[115th Congress Public Law 251]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[[Page 3165]]
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2018
[[Page 132 STAT. 3166]]
Public Law 115-251
115th Congress
An Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring
provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and
for other purposes. <<NOTE: Sept. 29, 2018 - [S. 3479]>>
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Department of
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018. 38 USC 101 note.>>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Department of
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY
Subtitle A--Health Care Matters
Sec. 101. Extension of authority for collection of copayments for
hospital care and nursing home care.
Sec. 102. Extension of requirement to provide nursing home care to
certain veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Sec. 103. Removal of authorization of appropriations to provide
assistance and support services for caregivers.
Sec. 104. Making permanent authority for recovery from third parties of
cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health-
plan contracts for non-service-connected disability.
Sec. 105. Extension of authority for transfer of real property.
Sec. 106. Extension of authority for pilot program on assistance for
child care for certain veterans receiving health care.
Sec. 107. Extension of authority to make grants to veterans service
organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans.
Sec. 108. Extension of authority for pilot program on counseling in
retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from
service.
Sec. 109. Extension of temporary expansion of payments and allowances
for beneficiary travel in connection with veterans receiving
care from vet centers.
Subtitle B--Benefits Matters
Sec. 121. Making permanent authority for temporary expansion of
eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance for
certain veterans with disabilities causing difficulty
ambulating.
Sec. 122. Extension of authority for specially adapted housing assistive
technology grant program.
Sec. 123. Making permanent authority to guarantee payment of principal
and interest on certificates or other securities.
Sec. 124. Making permanent authority for calculating net value of real
property at time of foreclosure.
Sec. 125. Extension of authority relating to vendee loans.
Sec. 126. Making permanent authority to provide rehabilitation and
vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces with
severe injuries or illnesses.
Sec. 127. Extension of authority to enter into agreement with the
National Academy of Sciences regarding associations between
diseases and exposure to dioxin and other chemical compounds
in herbicides.
[[Page 132 STAT. 3167]]
Subtitle C--Homeless Veterans Matters
Sec. 141. Extension of authority for homeless veterans reintegration
programs.
Sec. 142. Extension of authority for homeless women veterans and
homeless veterans with children reintegration program.
Sec. 143. Extension of authority for referral and counseling services
for veterans at risk of homelessness transitioning from
certain institutions.
Sec. 144. Extension of authority for treatment and rehabilitation
services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans.
Sec. 145. Extension of authority for financial assistance for supportive
services for very low-income veteran families in permanent
housing.
Sec. 146. Extension of authority for grant program for homeless veterans
with special needs.
Sec. 147. Extension of authority for the Advisory Committee on Homeless
Veterans.
Subtitle D--Other Matters
Sec. 161. Extension of authority for transportation of individuals to
and from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
Sec. 162. Extension of authority for operation of the Department of
Veterans Affairs regional office in Manila, the Republic of
the Philippines.
Sec. 163. Extension of authority for monthly assistance allowances under
the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special
Events.
Sec. 164. Extension of requirement to provide reports to Congress
regarding equitable relief in the case of administrative
error.
Sec. 165. Extension of authorization of appropriations for adaptive
sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the
armed forces.
Sec. 166. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Minority
Veterans.
TITLE II--IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH CARE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Sec. 201. Treatment of modifications of contracts under Veterans
Community Care program.
Sec. 202. Modification of provision requiring recognition and
acceptance, on an interim basis, of credentials and
qualifications of health care providers under community care
program.
Sec. 203. Expansion of coverage of Veterans Care Agreements.
Sec. 204. Modification of authority for deduction of overpayments for
health care.
Sec. 205. Modification of eligibility of former members of the Armed
Forces for mental and behavioral health care from the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 206. Access of health care providers of the Department of Veterans
Affairs to drug monitoring programs that do not participate
in the national network.
Sec. 207. Elimination of report on activities and proposals involving
contracting for performance by contractor personnel of work
previously performed by Department employees.
Sec. 208. Additional report on increased availability of opioid receptor
antagonists.
Sec. 209. Expansion of health care assessment to include all territories
of the United States and the assessment of extended care
services.
Sec. 210. Authorization of major medical facility project at Department
of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Medical Center.
Sec. 211. Technical amendments to VA MISSION Act of 2018 and amendments
made by that Act.
TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 301. Approval of courses of education provided by public
institutions of higher education for purposes of training and
rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected
disabilities conditional on in-State tuition rate for
veterans.
