Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014

Bill: 113-s-2413
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Introduced: 2014-06-02
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Administrative remedies

Advisory bodies

Alaska Natives and Hawaiians

Alternative treatments

Arizona

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Assault and harassment offenses

Birth defects

California

Caribbean area

Cemeteries and funerals

Child health

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Department of Defense

Department of Health and Human Services

Department of Veterans Affairs

Digestive and metabolic diseases

Disability and paralysis

Domestic violence and child abuse

Emergency medical services and trauma care

Employee hiring

Employment and training programs

Employment discrimination and employee rights

Executive agency funding and structure

Federal appellate courts

Federal officials

Florida

Fraud offenses and financial crimes

Georgia

Government buildings, facilities, and property

Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

Government information and archives

Government lending and loan guarantees

Government studies and investigations

Hawaii

Hazardous wastes and toxic substances

Health care coverage and access

Health care quality

Health facilities and institutions

Health information and medical records

Health personnel

Health programs administration and funding

Health promotion and preventive care

Health technology, devices, supplies

Hearing, speech, and vision care

Hereditary and development disorders

Home and outpatient care

Hospital care

Housing finance and home ownership

Illinois

Indian social and development programs

Infectious and parasitic diseases

Interest, dividends, interest rates

Kansas

Licensing and registrations

Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care

Louisiana

Marketing and advertising

Marriage and family status

Massachusetts

Medical education

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Medical tests and diagnostic methods

Mental health

Military facilities and property

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National Guard and reserves

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Neurological disorders

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North Carolina

Nursing

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Pennsylvania

Performance measurement

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Puerto Rico

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Retail and wholesale trades

Rural conditions and development

Sex and reproductive health

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Small business

South Carolina

Student aid and college costs

Tennessee

Texas

Thailand

Transportation employees

U.S. territories and protectorates

Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs

Veterans' medical care

Veterans' organizations and recognition

Veterans' pensions and compensation

Vocational and technical education

Water quality

Women's health
Latest action: action_date: 2014-06-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Summaries:
action_date: 2014-06-02
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p> Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 - Revises veterans' benefit programs to address:</p> <ul> <li> veterans' access to medical care, including through measures that address the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) scheduling and performance management systems, VA health facility staffing shortages, and veterans' access to covered care at non-VA facilities;</li> <li>the expansion and extension of certain health care benefits, including caregiver support services, immunizations, chiropractic care, and treatment for traumatic brain injury;</li> <li>health care administration, including by extending the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program; </li> <li>complementary and alternative medicine;</li> <li>mental health care;</li> <li>dental care eligibility and expansion, including by requiring the creation of a program of education to promote veterans' dental health;</li> <li>health care related to sexual trauma, including by requiring the provision of counseling and treatment to members of the Armed Forces and the development of a screening mechanism to detect incidents of domestic abuse;</li> <li>reproductive treatment and services, including by requiring the provision of fertility counseling and adoption assistance to severely wounded veterans;</li> <li>major medical facility leases;</li> <li>survivor and dependent matters, including the provision of benefits to the children of certain veterans who are born with spina bifida;</li> <li>education matters, including the approval of courses for purposes of the All-Volunteer Force and the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance programs;</li> <li>the extension of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' authority to provide the same rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses as are provided to veterans;</li> <li>veterans' employment, including employment within the federal government;</li> <li> sanctions for federal contractors who repeatedly violate the employment and reemployment rights of members of the Armed Forces;</li> <li>small business matters, including contracting and subcontracting participation goals with federal departments and agencies;</li> <li> administrative matters, including by requiring the Secretary to establish regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service Networks;</li> <li> the processing of disability claims, including those based on military sexual trauma, as well as claims for pensions and dependency and indemnity compensation;</li> <li>the manner in which hearings before the Board of Veterans' Appeals are to be conducted;</li> <li> certain rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, including protections regarding the expiration of professional licenses, the denial of credit or the termination of residential leases due to military service, and mortgage foreclosures against surviving spouses; and</li> <li> outreach and miscellaneous matters, including the repeal of a provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that reduces the cost-of-living adjustment to the retirement pay of members of the Armed Forces who are under age 62.</li></ul>

