U.S. Congress - Text of S.801 as Reported in Senate Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009
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Donate NowS.801 - Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to waive charges for humanitarian care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to family members accompanying veterans severely injured after September 11, 2001, as they receive medical care from the Department and to provide assistance to family caregivers, and for other purposes.
| Version | Word Count | Changes From Previous Version | Percent Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced in Senate | 5,275 | n/a | n/a |
| Reported in Senate | 19,488 | 128 Show Changes Hide Changes | 82% |
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S 801 ISRSCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Calendar No. 167CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
111th CONGRESSCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
1st SessionCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
S. 801CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
[Report No. 111-80]CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
To amend title 38, United States Code, to waive charges for humanitarian care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to family members accompanying veterans severely injured after September 11, 2001, as they receive medical care from the Department and to provide assistance to family caregivers, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
April 2, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
April 2, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. BURR, Mr. TESTER, Mr. BURRIS, and Mr. ROCKEFELLERMr. ROCKEFELLER, Mr. BROWN, Mr. BEGICH, Ms. SNOWE, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. REED, Mr. SPECTER, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mr. JOHANNS, Mrs. MCCASKILL, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. THUNE, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. JOHNSON, Mrs. HAGAN, Mr. CASEY, Mr. BENNET, Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. HUTCHISON, and Mr. GRASSLEY) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ AffairsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
September 25, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
September 25, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Reported by Mr. AKAKA, with an amendment and an amendment to the titleCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic]CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic]CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
A BILLCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
To amend title 38, United States Code, to waive charges for humanitarian care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to family members accompanying veterans severely injured after September 11, 2001, as they receive medical care from the Department and to provide assistance to family caregivers, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the ‘Family Caregiver ProgramCaregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 2 (b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for this Act is as follows: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE I--CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Sec. 101. Waiver of charges for humanitarian care provided to family members accompanying certain severely injured veterans as they receive medical care. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 102. Family caregiver assistance. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 103. Lodging and subsistence for attendants. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 104. Survey of informal caregivers. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE II--RURAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS
Sec. 201. Enhancement of Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 202. Visual impairment and orientation and mobility professionals education assistance program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 203. Inclusion of Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in list of facilities eligible for assignment of participants in National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 204. Teleconsultation and telemedicine. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 205. Demonstration projects on alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 206. Program on provision of readjustment and mental health care services to veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 207. Improvement of care of American Indian veterans. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 208. Travel reimbursement for veterans receiving treatment at facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 209. Office of Rural Health five-year strategic plan. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 210. Oversight of contract and fee-basis care. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 211. Enhancement of Vet Centers to meet needs of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 212. Centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 213. Pilot program on incentives for physicians who assume inpatient responsibilities at community hospitals in health professional shortage areas. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 214. Annual report on matters related to care for veterans who live in rural areas. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 215. Transportation grants for rural veterans service organizations. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE III--OTHER HEALTH CARE MATTERS
Sec. 301. Expansion of veteran eligibility for reimbursement by Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 302. Prohibition on collection of copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE IV--CONSTRUCTION AND NAMING MATTERS
Sec. 401. Major medical facility project Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Walla Walla, Washington. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 402. Merril Lundman Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
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. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE I--CAREGIVER SUPPORT
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TITLE I--CAREGIVER SUPPORT CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 101. WAIVER OF CHARGES FOR HUMANITARIAN CARE PROVIDED TO FAMILY MEMBERS ACCOMPANYING CERTAIN SEVERELY INJURED VETERANS AS THEY RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE.
The text of section 1784 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(a) In General- The Secretary may furnish hospital care or medical services as a humanitarian service in emergency cases. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Reimbursement- Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary shall charge for care and services provided under subsection (a) at rates prescribed by the Secretary. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Waiver of Charges- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall waive the charges required by subsection (b) for care or services provided under subsection (a) to an attendant of a covered veteran if such care or services are provided to such attendant for an emergency that occurs while such attendant is accompanying such veteran while such veteran is receiving approved inpatient or outpatient treatment at-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) a Department facility; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) a non-Department facility-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) that is under contract with the Department; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) at which the veteran is receiving fee-basis care. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) If an attendant is entitled to care or services under a health-plan contract (as that term is defined in section 1725(f) of this title) or other contractual or legal recourse against a third party that would, in part, extinguish liability byfor charges described by subsection (b), the amount of such charges waived under paragraph (1) shall be the amount by which such charges exceed the amount of such charges covered by the health-plan contract or other contractual or legal recourse against the third party. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Definitions- In this section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) The term ‘attendant’ includes, with respect to a veteran,, with respect to a veteran, includes the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) A family member of the veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) An individual eligible to receive ongoing family caregiver assistance under section 1717A(e)(1) of this title for the provision of personal care services to the veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) Any other individual whom the Secretary determines-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) has a relationship with the veteran sufficient to demonstrate a close affinity with the veteran; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) provides a significant portion of the veteran’s care. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The term ‘covered veteran’ means any veteran with a severe injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service on or after September 11, 2001. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) The term ‘family member’ with respect to a veteran, includes the following:
‘(A) The spouse of the veteran.
‘(B) The child of the veteran.
‘(C) A parent of the veteran.
‘(D) A sibling of the veteran.
‘(E) A cousin of the veteran.
‘(F) An aunt of the veteran.
‘(G) An uncle of the veteran.
‘(H) A grandparent of the veteran.
‘(I) A grandchild of the veteran.
‘(J) A stepparent of the veteran.
‘(K) A stepchild of the veteran.
‘(L) A stepsibling of the veteran.
‘(M) A parent-in-law of the veteran.
‘(N) A sister-in-law of the veteran.
‘(O) A brother-in-law of the veteran.
‘(P) A cousin of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(Q) An aunt of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(R) An uncle of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(S) A grandparent of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(T) A grandchild of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(U) A stepparent of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(V) A stepsibling of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(W) Such other individuals as the Secretaryshall have such meaning as the Secretary shall specify in regulations for purposes of this secdetermine by policy or regulation. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(4) The term ‘severe injury’ means, in the case of a covered veteran, any injury as follows:
‘(A) A physiological condition of the veteran if the condition is a permanent or temporary severely disabling disorder that compromises the ability of the veteran to carry out one or more independent activities of daily living.
‘(B) A psychological condition of the veteran if the condition is rated at 30 or less on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale, as set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), or the most recent edition if different than the Fourth Edition Text Revision, of the American Psychiatric Association.
‘(C) An injury for which the veteran needs supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment.
‘(D) Any other injury of the veteran that is determined to be a severe injury in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary for purposes of this section.’.
SEC. 3means any physiological, psychological, or neurological condition that renders a veteran unable to live independently as determined by the Secretary.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 102. FAMILY CAREGIVER ASSISTANCE.
