,,ii #aadth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #fdaf ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,december #g1 #bjaf,received ,,an ,,act ,to amend title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 ,table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,jeff ,miller and ,richard ,blumenthal ,veterans ,health ,care and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjaf4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,references to title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,title ,i--,disability ,compensation ,matters ,sec4 #aja4 ,expedited payment of survivors' benefits4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals video hearings4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,requirement that ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs publish the average time required to adjudicate early-filed and later-filed appeals4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,comptroller ,general review of claims processing performance of regional offices of ,veterans ,benefits ,administration4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,report on staffing levels at regional offices of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs under ,national ,work ,queue4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,inclusion in annual budget submission of information on capacity of ,veterans ,benefits ,administration to process benefits claims4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,report on plans of ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to reduce inventory of non-rating workload2 sense of ,congress regarding ,monday ,morning ,workload ,report4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,annual report on progress in implementing ,veterans ,benefits ,management ,system4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,improvements to authority for performance of medical disabilities examinations by contract physicians4 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,independent review of process by which ,department of ,veterans ,affairs assesses impairments that result from traumatic brain injury for purposes of awarding disability compensation4 ,sec4 #aaa4 ,reports on claims for disability compensation4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,sense of ,congress regarding ,american veterans disabled for life4 ,sec4 #aac4 ,sense of ,congress on submittal of information relating to claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma4 ,title ,,ii--,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims ,sec4 #bja4 ,extension of temporary increase in number of judges on ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,life insurance program relating to judges of ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,voluntary contributions to enlarge survivors' annuity4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,selection of chief judge of ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims4 ,title ,,iii--,burial ,benefits and ,other ,matters ,sec4 #cja4 ,expansion of eligibility for headstones1 markers1 and medallions4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,expansion of ,presidential ,memorial ,certificate program4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs study on matters relating to burial of unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,study on provision of interments in veterans' cemeteries during weekends4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in the reserve components of the ,armed ,forces4 ,title ,,iv--,educational ,assistance and ,vocational ,rehabilitation ,sec4 #dja4 ,clarification of eligibility for ,marine ,gunnery ,sergeant ,john ,david ,fry ,scholarship4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,approval of courses of education and training for purposes of the vocational rehabilitation program of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,authority to prioritize vocational rehabilitation services based on need4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,reports on progress of students receiving ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance4 ,sec4 #dje4 ,recodification and improvement of election process for ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program4 ,sec4 #djf4 ,work-study allowance4 ,sec4 #djg4 ,centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups1 districts1 and consortiums of educational institutions4 ,sec4 #djh4 ,role of ,state approving agencies4 ,sec4 #dji4 ,modification of requirements for approval for purposes of educational assistance provided by ,department of ,veterans ,affairs of programs designed to prepare individuals for licensure or certification4 ,sec4 #daj4 ,criteria used to approve courses4 ,sec4 #daa4 ,compliance surveys4 ,sec4 #dab4 ,modification of reductions in reporting fee multipliers for payments by ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to educational institutions4 ,sec4 #dac4 ,composition of ,veterans' ,advisory ,committee on ,education4 ,sec4 #dad4 ,survey of individuals using their entitlement to educational assistance under the educational assistance programs administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #dae4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs provision of information on articulation agreements between institutions of higher learning4 ,sec4 #daf4 ,retention of entitlement to educational assistance during certain additional periods of active duty4 ,sec4 #dag4 ,technical amendment relating to in-state tuition rate for individuals to whom entitlement is transferred under all-volunteer force educational assistance program and post-#i_/aa educational assistance4 ,sec4 #dah4 ,study on the effectiveness of veterans transition efforts4 ,title ,v--,small ,business and ,employment ,matters ,sec4 #eja4 ,modification of treatment under contracting goals and preferences of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,longitudinal study of job counseling1 training1 and placement service for veterans4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,limitation on administrative leave for employees of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ejd4 ,required coordination between ,directors for ,veterans' ,employment and ,training with ,state departments of labor and veterans affairs4 ,title ,,vi--,health ,care ,matters ,subtitle ,a--,medical ,care ,sec4 #fja4 ,requirement for advance appropriations for the ,medical ,community ,care account of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #fjb4 ,improved access to appropriate immunizations for veterans4 ,sec4 #fjc4 ,priority of medal of honor recipients in health care system of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #fjd4 ,requirement that ,department of ,veterans ,affairs collect health-plan contract information from veterans4 ,sec4 #fje4 ,mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions4 ,sec4 #fjf4 ,examination and treatment by ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for emergency medical conditions and women in labor4 ,subtitle ,b--,veterans ,health ,administration ,sec4 #faa4 ,time period covered by annual report on ,readjustment ,counseling ,service4 ,sec4 #fab4 ,annual report on ,veterans ,health ,administration and furnishing of hospital care1 medical services1 and nursing home care4 ,sec4 #fac4 ,expansion of qualifications for licensed mental health counselors of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to include doctoral degrees4 ,sec4 #fad4 ,modification of hours of employment for physicians employed by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #fae4 ,repeal of compensation panels to determine market pay for physicians and dentists4 ,sec4 #faf4 ,clarification regarding liability for breach of agreement under ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,employee ,incentive ,scholarship ,program4 ,sec4 #fag4 ,extension of period for increase in graduate medical education residency positions at medical facilities of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #fah4 ,report on public access to research by ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #fai4 ,authorization of certain major medical facility projects of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,subtitle ,c--,toxic ,exposure ,sec4 #fca4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #fcb4 ,national ,academy of ,medicine assessment on research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure4 ,sec4 #fcc4 ,advisory board on research relating to health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving in the ,armed ,forces4 ,sec4 #fcd4 ,research relating to health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving in the ,armed ,forces4 ,title ,,vii--,homelessness ,matters ,subtitle ,a--,access of ,homeless ,veterans to ,benefits ,sec4 #gja4 ,expansion of definition of homeless veteran for purposes of benefits under the laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #gjb4 ,authorization to furnish certain benefits to homeless veterans with discharges or releases under other than honorable conditions4 ,sec4 #gjc4 ,waiver of minimum period of continuous active duty in ,armed ,forces for certain benefits for homeless veterans4 ,sec4 #gjd4 ,training of personnel of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and grant recipients4 ,sec4 #gje4 ,regulations4 ,sec4 #gjf4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,b--,other ,homelessness ,matters ,sec4 #gaa4 ,increased per diem payments for transitional housing assistance that becomes permanent housing for homeless veterans4 ,sec4 #gab4 ,program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless4 ,sec4 #gac4 ,establishment of ,national ,center on ,homelessness ,among ,veterans4 ,sec4 #gad4 ,requirement for ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to assess comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans4 ,sec4 #gae4 ,report on outreach relating to increasing the amount of housing available to veterans4 ,title ,,viii--,other ,matters ,sec4 #hja4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs construction reforms4 ,sec4 #hjb4 ,technical and clerical amendments4 #b4 ,references to title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code ,except as otherwise expressly provided1 whenever in this ,act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to1 or repeal of1 a section or other provision1 the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,i ,disability ,compensation ,matters #aja4 ,expedited payment of survivors' benefits 7a7 ,in general ,section #eaja7;a77#a7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,a specific and inserting 7,a7 ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 a specific2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,b7 7i7 ,the ,secretary may pay benefits under chapters #ac and #ae and sections #bcjb1 #bcjg1 and #eaba of this title to a survivor of a veteran who has not filed a formal claim if the ,secretary determines that the record contains sufficient evidence to establish the entitlement of the survivor to such benefits4 7ii7 ,for purposes of this subparagraph and section #eaaj of this title1 the earlier of the following dates shall be treated as the date of the receipt of the survivor's application for benefits described in clause 7i73 7,i7 ,the date on which the survivor of a veteran 7or the representative of such a survivor7 notifies the ,secretary of the death of the veteran through a death certificate or other relevant evidence that establishes entitlement to survivors' benefits identified in clause 7i74 7,,ii7 ,the head of any other department or agency of the ,federal ,government notifies the ,secretary of the death of the veteran4 7iii7 ,in notifying the ,secretary of the death of a veteran as described in clause 7ii77,i71 the survivor 7or the representative of such a survivor7 may submit to the ,secretary additional documents relating to such death without being required to file a formal claim4 4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs 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 benefits paid pursuant to covered claims4 7#b7 ,contents ,the report under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,the number of covered claims adjudicated during the #a-year period preceding the date of the report1 disaggregated by the following3 7i7 ,claims in which the claimant was entitled to benefits under chapters #ac or #ae or sections #bcjb1 #bcjg1 or #eaba of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 on the basis of the claimant's status as the spouse of a deceased veteran4 7ii7 ,claims in which the claimant was entitled to such benefits on the basis of the claimant's status as the child of a deceased veteran4 7iii7 ,claims in which the claimant was entitled to such benefits on the basis of the claimant's status as the parent of a deceased veteran4 7,b7 ,the number of covered claims during such period for which such benefits were not awarded1 disaggregated by clauses 7i7 through 7iii7 of subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,a comparison of the accuracy and timeliness of covered claims adjudicated during such period with noncovered claims filed by survivors of a veteran4 7,d7 ,the findings of the ,secretary with respect to adjudicating covered claims4 7,e7 ,such recommendations as the ,secretary may have for legislative or administrative action to improve the adjudication of claims submitted to the ,secretary for benefits under chapters #ac and #ae and sections #bcjb1 #bcjg1 and #eaba of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,covered claim defined ,in this subsection1 the term covered claim means a claim covered by section #eaja7;a77#a77;,b7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a74 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to claims for benefits based on a death occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ajb4 ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals video hearings ,section #gajg is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7d71 by amending paragraph 7#a7 to read as follows3 7#a7 7,a7 7i7 ,upon request for a hearing1 the ,board shall determine1 for purposes of scheduling the hearing for the earliest possible date1 whether a hearing before the ,board will be held at its principal location or at a facility of the ,department or other appropriate ,federal facility located within the area served by a regional office of the ,department4 7ii7 ,the ,board shall also determine whether to provide a hearing through the use of the facilities and equipment described in subsection 7e77#a7 or by the appellant personally appearing before a ,board member or panel4 7,b7 7i7 ,the ,board shall notify the appellant of the determinations of the location and type of hearing made under subparagraph 7,a74 7ii7 ,upon notification1 the appellant may request a different location or type of hearing as described in such subparagraph4 7iii7 ,if so requested1 the ,board shall grant such request and ensure that the hearing is scheduled at the earliest possible date without any undue delay or other prejudice to the appellant4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7e71 by amending paragraph 7#b7 to read as follows3 7#b7 ,any hearing provided through the use of the facilities and equipment described in paragraph 7#a7 shall be conducted in the same manner as1 and shall be considered the equivalent of1 a personal hearing4 4 #ajc4 ,requirement that ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs publish the average time required to adjudicate early-filed and later-filed appeals 7a7 ,publication requirement 7#a7 ,in general ,on an ongoing basis1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall make available to the public the following3 7,a7 ,the average length of time to adjudicate an early-filed appeal4 7,b7 ,the average length of time to adjudicate a later-filed appeal4 7#b7 ,effective date ,paragraph 7#a7 shall take effect on the date that is #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act and shall apply until the date that is #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ci months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 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 whether publication pursuant to subsection 7a77#a7 has had an effect on the number of early-filed appeals filed4 7#b7 ,contents ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,the number of appeals and early-filed appeals that were filed during the #a-year period ending on the effective date specified in subsection 7a77#b74 7,b7 ,the number of appeals and early-filed appeals that were filed during the #a-year period ending on the date that is #b years after the effective date specified in subsection 7a77#b74 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,appeal ,the term appeal means a notice of disagreement filed pursuant to section #gaje7;a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 in response to notice of the result of an initial review or determination regarding a claim for a benefit under a law administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs4 7#b7 ,early-filed ,the term early-filed with respect to an appeal means that the notice of disagreement was filed not more than #ahj days after the date of mailing of the notice of the result of the initial review or determination described in paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,later-filed ,the term later-filed with respect to an appeal means the notice of disagreement was filed more than #ahj days after the date of mailing of the notice of the result of the initial review or determination described in paragraph 7#a74 #ajd4 ,comptroller ,general review of claims processing performance of regional offices of ,veterans ,benefits ,administration 7a7 ,review required ,not later than #ae months after the effective date specified in subsection 7e71 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall complete a review of the regional offices of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration to help the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration achieve more consistent performance in the processing of claims for disability compensation4 7b7 ,elements ,the review required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an identification of the following3 7,a7 ,the factors1 including management practices1 that distinguish higher performing regional offices from other regional offices with respect to claims for disability compensation4 7,b7 ,the best practices employed by higher performing regional offices that distinguish the performance of such offices from other regional offices4 7,c7 ,such other management practices or tools as the ,comptroller ,general determines could be used to improve the performance of regional offices4 7#b7 ,an assessment of the effectiveness of communication with respect to the processing of claims for disability compensation between the regional offices and veterans service organizations and caseworkers employed by ,members of ,congress4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ae months after the effective date specified in subsection 7e71 the ,comptroller ,general 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 results of the review completed under subsection 7a74 7d7 ,veterans service organization defined ,in this section1 the term veterans service organization means any organization recognized by the ,secretary for the representation of veterans under section #eijb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7e7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #aje4 ,report on staffing levels at regional offices of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs under ,national ,work ,queue ,not later than #ae months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs 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 criteria and procedures that the ,secretary will use to determine appropriate staffing levels at the regional offices of the ,department under the ,national ,work ,queue for the distribution of the claims processing workload4 #ajf4 ,inclusion in annual budget submission of information on capacity of ,veterans ,benefits ,administration to process benefits claims 7a7 ,in general ,along with the supporting information included in the budget submitted to ,congress by the ,president pursuant to section #aaje7;a7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,president shall include information on the capacity of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration to process claims for benefits under the laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 including information described in subsection 7b71 during the fiscal year covered by the budget with which the information is submitted4 7b7 ,information described ,the information described in this subsection is the following3 7#a7 ,an estimate of the average number of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the ,secretary1 excluding such claims completed during mandatory overtime1 that a single full-time equivalent employee of the ,administration should be able to process in a year1 based on the following3 7,a7 ,a time and motion study that the ,secretary shall conduct on the processing of such claims4 7,b7 ,such other information relating to such claims as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,a description of the actions the ,secretary will take to improve the processing of such claims4 7#c7 ,an assessment of the actions identified by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#b7 in the previous year and an identification of the effects of those actions4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to any budget submitted as described in subsection 7a7 with respect to any fiscal year after fiscal year #bjah4 #ajg4 ,report on plans of ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to reduce inventory of non-rating workload2 sense of ,congress regarding ,monday ,morning ,workload ,report 7a7 ,report ,not later than #abj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report that details the plans of the ,secretary to reduce the inventory of work items listed in the ,monday ,morning ,workload ,report under ,end ,products #acj1 #acg1 #agc1 #bij1 #djj1 #fjj1 #fjg1 #fij1 #icj1 and #ifj4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs should include in each ,monday ,morning ,workload ,report published by the ,secretary the following3 7#a7 ,with respect to each regional office of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 the following3 7,a7 ,the number of fully developed claims for benefits under the laws administered by the ,secretary that have been received4 7,b7 ,the number of claims described in subparagraph 7,a7 that are pending a decision4 7,c7 ,the number of claims described in subparagraph 7,a7 that have been pending a decision for more than #abe days4 7#b7 ,enhanced information on appeals of decisions relating to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the ,secretary that are pending1 including information contained in the reports of the ,department entitled ,appeals ,pending and ,appeals ,workload ,by ,station4 #ajh4 ,annual report on progress in implementing ,veterans ,benefits ,management ,system 7a7 ,in general ,not later than each of #a year1 #b years1 and #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs 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 progress of the ,secretary in implementing the ,veterans ,benefits ,management ,system4 7b7 ,contents ,each report required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an assessment of the current functionality of the ,veterans ,benefits ,management ,system4 7#b7 ,recommendations submitted to the ,secretary by employees of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs who are involved in processing claims for benefits under the laws administered by the ,secretary1 including veterans service representatives1 rating veterans service representatives1 and decision review officers1 for such legislative or administrative action as the employees consider appropriate to improve the processing of such claims4 7#c7 ,recommendations submitted to the ,secretary by veterans service organizations who use the ,veterans ,benefits ,management ,system for such legislative or administrative action as the veterans service organizations consider appropriate to improve such system4 7c7 ,veterans service organization defined ,in this section1 the term veterans service organization means any organization recognized by the ,secretary for the representation of veterans under section #eijb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 #aji4 ,improvements to authority for performance of medical disabilities examinations by contract physicians 7a7 ,licensure of contract physicians 7#a7 ,temporary authority ,section #gjd of the ,veterans ,benefits ,act of #bjjc 7#ch ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja note7 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating subsection 7d7 as subsection 7e72 and 7,b7 by inserting after subsection 7c7 the following new subsection 7d73 7d7 ,licensure of contract physicians 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any law regarding the licensure of physicians1 a physician described in paragraph 7#b7 may conduct an examination pursuant to a contract entered into under subsection 7b7 at any location in any ,state1 the ,district of ,columbia1 or a ,commonwealth1 territory1 or possession of the ,united ,states1 so long as the examination is within the scope of the authorized duties under such contract4 7#b7 ,physician described ,a physician described in this paragraph is a physician who-- 7,a7 has a current unrestricted license to practice the health care profession of the physician2 7,b7 is not barred from practicing such health care profession in any ,state1 the ,district of ,columbia1 or a ,commonwealth1 territory1 or possession of the ,united ,states2 and 7,c7 is performing authorized duties for the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs pursuant to a contract entered into under subsection 7b74 4 7#b7 ,pilot program ,section #ejd of the ,veterans' ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #aiif 7#ch ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja note7 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating subsections 7c7 and 7d7 as subsections 7d7 and 7e71 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following new subsection 7c73 7c7 ,licensure of contract physicians 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any law regarding the licensure of physicians1 a physician described in paragraph 7#b7 may conduct an examination pursuant to a contract entered into under subsection 7a7 at any location in any ,state1 the ,district of ,columbia1 or a ,commonwealth1 territory1 or possession of the ,united ,states1 so long as the examination is within the scope of the authorized duties under such contract4 7#b7 ,physician described ,a physician described in this paragraph is a physician who-- 7,a7 has a current unrestricted license to practice the health care profession of the physician2 7,b7 is not barred from practicing such health care profession in any ,state1 the ,district of ,columbia1 or a ,commonwealth1 territory1 or possession of the ,united ,states2 and 7,c7 is performing authorized duties for the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs pursuant to a contract entered into under subsection 7a74 4 #aaj4 ,independent review of process by which ,department of ,veterans ,affairs assesses impairments that result from traumatic brain injury for purposes of awarding disability compensation 7a7 ,agreement 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine to perform the services covered by this section4 7#b7 ,timing ,the ,secretary shall seek to enter into the agreement described in paragraph 7#a7 not later than #i months after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,comprehensive review 7#a7 ,in general ,under an agreement between the ,secretary and the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine under this section1 the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine shall conduct a comprehensive review of examinations furnished by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to individuals who submit claims to the ,secretary for compensation under chapter #aa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 for traumatic brain injury to assess the impairments of such individuals relating to such injury4 7#b7 ,elements ,the comprehensive review carried out pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,a determination of the adequacy of the tools and protocols used by the ,department to provide examinations described in paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,a determination of which credentials are necessary for health care specialists and providers to perform such portions of such examinations that relate to an assessment of all disabling effects4 7#c7 ,group of experienced health care providers ,in carrying out the comprehensive review pursuant to paragraph 7#a71 the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine shall convene a group of relevant experts1 including experts in clinical neuropsychology1 psychiatry1 physiatry1 neurosurgery1 and neurology4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #edj days after the date on which the ,secretary enters into an agreement under subsection 7a77#a71 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives a report on the comprehensive review conducted under this section4 7#b7 ,elements ,the report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,the findings of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine with respect to the comprehensive review conducted under this section4 7,b7 ,such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine may have for the improvement of the adjudication of claims described in subsection 7b77#a74 7d7 ,alternate contract organization 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,secretary is unable within the period prescribed in subsection 7a77#b7 to enter into an agreement described in subsection 7a77#a7 with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine on terms acceptable to the ,secretary1 the ,secretary shall seek to enter into such an agreement with another appropriate organization that-- 7,a7 is not part of the ,government2 7,b7 operates as a not-for-profit entity2 and 7,c7 has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of the ,health and ,medicine ,division of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine4 7#b7 ,treatment ,if the ,secretary enters into an agreement with another organization as described in paragraph 7#a71 any reference in this section to the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine shall be treated as a reference to the other organization4 #aaa4 ,reports on claims for disability compensation 7a7 ,report on reasonably raised claims ,not later than #edj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives a report on the policies of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs with respect to processing reasonably raised unrelated claims4 ,such report shall include-- 7#a7 any statistics on how frequently such unrelated claims are identified by the ,secretary2 7#b7 how frequently the ,secretary notifies claimants about potential unrelated claims2 and 7#c7 how often the claimant later submits a claim for the condition described by the unrelated claim4 7b7 ,annual reports on complete and incomplete claims ,during the #e-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives annual reports on complete and incomplete claims for disability compensation submitted to the ,secretary4 ,each such report shall include1 for the #a-year period covered by the report-- 7#a7 the total number of claims submitted to the ,secretary2 7#b7 the total number of incomplete claims submitted to the ,secretary2 7#c7 the total number of complete claims submitted to the ,secretary2 7#d7 the total number of forms indicating an intent to file a claim for benefits submitted to the ,secretary2 7#e7 the total number of electronically filed claims submitted to the ,secretary2 7#f7 the total number of fully developed claims submitted to the ,secretary2 7#g7 the total number of claims submitted to the ,secretary that are not complete claims but that the ,secretary treats as a request by the claimant for a form to file a claim2 and 7#h7 of the total number of claims identified under paragraph 7#g71 the percent for which the ,secretary notified the claimant of the need to file a complete claim4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the term claimant has the meaning given such term in section #eajj of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 and includes a representative of a claimant4 7#b7 ,the term reasonably raised unrelated claim means a claim for disability compensation under the laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs that1 in addition to the condition for which such claim is made1 includes evidence of a separate condition that is not specifically identified as part of the claim but may be inferred or logically placed at issue upon a sympathetic reading of the claim and the record developed with respect to that claim4 #aab4 ,sense of ,congress regarding ,american veterans disabled for life 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,there are at least #d1bjj1jjj veterans currently living with service-connected disabilities4 7#b7 ,as a result of their service1 many veterans are permanently disabled throughout their lives and in many cases must rely on the support of their families and friends when these visible and invisible burdens become too much to bear alone4 7#c7 ,october #e1 which is the anniversary of the dedication of the ,american ,veterans ,disabled for ,life ,memorial1 has been recognized as an appropriate day on which to honor ,american veterans disabled for life each year4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,congress-- 7#a7 expresses its appreciation to the men and women left permanently wounded1 ill1 or injured as a result of their service in the ,armed ,forces2 7#b7 supports the annual recognition of ,american veterans disabled for life each year2 and 7#c7 encourages the ,american people to honor ,american veterans disabled for life each year with appropriate programs and activities4 #aac4 ,sense of ,congress on submittal of information relating to claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma 7a7 ,in general ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs should submit to ,congress information on the covered claims submitted to the ,secretary during each fiscal year1 including the information specified in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,elements ,the information specified in this subsection with respect to each fiscal year is the following3 7#a7 ,the number of covered claims submitted to or considered by the ,secretary during such fiscal year4 7#b7 ,of the covered claims under paragraph 7#a71 the number and percentage of such claims-- 7,a7 submitted by each sex2 7,b7 that were approved1 including the number and percentage of such approved claims submitted by each sex2 and 7,c7 that were denied1 including the number and percentage of such denied claims submitted by each sex4 7#c7 ,of the covered claims under paragraph 7#a7 that were approved1 the number and percentage1 listed by each sex1 of claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability4 7#d7 ,of the covered claims under paragraph 7#a7 that were denied-- 7,a7 the three most common reasons given by the ,secretary under section #eajd7;b77#a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 for such denials2 and 7,b7 the number of denials that were based on the failure of a veteran to report for a medical examination4 7#e7 ,the number of covered claims that1 as of the end of such fiscal year1 are pending and1 separately1 the number of such claims on appeal4 7#f7 ,the average number of days that covered claims take to complete beginning on the date on which the claim is submitted4 7#g7 ,a description of the training that the ,secretary provides to employees of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration specifically with respect to covered claims1 including the frequency1 length1 and content of such training4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the term covered claims means claims for disability compensation submitted to the ,secretary based on a mental health condition alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma4 7#b7 ,the term military sexual trauma shall have the meaning specified by the ,secretary for purposes of this section and shall include sexual harassment 7as so specified74 ,,ii ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims #bja4 ,extension of temporary increase in number of judges on ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims 7a7 ,in general ,section #gbec7;i77#b7 is amended by striking ,january #a1 #bjac and inserting ,january #a1 #bjba4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than ,june #cj1 #bjbj1 the chief judge of the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims 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 temporary expansions of the ,court under section #gbec of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,contents ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an assessment of the effect of the expansions on ensuring appeals are handled in a timely manner4 7,b7 ,a description of the ways in which the complexity levels of the appeals acted on by the ,court may have changed based on service during recent conflicts compared to those based on service from previous eras4 7,c7 ,a recommendation on whether the number of judges should be adjusted at the end of the temporary expansion period1 including statistics1 projections1 trend analyses1 and other information to support the recommendation4 #bjb4 ,life insurance program relating to judges of ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims 7a7 ,in general ,section #gbha is amended by adding at the end the following3 7j7 ,for purposes of chapter #hg of title #e1 a judge who is in regular active service and a judge who is retired under section #gbif of this title or under chapter #hc or #hd of title #e shall be treated as an employee described in section #hgja7;a77#e7 of title #e4 7k7 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,court may pay on behalf of its judges1 who are age #fe or older1 any increase in the cost of ,federal ,employees' ,group ,life ,insurance imposed after ,april #bd1 #aiii1 including any expenses generated by such payments1 as authorized by the chief judge of the ,court in a manner consistent with such payment authorized by the ,judicial ,conference of the ,united ,states pursuant to section #fjd7;a77#e7 of title #bh4 4 7b7 ,effective ,date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to any payment made on or after