tv_txt: II 113th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2413 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 2, 2014 Mr. Sanders (for himself, Ms. Hirono , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Begich , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Reed , Ms. Mikulski , Mr. Brown , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Schatz , Mr. Kaine , Mr. Walsh , Mr. Tester , and Ms. Stabenow ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To improve the provision of medical services and benefits to veterans, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code. TITLE I—Health Care Matters Subtitle A—Improvement of Access to Care by Strengthening Management, Technology, and Metrics Sec. 101. Implementation of upgraded Department of Veterans Affairs electronic scheduling system for appointments for receipt of health care from the Department. Sec. 102. Independent assessment of the scheduling process for medical appointments for care from Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 103. Modification of liability for breach of period of obligated service under Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program for primary care physicians. Sec. 104. Program of education at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences with specialization in primary care. Sec. 105. Treatment of staffing shortage and biannual report on staffing of medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 106. Clinic management training program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 107. Inclusion of Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in National Health Service Corps Scholarship and loan repayment programs. Sec. 108. Improvement of access by veterans to health care from non-Department of Veterans Affairs providers. Sec. 109. Extension of and report on joint incentives program of Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. Sec. 110. Transfer of authority for payments for hospital care, medical services, and other health care from non-Department providers to the Chief Business Office of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department. Sec. 110A. Contracting for hospital care, medical services, and other health care. Sec. 110B. Enhancement of collaboration between Department of Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Service. Sec. 110C. Enhancement of collaboration between Department of Veterans Affairs and Native Hawaiian health care systems. Sec. 110D. Improvement of access of veterans to mobile vet centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 110E. Commission on Access to Care. Sec. 110F. Removal of Senior Executive Service employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs for performance. Sec. 110G. Authorization of emergency appropriations. Subtitle B—Expansion and Improvements of Benefits Generally Sec. 111. Further extension of period of eligibility for health care for veterans of combat service during certain periods of hostilities and war. Sec. 112. Expansion of assistance and support services for caregivers of veterans. Sec. 113. Improved access to appropriate immunizations for veterans. Sec. 114. Expansion of provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans. Sec. 115. Modification of commencement date of period of service at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for eligibility for hospital care and medical services in connection with exposure to contaminated water. Sec. 116. Expansion of emergency treatment reimbursement for certain veterans. Sec. 117. Extension of sunset date regarding transportation of individuals to and from facilities of Department of Veterans Affairs and requirement of report. Sec. 118. Extension and modification of pilot program on assisted living services for veterans with traumatic brain injury. Sec. 119. Reauthorization and modification of pilot program of enhanced contract care authority for health care needs of veterans. Subtitle C—Health Care Administration Sec. 121. Extension of Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program. Sec. 122. Expansion of availability of prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans. Sec. 123. Limitation on expansion of dialysis pilot program. Sec. 124. Requirement for Department of Veterans Affairs policy on reporting cases of infectious diseases at facilities of the Department. Sec. 125. Independent assessment of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks and medical centers of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 126. Requirements in connection with next update of current strategic plan for Office of Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 127. Report on provision of telemedicine services. Sec. 128. Designation of Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Subtitle D—Complementary and Alternative Medicine Sec. 131. Expansion of research and education on and delivery of complementary and alternative medicine to veterans. Sec. 132. Program on integration of complementary and alternative medicine within Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Sec. 133. Studies of barriers encountered by veterans in receiving, and administrators and clinicians in providing, complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 134. Program on use of wellness programs as complementary approach to mental health care for veterans and family members of veterans. Subtitle E—Mental Health Care Sec. 141. Inclusion of mental health professionals in the education and training program for health personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 142. Report on provision of mental health services for families of certain veterans at facilities of the Department. Sec. 143. Annual report on community mental health partnership pilot program. Subtitle F—Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Sec. 151. Restorative dental services for veterans. Sec. 152. Pilot program on expansion of furnishing of dental care to all enrolled veterans. Sec. 153. Program on education to promote dental health in veterans. Sec. 154. Authorization of appropriations. Subtitle G—Health Care Related to Sexual Trauma Sec. 161. Expansion of eligibility for sexual trauma counseling and treatment to veterans on inactive duty training. Sec. 162. Provision of counseling and treatment for sexual trauma by the Department of Veterans Affairs to members of the Armed Forces. Sec. 163. Department of Veterans Affairs screening mechanism to detect incidents of domestic abuse. Sec. 164. Reports on military sexual trauma and domestic abuse. Subtitle H—Reproductive treatment and services Sec. 171. Clarification that fertility counseling and treatment are medical services which the Secretary may furnish to veterans like other medical services. Sec. 172. Reproductive treatment and care for spouses and surrogates of veterans. Sec. 173. Adoption assistance for severely wounded veterans. Sec. 174. Regulations on furnishing of fertility counseling and treatment and adoption assistance by Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 175. Coordination between Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense on furnishing of fertility counseling and treatment. Sec. 176. Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research. Sec. 177. Annual report on provision of fertility counseling and treatment furnished by Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 178. Program on assistance for child care for certain veterans. Sec. 179. Counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service in the Armed Forces. Subtitle I—Major Medical Facility Leases Sec. 181. Authorization of major medical facility leases. Sec. 182. Budgetary treatment of Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facilities leases. TITLE II—Survivor and Dependent Matters Sec. 201. Extension of initial period for increased dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses with children. Sec. 202. Eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation, educational assistance, and housing loans for surviving spouses who remarry after age 55. Sec. 203. Extension of marriage delimiting date for surviving spouses of Persian Gulf War veterans to qualify for death pension. Sec. 204. Making effective date provision consistent with provision for benefits eligibility of a veteran's child based upon termination of remarriage by annulment. Sec. 205. Expansion of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. Sec. 206. Expansion of Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program. Sec. 207. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans born with spina bifida. Sec. 208. Program on assisted living for children of Vietnam veterans and certain Korea service veterans born with spina bifida. Sec. 209. Program on grief counseling in retreat settings for surviving spouses of members of the Armed Forces who die while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces. Sec. 210. Program evaluation on survivors' and dependents' educational assistance authorities. TITLE III—Education Matters Sec. 301. Approval of courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning for purposes of All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program and Post-9/11 Educational Assistance conditional on in-State tuition rate for veterans. Sec. 302. Extension and expansion of authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 303. Prohibitions relating to references to GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill. Sec. 304. Review of utilization of educational assistance to pursue programs of training on the job and participating employers. Sec. 305. Report on debt management and collection. Sec. 306. Restoration of prior reporting fee multipliers. TITLE IV—Employment and Related Matters Subtitle A—Training and other services for veterans seeking employment Sec. 401. Extension of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses. Subtitle B—Employment of veterans and recognition of veteran status with respect to employment related matters Sec. 411. Employment of veterans with the Federal Government. Sec. 412. State recognition of military experience of veterans in issuing licenses and credentials to veterans. Sec. 413. Report on discrimination against members of reserve components of Armed Forces and veterans in civilian labor market. Subtitle C—Improving employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services Sec. 421. Suspension, termination, or debarment of contractors for repeated violations of employment or reemployment rights of members of uniformed services. Subtitle D—Small Business Matters Sec. 431. Expansion of contracting goals and preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs to include conditionally owned small business concerns 100 percent owned by veterans. Sec. 432. Modification of treatment under contracting goals and preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs for small businesses owned by veterans of small businesses after death of disabled veteran owners. Sec. 433. Treatment of businesses after deaths of servicemember-owners for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs contracting goals and preferences. Sec. 434. Special rule for treatment under contracting goals and preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs of small business concerns licensed in community property States. Sec. 435. Report on assistance for veterans in obtaining training on purchasing and operating a franchise. TITLE V—Accountability and Administrative Improvements Sec. 501. Administration of Veterans Integrated Service Networks. Sec. 502. Regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service Networks. Sec. 503. Commission on Capital Planning for Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities. Sec. 504. Advance appropriations for certain accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 505. Public access to Department of Veterans Affairs research and data sharing between Departments. Sec. 506. Assessment by Comptroller General of the United States of information made available by Veterans Benefits Administration. Sec. 507. Comptroller general report on advisory committees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. TITLE VI—Improvement of Processing of Claims for Compensation Subtitle A—Claims Based on Military Sexual Trauma Sec. 601. Medical examination and opinion for disability compensation claims based on military sexual trauma. Sec. 602. Case representative officers for military sexual trauma support. Sec. 603. Report on standard of proof for service-connection of mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma. Sec. 604. Reports on claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma. Subtitle B—Claims for dependency and indemnity compensation Sec. 611. Program on treatment of certain applications for dependency and indemnity compensation as fully developed claims. Sec. 612. Report by Secretary of Veterans Affairs on improving timeliness and accuracy of administration of claims for dependency and indemnity compensation and pension for surviving spouses and children. Subtitle C—Agency of Original Jurisdiction Sec. 621. Working group to improve employee work credit and work management systems of Veterans Benefits Administration in an electronic environment. Sec. 622. Task force on retention and training of Department of Veterans Affairs claims processors and adjudicators. Sec. 623. Reports on requests by the Department of Veterans Affairs for records of other Federal agencies. Sec. 624. Recognition of representatives of Indian tribes in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 625. Program on participation of local and tribal governments in improving quality of claims for disability compensation submitted to Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 626. Department of Veterans Affairs notice of average times for processing compensation claims. Sec. 627. Quarterly reports on progress of Department of Veterans Affairs in eliminating backlog of claims for compensation that have not been adjudicated. Sec. 628. Reports on use of existing authorities to expedite benefits decisions. Sec. 629. Reports on Department disability medical examinations and prevention of unnecessary medical examinations. Subtitle D—Board of Veterans' Appeals and Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Sec. 631. Determination of manner of appearance for hearings before Board of Veterans' Appeals. TITLE VII—Outreach Matters Sec. 701. Program to increase coordination of outreach efforts between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Federal, State, and local agencies and nonprofit organizations. Sec. 702. Cooperative agreements between Secretary of Veterans Affairs and States on outreach activities. Sec. 703. Advisory committee on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 704. Advisory boards on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs relating to health care. Sec. 705. Modification of requirement for periodic reports to Congress on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 706. Budget transparency for outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs. TITLE VIII—Enhancement of rights under Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Sec. 801. Modification of period determining which actions are covered under stay of proceedings and adjustment of obligation protections concerning mortgages and trust deeds of members of uniformed services. Sec. 802. Protections for members of uniformed services regarding professional licenses. Sec. 803. Prohibition on denial of credit because of eligibility for protection. Sec. 804. Interest rate limitation on debt entered into during military service to consolidate or refinance student loans incurred before military service. Sec. 805. Termination of residential leases after assignment or relocation to quarters of United States or housing facility under jurisdiction of uniformed service. Sec. 806. Protection of surviving spouse with respect to mortgage foreclosure. Sec. 807. Improved protection of members of uniformed services against default judgments. Sec. 808. Clarification regarding application of enforcement authority of Attorney General and private right of action under Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Sec. 809. Clerical amendments. TITLE IX—Other Matters Sec. 901. Repeal of certain reductions made by Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. Sec. 902. Consideration by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of resources disposed of for less than fair market value by individuals applying for pension. Sec. 903. Extension of reduced pension for certain veterans covered by medicaid plans for services furnished by nursing facilities. Sec. 904. Conditions on award of per diem payments by Secretary of Veterans Affairs for provision of housing or services to homeless veterans. Sec. 905. Exception to certain recapture requirements and treatment of contracts and grants with State homes with respect to care for homeless veterans. Sec. 906. Extended period for scheduling of medical exams for veterans receiving temporary disability ratings for severe mental disorders. Sec. 907. Authority to issue Veterans ID Cards. Sec. 908. Honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in the reserve components of the Armed Forces. Sec. 909. Extension of authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to obtain information from Secretary of the Treasury and Commissioner of Social Security for income verification purposes. Sec. 910. Extension of authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to issue and guarantee certain loans. Sec. 911. Eligibility for interment in national cemeteries for certain naturalized individuals. Sec. 912. Canadian Forces Base Gagetown independent study and registry. Sec. 913. Review of determination of certain service in Philippines during World War II. Sec. 914. Review of determination of certain service of merchant mariners during World War II. Sec. 915. Report on practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs to adequately provide services to veterans with hearing loss. Sec. 916. Report on joint programs of Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense with respect to hearing loss of members of the Armed Forces and veterans. Sec. 917. Designation of American World War II Cities. 2. References to title 38, United States Code Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States Code. I Health Care Matters A Improvement of Access to Care by Strengthening Management, Technology, and Metrics 101. Implementation of upgraded Department of Veterans Affairs electronic scheduling system for appointments for receipt of health care from the Department (a) Implementation (1) In general Not later than March 31, 2016, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall fully implement an upgraded and centralized electronic scheduling system described in subsection (b) for appointments by eligible individuals for health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Agile software development methodologies In implementing the upgraded electronic scheduling system required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use agile software development methodologies to fully implement portions of such system every 180 days beginning on the date on which the Secretary begins the implementation of such system, or enters into a contract for the implementation of such system, and ending on the date on which such system is fully implemented. (b) Electronic scheduling system The upgraded electronic scheduling system described in this subsection shall include mechanisms to achieve the following: (1) An efficient and effective graphical user interface with a calendar view for use by employees of the Department in scheduling appointments that enables error-free scheduling of the health care resources of the Department. (2) A capability to assist employees of the Department to easily and consistently implement policies of the Department with respect to scheduling of appointments, including with respect to priority for appointments for certain eligible individuals. (3) A capability for employees of the Department to sort and view through a unified interface the availability for each health care provider of the Department or other health care resource of the Department. (4) A capability for employees of the Department to sort and view appointments for and appointment requests made by a particular eligible individual. (5) A capability for seamless coordination of appointments for primary care, specialty care, consultations, or any other health care matter among facilities of the Department. (6) A capability for eligible individuals to access the system remotely and schedule appointments directly through the system. (7) An electronic timestamp of each activity made by an eligible individual or on behalf of such individual with respect to an appointment or the scheduling of an appointment that shall be kept in the medical record of such individual. (8) A seamless connection to the Computerized Patient Record System of the Department so that employees of the Department, when scheduling an appointment for an eligible individual, have access to recommendations from the health care provider of such individual with respect to when such individual should receive an appointment. (9) A capability to provide automated reminders to eligible individuals on upcoming appointments through various electronic and voice media. (10) A capability to provide automated reminders to employees of the Department when an eligible individual who is on the wait-list for an appointment becomes eligible to schedule an appointment. (11) A dashboard capability to support efforts to track the following metrics in aggregate and by medical facility with respect to health care provided to eligible individuals under the laws administered by the Secretary: (A) The number of days into the future that the schedules of health care providers are available to schedule an appointment. (B) The number of providers available to see patients each day. (C) The number of support personnel working each day. (D) The types of appointments available. (E) The rate at which patients fail to appear for appointments. (F) The number of appointments canceled by a patient on a daily basis. (G) The number of appointments canceled by a health care provider on a daily basis. (H) The number of patients on the wait list at any given time. (I) The number of appointments scheduled on a daily basis. (J) The number of appointments available to be scheduled on a daily basis. (K) The number of patients seen on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. (L) Wait-times for an appointment with a health care provider of the Department. (M) Wait-times for an appointment with a non-Department health care provider. (N) Wait-times for a referral to a specialist or consult. (12) A capability to provide data on the capacity of medical facilities of the Department for purposes of determining the resources needed by the Department to provide health care to eligible individuals. (13) Any other capabilities as specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section. (c) Plan (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a plan for implementing the upgraded electronic scheduling system required by subsection (a). (2) Elements The plan required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A description of the priorities of the Secretary for implementing the requirements of the system under subsection (b). (B) A detailed description of the manner in which the Secretary will fully implement such system, including deadlines for completing each such requirement. (3) Update Not later than 90 days after the submittal of the plan required by paragraph (1), and not less frequently than every 90 days thereafter until such system is fully implemented, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives an update on the status of the implementation of such plan. (d) Use of amounts The Secretary may use amounts available to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the appropriations account under the heading Medical Services in implementing and carrying out the upgraded electronic scheduling system required by subsection (a). (e) Eligible individual defined In this section, the term eligible individual means an individual eligible for hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, medical care, or other health care under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 102. Independent assessment of the scheduling process for medical appointments for care from Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Independent assessment (1) Contract Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a contract with an independent third party to assess the process at each medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs for scheduling appointments for veterans to receive hospital care, medical services, or other health care from the Department. (2) Elements In carrying out the assessment required by paragraph (1), the independent third party shall do the following: (A) Review all training materials pertaining to scheduling of appointments at each medical facility of the Department. (B) Assess whether all employees of the Department conducting tasks related to scheduling are properly trained for conducting such tasks. (C) Assess whether changes in the technology or system used in scheduling appointments are necessary to limit access to the system to only those employees that have been properly trained in conducting such tasks. (D) Assess whether health care providers of the Department are making changes to their schedules that hinder the ability of employees conducting such tasks to perform such tasks. (E) Assess whether the establishment of a centralized call center throughout the Department for scheduling appointments at medical facilities of the Department would improve the process of scheduling such appointments. (F) Assess whether booking templates for each medical facility or clinic of the Department would improve the process of scheduling such appointments. (G) Recommend any actions to be taken by the Department to improve the process for scheduling such appointments, including the following: (i) Changes in training materials provided to employees of the Department with respect to conducting tasks related to scheduling such appointments. (ii) Changes in monitoring and assessment conducted by the Department of wait-times of veterans for such appointments. (iii) Changes in the system used to schedule such appointments, including changes to improve how the Department— (I) measures wait-times of veterans for such appointments; (II) monitors the availability of health care providers of the Department; and (III) provides veterans the ability to schedule such appointments. (iv) Such other actions as the independent third party considers appropriate. (3) Timing The independent third party carrying out the assessment required by paragraph (1) shall complete such assessment not later than 180 days after entering into the contract described in such paragraph. (b) Report Not later than 90 days after the date on which the independent third party completes the assessment under this section, 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 results of such assessment. 103. Modification of liability for breach of period of obligated service under Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program for primary care physicians Section 7617 is amended— (1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking If a participant and inserting Except as provided in subsection (d), if a participant ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) Liability shall not arise under subsection (c) in the case of a participant otherwise covered by that subsection who has pursued a course of education or training in primary care if— (1) the participant— (A) does not obtain, or fails to maintain, employment as a Department employee due to staffing changes approved by the Under Secretary for Health; or (B) does not obtain, or fails to maintain, employment in a position of primary care physician in the Veterans Health Administration due, as determined by the Secretary, to a number of primary care physicians in the Administration that is excess to the needs of the Administration; and (2) the participant agrees to accept and maintain employment as a primary care physician with another department or agency of the Federal Government (with such employment to be under such terms and conditions as are jointly agreed upon by the participant, the Secretary, and the head of such department or agency, including terms and conditions relating to a period of obligated service as a primary care physician with such department or agency) if such employment is offered to the participant by the Secretary and the head of such department or agency. . 104. Program of education at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences with specialization in primary care (a) Program required under Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program (1) In general Chapter 76 is amended by adding after subchapter VII the following new subchapter: VIII Program of Education at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences With Specialization in Primary Care 7691. Authority for program As part of the Educational Assistance Program, the Secretary shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, carry out a program to permit individuals to enroll in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences under chapter 104 of title 10 to pursue a medical education with a specialization in primary care. The program shall be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Primary Care Educational Assistance Program (in this chapter referred to as the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program ). 7692. Selection; agreement; ineligibility for certain other educational assistance (a) Selection (1) Medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences pursuant to the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program shall be selected by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretaries for purposes of the Program. (2) The procedures referred to in paragraph (1) shall emphasize the basic requirement that students demonstrate a motivation and dedication to a medical career in primary care. (3) The number of medical students selected each year for first-year enrollment in the University pursuant to this subsection shall be jointly determined by the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense. (b) Agreement An agreement between the Secretary and a participant in the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program shall (in addition to the requirements set forth in section 7604 of this title) include the following: (1) The Secretary's agreement to cover the costs of the participant's education and training at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences under chapter 104 of title 10 as if the participant were a medical student enrolled in the University pursuant to section 2114 of title 10. (2) The participant's agreement to serve as a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration in a position as a primary care physician for a period of time (in this subchapter referred to as the period of obligated service ) of one calendar year for each school year or part thereof for which the participant was a medical student at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences pursuant to the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program, but for not less than one year. (c) Ineligibility for other educational assistance An individual who receives education and training under the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program shall not be eligible for other assistance under this chapter in connection with such education and training. 7693. Obligated service (a) In general Each participant in the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program shall provide service as a full-time employee of the Department in the Veterans Health Administration in a primary care position for the period of obligated service provided in the agreement of the participant entered into for purposes of this subchapter. Such service shall be provided in a full-time primary care clinical practice in an assignment or location determined by the Secretary. (b) Service commencement date (1) Not later than 60 days before a participant's service commencement date, the Secretary shall notify the participant of that service commencement date. That date is the date for the beginning of the participant's period of obligated service. (2) As soon as possible after a participant's service commencement date, the Secretary shall— (A) in the case of a participant who is not a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration, appoint the participant as such an employee; and (B) in the case of a participant who is an employee in the Veterans Health Administration but is not serving in a position for which the participant's course of education or training prepared the participant, assign the participant to such a position. (3) A participant's service commencement for purposes of this subsection date is the date upon which the participant becomes licensed to practice medicine in a State. (c) Commencement of obligated service A participant in the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program shall be considered to have begun serving the participant's period of obligated service— (1) on the date on which the participant is appointed as a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(A); or (2) if the participant is a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration and assigned to a position pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B), on the date on which the participant is so assigned to such position. 7694. Breach of agreement: liability (a) Liability during course of education or training (1) A participant in the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program shall be liable to the United States for the amount which has been paid on behalf of the participant under the agreement entered into for purposes of this subchapter if any of the following occurs: (A) The participant fails to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. (B) The participant is dismissed from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences for disciplinary reasons. (C) The participant voluntarily terminates the course of medical education and training in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences before the completion of such course of education and training. (D) The participant fails to become licensed to practice medicine in a State during a period of time determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Liability under this subsection is in lieu of any service obligation arising under a participant's agreement for purposes of this subchapter. (b) Liability during period of obligated service (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) and subject to paragraph (2), if a participant in the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program breaches the agreement entered into for purposes of this subchapter by failing for any reason to complete the participant's period of obligated service, the United States shall be entitled to recover from the participant an amount equal to— (A) the total amount paid under this subchapter on behalf of the participant; multiplied by (B) a fraction— (i) the numerator of which is— (I) the total number of months in the participant's period of obligated service; minus (II) the number of months served by the participant pursuant to the agreement; and (ii) the denominator of which is the total number of months in the participant's period of obligated service. (2) Any period of internship or residency training of a participant shall not be treated as satisfying the participant's period of obligated service for purposes of this subsection. (c) Exceptions Liability shall not arise under subsection (b) in the case of a participant otherwise covered by that subsection if— (1) the participant— (A) does not obtain, or fails to maintain, employment as a Department employee due to staffing changes approved by the Under Secretary for Health; or (B) does not obtain, or fails to maintain, employment in a position of primary care physician in the Veterans Health Administration due, as determined by the Secretary, to a number of primary care physicians in the Administration that is excess to the needs of the Administration; and (2) the participant agrees to accept and maintain employment as a primary care physician with another department or agency of the Federal Government (with such employment to be under such terms and conditions as are jointly agreed upon by the participant, the Secretary, and the head of such department or agency, including terms and conditions relating to a period of obligated service as a primary care physician with such department or agency) if such employment is offered to the participant by the Secretary and the head of such department or agency. 