Sec. 302. Corrective action for certain Department of Veterans Affairs
employees for conflicts of interest with educational
institutions operated for profit.
Sec. 303. Modification of compliance requirements for particular leases
relating to Department of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles
Campus.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States Code.
[[Page 132 STAT. 3168]]
TITLE I--EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY
Subtitle A--Health Care Matters
SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS FOR
HOSPITAL CARE AND NURSING HOME CARE.
Section 1710(f)(2)(B) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2019''
and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE NURSING HOME CARE TO
CERTAIN VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED
DISABILITIES.
Section 1710A(d) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 103. REMOVAL OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS TO PROVIDE
ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR
CAREGIVERS.
Section 1720G is amended by striking subsection (e).
SEC. 104. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR RECOVERY FROM THIRD
PARTIES OF COST OF CARE AND SERVICES
FURNISHED TO VETERANS WITH HEALTH-PLAN
CONTRACTS FOR NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED
DISABILITY.
Section 1729(a)(2)(E) is amended, in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``before September 30, 2019,''.
SEC. 105. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY.
Section 8118(a)(5) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2018'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 106. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON ASSISTANCE
FOR CHILD CARE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS
RECEIVING HEALTH CARE.
(a) Extension.--Subsection (e) of section 205 of the Caregivers and
Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124
Stat. 1144; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended by striking ``September 30,
2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (h) of such section
is amended by striking ``and 2019'' and inserting ``2019, and 2020''.
SEC. 107. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS TO VETERANS
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION
OF HIGHLY RURAL VETERANS.
Section 307(d) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health
Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 1154; 38 U.S.C. 1710
note) is amended by striking ``2019'' and inserting ``2020''.
SEC. 108. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON COUNSELING
IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN VETERANS
NEWLY SEPARATED FROM SERVICE.
(a) Extension.--Subsection (d) of section 203 of the Caregivers and
Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124
Stat. 1143; 38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is amended by striking ``September 30,
2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
[[Page 132 STAT. 3169]]
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (f) of such section
is amended by striking ``and 2019'' and inserting ``2019, and 2020''.
SEC. 109. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF PAYMENTS AND
ALLOWANCES FOR BENEFICIARY TRAVEL IN
CONNECTION WITH VETERANS RECEIVING CARE
FROM VET CENTERS.
Section 104(a) of the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for
Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-154; 126 Stat. 1169),
as amended by section 109(a) of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Expiring Authorities Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-62; 131 Stat. 1162), is
amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 30,
2019''.
Subtitle B--Benefits Matters
SEC. 121. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF
ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS WITH
DISABILITIES CAUSING DIFFICULTY
AMBULATING.
Section 2101(a)(4) is amended by striking ``(A) Except'' and all
that follows through ``(B) In each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018,
the Secretary'' and inserting ``In any fiscal year, the Secretary''.
SEC. 122. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 2108(g) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 123. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO GUARANTEE PAYMENT OF
PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON CERTIFICATES OR
OTHER SECURITIES.
Section 3720(h) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2); and
(2) by striking ``(1)''.
SEC. 124. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR CALCULATING NET VALUE OF
REAL PROPERTY AT TIME OF FORECLOSURE.
Section 3732(c) is amended by striking paragraph (11).
SEC. 125. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO VENDEE LOANS.
Section 3733(a)(7) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2019''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``September 30, 2018,''
and inserting ``September 30, 2019,''.
SEC. 126. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE REHABILITATION AND
VOCATIONAL BENEFITS TO MEMBERS OF THE
ARMED FORCES WITH SEVERE INJURIES OR
ILLNESSES.
Section 1631(b) of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of Public Law
110-181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2); and
(2) by striking ``(1) in general.--''.
[[Page 132 STAT. 3170]]
SEC. 127. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH THE
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES REGARDING
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN DISEASES AND EXPOSURE
TO DIOXIN AND OTHER CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN
HERBICIDES.
Section 3(i) of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-4; 38
U.S.C. 1116 note) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
Subtitle C--Homeless Veterans Matters
SEC. 141. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS.
Section 2021(e)(1)(F) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2020''.
SEC. 142. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS AND
HOMELESS VETERANS WITH CHILDREN
REINTEGRATION PROGRAM.
Section 2021A(f)(1) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2020''.