(a) Requirement- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting is amended by inserting after section 1717 the following new section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 1717A. Family caregiver assistance
‘(a) In General- (1) As part of home health services provided under section 1717 of this title, the Secretary shall, upon the joint application of an eligible veteran and a family member of such veteran (or other individual designated by such veteran), furnish to such family member (or designee) family caregiver assistance in accordance with this section. The purpose of providing family caregiver assistance under this section is-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) to reduce the number of veterans who are receiving institutional care, or who are in need of institutional care, whose personal care service needs could be substantially satisfied with the provision of such services by a family member (or designee); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) to provide eligible veterans with additional options so that they can choose the setting for the receipt of personal care services that best suits their needs. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The Secretary shall only furnish family caregiver assistance under this section to a family member of an eligible veteran (or other individual designated by such veteran) if the Secretary determines it is in the best interest of the eligible veteran to do so. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Eligible Veterans- (1) For purposes of this section, an eligible veteran is a veteran (or member of the Armed Forces undergoing medical discharge from the Armed Forces)-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) who has a serious injury (including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorder) incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service on or after the date described in paragraph (2); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) whom the Secretary determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense as necessary, is in need of personal care services because of-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) an inability to perform one or more independent activities of daily living; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) a need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(iii) such other matters as the Secretary shall establish in consultation with the Secretary of Defense as appropriate. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The date described in this paragraph-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Family Caregiver ProgramCaregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009 and ending two years after the date of the enactment of that Act, is September 11, 2001; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) beginning on the first day after the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of the Family Caregiver ProgramCaregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009, is the earliest date the Secretary determines is appropriate to include the largest number of veterans (and members of the Armed Forces) possible under this section without reducing the quality of care provided to such veterans (and members). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Evaluation of Eligible Veterans and Family Caregivers- (1) The Secretary shall evaluate each eligible veteran who makes a joint application under subsection (a)(1)-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) to identify the personal care services required by such veteran; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) to determine whether such requirements could be significantly or substantially satisfied with the provision of personal care services from a family member (or other individual designated by the veteran). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The Secretary shall evaluate each family member of an eligible veteran (or other individual designated by the veteran) who makes a joint application under subsection (a)(1) to determine-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) the basic amount of instruction, preparation, and training such family member (or designee) requires, if any, to provide the personal care services required by such veteran; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) the amount of additional instruction, preparation, and training such family member (or designee) requires, if any, to be the primary personal care attendant designated for such veteran under subsection (e). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) An evaluation carried out under paragraph (1) may be carried out-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) at a Department facility; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) at a non-Department facility determined appropriate by the Secretary for purposes of such evaluation; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) at such other locations as the Secretary considers appropriate. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Training and CertificationApproval- (1) Except as provided in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall provide each family member of an eligible veteran (or other individual designated by the veteran) who makes a joint application under subsection (a)(1) the basic instruction, preparation, and training determined to be required by such family member (or designee) under subsection (c)(2)(A). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The Secretary may provide to a family member of an eligible veteran (or other individual designated by the veteran) the additional instruction, preparation, and training determined to be required by such family member (or designee) under subsection (c)(2)(B) if such family member (or designee)-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) is certifiapproved as a personal care attendant for the veteran under paragraph (3); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) requests, with concurrence of the veteran, such additional instruction, preparation, and training. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) Upon the successful completion by a family member of an eligible veteran (or other individual designated by the veteran) of basic instruction, preparation, and training provided under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall certifyapprove the family member as a personal care attendant for the veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4) If the Secretary determines that a primary personal care attendant designated under subsection (e) requires additional training to maintain such designation, the Secretary shall make such training available to the primary personal care attendant. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(5) The Secretary shall, subject to regulations the Secretary shall prescribe, provide for necessary travel, lodging, and per diem expenses incurred by a family member of an eligible veteran (or other individual designated by the veteran) in undergoing training under this subsection. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(6) If the participation of a family member of an eligible veteran (or other individual designated by the veteran) in training under this subsection would interfere with the provision of personal care services to the veteran, the Secretary shall, subject to regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe and in consultation with the eligible veteran, provide respite care to the eligiblveteran, provide respite care to the veteran during the provision of such training to the family member so that such family caregiver (or designee) can participate in such training without interfering with the provision of such services. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(e) Designation of Primary Personal Care Attendant- (1) For each eligible veteran with at least one family member (or other individual designated by the veteran) who is described by subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (2), the Secretary shall designate one family member of such veteran (or other individual designated by the veteran) as the primary personal care attendant for such veteran to be the primary provider of personal care services for such veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) A primary personal care attendant designated for an eligible veteran under paragraph (1) shall be selected from among family members of such veteran (or other individuals designated by such veteran) who-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) are certifiapproved under subsection (d)(3) as a personal care attendant for such veteran; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) complete all additional instruction, preparation, and training, if any, provided under subsection (d)(2); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) elect to provide the personal care services to such veteran that the Secretary determines such veteran requires under subsection (c)(1); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(D) has the consent of such veteran to be the primary provider of such services for such veteran; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(E) the Secretary considers competent to be the primary provider of such services for such veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) An eligible veteran receiving personal care services from a family member (or other individual designated by the veteran) designated as the primary personal care attendant for the veteran under paragraph (1) may revoke consent with respect to such family member (or designee) under paragraph (2)(D) at any time. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4) If an individual designated as the primary personal care attendant of an eligible veteran under paragraph (1) subsequently fails to meet the requirements set forth in paragraph (2), the Secretary-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) shall immediately revoke the individual’s designation under paragraph (1); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) may designate, in consultation with the eligible veteran or the eligible veteran’s surrogate appointed under subsection (g), a new primary personal care attendant for the veteran under such paragraph. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(5) The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that the revocation of a designation under paragraph (1) does not interfere with the provision of personal care services required by a veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(f) Ongoing Family Caregiver Assistance- (1) Except as provided in subsection (a)(2) and subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Secretary shall provide ongoing family caregiver assistance to family members of eligible veterans (or other individuals designated by such veterans) as follows: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) To each family member of an eligible veteran (or designee) who is certifiapproved under subsection (d)(3) as a personal care attendant for the veteran the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) Direct technical support consisting of information and assistance to timely address routine, emergency, and specialized caregiving needs. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) Counseling. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(iii) Access to an interactive Internet website on caregiver services that addresses all aspects of the provision of personal care services under this section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) To each family member of an eligible veteran (or designee) who is designated as the primary personal care attendant for the veteran under subsection (e) the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) The ongoing family caregiver assistance described in subparagraph (A). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) Mental health services. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(iii) Respite care of not less than 30 days annually, including 24-hour per day care of the veteran commensurate with the care provided by the family caregiver to permit extended respite. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(iv) Medical care under section 1781 of this title if such family member (or designee) is not entitled to care or services under a health-plan contract (as defined in section 1725(f) of this title). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(v) A monthly personal caregiver stipend. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2)(A) The Secretary shall provide respite care under paragraph (1)(B)(iii), at the election of the Secretary-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) through facilities of the Department that are appropriate for the veteran; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) through contracts under section 1720B(c) of this title. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) If the primary personal care attendant of an eligible veteran designated under subsection (e)(1) determines in consultation with the veteran or the veteran’s surrogate appointed under subsection (g), and the Secretary concurs, that the needs of the veteran cannot be accommodated through the facilities and contracts described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall, in consultation with the primary personal care attendant and the veteran (or the veteran’s surrogate), provide respite care through other facilities or arrangements that are medically and age appropriate. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3)(A) The Secretary shall provide If the Secretary determines that the Department lacks the capacity to furnish medical care under clause (iv) of paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary may contract, in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, for such insurance, medical services, or health plans as the Secretary considers appropriate to furnish such medical care. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4)(A) The Secretary shall provide monthly personal caregiver stipends under paragraph (1)(B)(v) in accordance with a schedule established by the Secretary that specifies stipends provided based upon the amount and degree of personal care services provided. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) The Secretary shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that the schedule required by subparagraph (A) specifies that the amount of the personal caregiver stipend provided to a primary personal care attendant designated under subsection (e)(1) for the provision of personal care services to an eligible veteran is not less than the amount the Secretary would pay a commercial home health care entity would pay an individual in the geographic area of the veteran to provide equivalent personal care services to the veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) If personal care services are not available from a commercial provider in the geographic area of an eligible veteran, the Secretary may establish the schedule required by subparagraph (A) with respect to the veteran by considering the costs of commercial providers of personal care services in geographic areas other than the geographic area of the veteran with similar costs of living. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(45) Provision of ongoing family caregiver assistance under this subsection for provision of personal care services to an eligible veteran shall terminate if the eligible veteran no longer requires the personal care services. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(g) Surrogates- If an eligible veteran lacks the capacity to submit an application, provide consent, make a request, or concur with a request under this section, the Secretary may, in accordance with regulations and policies of the Department regarding the appointment of guardians or the use of powers of attorney, appoint a surrogate for the veteran who may submit applications, provide consent, make requests, or concur with requests on behalf of the veteran under this section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(h) Oversight- (1) The Secretary shall enter into contracts with appropriate entities to provide oversight of the provision of personal care services under this section by primary personal care attendants designated under subsection (e)(1) under this section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The Secretary shall ensure that each eligible veteran receiving personal care services under this section from a primary personal care attendant designated under subsection (e)(1) is visited in the veteran’s home by an entity providing oversight under paragraph (1) at such frequency as the Secretary shall determine under paragraph (3) to determine if the care received by the veteran under this section meets the needs of the veteran.‘(3)(A) . CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall determine the manner of oversight provided under paragraph (1) and the frequency of visits under paragraph (2) for an eligible veteran as the Secretary considers commensurate with the needs of such eligible veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) The frequency of visits under paragraph (2) for an eligible veteran shall be not less frequent than once every six months. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4)(A) An entity visiting an eligible veteran under paragraph (2) shall submit to the Secretary the findings of the entity with respect to each visit, including whether the eligible veteran is receiving the care the eligible veteran veteran is receiving the care the veteran requires. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) If an entity finds under subparagraph (A) that an eligible veteran is not receiving the care the eligible veteran veteran requires, the entity shall submit to the Secretary a recommendation on the corrective actions that should be taken to ensure that the eligible veteran receives the care the eligible veteran veteran receives the care the veteran requires, including, if the entity considers appropriate, a recommendation for revocation of a caregiver’s certificationapproval under subsection (d)(3) or revocation of the designation of an individual under subsection (e)(1). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(5) After receiving findings and recommendations, if any, under paragraph (4) with respect to an eligible veteran, the Secretary may take such actions as the Secretary considers appropriate to ensure that the eligible veteran receives the care the eligible veteran veteran receives the care the veteran requires, including the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) Revocation of a caregiver’s certificationapproval under subsection (d)(3). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) Revocation of the designation of an individual under subsection (e)(1). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(6) If the Secretary terminates the provision of ongoing family caregiver assistance under subsection (f) to a family member of an eligible veteran (or other individual designated by the veteran) because of findings of an entity submitted to the Secretary under paragraph (4) of this subsection, the Secretary may not , the Secretary may not provide compensation to such entity for the provision of personal care services to such veteran, unless the Secretary determines it would be in the best interest of the eligiblesuch veteran to provide compensation to such entity to provide such services. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) Outreach- The Secretary shall carry out a program of outreach to inform eligible veterans and their family members of the availability and nature of family caregiver assistance.‘(j) Construction- under this section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(j) Construction- (1) A decision by the Secretary under this section affecting the furnishing of family caregiver assistance shall be considered a medical determination. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create an employment relationship between the Secretary and an individual in receipt of family caregiver assistance under this section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any entitlement to any services or stipends provided under this section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(k) Definitions- In this section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) The term ‘family caregiver assistance’ includes the instruction, preparation, training, and certificationapproval provided under subsection (d) and the ongoing family caregiver assistance provided under subsection (f). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The term ‘family member’ includes, with respect to a veteran, the following:
‘(A) The spouse of the veteran.
‘(B) The child of the veteran.
‘(C) A parent of the veteran.
‘(D) A sibling of the veteran.
‘(E) A cousin of the veteran.
‘(F) An aunt of the veteran.
‘(G) An uncle of the veteran.
‘(H) A grandparent of the veteran.
‘(I) A grandchild of the veteran.
‘(J) A stepparent of the veteran.
‘(K) A stepchild of the veteran.
‘(L) A stepsibling of the veteran.
‘(M) A parent-in-law of the veteran.
‘(N) A sister-in-law of the veteran.
‘(O) A brother-in-law of the veteran.
‘(P) A cousin of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(Q) An aunt of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(R) An uncle of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(S) A grandparent of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(T) A grandchild of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(U) A stepparent of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(V) A stepsibling of the spouse of the veteran.
‘(W) Such other individuals as the Secretaryshall have such meaning as the Secretary shall specify in regulations for purposes of this secdetermine by policy or regulation. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(3) The term ‘personal care services’, with respect to a veteran, includes the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) Supervision.
‘(B) Protection.
‘(C) of the veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(B) Protection of the veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) Services to assist athe veteran with one or more independent activities of daily living. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(D) Such other services as the Secretary considers appropriate.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting is amended by inserting after the item related to section 1717 the following new item: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘1717A. Family caregiver assistance.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) AUTHORIZATION FOR PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE TO PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS- Section 1781(a) of such title is amended-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2): CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) a family member of a veteran (or other individual designated by the veteran) designated as the primary personal care attendant for such veteran under section 1717A(e) of this title who is not entitled to care or services under a health-plan contract (as defined in section 1725(f) of this title),’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) CONSTRUCTION- The furnishing of family caregiver assistance under section 1717A of title 38, United Any family caregiver assistance furnished under
section 1717A of title 38, United States Code , as added by paragraph (1), shall be construed to supplement and not supplant the programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs in existence onis in addition to any family caregiver assistance furnished under other programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs as of the date of the enactment of this Act. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink(5) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Implementation Plan and Report- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) develop a plan for the implementation of
, as added by subsection (a)(1); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink section 1717A of title 38, United States Code (B) submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on such plan. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CONSULTATION- In developing the plan required by paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall consult with the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) Veterans described in
, as added by subsection (a)(1). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink section 1717A(b) of title 38, United States Code (B) Family members of veterans who provide personal care services to such veterans. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) Veterans service organizations, as recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under
. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink section 5902 of title 38, United States Code (D) Relevant nNational organizations that specialize in the provision of assistance to individuals with the types of disabilities that personal care attendants will encounter while providing personal care services under
, as so added. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink section 1717A of title 38, United States Code (E) Such other organizations with an interest in the provision of care to veterans as the Secretary considers appropriate. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) The Secretary of Defense with respect to matters concerning personal care services for eligible veterans who are members of the members of the Armed Forces undergoing medical discharge from the Armed Forces who are eligible to benefit from family caregiver assistance furnished under
, as so added. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink section 1717A of title 38, United States Code (3) REPORT CONTENTS- The report required by paragraph (1)(B) shall contain the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) The plan required by paragraph (1)(A). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) A description of the veterans, caregivers, and organizations consulted by the Secretary under paragraph (2). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) A description of such consultations. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) The recommendations of such veterans, caregivers, and organizations, if any, that were not incorporated into the plan required by paragraph (1)(A). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) The reasons the Secretary did not incorporate such recommendations into such plan. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Annual Evaluation Report- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than two years after the date described in subsection (a)(45) and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a comprehensive report on the implementation of
, as added by subsection (a)(1). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink section 1717A of title 38, United States Code (2) CONTENTS- The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) The number of family members of veterans (or other individuals designated by veterans)(or other designated individuals) of veterans or members of the Armed Forces that received family caregiver assistance under such section 1717A. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) A description of the outreach activities carried out by the Secretary in accordance with subsection (i) of such section 1717A. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) The resources expended by the Secretary under such section 1717A. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) An assessment of the manner in which resources are expended by the Secretary under such section 1717A, particularly with respect to the provision of monthly personal caregiver stipends under subsection (f) of such section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) A description of the outcomes achieved by, and any measurable benefits of, carrying out the requirements of such section 1717A. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) A justification of any determination made under subsection (b)(2) of such section 1717A. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) An assessment of the effectiveness and the efficiency of the implementation of such section 1717A. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) An assessment of how the provision of family caregiver assistance fits into the continuum of home health care services and benefits provided to veterans in need of such services and benefits. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) Such recommendations, including recommendations for legislative or administrative action, as the Secretary considers appropriate in light of carrying out the requirements of such section 1717A. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 4103. LODGING AND SUBSISTENCE FOR ATTENDANTS.
