithstanding section
7682(c) of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs may treat a covered individual as being a recently appointed
employee in the Veterans Health Administration under section 7682(a) of
that title for purposes of eligibility in the Education Debt Reduction
Program if the Secretary determines that the participation of the
individual in the Program under this subsection would further the
purposes of the Program.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual is any
individual otherwise described by section 7682(a) of title 38, United
States Code, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of
this Act, who--
(A) was appointed as an employee in a position described in
paragraph (1) of that section, as so in effect, between January
1, 1999, and December 31, 2001; and
(B) is an employee in such position, or in another position
described in paragraph (1) of that section, as so in effect, at
the time of application for treatment as a covered individual
under this subsection.
(3) The Secretary shall make determinations regarding the exercise
of the authority in this subsection on a case-by-case basis.
(4) <<NOTE: Expiration date.>> The Secretary may not exercise the
authority in this subsection after June 30, 2002. The expiration of the
authority in this subsection shall not affect the treatment of an
individual under this subsection before that date as a covered
individual for purposes of eligibility in the Education Debt Reduction
Program.
(5) In this subsection, the term ``Education Debt Reduction
Program'' means the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt
Reduction Program under subchapter VII of chapter 76 of title 38, United
States Code.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2450]]
SEC. 103. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7451 note.>> REPORT ON REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS OF
PAY REDUCTIONS FOR REEMPLOYED ANNUITANTS TO FILL NURSE
POSITIONS.
(a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Report.--Not later than March 28 of each of
2002 and 2003, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of
Representatives and to the National Commission on VA Nursing established
under subtitle D a report describing each request of the Secretary,
during the fiscal year preceding such report, to the Director of the
Office of Personnel Management for the following:
(1) A waiver under subsection (i)(1)(A) of section 8344 of
title 5, United States Code, of the provisions of such section
in order to meet requirements of the Department of Veterans
Affairs for appointments to nurse positions in the Veterans
Health Administration.
(2) A waiver under subsection (f)(1)(A) of section 8468 of
title 5, United States Code, of the provisions of such section
in order to meet requirements of the Department for appointments
to such positions.
(3) A grant of authority under subsection (i)(1)(B) of
section 8344 of title 5, United States Code, for the waiver of
the provisions of such section in order to meet requirements of
the Department for appointments to such positions.
(4) A grant of authority under subsection (f)(1)(B) of
section 8468 of title 5, United States Code, for the waiver of
the provisions of such section in order to meet requirements of
the Department for appointments to such positions.
(b) Information on Responses to Requests.--The report under
subsection (a) shall specify for each request covered by the report--
(1) the response of the Director to such request; and
(2) if such request was granted, whether or not the waiver
or authority, as the case may be, assisted the Secretary in
meeting requirements of the Department for appointments to nurse
positions in the Veterans Health Administration.
Subtitle B--Retention Authorities
SEC. 121. ADDITIONAL PAY FOR SATURDAY TOURS OF DUTY FOR ADDITIONAL
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE VETERANS HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--Section 7454(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 7454.>> is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(b)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Health care professionals employed in positions referred to in
paragraph (1) shall be entitled to additional pay on the same basis as
provided for nurses in section 7453(c) of this title.''.
(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 7454 note.>> Applicability.--The amendments made
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to pay periods beginning on
or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2451]]
SEC. 122. UNUSED SICK LEAVE INCLUDED IN ANNUITY COMPUTATION OF
REGISTERED NURSES WITHIN THE VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Annuity Computation.--Section 8415 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(i) In computing an annuity under this subchapter, the total
service of an employee who retires from the position of a registered
nurse with the Veterans Health Administration on an immediate annuity,
or dies while employed in that position leaving any survivor entitled to
an annuity, includes the days of unused sick leave to the credit of that
employee under a formal leave system, except that such days shall not be
counted in determining average pay or annuity eligibility under this
subchapter.''.
(b) Deposit Not Required.--Section 8422(d) of such title is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Under such regulations'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Deposit may not be required for days of unused sick leave
credited under section 8415(i).''.
(c) <<NOTE: Applicability. 5 USC 8415 note.>> Effective Date.--The
amendments made by this section shall take effect 60 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to individuals who separate
from service on or after that effective date.
SEC. 123. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7311 note.>> EVALUATION OF DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS NURSE MANAGED CLINICS.