the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #bjc4 ,voluntary contributions to enlarge survivors' annuity ,section #gbig is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7p7 7#a7 ,a covered judge who makes an election under subsection 7b7 may purchase1 in #c-month increments1 up to an additional year of service credit for each year of ,federal judicial service completed1 under the terms set forth in this section4 7#b7 ,in this subsection1 the term covered judge means any of the following3 7,a7 ,a judge in regular active service4 7,b7 ,a retired judge who is a recall-eligible retired judge pursuant to subsection 7a7 of section #gbeg of this title4 7,c7 ,a retired judge who would be a recall-eligible retired judge pursuant to subsection 7a7 of section #gbeg but for-- 7i7 meeting the aggregate recall service requirements under subsection 7b77#c7 of such section2 or 7ii7 being permanently disabled as described by subsection 7b77#d7 of such section4 4 #bjd4 ,selection of chief judge of ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims 7a7 ,in general ,section #gbec7;d7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking and2 7,b7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,b7 as subparagraph 7,c72 and 7,c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following new subparagraph 7,b73 7,b7 have at least #c years remaining in term of office2 and 2 and 7#b7 by amending paragraph 7#b7 to read as follows3 7#b7 7,a7 ,in any case in which there is no judge of the ,court in regular active service who meets the requirements under paragraph 7#a71 the judge of the ,court in regular active service who is senior in commission and meets subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 and subparagraph 7,c7 of paragraph 7#a7 shall act as the chief judge4 7,b7 ,in any case under subparagraph 7,a7 of this paragraph in which there is no judge of the ,court in regular active service who meets subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 and subparagraph 7,c7 of paragraph 7#a71 the judge of the ,court in regular active service who is senior in commission and meets subparagraph 7,c7 shall act as the chief judge4 4 7b7 ,applicability ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to the selection of a chief judge occurring on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 ,,iii ,burial ,benefits and ,other ,matters #cja4 ,expansion of eligibility for headstones1 markers1 and medallions ,section #bcjf7;d7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#d7 and inserting the following new paragraph3 7#d7 7,a7 ,in lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker under this subsection to a deceased individual described in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary may furnish1 upon request1 a medallion or other device of a design determined by the ,secretary to signify the deceased individual's status as a veteran1 to be attached to a headstone or marker furnished at private expense4 7,b7 ,a deceased individual described in this subsection is an individual who-- 7i7 served in the ,armed ,forces on or after ,april #f1 #aiag2 and 7ii7 is eligible for a headstone or marker furnished under paragraph 7#a7 7or would be so eligible but for the date of the death of the individual74 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 7,a7 ,in carrying out this subsection with respect to a deceased individual described in subparagraph 7,c71 the ,secretary shall furnish1 upon request1 a headstone or marker under paragraph 7#a7 or a medallion under paragraph 7#d7 that signifies the deceased's status as a medal of honor recipient4 7,b7 ,if the ,secretary furnished a headstone1 marker1 or medallion under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#d7 for a deceased individual described in subparagraph 7,c7 that does not signify the deceased's status as a medal of honor recipient1 the ,secretary shall1 upon request1 replace such headstone1 marker1 or medallion with a headstone1 marker1 or medallion1 as the case may be1 that so signifies the deceased's status as a medal of honor recipient4 7,c7 ,a deceased individual described in this subparagraph is a deceased individual who-- 7i7 served in the ,armed ,forces on or after ,april #f1 #aiag2 7ii7 is eligible for a headstone or marker furnished under paragraph 7#a7 or a medallion furnished under paragraph 7#d7 7or would be so eligible for such headstone1 marker1 or medallion but for the date of the death of the individual72 and 7iii7 was awarded the medal of honor under section #cgda1 #fbda1 or #hgda of title #aj or section #dia of title #ad 7including posthumously74 7,d7 ,in this paragraph1 the term medal of honor recipient means an individual who is awarded the medal of honor under section #cgda1 #fbda1 or #hgda of title #aj or section #dia of title #ad4 4 #cjb4 ,expansion of ,presidential ,memorial ,certificate program 7a7 ,in general ,section #aab7;a7 is amended by striking veterans1 and all that follows through service1 and inserting the following3 persons eligible for burial in a national cemetery by reason of any of paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#g7 of section #bdjb7;a7 of this title14 7b7 ,application ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to the death of a person eligible for burial in a national cemetery by reason of paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#g7 of section #bdjb7;a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 occurring before1 on1 or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #cjc4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs study on matters relating to burial of unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries 7a7 ,study and report required ,not later than #a year after the effective date specified in subsection 7d71 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall-- 7#a7 complete a study on matters relating to the interring of unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under the control of the ,national ,cemetery ,administration2 and 7#b7 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 findings of the ,secretary with respect to the study required under paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,matters studied ,the matters studied under subsection 7a77#a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,determining the scope of issues relating to unclaimed remains of veterans1 including an estimate of the number of unclaimed remains of veterans4 7#b7 ,assessing the effectiveness of the procedures of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for working with persons or entities having custody of unclaimed remains to facilitate interment of unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under the control of the ,national ,cemetery ,administration4 7#c7 ,assessing ,state and local laws that affect the ability of the ,secretary to inter unclaimed remains of veterans in national cemeteries under the control of the ,national ,cemetery ,administration4 7#d7 ,developing recommendations for such legislative or administrative action as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7c7 ,methodology 7#a7 ,number of unclaimed remains ,in estimating the number of unclaimed remains of veterans under subsection 7b77#a71 the ,secretary may review such subset of applicable entities as the ,secretary considers appropriate1 including a subset of funeral homes and coroner offices that possess unclaimed veterans remains4 7#b7 ,assessment of ,state and local laws ,in assessing ,state and local laws under subsection 7b77#c71 the ,secretary may assess such sample of applicable ,state and local laws as the ,secretary considers appropriate in lieu of reviewing all applicable ,state and local laws4 7d7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #cjd4 ,study on provision of interments in veterans' cemeteries during weekends 7a7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall conduct a study on the feasibility and the need for providing increased interments in veterans' cemeteries on ,saturdays and ,sundays to meet the needs of surviving family members to properly honor the deceased4 7#b7 ,matters included ,the study under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,the number of requests made for interments in veterans' cemeteries on a ,saturday or a ,sunday since ,january #a1 #bjjg4 7,b7 ,the number of requests identified under subparagraph 7,a7 that were granted4 7,c7 ,an estimate of the number of families that1 since ,january #a1 #bjjg1 would have selected a weekend interment if such an interment would have been offered4 7,d7 ,a review of the practices relating to weekend interments among non-veterans' cemeteries1 including private and municipal cemeteries4 7,e7 ,a comparison of the costs to veterans' cemeteries with respect to providing regular interments only during weekdays and such costs for providing regular interments during the weekdays and at least #a weekend day4 7,f7 ,any other information the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in carrying out the study under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall consult with the following3 7,a7 ,veterans who are eligible to be interred in a veterans' cemetery4 7,b7 ,family members of a deceased individual interred in a veterans' cemetery4 7,c7 ,veterans service organizations4 7,d7 ,associations representing cemetery and funeral home professionals4 7,e7 ,the heads of agencies of ,state governments relating to veterans affairs4 7,f7 ,the directors of the veterans' cemeteries4 7,g7 ,any other person the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7b7 ,submission ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,senate a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,veterans' cemeteries defined ,in this section1 the term veterans' cemeteries means the cemeteries of the ,national ,cemetery ,administration1 veterans' cemeteries owned by a ,state1 and veterans' cemeteries owned by a tribal organization4 #cje4 ,honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in the reserve components of the ,armed ,forces ,any person who is entitled under chapter #abbc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 to retired pay for nonregular service or1 but for age1 would be entitled under such chapter to retired pay for nonregular service shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of this honor4 ,,iv ,educational ,assistance and ,vocational ,rehabilitation #dja4 ,clarification of eligibility for ,marine ,gunnery ,sergeant ,john ,david ,fry ,scholarship 7a7 ,in general ,section #gja7;d7 of the ,veterans ,access1 ,choice1 and ,accountability ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-adf2 #abh ,stat4 #agif2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #ccaa note7 is amended to read as follows3 7d7 ,applicability 7#a7 ,in general ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to a quarter1 semester1 or term1 as applicable1 commencing on or after ,january #a1 #bjae4 7#b7 ,deaths that occurred between ,september #aa1 #bjja1 and ,december #ca1 #bjje ,for purposes of section #ccaa7;f77#b7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 any member of the ,armed ,forces who died during the period beginning on ,september #aa1 #bjja1 and ending on ,december #ca1 #bjje1 is deemed to have died on ,january #a1 #bjjf4 4 7b7 ,election on receipt of certain benefits ,section #ccaa7;f7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking ,a surviving spouse and inserting ,except as provided in paragraph 7#d71 a surviving spouse2 7#b7 by redesignating paragraph 7#d7 as paragraph 7#e72 and 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following new paragraph 7#d73 7#d7 ,exception for certain elections 7,a7 ,in general ,an election made under paragraph 7#c7 by a spouse described in subparagraph 7,b7 may not be treated as irrevocable if such election occurred before the date of the enactment of this paragraph4 7,b7 ,eligible surviving spouse ,a spouse described in this subparagraph is an individual-- 7i7 who is entitled to assistance under subsection 7a7 pursuant to paragraph 7#i7 of subsection 7b72 and 7ii7 who was the spouse of a member of the ,armed ,forces who died during the period beginning on ,september #aa1 #bjja1 and ending on ,december #ca1 #bjje4 4 7c7 ,technical amendment ,paragraph 7#e7 of subsection 7f7 of section #ccaa1 as redesignated by subsection 7b77#b71 is amended by striking that paragraph and inserting paragraph 7#i7 of subsection 7b74 #djb4 ,approval of courses of education and training for purposes of the vocational rehabilitation program of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,in general ,section #cajd7;b7 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentences3 ,to the maximum extent practicable1 a course of education or training may be pursued by a veteran as part of a rehabilitation program under this chapter only if the course is approved for purposes of chapter #cj or #cc of this title4 ,the ,secretary may waive the requirement under the preceding sentence to the extent the ,secretary determines appropriate44 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to a course of education or training pursued by a veteran who first begins a program of rehabilitation under chapter #ca of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 on or after the date that is #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #djc4 ,authority to prioritize vocational rehabilitation services based on need ,section #cajd1 as amended by section #djb1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall have the authority to administer this chapter by prioritizing the provision of services under this chapter based on need1 as determined by the ,secretary4 ,in evaluating need for purposes of this subsection1 the ,secretary shall consider disability ratings1 the severity of employment handicaps1 qualification for a program of independent living1 income1 and any other factor the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7#b7 ,not later than #ij days before making any changes to the prioritization of the provision of services under this chapter as authorized under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives a plan describing such changes4 4 #djd4 ,reports on progress of students receiving ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #cc is amended-- 7#a7 in section #ccbe7;c7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7,b7 by redesignating paragraph 7#c7 as paragraph 7#d72 and 7,c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#b7 the following new paragraph 7#c73 7#c7 the information received by the ,secretary under section #ccbf of this title2 and 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new section3 #ccbf4 ,report on student progress ,as a condition of approval under chapter #cf of this title of a course offered by an educational institution 7as defined in section #cdeb of this title71 each year1 each educational institution 7as so defined7 that received a payment in that year on behalf of an individual entitled to educational assistance under this chapter shall submit to the ,secretary such information regarding the academic progress of the individual as the ,secretary may require4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #ccbf4 ,report on student progress4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #dje4 ,recodification and improvement of election process for ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance ,program 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #cc1 as amended by section #djd1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #ccbg4 ,election to receive educational assistance 7a7 ,individuals eligible ,to elect participation in post-#i_/aa educational assistance ,an individual may elect to receive educational assistance under this chapter if such individual-- 7#a7 as of ,august #a1 #bjji-- 7,a7 is entitled to basic educational assistance under chapter #cj of this title and has used1 but retains unused1 entitlement under that chapter2 7,b7 is entitled to educational assistance under chapter #ajg1 #afjf1 or #afjg of title #aj and has used1 but retains unused1 entitlement under the applicable chapter2 7,c7 is entitled to basic educational assistance under chapter #cj of this title but has not used any entitlement under that chapter2 7,d7 is entitled to educational assistance under chapter #ajg1 #afjf1 or #afjg of title #aj but has not used any entitlement under such chapter2 7,e7 is a member of the ,armed ,forces who is eligible for receipt of basic educational assistance under chapter #cj of this title and is making contributions toward such assistance under section #cjaa7;b7 or #cjab7;c7 of this title2 or 7,f7 is a member of the ,armed ,forces who is not entitled to basic educational assistance under chapter #cj of this title by reason of an election under section #cjaa7;c77#a7 or #cjab7;d77#a7 of this title2 and 7#b7 as of the date of the individual's election under this paragraph1 meets the requirements for entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter4 7b7 ,cessation of contributions toward ,,gi bill ,effective as of the first month beginning on or after the date of an election under subsection 7a7 of an individual described by paragraph 7#a77;,e7 of that subsection1 the obligation of the individual to make contributions under section #cjaa7;b7 or #cjab7;c7 of this title1 as applicable1 shall cease1 and the requirements of such section shall be deemed to be no longer applicable to the individual4 7c7 ,revocation of remaining transferred entitlement 7#a7 ,election to revoke ,if1 on the date an individual described in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 or 7#a77;,c7 of subsection 7a7 makes an election under that subsection1 a transfer of the entitlement of the individual to basic educational assistance under section #cjbj of this title is in effect and a number of months of the entitlement so transferred remain unutilized1 the individual may elect to revoke all or a portion of the entitlement so transferred that remains unutilized4 7#b7 ,availability of revoked entitlement ,any entitlement revoked by an individual under this subsection shall no longer be available to the dependent to whom transferred1 but shall be available to the individual instead for educational assistance under chapter #cc of this title in accordance with the provisions of this section4 7#c7 ,availability of unrevoked entitlement ,any entitlement described in paragraph 7#a7 that is not revoked by an individual in accordance with that paragraph shall remain available to the dependent or dependents concerned in accordance with the current transfer of such entitlement under section #cjbj of this title4 7d7 ,post-#i_/aa educational assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b7 and except as provided in subsection 7e71 an individual making an election under subsection 7a7 shall be entitled to educational assistance under this chapter in accordance with the provisions of this chapter1 instead of basic educational assistance under chapter #cj of this title1 or educational assistance under chapter #ajg1 #afjf1 or #afjg of title #aj1 as applicable4 7#b7 ,limitation on entitlement for certain individuals ,in the case of an individual making an election under subsection 7a7 who is described by paragraph 7#a77;,a7 of that subsection1 the number of months of entitlement of the individual to educational assistance under this chapter shall be the number of months equal to-- 7,a7 the number of months of unused