Section 111(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by striking ‘When any’ and inserting ‘(1) When any’; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1) of this subsection-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by inserting ‘(including lodging and subsistence)’ after ‘expenses of travel’; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the following: ‘for the period consisting of travel to and from a treatment facility and the duration of the treatment episode at that facility’; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) by adding at the end the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out this subsection. Such regulations may include provisions-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) to limit the number of individuals that may receive expenses of travel under paragraph (1) for a single treatment episode of a person; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) to require attendants to use certain travel services. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) In this subsection: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) The term ‘attendant’ includes, with respect to a person described in paragraph (1), the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) A family member of the person. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) An individual certifiapproved as a personal care attendant under section 1717A(d)(3) of this title. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(iii) Any other individual whom the Secretary determines-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(I) has a preexisting relationship with the person; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(II) provides a significant portion of the person’s care. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) The term ‘family member’ includes, with respect to a person described in paragraph (1), the following:
‘(i) The spouse of the person.
‘(ii) The child of the person.
‘(iii) A parent of the person.
‘(iv) A sibling of the person.
‘(v) A cousin of the person.
‘(vi) An aunt of the person.
‘(vii) An uncle of the person.
‘(viii) A grandparent of the person.
‘(ix) A grandchild of the person.
‘(x) A stepparent of the person.
‘(xi) A stepchild of the person.
‘(xii) A stepsibling of the person.
‘(xiiishall have such meaning as the Secretary shall determine by policy or regulation.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 104. SURVEY OF INFORMAL CAREGIVERS.
(a) In General- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, conduct a national survey of family caregivers of seriously disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces to better understand the size and characteristics of the population of such caregivers and the types of care they provide such veterans and members. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Report- Not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, submit to Congress a report containing the findings of the Secretary with respect to the survey conducted under subsection (a). Results of the survey shall be disaggregated by the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) Veterans and members of the Armed Forces who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) Veterans and members of the Armed Forces who live in rural areas. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE II--RURAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS
CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE II--RURAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 201. ENHANCEMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM.
(a) Enhanced Maximum Annual Amount- Paragraph (1) of section 7683(d) is amended by striking ‘$44,000’ and all that follows through ‘fifth years of participation in the Program’ and inserting ‘the total amount of principle and interest owed by the participant on loans referred to in subsection (a)’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Notice to Potential Employees of Eligibility and Selection for Participation- Section 7682 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Notice to Potential Employees- In each offer of employment made by the Secretary to an individual who, upon acceptance of such offer would be treated as eligible to participate in the Education Debt Reduction Program, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) A notice that the individual will be treated as eligible to participate in the Education Debt Reduction Program upon the individual’s acceptance of such offer. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) A notice of the determination of the Secretary whether or not the individual will be selected as a participant in the Education Debt Reduction Program as of the individual’s acceptance of such offer.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Selection of Employees Who Receive Notice of Selection With Employment Offer- Section 7683 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(e) Selection of Participants- (1) The Secretary shall select for participation in the Education Debt Reduction Program each individual eligible for participation in the Education Debt Reduction Program who-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) the Secretary provided notice with an offer of employment under section 7682(d) of this title that indicated the individual would, upon the individual’s acceptance of such offer of employment, be-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) eligible to participate in the Education Debt Reduction Program; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) selected to participate in the Education Debt Reduction Program; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) accepts such offer of employment. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The Secretary may select for participation in the Education Debt Reduction Program an individual eligible for participation in the Education Debt Reduction Program who is not described by subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1).’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 202. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment of Program- Part V is amended by inserting after chapter 74 the following new chapter: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘CHAPTER 75--VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
‘Sec. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘7501. Establishment of scholarship program; purpose. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘7502. Application and acceptance. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘7503. Amount of assistance; duration. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘7504. Agreement. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘7505. Repayment for failure to satisfy requirements of agreement. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 7501. Establishment of scholarship program; purpose
‘(a) Establishment- Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish and carry out a scholarship program to provide financial assistance in accordance with this chapter to an individual-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) who is accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility, or a dual degree or certification in both such areas, at an accredited (as determined by the Secretary) educational institution that is in a State; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) who enters into an agreement with the Secretary as described in section 7504 of this chapter. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Purpose- The purpose of the scholarship program established under this chapter is to increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists for the Department and the Nation. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Outreach- The Secretary shall publicize the scholarship program established under this chapter to educational institutions throughout the United States, with an emphasis on disseminating information to such institutions with high numbers of Hispanic students and to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 7502. Application and acceptance
‘(a) Application- (1) To apply and participate in the scholarship program under this chapter, an individual shall submit to the Secretary an application for such participation together with an agreement described in section 7504 of this chapter under which the participant agrees to serve a period of obligated service in the Department as provided in the agreement in return for payment of educational assistance as provided in the agreement. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) In distributing application forms and agreement forms to individuals desiring to participate in the scholarship program, the Secretary shall include with such forms the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) A fair summary of the rights and liabilities of an individual whose application is approved (and whose agreement is accepted) by the Secretary. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) A parent-in-law of the person.
‘(xiv) A sister-in-law of the person.
‘(xv) A brother-in-law of the person.
‘(xvi) A cousin of the spouse of the person.