(a) Evaluation.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out
an evaluation of the efficacy of the nurse managed health care clinics
of the Department of Veterans Affairs. <<NOTE: Deadline.>> The Secretary
shall complete the evaluation not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(b) Clinics To Be Evaluated.--(1) In carrying out the evaluation
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider nurse managed health
care clinics, including primary care clinics and geriatric care clinics,
located in three different geographic service areas of the Department.
(2) If there are not nurse managed health care clinics located in
three different geographic service areas as of the commencement of the
evaluation, the Secretary shall--
(A) establish nurse managed health care clinics in
additional geographic service areas such that there are nurse
managed health care clinics in three different geographic
service areas for purposes of the evaluation; and
(B) include such clinics, as so established, in the
evaluation.
(c) Matters To Be Evaluated.--In carrying out the evaluation under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall address the following:
(1) Patient satisfaction.
(2) Provider experiences.
(3) Cost of care.
(4) Access to care, including waiting time for care.
(5) The functional status of patients receiving care.
(6) Any other matters the Secretary considers appropriate.
(d) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of
Representatives a report on the evaluation carried out under subsection
(a). The
[[Page 115 STAT. 2452]]
report shall address the matters specified in subsection (c) and include
any other information, and any recommendations, that the Secretary
considers appropriate. <<NOTE: Records.>> The Secretary shall provide a
copy of the report to the National Commission on VA Nursing established
under subtitle D.
SEC. 124. STAFFING LEVELS FOR OPERATIONS OF MEDICAL FACILITIES.
(a) In General.--Section 8110(a) <<NOTE: 38 USC 8110.>> is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting after ``complete care of
patients,'' in the fifth sentence the following: ``and in a
manner consistent with the policies of the Secretary on
overtime,''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``, including the staffing required
to maintain such capacities,'' after ``all Department
medical facilities'';
(B) by striking ``and to minimize'' and inserting
``, to minimize''; and
(C) by inserting before the period the following:
``, and to ensure that eligible veterans are provided
such care and services in an appropriate manner''.
(b) Nationwide Policy on Staffing.--Paragraph (3) of that section is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``the adequacy of
staff levels for compliance with the policy established under
subparagraph (C),'' after ``regarding''; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) <<NOTE: Policy>> The Secretary shall, in consultation with the
Under Secretary for Health, establish a nationwide policy on the
staffing of Department medical facilities in order to ensure that such
facilities have adequate staff for the provision to veterans of
appropriate, high-quality care and services. The policy shall take into
account the staffing levels and mixture of staff skills required for the
range of care and services provided veterans in Department
facilities.''.
SEC. 125. ANNUAL REPORT ON USE OF AUTHORITIES TO ENHANCE RETENTION OF
EXPERIENCED NURSES.
(a) Annual Report.--(1) Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7324. Annual report on use of authorities to enhance retention of
experienced nurses
``(a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Annual Report.--Not later than January 31
each year, the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Health,
shall submit to Congress a report on the use during the preceding year
of authorities for purposes of retaining experienced nurses in the
Veterans Health Administration, as follows:
``(1) The authorities under chapter 76 of this title.
``(2) The authority under VA Directive 5102.1, relating to
the Department of Veterans Affairs nurse qualification standard,
dated November 10, 1999, or any successor directive.
``(3) Any other authorities available to the Secretary for
those purposes.
``(b) Report Elements.--Each report under subsection (a) shall
specify for the period covered by such report, for each Department
[[Page 115 STAT. 2453]]
medical facility and for each geographic service area of the Department,
the following:
``(1) The number of waivers requested under the authority
referred to in subsection (a)(2), and the number of waivers
granted under that authority, to promote to the Nurse II grade
or Nurse III grade under the Nurse Schedule under section
7404(b)(1) of this title any nurse who has not completed a
baccalaureate degree in nursing in a recognized school of
nursing, set forth by age, race, and years of experience of the
individuals subject to such waiver requests and waivers, as the
case may be.
``(2) The programs carried out to facilitate the use of
nursing education programs by experienced nurses, including
programs for flexible scheduling, scholarships, salary
replacement pay, and on-site classes.''.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 7323 the following new
item:
``7324. Annual report on use of authorities to enhance retention of
experienced nurses.''.
(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 7324 note.>> Initial Report.--The initial report
required under section 7324 of title 38, United States Code, as added by
subsection (a), shall be submitted to the National Commission on VA
Nursing established under subtitle D as well as to Congress.