entitlement of the individual under chapter #cj of this title1 as of the date of the election1 plus 7,b7 the number of months1 if any1 of entitlement revoked by the individual under subsection 7c77#a74 7e7 ,continuing entitlement to educational assistance not available under ,post-#i_/aa educational assistance program 7#a7 ,in general ,in the event educational assistance to which an individual making an election under subsection 7a7 would be entitled under chapter #cj of this title1 or chapter #ajg1 #afjf1 or #afjg of title #aj1 as applicable1 is not authorized to be available to the individual under the provisions of this chapter1 the individual shall remain entitled to such educational assistance in accordance with the provisions of the applicable chapter4 7#b7 ,charge for use of entitlement ,the utilization by an individual of entitlement under paragraph 7#a7 shall be chargeable against the entitlement of the individual to educational assistance under this chapter at the rate of #a month of entitlement under this chapter for each month of entitlement utilized by the individual under paragraph 7#a7 7as determined as if such entitlement were utilized under the provisions of chapter #cj of this title1 or chapter #ajg1 #afjf1 or #afjg of title #aj1 as applicable74 7f7 ,additional post-#i_/aa assistance for members having made contributions toward ,,gi bill 7#a7 ,additional assistance ,in the case of an individual making an election under subsection 7a7 who is described by subparagraph 7,a71 7,c71 or 7,e7 of paragraph 7#a7 of that subsection1 the amount of educational assistance payable to the individual under this chapter as a monthly stipend payable under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 of section #ccac7;c7 of this title1 or under paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 of that section 7as applicable71 shall be the amount otherwise payable as a monthly stipend under the applicable paragraph increased by the amount equal to-- 7,a7 the total amount of contributions toward basic educational assistance made by the individual under section #cjaa7;b7 or #cjab7;c7 of this title1 as of the date of the election1 multiplied by 7,b7 the fraction-- 7i7 the numerator of which is-- 7,i7 the number of months of entitlement to basic educational assistance under chapter #cj of this title remaining to the individual at the time of the election2 plus 7,,ii7 the number of months1 if any1 of entitlement under chapter #cj of this title revoked by the individual under subsection 7c77#a72 and 7ii7 the denominator of which is #cf months4 7#b7 ,months of remaining entitlement for certain individuals ,in the case of an individual covered by paragraph 7#a7 who is described by subsection 7a77#a77;,e71 the number of months of entitlement to basic educational assistance remaining to the individual for purposes of paragraph 7#a77;,b77i77,,ii7 shall be #cf months4 7#c7 ,timing of payment ,the amount payable with respect to an individual under paragraph 7#a7 shall be paid to the individual together with the last payment of the monthly stipend payable to the individual under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 of section #ccac7;c7 of this title1 or under paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 of that section 7as applicable71 before the exhaustion of the individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter4 7g7 ,continuing entitlement to additional assistance for critical skills or specialty and additional service ,an individual making an election under subsection 7a77#a7 who1 at the time of the election1 is entitled to increased educational assistance under section #cjae7;d7 of this title1 or section #afaca7;i7 of title #aj1 or supplemental educational assistance under subchapter ,,iii of chapter #cj of this title1 shall remain entitled to such increased educational assistance or supplemental educational assistance in the utilization of entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter1 in an amount equal to the quarter1 semester1 or term1 as applicable1 equivalent of the monthly amount of such increased educational assistance or supplemental educational assistance payable with respect to the individual at the time of the election4 7h7 ,alternative election by ,secretary 7#a7 ,in general ,in the case of an individual who1 on or after ,january #a1 #bjag1 submits to the ,secretary an election under this section that the ,secretary determines is clearly against the interests of the individual1 or who fails to make an election under this section1 the ,secretary may make an alternative election on behalf of the individual that the ,secretary determines is in the best interests of the individual4 7#b7 ,notice ,if the ,secretary makes an election on behalf of an individual under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall notify the individual by not later than seven days after making such election and shall provide the individual with a #cj-;day period1 beginning on the date of the individual's receipt of such notice1 during which the individual may modify or revoke the election made by the ,secretary on the individual's behalf4 ,the ,secretary shall include1 as part of such notice1 a clear statement of why the alternative election made by the ,secretary is in the best interests of the individual as compared to the election submitted by the individual4 ,the ,secretary shall provide the notice required under this paragraph by electronic means whenever possible4 7i7 ,irrevocability of elections ,an election under subsection 7a7 or 7c77#a7 is irrevocable4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter1 as amended by section #djd1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #ccbg4 ,election to receive educational assistance4 4 7c7 ,conforming repeal ,subsection 7c7 of section #ejjc of the ,post-#i_/aa ,veterans ,educational ,assistance ,act of #bjjh 7,public ,law #aaj-beb2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #ccja note7 is hereby repealed4 #djf4 ,work-study allowance ,section #cdhe7;a77#d7 is amended by striking ,june #cj1 #bjac each place it appears and inserting ,june #cj1 #bjac1 or the period beginning on ,june #cj1 #bjag1 and ending on ,june #cj1 #bjbb4 #djg4 ,centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups1 districts1 and consortiums of educational institutions 7a7 ,in general ,section #cfhd7;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting #cb1 #cc1 after #ca12 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term educational institution may include a group1 district1 or consortium of separately accredited educational institutions located in the same ,state that are organized in a manner that facilitates the centralized reporting of the enrollments in such group1 district1 or consortium of institutions4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to reports submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #djh4 ,role of ,state approving agencies 7a7 ,approval of certain courses ,section #cfgb7;b77#b77;,a7 is amended by striking the following and all that follows through the colon and inserting the following3 a program of education is deemed to be approved for purposes of this chapter if a ,state approving agency1 or the ,secretary when acting in the role of a ,state approving agency1 determines that the program is one of the following programs34 7b7 ,approval of other courses ,section #cfge of such title is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#a7-- 7,a7 by striking ,the ,secretary or a ,state approving agency and inserting ,a ,state approving agency1 or the ,secretary when acting in the role of a ,state approving agency12 and 7,b7 by striking offered by proprietary for-profit educational institutions and inserting not covered by section #cfgb of this title2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking the ,secretary or the ,state approving agency and inserting the ,state approving agency1 or the ,secretary when acting in the role of a ,state approving agency12 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking the ,secretary or the ,state approving agency and inserting the ,state approving agency1 or the ,secretary when acting in the role of a ,state approving agency4 #dji4 ,modification of requirements for approval for purposes of educational assistance provided by ,department of ,veterans ,affairs of programs designed to prepare individuals for licensure or certification 7a7 ,approval of nonaccredited courses ,subsection 7c7 of section #cfgf is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#ad7 as paragraph 7#af72 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#ac7 the following new paragraphs3 7#ad7 ,in the case of a course designed to prepare an individual for licensure or certification in a ,state1 the course-- 7,a7 meets all instructional curriculum licensure or certification requirements of such ,state2 and 7,b7 in the case of a course designed to prepare an individual for licensure to practice law in a ,state1 is accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized by the ,secretary of ,education under subpart #b of part ,h of title ,,iv of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajii;b74 7#ae7 ,in the case of a course designed to prepare an individual for employment pursuant to standards developed by a board or agency of a ,state in an occupation that requires approval1 licensure1 or certification1 the course-- 7,a7 meets such standards2 and 7,b7 in the case of a course designed to prepare an individual for licensure to practice law in a ,state1 is accredited by an accrediting agency or association recognized by the ,secretary of ,education under subpart #b of part ,h of title ,,iv of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajii;b74 4 7b7 ,exceptions ,such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7f7 7#a7 ,the ,secretary may waive the requirements of paragraph 7#ad7 or 7#ae7 of subsection 7c7 in the case of a course of education offered by an educational institution 7either accredited or not accredited7 if the ,secretary determines all of the following3 7,a7 ,the educational institution is not accredited by an agency or association recognized by the ,secretary of ,education4 7,b7 ,the course did not meet the requirements of such paragraph at any time during the #b-year period preceding the date of the waiver4 7,c7 ,the waiver furthers the purposes of the educational assistance programs administered by the ,secretary or would further the education interests of individuals eligible for assistance under such programs4 7,d7 ,the educational institution does not provide any commission1 bonus1 or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance1 except for the recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are not eligible to receive ,federal student assistance4 7#b7 ,not later than #cj days after the date on which the ,secretary issues a waiver under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress notice of such waiver and a justification for issuing such waiver4 4 7c7 ,approval of accredited courses ,section #cfge7;b77#c7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and 7#c7 and inserting 7#c71 7#ad71 7#ae71 and 7#af72 and 7#b7 by inserting before the period at the end the following3 7or1 with respect to such paragraphs 7#ad7 and 7#ae71 the requirements under such paragraphs are waived pursuant to subsection 7f77#a7 of section #cfgf of this title74 7d7 ,approval of accredited standard college degree programs offered at public or not-,for-,profit educational institutions ,section #cfgb7;b77#b7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a77i71 by striking ,an accredited and inserting ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,c71 an accredited2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 ,a course that is described in both subparagraph 7,a77i7 of this paragraph and in paragraph 7#ad7 or 7#ae7 of section #cfgf7;c7 of this title shall not be deemed to be approved for purposes of this chapter unless-- 7i7 a ,state approving agency1 or the ,secretary when acting in the role of a ,state approving agency1 determines that the course meets the applicable criteria in such paragraphs2 or 7ii7 the ,secretary issues a waiver for such course under section #cfgf7;f77#a7 of this title4 4 7e7 ,disapproval of courses ,section #cfgi is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7d7 ,notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter1 the ,secretary or the applicable ,state approving agency shall disapprove a course of education described in paragraph 7#ad7 or 7#ae7 of section #cfgf7;c7 of this title unless the educational institution providing the course of education-- 7#a7 publicly discloses any conditions or additional requirements1 including training1 experience1 or examinations1 required to obtain the license1 certification1 or approval for which the course of education is designed to provide preparation2 and 7#b7 makes each disclosure required by paragraph 7#a7 in a manner that the ,secretary considers prominent 7as specified by the ,secretary in regulations prescribed for purposes of this subsection74 4 7f7 ,applicability ,if after enrollment in a course of education that is subject to disapproval by reason of an amendment made by this section1 an individual pursues one or more courses of education at the same educational institution while remaining continuously enrolled 7other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses1 semesters1 or terms7 at that institution1 any course so pursued by the individual at that institution while so continuously enrolled shall not be subject to disapproval by reason of such amendment4 #daj4 ,criteria used to approve courses 7a7 ,nonaccredited courses ,paragraph 7#af7 of section #cfgf7;c71 as redesignated by section #dji1 is amended by inserting before the period the following3 if the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,state approving agency and pursuant to regulations prescribed to carry out this paragraph1 determines such criteria are necessary and treat public1 private1 and proprietary for-profit educational institutions equitably4 7b7 ,accredited ,courses ,section #cfge7;b77#c7 is amended by striking and 7#c7 and inserting 7#c71 and 7#ad74 7c7 ,application ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to-- 7#a7 criteria developed pursuant to paragraph 7#af7 of subsection 7c7 of section #cfgf of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 on or after ,january #a1 #bjac2 and 7#b7 an investigation conducted under such subsection that is covered by a reimbursement of expenses paid by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to a ,state pursuant to section #cfgd of such title on or after ,october #a1 #bjae4 #daa4 ,compliance surveys 7a7 ,in general ,section #cfic is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7a7 and inserting the following new subsection 7a73 7a7 7#a7 ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall conduct an annual compliance survey of educational institutions and training establishments offering one or more courses approved for the enrollment of eligible veterans or persons if at least #bj such veterans or persons are enrolled in any such course4 ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 design the compliance surveys to ensure that such institutions or establishments1 as the case may be1 and approved courses are in compliance with all applicable provisions of chapters #cj through #cf of this title2 7,b7 survey each such educational institution and training establishment not less than once during every #b-year period2 and 7,c7 assign not fewer than #a education compliance specialist to work on compliance surveys in any year for each #dj compliance surveys required to be made under this section for such year4 7#b7 ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,state approving agencies1 shall-- 7,a7 annually determine the parameters of the surveys required under paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 not later than ,september #a of each year1 make available to the ,state approving agencies a list of the educational institutions and training establishments that will be surveyed during the fiscal year following the date of making such list available4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,in this section1 the terms educational institution and training establishment have the meanings given such terms in section #cdeb of this title4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments ,subsection 7b7 of such section is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7a7 of this section for an annual compliance survey and inserting subsection 7a77#a7 for a compliance survey2 7#b7 by striking institution and inserting educational institution or training establishment2 and 7#c7 by striking institution's demonstrated record of compliance and inserting record of compliance of such institution or establishment4 #dab4 ,modification of reductions in reporting fee multipliers for payments by ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to educational institutions 7a7 ,through ,september #be1 #bjag ,during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act and ending on ,september #be1 #bjag1 the second sentence of section #cfhd7;c7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall be applied-- 7#a7 by substituting #f for #ab2 and 7#b7 by substituting #ab for #ae4 7b7 ,september #bf1 #bjag1 through ,september #be1 #bjbf ,during the period beginning on ,september #bf1 #bjag1 and ending on ,september #be1 #bjbf1 the second sentence of such section shall be applied-- 7#a7 by substituting #g for #ab2 and 7#b7 by substituting #ab for #ae4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #djf of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,expiring ,authorities ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-age2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #cfhd note71 as amended by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,expiring ,authorities ,act of #bjaf1 is amended by striking ,during the three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act and inserting ,during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act and ending on the day before the date of the enactment of the ,jeff ,miller and ,richard ,blumenthal ,veterans ,health ,care and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjaf4 #dac4 ,composition of ,veterans' ,advisory ,committee on ,education ,section #cfib7;a7 is amended in the second sentence by striking veterans representative of ,world ,war ,,ii and all that follows through the period at the end of that sentence and inserting the following3 a representative sample of veterans and other individuals who have used1 or may in the future use1 educational assistance benefits administered by the ,secretary44 #dad4 ,survey of individuals using their entitlement to educational assistance under the educational assistance programs administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,survey required ,by not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall enter into a contract with a non-government entity for the conduct of a survey of a statistically valid sample of individuals who have used or are using their entitlement to educational assistance under chapters #cj1 #cb1 #cc1 and #ce of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 to pursue a program of education or training4 ,the contract shall provide that-- 7#a7 not later than #a month before the collection of data under the survey begins1 the survey shall be