‘(xvii)full description of the terms and conditions that apply to participation in the scholarship program and service in the Department. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(b) Approval- (1) Upon the Secretary’s approval of an individual’s participation in the scholarship program, the Secretary shall, in writing, promptly notify the individual of that acceptance. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) An individual becomes a participant in the scholarship program upon such approval by the Secretary. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 7503. Amount of assistance; duration
‘(a) Amount of Assistance- The amount of the financial assistance provided for an individual under this chapter shall be the amount determined by the Secretary as being necessary to pay the tuition and fees of the individual. In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of study leading to a dual degree or certification in both the areas of study described in section 7501(a)(1) of this chapter, the tuition and fees shall not exceed the amounts necessary for the minimum number of credit hours to achieve such dual certification or degree. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Relationship to Other Assistance- Financial assistance may be provided to an individual under this chapter to supplement other educational assistance to the extent that the total amount of educational assistance received by the individual during an academic year does not exceed the total tuition and fees for such academic year. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Maximum Amount of Assistance- (1) In no case may the total amount of assistance provided under this chapter for an academic year to an individual who is a full-time student exceed $15,000. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) In the case of an individual who is a part-time student, the total amount of assistance provided under this chapter 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 program of study being pursued by the individual as the coursework carried by the individual to full-time coursework in that program of study. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) In no case may the total amount of assistance provided to an individual under this chapter exceed $45,000. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Maximum Duration of Assistance- The Secretary may provide financial assistance to an individual under this chapter for not more than six years. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 7504. Agreement
‘An agreement between the Secretary and a participant in the scholarship program under this chapter shall be in writing, shall be signed by the participant, and shall include-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) the Secretary’s agreement to provide the participant with financial assistance as authorized under this chapter; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) the participant’s agreement-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) to accept such financial assistance; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) to maintain enrollment and attendance in the program of study described in section 7501(a)(1) of this chapter; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) while enrolled in such program, to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing (as determined by the educational institution offering such program under regulations prescribed by the Secretary); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(D) after completion of the program, to serve as a full-time employee in the Department for a period of three years, to be served within the first six years after the participant has completed such program and received a degree or certificate described in section 7501(a)(1) of this chapter; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) any other terms and conditions that the Secretary determines appropriate for carrying out this chapter. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 7505. Repayment for failure to satisfy requirements of agreement
‘(a) In General- An individual who receives educational assistance under this chapter shall repay to the Secretary an amount equal to the unearned portion of such assistance if the individual fails to satisfy the requirements of the agreement entered into under section 7504 of this chapter, except in circumstances authorized by the Secretary. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Amount of Repayment- The Secretary shall establish, by regulations, procedures for determining the amount of the repayment required under this subsection and the circumstances under which an exception to the required repayment may be granted. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Waiver or Suspension of Compliance- The Secretary shall prescribe regulations providing for the waiver or suspension of any obligation of an individual for service or payment under this chapter (or an agreement under this chapter) whenever noncompliance by the individual is due to circumstances beyond the control of the individual or whenever the Secretary determines that the waiver or suspension of compliance is in the best interest of the United States. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Obligation as Debt to United States- An aunt of the spouse of the person.‘(xviii) obligation to repay the Secretary under this section is, for all purposes, a debt owed the United States. A discharge in bankruptcy under title 11 does not discharge a person from such debt if the discharge order is entered less than five years after the date of the termination of the agreement or contract on which the debt is based.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Clerical Amendments- The tables of chapters at the beginning of title 38, and of part V of title 38, are each amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 74 the following new item: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
7501.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Effective Date- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement chapter 75 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 203. INCLUSION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FACILITIES IN LIST OF FACILITIES ELIGIBLE FOR ASSIGNMENT OF PARTICIPANTS IN NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall transfer $20,000,000 from accounts of the Veterans Health Administration to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to include facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs in the list maintained by the Health Resources and Services Administration of facilities eligible for assignment of participants in the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 204. TELECONSULTATION AND TELEMEDICINE.
(a) Teleconsultation and Teleretinal Imaging- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 1709. Teleconsultation and teleretinal imaging
‘(a) Teleconsultation- (1) The Secretary shall carry out a program of teleconsultation for the provision of remote mental health and traumatic brain injury assessments in facilities of the Department that are not otherwise able to provide such assessments without contracting with third party providers or reimbursing providers through a fee-basis system. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The Secretary shall, in consultation with appropriate professional societies, promulgate technical and clinical care standards for the use of teleconsultation services within facilities of the Department. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Teleretinal Imaging- The Secretary shall carry out a program of teleretinal imaging in each Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Annual Reports- In each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 2010 and ending with fiscal year 2015, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the programs required by subsections (a) and (b). Such report shall include the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) A description of the efforts made by the Secretary to make teleconsultation available in rural areas and to utilize teleconsultation in rural areas. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The rates of utilization of teleconsultation by Veterans Integrated Services Network disaggregated by each fiscal year for which a report is submitted under this subsection. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Definitions- In this section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) The term ‘teleconsultation’ means the use by a health care specialist of telecommunications to assist another health care provider in rendering a diagnosis or treatment. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The term ‘teleretinal imaging’ means the use by a health care specialist of telecommunications, digital retinal imaging, and remote image interpretation to provide eye care.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item related to section 1708 the following new item: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘1709. Teleconsultation and teleretinal imaging.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Training in Telemedicine- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall require each Department of Veterans Affairs facility that is involved in the training of medical residents to work with each university concerned to develop an elective rotation in telemedicine for such residents. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Enhancement of VERA- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) INCENTIVES FOR PROVISION OF TELECONSULTATION, TELERETINAL IMAGING, TELEMEDICINE, AND TELEHEALTH SERVICES- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall modify the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system to provide Veterans Integrated Services Networks with incentives to utilize teleconsultation, teleretinal imaging, telemedicine, and telehealth coordination services. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) INCLUSION OF TELEMEDICINE VISITS IN WORKLOAD REPORTING- The Secretary shall modify the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system to require the inclusion of all telemedicine visits in the calculation of facility workload. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Definitions- In this section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The terms ‘teleconsultation’ and ‘teleretinal imaging’ have the meanings given such terms in
, as added by subsection (a). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink section 1709 of title 38, United States Code (2) The term ‘telemedicine’ means the use by a health care provider of telecommunications to assist in the diagnosis or treatment of a patient’s medical condition. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) The term ‘telehealth’ means the use of telecommunications to collect patient data remotely and send data to a monitoring station for interpretation. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 205. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ON ALTERNATIVES FOR EXPANDING CARE FOR VETERANS IN RURAL AREAS.
(a) In General- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, through the Director of the Office of Rural Health, may carry out demonstration projects to examine the feasibility and advisability of alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas, which may include the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Establishing a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate care for veterans in rural areas at critical access hospitals (as designated or certified under section 1820 of the Social Security Act (
(2) Establishing a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate care for veterans in rural areas at community health centers. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) Expanding coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service to expand care for Indian veterans. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Geographic Distribution- The Secretary shall ensure that the demonstration projects carried out under subsection (a) are located at facilities that are geographically distributed throughout the United States. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Report- Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report on the results of the demonstration projects conducted under subsection (a) to-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 206. PROGRAM ON PROVISION OF READJUSTMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO VETERANS WHO SERVED IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM AND OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
(a) Program Required- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a program to provide-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, particularly veterans who served in such operations while in the National Guard and the Reserves-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) peer outreach services; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) peer support services; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) readjustment counseling and services described in
(D) mental health services; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) to members of the immediate family of such a veteran, during the three-year period beginning on the date of the return of such veteran from deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, education, support, counseling, and mental health services to assist in-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the readjustment of such veteran to civilian life; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in the case such veteran has an injury or illness incurred during such deployment, the recovery of such veteran; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) the readjustment of the family following the return of such veteran. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Contracts With Community Mental Health Centers and Qualified Entities for Provision of Services- In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall contract with community mental health centers and other qualified entities to provide the services required by such subsection only in areas the Secretary determines are not adequately served by other health care facilities or vet centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such contracts shall require each contracting community health center or entity-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) to the extent practicable, to use telehealth services for the delivery of services required by subsection (a); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) to the extent practicable, to employ veterans trained under subsection (c); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) to participate in the training program conducted in accordance with subsection (d); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) to comply with applicable protocols of the Department before incurring any liability on behalf of the Department for the provision of the services required by subsection (a); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) for each veteran for whom a community mental health center or other qualified entity provides mental health services under such contract, to provide the Department with such clinical summary information as the Secretary shall require; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) to submit annual reports to the Secretary containing, with respect to the program required by subsection (a) and for the last full calendar year ending before the submission of such report-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the number of the veterans served, veterans diagnosed, and courses of treatment provided to veterans as part of the program required by subsection (a); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) demographic information for such services, diagnoses, and courses of treatment; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) to meet such other requirements as the Secretary shall require. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Training of Veterans for the Provision of Peer-outreach and Peer-support Services- In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall contract with a national not-for-profit mental health organization to carry out a national program of training for veterans described in subsection (a) to provide the services described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) of such subsection. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Training of Clinicians for Provision of Services- The Secretary shall conduct a training program for clinicians of community mental health centers or entities that have contracts with the Secretary under subsection (b) to ensure that such clinicians can provide the services required by subsection (a) in a manner that-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) recognizes factors that are unique to the experience of veterans who served on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom (including their combat and military training experiences); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) utilizes best practices and technologies. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Reports Required- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) INITIAL REPORT ON PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION- Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report containing the plans of the Secretary to implement the program required by subsection (a). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) STATUS REPORT- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the program. Such report shall include the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) Information on the number of veterans who received services as part of the program and the type of services received during the last full calendar year completed before the submission of such report. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) An uncle of the spouse of the person. ‘(xix) A grandparent of the spouse of the person. ‘(xx) A grandchild of the spouse of the person. ‘(xxi) A stepparent of the spouse of the person. ‘(xxii) A stepsibling of the spouse of the person.