7695. Funding (a) In general Amounts for the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program shall be derived from amounts available to the Secretary for the Veterans Health Administration. (b) Transfer (1) The Secretary shall transfer to the Secretary of Defense amounts required by the Secretary of Defense to carry out the Primary Care Educational Assistance Program. (2) Amounts transferred to the Secretary of Defense pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be credited to the appropriation or account providing funding for the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Amounts so credited shall be merged with amounts in the appropriation or account to which credited and shall be available, subject to the terms and conditions applicable to such appropriation or account, for the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 76 is amended by adding after the item relating to section 7684 the following: SUBCHAPTER VIII—Program of Education at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences With Specialization in Primary Care 7691. Authority for program. 7692. Selection; agreement; ineligibility for certain other educational assistance. 7693. Obligated service. 7694. Breach of agreement: liability. 7695. Funding. . (b) Inclusion of program in Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program Section 7601(a) is amended— (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (6) the enrollment of individuals in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences for specialization in primary care provided for in subchapter VIII of this chapter. . (c) Application requirements (1) In general Subsection (a)(1) of section 7603 is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking , or VI and inserting , VI, or VIII . (2) No priority for applications Subsection (d) of such section is amended— (A) by striking In selecting and inserting (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), in selecting ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to applicants for participation in the Program of Education at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences With Specialization in Primary Care pursuant to subchapter VIII of this chapter. . (d) Agreement requirements Section 7604 is amended by striking , or VI each place it appears and inserting , VI, or VIII . 105. Treatment of staffing shortage and biannual report on staffing of medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Staffing shortage (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than September 30 each year thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall determine, and publish in the Federal Register, the five occupations of health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs for which there is the largest staffing shortage throughout the Department. (2) Recruitment and appointment Notwithstanding sections 3304 and 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, the Secretary may, upon a determination by the Secretary under paragraph (1) or a modification to such determination under paragraph (2), that there is a staffing shortage throughout the Department with respect to a particular occupation of health care provider, recruit and directly appoint highly qualified health care providers to a position to serve as a health care provider in that particular occupation for the Department. (3) Priority in Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program to certain providers Section 7612(b)(5) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B): (B) shall give priority to applicants pursuing a course of education or training towards a career in an occupation for which the Secretary has, in the most current determination published in the Federal Register pursuant to section 105(a)(1) of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 , determined that there is one of the largest staffing shortage throughout the Department with respect to such occupation; and . (b) Reports (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than December 31 of each even numbered year thereafter until 2024, 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 assessing the staffing of each medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Elements Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The results of a system-wide assessment of all medical facilities of the Department to ensure the following: (i) Appropriate staffing levels for health care providers to meet the goals of the Secretary for timely access to care for veterans. (ii) Appropriate staffing levels for support personnel, including clerks. (iii) Appropriate sizes for clinical panels. (iv) Appropriate numbers of full-time staff, or full-time equivalent, dedicated to direct care of patients. (v) Appropriate physical plant space to meet the capacity needs of the Department in that area. (vi) Such other factors as the Secretary considers necessary. (B) A plan for addressing any issues identified in the assessment described in subparagraph (A), including a timeline for addressing such issues. (C) A list of the current wait times and workload levels for the following clinics in each medical facility: (i) Mental health. (ii) Primary care. (iii) Gastroenterology. (iv) Women’s health. (v) Such other clinics as the Secretary considers appropriate. (D) A description of the results of the determination of the Secretary under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) and a plan to use direct appointment authority under paragraph (2) of such subsection to fill staffing shortages, including recommendations for improving the speed at which the credentialing and privileging process can be conducted. (E) The current staffing models of the Department for the following clinics, including recommendations for changes to such models: (i) Mental health. (ii) Primary care. (iii) Gastroenterology. (iv) Women’s health. (v) Such other clinics as the Secretary considers appropriate. (F) A detailed analysis of succession planning at medical facilities of the Department, including the following: (i) The number of positions in medical facilities throughout the Department that are not filled by a permanent employee. (ii) The length of time each such position described in clause (i) remained vacant or filled by a temporary or acting employee. (iii) A description of any barriers to filling the positions described in clause (i). (iv) A plan for filling any positions that are vacant or filled by a temporary or acting employee for more than 180 days. (v) A plan for handling emergency circumstances, such administrative leave or sudden medical leave for senior officials. (G) The number of health care providers who have been removed from their position or have retired, by provider type, during the two-year period preceding the submittal of the report. (H) Of the health care providers specified in subparagraph (G) that have been removed from their position, the following: (i) The number of such health care providers who were reassigned to another position in the Department. (ii) The number of such health care providers who left the Department. 106. Clinic management training program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement a clinic management training program to provide in-person, standardized education on health care management to all managers of, and health care providers at, medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Elements The clinic management training program required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) Training on how to manage the schedules of health care providers of the Department, including the following: (A) Maintaining such schedules in a manner that allows appointments to be booked at least eight weeks in advance. (B) Proper planning procedures for vacation, leave, and graduate medical education training schedules. (2) Training on the appropriate number of appointments that a health care provider should conduct on a daily basis, based on specialty. (3) Training on how to determine whether there are enough available appointment slots to manage demand for different appointment types and mechanisms for alerting management of insufficient slots. (4) Training on how to properly use the data produced by the scheduling dashboard required by section 101(b)(11) of this Act to meet demand for health care, including the following: (A) Training on determining the next available appointment for each health care provider at the medical facility. (B) Training on determining the number of health care providers needed to meet demand for health care at the medical facility. (C) Training on determining the number of exam rooms needed to meet demand for such health care in an efficient manner. (5) Training on how to properly use the appointment scheduling system of the Department, including any new scheduling system implemented by the Department. (6) Training on how to optimize the use of technology, including the following: (A) Telemedicine. (B) Electronic mail. (C) Text messaging. (D) Such other technologies as specified by the Secretary. (7) Training on how to properly use physical plant space at medical facilities of the Department to ensure efficient flow and privacy for patients and staff. 107. Inclusion of Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in National Health Service Corps Scholarship and loan repayment programs (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall use the funds transferred under subsection (e) to award scholarship and loan repayment contracts under sections 338A and 338B of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254l , 254l–1) to eligible individuals who agree to a period of obligated service under section 338A(f)(1) or 338B(f)(1) of such Act, as applicable, at a health facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Health professional shortage areas For purposes of selecting individuals eligible for the scholarships and loan repayment contracts under subsection (a), all health facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall be deemed health professional shortage areas, as defined in section 332 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254e ). (c) Requirement The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall ensure that a minimum of 5 scholarships or loan repayment contracts are awarded to individuals who agree to a period of obligated service at Veterans Affairs facilities in each State. (d) Applicability of NHSC program requirements Except as otherwise provided in this section, the terms of the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program and the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program shall apply to participants awarded a grant or loan repayment contract under subsection (a) in the same manner that such terms apply to participants awarded a grant or loan repayment contract under section 338A or 338B of the Public Health Service Act. (e) Inclusion of geriatricians For purposes of awarding scholarships and loan repayments contracts to eligible individuals who agree to a period of obligated service at a health facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to this section, in sections 338A and 338B of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254l , 254l–1), the term primary health services shall include geriatrics. (f) Funding The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall transfer $20,000,000 from accounts of the Veterans Health Administration to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award scholarships and loan repayment contracts, as described in subsection (a). All funds so transferred shall be used exclusively for the purposes described in such subsection. 108. Improvement of access by veterans to health care from non-Department of Veterans Affairs providers (a) Improvement of access (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure timely access of all veterans to the hospital care, medical services, and other health care for which such veterans are eligible under the laws administered by the Secretary through the enhanced use of authorities specified in paragraph (2) on the provision of such care and services through non-Department of Veterans Affairs providers (commonly referred to as non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical care ). (2) Authorities on provision of care through non-Department providers The authorities specified in this paragraph are the following: (A) Section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, relating to contracts for the provision of hospital care and medical services through non-Department facilities. (B) Section 1725 of such title, relating to reimbursement of certain veterans for the reasonable value of emergency treatment at non-Department facilities. (C) Section 1728 of such title, relating to reimbursement of certain veterans for customary and usual charges of emergency treatment from sources other than the Department. (D) Section 1786 of such title, relating to health care services furnished to newborn children of women veterans who are receiving maternity care furnished by the Department at a non-Department facility. (E) Any other authority under the laws administered by the Secretary to provide hospital care, medical services, or other health care from a non-Department provider, including the following: (i) A Federally-qualified health center (as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B) )). (ii) The Department of Defense. (iii) The Indian Health Service. (3) Requirements In ensuring timely access of all veterans to the care and services described in paragraph (1) through the enhanced use of authorities specified in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall require the following: (A) That each veteran who has not received hospital care, medical services, or other health care from the Department and is seeking an appointment for primary care under the laws administered by the Secretary receive an appointment for primary care at a time consistent with timeliness measures established by the Secretary for purposes of providing primary care to all veterans. (B) That the determination whether to refer a veteran for specialty care through a non-Department provider shall take into account the urgency and acuity of such veteran's need for such care, including— (i) the severity of the condition of such veteran requiring specialty care; and (ii) the wait-time for an appointment with a specialist with respect to such condition at the nearest medical facility of the Department with the capacity to provide such care. (C) That the determination whether a veteran shall receive hospital care, medical services, or other health care from the Department through facilities of the Department or through non-Department providers pursuant to the authorities specified in paragraph (2) shall take into account, in the manner specified by the Secretary, the following: (i) The distance the veteran would be required to travel to receive care or services through a non-Department provider compared to the distance the veteran would be required to travel to receive care or services from a medical facility of the Department. (ii) Any factors that might limit the ability of the veteran to travel, including age, access to transportation, and infirmity. (iii) The wait-time for the provision of care or services through a non-Department provider compared to the wait-time for the provision of care or services from a medical facility of the Department. (D) That the Department maximize the use of hospital care, medical services, and other health care available to the Department through non-Department providers, including providers available to provide such care and services as follows: (i) Pursuant to contracts under the Patient-Centered Community Care Program of the Department. (ii) Pursuant to contracts between a facility or facilities of the Department and a local facility or provider. (iii) Pursuant to contracts with Federally-qualified health centers (as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B) )), the Department of Defense, or the Indian Health Service. (iv) On a fee-for-service basis. (b) Medical records In providing hospital care, medical services, and other health care to veterans through non-Department providers pursuant to the authorities specified in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that any such provider submits to the Department any medical record related to the care and services provided to a veteran by that provider for inclusion in the electronic medical record of such veteran maintained by the Department upon the completion of the provision of such care and services to such veteran. (c) Reports (1) Initial report Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the requirements under subsections (a) and (b), including a plan to enforce the proper implementation of such requirements systematically throughout the Department. (2) Periodic reports Not later than 90 days after the submittal of the report required by paragraph (1), and every 90 days thereafter for one year, 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 that includes the following: (A) The progress of the Secretary in carrying out the plan under paragraph (1) to enforce the proper implementation of the requirements under subsections (a) and (b) systematically throughout the Department. (B) The impact of the implementation of such requirements on wait-times for veterans to receive hospital care, medical services, and other health care, disaggregated by— (i) new patients; (ii) existing patients; (iii) primary care; and (iv) specialty care. (C) Any recommendations for changes or improvements to such requirements. (D) Any requests for additional funding necessary to carry out such requirements. 109. Extension of and report on joint incentives program of Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (a) Extension Section 8111(d)(3) is amended by striking September 30, 2015 and inserting September 30, 2020 . (b) Reports (1) Report on implementation of recommendations Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly submit to Congress a report on the implementation by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense of the findings and recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United States in the September 2012 report entitled VA and DoD Health Care: Department-Level Actions Needed to Assess Collaboration Performance, Address Barriers, and Identify Opportunities (GAO–12–992). (2) Comptroller General report (A) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report assessing and providing recommendations for improvement to the program to identify, provide incentives to, implement, fund, and evaluate creative coordination and sharing initiatives between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense required under section 8111(d) of such title. (B) Elements The report required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) An assessment of the extent to which the program described in subparagraph (A) has accomplished the goal of such program to improve the access to, and quality and cost effectiveness of, the health care provided by the Veterans Health Administration and the Military Health System to the beneficiaries of both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. (ii) An assessment of whether administration of such program through the Health Executive Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee established under section 320 of such title provides sufficient leadership attention and oversight to ensure maximum benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense through collaborative efforts. (iii) An assessment of whether additional authorities to jointly construct, lease, or acquire facilities would facilitate additional collaborative efforts under such program. (iv) An assessment of whether the funding for such program is sufficient to ensure consistent identification of potential opportunities for collaboration and oversight of existing collaborations to ensure a meaningful partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense and remove any barriers to integration or collaboration. (v) An assessment of whether existing processes for identifying opportunities for collaboration are sufficient to ensure maximum collaboration between the Veterans Health Administration and the Military Health System. (vi) Such legislative or administrative recommendations for improvement to such program as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to enhance the use of such program to increase access to health care. 110. Transfer of authority for payments for hospital care, medical services, and other health care from non-Department providers to the Chief Business Office of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department (a) Transfer of authority (1) In general Effective on October 1, 2014, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall transfer the authority to pay for hospital care, medical services, and other health care through non-Department providers to the Chief Business Office of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs from the Veterans Integrated Service Networks and medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Manner of care The Chief Business Office shall work in consultation with the Office of Clinical Operations and Management of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that care and services described in paragraph (1) is provided in a manner that is clinically appropriate and effective. (3) No delay in payment The transfer of authority under paragraph (1) shall be carried out in a manner that does not delay or impede any payment by the Department for hospital care, medical services, or other health care provided through a non-Department provider under the laws administered by the Secretary. (b) Budgetary effect The Secretary shall, for each fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act— (1) include in the budget for the Chief Business Office of the Veterans Health Administration amounts to pay for hospital care, medical services, and other health care provided through non-Department providers, including any amounts necessary to carry out the transfer of authority to pay for such care and services under subsection (a), including any increase in staff; and (2) not include in the budget of each Veterans Integrated Service Network and medical center of the Department amounts to pay for such care and services. (c) Removal from performance goals For each fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall not include in the performance goals of any employee of a Veterans Integrated Service Network or medical center of the Department any performance goal that might disincentivize the payment of Department amounts to provide hospital care, medical services, or other health care through a non-Department provider. 110A. Contracting for hospital care, medical services, and other health care (a) Use of contracts with certain entities (1) In general In providing hospital care, medical services, and other health care under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs through the use of contracts, the Secretary shall prioritize the use of contracts or agreements with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), medical facilities receiving funding from the Indian Health Service, and the Department of Defense. (2) Plan on increased use of contracts The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Director of the Indian Health Service, develop a plan to increase the use of contracts described in paragraph (1) to improve the ability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide hospital care, medical services, and other health care to veterans. (3) Report 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 plan required by paragraph (2). (b) Best practices The Secretary shall modify the guidance of the Department of Veterans Affairs on contracts for hospital care, medical services, and other health care in order to provide for the incorporation into such contracts of standardized requirements for best practices under such contracts, including the following: (1) Requirements that contracts provide the Department on a regular basis information on scheduling and appearance for appointments for hospital care, medical services, and other health care on per-patient basis. (2) Such other best practices requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Federally Qualified Health Center defined In this section the term Federally Qualified Health Center means a Federally-qualified health center as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B) ). 110B. Enhancement of collaboration between Department of Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Service (a) Outreach to tribal-Run medical facilities The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with the Director of the Indian Health Service, conduct outreach to each medical facility operated by an Indian tribe or tribal organization through a contract or compact with the Indian Health Service under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq. ) to raise awareness of the ability of such facilities, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to enter into agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs under which the Secretary reimburses such facilities, Indian tribes, or tribal organizations, as the case may be, for health care provided to veterans eligible for health care at such facilities. (b) Metrics for memorandum of understanding performance The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement performance metrics for assessing the performance by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service under the memorandum of understanding entitled Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) in increasing access to health care, improving quality and coordination of health care, promoting effective patient-centered collaboration and partnerships between the Department and the Service, and ensuring health-promotion and disease-prevention services are appropriately funded and available for beneficiaries under both health care systems. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Indian Health Service shall jointly submit to Congress a report on the feasibility and advisability of the following: (1) Entering into agreements for the reimbursement by the Secretary of the costs of direct care services provided through organizations receiving amounts pursuant to grants made or contracts entered into under section 503 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1653) to veterans who are otherwise eligible to receive health care from such organizations. (2) Including the reimbursement of the costs of direct care services provided to veterans who are not Indians in agreements between the Department and the following: (A) The Indian Health Service. (B) An Indian tribe or tribal organization operating a medical facility through a contract or compact with the Indian Health Service under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq. ). (C) A medical facility of the Indian Health Service. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Indian The terms Indian and Indian tribe have the meanings given those terms in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603). (2) Medical facility of the Indian Health Service The term medical facility of the Indian Health Service includes a facility operated by an Indian tribe or tribal organization through a contract or compact with the Indian Health Service under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq. ). (3) Tribal organization The term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). 110C. Enhancement of collaboration between Department of Veterans Affairs and Native Hawaiian health care systems (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with Papa Ola Lokahi and such other organizations involved in the delivery of health care to Native Hawaiians as the Secretary considers appropriate, enter into contracts or agreements with Native Hawaiian health care systems that are in receipt of funds from the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to grants awarded or contracts entered into under section 6(a) of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act ( 42 U.S.C. 11705(a) ) for the reimbursement of direct care services provided to eligible veterans as specified in such contracts or agreements. (b) Definitions In this section, the terms Native Hawaiian , Native Hawaiian health care system , and Papa Ola Lokahi have the meanings given those terms in section 12 of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act ( 42 U.S.C. 11711 ). 110D. Improvement of access of veterans to mobile vet centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Improvement of access (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall improve the access of veterans to telemedicine and other health care through the use of mobile vet centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs by providing standardized requirements for the operation of such centers. (2) Requirements The standardized requirements required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The number of days each mobile vet center of the Department is expected to travel per year. (B) The number of locations each center is expected to visit per year. (C) The number of appointments each center is expected to conduct per year. (D) The method and timing of notifications given by each center to individuals in the area to which such center is traveling, including notifications informing veterans of the availability to schedule appointments at the center. (3) Use of telemedicine The Secretary shall ensure that each mobile vet center of the Department has the capability to provide telemedicine services. (b) Reports Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than September 30 each year thereafter, 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 following: (1) The use of mobile vet centers to provide telemedicine services to veterans during the year preceding the submittal of the report, including the following: (A) The number of days each mobile vet center was open to provide such services. (B) The number of days each mobile vet center traveled to a location other than the headquarters of the mobile vet center to provide such services. (C) The number of appointments each center conducted to provide such services on average per month and in total during such year. (2) An analysis of the effectiveness of using mobile vet centers to provide health care services to veterans through the use of telemedicine. (3) Any recommendations for an increase in the number of mobile vet centers of the Department. (4) Any recommendations for an increase in the telemedicine capabilities of each mobile vet center. (5) The feasibility and advisability of using temporary health care providers, including locum tenens, to provide direct health care services to veterans at mobile vet centers. (6) Such other recommendations on improvement of the use of mobile vet centers by the Department as the Secretary considers appropriate. 110E. Commission on Access to Care (a) Establishment of commission (1) In general There is established the Commission on Access to Care (in this section referred to as the Commission ) to examine the access of veterans to health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs and strategically examine how best to organize the Veterans Health Administration, locate health care resources, and deliver health care to veterans during the next 10 to 20 years. (2) Membership (A) Voting members The Commission shall be composed of 10 voting members who are appointed by the President as follows: (i) At least two members who represent an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code. (ii) At least one member from among persons who are experts concerning a public or private hospital system. (iii) At least one member from among persons who are familiar with government health care systems, including those systems of the Department of Defense, the Indian Health Service, and Federally-qualified health centers (as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B) )). (iv) At least two members from among persons who are familiar with the Veterans Health Administration. (B) Nonvoting members In addition to members appointed under subparagraph (A), the Commission shall be composed of 10 nonvoting members who are appointed by the President as follows: (i) At least two members who represent an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code. (ii) At least one member from among persons who are experts in a public or private hospital system. (iii) At least one member from among persons who are familiar with government health care systems, including those systems of the Department of Defense, the Indian Health Service, and Federally-qualified health centers (as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B) )). (iv) At least two members from among persons who are familiar with the Veterans Health Administration. (C) Date The appointments of members of the Commission shall be made not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (3) Period of appointment; vacancies Members shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (4) Initial meeting Not later than 15 days after the date on which seven voting members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold its first meeting. (5) Meetings The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson. (6) Quorum A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. (7) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson The Commission shall select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among its members. (b) Duties of commission (1) Evaluation and assessment The Commission shall undertake a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of access to health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Matters evaluated and assessed The matters evaluated and assessed by the Commission shall include the following: (A) The appropriateness of current standards of the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning access to health care. (B) The measurement of such standards. (C) The appropriateness of performance standards and incentives in relation to standards described in subparagraph (A). (D) Staffing levels throughout the Veterans Health Administration and whether they are sufficient to meet current demand for health care from the Administration. (3) Reports The Commission shall submit to the President, through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, reports as follows: (A) Not later than 90 days after the date of the initial meeting of the Commission, an interim report on— (i) the findings of the Commission with respect to the evaluation and assessment required by this subsection; and (ii) such recommendations as the Commission may have for legislative or administrative action to improve access to health care through the Veterans Health Administration. (B) Not later than 180 days after the date of the initial meeting of the Commission, a final report on— (i) the findings of the Commission with respect to the evaluation and assessment required by this subsection; and (ii) such recommendations as the Commission may have for legislative or administrative action to improve access to health care through the Veterans Health Administration. (c) Powers of the commission (1) Hearings The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this section. (2) Information from Federal agencies The Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this section. Upon request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission. (d) Commission personnel matters (1) Compensation of members Each member of the Commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States. (2) Travel expenses The members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. (3) Staff (A) In general The Chairperson of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties. The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission. (B) Compensation The Chairperson of the Commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (4) Detail of government employees Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. (5) Procurement of temporary and intermittent services The Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (e) Termination of the commission The Commission shall terminate 30 days after the date on which the Commission submits its report under subsection (b)(3)(B). (f) Funding The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available to the Commission from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the Secretary such amounts as the Secretary and the Chairperson of the Commission jointly consider appropriate for the Commission to perform its duties under this section. (g) Executive action (1) Action on recommendations The President shall require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and such other heads of relevant Federal departments and agencies to implement each recommendation set forth in a report submitted under subsection (b)(3) that the President— (A) considers feasible and advisable; and (B) determines can be implemented without further legislative action. (2) Reports Not later than 60 days after the date on which the President receives a report under subsection (b)(3), the President shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and such other committees of Congress as the President considers appropriate a report setting forth the following: (A) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of each recommendation contained in the report received by the President. (B) For each recommendation assessed as feasible and advisable under subparagraph (A) the following: (i) Whether such recommendation requires legislative action. (ii) If such recommendation requires legislative action, a recommendation concerning such legislative action. (iii) A description of any administrative action already taken to carry out such recommendation. (iv) A description of any administrative action the President intends to be taken to carry out such recommendation and by whom. 110F. Removal of Senior Executive Service employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs for performance (a) Removal or transfer (1) In general Chapter 7 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 713. Senior Executive Service: removal based on performance (a) In general The Secretary may remove any individual from the Senior Executive Service if the Secretary determines the performance of the individual warrants such removal. If the Secretary so removes such an individual, the Secretary may— (1) remove the individual from the civil service (as defined in section 2101 of title 5); or (2) transfer the individual to a General Schedule position at any grade of the General Schedule for which the individual is qualified and that the Secretary determines is appropriate. (b) Notice to Congress Not later than 30 days after removing or transferring an individual from the Senior Executive Service under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives notice in writing of such removal or transfer and the reason for such removal or transfer. (c) Appeal of removal or transfer Any removal or transfer under subsection (a) may be appealed to the Merit Systems Protection Board under section 7701 of title 5 not later than 7 days after such removal or transfer. (d) Expedited review by Merit Systems Protection Board (1) The Merit Systems Protection Board shall expedite any appeal under section 7701 of title 5 of a removal or transfer under subsection (a) and, in any such case, shall issue a decision not later than 21 days after the date of the appeal. (2) In any case in which the Merit Systems Protection Board determines that it cannot issue a decision in accordance with the 21-day requirement under paragraph (1), the Merit Systems Protection Board shall submit to Congress a report that explains the reason why the Merit Systems Protection Board is unable to issue a decision in accordance with such requirement in such case. (3) There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the Merit Systems Protection Board to expedite appeals under paragraph (1). (4) The Merit Systems Protection Board may not stay any personnel action taken under this section. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 713. Senior Executive Service: removal based on performance. . (b) Establishment of expedited review process (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Merit Systems Protection Board shall establish and put into effect a process to conduct expedited reviews in accordance with section 713(d) of title 38, United States Code. (2) Inapplicability of certain regulations Section 1201.22 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall not apply to expedited reviews carried out under section 713(d) of title 38, United States Code. (3) Report by Merit Systems Protection Board Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Merit Systems Protection Board shall submit to Congress a report on the actions the Board plans to take to conduct expedited reviews under section 713(d) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). Such report shall include a description of the resources the Board determines will be necessary to conduct such reviews and a description of whether any resources will be necessary to conduct such reviews that were not available to the Board on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Temporary exemption from certain limitation on initiation of removal from Senior Executive Service During the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, an action to remove an individual from the Senior Executive Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 713 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), or section 7543 of title 5, United States Code, may be initiated, notwithstanding section 3592(b) of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law. (d) Construction Nothing in this section or section 713 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall be construed to apply to an appeal of a removal, transfer, or other personnel action that was pending before the date of the enactment of this Act. 110G. Authorization of emergency appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs such sums as may be necessary to carry out sections 103 through 110C of this Act. B Expansion and Improvements of Benefits Generally 111. Further extension of period of eligibility for health care for veterans of combat service during certain periods of hostilities and war Section 1710(e)(3) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking the date that is five years before the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, after a period of five years and inserting January 27, 2003, after a period of 10 years ; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking more than five years and all that follows and inserting before January 28, 2003, and who did not enroll in the patient enrollment system under section 1705 of this title before January 28, 2008, after January 27, 2018. . 112. Expansion of assistance and support services for caregivers of veterans (a) Expansion of eligible veterans Subsection (a)(2)(B) of section 1720G is amended— (1) by striking service on or after September 11, 2001; and and inserting “service— (i) on or after September 11, 2001; or (ii) that— (I) is rated as 50 percent or more disabling on the schedule of rating for disabilities of the Department; and (II) requires the maximum amount and degree of personal care services allowed under that schedule. . (b) Support services provided under program of general caregiver support services Subsection (b)(3)(A) of such section is amended— (1) in clause (i)— (A) by redesignating subclauses (II) and (III) as subclauses (III) and (IV), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subclause (I) the following new subclause (II): (II) for caregivers undergoing educational sessions pursuant to subclause (I), payment of necessary travel, lodging, and per diem expenses incurred by such caregivers in undergoing such educational sessions in such amounts as the Secretary shall prescribe for purposes of this subclause; ; (2) by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following new clause: (iii) Respite care of not less than 30 days annually that is medically and age-appropriate, including in-home care and 24-hour per day care of the veteran commensurate with the care provided by the caregiver to permit extended respite. ; (3) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); and (4) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause (iv): (iv) Such mental health services as the Secretary considers appropriate. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2015. 113. Improved access to appropriate immunizations for veterans (a) Inclusion of recommended adult immunizations as medical services (1) Covered benefit Subparagraph (F) of section 1701(9) is amended to read as follows: (F) immunizations against infectious diseases, including each immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that schedule; . (2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined Section 1701 is amended by adding after paragraph (9) the following new paragraph: (10) The term recommended adult immunization schedule means the schedule established (and periodically reviewed and, as appropriate, revised) 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 Prevention. . (b) Inclusion of recommended adult immunizations in annual report Section 1704(1)(A) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause: (iii) to provide veterans each immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that schedule. . (c) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 metrics, including targets for compliance, to ensure that veterans receiving medical services under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, receive each immunization on the recommended adult immunization schedule at the time such immunization is indicated on that schedule. (2) Recommended adult immunization schedule defined In this subsection, the term recommended adult immunization schedule has the meaning given that term in section 1701(10) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2). (3) Effective date This subsection shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 114. Expansion of provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans (a) Program for provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans Section 204(c) of the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 ( Public Law 107–135 ; 115 Stat. 2459; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended— (1) by inserting (1) before The program ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) The program shall be carried out at not fewer than two medical centers or clinics in each Veterans Integrated Service Network by not later than one year after the effective date specified in section 114(c) of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 , and at not fewer than 50 percent of all medical centers in each Veterans Integrated Service Network by not later than two years after such effective date. . (b) Expanded chiropractor services available to veterans (1) Medical services Paragraph (6) of section 1701 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) Chiropractic services. . (2) Rehabilitative services Paragraph (8) of such section is amended by inserting chiropractic, after counseling, . (3) Preventive health services Paragraph (9) of such section is amended— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (K) as subparagraphs (G) through (L), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new subparagraph (F): (F) periodic and preventive chiropractic examinations and services; . (c) Effective date This section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 115. Modification of commencement date of period of service at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for eligibility for hospital care and medical services in connection with exposure to contaminated water (a) Modification Section 1710(e)(1)(F) is amended by striking January 1, 1957, and inserting August 1, 1953 (or such earlier date for the commencement of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as the Secretary, in consultation with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, shall specify), . (b) Publication The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of any earlier date for the commencement of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for purposes of section 1710(e)(1)(F) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a). 116. Expansion of emergency treatment reimbursement for certain veterans (a) In general Section 1725(b)(2)(B) is amended— (1) by inserting (i) after (B) ; (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (ii) the veteran was unable to receive care under this chapter within such 24-month period because of a waiting period imposed by the Department with respect to a new patient examination of such veteran. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 117. Extension of sunset date regarding transportation of individuals to and from facilities of Department of Veterans Affairs and requirement of report (a) Extension of sunset date Subsection (a)(2) of section 111A is amended by striking December 31, 2014 and inserting September 30, 2016 . (b) Funding available Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) Funding There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department to carry out this section the following: (1) For fiscal year 2014, $2,000,000. (2) For each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016, $4,000,000. . (c) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on— (1) the efforts of the Secretary to carry out the transportation services required by section 111A(a) of title 38, United States Code; (2) the utilization of those services by covered veterans; and (3) the feasibility and advisability of the continuation of the provision of such services after September 30, 2015. 118. Extension and modification of pilot program on assisted living services for veterans with traumatic brain injury (a) Extension of program Subsection (a) of section 1705 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 ( Public Law 110–181 ; 38 U.S.C. 1710C note) is amended by striking a five-year and inserting an eight-year . (b) Modification of locations Subsection (b) of such section is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (1) In general The pilot program shall be carried out at locations selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program. (2) Located in same region as polytrauma centers Of the locations selected under paragraph (1), at least one location shall be in each health care region of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs that contains a polytrauma center of the Department of Veterans Affairs. . (c) Modification of report requirements Subsection (e) of such section is amended to read as follows: (e) Reports (1) Annual report (A) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 , and not later than September 30 each year thereafter until 2018, 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 pilot program. (B) Elements Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) The number of individuals that participated in the pilot program during the year preceding the submission of the report. (ii) The number of individuals that successfully completed the pilot program during the year preceding the submission of the report. (iii) The degree to which pilot program participants and family members of pilot program participants were satisfied with the pilot program. (iv) The interim findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the success of the pilot program and recommendations for improvement. (2) Final report (A) In general Not later than 60 days after the completion of the pilot program, 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 final report on the pilot program. (B) Elements The final report required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) A description of the pilot program. (ii) An assessment of the utility of the activities under the pilot program in enhancing the rehabilitation, quality of life, and community reintegration of veterans with traumatic brain injury, including complex mild traumatic brain injury. (iii) Such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate regarding improving the pilot program. . (d) Modification of definitions (1) Community-based brain injury residential rehabilitative care services Such section is further amended— (A) in the section heading, by striking assisted living and inserting community-based brain injury residential rehabilitative care ; (B) in subsection (c), in the subsection heading, by striking assisted living and inserting community-Based brain injury residential rehabilitative care ; (C) by striking assisted living each place it appears, and inserting community-based brain injury rehabilitative care ; and (D) in subsection (f)(1), by striking and personal care and inserting rehabilitation, and personal care . (2) Eligible veteran Subsection (f)(3) of such section is amended— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) has a traumatic brain injury that is classified as complex-mild to severe. . (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2015 $46,000,000 to carry out the pilot program under section 1705 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181; 38 U.S.C. 1710C note), as amended by this section. The amount so authorized to be appropriated shall be available for obligation for the three-year period beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. (f) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2014. 119. Reauthorization and modification of pilot program of enhanced contract care authority for health care needs of veterans Section 403 of the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–387; 38 U.S.C. 1703 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 ; and (B) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows: (4) Program locations The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program at locations in the following Veterans Integrated Service Networks (and such other locations as the Secretary considers appropriate): (A) Veterans Integrated Service Network 1. (B) Veterans Integrated Service Network 6. (C) Veterans Integrated Service Network 15. (D) Veterans Integrated Service Network 18. (E) Veterans Integrated Service Network 19. ; (2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows: (b) Covered veterans For purposes of the pilot program under this section, a covered veteran is any rural or highly rural veteran who— (1) is— (A) enrolled in the system of patient enrollment established under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code; (B) eligible for health care under the laws administered by the Secretary and enrolls in such system of patient enrollment not later than 30 days after the veteran begins receiving covered health services under the pilot program; or (C) eligible for health care under section 1710(e)(3) of such title; and (2) resides in a location that is— (A) more than 60 minutes driving distance from the nearest Department health care facility providing primary care services, if the veteran is seeking such services; (B) more than 120 minutes driving distance from the nearest Department health care facility providing acute hospital care, if the veteran is seeking such care; or (C) more than 240 minutes driving distance from the nearest Department health care facility providing tertiary care, if the veteran is seeking such care. ; (3) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (j); (4) by inserting after subsection (g) the following new subsections: (h) Appointments In carrying out the pilot program under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that medical appointments for veterans occur during the 30-day period beginning on the date that is 15 days after the date on which the appointment is requested. (i) Outreach The Secretary shall ensure that a veteran eligible for the pilot program under this section is informed of such program. ; and (5) in paragraph (2)(B) of subsection (j), as redesignated by paragraph (3) of this section, by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting ; and . C Health Care Administration 121. Extension of Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program Section 7619 is amended by striking December 31, 2014 and inserting December 31, 2019 . 122. Expansion of availability of prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans (a) Establishment or expansion of advanced degree programs To expand availability of provision of care The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall work with institutions of higher education to develop partnerships for the establishment or expansion of programs of advanced degrees in prosthetics and orthotics in order to improve and enhance the availability of high quality prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans. (b) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report setting forth a plan for carrying out subsection (a). The Secretary shall develop the plan in consultation with veterans service organizations, institutions of higher education with accredited degree programs in prosthetics and orthotics, and representatives of the prosthetics and orthotics field. (c) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2015 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, $10,000,000 to carry out this section. (2) Availability The amount authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) shall remain available for expenditure until September 30, 2017. 123. Limitation on expansion of dialysis pilot program (a) Limitation The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall not expand the dialysis pilot program to, or expand the capacity to provide additional dialysis care at, any facility owned or leased by the Department that is not an initial facility until after the date that— (1) the Secretary has implemented the dialysis pilot program at each initial facility for a period of not less than two years; (2) an independent analysis of the dialysis pilot program has been conducted at each initial facility, including a consideration and comparison of factors including— (A) the ability of veterans to access care under the dialysis pilot program; (B) the quality of care provided under the dialysis pilot program; and (C) the satisfaction of veterans who have received treatment under the dialysis pilot program; and (3) the report required by subsection (b) has been submitted. (b) Report Not later than 60 days after the date of the completion of the independent analysis required by subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that— (1) includes the results of that independent analysis; and (2) addresses any recommendations with respect to the dialysis pilot program provided in a report prepared by the Government Accountability Office. (c) Utilization of existing dialysis resources In order to increase the access of veterans to dialysis care and decrease the travel time of such veterans to receive such care, the Secretary shall fully utilize existing dialysis resources of the Department, including any community dialysis provider with which the Department has entered into a contract or agreement for the provision of such care. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Dialysis pilot program The term dialysis pilot program means the pilot demonstration program established by the Secretary in 2009 to provide dialysis care to patients at certain outpatient facilities operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Initial facility The term initial facility means one of the four outpatient facilities identified by the Secretary to participate in the dialysis pilot program prior to the date of the enactment of this Act. (e) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 124. Requirement for Department of Veterans Affairs policy on reporting cases of infectious diseases at facilities of the Department (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 7330B. Reporting of infectious diseases (a) Reporting The Secretary shall ensure that the Department has in effect an up-to-date policy on reporting a notifiable infectious disease diagnosed at a facility under the jurisdiction of the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of State and local law in effect where such facility is located. (b) Notifiable infectious disease For purposes of this section, a notifiable infectious disease is any infectious disease that is— (1) on the list of nationally notifiable diseases published by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; or (2) covered by a provision of law of a State that requires the reporting of infectious diseases. (c) Performance measures The Secretary shall develop performance measures to assess whether and to what degree the directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks and Department medical centers are complying with the policy required by subsection (a). . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7330A the following new item: 7330B. Reporting of infectious diseases. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 125. Independent assessment of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks and medical centers of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Contract (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into a contract with an independent third party to perform the services covered by this section. (2) Timing The Secretary shall seek to enter into the contract described in paragraph (1) not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Independent study (1) In general Under a contract between the Secretary and an independent third party under this section, the third party shall carry out a study— (A) to assess the organizational structures of medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (B) to improve succession planning among key leadership roles at Veterans Integrated Service Networks and medical centers of the Department. (2) Matters studied and proposed In carrying out the study, the third party shall— (A) assess whether the organizational structure of the medical centers of the Department is effective for the furnishing of medical services, addressing issues that arise regarding the furnishing of medical services, and addressing standard business operations; (B) propose one organizational chart for Department medical centers with a common set of base position descriptions; (C) propose a base set of medical positions that should be filled to ensure that the health care provided to veterans by the Department is of good quality; and (D) identify which key leadership positions at Veterans Integrated Service Networks and Department medical centers should have succession plans and propose how to implement such plans. (3) Timing The third party shall complete the study under this section not later than 270 days after entering into the contract described in subsection (a). (c) Report Not later than 90 days after the date on which the third party completes the study under this section, 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 results of such study. (d) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 126. Requirements in connection with next update of current strategic plan for Office of Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Requirements (1) In general The first update of the Strategic Plan Refresh for Fiscal Years 2012 through 2014 of the Office of Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs after the date of the enactment of this Act, whether an update or refresh of such Strategic Plan Refresh or a strategic plan to supersede such Strategic Plan Refresh, shall be prepared in accordance with this section. (2) Consultation The Director of the Office of Rural Health shall prepare the update in consultation with the following: (A) The Director of the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office of the Department. (B) The Director of the Office of Quality and Performance of the Department. (C) The Director of the Office of Care Coordination Services of the Department. (b) Elements The update described in subsection (a) shall include, for the period covered by the update, the following: (1) Goals and objectives for the recruitment and retention by the Veterans Health Administration of health care personnel in rural areas. (2) Goals and objectives for ensuring timeliness and improving quality in the delivery of health care services by the Veterans Health Administration in rural areas through contract and fee-basis providers. (3) Goals and objectives for the implementation, expansion, and enhanced use of telemedicine services by the Veterans Health Administration in rural areas, including through coordination with other appropriate offices of the Department. (4) Goals and objectives for ensuring the full and effective use of mobile outpatient clinics by the Veterans Health Administration for the provision of health care services in rural areas, including goals and objectives for the use of such clinics on a fully mobile basis and for encouraging health care providers who provide services through such clinics to do so in rural areas. (5) Procedures for soliciting from each Veterans Health Administration facility that serves a rural area the following: (A) A statement of the clinical capacity of such facility. (B) The procedures of such facility in the event of a medical, surgical, or mental health emergency outside the scope of the clinical capacity of such facility. (C) The procedures and mechanisms of such facility for the provision and coordination of health care for women veterans, including procedures and mechanisms for coordination with local hospitals and health care facilities, oversight of primary care and fee-basis care, and management of specialty care. (6) Goals and objectives for the modification of the funding allocation mechanisms of the Office of Rural Health in order to ensure that the Office distributes funds to components of the Department to best achieve the goals and objectives of the Office and in a timely manner. (7) Goals and objectives for the coordination of, and sharing of resources with respect to, the provision of health care services to veterans in rural areas between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services, and other Federal agencies, as appropriate and prudent. (8) Specific milestones for the achievement of the goals and objectives developed for the update. (9) Procedures for ensuring the effective implementation of the update. (c) Transmittal to Congress Not later than 90 days after the date of the issuance of the update described in subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall transmit the update to Congress, together with such comments and recommendations in connection with the update as the Secretary considers appropriate. 127. Report on provision of telemedicine services (a) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 following: (1) Issues that may be impeding the provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs of telemedicine services for veterans, including the following: (A) Statutory or regulatory restrictions. (B) Licensure or credentialing issues for any provider practicing telemedicine with veterans who live in a different State than the provider. (C) Limited broadband access in rural areas. (D) Limited information technology resources or capabilities. (E) Long distances veterans must travel to access a facility or clinic with telemedicine capabilities. (F) Insufficient liability protection for providers. (G) Reimbursement issues faced by providers. (H) Travel limitations for providers that are unaffiliated with the Department and are participating or seeking to participate in a telemedicine program of the Department. (2) Actions taken to address the issues identified in paragraph (1). (3) An update on efforts by the Department to carry out the initiative of teleconsultation for the provision of remote mental health and traumatic brain injury assessments required by section 1709A of title 38, United States Code. (4) An update on efforts by the Department to offer training opportunities in telemedicine to medical residents, as required by section 108(b) of the Janey Ensminger Act ( Public Law 112–154 ; 38 U.S.C. 7406 note). (5) An update on efforts by the Department to, in partnership with primary care providers, install video cameras and instruments to monitor weight, blood pressure, and other vital statistics in the homes of patients. (b) Telemedicine defined In this section, the term telemedicine means the use by a health care provider of telecommunications to assist in the diagnosis or treatment of a patient’s medical condition. (c) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 128. Designation of Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (a) Designation The medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 3900 Woodland Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center . (b) References Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. D Complementary and Alternative Medicine 131. Expansion of research and education on and delivery of complementary and alternative medicine to veterans (a) Development of plan To expand research, education, and delivery Not later than six months after the effective date specified in subsection (f), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop a plan to expand materially and substantially the scope of research and education on, and delivery and integration of, complementary and alternative medicine services into the health care services provided to veterans. (b) Elements The plan required by subsection (a) shall provide for the following: (1) Research on the following: (A) The comparative effectiveness of various complementary and alternative medicine therapies. (B) Approaches to integrating complementary and alternative medicine services into other health care services provided by the Department. (2) Education and training for health care professionals of the Department on the following: (A) Complementary and alternative medicine services selected by the Secretary for purposes of the plan. (B) Appropriate uses of such services. (C) Integration of such services into the delivery of health care to veterans. (3) Research, education, and clinical activities on complementary and alternative medicine at centers of innovation at Department medical centers. (4) Identification or development of metrics and outcome measures to evaluate the provision and integration of complementary and alternative medicine services into the delivery of health care to veterans. (5) Integration and delivery of complementary and alternative medicine services with other health care services provided by the Department. (c) Consultation (1) In general In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the following: (A) The Director of the National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. (B) The Commissioner of Food and Drugs. (C) Institutions of higher education, private research institutes, and individual researchers with extensive experience in complementary and alternative medicine and the integration of complementary and alternative medicine practices into the delivery of health care. (D) Nationally recognized providers of complementary and alternative medicine. (E) Such other officials, entities, and individuals with expertise on complementary and alternative medicine as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Scope of consultation The Secretary shall undertake consultation under paragraph (1) in carrying out subsection (a) with respect to the following: (A) To develop the plan. (B) To identify specific complementary and alternative medicine practices that, on the basis of research findings or promising clinical interventions, are appropriate to include as services to veterans. (C) To identify barriers to the effective provision and integration of complementary and alternative medicine services into the delivery of health care to veterans, and to identify mechanisms for overcoming such barriers. (d) Funding There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. (e) Complementary and alternative medicine defined In this section, the term complementary and alternative medicine shall have the meaning given that term in regulations the Secretary shall prescribe for purposes of this section, which shall, to the degree practicable, be consistent with the meaning given such term by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (f) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 132. Program on integration of complementary and alternative medicine within Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers (a) Program required The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall— (1) carry out, through the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of integrating the delivery of complementary and alternative medicine services selected by the Secretary with other health care services provided by the Department for veterans with mental health conditions, chronic pain conditions, other chronic conditions, and such other conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate; and (2) in developing the program, identify and resolve barriers to the provision of complementary and alternative medicine services selected by the Secretary and the integration of those services with other health care services provided by the Department. (b) Duration of program The program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the effective date specified in subsection (j). (c) Locations (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out the program at not fewer than 15 separate Department medical centers. (2) Polytrauma centers Not less than two of the medical centers designated under paragraph (1) shall be