II
Calendar No. 557
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3325
[Report No. 111–286]
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 6, 2010
Mr. Begich (for himself, Mr. Grassley, and Mr. Tester) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
September 2, 2010
Reported under authority of the order of the Senate of August 5, 2010, by Mr. Akaka, with an amendment and an amendment to the title
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the waiver of the collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans, and for other purposes.
Authority to waive collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans
In general
Subchapter III of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1722A the following new section:
Copayments: waiver of collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans
The Secretary may waive the imposition or collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary.
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1722A the following new item:
.
Short title; table of contents
Short title
This Act may be cited as the
Veterans Telehealth and Other Care
Improvements Act of 2010
.
Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I—Quality of care and access matters
Sec. 101. Waiver of collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans.
Sec. 102. Program of outreach to veterans.
Sec. 103. Annual report on low volume procedures involving use of radioactive isotopes at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
Sec. 104. Use of radioactive isotopes at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Sec. 105. Requirements relating to contracts for the provision of medical services.
Sec. 106. Conversion of multifamily transitional housing loan program to loan issuance program.
Sec. 107. Report on establishment of a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site of the Department of Veterans Affairs in the northern Rockies or Dakotas.
Sec. 108. One-stop Internet website for information on benefits, resources, services, and opportunities for veterans and their families and caregivers.
TITLE II—Construction and naming matters
Sec. 201. Authorization for fiscal year 2011 major medical facility construction project previously appropriated but not authorized.
Sec. 202. Additional authorization for a 2007 major medical facility construction project previously authorized.
Sec. 203. Authorization of fiscal year 2011 major medical facility leases.
Sec. 204. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec.
205. Report on use of energy efficient technologies and best practices in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.Sec. 206. Designation of George H. O’Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Sec. 207. Requirement that bid savings on major medical facility projects of Department of Veterans Affairs be used for other major medical facility construction projects of the Department.
Quality of care and access matters
Waiver of collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans
Waiver
In general
Subchapter III of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1722A the following new section:
Copayments: waiver of collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans
In general
The Secretary shall waive the imposition or collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary.
Sunset
The requirement under subsection (a) shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section.
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1722A the following new item:
.
Report
In general
Not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the waiver of copayments under section 1722B of such title, as added by subsection (a).
Elements
The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
An assessment of whether waivers described in paragraph (1) have resulted in increased utilization of telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
A description of the expenses or cost-savings, as the case may be, realized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a result of such waivers.
Program of outreach to veterans
Program required
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a program of outreach to veterans for the purpose described in subsection (b).
Purpose
The purpose described in this subsection is to increase the following:
The access and use by veterans of Federal, State, and local programs providing compensation and other benefits for service in the Armed Forces.
Awareness of such programs by veterans and their eligibility for such programs.
Duration
The program required by subsection (a) shall be carried out during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Agreements to carry out projects and activities
Agreements with Federal and State agencies
In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into agreements with other Federal and State agencies to carry out projects under the jurisdiction of such agencies to further the purpose described in subsection (b).
Agreements with applicable authorities and commissions
In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into agreements with applicable authorities and commissions to provide technical assistance, award grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise provide amounts to persons or entities for projects and activities that—
increase outreach to, awareness by, and use by veterans of programs described in subsection (b)(1);
provide incentives for State and local governments and veterans service organizations to assist veterans in utilizing facilities and resources available to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs;
provide incentives for State and local governments and veterans service organizations to assist veterans in utilizing resources available through government and veterans service organizations for veterans;
educate communities and State and local governments about the employment rights of veterans, including the employment and reemployment of members of the uniformed services under chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code;
provide technical assistance to businesses owned by veterans; and
encourage and assist nonprofit organizations, businesses, and institutions of higher education to carry out programs of assistance designed for veterans.
Applicable authorities and commissions
For purposes of the program required by subsection (a), the applicable authorities and commissions are the following:
The Appalachian Regional Commission, established under section 14301(a) of title 40, United States Code.
The Delta Regional Authority, established under section 382B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-1(a)).
The Denali Commission, established under section 303 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note).