SEC. 126. REPORT ON MANDATORY OVERTIME FOR NURSES AND NURSING ASSISTANTS
IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FACILITIES.
(a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Report.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
the House of Representatives and to the National Commission on VA
Nursing established under subtitle D a report on the mandatory overtime
required of licensed nurses and nursing assistants providing direct
patient care at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities during
2001.
(b) Mandatory Overtime.--For purposes of the report under subsection
(a), mandatory overtime shall consist of any period in which a nurse or
nursing assistant is mandated or otherwise required, whether directly or
indirectly, to work or be in on-duty status in excess of--
(1) a scheduled workshift or duty period;
(2) 12 hours in any 24-hour period; or
(3) 80 hours in any period of 14 consecutive days.
(c) Elements.--The report under subsection (a) shall include the
following:
(1) A description of the amount of mandatory overtime
described in that subsection at each Department medical facility
during the period covered by the report.
(2) A description of the mechanisms employed by the
Secretary to monitor overtime of the nurses and nursing
assistants referred to in that subsection.
(3) An assessment of the effects of the mandatory overtime
of such nurses and nursing assistants on patient care, including
any reported association with medical errors.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2454]]
(4) Recommendations regarding mechanisms for preventing
mandatory overtime in other than emergency situations by such
nurses and nursing assistants.
(5) Any other matters that the Secretary considers
appropriate.
Subtitle C--Other Authorities
SEC. 131. ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE NURSING
SERVICE.
Section 7306(a)(5) <<NOTE: 38 USC 7306.>> is amended by inserting
``, and report directly to,'' after ``responsible to''.
SEC. 132. COMPUTATION OF ANNUITY FOR PART-TIME SERVICE PERFORMED BY
CERTAIN HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS BEFORE APRIL 7, 1986.
Section 7426 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(c) The provisions of subsection (b) shall not apply to the part-
time service before April 7, 1986, of a registered nurse, physician
assistant, or expanded-function dental auxiliary. In computing the
annuity under the applicable provision of law specified in that
subsection of an individual covered by the preceding sentence, the
service described in that sentence shall be credited as full-time
service.''.
SEC. 133. MODIFICATION OF NURSE LOCALITY PAY AUTHORITIES.
Section 7451 is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``beginning
rates of'' each place it appears;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``beginning
rates of'' the first place it appears; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``beginning
rates of'' each place it appears;
(2) in subsection (d)(4)--
(A) by striking ``or at any other time that an
adjustment in rates of pay is scheduled to take place
under this subsection'' in the first sentence; and
(B) by striking the second sentence; and
(3) in subsection (e)(4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``grade in a'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``grade of a''; and
(ii) by striking ``that grade'' and inserting
``that position''; and
(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``grade of a''.
Subtitle D--National Commission on VA Nursing
SEC. 141. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7451 note.>> ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--There is hereby established in the Department of
Veterans Affairs a commission to be known as the ``National
[[Page 115 STAT. 2455]]
Commission on VA Nursing'' (hereinafter in this subtitle referred to as
the ``Commission'').
(b) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 12 members
appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as follows:
(1) At least two shall be recognized representatives of
employees (including nurses) of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
(2) At least one shall be a representative of professional
associations of nurses of the Department or similar
organizations affiliated with the Department's health care
practitioners.
(3) At least one shall be a nurse from a nursing school
affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(4) At least two shall be representatives of veterans.
(5) At least one shall be an economist.
(6) The remainder shall be appointed in such manner as the
Secretary considers appropriate.
(c) Chair of Commission.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
designate one of the members of the Commission to chair the Commission.
(d) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members shall be appointed
for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall be
filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(e) <<NOTE: Deadlines.>> Initial Organization Requirements.--All
appointments to the Commission shall be made not later than 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act. The Commission shall
convene its first meeting not later than 60 days after the date as of
which all members of the Commission have been appointed.
SEC. 142. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7451 note.>> DUTIES OF COMMISSION.
(a) Assessment.--The Commission shall--
(1) consider legislative and organizational policy changes
to enhance the recruitment and retention of nurses and other
nursing personnel by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(2) assess the future of the nursing profession within the
Department.
(b) Recommendations.--The Commission shall recommend legislative and
organizational policy changes to enhance the recruitment and retention
of nurses and other nursing personnel in the Department.
SEC. 143. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7451 note.>> REPORTS.
(a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Commission Report.--The Commission shall,
not later than two years after the date of its first meeting, submit to
Congress and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a report on the
Commission's findings and recommendations.