submitted to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives2 7#b7 the non-government entity shall complete the survey and submit to the ,secretary the results of the survey by not later than #ahj days after entering into the contract2 and 7#c7 the survey shall be conducted by electronic means and by any other means the non-government entity determines appropriate4 7b7 ,information ,to be collected ,the contract under subsection 7a7 shall provide that the survey shall be designed to collect the following types of information about each individual surveyed1 where applicable3 7#a7 ,demographic information1 including the highest level of education completed by the individual1 the military occupational specialty or specialties of the individual while serving on active duty as a member of the ,armed ,forces or as a member of the ,national ,guard or of a ,reserve ,component of the ,armed ,forces1 and whether the individual has a service-connected disability4 7#b7 ,the opinion of the individual regarding participation in the transition assistance program under section #aadd of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the effectiveness of the program1 including instruction on the use of the benefits under laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs4 7#c7 ,the resources the individual used to help the individual-- 7,a7 decide to use the individual's entitlement to educational assistance to enroll in a program of education or training2 and 7,b7 choose the program of education or training the individual pursued4 7#d7 ,the individual's goal when the individual enrolled in the program of education or training4 7#e7 ,the nature of the individual's experience with the education benefits processing system of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 7#f7 ,the nature of the individual's experience with the school certifying official of the educational institution where the individual pursued the program of education or training who processed the individual's claim4 7#g7 ,any services or benefits the educational institution or program of education or training provided to veterans while the individual pursued the program of education or training4 7#h7 ,the type of educational institution at which the individual pursued the program of education or training4 7#i7 ,whether the individual completed the program of education or training or the number of credit hours completed by the individual as of the time of the survey1 and1 if applicable1 any degree or certificate obtained by the individual for completing the program4 7#aj7 ,the employment status of the individual and whether such employment status differs from the employment status of the individual prior to enrolling in the program of education or training4 7#aa7 ,whether the individual is or was enrolled in a program of education on a full-time or part-time basis4 7#ab7 ,the opinion of the individual on the effectiveness of the educational assistance program of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs under which the individual was entitled to educational assistance4 7#ac7 ,whether the individual was ever entitled to a rehabilitation under chapter #ca of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 and whether the individual participated in such a program4 7#ad7 ,a description of any circumstances that prevented the individual from using the individual's entitlement to educational assistance to pursue a desired career path or degree4 7#ae7 ,whether the individual is using the individual's entitlement to educational assistance to pursue a program of education or training or has transferred such an entitlement to a dependent4 7#af7 ,such other matters as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ij days after receiving the results of the survey required under this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives a report on the results of the survey and any recommendations of the ,secretary relating to such results4 ,such report shall also include an unedited version of the results of the survey submitted by the non-government entity that conducted the survey4 #dae4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs provision of information on articulation agreements between institutions of higher learning 7a7 ,information ,department of ,veterans ,affairs counselors who provide educational or vocational counseling services pursuant to section #cfig;,a of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall provide to any eligible individual who requests such counseling services information about the articulation agreements of each institution of higher learning in which the individual is interested4 7b7 ,certification of eligibility ,when the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs provides to an individual a certification of eligibility for educational assistance provided by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,secretary shall also include detailed information on such educational assistance1 including information on requesting education counseling services and on articulation agreements4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the term institution of higher learning has the meaning given such term in section #cdeb7;f7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,the term articulation agreement has the meaning given such term in section #dhf;,a of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7,public ,law #hi-cbi2 #bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajic;a74 7d7 ,deadline for implementation ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall implement this section not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #daf4 ,retention of entitlement to educational assistance during certain additional periods of active duty 7a7 ,educational assistance allowance ,section #afaca7;c77#c77;,b77i7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking or #abcjd and inserting #abcjd1 #abcjd;a1 or #abcjd;b4 7b7 ,expiration date ,section #afacc7;b77#d7 of such title is amended by striking or #abcjd and inserting #abcjd1 #abcjd;a1 or #abcjd;b4 #dag4 ,technical amendment relating to in-state tuition rate for individuals to whom entitlement is transferred under all-volunteer force educational assistance program and post-#i_/aa educational assistance 7a7 ,technical amendment ,subparagraph 7,b7 of section #cfgi7;c77#b7 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 ,an individual who is entitled to assistance under-- 7i7 section #ccaa7;b77#i7 of this title2 or 7ii7 section #ccai of this title by virtue of the individual's relationship to-- 7,i7 a veteran described in subparagraph 7,a72 or 7,,ii7 a member of the uniformed services described in section #ccai7;b7 of this title who is serving on active duty4 4 7b7 ,applicability ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to a course1 semester1 or term that begins after ,july #a1 #bjag4 #dah4 ,study on the effectiveness of veterans transition efforts 7a7 ,study ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,labor and the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall carry out a study to evaluate programs to assist veterans of the ,armed ,forces in their transition to civilian life4 ,such study shall be designed to determine the effectiveness of current programs1 especially in regards to the unique challenges faced by women veterans1 veterans with disabilities1 ,native ,american veterans 7including ,alaska ,native veterans and ,native ,hawaiian veterans71 veterans who are residents of a territory of the ,united ,states1 veterans who are part of the indigenous population of a territory of the ,united ,states1 and other groups of minority veterans identified by the ,secretaries1 including whether such programs-- 7#a7 effectively address the challenges veterans face in pursuing higher education1 especially the challenges faced by such groups of minority veterans2 7#b7 effectively address the challenges such veterans face entering the civilian workforce and in translating experience and skills from military service to the job market2 and 7#c7 effectively address the challenges faced by the families of such veterans transitioning to civilian life4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #edj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives a report regarding the findings and recommendations of the study required under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,prohibition on authorization of appropriations ,no additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this section4 ,such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized4 ,v ,small ,business and ,employment ,matters #eja4 ,modification of treatment under contracting goals and preferences of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,in general ,subsection 7h7 of section #habg is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking rated as and all that follows through disability4 and inserting a period2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by amending subparagraph 7,c7 to read as follows3 7,c7 ,the date that-- 7i7 in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as #ajj percent disabling or who dies as a result of a service-connected disability1 is #aj years after the date of the veteran's death2 or 7ii7 in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as less than #ajj percent disabling who does not die as a result of a service-connected disability1 is #c years after the date of the veteran's death4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on the date that is #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act and shall apply with respect to contracts awarded on or after such date4 #ejb4 ,longitudinal study of job counseling1 training1 and placement service for veterans 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #da is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #daae4 ,longitudinal study of job counseling1 training1 and placement service for veterans 7a7 ,study required 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall enter into a contract with a non-government entity to conduct a longitudinal study of a statistically valid sample of each of the groups of individuals described in paragraph 7#b74 ,the contract shall provide for the study of each such group over a period of at least #e years4 7#b7 ,the groups of individuals described in this paragraph are the following3 7,a7 ,veterans who have received intensive services4 7,b7 ,veterans who did not receive intensive services but who otherwise received services under this chapter4 7,c7 ,veterans who did not seek or receive services under this chapter4 7#c7 ,the study required by this subsection shall include the collection of the following information for each individual who participates in the study3 7,a7 ,the average number of months such individual served on active duty4 7,b7 ,the disability ratings of such individual4 7,c7 ,any unemployment benefits received by such individual4 7,d7 ,the average number of months such individual was employed during the year covered by the report4 7,e7 ,the average annual starting and ending salaries of any such individual who was employed during the year covered by the report4 7,f7 ,the average annual income of such individual4 7,g7 ,the average total household income of such individual for the year covered by the report4 7,h7 ,the percentage of such individuals who own their principal residences4 7,i7 ,the employment status of such individual4 7,j7 ,in the case of such an individual who received services under this chapter1 whether the individual believes that any service provided by a disabled veterans' outreach program specialist or local veterans' employment representative helped the individual to become employed4 7,k7 ,in the case of such an individual who believes such a service helped the individual to become employed1 whether-- 7i7 the individual retained the position of employment for a period of #a year or longer2 and 7ii7 the individual believes such a service helped the individual to secure a higher wage or salary4 7,l7 ,the conditions under which such individual was discharged or released from the ,armed ,forces4 7,m7 ,whether such individual has used any educational assistance to which the individual is entitled under this title4 7,n7 ,whether such individual has participated in a rehabilitation program under chapter #ca of this title4 7,o7 ,whether such individual had contact with a ,one-,stop ,career ,center employee while attending a workshop or job fair under the ,transition ,,gps ,program of the ,department of ,defense4 7,p7 ,demographic information about such individual4 7,q7 ,such other information as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7b7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,by not later than ,july #a of each year covered by the study required under subsection 7a71 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 outcomes of the study during the preceding year4 7#b7 ,the ,secretary shall include in each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 the following3 7,a7 ,information with respect to job fairs attended by ,one-,stop ,career ,center employees at which the employees had contact with a veteran1 including1 for the year preceding the year in which the report is submitted1 the following3 7i7 ,the number of job fairs attended by ,one-,stop ,career ,center employees at which the employees had contact with a veteran4 7ii7 ,the number of veterans contacted at each such job fair4 7,b7 ,such information as the ,secretary determines is necessary to determine the long-term outcomes of the individuals in the groups described in subsection 7a77#b74 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #daae4 ,longitudinal study of job counseling1 training1 and placement service for veterans4 4 #ejc4 ,limitation on administrative leave for employees of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,limitation 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #g is amended by inserting after section #gae the following new section3 #gag4 ,limitation on administrative leave 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the ,secretary may not place any covered individual on administrative leave1 or any other type of paid non-duty status without charge to leave1 for more than a total of #ad days during any #cfe-;day period4 7b7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive the limitation under subsection 7a7 and extend the administrative leave or other paid non-duty status without charge to leave of a covered individual placed on such leave or status under subsection 7a7 if the ,secretary submits to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives a detailed explanation of the reasons the individual was placed on administrative leave or other paid non-duty status without charge to leave and the reasons for the extension of such leave or status4 ,such explanation shall include the job title and grade of the covered individual and the location where the individual is employed4 7c7 ,covered individual ,in this section1 the term covered individual means an employee of the ,department-- 7#a7 who is subject to an investigation for purposes of determining whether such individual should be subject to any disciplinary action under this title or title #e2 or 7#b7 against whom any disciplinary action is proposed or initiated under this title or title #e4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #gae the following new item3 #gag4 ,limitation on administrative leave4 4 7b7 ,application ,section #gag of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a77#a71 shall apply with respect to any #cfe-;day period beginning on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #ejd4 ,required coordination between ,directors for ,veterans' ,employment and ,training with ,state departments of labor and veterans affairs 7a7 ,in general ,section #dajc is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,coordination with ,state departments of labor and veterans affairs ,each ,director for ,veterans' ,employment and ,training for a ,state shall coordinate the ,director's activities under this chapter with the ,state department of labor and the ,state department of veterans affairs4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7c7 of such section1 as added by subsection 7a71 shall take effect on the date that is #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,,vi ,health ,care ,matters ,a ,medical ,care #fja4 ,requirement for advance appropriations for the ,medical ,community ,care account of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,in general ,section #aag7;c7 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#g7 ,veterans ,health ,administration1 ,medical ,community ,care4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #aaje7;a77#cg7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,g7 ,veterans ,health ,administration1 ,medical ,community ,care4 4 7c7 ,applicability ,the amendments made by this section shall apply to fiscal years beginning on and after ,october #a1 #bjag4 #fjb4 ,improved access to appropriate immunizations for veterans 7a7 ,inclusion of recommended adult immunizations as medical services 7#a7 ,covered benefit ,subparagraph 7,f7 of section #agja7i7 is amended to read as follows3 7,f7 immunizations against infectious diseases1 including each immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that schedule2 4 7#b7 ,recommended adult immunization schedule defined ,section #agja is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#aj7 ,the term recommended adult immunization schedule means the schedule established 7and periodically reviewed and1 as appropriate1 revised7 by the ,advisory ,committee on ,immunization ,practices established by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services and delegated to the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention4 4 7b7 ,inclusion of recommended adult immunizations in annual report ,section #agjd7a77;,a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in clause 7i71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in clause 7ii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by inserting after clause 7ii7 the following new clause3 7iii7 to provide veterans each immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that schedule4 4 7c7 ,report to ,congress 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs 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 development and implementation by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs of quality measures and metrics1 including targets for compliance1 to ensure that veterans receiving medical services under chapter #ag of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 receive each immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that schedule4 7#b7 ,recommended adult immunization schedule defined ,in this subsection1 the term recommended adult immunization schedule has the meaning given that term in section #agja7aj7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a77#b74 7d7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section may be construed to require a veteran to receive an immunization that the veteran does not want to receive4 #fjc4 ,priority of medal of honor recipients in health care system of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,enrollment priority 7#a7 ,in general ,section #agje7;a7 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking the period at the end and inserting the following3 and veterans who were awarded