The Northern Great Plains Regional Authority, established under section 383B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb-1(a)).
The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission established under section 15301(a) of title 40, United States Code.
Entities described in subparagraph (G) that serve Native Americans, Alaska Natives, or native Hawaiians (as such terms are defined in section 3765 of title 38, United States Code).
Commissions and development boards that are—
not chartered by the Federal Government;
selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program; and
located in areas that present extraordinary challenges to veterans, as determined by the Secretary, including the following:
Areas in severe economic distress.
Areas with underdeveloped infrastructure.
Areas with unusual geographic characteristics, such as separation from the mainland.
Information, advice, and technical assistance
In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may provide, or contract with public or private organizations to provide, information, advice, and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations that provide services to communities in order to increase the number of veterans receiving such services.
Coordination with previously authorized pilot program on use of community-based organizations and local and State government entities for outreach
The Secretary may carry out the program required by subsection (a) in coordination with the pilot program required by section 506(a) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–163; 124 Stat. 1160; 38 U.S.C. 523 note).
Report on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs
In general
Not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a comprehensive report on the activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding outreach to veterans.
Elements
The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
A description of all of the activities of the Department regarding outreach to veterans carried out since the date of the enactment of this Act, including the activities of the Department carried out under the program required by subsection (a).
An assessment of the effectiveness of the activities described in subparagraph (A).
Veterans service organization defined
In this section, the term veterans service organization means any organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program required by subsection (a)—
$7,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
$35,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2012 through 2016.
Annual report on low volume procedures involving use of radioactive isotopes at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities
Annual report required
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter through 2013, 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 low volume procedures involving the use of radioactive isotopes carried out at each medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs in the year for which such report is submitted.
Elements
Each report submitted to Congress under subsection (a) shall include the following:
The evaluation and the findings of the Secretary with respect to the low volume procedures involving the use of radioactive isotopes carried out at each medical facility of the Department.
A description of the actions taken by the Secretary to incorporate consideration of low-volume procedures involving the use of radioactive isotopes in facility level quality assurance plans.
Low volume procedures
In general
For purposes of the report required by this section, the Secretary shall define the term low volume procedure in accordance with this subsection.
Threshold
In
defining the term low volume procedure
, the Secretary shall
establish a threshold for each type of procedure involving radioactive isotopes
carried out at a medical facility of the Department whereby if the number of
procedures of a type carried out at a medical facility is less than the
threshold, the type of procedure is considered low volume at that
facility.
Use of radioactive isotopes at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals
Training required
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that all employees, including employees employed under a contract entered into with a non-government entity, who handle or perform procedures utilizing radioactive isotopes at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital receive appropriate training on what constitutes a medical event, as defined in regulations prescribed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and when and to whom a medical event should be reported.
Failure to provide training
If the Secretary determines that a Department hospital has failed to provide the training required by subsection (a) to an employee described in that subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that radioactive isotopes are not used by that employee at that hospital until such training is provided to that employee.
Requirements relating to contracts for the provision of medical services
In general
Subchapter I of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1703 the following new section:
Oversight of medical services provided by contractors
In general
The Secretary shall ensure that the quality assessment program of the Department includes appropriate oversight of medical services provided pursuant to a contract entered into by the Secretary with a non-government entity.
Oversight of a medical service required by paragraph (1) shall include, as appropriate to the service, the following:
Periodic peer reviews of such service.
Periodic written evaluations of the oversight provided by the supervisor or manager of the individual providing the service.
Such other evaluations as the Secretary determines are appropriate.
The Secretary shall ensure that sufficient data is collected and analyzed by an employee of the Department in order to evaluate the quality of medical services provided pursuant to a contract entered into by the Secretary with a non-government entity.
Requirements relating to extension of certain contracts
Before any contracting officer of the Department may extend or renew any contract entered into by the Secretary with a non-government entity for the provision of medical services, the contracting officer shall review and take into consideration the results of the evaluations carried out under subsection (a).
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1703 the following new item:
1703A. Oversight of medical services provided by contractors.
.