(b) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Secretary of Veterans Affairs Report.--Not
later than 60 days after the date of the Commission's report under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report--
(1) providing the Secretary's views on the Commission's
findings and recommendations; and
(2) explaining what actions, if any, the Secretary intends
to take to implement the recommendations of the Commission and
the Secretary's reasons for doing so.
SEC. 144. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7451 note.>> POWERS.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission or, at its direction, any panel or
member of the Commission, may, for the purpose of carrying
[[Page 115 STAT. 2456]]
out the provisions of this subtitle, hold hearings and take testimony to
the extent that the Commission or any member considers advisable.
(b) Information.--The Commission may secure directly from any
Federal department or agency information that the Commission considers
necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its responsibilities
under this subtitle.
SEC. 145. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7451 note.>> PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Pay of Members.--Members of the Commission shall serve without
pay by reason of their work on the Commission.
(b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Commission shall be allowed
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates
authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of
title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular
places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.
(c) Staff.--(1) The Secretary may, without regard to the provisions
of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the
competitive service, appoint a staff director and such additional
personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its
duties.
(2) The Secretary may fix the pay of the staff director and other
personnel appointed under paragraph (1) without regard to the provisions
of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States
Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay
rates, except that the rate of pay fixed under this paragraph for the
staff director may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the
Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title and the rate of pay
for other personnel may not exceed the maximum rate payable for grade
GS-15 of the General Schedule.
(d) Detail of Government Employees.--Upon request of the Secretary,
the head of any Federal department or agency may detail, on a
nonreimbursable basis, any personnel of that department or agency to the
Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties.
SEC. 146. <<NOTE: 38 USC 7451 note.>> TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.
The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the date of the
submission of its report under section 143(a).
TITLE II--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 201. AUTHORITY FOR SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO PROVIDE SERVICE
DOGS FOR VETERANS WITH CERTAIN DISABILITIES.
(a) Authority.--Section 1714 <<NOTE: 38 USC 1714.>> is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``seeing-eye or'' the first place it
appears;
(B) by striking ``who are entitled to disability
compensation'' and inserting ``who are enrolled under
section 1705 of this title'';
(C) by striking ``, and may pay'' and all that
follows through ``such seeing-eye or guide dogs''; and
(D) by striking ``handicap'' and inserting
``disability''; and
[[Page 115 STAT. 2457]]
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(c) The Secretary may, in accordance with the priority specified
in section 1705 of this title, provide--
``(1) service dogs trained for the aid of the hearing
impaired to veterans who are hearing impaired and are enrolled
under section 1705 of this title; and
``(2) service dogs trained for the aid of persons with
spinal cord injury or dysfunction or other chronic impairment
that substantially limits mobility to veterans with such injury,
dysfunction, or impairment who are enrolled under section 1705
of this title.
``(d) In the case of a veteran provided a dog under subsection (b)
or (c), the Secretary may pay travel and incidental expenses for that
veteran under the terms and conditions set forth in section 111 of this
title to and from the veteran's home for expenses incurred in becoming
adjusted to the dog.''.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--(1) The heading for such section is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 1714. Fitting and training in use of prosthetic appliances; guide
dogs; service dogs''.
(2) The item relating to such section in the table of sections at
the beginning of chapter 17 is amended to read as follows:
``1714. Fitting and training in use of prosthetic appliances; guide
dogs; service dogs.''.
SEC. 202. MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH CARE FOR CERTAIN LOW-INCOME VETERANS.
(a) Priority of Enrollment in Patient Enrollment System.--Section
1705(a) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1705.>> is amended by striking paragraph (7) and
inserting the following new paragraphs:
``(7) Veterans described in section 1710(a)(3) of this title
who are eligible for treatment as a low-income family under
section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
1437a(b)) for the area in which such veterans reside, regardless
of whether such veterans are treated as single person families
under paragraph (3)(A) of such section 3(b) or as families under
paragraph (3)(B) of such section 3(b).
``(8) Veterans described in section 1710(a)(3) of this title
who are not covered by paragraph (7).''.
(b) Reduced Copayments for Care.--Subsection (f) of section 1710 is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or (4)'' after
``paragraph (2)'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph (4):
``(4) In the case of a veteran covered by this subsection who is
also described by section 1705(a)(7) of this title, the amount for which
the veteran shall be liable to the United States for hospital care under
this subsection shall be an amount equal to 20 percent of the total
amount for which the veteran would otherwise be liable for such care
under subparagraphs (2)(B) and (3)(A) but for this paragraph.''.