SEC. 143. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR REFERRAL AND COUNSELING
SERVICES FOR VETERANS AT RISK OF
HOMELESSNESS TRANSITIONING FROM CERTAIN
INSTITUTIONS.
Section 2023(d) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 144. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION
SERVICES FOR SERIOUSLY MENTALLY ILL AND
HOMELESS VETERANS.
(a) General Treatment.--Section 2031(b) is amended by striking
``September 30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
(b) Additional Services at Certain Locations.--Section 2033(d) is
amended by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 30,
2020''.
SEC. 145. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY LOW-INCOME
VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT HOUSING.
Section 2044(e)(1) is amended by striking subparagraph (F) and
inserting the following:
``(F) $340,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
``(G) $380,000,000 for fiscal year 2019.''.
SEC. 146. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS
VETERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
Section 2061(d)(1) is amended by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2020''.
SEC. 147. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
HOMELESS VETERANS.
Section 2066(d) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2022''.
[[Page 132 STAT. 3171]]
Subtitle D--Other Matters
SEC. 161. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORTATION OF INDIVIDUALS
TO AND FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
FACILITIES.
Section 111A(a)(2) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2020''.
SEC. 162. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS REGIONAL OFFICE IN
MANILA, THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.
Section 315(b) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2019''.
SEC. 163. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR MONTHLY ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCES
UNDER THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL VETERANS
SPORTS PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS.
Section 322(d)(4) is amended by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2020''.
SEC. 164. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE REPORTS TO CONGRESS
REGARDING EQUITABLE RELIEF IN THE CASE OF
ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR.
Section 503(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2018'' and
inserting ``December 31, 2020''.
SEC. 165. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR
ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS FOR DISABLED
VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
Section 521A is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2020''; and
(2) in subsection (l), by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2020''.
SEC. 166. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
MINORITY VETERANS.
(a) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (e) of section 544 is
amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 30,
2022''.
(b) Modification of Reporting Requirement.--Subsection (c)(1) of
such section is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``each year'' and inserting ``every other year''.
TITLE II--IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH CARE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
SEC. 201. TREATMENT OF MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS UNDER VETERANS
COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 1703(h)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting ``(A)
The Secretary shall''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the requirement to enter
into consolidated, competitively bid contracts shall not restrict
[[Page 132 STAT. 3172]]
the authority of the Secretary under other provisions of law when
modifying such a contract after entering into the contract.''.
(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1703 note.>> Effective Date.--The amendments
made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the effective date specified
in section 101(b) of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel
R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated
Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182).
SEC. 202. MODIFICATION OF PROVISION REQUIRING RECOGNITION AND
ACCEPTANCE, ON AN INTERIM BASIS, OF
CREDENTIALS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF HEALTH
CARE PROVIDERS UNDER COMMUNITY CARE
PROGRAM.
Section 1703(h)(5)(A) is amended by striking ``the date of the
enactment'' and inserting ``the effective date specified in section
101(b)''.
SEC. 203. EXPANSION OF COVERAGE OF VETERANS CARE AGREEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 1703A is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(l) Covered Individual Defined.--In this section, the term
`covered individual' means any individual eligible for hospital care,
medical services, or extended care services under this title or any
other law administered by the Secretary.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1703A is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``veteran''
each place it appears and inserting ``covered
individual''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking ``veteran'' and inserting
``covered individual''; and
(ii) by striking ``veteran's'' and inserting
``covered individual's'';
(2) in subsection (e)(2)(B), by striking ``veteran'' each
place it appears and inserting ``covered individual'';
(3) in subsection (f)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``veterans''
and inserting ``covered individuals''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``veteran'' and
inserting ``covered individual'';
(4) in subsection (g), by striking ``to veterans'' and
inserting ``to covered individuals''; and
(5) in subsection (j)--
(A) by striking ``any veteran'' and inserting ``any
covered individual''; and
(B) by striking ``to veterans'' each place it
appears and inserting ``to covered individuals''.
SEC. 204. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR DEDUCTION OF OVERPAYMENTS
FOR HEALTH CARE.
Section 1703D(e)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``shall'' and inserting ``may''; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following:
``and may use any other means authorized by another provision of
law to correct or recover overpayments''.
[[Page 132 STAT. 3173]]
SEC. 205. MODIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY OF FORMER MEMBERS OF THE
ARMED FORCES FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH CARE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 1720I(b)(3) is amended by striking ``is not otherwise
eligible to enroll'' and inserting ``is not enrolled''.