SEC. 207. IMPROVEMENT OF CARE OF AMERICAN INDIAN VETERANS.
(a) Indian Health Coordinators- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 7330B. Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinators
‘(a) In General- (1) The Secretary shall assign at each of the 10 Department Medical Centers that serve communities with the greatest number of Indian veterans per capita an official or employee of the Department to act as the coordinator of health care for Indian veterans at such Medical Center. The official or employee so assigned at a Department Medical Center shall be known as the ‘Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinator’ for the Medical Center. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The Secretary shall, from time to time-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) survey the Department Medical Centers for purposes of identifying the 10 Department Medical Centers that currently serve communities with the greatest number of Indian veterans per capita; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) utilizing the results of the most recent survey conducted under subparagraph (A), revise the assignment of Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinators in order to assure the assignment of such coordinators to appropriate Department Medical Centers as required by paragraph (1). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Duties- The duties of an Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinator shall include the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) Improving outreach to tribal communities. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) Coordinating the medical needs of Indian veterans on Indian reservations with the Veterans Health Administration and the Indian Health Service. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) Expanding the access and participation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Indian Health Service, and tribal members in the Department of Veterans Affairs Tribal Veterans Representative program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4) Acting as an ombudsman for Indian veterans enrolled in the health care system of the Veterans Health Administration. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(5) Advocating for the incorporation of traditional medicine and healing in Department treatment plans for Indian veterans in need of care and services provided by the Department. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Indian Defined- In this section, the term ‘Indian’ has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
).’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink 25 U.S.C. 450b
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7330A the following new item: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘7330B. Indian Veterans Health Coordinators.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Integration of Electronic Health Records With Indian Health Service- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to ensure that the health records of Indian veterans may be transferred electronically between facilities of the Indian Health Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Transfer of Medical Equipment to the Indian Health Service- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may transfer to the Indian Health Service such surplus Department of Veterans Affairs medical and information technology equipment as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services jointly consider appropriate for purposes of the Indian Health Service. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) TRANSPORTATION AND INSTALLATION- In transferring medical or information technology equipment under this subsection, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may transport and install such equipment in facilities of the Indian Health Service. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Report on Joint Health Clinics With Indian Health Service- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall jointly submit to Congress a report on the feasability and advisability of the joint establishment and operation by the Veterans Health Administration and the Indian Health Service of health clinics on Indian reservations to serve the populations of such reservations, including Indian veterans. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 208. TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT FOR VETERANS RECEIVING TREATMENT AT FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Enhancement of Allowance Based Upon Mileage Traveled- Section 111 is amended-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘traveled,’ and inserting ‘(at a rate of 41.5 cents per mile),’; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(g)(1) Beginning one year after the date of the enactment of the Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009, the Secretary may adjust the mileage rate described in subsection (a) to be equal to the mileage reimbursement rate for the use of privately owned vehicles by Government employees on official business (when a Government vehicle is available), as prescribed by the Administrator of General Services under section 5707(b) of title 5. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) If an adjustment in the mileage rate under paragraph (1) results in a lower mileage rate than the mileage rate otherwise specified in subsection (a), the Secretary shall, not later than 60 days before the date of the implementation of the mileage rate as so adjusted, submit to Congress a written report setting forth the adjustment in the mileage rate under this subsection, together with a justification for the decision to make the adjustment in the mileage rate under this subsection.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Coverage of Cost of Transportation by Air- Subsection (a) of section 111, as amended by subsection (a)(1), is further amended by inserting after the first sentence the following new sentence: ‘Actual necessary expense of travel includes the reasonable costs of airfare if travel by air is the only practical way to reach a Department facility.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Elimination of Limitation Based on Maximum Annual Rate of Pension- Subsection (b)(1)(D)(i) of such section is amended by inserting ‘who is not traveling by air and’ before ‘whose annual’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Determination of Practicality- Subsection (b) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4) In determining for purposes of subsection (a) whether travel by air is the only practical way for a veteran to reach a Department facility, the Secretary shall consider the medical condition of the veteran and any other impediments to the use of ground transportation by the veteran.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) No Expansion of Eligibility for Beneficiary Travel- The amendments made by subsections (b) and (d) of this section may not be construed as expanding or otherwise modifying eligibility for payments or allowances for beneficiary travel under
(f) Clarification of Relation to Public Transportation in Veterans Health Administration Handbook- Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall revise the Veterans Health Administration Handbook to clarify that an allowance for travel based on mileage paid under
SEC. 209. OFFICE OF RURAL HEALTH FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN.
(a) Strategic Plan- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall develop a five-year strategic plan for the Office of Rural Health. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Contents- The plan required by subsection (a) shall specify in regulations for purposes of this subsectioninclude the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Specific goals for the recruitment and retention of health care personnel in rural areas, developed in conjunction with the Director of the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) Specific goals for ensuring the timeliness and quality of health care delivery in rural communities that are reliant on contract and fee-basis care, developed in conjunction with the Director of the Office of Quality and Performance of the Department. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) Specific goals for the expansion and implementation of telemedicine services in rural areas, developed in conjunction with the Director of the Office of Care Coordination Services of the Department. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) Incremental milestones describing specific actions to be taken for the purpose of achieving the goals specified under paragraphs (1) through (3). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 210. OVERSIGHT OF CONTRACT AND FEE-BASIS CARE.