(c) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1705 note.>> Effective Date.--The amendments made
by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2002.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2458]]
SEC. 203. MAINTENANCE OF CAPACITY FOR SPECIALIZED TREATMENT AND
REHABILITATIVE NEEDS OF DISABLED VETERANS.
(a) Maintenance of Capacity on a Geographic Service Area Basis.--
Section 1706(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1706.>> is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the first sentence, by inserting ``(and each
geographic service area of the Veterans Health
Administration)'' after ``ensure that the Department'';
and
(B) in clause (B), by inserting ``(and each
geographic service area of the Veterans Health
Administration)'' after ``overall capacity of the
Department'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs
(5) and (6), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraphs;
``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the capacity of the Department
(and each geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administration)
to provide for the specialized treatment and rehabilitative needs of
disabled veterans (including veterans with spinal cord dysfunction,
traumatic brain injury, blindness, prosthetics and sensory aids, and
mental illness) within distinct programs or facilities shall be measured
for seriously mentally ill veterans as follows (with all such data to be
provided by geographic service area and totaled nationally):
``(A) For mental health intensive community-based care, the
number of discrete intensive care teams constituted to provide
such intensive services to seriously mentally ill veterans and
the number of veterans provided such care.
``(B) For opioid substitution programs, the number of
patients treated annually and the amounts expended.
``(C) For dual-diagnosis patients, the number treated
annually and the amounts expended.
``(D) For substance-use disorder programs--
``(i) the number of beds (whether hospital, nursing
home, or other designated beds) employed and the average
bed occupancy of such beds;
``(ii) the percentage of unique patients admitted
directly to outpatient care during the fiscal year who
had two or more additional visits to specialized
outpatient care within 30 days of their first visit,
with a comparison from 1996 until the date of the
report;
``(iii) the percentage of unique inpatients with
substance-use disorder diagnoses treated during the
fiscal year who had one or more specialized clinic
visits within three days of their index discharge, with
a comparison from 1996 until the date of the report;
``(iv) the percentage of unique outpatients seen in
a facility or geographic service area during the fiscal
year who had one or more specialized clinic visits, with
a comparison from 1996 until the date of the report; and
``(v) the rate of recidivism of patients at each
specialized clinic in each geographic service area of
the Veterans Health Administration.
``(E) For mental health programs, the number and type of
staff that are available at each facility to provide specialized
mental health treatment, including satellite clinics, outpatient
[[Page 115 STAT. 2459]]
programs, and community-based outpatient clinics, with a
comparison from 1996 to the date of the report.
``(F) The number of such clinics providing mental health
care, the number and type of mental health staff at each such
clinic, and the type of mental health programs at each such
clinic.
``(G) The total amounts expended for mental health during
the fiscal year.
``(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the capacity of the Department
(and each geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administration)
to provide for the specialized treatment and rehabilitative needs of
disabled veterans within distinct programs or facilities shall be
measured for veterans with spinal cord dysfunction, traumatic brain
injury, blindness, or prosthetics and sensory aids as follows (with all
such data to be provided by geographic service area and totaled
nationally):
``(A) For spinal cord injury and dysfunction specialized
centers and for blind rehabilitation specialized centers, the
number of staffed beds and the number of full-time equivalent
employees assigned to provide care at such centers.
``(B) For prosthetics and sensory aids, the annual amount
expended.
``(C) For traumatic brain injury, the number of patients
treated annually and the amounts expended.
``(4) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary may not use
patient outcome data as a substitute for, or the equivalent of,
compliance with the requirement under that paragraph for maintenance of
capacity.''.
(b) Extension of Annual Report Requirement.--Paragraph (5) of such
section, as so redesignated, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``Not later than'';
(2) by striking ``April 1, 1999, April 1, 2000, and April 1,
2001'' and inserting ``April 1 of each year through 2004'';
(3) by adding at the end of subparagraph (A), as designated
by paragraph (1), the following new sentence: ``Each such report
shall include information on recidivism rates associated with
substance-use disorder treatment.''; and
(4) by adding at the end of such paragraph the following new
subparagraphs:
``(B) In preparing each report under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall use standardized data and data definitions.
``(C) <<NOTE: Certification.>> Each report under subparagraph (A)
shall be audited by the Inspector General of the Department, who shall
submit to Congress a certification as to the accuracy of each such
report.''.