the medal of honor under section #cgda1 #fbda1 or #hgda of title #aj or section #dia of title #ad42 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking veterans who were awarded the medal of honor under section #cgda1 #fbda1 or #hgda of title #aj or section #dia of title #ad14 7#b7 ,application ,the priority of enrollment of medal of honor recipients in the system of annual patient enrollment established and operated under section #agje7;a7 of such title1 as amended by paragraph 7#a71 shall apply to each such recipient1 regardless of the date on which the medal is awarded4 7b7 ,eligibility ,section #agaj7;a77#b77;,d7 is amended by inserting after war the following3 1 who was awarded the medal of honor under section #cgda1 #fbda1 or #hgda of title #aj or section #dia of title #ad14 7c7 ,extended care services ,section #agaj;,b7c77#b7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking or2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 to a veteran who was awarded the medal of honor under section #cgda1 #fbda1 or #hgda of title #aj or section #dia of title #ad4 4 7d7 ,copayment for medications ,section #agbb;,a7a77#c7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking or2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 to a veteran who was awarded the medal of honor under section #cgda1 #fbda1 or #hgda of title #aj or section #dia of title #ad4 4 #fjd4 ,requirement that ,department of ,veterans ,affairs collect health-plan contract information from veterans 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,i of chapter #ag is amended by inserting after section #agje the following new section3 #agje;,a4 ,management of health care3 information regarding health-plan contracts 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,any individual who seeks hospital care or medical services under this chapter shall provide to the ,secretary such current information as the ,secretary may require to identify any health-plan contract under which such individual is covered4 7#b7 ,the information required to be provided to the ,secretary under paragraph 7#a7 with respect to a health-plan contract shall include1 as applicable1 the following3 7,a7 ,the name of the entity providing coverage under the health-plan contract4 7,b7 ,if coverage under the health-plan contract is in the name of an individual other than the individual required to provide information under this section1 the name of the policy holder of the health-plan contract4 7,c7 ,the identification number for the health-plan contract4 7,d7 ,the group code for the health-plan contract4 7b7 ,action ,to collect information ,the ,secretary may take such action as the ,secretary considers appropriate to collect the information required under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,effect on services from ,department ,the ,secretary may not deny any services under this chapter to an individual solely due to the fact that the individual fails to provide information required under subsection 7a74 7d7 ,health-,plan contract defined ,in this section1 the term health-plan contract has the meaning given that term in section #agbe7;f7 of this title4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #ag is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #agje the following new item3 #agje;,a4 ,management of health care3 information regarding health-plan contracts4 4 #fje4 ,mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that veterans who experience combat-related mental health wounds should have immediate1 appropriate1 and consistent access to comprehensive mental health care4 7b7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,ii of chapter #ag is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #agbj;,h4 ,mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions 7a7 ,establishment of standards 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall establish standards and procedures to ensure that each eligible veteran may access mental health care furnished by the ,secretary in a manner that fully accommodates the obligation of the veteran to not improperly disclose classified information4 7#b7 ,in establishing standards and procedures under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall consult with the ,secretary of ,defense to ensure that such standards and procedures are consistent with the policies on classified information of the ,department of ,defense4 7#c7 ,the ,secretary shall disseminate guidance to employees of the ,veterans ,health ,administration1 including mental health professionals1 on the standards and procedures established under paragraph 7#a7 and how to best engage eligible veterans during the course of mental health treatment with respect to classified information4 7b7 ,identification ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary shall ensure that a veteran may elect to identify as an eligible veteran on an appropriate form4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the term classified information means any information or material that has been determined by an official of the ,united ,states pursuant to law to require protection against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of national security4 7#b7 ,the term eligible veteran means a veteran who-- 7,a7 is eligible to receive health care furnished by the ,department under this title2 7,b7 is seeking mental health treatment2 and 7,c7 in the course of serving in the ,armed ,forces1 participated in a sensitive mission or served in a sensitive unit4 7#c7 ,the term sensitive mission means a mission of the ,armed ,forces that1 at the time at which an eligible veteran seeks treatment1 is classified4 7#d7 ,the term sensitive unit has the meaning given that term in section #acj;b7c77#d7 of title #aj4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #agbj;,g the following new item3 #agbj;,h4 ,mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions4 4 #fjf4 ,examination and treatment by ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for emergency medical conditions and women in labor 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,viii of chapter #ag is amended by inserting after section #aghd the following new section3 #aghd;,a4 ,examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor 7a7 ,in general ,in the case of a hospital of the ,department that has an emergency department1 if any individual comes to the hospital or the campus of the hospital and a request is made on behalf of the individual for examination or treatment for a medical condition1 the hospital must provide for an appropriate medical screening examination within the capability of the emergency department1 including ancillary services routinely available to the emergency department1 to determine whether or not an emergency medical condition exists4 7b7 ,necessary stabilizing treatment for emergency medical conditions and labor 7#a7 ,if any individual comes to a hospital of the ,department that has an emergency department or the campus of such a hospital and the hospital determines that the individual has an emergency medical condition1 the hospital must provide either-- 7,a7 within the staff and facilities available at the hospital1 for such further medical examination and such treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition2 or 7,b7 for transfer of the individual to another medical facility in accordance with subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,a hospital is deemed to meet the requirement of paragraph 7#a77;,a7 with respect to an individual if the hospital offers the individual the further medical examination and treatment described in that paragraph and informs the individual 7or a person acting on behalf of the individual7 of the risks and benefits to the individual of such examination and treatment1 but the individual 7or a person acting on behalf of the individual7 refuses to consent to the examination and treatment4 ,the hospital shall take all reasonable steps to secure the written informed consent of the individual 7or person7 to refuse such examination and treatment4 7#c7 ,a hospital is deemed to meet the requirement of paragraph 7#a77;,b7 with respect to an individual if the hospital offers to transfer the individual to another medical facility in accordance with subsection 7c7 and informs the individual 7or a person acting on behalf of the individual7 of the risks and benefits to the individual of such transfer1 but the individual 7or a person acting on behalf of the individual7 refuses to consent to the transfer4 ,the hospital shall take all reasonable steps to secure the written informed consent of the individual 7or person7 to refuse such transfer4 7c7 ,restricting transfers until individual stabilized 7#a7 ,if an individual at a hospital of the ,department has an emergency medical condition that has not been stabilized1 the hospital may not transfer the individual unless-- 7,a7 7i7 the individual 7or a legally responsible person acting on behalf of the individual71 after being informed of the obligations of the hospital under this section and of the risk of transfer1 requests1 in writing1 transfer to another medical facility2 7ii7 a physician of the ,department has signed a certification that1 based upon the information available at the time of transfer1 the medical benefits reasonably expected from the provision of appropriate medical treatment at another medical facility outweigh the increased risks to the individual and1 in the case of labor1 to the unborn child from effecting the transfer2 or 7iii7 if a physician of the ,department is not physically present in the emergency department at the time an individual is transferred1 a qualified medical person 7as defined by the ,secretary for purposes of this section7 has signed a certification described in clause 7ii7 after a physician of the ,department1 in consultation with the person1 has made the determination described in such clause1 and subsequently countersigns the certification2 and 7,b7 the transfer is an appropriate transfer to that facility4 7#b7 ,a certification described in clause 7ii7 or 7iii7 of paragraph 7#a77;,a7 shall include a summary of the risks and benefits upon which the certification is based4 7#c7 ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a77;,b71 an appropriate transfer to a medical facility is a transfer-- 7,a7 in which the transferring hospital provides the medical treatment within its capacity that minimizes the risks to the health of the individual and1 in the case of a woman in labor1 the health of the unborn child2 7,b7 in which the receiving facility-- 7i7 has available space and qualified personnel for the treatment of the individual2 and 7ii7 has agreed to accept transfer of the individual and to provide appropriate medical treatment2 7,c7 in which the transferring hospital sends to the receiving facility all medical records 7or copies thereof7 available at the time of the transfer relating to the emergency medical condition for which the individual has presented1 including-- 7i7 observations of signs or symptoms2 7ii7 preliminary diagnosis2 7iii7 treatment provided2 7iv7 the results of any tests2 and 7v7 the informed written request or certification 7or copy thereof7 provided under paragraph 7#a77;,a72 7,d7 in which the transfer is effected through qualified personnel and transportation equipment1 including the use of necessary and medically appropriate life support measures during the transfer2 and 7,e7 that meets such other requirements as the ,secretary considers necessary in the interest of the health and safety of the individual or individuals transferred4 7d7 ,payment to the ,department ,the ,secretary shall charge for any care or services provided under this section in accordance with billing and reimbursement authorities available to the ,secretary under other provisions of law4 7e7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the term campus means1 with respect to a hospital of the ,department-- 7,a7 the physical area immediately adjacent to the main buildings of the hospital2 7,b7 other areas and structures that are not strictly contiguous to the main buildings but are located not more than #bej yards from the main buildings2 and 7,c7 any other areas determined by the ,secretary to be part of the campus of the hospital4 7#b7 ,the term emergency medical condition means-- 7,a7 a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity 7including severe pain7 such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in-- 7i7 placing the health of the individual 7or1 with respect to a pregnant woman1 the health of the woman or her unborn child7 in serious jeopardy2 7ii7 serious impairment to bodily functions2 or 7iii7 serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part2 or 7,b7 in the case of a pregnant woman1 a stage of labor that a medical provider determines indicates-- 7i7 that there is inadequate time to effect a safe transfer to another hospital before delivery2 or 7ii7 that transfer may pose a threat to the health or safety of the woman or the unborn child4 7#c7 7,a7 ,the term to stabilize means-- 7i7 with respect to an emergency medical condition described in paragraph 7#b77;,a71 to provide such medical treatment of the condition as may be necessary to assure1 within reasonable medical probability1 that no material deterioration of the condition is likely to result from or occur during the transfer of the individual from a facility2 or 7ii7 with respect to an emergency medical condition described in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 to deliver 7including the placenta74 7,b7 ,the term stabilized means-- 7i7 with respect to an emergency medical condition described in paragraph 7#b77;,a71 that no material deterioration of the condition is likely1 within reasonable medical probability1 to result from or occur during the transfer of the individual from a facility2 or 7ii7 with respect to an emergency medical condition described in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 that the woman has delivered 7including the placenta74 7#d7 ,the term transfer means the movement 7including the discharge7 of an individual outside the facilities of a hospital of the ,department at the direction of any person employed by 7or affiliated or associated1 directly or indirectly1 with7 the hospital1 but does not include such a movement of an individual who-- 7,a7 has been declared dead2 or 7,b7 leaves the facility without the permission of any such person4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #ag is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #aghd the following new item3 #aghd;,a4 ,examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor4 4 ,b ,veterans ,health ,administration #faa4 ,time period covered by annual report on ,readjustment ,counseling ,service ,section #gcji7;e77#a7 is amended by striking calendar year and inserting fiscal year4 #fab4 ,annual report on ,veterans ,health ,administration and furnishing of hospital care1 medical services1 and nursing home care 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,ii of chapter #gc is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #gccj;,b4 ,annual report on ,veterans ,health ,administration and furnishing of hospital care1 medical services1 and nursing home care 7a7 ,report required ,not later than ,march #a of each of years #bjah through #bjbb1 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 on1 for the calendar year preceding the calendar year during which the report is submitted-- 7#a7 the furnishing of hospital care1 medical services1 and nursing home care under the laws administered by the ,secretary2 and 7#b7 the administration of the furnishing of such care and services by the ,veterans ,health ,administration4 7b7 ,elements ,each report required by subsection 7a7 shall include each of the following for the year covered by the report3 7#a7 ,an evaluation of the effectiveness of the ,veterans ,health ,administration in increasing the access of veterans to hospital care1 medical services1 and nursing home care furnished by the ,secretary for which such veterans are eligible4 7#b7 ,an evaluation of the effectiveness of the ,veterans ,health ,administration in improving the quality of health care provided to veterans1 without increasing the costs incurred for such health care by the ,federal ,government or veterans1 including relevant information for each medical center and ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network of the ,department set forth separately4 7#c7 ,an assessment of-- 7,a7 the workload of physicians and other employees of the ,veterans ,health ,administration2 7,b7 patient demographics and utilization rates2 7,c7 physician compensation2 7,d7 the productivity of physicians and other employees of the ,veterans ,health ,administration2 7,e7 the percentage of hospital care1 medical services1 and nursing home care provided to veterans in facilities of the ,department and in non-,department facilities and any changes in such percentages compared to the year preceding the year covered by the report2 7,f7 pharmaceutical prices2 and 7,g7 third-party health billings owed to the ,department1 including the total amount of such billings and the total amount collected by the ,department1 set forth separately for claims greater than #a1jjj and for claims equal to or less than #a1jjj4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the terms hospital care1 medical services1 nursing home care1 facilities of the ,department1 and non-,department facilities have the meanings given those terms in section #agja of this title4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #gc is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #gccj;,a the following new item3 #gccj;,b4 ,annual report on ,veterans ,health ,administration and furnishing of hospital care1 medical services1 and nursing home care4 4 #fac4 ,expansion of qualifications for licensed mental health counselors of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to include doctoral degrees ,section #gdjb7;b77#aa77;,a7 is amended by inserting or doctoral degree after master's degree4 #fad4 ,modification of hours of employment for physicians employed by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,section #gdbc7;a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking 7a7 ,the hours and inserting 7a77#a7 ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the hours2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,upon the advance written request of a covered physician1 the ,secretary may modify the hours of employment for a physician appointed in the ,administration under any provision of this chapter on a full-time basis to be more or less than #hj hours in a biweekly pay period1 subject to the requirements in subparagraph 7,b74 ,for the purpose of determining pay1 such a physician shall be deemed to have a biweekly schedule of #hj hours of employment4 7,b7 ,a physician with an irregular work schedule established under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be obligated to account for at least #b1jhj hours of employment 7through performance of work or use of leave or paid time off7 in a calendar year4 7,c7 ,the ,secretary may prescribe regulations to implement this paragraph1 including regulations making adjustments to address the annual hours requirement for physicians who are covered by this paragraph for only a portion of a calendar year4 4 #fae4 ,repeal of compensation panels to determine market pay for physicians and dentists ,section #gdca7;c7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#d72 