located at polytrauma rehabilitation centers of the Department. (3) Selection of locations In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall select locations that include the following areas: (A) Rural areas. (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty military installation. (C) Areas representing different geographic locations, such as census tracts established by the Bureau of the Census. (d) Provision of services Under the program, the Secretary shall provide covered services to covered veterans by integrating complementary and alternative medicine services with other services provided by the Department at the medical centers designated under subsection (c)(1). (e) Covered veterans For purposes of the program, a covered veteran is any veteran who— (1) has a mental health condition diagnosed by a clinician of the Department; (2) experiences chronic pain; or (3) has a chronic condition being treated by a clinician of the Department. (f) Covered services (1) In general For purposes of the program, covered services are services consisting of complementary and alternative medicine as selected by the Secretary. (2) Administration of services Covered services shall be administered under the program as follows: (A) Covered services shall be administered by clinicians employed by the Secretary for purposes of this section who, to the extent practicable, shall provide services consisting of complementary and alternative medicine, including those clinicians who solely provide such services. (B) Covered services shall be included as part of the Patient Aligned Care Teams initiative of the Office of Patient Care Services, Primary Care Program Office, in coordination with the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation. (C) Covered services shall be made available to both— (i) covered veterans with mental health conditions, pain conditions, or chronic conditions described in subsection (e) who have received conventional treatments from the Department for such conditions; and (ii) covered veterans with mental health conditions, pain conditions, or chronic conditions described in subsection (e) who have not received conventional treatments from the Department for such conditions. (g) Voluntary participation The participation of a veteran in the program shall be at the election of the veteran and in consultation with a clinician of the Department. (h) Reports to Congress (1) Quarterly reports Not later than 90 days after the date of the commencement of the program and not less frequently than once every 90 days thereafter for the duration of the program, 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 efforts of the Secretary to carry out the program, including a description of the outreach conducted by the Secretary to veterans and community organizations to inform such organizations about the program. (2) Final report (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the completion of the program, 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. (B) Contents The report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the program, including with respect to— (I) the utilization and efficacy of the complementary and alternative medicine services established under the program; (II) an assessment of the benefit of the program to covered veterans in mental health diagnoses, pain management, and treatment of chronic illness; and (III) the comparative effectiveness of various complementary and alternative medicine therapies. (ii) Barriers identified under subsection (a)(2) that were not resolved. (iii) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program as the Secretary considers appropriate. (i) Complementary and alternative medicine defined In this section, the term complementary and alternative medicine shall have the meaning given that term in section 131(e) of this Act. (j) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 133. Studies of barriers encountered by veterans in receiving, and administrators and clinicians in providing, complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Studies required (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct comprehensive studies of the barriers encountered by veterans in receiving, and administrators and clinicians in providing, complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Studies conducted (A) Veterans In conducting the study of veterans, the Secretary shall— (i) survey veterans who seek or receive hospital care or medical services furnished by the Department, as well as veterans who do not seek or receive such care or services; (ii) administer the survey to a representative sample of veterans from each Veterans Integrated Service Network; and (iii) ensure that the sample of veterans surveyed is of sufficient size for the study results to be statistically significant. (B) Administrators and clinicians In conducting the study of clinicians and administrators, the Secretary shall— (i) survey administrators of the Department who are involved in the provision of health care services; (ii) survey clinicians that have provided complementary and alternative medicine services through the program established under section 132 of this Act, after those clinicians have provided those services through such program for at least 90 days; and (iii) administer the survey to administrators under clause (i)— (I) before the introduction of complementary and alternative medicine services through such program; and (II) not earlier than 90 days after the introduction of complementary and alternative medicine services through such program. (b) Elements of studies (1) Veterans In conducting the study of veterans required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall study the following: (A) The perceived barriers associated with obtaining complementary and alternative medicine services from the Department. (B) The satisfaction of veterans with complementary and alternative medicine services in primary care. (C) The degree to which veterans are aware of eligibility requirements for, and the scope of services available under, complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by the Department. (D) The effectiveness of outreach to veterans on the availability of complementary and alternative medicine for veterans. (E) Such other barriers as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Administrators and clinicians In conducting the study of administrators and clinicians required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall study the following: (A) The extent of the integration of complementary and alternative medicine services within the services provided by the Department. (B) The perception by administrators and clinicians of the structural and attitudinal barriers to the delivery of high quality complementary and alternative medicine services by the Department. (C) Strategies that have been used to reduce or eliminate such barriers and the results of such strategies. (D) The satisfaction of administrators and clinicians regarding the integration of complementary and alternative medicine services within the services provided by the Department. (E) The perception by administrators and clinicians of the value of specific complementary and alternative medicine services for inpatient and outpatient veteran populations. (c) Discharge by contract The Secretary shall enter into a contract with a qualified independent entity or organization to carry out the studies required by this section. (d) Mandatory review of data by the National Research Advisory Council (1) In general The Secretary shall ensure that the head of the National Research Advisory Council reviews the results of the studies conducted under this section. (2) Submittal of findings The head of the National Research Advisory Council shall submit findings with respect to the studies to the Under Secretary for Health and to other pertinent program offices within the Department with responsibilities relating to health care services for veterans. (e) Reports (1) Report on implementation Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the status of the implementation of this section. (2) Report on study (A) In general Not later than 45 days after the date of the completion of the study, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study required by subsection (a). (B) Contents The report required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) Recommendations for such administrative and legislative proposals and actions as the Secretary considers appropriate. (ii) The findings of the head of the National Research Advisory Council and of the Under Secretary for Health. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2015 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, $2,000,000 to carry out this section. (g) Complementary and alternative medicine defined In this section, the term complementary and alternative medicine shall have the meaning given that term in section 131(e) of this Act. 134. Program on use of wellness programs as complementary approach to mental health care for veterans and family members of veterans (a) Program required (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program through the award of grants to public or private nonprofit entities to assess the feasibility and advisability of using wellness programs to complement the provision of mental health care to veterans and family members eligible for counseling under section 1712A(a)(1)(C) of title 38, United States Code. (2) Matters to be addressed The program shall be carried out so as to assess the following: (A) Means of improving coordination between Federal, State, local, and community providers of health care in the provision of mental health care to veterans and family members described in paragraph (1). (B) Means of enhancing outreach, and coordination of outreach, by and among providers of health care referred to in subparagraph (A) on the mental health care services available to veterans and family members described in paragraph (1). (C) Means of using wellness programs of providers of health care referred to in subparagraph (A) as complements to the provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs of mental health care to veterans and family members described in paragraph (1). (D) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) are effective in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of veterans and family members described in paragraph (1). (E) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) are effective in increasing the adherence of veterans described in paragraph (1) to the primary mental health services provided such veterans by the Department. (F) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) have an impact on the sense of well-being of veterans described in paragraph (1) who receive primary mental health services from the Department. (G) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) are effective in encouraging veterans receiving health care from the Department to adopt a more healthy lifestyle. (b) Duration The Secretary shall carry out the program for a period of three years beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Locations The Secretary shall carry out the program at facilities of the Department providing mental health care services to veterans and family members described in subsection (a)(1). (d) Grant proposals (1) In general A public or private nonprofit entity seeking the award of a grant under this section shall submit an application therefor to the Secretary in such form and in such manner as the Secretary may require. (2) Application contents Each application submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A plan to coordinate activities under the program, to the extent possible, with the Federal, State, and local providers of services for veterans to enhance the following: (i) Awareness by veterans of benefits and health care services provided by the Department. (ii) Outreach efforts to increase the use by veterans of services provided by the Department. (iii) Educational efforts to inform veterans of the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. (B) A statement of understanding from the entity submitting the application that, if selected, such entity will be required to report to the Secretary periodically on standardized data and other performance data necessary to evaluate individual outcomes and to facilitate evaluations among entities participating in the program. (C) Other requirements that the Secretary may prescribe. (e) Grant uses (1) In general A public or private nonprofit entity awarded a grant under this section shall use the award for purposes prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Eligible veterans and family In carrying out the purposes prescribed by the Secretary in paragraph (1), a public or private nonprofit entity awarded a grant under this section shall use the award to furnish services only to individuals specified in section 1712A(a)(1)(C) of title 38, United States Code. (f) Reports (1) Periodic reports (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the commencement of the program, and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the program. (B) Report elements Each report required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the program during the 180-day period preceding the report. (ii) An assessment of the benefits of the program to veterans and their family members during the 180-day period preceding the report. (2) Final report Not later than 180 days after the end of the program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report detailing the recommendations of the Secretary as to the advisability of continuing or expanding the program. (g) Wellness defined In this section, the term wellness has the meaning given that term in regulations prescribed by the Secretary. E Mental Health Care 141. Inclusion of mental health professionals in the education and training program for health personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general In carrying out the education and training program required under section 7302(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall include education and training of marriage and family therapists and licensed professional mental health counselors. (b) Funding The Secretary shall apportion funding for the education and training program equally among the professions included in the program. (c) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 142. Report on provision of mental health services for families of certain veterans at facilities of the Department Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 feasibility and advisability of providing services under the program established by section 304(a) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 ( Public Law 111–163 ; 38 U.S.C. 1712A note) at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 143. Annual report on community mental health partnership pilot program (a) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and not later than September 30 each year thereafter until the completion of the pilot program described in subsection (b), 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 that pilot program. (b) Pilot program described The pilot program described in this subsection is the pilot program conducted by the Veterans Health Administration to connect medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs with community-based mental health care providers and substance abuse treatment providers for the purpose of assisting in the treatment of veterans with mental health disorders, commonly known as the Community Mental Health Partnership Pilot . (c) Elements Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) The number of sites participating in the pilot program. (2) The number of individuals participating in the pilot program at each site. (3) A detailed assessment of the effectiveness of, the participation of veterans in, and the satisfaction of veterans with the pilot program. (4) An analysis of barriers to the effectiveness of, the participation of veterans in, and the satisfaction of veterans with the pilot program. (5) A description of the plans of the Secretary to conduct outreach and provide information to veterans and community mental health providers with respect to the pilot program. (6) A description of any plans to expand the pilot program, including plans that focus on the unique needs of veterans located in rural areas. (7) An explanation of how the care provided under the pilot program is consistent with the minimum clinical mental health guidelines promulgated by the Veterans Health Administration, including clinical guidelines contained in the Uniform Mental Health Services Handbook of such Administration. F Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement 151. Restorative dental services for veterans (a) In general Section 1710(c) is amended— (1) in the second sentence— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; (2) by inserting (1) after (c) ; (3) by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (2) The Secretary ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) In addition to the dental services, treatment, and appliances authorized to be furnished by paragraph (2), the Secretary may furnish dental services and treatment, and dental appliances, needed to restore functioning in a veteran that is lost as a result of any services or treatment furnished under this subsection. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 152. Pilot program on expansion of furnishing of dental care to all enrolled veterans (a) Pilot program required Commencing not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of furnishing dental care to veterans enrolled in the system of patient enrollment under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code, who are not eligible for dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, under current authorities. (b) Duration of pilot program The pilot program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. (c) Locations (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program at not fewer than 16 locations as follows: (A) Four Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers with an established dental clinic with capacity available for the furnishing of services and treatment under the pilot program. (B) Four Department medical centers with a current contract for the furnishing of dental care. (C) Four Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) with capacity available for the furnishing of services and treatment under the pilot program. (D) Four facilities selected from among Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Indian Health Service facilities with established dental clinics, of which— (i) at least one facility shall be such an Indian Health Service facility; and (ii) any Indian Health Service facility so selected shall be selected in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (2) Considerations In selecting locations for the pilot program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in each of the following: (A) Rural areas. (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty military installation. (C) Areas representing different geographic locations, such as census tracts established by the Bureau of Census. (d) Limitation on number of participating veterans (1) In general The total number of eligible veterans who may participate in the pilot program may not exceed 30,000. (2) Distribution of limitation In applying the limitation in paragraph (1) to the pilot program, the Secretary shall distribute the limitation across and among locations selected for the pilot program in a manner that takes appropriate account of the size and need of veterans for dental services at each such location. (e) Scope of services The dental services and treatment furnished to veterans under the pilot program shall be consistent with the dental services and treatment furnished by the Secretary to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 100 percent disabling under the laws administered by the Secretary. (f) Voluntary participation The participation of a veteran in the pilot program shall be at the election of the veteran. (g) Limitation on amount of services (1) In general The total amount the Secretary may expend furnishing dental services and treatment to a veteran participating in the pilot program during any one-year period may not exceed such amount as the Secretary determines appropriate. The amount so determined may not be less than $1,000. (2) Consultation The Secretary shall make the determination under paragraph (1)— (A) in consultation with the Director of the Indian Health Service; and (B) in consultation with the Director of the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services if one or more Federally Qualified Health Center is selected as a location for the pilot program under subsection (c)(1)(D). (h) Copayments The Secretary may collect copayments for dental services and treatment furnished under the pilot program in accordance with authorities on the collection of copayments for medical care of veterans under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code. (i) Program administration (1) Notice to eligible veterans on pilot program In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall inform all veterans eligible to participate in the pilot program of the services and treatment available under the pilot program. (2) Contracts In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary may enter into contracts with appropriate entities for the provision of dental services and treatment under the pilot program. Each such contract shall specify performance standards and metrics and processes for ensuring compliance of the contractor concerned with such performance standards. (j) Reports (1) Preliminary reports (A) In general Not later than each of 540 days and three years after the date of the commencement of the pilot program, 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 pilot program. (B) Contents Each report under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) A description of the implementation and operation of the pilot program. (ii) The number of veterans receiving services and treatment under the pilot program, and a description of the dental services and treatment furnished to such veterans. (iii) An analysis of the costs and benefits of the pilot program, including a comparison of costs and benefits by location type. (iv) An assessment of the impact of the pilot program on medical care, wellness, employability, and perceived quality of life of veterans. (v) The current findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program. (vi) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Final report (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the completion of the pilot program, 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 pilot program. (B) Contents The report under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program. (ii) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate. (k) Federally Qualified Health Center defined In this section the term Federally Qualified Health Center means a Federally-qualified health center as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B) ). (l) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 153. Program on education to promote dental health in veterans (a) Program required (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program of education to promote dental health for veterans who are enrolled in the system of patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code. (2) Construction Nothing in the program shall be deemed to alter or revise the eligibility of any veteran for dental care under the laws administered by the Secretary. (b) Elements The program required by subsection (a) shall provide education for veterans on the following: (1) The association between dental health and overall health and well-being. (2) Proper techniques for dental care. (3) Signs and symptoms of commonly occurring dental conditions. (4) Treatment options for commonly occurring dental issues. (5) Options for obtaining access to dental care, including information on eligibility for dental care through the Department and on purchasing private dental insurance. (6) Available and accessible options for obtaining low or no-cost dental care, including through dental schools and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). (7) Such other matters relating to dental health as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Delivery of educational materials (1) In general The Secretary shall provide educational materials to veterans under the program required by subsection (a) through a variety of mechanisms, including the following: (A) The availability and distribution of print materials at Department facilities (including at medical centers, clinics, Vet Centers, and readjustment counseling centers) and to providers (including members of Patient Aligned Care Teams). (B) The availability and distribution of materials over the Internet, including through webinars and My HealtheVet. (C) Presentations of information, including both small group and large group presentations. (2) Selection of mechanisms In selecting mechanisms for purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall select mechanisms designed to maximize the number of veterans who receive education under the program. (d) Federally Qualified Health Center defined In this section the term Federally Qualified Health Center means a Federally-qualified health center as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B) ). (e) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 154. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2015 $305,000,000 to carry out this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle. The amount so authorized to be appropriated shall be available for obligation for the five-year period beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. G Health Care Related to Sexual Trauma 161. Expansion of eligibility for sexual trauma counseling and treatment to veterans on inactive duty training Section 1720D(a)(1) is amended by striking or active duty for training and inserting , active duty for training, or inactive duty training . 162. Provision of counseling and treatment for sexual trauma by the Department of Veterans Affairs to members of the Armed Forces (a) Expansion of coverage to members of the Armed Forces Subsection (a) of section 1720D is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2): (2) (A) In operating the program required by paragraph (1), the Secretary may, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, provide counseling and care and services to members of the Armed Forces (including members of the National Guard and Reserves) on active duty to overcome psychological trauma described in that paragraph. (B) A member described in subparagraph (A) shall not be required to obtain a referral before receiving counseling and care and services under this paragraph. ; and (3) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (1)— (A) by striking a veteran and inserting an individual ; and (B) by striking that veteran each place it appears and inserting that individual . (b) Information to members on availability of counseling and services Subsection (c) of such section is amended— (1) by striking to veterans each place it appears; and (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting members of the Armed Forces and before individuals . (c) Inclusion of members in reports on counseling and services Subsection (e) of such section is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking to veterans ; (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking women veterans and inserting individuals ; and (B) by striking training under subsection (d). and inserting “training under subsection (d), disaggregated by— (A) veterans; (B) members of the Armed Forces (including members of the National Guard and Reserves) on active duty; and (C) for each of subparagraphs (A) and (B)— (i) men; and (ii) women. ; (3) in paragraph (4), by striking veterans and inserting individuals ; and (4) in paragraph (5)— (A) by striking women veterans and inserting individuals ; and (B) by inserting , including specific recommendations for individuals specified in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (2) before the period at the end. (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 163. Department of Veterans Affairs screening mechanism to detect incidents of domestic abuse (a) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and implement a screening mechanism to be used when a veteran seeks healthcare services from the Department of Veterans Affairs to detect if the veteran has been a victim of domestic abuse for purposes of improving the treatment of the veteran and assessing the prevalence of domestic abuse in the veteran population. (b) Readily available screening tools In developing and implementing a screening mechanism under subsection (a), the Secretary may incorporate into the screening mechanism such readily available screening tools as the Secretary considers appropriate for the screening mechanism. (c) Domestic abuse defined In this section, the term domestic abuse means behavior with respect to an individual that— (1) constitutes— (A) a pattern of behavior resulting in physical or emotional abuse, economic control, or interference with the personal liberty of that individual; (B) a violation of Federal or State law involving the use, attempted use, or threatened use of force or violence against that individual; or (C) a violation of a lawful order issued for the protection of that individual; and (2) is committed by a person who— (A) is a current or former spouse or domestic partner of that individual; (B) shares a child in common with that individual; (C) is a current or former intimate partner of that individual that shares or has shared a common domicile with that individual; (D) is a caregiver or family caregiver of that individual (as such terms are defined in section 1720G(d) of title 38, United States Code); or (E) is in any other type of relationship with that individual that the Secretary may specify for purposes of this section. 164. Reports on military sexual trauma and domestic abuse (a) Report on services available for military sexual trauma in the Department of Veterans Affairs Not later than 630 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 treatment and services available from the Department of Veterans Affairs for male veterans who experience military sexual trauma compared to such treatment and services available to female veterans who experience military sexual trauma. (b) Report on domestic abuse among veterans Not later than two years after the implementation of the screening mechanism required by section 163(a) of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall jointly submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on domestic abuse among veterans that includes the following: (1) A summary of the types, outcomes, and circumstances of incidents of domestic abuse that have been reported by veterans during the two-year period preceding the submission of the report. (2) A summary of the treatments available from the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans who experience domestic abuse and an assessment of the effectiveness of those treatments. (3) Data and analysis on any correlation between an incident of military sexual trauma or sexual trauma experienced after the age of 18 and domestic abuse. (4) Any other issues that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determines appropriate. (c) Reports on transition of military sexual trauma and domestic abuse treatment from Department of Defense to Department of Veterans Affairs Not later than 630 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee established by section 320(a) of title 38, United States Code, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on military sexual trauma and domestic abuse that includes the following: (1) The processes and procedures utilized by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to facilitate transition of treatment of individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma or domestic abuse from treatment provided by the Department of Defense to treatment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) A description and assessment of the collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense in assisting veterans in filing claims for disabilities related to military sexual trauma or domestic abuse, including permitting veterans access to information and evidence necessary to develop or support such claims. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of congress The term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. (2) Domestic abuse The term domestic abuse has the meaning given that term in section 163(c) of this Act. (3) Military sexual trauma The term military sexual trauma means psychological trauma, which in the judgment of a mental health professional employed by the Department, resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while the veteran was serving on active duty or active duty for training. (4) Sexual harassment The term sexual harassment means repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character. (5) Sexual trauma The term sexual trauma shall have the meaning given that term by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for purposes of this section. (e) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. H Reproductive treatment and services 171. Clarification that fertility counseling and treatment are medical services which the Secretary may furnish to veterans like other medical services Section 1701(6), as amended by section 114(b)(1) of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (I) Fertility counseling and treatment, including treatment using assisted reproductive technology. . 172. Reproductive treatment and care for spouses and surrogates of veterans (a) In general Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1788. Reproductive treatment and care for spouses and surrogates of veterans (a) In general The Secretary shall furnish fertility counseling and treatment, including through the use of assisted reproductive technology, to a spouse or surrogate of a severely wounded, ill, or injured veteran who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service and who is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established under section 1705(a) of this title if the spouse or surrogate and the veteran apply jointly for such counseling and treatment through a process prescribed by the Secretary. (b) Coordination of care for other spouses and surrogates In the case of a spouse or surrogate of a veteran not described in subsection (a) who is seeking fertility counseling and treatment, the Secretary may coordinate fertility counseling and treatment for such spouse or surrogate. (c) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Secretary— (1) to find or certify a surrogate for a veteran or to connect a surrogate with a veteran; or (2) to furnish maternity care to a spouse or surrogate of a veteran. (d) Assisted reproductive technology defined In this section, the term assisted reproductive technology includes in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled when clinically appropriate. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1787 the following new item: 1788. Reproductive treatment and care for spouses and surrogates of veterans. . 173. Adoption assistance for severely wounded veterans (a) In general Subchapter VIII of chapter 17, as amended by section 172(a) of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1789. Adoption assistance (a) In general The Secretary may pay an amount, not to exceed the limitation amount, to assist a covered veteran in the adoption of one or more children. (b) Covered veteran For purposes of this section, a covered veteran is any severely wounded, ill, or injured veteran who— (1) has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service; and (2) is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established under section 1705(a) of this title. (c) Limitation amount For purposes of this section, the limitation amount is the amount equal to the lesser of— (1) the cost the Department would incur if the Secretary were to provide a covered veteran with one cycle of fertility treatment through the use of assisted reproductive technology under section 1788 of this title, as determined by the Secretary; or (2) the cost the Department would incur by paying the expenses of three adoptions by covered veterans, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Assisted reproductive technology defined In this section, the term assisted reproductive technology has the meaning given that term in section 1788 of this title. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17, as amended by section 172(b) of this Act, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1788 the following new item: 1789. Adoption assistance. . 