(a) In General- Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after section 1703 the following new section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 1703A. Oversight of contract and fee-basis care
‘(a) Rural Outreach Coordinators- The Secretary shall designate a rural outreach coordinator at each Department community based outpatient clinic at which not less than 50 percent of the veterans enrolled at such clinic reside in a highly rural area. The coordinator at a clinic shall be responsible for coordinating care and collaborating with community contract and fee-basis providers with respect to the clinic. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Incentives To Obtain Accreditation of Medical Practice- (1) The Secretary shall adjust the fee-basis compensation of providers of health care services under the Department to encourage such providers to obtain accreditation of their medical practice from recognized accrediting entities. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) In making adjustments under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the increased overhead costs of accreditation described in paragraph (1) and the costs of achieving and maintaining such accreditation. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Incentives for Participation in Peer Review- (1) The Secretary shall adjust the fee-basis compensation of providers of health care services under the Department that do not provide such services as part of a medical practice accredited by a recognized accrediting entity to encourage such providers to participate in peer review under subsection (e). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) The Secretary shall provide incentives under paragraph (1) to a provider of health care services under the Department in an amount which may reasonably be expected (as determined by the Secretary) to encourage participation in the voluntary peer review under subsection (d). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Peer Review- (1) The Secretary shall provide for the voluntary peer review of providers of health care services under the Department who provide such services on a fee basis as part of a medical practice that is not accredited by a recognized accrediting entity. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) Each year, beginning with the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, the Chief Quality and Performance Officer in each Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) shall select a sample of patient records from each participating provider in the Officer’s Veterans Integrated Services Network to be peer reviewed by a facility designated under paragraph (3). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) The Chief Quality and Performance Officer in each Veterans Integrated Services Network shall designate Department facilities in such network for the peer review of patient records submitted under this subsection. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4) Each year, beginning with the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, each provider who elects to participate in the program shall submit the patient records selected under paragraph (2) to a facility selected under paragraph (3) to be peer reviewed by such facility. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(5) Each Department facility designated under paragraph (3) that receives patient records under paragraph (4) shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) peer review such records in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Secretary; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) ensure that peer reviews are evaluated by the Peer Review Committee; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) develop a mechanism for notifying the Under Secretary for Health of problems identified through such peer review. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(6) The Under Secretary for Health shall develop a mechanism by which the use of fee-basis providers of health care are terminated when quality of care concerns are identified with respect to such providers. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(7) The Chief Quality and Performance Officer in each Veterans Integrated Services Network shall be responsible for the oversight of the program of peer review under this subsection in that network.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item related to section 1703 the following new item: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘1703A. Oversight of contract and fee-basis care.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 211. ENHANCEMENT OF VET CENTERS TO MEET NEEDS OF VETERANS OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM AND OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
(a) Volunteer Counselors- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Subsection (c) of section 1712A is amended-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by striking ‘The Under Secretary’ and inserting ‘(1) The Under Secretary’; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), by striking ‘, and, in carrying’ and all that follows through ‘screening activities’; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) In carrying out this section, the Under Secretary may utilize the services of the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) Paraprofessionals, individuals who are volunteers working without compensation, and individuals who are veteran-students (as described in section 3485 of this title) in initial intake and screening activities. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) Eligible volunteer counselors in the provision of counseling and related mental health services. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) For purposes of this subsection, an eligible volunteer counselor is an individual-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) who-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) provides counseling services without compensation at a center; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) is a licensed psychologist or social worker; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(iii) has never been named in a tort claim arising from professional activities; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(iv) has never had, and has no pending, disciplinary action taken with respect to any license or certification qualifying that individual to provide counseling services; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) who is otherwise credentialed and privileged to perform counseling services by the Secretary. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4) Eligible volunteer counselors shall be issued credentials and privileges for the provision of counseling and related mental health services under this section on an expedited basis in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary shall establish. Such procedures shall provide for the completion by the Secretary of the processing of an application for such credentials and privileges not later than 60 days after receipt of the application.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING CREDENTIALS AND PRIVILEGES TO VOLUNTEER COUNSELORS- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish the procedures described in section 1712A(c)(4), as added by paragraph (1). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Outreach- Subsection (e) of such section is amended-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by striking ‘The Secretary’ and inserting ‘(1) The Secretary’; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) Each center shall develop an outreach plan to ensure that the community served by the center is aware of the services offered by the center.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 212. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR RURAL HEALTH RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND CLINICAL ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General- Subchapter II of chapter 73, as amended by section 214 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 7330C. Centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities
‘(a) Establishment of Centers- The Secretary, through the Director of the Office of Rural Health, shall establish and operate at least one and not more than five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities, which shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) conduct research on the furnishing of health services in rural areas; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) develop specific models to be used by the Department in furnishing health services to veterans in rural areas; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) provide education and training for health care professionals of the Department on the furnishing of health services to veterans in rural areas; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4) develop and implement innovative clinical activities and systems of care for the Department for the furnishing of health services to veterans in rural areas. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Use of Rural Health Resource Centers- In selecting locations for the establishment of centers of excellence under subsection (a), the Secretary may select a rural health resource center that meets the requirements of subsection (a). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Geographic Dispersion- The Secretary shall ensure that the centers established under this section are located at health care facilities that are geographically dispersed throughout the United States. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Funding- (1) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Medical Care Account and the Medical and Prosthetics Research Account of the Department of Veterans Affairs such sums as may be necessary for the support of the research and education activities of the centers operated under this section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) There shall be allocated to the centers operated under this section, from amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Medical Care Account and the Medical and Prosthetics Research Account by paragraph (1), such amounts as the Under Secretary of health considers appropriate for such centers. Such amounts shall be allocated through the Director of the Office of Rural Health. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) Activities of clinical and scientific investigation at each center operated under this section-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) shall be eligible to compete for the award of funding from funds appropriated for the Medical and Prosthetics Research Account; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) shall receive priority in the award of funding from such account to the extent that funds are awarded to projects for research in the care of rural veterans.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73, as amended by section 214 of this Act, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7330B the following new item: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘7330C. Centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 213. PILOT PROGRAM ON INCENTIVES FOR PHYSICIANS WHO ASSUME INPATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES AT COMMUNITY HOSPITALS IN HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SHORTAGE AREAS.