Effective date
Subsection (a) of section 1703A of such title, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and subsection (b) of such section shall take effect on the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Conversion of multifamily transitional housing loan program to loan issuance program
Authority To issue loans
In general
Section 2051 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by striking
The
and inserting (1) The
; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The Secretary shall, utilizing funds available in the Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving Fund under section 2055 of this title, issue not more than five loans that meet the requirements of this subchapter.
;
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (1), by
striking under subsection (a)
and inserting under
subsection (a)(1)
;
in paragraph (2), by
striking under subsection (a)
and inserting under
subsection (a)(1)
; and
in paragraph (3), by
inserting or issued
after guaranteed
;
in subsection (c), by
inserting or issued
after guaranteed
; and
in subsection (g), by
inserting or issued
after guaranteed
.
Authority to delegate approval authority
Subsection (c) of such section, as amended by paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection, is amended—
by striking A
loan
and inserting (1) A loan
; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
The Secretary may delegate approval under paragraph (1) to a State or local government entity.
Approval activity of a State or local government entity under paragraph (2) shall be subject to the supervision of the Secretary.
.
No limitation on size of multifamily transitional housing projects
Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to provide for a minimum or maximum size of a multifamily transitional housing project that may be financed with a loan under this subchapter.
.
Sunset of authority to issue loan guarantees
Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary may not guarantee under subsection (a)(1) any loan that is closed after the date of the enactment of this subsection. The termination by this subsection of the authority to guarantee loans under this subsection shall not affect the validity of any loan guaranteed under this subchapter before the date of the enactment of this subsection and is in force on that date.
.
Conforming amendments
Section 2052(d) of such
title is amended by inserting or issue
after whether to
guarantee
.
Section 2053(a) of such
title is amended by inserting or issued
after is
guaranteed
.
Section 2054(a) of such title is amended—
in the first sentence, by
inserting or issued
after guaranteed
; and
in the last sentence, by
inserting or loan
after guarantee
.
Clerical amendments
The heading of subchapter
VI of chapter 20 of such title is amended by striking Loan guarantee
for
.
The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to subchapter VI and inserting the following new item:
SUBCHAPTER VI—Multifamily transitional housing
.
Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving Fund
In general
Subchapter VI of chapter 20 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving Fund
Establishment
There is established in the Treasury of the
United States a revolving fund known as the Department of Veterans
Affairs Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving Fund
(in this section referred to as the Fund
).
Elements
There shall be deposited in the Fund the following, which shall constitute the assets of the Fund:
Amounts paid into the Fund under any provision of law or regulation established by the Secretary imposing fees on persons or entities issued a loan under this subchapter.
All other amounts received by the Secretary incident to operations relating to the issuance of loans under this subchapter, including—
collections of principal and interest on loans issued by the Secretary under this subchapter;
proceeds from the sale, rental, use, or other disposition of property acquired under this subchapter; and
penalties collected pursuant to this subchapter.
Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available before the date of the enactment of this section for purposes of activities under this subchapter, including amounts appropriated for such purposes under title I of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106–74; 113 Stat. 1049).
Use of funds
The Fund shall be available to the Secretary, without fiscal year limitation, for all operations relating to the issuance of loans under this subchapter, consistent with the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 20 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2054 the following new item:
2055. Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Program Revolving Fund.
.
Clarification of authority To determine terms and conditions of loans
Subsection
(a)(6) of section 2052 of such title is amended by inserting including
with respect to forbearance, deferral, and loan forgiveness,
after
determines are reasonable,
.
Clarification of types of spaces that may be included in covered multifamily transitional housing projects
Subsection (c)(1) of such section 2052 is amended by
striking or job training programs
and inserting job
training programs, other types of residential units, or other uses that the
Secretary considers necessary for the sustainability of the
project
.
Loan defaults
Section 2053 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary may impose such penalties or require such collateral as the Secretary considers necessary—
to discourage default on a loan issued under this subchapter; or
to mitigate harm to the Department from default on a loan issued under this subchapter.
The Secretary shall administer any property coming under the jurisdiction of the Secretary by reason of default on a loan issued or guaranteed under this subchapter in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary for that purpose. Such administration of property may include selling, renting, or otherwise disposing of property as the Secretary considers appropriate.
.