SEC. 206. ACCESS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS TO DRUG MONITORING
PROGRAMS THAT DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE
NATIONAL NETWORK.
Section 1730B is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, or any
individual State or regional prescription drug
monitoring program,'' after ``programs'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``such
network'' and inserting ``the national network of State-
based prescription monitoring programs, or, if providing
care in a State that does not participate in such
national network, an individual State or regional
prescription drug monitoring program,''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, or any
individual State or regional prescription drug
monitoring program,'' after programs; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2) by inserting ``, or any individual
State or regional prescription drug monitoring program,'' after
``programs''.
SEC. 207. ELIMINATION OF REPORT ON ACTIVITIES AND PROPOSALS
INVOLVING CONTRACTING FOR PERFORMANCE BY
CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL OF WORK PREVIOUSLY
PERFORMED BY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES.
Section 8110 is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (c); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as
subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.
SEC. 208. ADDITIONAL REPORT ON INCREASED AVAILABILITY OF OPIOID
RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS.
Section 911(e)(2) of the Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act
(Public Law 114-198; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by inserting ``and
not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018'' before
``the Secretary shall''.
SEC. 209. EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE ASSESSMENT TO INCLUDE ALL
TERRITORIES OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE
ASSESSMENT OF EXTENDED CARE SERVICES.
Section 213 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel
R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated
Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is <<NOTE: Ante, p.
1462.>> amended--
(1) in the section header, by striking ``pacific
territories'' and inserting ``territories of the united
states'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``180 days'' and inserting ``270
days''; and
[[Page 132 STAT. 3174]]
(B) by striking ``Pacific territories'' and
inserting ``territories of the United States'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
by striking ``Pacific territories'' and inserting
``territories of the United States''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Extended care.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``community-based outpatient
clinic'' and inserting ``medical facility''; and
(ii) by striking ``Pacific territory'' and
inserting ``territory of the United States''; and
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``Pacific territories'' and
inserting ``territories of the United States'';
(B) by striking ``and''; and
(C) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin
Islands''.
SEC. 210. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT AT
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WEST LOS
ANGELES MEDICAL CENTER.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the
major medical facility project described in subsection (b) in fiscal
year 2019, in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000.
(b) Major Medical Facility Project.--The major medical facility
project described in this subsection is the construction of a new
regional food services facility building on the campus of the medical
center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Los Angeles,
California, to replace the seismically deficient Building 300, Regional
Food Service Facility, which is located on the north campus of the
medical center as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 211. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO VA MISSION ACT OF 2018 AND
AMENDMENTS MADE BY THAT ACT.
(a) Title 38.--
(1) Annual report on performance awards and bonuses.--
Section 726(c)(3) is amended by striking ``, United States
Code''.
(2) Veterans care agreements.--Section 1703A(h)(4) is
amended by striking ``, United States Code''.
(3) Access standards.--Section 1703B(i) is amended--
(A) by striking ``(1) The term'' and inserting ``In
this section:
``(1) The term'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by moving subparagraphs (A)
and (B) two ems to the right;
(C) by moving paragraph (2) two ems to the right;
and
(D) in paragraph (2), by striking ``refers to'' and
inserting ``means''.
(4) Standards for quality.--Section 1703C(c) is amended--
[[Page 132 STAT. 3175]]
(A) by striking ``(c)(1) The term'' and inserting
``(c) Definitions.-- In this section:
``(1) The term'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by moving subparagraphs (A)
and (B) two ems to the right;
(C) by moving paragraph (2) two ems to the right;
and
(D) in paragraph (2), by striking ``refers to'' and
inserting ``means''.
(5) Prompt payment standard.--Section 1703D(g)(3) is amended
by striking ``of this Act, as amended by the Caring for Our
Veterans Act of 2018,'' and inserting ``of this title''.
(6) Remediation of medical service lines.--Section 1706A is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by inserting ``of this title'' after
``section 1703(e)(1)''; and
(B) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``paragraph
(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)''.
(7) Walk-in care.--Section 1725A is amended--
(A) in subsection (c), by striking ``or other
agreement'' and inserting ``agreement, or other
arrangement''; and
(B) in subsection (f)(4), by striking ``Section
8153(c)'' and inserting ``Sections 8153(c) and
1703A(j)''.
(8) Authority to recover the cost of services furnished for
non-service-connected disabilities.--Section 1729(a)(2)(D) is
amending by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
or''.