(a) Pilot Program Required- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasability and advisability of each of the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The provision of financial incentives to eligible physicians who obtain and maintain inpatient privileges at community hospitals in health professional shortage areas in order to facilitate the provision by such physicians of primary care and mental health services to veterans at such hospitals. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The collection of payments from third-party providers for care provided by eligible physicians to nonveterans while discharging inpatient responsibilities at community hospitals in the course of exercising the privileges described in paragraph (1). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Eligible Physicians- For purposes of this section, an eligible physician is a primary care or mental health physician employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs on a full-time basis. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Duration of Program- The pilot program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Locations- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The pilot program shall be carried out at not less than five community hospitals in each of not less than two Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs). The hospitals shall be selected by the Secretary utilizing the results of the survey required under subsection (e). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) QUALIFYING COMMUNITY HOSPITALS- A community hospital may be selected by the Secretary as a location for the pilot program if-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the hospital is located in a health professional shortage area; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the number of eligible physicians willing to assume inpatient responsibilities at the hospital (as determined utilizing the result of the survey) is sufficient for purposes of the pilot program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Survey of Physician Interest in Participation- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a survey of eligible physicians to determine the extent of the interest of such physicians in participating in the pilot program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) ELEMENTS- The survey shall disclose the type, amount, and nature of the financial incentives to be provided under subsection (h) to physicians participating in the pilot program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Physician Participation- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall select physicians for participation in the pilot program from among eligible physicians who-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) express interest in participating in the pilot program in the survey conducted under subsection (e); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) are in good standing with the Department; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) primarily have clinical responsibilities with the Department. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION- Participation in the pilot program shall be voluntary. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a physician working for the Department to assume inpatient responsibilities at a community hospital unless otherwise required as a term or condition of employment with the Department. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(g) Assumption of Inpatient Physician Responsibilities- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Each eligible physician selected for participation in the pilot program shall assume and maintain inpatient responsibilities, including inpatient responsibilities with respect to nonveterans, at one or more community hospitals selected by the Secretary for participation in the pilot program under subsection (d). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) COVERAGE UNDER FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT- If an eligible physician participating in the pilot program carries out on-call responsibilities at a community hospital where privileges to practice at such hospital are conditioned upon the provision of services to individuals who are not veterans while the physician is on call for such hospital, the provision of such services by the physician shall be considered an action within the scope of the physician’s office or employment for purposes of chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘Federal Tort Claims Act’). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(h) Compensation- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall provide each eligible physician participating in the pilot program with such compensation (including pay and other appropriate compensation) as the Secretary considers appropriate to compensate such physician for the discharge of any inpatient responsibilities by such physician at a community hospital for which such physician would not otherwise be compensated by the Department as a full-time employee of the Department. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) WRITTEN AGREEMENT- The amount of any compensation to be provided a physician under the pilot program shall be specified in a written agreement entered into by the Secretary and the physician for purposes of the pilot program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION- The Secretary shall consult with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management on the inclusion of a provision in the written agreement required under paragraph (2) that describes the treatment under Federal law of any compensation provided a physician under the pilot program, including treatment for purposes of retirement under the civil service laws. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) Collections From Third Parties- In carrying out the pilot program for the purpose described in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall implement a variety and range of requirements and mechanisms for the collection from third-party payors of amounts to reimburse the Department for health care services provided to nonveterans under the pilot program by eligible physicians discharging inpatient responsibilities under the pilot program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(j) Inpatient Responsibilities Defined- In this section, the term ‘inpatient responsibilities’ means on-call responsibilities customarily required of a physician by a community hospital as a condition of granting privileges to the physician to practice in the hospital. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(k) Report- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program, including the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The findings of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The number of veterans and nonveterans provided inpatient care by physicians participating in the pilot program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) The amounts collected and payable under subsection (i). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(l) Health Professional Shortage Area Defined- In this section, the term ‘health professional shortage area’ has the meaning given the term in section 332(a) of the Public Health Service Act (
SEC. 214. ANNUAL REPORT ON MATTERS RELATED TO CARE FOR VETERANS WHO LIVE IN RURAL AREAS.
(a) Annual Report- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress each year, together with documents submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President for the fiscal year beginning in such year (as submitted pursuant to
(1) The implementation of the provisions of sections 209 through 213, including the amendments made by such sections. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The establishment and functions of the Office of Rural Health under
(b) Additional Requirements for Initial Report- The first report submitted under subsection (a) shall also include the following: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The assessment of fee-basis health-care program required by section 212(b) of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (
(2) An assessment of the outreach program required by section 213 of such Act (120 Stat. 3422;
SEC. 215. TRANSPORTATION GRANTS FOR RURAL VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) Grants Authorized- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS- The following may be awarded a grant under this section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) State veterans service agencies. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) Veterans service organizations. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) USE OF FUNDS- A State veterans service agency or veterans service organization awarded a grant under this section may use the grant amount to-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) assist veterans in highly rural areas to travel to Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) otherwise assist in providing medical care to veterans in highly rural areas. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) MAXIMUM AMOUNT- The amount of a grant under this section may not exceed $50,000. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) NO MATCHING REQUIREMENT- The recipient of a grant under this section shall not be required to provide matching funds as a condition for receiving such grant. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Regulations- The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) evaluating grant applications under this section; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) otherwise administering the program established by this section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Definitions- In this section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) HIGHLY RURAL- The term ‘highly rural’, in the case of an area, means that the area consists of a county or counties having a population of less than seven persons per square mile. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION- The term ‘veterans service organization’ means any organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under
(d) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to carry out this section. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE III--OTHER HEALTH CARE MATTERS
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TITLE III--OTHER HEALTH CARE MATTERS CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 301. EXPANSION OF VETERAN ELIGIBILITY FOR REIMBURSEMENT BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT FURNISHED IN A NON-DEPARTMENT FACILITY.
(a) Expansion of Eligibility- Subsection (b)(3)(C) of section 1725 is amended by striking ‘, in whole or in part,’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Limitations on Reimbursement- Section 1725 is further amended-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4)(A) If the veteran has contractual or legal recourse against a third party that would, in part, extinguish the veteran’s liability to the provider of the emergency treatment and payment for the treatment may be made both under subsection (a) and by the third party, the amount payable for such treatment under such subsection shall be the amount by which the costs for the emergency treatment exceed the amount payable or paid by the third party, except that the amount payable may not exceed the maximum amount payable established under paragraph (1)(A). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) In any case in which a third party is financially responsible for part of the veteran’s emergency treatment expenses, the Secretary shall be the secondary payer. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) A payment in the amount payable under subparagraph (A) shall be considered payment in full and shall extinguish the veteran’s liability to the provider. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(D) The Secretary may not reimburse a veteran under this section for any copayment or similar payment that the veteran owes the third party or for which the veteran is responsible under a health-plan contract.’; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subsection (f)(3)-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ‘, including the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ‘, including a State Medicaid agency with respect to payments made under a State plan for medical assistance approved under title XIX of such Act (
(c) Effective Date- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to emergency treatment furnished on or after that date. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) REIMBURSEMENT FOR TREATMENT BEFORE EFFECTIVE DATE- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may provide reimbursement under
SEC. 302. PROHIBITION ON COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS FROM VETERANS WHO ARE CATASTROPHICALLY DISABLED.
(a) In General- Subchapter III of chapter 17 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘Sec. 1730A. Prohibition on collection of copayments from catastrophically disabled veterans
‘Notwithstanding subsections (f) and (g) of section 1710 and section 1722A(a) of this title or any other provision of law, the Secretary may not require a veteran who is catastrophically disabled to make any copayment for the receipt of hospital care or medical services under the laws administered by the Secretary.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1730 the following new item: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘1730A. Prohibition on collection of copayments from catastrophically disabled veterans.’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE IV--CONSTRUCTION AND NAMING MATTERS
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TITLE IV--CONSTRUCTION AND NAMING MATTERS CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 401. MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER, WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON.
(a) Authorization for Major Medical Facility Project- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a major medical facility project for the construction of a new multiple specialty outpatient facility, campus renovation and upgrades, and additional parking at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Walla Walla, Washington, with the project to be carried out in an amount not to exceed $71,400,000. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2010 for the Construction, Major Projects account, $71,400,000 for the project authorized in subsection (a). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 402. MERRIL LUNDMAN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OUTPATIENT CLINIC.
(a) In General- The Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Havre, Montana, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ‘Merril Lundman Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) References- Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States to the outpatient clinic referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to the Merril Lundman Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Amend the title so as to read: ‘A Bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide assistance to caregivers of veterans, to improve the provision of health care to veterans in rural areas, and for other purposes.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Calendar No. 167CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
111th CONGRESSCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
1st SessionCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
S. 801CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
[Report No. 111-80]CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
A BILLCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
To amend title 38, United States Code, to waive charges for humanitarian care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to family members accompanying veterans severely injured after September 11, 2001, as they receive medical care from the Department and to provide assistance to family caregivers, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
September 25, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
September 25, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the titleCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
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