174. Regulations on furnishing of fertility counseling and treatment and adoption assistance by Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations— (1) on the furnishing of fertility treatment to veterans using assisted reproductive technology; (2) to carry out section 1788 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 172 of this Act; and (3) to carry out section 1789 of such title, as added by section 173 of this Act. (b) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which the Secretary prescribes regulations under subsection (a), the Secretary may not furnish— (1) to a veteran any fertility treatment that uses an assisted reproductive technology that the Secretary has not used in the provision of a fertility treatment to a veteran before the date of the enactment of this Act; (2) any fertility counseling or treatment under section 1788 of such title, as added by section 172 of this Act; or (3) any assistance under section 1789 of such title, as added by section 173 of this Act. (c) Assisted reproductive technology defined In this section, the term assisted reproductive technology has the meaning given the term in section 1788 of such title, as added by section 172 of this Act. 175. Coordination between Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense on furnishing of fertility counseling and treatment The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall share best practices and facilitate referrals, as they consider appropriate, on the furnishing of fertility counseling and treatment. 176. Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 73, as amended by section 124(a) of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: 7330C. Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research (a) Facilitation of research required The Secretary shall facilitate research conducted collaboratively by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to improve the ability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to meet the long-term reproductive health care needs of veterans who have a genitourinary service-connected disability or a condition that was incurred or aggravated in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service, such as a spinal cord injury, that affects the veterans' ability to reproduce. (b) Dissemination of information The Secretary shall ensure that information produced by the research facilitated under this section that may be useful for other activities of the Veterans Health Administration is disseminated throughout the Veterans Health Administration. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73, as amended by section 124(b) of this Act, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7330B the following new item: 7330C. Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research. . (c) Report Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the research activities conducted by the Secretary under section 7330C of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). 177. Annual report on provision of fertility counseling and treatment furnished by Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than annually thereafter, 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 fertility counseling and treatment furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs during the year preceding the submittal of the report. (b) Elements Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include, for the period covered by the report, the following: (1) The number of veterans who received fertility counseling or treatment furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, disaggregated by era of military service of such veterans. (2) The number of spouses and surrogates of veterans who received fertility counseling or treatment furnished by the Department. (3) The cost to the Department of furnishing fertility counseling and treatment, disaggregated by cost of services and administration. (4) The average cost to the Department per recipient of such counseling and treatment. (5) In cases in which the Department furnished fertility treatment through the use of assisted reproductive technology, the average number of cycles per person furnished. (6) A description of how fertility counseling and treatment services of the Department are coordinated with similar services of the Department of Defense. 178. Program on assistance for child care for certain veterans (a) Assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care (1) In general Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1709B. Assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care (a) Program required The Secretary shall carry out a program to provide, subject to subsection (b), assistance to qualified veterans described in subsection (c) to obtain child care so that such veterans can receive health care services described in subsection (c). (b) Limitation on period of payments Assistance may only be provided to a qualified veteran under this section for receipt of child care during the period that the qualified veteran— (1) receives health care services described in subsection (c) at a facility of the Department; and (2) requires travel to and from such facility for the receipt of such health care services. (c) Qualified veterans For purposes of this section, a qualified veteran is a veteran who is— (1) the primary caretaker of a child or children; and (2) (A) receiving from the Department— (i) regular mental health care services; (ii) intensive mental health care services; or (iii) such other intensive health care services that the Secretary determines that provision of assistance to the veteran to obtain child care would improve access to such health care services by the veteran; or (B) in need of regular or intensive mental health care services from the Department, and but for lack of child care services, would receive such health care services from the Department. (d) Locations The Secretary shall carry out the program in no fewer than three Veterans Integrated Service Networks selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program. (e) Forms of child care assistance (1) Child care assistance under this section may include the following: (A) Stipends for the payment of child care offered by licensed child care centers (either directly or through a voucher program) which shall be, to the extent practicable, modeled after the Department of Veterans Affairs Child Care Subsidy Program established pursuant to section 630 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2002 ( Public Law 107–67 ; 115 Stat. 552). (B) Direct provision of child care at an on-site facility of the Department. (C) Payments to private child care agencies. (D) Collaboration with facilities or programs of other Federal departments or agencies. (E) Such other forms of assistance as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) In the case that child care assistance under this section is provided as a stipend under paragraph (1)(A), such stipend shall cover the full cost of such child care. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1709A the following new item: 1709B. Assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care. . (3) Conforming amendment Section 205(e) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–163; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended by inserting but not after the date of the enactment of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 before the period at the end. (b) Assistance for child care for individuals receiving readjustment counseling and related mental health services (1) In general Subchapter I of chapter 17, as amended by subsection (a)(1) of this section, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1709C. Assistance for child care for individuals receiving readjustment counseling and related mental health services (a) Program required The Secretary shall carry out a program to provide, subject to subsection (b), assistance to qualified individuals described in subsection (c) to obtain child care so that such individuals can receive readjustment counseling and related mental health services. (b) Limitation on period of payments Assistance may only be provided to a qualified individual under this section for receipt of child care during the period that the qualified individual receives readjustment counseling and related health care services at a Vet Center. (c) Qualified individuals For purposes of this section, a qualified individual is an individual who is— (1) the primary caretaker of a child or children; and (2) (A) receiving from the Department regular readjustment counseling and related mental health services; or (B) in need of readjustment counseling and related mental health services from the Department, and but for lack of child care services, would receive such counseling and services from the Department. (d) Locations The Secretary shall carry out the program under this section in no fewer than three Readjustment Counseling Service Regions selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program. (e) Forms of child care assistance (1) Child care assistance under this section may include the following: (A) Stipends for the payment of child care offered by licensed child care centers (either directly or through a voucher program) which shall be, to the extent practicable, modeled after the Department of Veterans Affairs Child Care Subsidy Program established pursuant to section 630 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2002 ( Public Law 107–67 ; 115 Stat. 552). (B) Payments to private child care agencies. (C) Collaboration with facilities or programs of other Federal departments or agencies. (D) Such other forms of assistance as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) In the case that child care assistance under this subsection is provided as a stipend under paragraph (1)(A), such stipend shall cover the full cost of such child care. (f) Vet Center defined In this section, the term Vet Center means a center for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for individuals under section 1712A of this title. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17, as amended by subsection (a)(2) of this section, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1709B the following new item: 1709C. Assistance for child care for individuals receiving readjustment counseling and related mental health services. . 179. Counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service in the Armed Forces (a) Counseling in retreat settings (1) In general Subchapter II of chapter 17 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1720H. Counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service in the Armed Forces (a) In general The Secretary shall provide, through the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Veterans Health Administration, reintegration and readjustment services described in subsection (c) in group retreat settings to women veterans who are recently separated from service in the Armed Forces after a prolonged deployment. (b) Election of veteran The receipt of services under this section by a woman veteran shall be at the election of the veteran. (c) Covered services The services provided to a woman veteran under this section shall include the following: (1) Information on reintegration into the veteran’s family, employment, and community. (2) Financial counseling. (3) Occupational counseling. (4) Information and counseling on stress reduction. (5) Information and counseling on conflict resolution. (6) Such other information and counseling as the Secretary considers appropriate to assist the veteran in reintegration into the veteran’s family, employment, and community. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1720G the following new item: 1720H. Counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service in the Armed Forces. . (b) Repeal of superseded pilot program authority Section 203 of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 ( Public Law 111–163 ; 38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is hereby repealed. I Major Medical Facility Leases 181. Authorization of major medical facility leases The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following major medical facility leases at the locations specified, and in an amount for each lease not to exceed the amount shown for such location (not including any estimated cancellation costs): (1) For a clinical research and pharmacy coordinating center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, an amount not to exceed $9,560,000. (2) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Brick, New Jersey, an amount not to exceed $7,280,000. (3) For a new primary care and dental clinic annex, Charleston, South Carolina, an amount not to exceed $7,070,250. (4) For the Cobb County community-based Outpatient Clinic, Cobb County, Georgia, an amount not to exceed $6,409,000. (5) For the Leeward Outpatient Healthcare Access Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, including a co-located clinic with the Department of Defense and the co-location of the Honolulu Regional Office of the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Kapolei Vet Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs, an amount not to exceed $15,887,370. (6) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Johnson County, Kansas, an amount not to exceed $2,263,000. (7) For a replacement community-based outpatient clinic, Lafayette, Louisiana, an amount not to exceed $2,996,000. (8) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Lake Charles, Louisiana, an amount not to exceed $2,626,000. (9) For outpatient clinic consolidation, New Port Richey, Florida, an amount not to exceed $11,927,000. (10) For an outpatient clinic, Ponce, Puerto Rico, an amount not to exceed $11,535,000. (11) For lease consolidation, San Antonio, Texas, an amount not to exceed $19,426,000. (12) For a community-based outpatient clinic, San Diego, California, an amount not to exceed $11,946,100. (13) For an outpatient clinic, Tyler, Texas, an amount not to exceed $4,327,000. (14) For the Errera Community Care Center, West Haven, Connecticut, an amount not to exceed $4,883,000. (15) For the Worcester community-based Outpatient Clinic, Worcester, Massachusetts, an amount not to exceed $4,855,000. (16) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient clinic, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, an amount not to exceed $4,232,060. (17) For a multispecialty clinic, Chattanooga, Tennessee, an amount not to exceed $7,069,000. (18) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient clinic, Chico, California, an amount not to exceed $4,534,000. (19) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Chula Vista, California, an amount not to exceed $3,714,000. (20) For a new research lease, Hines, Illinois, an amount not to exceed $22,032,000. (21) For a replacement research lease, Houston, Texas, an amount not to exceed $6,142,000. (22) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Lincoln, Nebraska, an amount not to exceed $7,178,400. (23) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Lubbock, Texas, an amount not to exceed $8,554,000. (24) For a community-based outpatient clinic consolidation, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, an amount not to exceed $8,022,000. (25) For a community-based outpatient clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, an amount not to exceed $20,757,000. (26) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient clinic, Redding, California, an amount not to exceed $8,154,000. (27) For the expansion of a community-based outpatient clinic, Tulsa, Oklahoma, an amount not to exceed $13,269,200. 182. Budgetary treatment of Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facilities leases (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Title 31, United States Code, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to record the full cost of its contractual obligation against funds available at the time a contract is executed. (2) Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11 provides guidance to agencies in meeting the statutory requirements under title 31, United States Code, with respect to leases. (3) For operating leases, Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to record up-front budget authority in an amount equal to total payments under the full term of the lease or [an] amount sufficient to cover first year lease payments plus cancellation costs . (b) Requirement for obligation of full cost (1) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations provided in advance, in exercising the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into leases provided in this Act, the Secretary shall record, pursuant to section 1501 of title 31, United States Code, as the full cost of the contractual obligation at the time a contract is executed either— (A) an amount equal to total payments under the full term of the lease; or (B) if the lease specifies payments to be made in the event the lease is terminated before its full term, an amount sufficient to cover the first year lease payments plus the specified cancellation costs. (2) Self-insuring authority The requirements of paragraph (1) may be satisfied through the use of a self-insuring authority consistent with Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11. (c) Transparency (1) Compliance Subsection (b) of section 8104 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) In the case of a prospectus proposing funding for a major medical facility lease, a detailed analysis of how the lease is expected to comply with Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11 and section 1341 of title 31 (commonly referred to as the Anti-Deficiency Act ). Any such analysis shall include— (A) an analysis of the classification of the lease as a lease-purchase , capital lease , or operating lease as those terms are defined in Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11; (B) an analysis of the obligation of budgetary resources associated with the lease; and (C) an analysis of the methodology used in determining the asset cost, fair market value, and cancellation costs of the lease. . (2) Submittal to Congress Such section 8104 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (h) (1) Not less than 30 days before entering into a major medical facility lease, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives— (A) notice of the Secretary’s intention to enter into the lease; (B) a detailed summary of the proposed lease; (C) a description and analysis of any differences between the prospectus submitted pursuant to subsection (b) and the proposed lease; and (D) a scoring analysis demonstrating that the proposed lease fully complies with Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11. (2) Each committee described in paragraph (1) shall ensure that any information submitted to the committee under such paragraph is treated by the committee with the same level of confidentiality as is required by law of the Secretary and subject to the same statutory penalties for unauthorized disclosure or use as the Secretary. (3) Not more than 30 days after entering into a major medical facility lease, the Secretary shall submit to each committee described in paragraph (1) a report on any material differences between the lease that was entered into and the proposed lease described under such paragraph, including how the lease that was entered into changes the previously submitted scoring analysis described in subparagraph (D) of such paragraph. . (d) Rule of construction Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall be construed to in any way relieve the Department of Veterans Affairs from any statutory or regulatory obligations or requirements existing prior to the enactment of this section and such amendments. II Survivor and Dependent Matters 201. Extension of initial period for increased dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses with children (a) In general Section 1311(f)(2) is amended by striking two-year and inserting three-year . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as of September 30, 2014, and shall apply to any surviving spouse who was eligible for or in receipt of benefits under section 1311(f) of title 38, United States Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 202. Eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation, educational assistance, and housing loans for surviving spouses who remarry after age 55 (a) In general Paragraph (2)(B) of section 103(d) is amended to read as follows: (B) The remarriage after age 55 of the surviving spouse of a veteran shall not bar the furnishing of benefits specified in paragraph (5) to such person as the surviving spouse of the veteran. . (b) Conforming amendment Paragraph (5) of such section is amended by striking Paragraphs (2)(A) and inserting Paragraphs (2) . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 203. Extension of marriage delimiting date for surviving spouses of Persian Gulf War veterans to qualify for death pension Section 1541(f)(1)(E) is amended by striking January 1, 2001 and inserting the date that is 10 years and one day after the date on which the Persian Gulf War was terminated, as prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law . 204. Making effective date provision consistent with provision for benefits eligibility of a veteran's child based upon termination of remarriage by annulment Section 5110(l) is amended by striking , or of an award or increase of benefits based on recognition of a child upon termination of the child's marriage by death or divorce, . 205. Expansion of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (a) Expansion of entitlement Subsection (b)(9) of section 3311 is amended by inserting or spouse after child . (b) Limitation and election on certain benefits Subsection (f) of such section is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraphs: (2) Limitation The entitlement of an individual to assistance under subsection (a) pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection (b) because the individual was a spouse of a person described in such paragraph shall expire on the earlier of— (A) the date that is 15 years after the date on which the person died; and (B) the date on which the individual remarries. (3) Election on receipt of certain benefits A surviving spouse entitled to assistance under subsection (a) pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection (b) who is also entitled to educational assistance under chapter 35 of this title may not receive assistance under both this section and such chapter, but shall make an irrevocable election (in such form and manner as the Secretary may prescribe) under which section or chapter to receive educational assistance. . (c) Conforming amendment Section 3321(b)(4) is amended— (1) by striking an individual and inserting a child ; and (2) by striking such individual’s each time it appears and inserting such child’s . (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 206. Expansion of Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program (a) In general Section 3317(a) is amended by striking in paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting in paragraphs (1), (2), and (9) . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to academic terms beginning after July 1, 2015. 207. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans born with spina bifida (a) In general Subchapter III of chapter 18 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1822. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans born with spina bifida (a) Benefits authorized The Secretary may provide to any child of a veteran of covered service in Thailand who is suffering from spina bifida the health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance required to be paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under subchapter I of this chapter as if such child of a veteran of covered service in Thailand were a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under such subchapter. (b) Spina bifida conditions covered This section applies with respect to all forms and manifestations of spina bifida, except spina bifida occulta. (c) Veteran of covered service in Thailand For purposes of this section, a veteran of covered service in Thailand is any individual, without regard to the characterization of that individual's service, who— (1) served in the active military, naval, or air service in Thailand, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975; and (2) is determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to have been exposed to a herbicide agent during such service in Thailand. (d) Herbicide agent For purposes of this section, the term herbicide agent means a chemical in a herbicide used in support of United States and allied military operations in Thailand, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975. . (b) Conforming amendment to definition of child Section 1831(1) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B)— (A) by striking subchapter III of this chapter and inserting section 1821 of this title ; and (B) in clause (i), by striking section 1821 of this title and inserting that section ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) For purposes of section 1822 of this title, an individual, regardless of age or marital status, who— (i) is the natural child of a veteran of covered service in Thailand (as determined for purposes of that section); and (ii) was conceived after the date on which that veteran first entered service described in subsection (c) of that section. . (c) Clerical amendments (1) Subchapter heading The heading for subchapter III of chapter 18 is amended by inserting and Thailand after Korea . (2) Table of sections The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 18 is amended— (A) by striking the item relating to subchapter III and inserting the following new item: Subchapter III—Children of certain Korea and Thailand service veterans born with spina bifida ; and (B) by inserting after the item relating to section 1821 the following new item: 1822. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans born with spina bifida. . (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 208. Program on assisted living for children of Vietnam veterans and certain Korea service veterans born with spina bifida (a) Program Commencing not later than 180 days after the date on which this section takes effect, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing assisted living, group home care, or similar services in lieu of nursing home care to covered individuals. (b) Covered individuals For purposes of this section, a covered individual is any individual who is entitled to health care under subchapter I or III of chapter 18 of title 38, United States Code. (c) Duration (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program. (2) Continuation Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary may continue the program for an additional two-year period as the Secretary considers appropriate. (3) Termination The program may not operate after the date that is five years after the date of the commencement of the program. (d) Scope of services and program Under the program, the Secretary shall provide covered individuals with integrated, comprehensive services, including the following: (1) Assisted living, group home care, or such other similar services as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Transportation services. (3) Such other services as the Secretary considers appropriate for the care of covered individuals under the program. (e) Program requirements In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall— (1) inform all covered individuals of the services available under the program; (2) enter into agreements with appropriate providers of assisted living, group home care, or other similar services for provision of services under the program; and (3) determine the appropriate number of covered individuals to be enrolled in the program and criteria for such enrollment. (f) Reports (1) Preliminary reports (A) In general Not later than one year after the date of the commencement of the program and, if the program is continued under subsection (c)(2), not later than three years after the date of the commencement of the program, 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. (B) Contents Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) A description of the implementation and operation of the program. (ii) The number of covered individuals receiving benefits under the program. (iii) An analysis that compares the costs of furnishing assisted living, group home care, or similar services with the costs of furnishing nursing home care. (iv) An analysis of the costs and benefits under the program. (v) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the program. (vi) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program as the Secretary may have. (2) Final report (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the completion of the program, 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. (B) Contents The report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the program. (ii) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program as the Secretary may have. (g) Funding Amounts to carry out the program shall be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the furnishing of nursing home care under chapter 18 of title 38, United States Code. (h) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 209. Program on grief counseling in retreat settings for surviving spouses of members of the Armed Forces who die while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces (a) Program required (1) In general Commencing not later than 180 days after the date on which this section takes effect, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out, through the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Veterans Health Administration, a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing grief counseling services described in subsection (b) in group retreat settings to surviving spouses of members of the Armed Forces who die while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces who would, as determined by the Readjustment Counseling Service, benefit from the services provided under the program. (2) Participation at election of surviving spouse The participation of a surviving spouse in the program under this section shall be at the election of the surviving spouse. (b) Covered services The services provided to a surviving spouse under the program shall include the following: (1) Information and counseling on coping with grief. (2) Information about benefits and services available to surviving spouses under laws administered by the Secretary. (3) Such other information and counseling as the Secretary considers appropriate to assist a surviving spouse under the program with adjusting to the death of a spouse. (c) Events The Secretary shall carry out the program at not fewer than six events as follows: (1) Three events at which surviving spouses with dependent children are encouraged to bring their children. (2) Three events at which surviving spouses with dependent children are not encouraged to bring their children. (d) Duration The program shall be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program. (e) Reports (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the completion of the first year of the program and not later than 180 days after the completion of the program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the program. (2) Contents Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall contain the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a result of the program, and shall include such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program as the Secretary considers appropriate. (f) Definitions In this section, the terms active duty , Armed Forces , and surviving spouse have the meanings given such terms in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (g) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 210. Program evaluation on survivors' and dependents' educational assistance authorities (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a contract with an appropriate private sector entity to conduct a program evaluation of the authorities for survivors' and dependents' educational assistance under chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code. (b) Report Not later than six months after the entry into the contract required by subsection (a), 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 setting forth the results of the program evaluation conducted pursuant to the contract, together with such comments on the results of the program evaluation as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Effective date This section shall take effect one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. III Education Matters 301. Approval of courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning for purposes of All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program and Post-9/11 Educational Assistance conditional on in-State tuition rate for veterans (a) In general Section 3679 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter and subject to paragraphs (3) through (6), the Secretary shall disapprove a course of education provided by a public institution of higher learning to a covered individual pursuing a course of education with educational assistance under chapter 30 or 33 of this title while living in the State in which the public institution of higher learning is located if the institution charges tuition and fees for that course for the covered individual at a rate that is higher than the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees for that course for residents of the State in which the institution is located, regardless of the covered individual’s State of residence. (2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual is any individual as follows: (A) A veteran who was discharged or released from a period of not fewer than 90 days of service in the active military, naval, or air service less than three years before the date of enrollment in the course concerned. (B) An individual who is entitled to assistance under section 3311(b)(9) or 3319 of this title by virtue of such individual's relationship to a veteran described in subparagraph (A). (3) If after enrollment in a course of education that is subject to disapproval under paragraph (1) by reason of paragraph (2)(A) or (2)(B) a covered individual pursues one or more courses of education at the same public institution of higher learning while remaining continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters or terms) at that institution of higher learning, any course so pursued by the covered individual at that institution of higher learning while so continuously enrolled shall also be subject to disapproval under paragraph (1). (4) It shall not be grounds to disapprove a course of education under paragraph (1) if a public institution of higher learning requires a covered individual pursuing a course of education at the institution to demonstrate an intent, by means other than satisfying a physical presence requirement, to establish residency in the State in which the institution is located, or to satisfy other requirements not relating to the establishment of residency, in order to be charged tuition and fees for that course at a rate that is equal to or less than the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees for that course for residents of the State. (5) The Secretary may waive such requirements of paragraph (1) as the Secretary considers appropriate. (6) Disapproval under paragraph (1) shall apply only with respect to educational assistance under chapters 30 and 33 of this title. . (b) Effective date Subsection (c) of section 3679 of title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section), shall apply with respect to educational assistance provided for pursuit of programs of education during academic terms that begin after July 1, 2015, through courses of education that commence on or after that date. 302. Extension and expansion of authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Extension of expiring current authority Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking June 30, 2013 each place it appears and inserting June 30, 2015 . (b) Expansion to outreach services provided through congressional offices Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (K) During the period beginning on June 30, 2013, and ending on June 30, 2015, the following activities carried out at the offices of Members of Congress for such Members: (i) The distribution of information to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents about the benefits and services under laws administered by the Secretary and other appropriate governmental and nongovernmental programs. (ii) The preparation and processing of papers and other documents, including documents to assist in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary. . (c) Annual reports (1) In general Not later than June 30 of 2014 and 2015, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the work-study allowances paid under paragraph (1) of section 3485(a) of title 38, United States Code, during the most recent one-year period for qualifying work-study activities described in paragraph (4) of such section, as amended by subsections (a) and (b) of this section. (2) Contents Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include, for the year covered by such report, the following: (A) A description of the recipients of such work-study allowances. (B) A list of the locations where qualifying work-study activities were carried out. (C) A description of the outreach conducted by the Secretary to increase awareness of the eligibility of such work-study activities for such work-study allowances. 