7#b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#e71 7#f71 and 7#g7 as paragraphs 7#d71 7#e71 and 7#f71 respectively2 and 7#c7 in paragraph 7#f71 as so redesignated1 by striking under paragraph 7#f7 and inserting under paragraph 7#e74 #faf4 ,clarification regarding liability for breach of agreement under ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,employee ,incentive ,scholarship ,program ,section #gfge7;b77#a77;,e7 is amended by striking ,in the case of a participant who is a part-time student1 the and inserting ,the4 #fag4 ,extension of period for increase in graduate medical education residency positions at medical facilities of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,in general ,paragraph 7#b7 of section #cja7;b7 of the ,veterans ,access1 ,choice1 and ,accountability ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-adf2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #gcjb note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking ,five-year and inserting ,ten-year2 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking #e-year period and inserting #aj-year period4 7b7 ,report ,paragraph 7#c77;,a7 of such section is amended by striking #bjai and inserting #bjbd4 #fah4 ,report on public access to research by ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,in general ,not later than each of #ahj days and #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs 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 increasing public access to scientific publications and digital data from research funded by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 7b7 ,elements ,each report submitted under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an identification of the location or locations in which the public will be able to access the results of research funded by the ,department1 whether on an ,internet website of the ,department or through another source4 7#b7 ,a description of the progress made by the ,department in meeting public access requirements set forth in the notice entitled ,policy and ,implementation ,plan for ,public ,access to ,scientific ,publications and ,digital ,data from ,research ,funded by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7#hj ,fed4 ,reg4 #fjgea71 including the following3 7,a7 ,compliance of ,department investigators with requirements relating to ensuring that research funded by the ,department is accessible by the public4 7,b7 ,ensuring data management plans of the ,department include provisions for long-term preservation of the scientific data resulting from research funded by the ,department4 7#c7 ,an explanation of the factors used to evaluate the merit of data management plans of research funded by the ,veterans ,health ,administration4 7#d7 ,an explanation of the process of the ,department in effect that enables stakeholders to petition a change to the embargo period for a specific field and the factors considered during such process4 #fai4 ,authorization of certain major medical facility projects of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs may carry out the following major medical facility projects1 with each project to be carried out in an amount not to exceed the amount specified for that project3 7#a7 ,seismic1 life safety1 and utilities upgrades and expansion of clinical services in ,reno1 ,nevada1 in an amount not to exceed #bac1hjj1jjj4 7#b7 ,seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in ,long ,beach1 ,california1 in an amount not to exceed #cag1cjj1jjj4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs for fiscal year #bjag or the year in which funds are appropriated for the ,construction1 ,major ,projects1 account #eca1ajj1jjj for the projects authorized in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,limitation ,the projects authorized in subsection 7a7 may only be carried out using-- 7#a7 funds appropriated for fiscal year #bjag or the year in which funds are appropriated for the ,construction1 ,major ,projects1 account pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection 7b72 7#b7 funds available for ,construction1 ,major ,projects1 for a fiscal year before fiscal year #bjag that remain available for obligation2 7#c7 funds available for ,construction1 ,major ,projects1 for a fiscal year after fiscal year #bjag that remain available for obligation2 7#d7 funds appropriated for ,construction1 ,major ,projects1 for fiscal year #bjag for a category of activity not specific to a project2 7#e7 funds appropriated for ,construction1 ,major ,projects1 for a fiscal year before fiscal year #bjag for a category of activity not specific to a project2 and 7#f7 funds appropriated for ,construction1 ,major ,projects1 for a fiscal year after fiscal year #bjag for a category of activity not specific to a project4 ,c ,toxic ,exposure #fca4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,armed ,forces ,the term ,armed ,forces means the ,united ,states ,army1 ,navy1 ,marine ,corps1 ,air ,force1 and ,coast ,guard4 7#b7 ,descendant ,the term descendant means1 with respect to an individual1 the biological child or grandchild of that individual4 7#c7 ,toxic exposure ,the term toxic exposure means a condition in which an individual inhaled or ingested an agent determined to be hazardous to the health of the individual or the agent came in contact with the skin or eyes of the individual in a manner that could be hazardous to the health of the individual4 7#d7 ,veteran ,the term veteran has the meaning given that term in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 #fcb4 ,national ,academy of ,medicine assessment on research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,agreement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academy of ,medicine under which the ,national ,academy of ,medicine conducts an assessment on scientific research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure4 7#b7 ,alternate organization 7,a7 ,in general ,if the ,secretary is unable within the period prescribed in paragraph 7#a7 to enter into an agreement described in such paragraph with the ,national ,academy of ,medicine on terms acceptable to the ,secretary1 the ,secretary shall seek to enter into such an agreement with another appropriate organization that-- 7i7 is not part of the ,federal ,government2 7ii7 operates as a not-for-profit entity2 and 7iii7 has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of the ,national ,academy of ,medicine4 7,b7 ,treatment ,if the ,secretary enters into an agreement with another organization as described in subparagraph 7,a71 any reference in this section to the ,national ,academy of ,medicine shall be treated as a reference to the other organization4 7b7 ,elements ,the assessment conducted pursuant to the agreement entered into under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a scientific review of the scientific literature regarding toxicological and epidemiological research on descendants of individuals with toxic exposure4 7#b7 ,an assessment of areas requiring further scientific study relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic exposure4 7#c7 ,an assessment of the scope and methodology required to conduct adequate scientific research relating to the descendants of individuals with toxic exposure1 including-- 7,a7 the types of individuals to be studied1 including veterans with toxic exposure and the descendants of those veterans2 7,b7 the number of veterans and descendants described in subparagraph 7,a7 to be studied2 7,c7 the potential alternatives for participation in such a study1 including whether it would be necessary for participants to travel in order to participate2 7,d7 the approximate amount of time and resources needed to prepare and conduct the research2 and 7,e7 the appropriate ,federal agencies to participate in the research1 including the ,department of ,defense and the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 7#d7 ,the establishment of categories1 including definitions for each such category1 to be used in assessing the evidence that a particular health condition is related to toxic exposure1 such as-- 7,a7 sufficient evidence of a causal relationship2 7,b7 sufficient evidence of an association2 7,c7 limited or suggestive evidence of an association2 7,d7 inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine whether an association exists2 and 7,e7 limited or suggestive evidence of no association4 7#e7 ,an analysis of-- 7,a7 the feasibility of conducting scientific research to address the areas that require further study as described under paragraph 7#b72 7,b7 the value and relevance of the information that could result from such scientific research2 and 7,c7 for purposes of conducting further research1 the feasibility and advisability of accessing additional information held by a ,federal agency that may be sensitive4 7#f7 ,an identification of a research entity or entities with-- 7,a7 expertise in conducting research on health conditions of descendants of individuals with toxic exposure2 and 7,b7 an ability to conduct research on those health conditions to address areas requiring further scientific study as described under paragraph 7#b74 7c7 ,report ,the agreement entered into under subsection 7a7 shall require the ,national ,academy of ,medicine to submit1 not later than #b years after entering into such agreement1 to the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives-- 7#a7 the results of the assessment conducted pursuant to such agreement1 including such recommendations as the ,national ,academy of ,medicine considers appropriate regarding the scope and methodology required to conduct adequate scientific research relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic exposure2 and 7#b7 a determination regarding whether the results of such assessment indicate that it is feasible to conduct further research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure1 including an explanation of the basis for the determination4 7d7 ,certification 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after receiving the results of the assessment and determination under subsection 7c71 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 certification of the understanding of the ,secretary1 based on such results and determination1 regarding the feasibility of conducting further research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure that is expressed by such results and determination4 7#b7 ,basis for certification ,the certification submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include an explanation of the basis for the certification4 #fcc4 ,advisory board on research relating to health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving in the ,armed ,forces 7a7 ,establishment ,unless the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs certifies under section #fcb7;d7 that the results of the assessment and determination under section #fcb7;c7 indicate that it is not feasible to conduct further research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure1 not later than #ahj days after receiving such results and determination1 the ,secretary shall establish an advisory board 7in this section referred to as the ,advisory ,board7 to advise the ,secretary in the selection of a research entity or entities under section #fcd1 advise such entity or entities in conducting research under such section1 and advise the ,secretary with respect to the activities of such entity or entities under such section4 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,composition ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,national ,academy of ,medicine1 the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,environmental ,health ,sciences1 and such other heads of ,federal agencies as the ,secretary determines appropriate-- 7,a7 shall select not more than #ac voting members of the ,advisory ,board1 of whom-- 7i7 not less than two shall be members of organizations exempt from taxation under section #eja7;c77#ai7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf2 7ii7 not less than two shall be descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving as members of the ,armed ,forces2 and 7iii7 not less than seven shall be health professionals1 scientists1 or academics who are not employees of the ,federal ,government and have expertise in-- 7,i7 birth defects2 7,,ii7 developmental disabilities2 7,,iii7 epigenetics2 7,,iv7 public health2 7,v7 the science of environmental exposure or environmental exposure assessment2 7,,vi7 the science of toxic substances2 or 7,,vii7 medical and research ethics2 and 7,b7 may select not more than two nonvoting members who are employees of the ,federal ,government and who are otherwise described in subparagraph 7,a77iii74 7#b7 ,chair ,the ,secretary shall select a ,chair from among the members of the ,advisory ,board selected under paragraph 7#a77;,a74 7#c7 ,terms 7,a7 ,in general ,each member of the ,advisory ,board shall serve a term of #b or #c years as determined by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,reappointment ,at the end of the term of a member of the ,advisory ,board1 the ,secretary may reselect the member for another term1 except that no member may serve more than #d consecutive terms4 7c7 ,duties ,the ,advisory ,board shall-- 7#a7 advise the ,secretary in the selection of a research entity or entities to conduct research under section #fcd from among those identified under section #fcb7;b77#f72 7#b7 advise such entity or entities and assess the activities of such entity or entities in conducting such research2 7#c7 develop a research strategy for such entity or entities based on1 but not limited to1 the results of the assessment conducted under section #fcb2 7#d7 advise the ,secretary with respect to the activities of such entity or entities under section #fcd2 7#e7 submit recommendations to be included by such entity or entities in the report under section #fcd7;d77#b77;,c72 and 7#f7 not less frequently than semiannually1 meet with the ,secretary and representatives of such entity or entities on the research conducted by such entity or entities under section #fcd4 7d7 ,meetings ,the ,advisory ,board shall meet at the call of the ,chair1 but not less frequently than semiannually4 7e7 ,compensation ,the members of the ,advisory ,board shall serve without compensation4 7f7 ,expenses ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall determine the appropriate expenses of the ,advisory ,board4 7g7 ,personnel 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,chair may1 without regard to the civil service laws and regulations1 appoint an executive director of the ,advisory ,board1 who shall be a civilian employee of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the ,advisory ,board to perform its duties4 7#b7 ,approval ,the appointment of an executive director under paragraph 7#a7 shall be subject to approval by the ,advisory ,board4 7#c7 ,compensation ,the ,chair may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter #ea and subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level ,v of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecaf of such title4 #fcd4 ,research relating to health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving in the ,armed ,forces 7a7 ,in general ,unless the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs certifies under section #fcb7;d7 that the results of the assessment and determination under section #fcb7;c7 indicate that it is not feasible to conduct further research regarding health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure1 not later than #a year after receiving such results and determination1 the ,secretary shall 7in consultation with the advisory board established under section #fcc 7in this section referred to as the ,advisory ,board77 enter into an agreement with one or more research entities identified under section #fcb7;b77#f7 7excluding an entity of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs7 to conduct research on health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving as members of the ,armed ,forces 7in this section referred to as the research entity or entities74 7b7 ,research 7#a7 ,in general ,to the extent included in the research strategy developed by the ,advisory ,board under section #fcc7;c77#c71 the research entity or entities shall conduct research on health conditions of descendants of veterans with toxic exposure while serving as members of the ,armed ,forces4 7#b7 ,studies ,in conducting research under paragraph 7#a71 the research entity or entities may study any veteran1 at the election of the veteran1 identified under section #fcb7;b77#c77;,a7 as a type of individual to be studied in order to conduct adequate scientific research relating to the descendants of veterans with toxic exposure4 7#c7 ,categorization ,in conducting research under paragraph 7#a71 the research entity or entities shall assess1 using the categories established under section #fcb7;b77#d71 the extent to which a health condition of a descendant of a veteran is related to the toxic exposure of the veteran while serving as a member of the ,armed ,forces4 7c7 ,availability of records 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 and the head of each ,federal agency identified under section #fcb7;b77#c77;,e7 shall make available to the research entity or entities records held by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,department of ,defense1 the ,armed ,forces1 that ,federal agency1 or any other source under the jurisdiction of any such ,federal agency or the ,armed ,forces1 as appropriate1 that the research entity or entities determine are necessary to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,mechanism for access ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 and the head of each ,federal agency identified under section #fcb7;b77#c77;,e7 shall jointly establish a mechanism for access by the research entity or entities to records made available under paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after commencing the conduct of research under this section1 and not later than ,september #cj each year thereafter1 each research entity with which the ,secretary has entered into an agreement under subsection 7a7 shall1 in consultation with the ,advisory ,board1 submit to the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the functions of such entity under this section during the year preceding the submittal of the report4 7#b7 ,elements ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,a summary of the research efforts that have been completed during the year preceding the submittal of the report and that are ongoing as of the date of the submittal of the report4 7,b7 ,a description of any findings made during such year in carrying out such research efforts4 7,c7 ,recommendations for administrative or legislative action made by the ,advisory ,board based on such findings1 which may include recommendations for further research under this section4 7#c7 ,upon request ,upon the request of any organization exempt from taxation under section #eja7;c77#ai7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs may transmit to such organization a copy of a report received by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#a74 ,,vii ,homelessness ,matters ,a ,access of ,homeless ,veterans to ,benefits #gja4 ,expansion of definition of homeless veteran for purposes of benefits under the laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs ,section #bjjb