(9) Agreements with state homes.--Section
1745(a)(4)(B)(ii)(III) is amended by striking ``subchapter V of
chapter 17 of this title'' and inserting ``this subchapter''.
(10) Transplant procedures with live donors and related
services.--Section 1788(c) is amended by striking ``this
chapter'' and inserting ``this title''.
(11) Quadrennial veterans health administration review.--
Section 7330C is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Secretary
of Veterans Affairs'' and inserting ``Secretary'';
(ii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``Department of Veterans Affairs'' and
inserting ``Department'';
(II) in subparagraph (C), by
striking ``of title 38, as added by
section 102'' and inserting ``of this
title''; and
(III) in subparagraph (H)(i), by
striking ``Department of Veterans
Affairs'' and inserting ``Department'';
and
(iii) in paragraph (4)--
(I) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by
inserting ``of this title'' after
``section 1703C''; and
(II) in subparagraph (B), by
inserting ``of this title'' after
``section 1703(b)'';
(B) in subsection (b)(2)(I), by inserting ``of this
title'' after ``section 1706A''; and
(C) in subsection (c)--
[[Page 132 STAT. 3176]]
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``such high
performing'' and inserting ``a high-performing'';
and
(ii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``such''
before ``a high-performing''.
(12) Department of veterans affairs specialty education loan
repayment program.--Section 7693(a)(1) is amended by striking
``is hired'' and inserting ``will be eligible for appointment''.
(b) VA MISSION ACT.--
(1) Training program for administration of non-department
health care.--Section 122(a)(2) of the John S. McCain III,
Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal
Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of
2018 (Public Law 115-182) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1424.>> is amended
by striking ``such title'' and inserting ``title 38, United
States Code''.
(2) Processes for safe opioid prescribing practices by non-
department providers.--Section 131 of the John S. McCain III,
Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal
Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of
2018 (Public Law 115-182) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1425.>> is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)(1)--
(i) by inserting ``of title 38, United States
Code,'' after ``section 1703(a)(2)(A)'';
(ii) by striking ``of this title'' each place
it appears and inserting ``of this Act''; and
(iii) by inserting ``of such title'' after
``section 1703A(e)(2)(F)''; and
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ``covered
veterans'' each place it appears and inserting
``veterans''.
(3) Plans for supplemental appropriations.--Section 141 of
the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson
VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated
Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is
amended <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1429.>> by striking ``Whenever the
Secretary'' and inserting ``Whenever the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs''.
(4) Telemedicine reporting requirement.--Section 151(c)(1)
of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R.
Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening
Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182) is
amended <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1431.>> by striking ``section 1730B''
and inserting ``section 1730C''.
(5) Expansion of family caregiver program.--Section
161(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and
Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and
Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-182) is amended <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1439.>> by striking
``such title'' and inserting ``title 38, United States Code''.
(6) Specialty education loan repayment program.--Section 303
of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R.
Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening
Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
182) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1467.>> is amended--
(A) in subsection (d), by inserting ``of Veterans
Affairs'' after ``Department''; and
[[Page 132 STAT. 3177]]
(B) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by striking ``established'' and inserting
``under subchapter VIII of chapter 76 of title 38,
United States Code, as enacted''.
(7) Veterans healing veterans medical access and scholarship
program.--Section 304 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K.
Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and
Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-182) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1467.>> is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``covered medical
schools'' and inserting ``covered medical school''; and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``entitled
to'' and inserting ``concurrently receiving'';
(ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2019''
and inserting ``2020''; and
(iii) in paragraph (6), by striking
``subsection (e)'' and inserting ``subsection
(d)'';
(C) in subsection (c)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2019'' and
inserting ``2020''; and
(ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2019''
and inserting ``2020'';
(D) in subsection (e), by striking ``2019'' and
inserting ``2020''; and
(E) in subsection (f), by striking ``December 31,
2020'' and inserting ``December 31, 2021''.
(8) Development of criteria for designation of certain
medical facilities as underserved facilities and plan to address
problem of underserved facilities.--Section 401 of the John S.
McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA
Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated
Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182)
is <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1470.>> amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(5), by adding ``or the
applicable access standards developed under section
1703B of title 38, United States Code'' after ``the
wait-time goals of the Department''; and
(B) in subsection (d)(2)(A), by striking ``section
407'' and inserting ``section 402''.