SEC. 204. <<NOTE: 38 USC 1710 note.>> PROGRAM FOR PROVISION OF
CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND SERVICES TO VETERANS.
(a) Requirement for Program.--Subject to the provisions of this
section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to
provide chiropractic care and services to veterans through Department of
Veterans Affairs medical centers and clinics.
(b) Eligible Veterans.--Veterans eligible to receive chiropractic
care and services under the program are veterans who are enrolled in the
system of patient enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United
States Code.
(c) Location of Program.--The program shall be carried out at sites
designated by the Secretary for purposes of the program.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2460]]
The Secretary shall designate at least one site for such program in each
geographic service area of the Veterans Health
Administration. <<NOTE: Urban and rural areas.>> The sites so designated
shall be medical centers and clinics located in urban areas and in rural
areas.
(d) Care and Services Available.--The chiropractic care and services
available under the program shall include a variety of chiropractic care
and services for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, including subluxation
complex.
(e) Other Administrative Matters.--(1) <<NOTE: Contacts.>> The
Secretary shall carry out the program through personal service contracts
and by appointment of licensed chiropractors in Department medical
centers and clinics.
(2) As part of the program, the Secretary shall provide training and
materials relating to chiropractic care and services to Department
health care providers assigned to primary care teams for the purpose of
familiarizing such providers with the benefits of chiropractic care and
services.
(f) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry
out this section.
(g) <<NOTE: Establishment.>> Chiropractic Advisory Committee.--(1)
The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to provide direct
assistance and advice to the Secretary in the development and
implementation of the chiropractic health program.
(2) The membership of the advisory committee shall include members
of the chiropractic care profession and such other members as the
Secretary considers appropriate.
(3) Matters on which the advisory committee shall assist and advise
the Secretary shall include the following:
(A) Protocols governing referral to chiropractors.
(B) Protocols governing direct access to chiropractic care.
(C) Protocols governing scope of practice of chiropractic
practitioners.
(D) Definition of services to be provided.
(E) Such other matters the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
(4) <<NOTE: Termination date.>> The advisory committee shall cease
to exist on December 31, 2004.
SEC. 205. FUNDS FOR FIELD OFFICES OF THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH COMPLIANCE
AND ASSURANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 7303 <<NOTE: 38 USC 7303.>> is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Amounts for the activities of the field offices of the Office
of Research Compliance and Assurance of the Department shall be derived
from amounts appropriated for the Veterans Health Administration for
Medical Care (rather than from amounts appropriated for the Veterans
Health Administration for Medical and Prosthetic Research).''.
(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 7303 note.>> Applicability to Fiscal Year 2002.--
In order to carry out subsection (e) of section 7303 of title 38, United
States Code, as added by subsection (a), for fiscal year 2002, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall transfer such sums as necessary for
that purpose from amounts appropriated for the Veterans Health
Administration for Medical and Prosthetic Research for fiscal year 2002
to amounts appropriated for the Veterans Health Administration for
Medical Care for that fiscal year.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2461]]
SEC. 206. MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION.
(a) Project Authorized.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry
out a major medical facility project for the renovation from electrical
fire of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami,
Florida, in an amount not to exceed $28,300,000.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Construction,
Major Projects Account, for fiscal year 2002, $28,300,000 for the
project authorized by subsection (a).
(c) Limitation.--The project authorized by subsection (a) may only
be carried out using--
(1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2002 pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations in subsection (b);
(2) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for
a fiscal year before fiscal year 2002 that remain available for
obligation; and
(3) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for
fiscal year 2002 for a category of activity not specific to a
project.
SEC. 207. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SPECIAL TELEPHONE SERVICES FOR VETERANS.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
should conduct an assessment of all special telephone services for
veterans (such as help lines and hotlines) that are provided by the
Department of Veterans Affairs and that any such assessment, if
conducted, should include assessment of the geographical coverage,
availability, utilization, effectiveness, management, coordination,
staffing, and cost of those services and should include a survey of
veterans to measure their satisfaction with current special telephone
services and the demand for additional services.
SEC. 208. RECODIFICATION OF BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING AUTHORITY AND CERTAIN
OTHER HEALTH-RELATED AUTHORITIES.