303. Prohibitions relating to references to GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 36 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 3697B. Prohibition relating to references to GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill (a) Prohibition (1) No person may, except with the written permission of the Secretary, use the words and phrases covered by this subsection in connection with any promotion, goods, services, or commercial activity in a manner that reasonably and falsely suggests that such use is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department or any component thereof. (2) For purposes of this subsection, the words and phrases covered by this subsection are as follows: (A) GI Bill . (B) Post-9/11 GI Bill . (3) A determination that a use of one or more words and phrases covered by this subsection in connection with a promotion, goods, services, or commercial activity is not a violation of this subsection may not be made solely on the ground that such promotion, goods, services, or commercial activity includes a disclaimer of affiliation with the Department or any component thereof. (b) Enforcement by Attorney General (1) When any person is engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice which constitutes or will constitute conduct prohibited by subsection (a), the Attorney General may initiate a civil proceeding in a district court of the United States to enjoin such act or practice. (2) Such court may, at any time before final determination, enter such restraining orders or prohibitions, or take such other action as is warranted, to prevent injury to the United States or to any person or class of persons for whose protection the action is brought. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3697A the following new item: 3697B. Prohibition relating to references to GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill. . 304. Review of utilization of educational assistance to pursue programs of training on the job and participating employers (a) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall commence a review of— (1) the utilization of educational assistance under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pursue programs of training on the job (other than programs of apprenticeship); and (2) the availability of such programs to individuals seeking to pursue such programs with such educational assistance. (b) Report (1) In general Not later than two years after the date on which the Secretary commences the review required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on such review. (2) Contents The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The extent of utilization as described in paragraph (1) of subsection (a). (B) An assessment of the availability of programs as described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (C) A description of any barriers the Secretary has identified to greater utilization of educational assistance for pursuit of a program of training on the job or availability of such programs. (D) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary may have to increase or decrease such utilization or availability. (E) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. 305. Report on debt management and collection (a) Report Not later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection (c), the Comptroller General of the United States 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 processes used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify and resolve cases of incorrect payments associated with educational assistance under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, United States Code. (b) Issues addressed The report required by subsection (a) shall, to the extent possible, address the following: (1) The effectiveness of the processes referred to in subsection (a) in identifying and resolving incorrect payments associated with educational assistance under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, United States Code. (2) The accuracy of overpayment information provided to veterans by the Education Service and Debt Management Center of the Department. (3) How well the Debt Management Center of the Department communicates and works with veterans to resolve disputed debt amounts. (4) How the payment and debt collection processes of the Department compare to comparable programs in other Federal agencies. (5) Any recommendations to improve the payment and debt collection processes of the Department that the Comptroller General considers appropriate. (c) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 306. Restoration of prior reporting fee multipliers Section 3684(c) is amended— (1) by striking $12 and inserting $7 ; and (2) by striking $15 and inserting $11 . IV Employment and Related Matters A Training and other services for veterans seeking employment 401. Extension of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses (a) In general Section 1631(b)(2) of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of Public Law 110–181 ; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended by striking December 31, 2014 and inserting December 31, 2016 . (b) Report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the benefits provided by the Secretary under section 1631(b) of such Act. (2) Appropriate committees of congress In this subsection, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives. B Employment of veterans and recognition of veteran status with respect to employment related matters 411. Employment of veterans with the Federal Government (a) In general Section 4214 is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following: (4) (A) The requirement under this paragraph is in addition to the appointment of qualified covered veterans under the authority specified in subparagraph (C) by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. (B) The head of each agency, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall develop a plan for exercising the authority specified in subparagraph (C) during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 . (C) The authority specified in this subparagraph is the authority as follows: (i) The authority under paragraph (1). (ii) The authority available to the agency concerned under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 ( Public Law 105–339 ) and the amendments made by that Act. (D) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall ensure that under the plans developed under subparagraph (B) agencies shall appoint to existing vacancies not fewer than 15,000 qualified covered veterans during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 . For purposes of complying with this subparagraph, an appointment pursuant to the authority referred to in subparagraph (C)(ii) shall not count toward the number required by this subparagraph unless the appointment is to a vacancy in a full-time, permanent position. ; (2) in subsection (d), in the third sentence, by inserting (including, during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 , the development and implementation by each agency of the plan required under subsection (b)(4), which shall include information regarding the grade or pay level of appointments by the agency under the plan and whether the appointments are, or are converted to, career or career-conditional appointments) after subsection (b) of this section ; and (3) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking to the Congress and inserting to the appropriate committees of Congress ; and (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting (including, during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 , the development and implementation by the agency of the plan required under subsection (b)(4), which shall include information regarding the grade or pay level of appointments by the agency under the plan and whether the appointments are, or are converted to, permanent appointments) before the period; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) In this subsection, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives. . (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress (as defined under section 4214(e)(3) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a)) regarding the development of a plan to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a). 412. State recognition of military experience of veterans in issuing licenses and credentials to veterans (a) In general Section 4102A(c) is amended by striking paragraph (9) and inserting the following new paragraph (9): (9) (A) As a condition of a grant or contract under which funds are made available to a State under subsection (b)(5) in order to carry out section 4103A or 4104 of this title, the State shall— (i) establish a program under which the State administers an examination to each veteran seeking a license or credential issued by the State and issues such license or credential to such veteran without requiring such veteran to undergo any training or apprenticeship if the veteran— (I) receives a satisfactory score on completion of such examination, as determined by the State; (II) has been awarded a military occupational specialty that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the requirements of the State for the issuance of such license or credential; (III) has engaged in the active practice of the occupation for which the veteran is seeking such license or credential for at least two of the five years preceding the date of application; and (IV) pays any customary or usual fees required by the State for such license or credential; and (ii) submit each year to the Secretary a report on the examinations administered under clause (i) during the most recently completed 12-month period that includes, for the period covered by the report the number of veterans who completed an examination administered by the State under clause (i) and a description of the results of such examinations, disaggregated by occupational field. (B) The Secretary may waive the requirement under subparagraph (A) that a State establish a program described in that subparagraph as a condition of a grant or contract if the State certifies to the Secretary that the State— (i) takes into account previous military training for the purposes of issuing licenses or credentials; and (ii) for any credential or license for which a veteran is unable to completely satisfy a training or testing requirement through examination, the State substantially reduces training time required to satisfy such requirement based on the military training received by the veteran or establishes procedures for granting credit for prior learning related to prior military service or training. (C) Not less frequently than once each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress and the Secretary of Defense a report summarizing the information received by the Secretary under subparagraph (A)(ii). . (b) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and such other heads of Federal agencies as the Secretary of Labor considers appropriate, may provide technical assistance to a State to assist the State in meeting the requirements of section 4102A(c)(9) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a). (2) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Labor to carry out paragraph (1) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2015. (c) Effective date (1) Examinations Subparagraph (A) of section 4102A(c)(9) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to grants and contracts described in such subparagraph awarded after such date. (2) Reports Subparagraph (B) of such section 4102A(c)(9), as so added, shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and the Secretary of Labor shall submit the first report under such subparagraph not later than 900 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. 413. Report on discrimination against members of reserve components of Armed Forces and veterans in civilian labor market (a) In general Not later than 570 days after the date of the enactment of this act, the Secretary of Labor, in coordination with the heads of such agencies as the Secretary considers appropriate, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on barriers and potential discrimination facing veterans in the labor market. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An evaluation of the following: (A) The extent to which members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces and veterans face barriers to entry into the civilian labor market, including whether such members and veterans face obstacles in obtaining employment, maintaining employment, or receiving promotions while employed. (B) The extent to which a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or a veteran faces discrimination in the civilian labor market based on the member's or veteran's status as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or as a veteran, as the case may be. (C) The adequacy and effectiveness of Federal laws in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act in preventing or ameliorating acts of discrimination against members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces and veterans seeking or retaining employment in the civilian labor market. (D) The adequacy and effectiveness of programs of the Department of Labor in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act in educating private sector employers on matters relevant to hiring and employing veterans and the military experience of veterans. (2) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for legislative or administrative action— (A) to address barriers or discrimination that members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces and veterans may face in the civilian labor market; (B) to improve education and outreach for employers in the civilian labor market on issues regarding hiring and employing such members and veterans; and (C) to assist employers in the civilian labor market in matching the military experience of such members and veterans with the needs of such employers. (3) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Appropriate committees of congress In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (1) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives. (d) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. C Improving employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services 421. Suspension, termination, or debarment of contractors for repeated violations of employment or reemployment rights of members of uniformed services (a) In general Subchapter III of chapter 43 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 4328. Suspension, termination, or debarment of contractors (a) Grounds for suspension, termination, or debarment Payment under a contract awarded by a Federal executive agency may be suspended and the contract may be terminated, and the contractor who made the contract with the agency may be suspended or debarred in accordance with the requirements of this section, if the head of the agency determines that the contractor as an employer has repeatedly been convicted of failing or refusing to comply with one or more provisions of this chapter. (b) Effect of debarment A contractor debarred by a final decision under this section is ineligible for award of a contract by a Federal executive agency, and for participation in a future procurement by a Federal executive agency, for a period specified in the decision, not to exceed 5 years. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 43 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 4327 the following new item: 4328. Suspension, termination, or debarment of contractor. . (c) Regulations Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to carry out section 4328 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). (d) Effective date Section 4328 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to failures and refusals to comply with provisions of chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (e) Annual report Section 4332(a) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following new paragraph (10): (10) The number of suspensions, terminations, and debarments under section 4328 of this title, disaggregated by the agency or department imposing the suspension or debarment. . D Small Business Matters 431. Expansion of contracting goals and preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs to include conditionally owned small business concerns 100 percent owned by veterans Section 8127(l) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting unconditionally before owned by each place it appears; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) The term unconditionally owned includes, with respect to ownership of a small business concern, conditional ownership of such small business concern if such business concern is 100 percent owned by one or more veterans. . 432. Modification of treatment under contracting goals and preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs for small businesses owned by veterans of small businesses after death of disabled veteran owners (a) In general Section 8127(h) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking rated as and all that follows through disability. and inserting a period; and (2) in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows: (C) The date that— (i) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling or who dies as a result of a service-connected disability, is 10 years after the date of the veteran's death; or (ii) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as less than 100 percent disabling who does not die as a result of a service-connected disability, is three years after the date of the veteran's death. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to applications received pursuant to section 8127(f)(2) of title 38, United States Code, that are verified on or after such date. 433. Treatment of businesses after deaths of servicemember-owners for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs contracting goals and preferences (a) In general Section 8127 is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as subsections (j) through (m), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection (i): (i) Treatment of businesses after death of servicemember-Owner (1) If a member of the Armed Forces owns at least 51 percent of a small business concern and such member is killed in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service, the surviving spouse or dependent child of such member who acquires such ownership rights in such small business concern shall, for the period described in paragraph (2), be treated as if the surviving spouse or dependent child were a veteran with a service-connected disability for purposes of determining the status of the small business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans for purposes of contracting goals and preferences under this section. (2) The period referred to in paragraph (1) is the period beginning on the date on which the member of the Armed Forces dies and ending on the date as follows: (A) In the case of a surviving spouse, the earliest of the following dates: (i) The date on which the surviving spouse remarries. (ii) The date on which the surviving spouse relinquishes an ownership interest in the small business concern and no longer owns at least 51 percent of such small business concern. (iii) The date that is ten years after the date of the member's death. (B) In the case of a dependent child, the earliest of the following dates: (i) The date on which the surviving dependent child relinquishes an ownership interest in the small business concern and no longer owns at least 51 percent of such small business concern. (ii) The date that is ten years after the date of the member's death. . (b) Effective date Subsection (i) of section 8127 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to the deaths of members of the Armed Forces occurring on or after such date. 434. Special rule for treatment under contracting goals and preferences of Department of Veterans Affairs of small business concerns licensed in community property States Section 8127, as amended by section 433 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n) Special rule for community property States Whenever the Secretary assesses, for purposes of this section, the degree of ownership by an individual of a small business concern licensed in a community property State, the Secretary shall also assess what that degree of ownership would be if such small business concern had been licensed in a State other than a community property State. If the Secretary determines that such individual would have had a greater degree of ownership of the small business concern had such small business concern been licensed in a State other than a community property State, the Secretary shall treat, for purposes of this section, such small business concern as if it had been licensed in a State other than a community property State. . 435. Report on assistance for veterans in obtaining training on purchasing and operating a franchise (a) Report required Not later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection (c), the Secretary of Labor shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and other appropriate entities, submit to Congress a report on the assistance available to veterans to obtain training necessary to purchase and operate a franchise. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A description of the assistance available for veterans through the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Small Business Administration, or any other agency of the Federal Government in order to obtain training necessary to purchase or operate a franchise. (2) Information on the number of veterans who have sought and obtained the training described in paragraph (1) during the five calendar years preceding the report. (3) A description of any barriers encountered by veterans in obtaining the training described in paragraph (1). (c) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. V Accountability and Administrative Improvements 501. Administration of Veterans Integrated Service Networks (a) Veterans Integrated Service Networks (1) In general Subchapter I of chapter 73 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 7310. Veterans Integrated Service Networks (a) Organization (1) The Secretary shall organize the Veterans Health Administration in geographically defined Veterans Integrated Service Networks. (2) Each Veterans Integrated Service Network shall be organized in consideration of the following: (A) The size of the veteran population of the region of the network. (B) The complexity of the medical needs of the veterans in such region. (C) Patient referral patterns. (D) The availability of a full continuum of health care services. (E) The ability of the Department to furnish health care efficiently. (F) Partnerships with non-Department health care entities. (b) Staffing model (1) The Secretary shall establish a staffing model for each Veterans Integrated Service Network that— (A) is appropriate for the mission and responsibilities of the Veterans Integrated Service Network; and (B) accounts for the specific health care needs of differing populations in the Veterans Integrated Service Network. (2) The Secretary shall ensure that each Veterans Integrated Service Network complies with the staffing model established by the Secretary under paragraph (1) for such Veterans Integrated Service Network. (c) Integrated health care system The Secretary shall ensure that each Veterans Integrated Service Network maintains a regional integrated healthcare system by— (1) implementing alliances with such other governmental, public, and private health care organizations and practitioners as the Secretary considers appropriate to meet the needs of veterans in the Network; (2) providing oversight and management of, and taking responsibility for, a regional budget for the activities of the Veterans Health Administration in the geographic area of the Network that is— (A) aligned with the budget guidelines of the Department and the Veterans Health Administration; (B) balanced at the end of each fiscal year; and (C) sufficient to provide high-quality health care to veterans within the region and to meet any unique needs of the veterans of the region; (3) using national metrics to develop systems to provide effective, efficient, and safe delivery of health care; and (4) ensuring high-quality clinical programs and services are rendered in and through— (A) the medical centers and outpatient clinics of the Department that are located in the Network; and (B) other non-Department clinical or health care delivery settings located in the Network. (d) Reduction in duplicate functions The Secretary shall ensure that the Veterans Integrated Service Networks identify and reduce, whenever practicable, the duplication of functions in clinical, administrative, and operational processes and practices of the Veterans Health Administration. (e) Collaboration and cooperation The Secretary shall ensure that each Veterans Integrated Service Network— (1) works to achieve maximum effectiveness in patient care and safety, graduate medical education, and research; and (2) assesses the consolidation or realignment of institutional functions, including capital asset, safety, and operational support functions, in collaboration and cooperation with other Veterans Integrated Service Networks and the following offices or entities within the geographical area of the Network: (A) The offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration. (B) The offices, installations, and facilities of the Department of Defense, including the offices, installations, and facilities of each branch of the Armed Forces and the reserve components of the Armed Forces. (C) The offices, installations, and facilities of the Coast Guard. (D) Offices of State and local agencies that have a mission to provide assistance to veterans. (E) Medical schools and other affiliates. (F) Offices of Congress, offices of State and local elected officials, and other government offices. (G) Federal, State, and local emergency preparedness organizations. (H) Community and nonprofit organizations. (I) Such other entities of the Federal Government as the Secretary considers appropriate. (f) Headquarters (1) The Secretary shall ensure that each Veterans Integrated Service Network has only one headquarters office. (2) The location of a headquarters office for a Veterans Integrated Service Network shall be determined by the Secretary and co-located with a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center. (3) (A) The Secretary may employ or contract for the services of such full time equivalent employees and contractors at the headquarters of each Veterans Integrated Service Network as the Secretary considers appropriate in accordance with the staffing models established under subsection (b). (B) Not later than December 31 each year, 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 employment at the headquarters of Veterans Integrated Service Networks during the most recently completed fiscal year. (C) Each report submitted under subparagraph (B) shall include the following for the year covered by the report: (i) The number of individuals employed at each headquarters of a Veterans Integrated Service Network. (ii) The number of individuals employed by the Veterans Health Administration in each Veterans Integrated Service Network who are not employed at the same location as the headquarters of the Network. (iii) The title for each position of employment at a headquarters of a Veterans Integrated Service Network. (iv) The title for each position of employment with the Veterans Health Administration in each Veterans Integrated Service Network that is not at the same location as the headquarters of the Network. (v) An assessment of the impact on the budget of the Department by the employment of individuals at the headquarters of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks. (g) Triennial structure review, reassessment, and report (1) Beginning three years after the date of the enactment of this section and not less frequently than once every three years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a review and assessment of the structure and operations of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks in order to identify recommendations— (A) for streamlining and reducing costs associated with the operation of each headquarters of a Veterans Integrated Service Network; and (B) for reducing costs of health care within the Veterans Health Administration. (2) Not later than 180 days after conducting a review and assessment under paragraph (1), 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 review and assessment, which shall include such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate to improve the Veterans Integrated Service Networks. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7309 the following new item: 7310. Veterans Integrated Service Networks. . (b) Relocation of headquarters (1) In general In the case of a headquarters office of a Veterans Integrated Service Network that on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act was in a location that was not co-located with a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center and the Secretary is engaged in a lease for such location, the Secretary may— (A) relocate such headquarters upon the expiration of such lease so that such headquarters is co-located as required by section 7310(f)(2) of title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)(1)); or (B) notwithstanding such section 7310(f)(2) (as so added), renew such lease or enter into a new lease to keep such headquarters in such location. (2) Report If the Secretary renews a lease or engages in a new lease under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, before renewing such lease or engaging in such lease, a report describing the reasons for such renewal or engagement. Such report shall include the following: (A) A list of Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers in the Veterans Integrated Service Network of the headquarters with underutilized buildings, the number of such buildings, and the total underutilized square footage for each such medical center. (B) The cost of the current lease (the annual amount of rent, the total cost over the life of the lease, and the total cost per square foot) and the current square footage being leased. (C) The cost of the new lease (the annual amount of rent, the total cost over the life of the lease, and the total cost per square foot) and the square footage to be leased. (c) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any change in the location or type of medical care or service provided by a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, a Department community based outpatient clinic, a center for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans under section 1712A of title 38, United States Code (known as a vet center ), or other facility that provides direct care or services under a law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (d) Effective date This section, and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 502. Regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service Networks (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 73, as amended by section 501(a)(1) of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: 7310A. Regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service Networks (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish not more than four regional support centers within the Veterans Health Administration to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks. The head of each regional support center shall report to the Under Secretary of Health. (b) Functions The functions of the regional support centers established under subsection (a) are as follows: (1) To assess the quality of work performed within finance operations and other compliance related activities of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks. (2) To assess how effectively and efficiently each Veterans Integrated Service Network conducts outreach to veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, or any other contingency operation (as that term is defined in section 101 of title 10). (3) To assess how effectively and efficiently each Veterans Integrated Service Network conducts programs for the benefit of women veterans. (4) To assess how effectively and efficiently each Veterans Integrated Service Network conducts programs that address homelessness among veterans. (5) To assess how effectively and efficiently each Veterans Integrated Service Network consumes energy. (6) To assess such other matters concerning the operations and activities of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Staff The Secretary may hire such employees and contractors as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out the functions of the regional support centers. (d) Location of regional support centers (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the location of each regional support center established under subsection (a) shall be determined by the Secretary and co-located with a medical center of the Department. (2) The Secretary may choose a location for a regional support center established under subsection (a) that is not co-located with a medical center of the Department if the Secretary submits to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, before entering into a contract for a location that is not co-located with a medical center, a report describing the reasons for choosing a location for the regional support center that is not co-located with a medical center of the Department. Such report shall include the following: (A) A list of medical centers of the Department in the Veterans Integrated Service Network of the regional support center with underutilized buildings, the number of all Veterans Health Administration buildings in such Network, and the total underutilized square footage for each medical center of the Department in such Network. (B) The estimated cost of such lease (the annual amount of rent, the total cost over the life of the lease, and the total cost per square foot) and the square footage to be leased. . (b) Initial staffing In providing for the initial staff of each regional support center established under section 7310A(a) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the degree practicable, transfer employees from headquarters of Veterans Integrated Service Networks to regional support centers who were employed in positions at such headquarters that covered functions similar to those described in section 7310A(b) of such title, as so added. (c) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73, as amended by section 501(a)(2) of this Act, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7310 the following new item: 7310A. Regional support centers for Veterans Integrated Service Networks. . (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any change in the location or type of medical care or service provided by a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, a Department community based outpatient clinic, a center for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans under section 1712A of title 38, United States Code (known as a vet center ), or other facility that provides direct care or services under a law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (e) Effective date This section, and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 503. Commission on Capital Planning for Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities (a) Establishment of commission (1) Establishment There is established the Commission on Capital Planning for Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities (in this section referred to as the Commission ). (2) Membership (A) Voting members The Commission shall, subject to subparagraph (B), be composed of 10 voting members as follows: (i) 1 shall be appointed by the President. (ii) 1 shall be appointed by the Administrator