(9) Pilot program on graduate medical education and
residency.--Section 403(b)(4) of the John S. McCain III, Daniel
K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems
and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-182) is amended <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1473.>> by
inserting ``under'' after ``an agreement''.
(10) Department of veterans affairs medical scribe pilot
program.--Section 507 of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K.
Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and
Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-182) <<NOTE: Ante, p. 1479.>> is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``as
determine'' and inserting ``as determined''; and
(B) in subsection (c)(2)(C), by striking
``speciality'' and inserting ``specialty''.
[[Page 132 STAT. 3178]]
TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 301. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION PROVIDED BY PUBLIC
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR
PURPOSES OF TRAINING AND REHABILITATION
FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED
DISABILITIES CONDITIONAL ON IN-STATE
TUITION RATE FOR VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Section 3679(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``chapter 30 or 33'' and
inserting ``chapter 30, 31, or 33'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) An individual who is entitled to rehabilitation under
section 3102(a) of this title.'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``paragraph (2)(A) or
(2)(B)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)(A), (2)(B), or (2)(C)'';
and
(4) in paragraph (6), by striking ``chapters 30 and 33'' and
inserting ``chapters 30, 31, and 33''.
(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 3679 note.>> Applicability.--The amendments made
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to courses of education
provided during a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, that begins
after March 1, 2019.
SEC. 302. CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES FOR CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST WITH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
OPERATED FOR PROFIT.
(a) In General.--Section 3683 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Department Officers and Employees.--(1) An officer or employee
of the Department shall receive corrective action or disciplinary action
if such officer or employee--
``(A) has, while serving as such an officer or employee,
owned any interest in, or received any wage, salary, dividend,
profit, or gift from, any educational institution operated for
profit; or
``(B) has, while serving as a covered officer or employee of
the Department, received any service from any educational
institution operated for profit.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered officer or employee of
the Department' means an officer or employee of the Department who--
``(A) works on the administration of benefits under chapter
30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 of this title; or
``(B) has a potential conflict of interest involving an
educational institution operated for profit, as determined by
the Secretary.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``If the Secretary'' and inserting
the following:
``(b) State Approving Agency Employees.--If the Secretary'';
(B) by striking ``wages, salary, dividends, profits,
gratuities, or services'' and inserting ``wage, salary,
dividend, profit, or gift'';
[[Page 132 STAT. 3179]]
(C) by striking ``in which an eligible person or
veteran was pursuing a program of education or course
under this chapter or chapter 34 or 35 of this title'';
(D) by striking ``terminate the employment of'' and
inserting ``provide corrective action or disciplinary
action with respect to''; and
(E) by striking ``while such person is an officer or
employee of the State approving agency, or State
department of veterans' affairs or State department of
education'' and inserting ``until the completion of such
corrective action or disciplinary action'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``A State approving agency'' and
inserting the following:
``(c) Disapproval of Courses.--A State approving agency'';
(B) by striking ``of Veterans Affairs''; and
(C) by striking ``wages, salary, dividends, profits,
gratuities, or services'' and inserting ``wage, salary,
dividend, profit, or gift''; and
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting
the following:
``(d) Waiver Authority.--(1) The Secretary may'';
(B) by striking ``of Veterans Affairs'';
(C) by striking ``, after reasonable notice and
public hearings,''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(2) <<NOTE: Notification. Deadline.>> The Secretary shall provide
public notice of any waiver granted under this subsection by not later
than 30 days after the date on which such waiver is granted.''.
(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 3683 note.>> Effective Date.--The amendments
made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of
this Act and shall apply with respect to conflicts of interest that
occur on or after that date.
SEC. 303. MODIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICULAR
LEASES RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS WEST LOS ANGELES CAMPUS.
Section 2(h)(1) of the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 (Public
Law 114-226) is amended by striking ``any lease or land-sharing
agreement at the Campus'' and inserting ``any new lease
[[Page 132 STAT. 3180]]
or land-sharing agreement at the Campus that is not in compliance with
such laws''.
Approved September 29, 2018.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 3479:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 164 (2018):
Sept. 18, considered and passed Senate.
Sept. 25, considered and passed House.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S6254-6258; text: CR S6254-6258)
Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S6254-6258; text: CR S6254-6258)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Held at the desk.
Mr. Arrington moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8754-8759)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3479.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H8754-8758)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H8754-8758)
Enacted as Public Law 115-251
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Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 115-251.
Became Public Law No: 115-251.