(a) Statutory Reorganization.--Subchapter I of chapter 17 is
amended--
(1) in section 1701(6)-- <<NOTE: 38 USC 1701.>>
(A) by striking subparagraph (B) and the sentence
following that subparagraph;
(B) by striking ``services--'' in the matter
preceding subparagraph (A) and inserting ``services, the
following:''; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) Surgical services.
``(B) Dental services and appliances as described in
sections 1710 and 1712 of this title.
``(C) Optometric and podiatric services.
``(D) Preventive health services.
``(E) In the case of a person otherwise receiving care or
services under this chapter--
``(i) wheelchairs, artificial limbs, trusses, and
similar appliances;
``(ii) special clothing made necessary by the
wearing of prosthetic appliances; and
[[Page 115 STAT. 2462]]
``(iii) such other supplies or services as the
Secretary determines to be reasonable and necessary.
``(F) Travel and incidental expenses pursuant to section 111
of this title.''; and
(2) in section 1707-- <<NOTE: 38 USC 1707.>>
(A) by inserting ``(a)'' at the beginning of the
text of the section; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) The Secretary may furnish sensori-neural aids only in
accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Secretary.''.
(b) Consolidation of Provisions Relating to Persons Other Than
Veterans.--Such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the
following new subchapter:
``SUBCHAPTER VIII--HEALTH CARE OF PERSONS OTHER THAN VETERANS
``Sec. 1782. Counseling, training, and mental health services for
immediate family members
``(a) Counseling for Family Members of Veterans Receiving Service-
Connected Treatment.--In the case of a veteran who is receiving
treatment for a service-connected disability pursuant to paragraph (1)
or (2) of section 1710(a) of this title, the Secretary shall provide to
individuals described in subsection (c) such consultation, professional
counseling, training, and mental health services as are necessary in
connection with that treatment.
``(b) Counseling for Family Members of Veterans Receiving Non-
Service-Connected Treatment.--In the case of a veteran who is eligible
to receive treatment for a non-service-connected disability under the
conditions described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 1710(a) of
this title, the Secretary may, in the discretion of the Secretary,
provide to individuals described in subsection (c) such consultation,
professional counseling, training, and mental health services as are
necessary in connection with that treatment if--
``(1) those services were initiated during the veteran's
hospitalization; and
``(2) the continued provision of those services on an
outpatient basis is essential to permit the discharge of the
veteran from the hospital.
``(c) Eligible Individuals.--Individuals who may be provided
services under this subsection are--
``(1) the members of the immediate family or the legal
guardian of a veteran; or
``(2) the individual in whose household such veteran
certifies an intention to live.
``(d) Travel and Transportation Authorized.--Services provided under
subsections (a) and (b) may include, under the terms and conditions set
forth in section 111 of this title, travel and incidental expenses of
individuals described in subsection (c) in the case of any of the
following:
``(1) A veteran who is receiving care for a service-
connected disability.
``(2) A dependent or survivor receiving care under the last
sentence of section 1783(b) of this title.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2463]]
``Sec. 1783. Bereavement counseling
``(a) Deaths of Veterans.--In the case of an individual who was a
recipient of services under section 1782 of this title at the time of
the death of the veteran, the Secretary may provide bereavement
counseling to that individual in the case of a death--
``(1) that was unexpected; or
``(2) that occurred while the veteran was participating in a
hospice program (or a similar program) conducted by the
Secretary.
``(b) Deaths In Active Service.--The Secretary may provide
bereavement counseling to an individual who is a member of the immediate
family of a member of the Armed Forces who dies in the active military,
naval, or air service in the line of duty and under circumstances not
due to the person's own misconduct.
``(c) Bereavement Counseling Defined.--For purposes of this section,
the term `bereavement counseling' means such counseling services, for a
limited period, as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and
necessary to assist an individual with the emotional and psychological
stress accompanying the death of another individual.
``Sec. 1784. Humanitarian care
``The Secretary may furnish hospital care or medical services as a
humanitarian service in emergency cases, but the Secretary shall charge
for such care and services at rates prescribed by the Secretary.''.
(c) Transfer of CHAMPVA Section.--Section 1713 is--
(1) transferred to subchapter VIII of chapter 17 of title
38, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), and inserted
after the subchapter heading;
(2) redesignated as section 1781; and
(3) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1781.>> amended by adding at the end of
subsection (b) the following new sentence: ``A dependent or
survivor receiving care under the preceding sentence shall be
eligible for the same medical services as a veteran, including
services under sections 1782 and 1783 of this title.''.