Preferential treatment of veterans
In general
Subchapter VI of chapter 20 of such title, as amended by subsection (b), is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Preferential treatment of veterans
No provision of Federal or State law may prohibit a multifamily transitional housing project described in section 2052(b) of this title from offering preferential treatment to veterans.
.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter, as amended by subsection (b), is further amended by adding at the end the following new item:
2056. Preferential treatment of veterans.
.
Technical corrections
Section 2052 of such title is amended—
in subsection (b)(2), by
striking counselling
both places it appears and inserting
counseling
; and
in subsection (d)(2), by
striking , as assessed under section 107 of Public Law
102–405
.
Report on establishment of a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site of the Department of Veterans Affairs in the northern Rockies or Dakotas
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site for the Department of Veterans Affairs in the northern Rockies or the Dakotas. One of the locations evaluated as a potential location for the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center or Polytrauma Network Site, as the case may be, shall be the Fort Harrison Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Lewis and Clark County, Montana.
Requirements
The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
An assessment of the adequacy of existing Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in the northern Rockies and the Dakotas to address matters that are otherwise addressed by Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers and Polytrauma Network Sites.
A comparative assessment of the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for individuals with traumatic brain injuries in urban areas with the effectiveness of such programs for individuals with traumatic brain injuries in rural and frontier communities.
An assessment whether the low cost of living in the northern Rockies and the Dakotas could reduce the financial stress faced by veterans receiving care for traumatic brain injury and their families and thereby improve the effectiveness of such care.
An assessment whether therapies that can prevent or remediate the development of secondary neurologic conditions related to traumatic brain injury can be interrupted by stress caused by living in an urban area.
Consultation
The Secretary shall consult with appropriate State and local government agencies in the northern Rockies and the Dakotas in preparing the report required subsection (a).
One-stop Internet website for information on benefits, resources, services, and opportunities for veterans and their families and caregivers
One-Stop Internet website for information on benefits, resources, services, and opportunities for veterans and their families and caregivers
In general
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may establish and maintain an interactive Internet website that provides information on the benefits, resources, services, and opportunities described in subsection (b). The Secretary may enter into a contract with an appropriate Federal or private sector entity for purposes of establishing or maintaining the website.
Nature of website
The website shall—
serve to consolidate, expand on, and improve information and links from other existing Internet websites relating to the benefits, resources, services, and opportunities described in subsection (b), and may include such other information and links on such benefits, resources, services, and opportunities as the Secretary considers appropriate; and
integrate dynamic Internet features and virtual interface tools to provide veterans a personalized, interactive, and user-centered Internet experience and increase interoperability and facilitate collaborative information sharing.
Utilization of existing website in establishment
In establishing the website, the Secretary may utilize an existing Internet website, such as the National Resource Directory for wounded veterans, as the basis for the website, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.
Consultation
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out activities under this subsection in consultation with the following:
The Secretary of Defense.
The Secretary of Labor.
The Secretary of Education.
The Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
The Commissioner of Social Security.
The Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
Any other Federal officials that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs considers appropriate for purposes of this section.
Appropriate advisory committees on veterans matters.
Other representatives, individuals, and organizations specified in section 6302(c) of title 38, United States Code.
Benefits, resources, services, and opportunities
The benefits, resources, services, and opportunities described in this subsection are benefits, resources, services, and opportunities as follows:
Veterans benefits provided by or through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans benefits provided by or through the Department of Labor, including employment and reemployment benefits.
Tax benefits.
Social security benefits.
Veterans benefits provided by or through the Small Business Administration.
Resources, services, and opportunities such as—
resources for families, caregivers, educational professionals, mental health professionals, and other professionals that provide for veterans;
resources on child care, home care, stress management, mental health care, and veterans service organizations (including website links to organization locators and claims assistance); and
information and links on State and local resources, discounts available to veterans, volunteer opportunities available to veterans, and community events.
Assistance in applying for and receiving benefits and resources under paragraphs (1) through (6).
Resources on peer-to-peer discussions, workshops, and other interactive services for veterans and their families and caregivers.
Information on ride-sharing for appointments.
Memorial notices.