is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,in this chapter and inserting 7a7 ,in general4--,in this chapter2 7#b7 by striking in section #ajc7;a7 of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacjb7;a77 and inserting in subsection 7a7 or 7b7 of section #ajc of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacjb72 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,veteran defined 7#a7 ,notwithstanding section #aja7b7 of this title and except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 for purposes of sections #bjaa1 #bjab1 #bjac1 #bjdd1 and #bjfa of this title1 the term veteran means a person who served in the active military1 naval1 or air service1 regardless of length of service1 and who was discharged or released therefrom4 7#b7 ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a71 the term veteran excludes a person who-- 7,a7 received a dishonorable discharge from the ,armed ,forces2 or 7,b7 was discharged or dismissed from the ,armed ,forces by reason of the sentence of a general court-martial4 4 #gjb4 ,authorization to furnish certain benefits to homeless veterans with discharges or releases under other than honorable conditions ,section #ecjc7;d7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking not apply to any war-risk insurance1 ,government 7converted7 or ,national ,service ,life ,insurance policy4 and inserting the following3 8not apply to the following3 7#a7 ,any war-risk insurance1 ,government 7converted7 or ,national ,service ,life ,insurance policy4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 ,benefits under section #bjaa1 #bjab1 #bjac1 #bjdd1 or #bjfa of this title 7except for benefits for individuals discharged or dismissed from the ,armed ,forces by reason of the sentence of a general court-martial74 4 #gjc4 ,waiver of minimum period of continuous active duty in ,armed ,forces for certain benefits for homeless veterans ,section #ecjc;,a7b77#c7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,f7 and 7,g7 as subparagraphs 7,g7 and 7,h71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,e7 the following new subparagraph 7,f73 7,f7 to benefits under section #bjaa1 #bjab1 #bjac1 #bjdd1 or #bjfa of this title2 4 #gjd4 ,training of personnel of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and grant recipients ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall conduct a program of training and education to ensure that the following persons are aware of and implement this title and the amendments made by this subtitle3 7#a7 ,personnel of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs who are supporting or administering a program under chapter #bj of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,recipients of grants or other amounts for purposes of carrying out such a program4 #gje4 ,regulations ,not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall prescribe regulations1 including such modifications to section #c4ab of title #ch1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or any successor regulation71 as the ,secretary considers appropriate1 to ensure that the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs is in full compliance with this title and the amendments made by this subtitle4 #gjf4 ,effective date ,this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply to individuals seeking benefits under chapter #bj of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 before1 on1 and after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,b ,other ,homelessness ,matters #gaa4 ,increased per diem payments for transitional housing assistance that becomes permanent housing for homeless veterans ,section #bjab7;a77#b7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 through 7,d7 as subparagraphs 7,c7 through 7,e71 respectively2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 as redesignated1 by striking in subparagraph 7,d7 and inserting in subparagraph 7,e72 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,d71 as redesignated1 by striking under subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting under subparagraph 7,c72 7#d7 in subparagraph 7,e71 as redesignated1 by striking in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 and inserting in subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d72 7#e7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 by striking ,the rate and inserting ,except as otherwise provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the rate2 and 7,b7 by striking under subparagraph 7,b7 and all that follows and inserting under subparagraph 7,c742 and 7#f7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following new subparagraph 7,b73 7,b7 7i7 ,except as provided in clause 7ii71 in no case may the rate determined under this paragraph exceed the rate authorized for ,state homes for domiciliary care under subsection 7a77#a77;,a7 of section #agda of this title1 as the ,secretary may increase from time to time under subsection 7c7 of that section4 7ii7 ,in the case of services furnished to a homeless veteran who is placed in housing that will become permanent housing for the veteran upon termination of the furnishing of such services to such veteran1 the maximum rate of per diem authorized under this section is #aej percent of the rate authorized for ,state homes for domiciliary care under subsection 7a77#a77;,a7 of section #agda of this title1 as the ,secretary may increase from time to time under subsection 7c7 of that section4 4 #gab4 ,program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless 7a7 ,program required 7#a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,ii of chapter #bj is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating section #bjac as section #bjad2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #bjab the following new section #bjac3 #bjac4 ,program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless 7a7 ,program required ,the ,secretary shall carry out a program under which the ,secretary shall provide case management services to improve the retention of housing by veterans who were previously homeless and are transitioning to permanent housing and veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless4 7b7 ,grants 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall carry out the program through the award of grants4 7#b7 7,a7 ,in awarding grants under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall give priority to organizations that demonstrate a capability to provide case management services as described in subsection 7a71 particularly organizations that are successfully providing or have successfully provided transitional housing services using amounts provided by the ,secretary under sections #bjab and #bjfa of this title4 7,b7 ,in giving priority under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall give extra priority to an organization described in such subparagraph that-- 7i7 voluntarily stops receiving amounts provided by the ,secretary under sections #bjab and #bjfa of this title2 and 7ii7 converts a facility that the organization used to provide transitional housing services into a facility that the organization uses to provide permanent housing that meets housing quality standards established under section #h7o77#h77;,b7 of the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;f7o77#h77;,b774 7,c7 ,in any case in which a facility1 with respect to which a person received a grant for construction1 rehabilitation1 or acquisition under section #bjaa of this title1 is converted as described in subparagraph 7,b77ii71 such conversion shall be considered to have been carried out pursuant to the needs of the ,department and such person shall not be considered in noncompliance with the terms of such grant by reason of such conversion4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to section #bjac and inserting the following new items3 #bjac4 ,program to improve retention of housing by formerly homeless veterans and veterans at risk of becoming homeless4 #bjad4 ,authorization of appropriations4 4 7b7 ,regulations ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall prescribe regulations to carry out section #bjac of such title1 as added by subsection 7a77#a77;,b74 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than ,june #a1 #bjbj1 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 program required by section #bjac of such title1 as added by subsection 7a77#a77;,b74 7#b7 ,contents ,the report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include assessments of the following3 7,a7 ,the percentage of veterans who received case management services under the program who were able to retain permanent housing by the end of the program1 disaggregated by each recipient of a grant under such section4 7,b7 ,the percentage of veterans who received case management services under the program who were not in permanent housing at the end of the program1 disaggregated by housing status and reason for failing to retain permanent housing under the program4 7,c7 ,the use by veterans1 who received case management services under the program1 of housing assistance furnished by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 including a comparison of the use of such assistance by such veterans before and after receiving such services4 7,d7 ,an assessment of the employment status of veterans who received case management services under the program1 including a comparison of the employment status of such veterans before and after receiving such services4 #gac4 ,establishment of ,national ,center on ,homelessness ,among ,veterans 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,vii of chapter #bj is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #bjfg4 ,national ,center on ,homelessness ,among ,veterans 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall establish and operate a center to carry out the functions described in subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,the center established under paragraph 7#a7 shall be known as the ,national ,center on ,homelessness ,among ,veterans4 7#c7 ,to the degree practicable1 the ,secretary shall operate the center established under paragraph 7#a7 independently of the other programs of the ,department that address homelessness among veterans4 7b7 ,functions ,the functions described in this subsection are as follows3 7#a7 ,to carry out and promote research into the causes and contributing factors to veteran homelessness4 7#b7 ,to assess the effectiveness of programs of the ,department to meet the needs of homeless veterans4 7#c7 ,to identify and disseminate best practices with regard to housing stabilization1 income support1 employment assistance1 community partnerships1 and such other matters as the ,secretary considers appropriate with respect to addressing veteran homelessness4 7#d7 ,to integrate evidence-based and best practices1 policies1 and programs into programs of the ,department for homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness and to ensure that the staff of the ,department and community partners can implement such practices1 policies1 and programs4 7#e7 ,to serve as a resource center for1 and promote and seek to coordinate the exchange of information regarding1 all research and training activities carried out by the ,department and by other ,federal and non-,federal entities with respect to veteran homelessness4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter #bj is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjff the following new item3 #bjfg4 ,national ,center on ,homelessness ,among ,veterans4 4 #gad4 ,requirement for ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to assess comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall-- 7#a7 assess and measure the capacity of programs for which entities receive grants under section #bjaa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 or per diem payments under section #bjab or #bjfa of such title2 and 7#b7 assess such programs with respect to-- 7,a7 how well they achieve their stated goals at a national level2 7,b7 placements in permanent housing2 7,c7 placements in employment2 and 7,d7 increases in the regular income of participants in the programs4 7b7 ,assessment at national and local levels ,in assessing and measuring under subsection 7a77#a71 the ,secretary shall develop and use tools to examine the capacity of programs described in such subsection at both the national and local level in order to assess the following3 7#a7 ,whether sufficient capacity exists to meet the needs of homeless veterans in each geographic area4 7#b7 ,whether existing capacity meets the needs of the subpopulations of homeless veterans located in each geographic area4 7#c7 ,the amount of capacity that recipients of grants under sections #bjaa and #bjfa and per diem payments under section #bjab of such title have to provide services for which the recipients are eligible to receive per diem under section #bjab7;a77#b77;,b77ii7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by section #gaa7f74 7c7 ,consideration of other resources ,in assessing and measuring programs under subsection 7a77#a71 the ,secretary shall consider the availability to such programs of resources made available to such programs and to homeless veterans1 including resources provided by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and by entities other than the ,department4 7d7 ,use of information ,the ,secretary shall use the information collected under this section as follows3 7#a7 ,to set specific goals to ensure that programs described in subsection 7a7 are effectively serving the needs of homeless veterans4 7#b7 ,to assess whether programs described in subsection 7a7 are meeting goals set under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,to inform funding allocations for programs described in subsection 7a74 7#d7 ,to improve the referral of homeless veterans to programs described in subsection 7a74 7e7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the assessment required by subsection 7a7 is completed1 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 such assessment and such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the ,secretary may have to improve the programs and per diem payments described in subsection 7a74 #gae4 ,report on outreach relating to increasing the amount of housing available to veterans ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives a report describing and assessing the outreach conducted by the ,secretary to realtors1 landlords1 property management companies1 and developers to educate them about the housing needs of veterans and the benefits of having veterans as tenants4 ,,viii ,other ,matters #hja4 ,department of ,veterans ,affairs construction reforms 7a7 ,application of industry standards2 assistance ,section #hajc is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections3 7f7 ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,secretary shall use industry standards1 standard designs1 and best practices in carrying out the construction of medical facilities4 7g7 ,the ,secretary shall ensure that each employee of the ,department with responsibilities1 as determined by the ,secretary1 relating to the infrastructure construction or alteration of medical facilities1 including such construction or alteration carried out pursuant to contracts or agreements1 undergoes a program of ongoing professional training and development4 ,such program shall be designed to ensure that employees maintain adequate expertise relating to industry standards and best practices for the acquisition of design and construction services4 ,the ,secretary may provide the program under this subsection directly or through a contract or agreement with a non-,federal entity or with a non-,department ,federal entity4 4 7b7 ,forensic audits of certain projects ,subsection 7c7 of section #hajd is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,not less than #cj days and inserting 7#a7 ,not less than #cj days2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 enter into a contract or agreement with an appropriate non-department ,federal entity with the ability to conduct forensic audits on medical facility projects for the conduct of an external forensic audit of the expenditures relating to any major medical facility or super construction project for which the total expenditures exceed the amount requested in the initial budget request for the project submitted to ,congress under section #aaje of title #ca by more than #be percent2 and 7,b7 enter into a contract or agreement with an appropriate non-department ,federal entity with the ability to conduct forensic audits on medical facility projects for the conduct of an external audit of the medical center construction project in ,aurora1 ,colorado4 4 7c7 ,use of amounts from bid savings ,subsection 7d77#b77;,b7 of such section is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating clauses 7ii7 and 7iii7 as clauses 7iii7 and 7iv71 respectively2 7#b7 by inserting after clause 7i7 the following new clause 7ii73 7ii7 ,if the major construction project that is the source of the bid savings is not complete-- 7,i7 the amount already obligated by the ,department or available in the project reserve for such project2 7,,ii7 the percentage of such project that has been completed2 and 7,,iii7 the amount available to the ,department to complete such project4 2 and 7#c7 in clauses 7iii7 and 7iv71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#a71 strike amounts and inserting bid savings amounts both places it appears4 7d7 ,quarterly report on super construction projects 7#a7 ,in general ,at the end of subchapter ,i of chapter #ha add the following new section3 #habj4 ,quarterly report on super construction projects 7a7 ,quarterly reports required ,not later than #cj days after the last day of each fiscal quarter the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives a report on the super construction projects carried out by the appropriate non-,department ,federal entity described in section #hajc7;e77#a7 of this title during such quarter4 ,each such report shall include1 for each such project-- 7#a7 the budgetary and scheduling status of the project1 as of the last day of the quarter covered by the report2 and 7#b7 the actual cost and schedule variances of the project1 as of such day1 compared to the planned cost and schedules for the project4 7b7 ,super construction project defined ,in this section1 the term super construction project has the meaning given such term in section #hajc7;e77#c7 of this title4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to such subchapter the following new item3 #habj4 ,quarterly report on super construction projects4 4 #hjb4 ,technical and clerical amendments ,title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended as follows3 7#a7 ,in section #gce7;a77#e71 by striking 7,public ,law #ajd-aia7 and inserting 7,public ,law #ajd-aia2 #db ,u4,s4,c4 #acbj;d-#b note74 7#b7 ,in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #ag1 by striking the items relating to sections #agaj;,d and #agaj;,e and inserting the following new items3 #agaj;,d4 ,traumatic brain injury3 comprehensive program for long-term rehabilitation4 #agaj;,e4 ,traumatic brain injury3 use of non-,department facilities for rehabilitation4 4 7#c7 ,in section #agaj7;e77#a77;,f71 by inserting a comma after #aiec4 7#d7 ,in section #gdab7;b71 by striking under paragraph 7#a7 and inserting under subsection 7a74 ,passed the ,house of ,representatives ,december #f1 #bjaf4,karen ,l4 ,haas1,clerk