(d) Repeal of Recodified Authority.--Section 1711 is amended by
striking subsection (b).
(e) Cross Reference Amendments.--Title 38, United States Code, is
further amended as follows:
(1) Section 103(d)(5)(B) is amended by striking ``1713'' and
inserting ``1781''.
(2) Section 1701(5) is amended by striking ``1713(b)'' in
subparagraphs (B) and (C)(i) and inserting ``1781(b)''.
(3) Section 1712A(b) is amended--
(A) in the last sentence of paragraph (1), by
striking ``section 1711(b)'' and inserting ``section
1784''; and
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section
1701(6)(B)'' and inserting ``sections 1782 and 1783''.
(4) Section 1729(f) is amended by striking ``section
1711(b)'' and inserting ``section 1784''.
(5) Section 1729A(b) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8);
and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following
new paragraph (7):
``(7) Section 1784 of this title.''.
[[Page 115 STAT. 2464]]
(6) Section 8111(g) <<NOTE: 38 USC 8111.>> is amended--
(A) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``services under
sections 1782 and 1783 of this title'' after ``of this
title,''; and
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``section 1711(b)
or 1713'' and inserting ``section 1782, 1783, or 1784''.
(7) Section 8111A(a)(2) is amended by inserting ``, and the
term `medical services' includes services under sections 1782
and 1783 of this title'' before the period at the end.
(8) Section 8152(1) is amended by inserting ``services under
sections 1782 and 1783 of this title,'' after ``of this
title),''.
(9) Sections 8502(b), 8520(a), and 8521 are amended by
striking ``the last sentence of section 1713(b)'' and inserting
``the penultimate sentence of section 1781(b)''.
(f) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter
is amended--
(A) by striking the item relating to section 1707
and inserting the following:
``1707. Limitations.'';
(B) by striking the item relating to section 1713;
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``subchapter viii--health care of persons other than veterans
``1781. Medical care for survivors and dependents of certain veterans.
``1782. Counseling, training, and mental health services for immediate
family members.
``1783. Bereavement counseling.
``1784. Humanitarian care.''.
(2) The heading for section 1707 is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 1707. Limitations''.
SEC. 209. EXTENSION OF EXPIRING COLLECTIONS AUTHORITIES.
(a) Health Care Copayments.--Section 1710(f)(2)(B) is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2002'' and inserting ``September 30, 2007''.
(b) Medical Care Cost Recovery.--Section 1729(a)(2)(E) is amended by
striking ``October 1, 2002'' and inserting ``October 1, 2007''.
SEC. 210. <<NOTE: 38 USC 1710 note.>> PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM
FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.
(a) Evaluation and Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
carry out an evaluation and study of the feasibility and desirability of
providing a personal emergency response system to veterans who have
service-connected disabilities. <<NOTE: Deadline.>> The evaluation and
study shall be commenced not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(b) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Report.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report on the evaluation and study under subsection
(a). The Secretary shall include in the report the Secretary's findings
resulting from the evaluation and study and the Secretary's conclusion
as to whether the Department of Veterans Affairs should
[[Page 115 STAT. 2465]]
provide a personal emergency response system to veterans with service-
connected disabilities.
(c) Authority To Provide System.--If the Secretary concludes in the
report under subsection (b) that a personal emergency response system
should be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans
with service-connected disabilities--
(1) the Secretary may provide such a system, without charge,
to any veteran with a service-connected disability who is
enrolled under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code, and
who submits an application for such a system under subsection
(d); and
(2) the Secretary may contract with one or more vendors to
furnish such a system.
(d) Application.--A personal emergency response system may be
provided to a veteran under subsection (c)(1) only upon the submission
by the veteran of an application for the system. Any such application
shall be in such form and manner as the Secretary may require.
(e) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``personal
emergency response system'' means a device--
(1) that can be activated by an individual who is
experiencing a medical emergency to notify appropriate emergency
medical personnel that the individual is experiencing a medical
emergency; and
(2) that provides the individual's location through a Global
Positioning System indicator.
SEC. 211. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH CARE OF VETERANS
WHO SERVED IN SOUTHWEST ASIA DURING THE PERSIAN GULF WAR.
Section 1710(e)(3)(B) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1710.>> is amended by striking
``December 31, 2001'' and inserting ``December 31, 2002''.
Approved January 23, 2002.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 3447:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 147 (2001):
Dec. 11, considered and passed House.
Dec. 20, considered and passed Senate.
<all>