Such other benefits, resources, services, opportunities, and assistance as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the website.
Inclusion of information on website in biennial reports relating to outreach activities
Biennial plan
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall include in each biennial plan on outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 6302 of title 38, United States Code, the plans of the Department for the period covered by such report for improving and enhancing the Internet website required by this section to better provide information on the benefits, resources, services, and opportunities described in subsection (b) and to otherwise enhance the website as a source for information on such benefits, resources, services, and opportunities.
Biennial report
The Secretary shall include in each biennial report on outreach activities of the Department under section 6308 of title 38, United States Code, a description of the manner in which the Internet website required by this section contributed to the outreach activities of the Secretary, including outreach activities under chapter 63 of such title.
Construction and naming matters
Authorization for fiscal year 2011 major medical facility construction project previously appropriated but not authorized
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a major medical facility project in fiscal year 2011 for the construction of a new medical facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the project to be carried out in an amount not to exceed $995,000,000.
Additional authorization for a 2007 major medical facility construction project previously authorized
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a major medical facility project in fiscal year 2011 to make seismic corrections for Buildings 7 and 126 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Long Beach, California, with the project to be carried out in an amount not to exceed $129,545,000.
Authorization of fiscal year 2011 major medical facility leases
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following fiscal year 2011 major medical facility leases at the locations specified, in an amount not to exceed the amount shown for each such location:
Billings, Montana, Community Based Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not to exceed $7,149,000.
Boston, Massachusetts, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not to exceed $3,316,000.
San Diego, California, Community Based Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not to exceed $21,495,000.
San Francisco, California, Research Lab, in an amount not to exceed $10,055,000.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mental Health Facility, in an amount not to exceed $5,323,000.
Authorization of appropriations
Authorization of appropriations for major medical facility projects
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2011 or the year in which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major Projects, account $1,124,545,000 for the projects authorized in sections 201 and 202.
Authorization of appropriations for major medical facility leases
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2011 or the year in which funds are appropriated for the Medical Facilities account $47,338,000 for the leases authorized in section 203.
Limitation
The major medical facility projects authorized in sections 201 and 202 may only be carried out using—
funds appropriated for fiscal year 2011 pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of this section;
funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2011 that remain available for obligation;
funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2011 that remain available for obligation;
funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for fiscal year 2011 for a category of activity not specific to a project;
funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before 2011 for a category of activity not specific to a project; and
funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year after 2011 for a category of activity not specific to a project.
Report on use of energy efficient technologies and best practices in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the use of energy efficient technologies and best practices in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
Elements
The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
A description of the energy efficient technologies and best practices used by the Department to make Department medical facilities more energy efficient.
An assessment of the energy efficiency of the following features of Department medical facilities:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Lighting.
Elevators.
Water heating.
Information technology and electronics.
Such other features as the Secretary considers energy intensive.
The status of the compliance of Department medical facilities with provisions of law that are applicable to the energy efficiency of such facilities, as determined by the Secretary.
A description of the activities carried out by the Office of Construction and Facilities Management of the Department to overhaul current master construction specifications and to ensure that standardized efficiency guidelines are being implemented in all Department medical facilities.
Collaboration
In preparing the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall collaborate with private sector experts and industry leaders in the energy efficiency of medical facilities, including the following:
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.
The American Institute of Architects.
Designation of George H. O’Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Designation
The Department of Veterans Affairs medical
center located in Big Spring, Texas, shall be known and designated as the
George H. O’Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center
.
References
Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Department of
Veterans Affairs medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed
to be a reference to the George H. O’Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center
.
Requirement that bid savings on major medical facility projects of Department of Veterans Affairs be used for other major medical facility construction projects of the Department
Section 8104(d) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
by striking In any case
and
inserting (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), in any case
;
and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
In any fiscal year, unobligated amounts in the Construction, Major Projects account that are a direct result of bid savings from a major medical facility project may only be obligated for other major medical facility projects authorized for that fiscal year or a previous fiscal year.
.
Amend the title so as to read:
A bill to improve the quality of health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, to increase access to health care and benefits provided by the Department, to authorize major medical facility construction projects of the Department, and for other purposes..
September 2, 2010
Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the title