of General Services. (iii) 3 shall be appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of whom— (I) 1 shall be an employee of the Veterans Health Administration; (II) 1 shall be an employee of the Office of Asset Enterprise Management of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (III) 1 shall be an employee of the Office of Construction and Facilities Management of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (iv) 1 shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense from among employees of the Army Corps of Engineers. (v) 1 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate. (vi) 1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate. (vii) 1 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (viii) 1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (B) Requirement relating to certain appointments of voting members Of the members appointed pursuant to clauses (i), (ii), and (iv) through (viii) of subparagraph (A), all shall have expertise in capital leasing, construction, or health facility management planning. (C) Non-voting members The Commission shall be assisted by 10 non-voting members, appointed by the vote of a majority of members of the Commission under subparagraph (A), of whom— (i) 6 shall be representatives of veterans service organizations recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (ii) 4 shall be individuals from outside the Department of Veterans Affairs with experience and expertise in matters relating to management, construction, and leasing of capital assets. (D) Date of appointment of voting members The appointments of the members of the Commission under subparagraph (A) shall be made not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (3) Period of appointment; vacancies Members shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (4) Initial meeting Not later than 15 days after the date on which 7 members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold its first meeting. (5) Meetings The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair. (6) Quorum A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. (7) Chair and vice chair The Commission shall select a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. (b) Duties of commission (1) In general The Commission shall undertake a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of various options for capital planning for Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, including an evaluation and assessment of the mechanisms by which the Department currently selects means for the delivery of health care, whether by major construction, major medical facility leases, sharing agreements with the Department of Defense, the Indian Health Service, and Federally Qualified Health Clinics under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254b ), contract care, multisite care, telemedicine, extended hours for care, or other means. (2) Context of evaluation and assessment In undertaking the evaluation and assessment, the Commission shall consider— (A) the importance of access to health care through the Department, including associated guidelines of the Department on access to, and drive time for, health care; (B) limitations and requirements applicable to the construction and leasing of medical facilities for the Department, including applicable laws, regulations, and costs as determined by both the Congressional Budget Office and the Office of Management and Budget; (C) the nature of capital planning for Department medical facilities in an era of fiscal uncertainty; (D) projected future fluctuations in the population of veterans; and (E) the extent to which the Department was able to meet the mandates of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services Commission. (3) Particular considerations In undertaking the evaluation and assessment, the Commission shall address, in particular, the following: (A) The Major Medical Facility Lease Program of the Department, including an identification of potential improvements to the lease authorization processes under that Program. (B) The management processes of the Department for its Major Medical Facility Construction Program, including processes relating to contract award and management, project management, and processing of change orders. (C) The overall capital planning program of the Department for medical facilities, including an evaluation and assessment of— (i) the manner in which the Department determines whether to use capital or non-capital means to expand access to health care; (ii) the manner in which the Department determines the disposition of under-utilized and un-utilized buildings on campuses of Department medical centers, and any barriers to disposition; (iii) the effectiveness of the facility master planning initiative of the Department; and (iv) the extent to which sustainable attributes are planned for to decrease operating costs for Department medical facilities. (D) The current backlog of construction projects for Department medical facilities, including an identification of the most effective means to quickly secure the most critical repairs required, including repairs relating to facility condition deficiencies, structural safety, and compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. (4) Reports Subject to paragraph (5), the Commission shall submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and to the Committee Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, reports as follows: (A) Not later than six months after its initial meeting under subsection (a)(4), a report on the Major Medical Facility Lease Program and the Congressional lease authorization process. (B) Not later than one year after its initial meeting, a report— (i) on the management processes of the Department for the construction of Department medical facilities; and (ii) setting forth an update of any matters covered in the report under subparagraph (A). (C) Not later than 18 months after its initial meeting, a report— (i) on the overall capital planning program of the Department for medical facilities; and (ii) setting forth an update of any matters covered in earlier reports under this paragraph. (D) Not later than two years after its initial meeting, a report— (i) on the current backlog of construction projects for Department medical facilities; (ii) setting forth an update of any matters covered in earlier reports under this paragraph; and (iii) including such other matters relating to the duties of the Commission that the Commission considers appropriate. (E) Not later than 27 months after its initial meeting, a report on the implementation by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pursuant to subsection (g) of the recommendations included pursuant to paragraph (5) in the reports under this paragraph. (5) Recommendations Each report under paragraph (4) shall include, for the aspect of the capital asset planning process of the Department covered by such report, such recommendations as the Commission considers appropriate for the improvement and enhancement of such aspect of the capital asset planning process. (c) Powers of commission (1) Hearings The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this section. (2) Information from Federal agencies The Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this section. Upon request of the Chair of the Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission. (d) Commission personnel matters (1) Compensation of members Each member of the Commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States. (2) Travel expenses The members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. (3) Staff (A) In general The Chair of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties. The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission. (B) Compensation The Chair of the Commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (4) Detail of government employees Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. (5) Procurement of temporary and intermittent services The Chair of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (e) Termination of commission The Commission shall terminate 60 days after the date on which the Commission submits its report under subsection (b)(4)(E). (f) Funding The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available to the Commission such amounts as the Secretary and the Chair of the Commission jointly consider appropriate for the Commission to perform its duties under this section. (g) Action on recommendations (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement each recommendation included in a report under subsection (b)(4) that the Secretary considers feasible and advisable and can be implemented without further legislative action. (2) Reports Not later than 120 days after receipt of a report under subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (b)(4), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report setting forth the following: (A) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of each recommendation contained in such report. (B) For each recommendation assessed as feasible and advisable— (i) if such recommendation does not require further legislative action for implementation, a description of the actions taken, and to be taken, by the Secretary to implement such recommendation; and (ii) if such recommendation requires further legislative action for implementation, recommendations for such legislative action. 504. Advance appropriations for certain accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 117 is amended— (1) by striking medical care accounts of the Department each place it appears and inserting covered accounts of the Department ; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking medical care accounts of the Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs account and inserting accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs account ; (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting Veterans Health Administration, after (1) ; (C) in paragraph (2), by inserting Veterans Health Administration, after (2) ; (D) in paragraph (3), by inserting Veterans Health Administration, after (3) ; (E) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as paragraphs (7) through (9), respectively; (F) by inserting before paragraph (7), as redesignated by subparagraph (E), the following new paragraphs: (1) Veterans Benefits Administration, Compensation and Pensions. (2) Veterans Benefits Administration, Readjustment Benefits. (3) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Insurance and Indemnities. (4) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund. (5) Veterans Benefits Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program Account. (6) Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program Account. ; and (G) in the subsection heading, by striking Medical care accounts and inserting Covered accounts ; and (3) in the section heading, by striking certain medical care accounts and inserting certain accounts . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2016 and each subsequent fiscal year. (c) Conforming amendment Section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking the first paragraph (37) and inserting the following: (37) information on estimates of appropriations for the fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs: (A) Veterans Benefits Administration, Compensation and Pensions. (B) Veterans Benefits Administration, Readjustment Benefits. (C) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Insurance and Indemnities. (D) Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund. (E) Veterans Benefits Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program Account. (F) Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program Account. (G) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Services. (H) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Support and Compliance. (I) Veterans Health Administration, Medical Facilities. . (d) Technical correction Such section is further amended by redesignating the second paragraph (37), as added by section 11(a)(2) of the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 ( Public Law 111–352 ; 124 Stat. 3881), as paragraph (39). 505. Public access to Department of Veterans Affairs research and data sharing between Departments (a) Establishment of Internet website The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available on an Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs available to the public the following: (1) Data files that contain information on research of the Department. (2) A data dictionary on each data file. (3) Instructions for how to obtain access to each data file for use in research. (b) Public access to manuscripts on Department funded research (1) In general Beginning not later than 540 days after the effective date specified in subsection (e), the Secretary shall require, as a condition on the use of any data gathered or formulated from research funded by the Department, that any final, peer-reviewed manuscript prepared for publication that uses such data be submitted to the Secretary for deposit in the digital archive under paragraph (2) and publication under paragraph (3). (2) Digital archive Not later than 540 days after the effective date specified in subsection (e), the Secretary shall— (A) establish a digital archive consisting of manuscripts described in paragraph (1); or (B) partner with another executive agency to compile such manuscripts in a digital archive. (3) Public availability (A) Availability of archive The Secretary shall ensure that the digital archive under paragraph (2) and the contents of such archive are available to the public via a publicly accessible Internet website at no cost to the public. (B) Availability of manuscripts The Secretary shall ensure that each manuscript submitted to the Secretary under paragraph (1) is available to the public under subparagraph (A) not later than one year after the official date on which the manuscript is otherwise published. (4) Consistent with copyright law The Secretary shall carry out this subsection in a manner consistent with applicable copyright law. (5) Annual report (A) In general Not later than one year after the date the Secretary begins making manuscripts available to the public under this subsection and not less frequently than once each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of this subsection during the most recent one-year period. (B) Contents Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include for the period of the report: (i) The number of manuscripts submitted under paragraph (1). (ii) The titles of such manuscripts. (iii) The authors of such manuscripts. (iv) For each such manuscript, the name and issue number or volume number, as the case may be, of the journal or other publication in which such manuscript was published. (c) Recommendations for data sharing between Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Not later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection (e), the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee established by section 320(a) of title 38, United States Code, shall submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense options and recommendations for the establishment of a program for long-term cooperation and data sharing between and within the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to facilitate research on outcomes of military service, readjustment after combat deployment, and other topics of importance to the following: (1) Veterans. (2) Members of the Armed Forces. (3) Family members of veterans. (4) Family members of members of the Armed Forces. (5) Members of communities that have a significant population of veterans or members of the Armed Forces. (d) Executive agency defined In this section, the term executive agency has the meaning given that term in section 133 of title 41, United States Code. (e) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 506. Assessment by Comptroller General of the United States of information made available by Veterans Benefits Administration (a) Assessment of information currently available Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall— (1) conduct an assessment of the process by which the Veterans Benefits Administration informs veterans, veterans service organizations, and such other persons as the Comptroller General considers appropriate regarding the furnishing of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine the extent to which the process results in disseminated information that— (A) adequately supports and improves the timeliness and accuracy of decisions made by the Administration with respect to claims for disability compensation and such other benefits furnished under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as the Comptroller General considers appropriate; and (B) encourages the filing of fully developed claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary; and (2) assess how the Veterans Benefits Administration notifies each claimant during, and as part of, any electronic filing process established by the Secretary for the filing of applications for disability compensation and such other benefits under laws administered by the Secretary as the Comptroller General considers appropriate that services may be available to the claimant from a veterans service organization. (b) Report Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 findings of the Comptroller General under subsection (a). Such report shall include such recommendations as the Comptroller General may have for legislative or administrative action to improve the availability of information made available to the public by the Veterans Benefits Administration regarding the furnishing of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (c) Veterans service organization defined In this section, the term veterans service organization means an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code. (d) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 507. Comptroller general report on advisory committees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Not later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection (c), 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 advisory committees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a)— (1) shall include— (A) recommendations or proposals for continuing, modifying, or terminating certain advisory committees, including noting areas of overlap and duplication among the advisory committees; and (B) such other information as the Comptroller General considers appropriate; and (2) may include— (A) a description of each advisory committee, including with respect to each committee— (i) the purpose of the committee; (ii) the commencement date of the committee; and (iii) the anticipated termination date of the committee; (B) a summary of the anticipated expenses and the actual expenses incurred for each advisory committee during the most recent three fiscal years ending before the date of the enactment of this Act; and (C) with respect to meetings held by each advisory committee— (i) the frequency with which each committee has met during the shorter of— (I) the most recent three fiscal years ending before the date of the enactment of this Act; and (II) the life of the committee; (ii) the date of the most recent meeting held by the committee before such date of enactment; and (iii) the date of the most recent report or other written product developed by the committee before such date of enactment. (c) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. VI Improvement of Processing of Claims for Compensation A Claims Based on Military Sexual Trauma 601. Medical examination and opinion for disability compensation claims based on military sexual trauma (a) In general Section 5103A(d) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) (A) In the case of a claim for disability compensation based on a mental health condition related to military sexual trauma, the Secretary shall treat an examination or opinion as being necessary to make a decision on a claim for purposes of paragraph (1) if the evidence of record before the Secretary, taking into consideration all information and lay or medical evidence (including statements of the claimant)— (i) (I) contains competent evidence that the claimant has a current disability, or persistent or recurrent symptoms of disability; and (II) indicates that the disability or symptoms may be associated with the claimant’s active military, naval, or air service; but (ii) does not contain a diagnosis or opinion by a mental health professional that may assist in corroborating the occurrence of a military sexual trauma stressor related to a diagnosable mental health condition. (B) In this paragraph, the term military sexual trauma shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary for purposes of this paragraph, and shall include sexual harassment (as so specified). . (b) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 number of examinations and opinions conducted by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (3) of section 5103A(d) of title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), including the following: (1) The number of examinations conducted using a standardized disability assessment. (2) The number of examinations conducted using a non-standardized clinical interview. 602. Case representative officers for military sexual trauma support (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assign to each individual seeking compensation under the laws administered by the Secretary based on military sexual trauma a case representative officer who shall provide advice and general information to such individual on the claims process for such compensation. Each case representative officer so assigned shall be assigned from among current personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Liaison A case representative officer assigned to an individual under subsection (a) shall be responsible for serving as a liaison between the individual, an authorized agent or attorney of the individual under section 5904 of title 38, United States Code, or an otherwise accredited representative of the individual, and the Department of Veterans Affairs on matters relating to the claim of the individual for compensation under the laws administered by the Secretary. (c) Case representative officer requirements (1) Competence and knowledge Each case representative officer assigned under subsection (a) shall be competent and knowledgeable about the following: (A) The claims adjudication process and applicable laws, regulations, and other authority applicable to the adjudication of disability claims based on military sexual trauma. (B) Such other services to victims of sexual trauma as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Limitation on number of individuals to which assigned A case representative officer may not be assigned to more individuals described in subsection (a) than, as determined by the Secretary, is appropriate for the provision of individual case management assistance by such officer. (d) Information on benefits and programs relating to military sexual trauma (1) In general The Secretary shall make available to the public information on the availability of case representative officers under subsection (a) to assist in the application for benefits based on military sexual trauma. The Secretary shall revise and update the information so made available in order to ensure that the information is as current as possible. (2) Individuals separating from military service The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, ensure that individuals who are being separated from the active military, naval, or air service are provided appropriate information about programs, requirements, and procedures for applying for benefits based on military sexual trauma and the availability of case representative officers under subsection (a). (e) Information on training for agents and representatives of individuals assigned case representative officer The Secretary shall make available to the authorized agent or attorney of an individual assigned a case representative under subsection (a), or to the otherwise accredited representative of the individual, any relevant materials used to train such case representative officer for the duties of such position. (f) Advisory Committee on Women Veterans consideration of mechanisms To enhance coordination between VBA and VHA on benefits for military sexual trauma The Advisory Committee on Women Veterans established under section 542 of title 38, United States Code, shall undertake actions to identify mechanisms to enhance coordination between the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration in the provision of benefits based on military sexual trauma, including the identification of barriers to the appropriate provision of benefits for military sexual trauma by such Administrations and of means of eliminating or reducing such barriers. (g) Annual reports Not less frequently than annually, 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 setting forth the following: (1) A certification whether or not the case representative officers assigned under subsection (a) during the preceding year met the requirements specified in subsection (c). (2) A description of the current training the Secretary provides to employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration on claims for benefits based on military sexual trauma, including the frequency, length, and content of such training. (3) A description of current policies and procedures on the training the Secretary provides to case representative officers, including the current position descriptions for case representative officers. (4) A description of current efforts to coordinate activities and assistance provided to individuals who seek care or benefits for military sexual trauma between the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration, including the efforts of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans under subsection (f). (h) Sunset (1) In general No case representative officer may be assigned under subsection (a) after December 31, 2018. (2) Continuation of duties after sunset date Paragraph (1) shall not be construed to prohibit any case representative officer assigned to an individual before the date specified in that paragraph from performing duties pursuant to this section after that date with respect to a claim for which that case representative officer was assigned to such individual before that date. (i) Definitions In this section: (1) Active military, naval, or air service The term active military, naval, or air service has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (2) Military sexual trauma The term military sexual trauma shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section, and shall include sexual harassment (as so specified). 603. Report on standard of proof for service-connection of mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 current standard of proof for service-connection under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, for covered mental health conditions based on military sexual trauma. (b) Recommendations The Secretary shall include in the report under subsection (a) any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate to improve the adjudication of claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma, including— (1) recommendations for an appropriate standard of proof for such claims if the Secretary considers such recommendations advisable; and (2) recommendations for legislative action, if necessary, to carry out such improvement. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Active military, naval, or air service The term active military, naval, or air service has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (2) Covered mental health condition The term covered mental health condition means post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, or other mental health diagnosis that the Secretary determines to be related to military sexual trauma. (3) Military sexual trauma The term military sexual trauma shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section, and shall include sexual harassment (as so specified). 604. Reports on claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma (a) Reports Not later than December 1, 2014, and each year thereafter through 2018, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the covered claims submitted to the Secretary during the previous fiscal year. (b) Elements Each report under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) The number of covered claims submitted to or considered by the Secretary during the fiscal year covered by the report. (2) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1), the number and percentage of such claims— (A) submitted by each gender; (B) that were approved, including the number and percentage of such approved claims submitted by each gender; and (C) that were denied, including the number and percentage of such denied claims submitted by each gender. (3) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were approved, the number and percentage, listed by each gender, of claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability. (4) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were denied— (A) the three most common reasons given by the Secretary under section 5104(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, for such denials; and (B) the number of denials that were based on the failure of a veteran to report for a medical examination. (5) Of the covered claims under paragraph (1) that were resubmitted to the Secretary after denial in a previous adjudication— (A) the number of such claims submitted to or considered by the Secretary during the fiscal year covered by the report; (B) the number and percentage of such claims— (i) submitted by each gender; (ii) that were approved, including the number and percentage of such approved claims submitted by each gender; and (iii) that were denied, including the number and percentage of such denied claims submitted by each gender; (C) the number and percentage, listed by each gender, of claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability; and (D) of such claims that were again denied— (i) the three most common reasons given by the Secretary under section 5104(b)(1) of such title for such denials; and (ii) the number of denials that were based on the failure of a veteran to report for a medical examination. (6) The number of covered claims that, as of the end of the fiscal year covered by the report, are pending and, separately, the number of such claims on appeal. (7) For the fiscal year covered by the report, the average number of days that covered claims take to complete beginning on the date on which the claim is submitted. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Active military, naval, or air service The term active military, naval, or air service has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (2) Covered claims The term covered claims means claims for disability compensation submitted to the Secretary based on post traumatic stress disorder alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma. (3) Military sexual trauma The term military sexual trauma shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section, and shall include sexual harassment (as so specified). B Claims for dependency and indemnity compensation 611. Program on treatment of certain applications for dependency and indemnity compensation as fully developed claims (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of expediting the treatment of a covered dependency and indemnity compensation claim. (b) Covered dependency and indemnity compensation claims For purposes of this section, a covered dependency and indemnity compensation claim is a claim submitted to the Secretary for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, United States Code, for which the claimant— (1) applies for such compensation within one-year of the death of the veteran upon whose service the claim is based; (2) was the dependent on the claim of a veteran who was receiving benefits for one or more service-connected conditions as of the date of death; (3) submits a death certificate or other evidence with the claim indicating that the veteran’s death was due to a service-connected or compensable disability; and (4) in the case that the claimant is the spouse of the deceased veteran, certifies that he or she has not remarried since the date of the veteran’s death. (c) Duration The program shall be carried out during the one-year period beginning on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Locations The program shall be carried out at the Pension Management Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs or such centers selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program. (e) Report (1) In general Not later than 270 days after the date on which the program is completed, 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. (2) Contents The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The number of covered dependency and indemnity compensation claims that were adjudicated under the program, disaggregated by the following: (i) Claims in which the claimant claimed entitlement to compensation on the basis of the claimant's status as the spouse of a deceased veteran. (ii) Claims in which the claimant claimed entitlement to compensation on the basis of the claimant's status as the child of a deceased veteran. (iii) Claims in which the claimant claimed entitlement to compensation on the basis of the claimant's status as the parent of a deceased veteran. (B) The number of covered dependency and indemnity compensation claims that were adjudicated under the program and for which compensation was not awarded, disaggregated by clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A). (C) A comparison of the accuracy and timeliness of claims adjudicated under the program with claims submitted to the Secretary for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, United States Code, that were not provided expeditious treatment under the program. (D) The findings of the Secretary with respect to the program. (E) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for legislative or administrative action to improve the adjudication of claims submitted to the Secretary for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, United States Code. 612. Report by Secretary of Veterans Affairs on improving timeliness and accuracy of administration of claims for dependency and indemnity compensation and pension for surviving spouses and children (a) In general Not later than 455 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 with recommendations for legislative or administrative actions to improve the timeliness and accuracy with which the Secretary processes and adjudicates claims for compensation under chapter 13 of title 38, United States Code, and pension under sections 1541 and 1542 of such title. (b) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. C Agency of Original Jurisdiction 621. Working group to improve employee work credit and work management systems of Veterans Benefits Administration in an electronic environment (a) Establishment Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a working group to assess and develop recommendations for the improvement of the employee work credit and work management systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration in an electronic environment. (b) Composition The working group shall be composed of the following: (1) The Secretary or the Secretary's designee. (2) Individuals selected by the Secretary from among employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who handle claims for compensation and pension benefits and are recommended to the Secretary by a labor organization for purposes of this section, including at least one of each of the following individuals: (A) A veterans service representative. (B) A rating veterans service representative. (C) A decision review officer. (3) Not fewer than three individuals selected by the Secretary to represent different organizations recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code. (4) Individuals selected by the Secretary— (A) that are not employees of the Department; and (B) that are experts in work credit and work management systems. (c) Duties The duties of the working group are to assess and develop recommendations for the following: (1) The improvement of the employee work credit and work management systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration in an electronic environment. (2) A scientific, data based methodology to be used in revising the employee work credit system of the Department to improve the quality and quantity of work produced by employees of the Department. (3) The improvement of the resource allocation model of the Veterans Benefits Administration, with a focus on the processing of claims in an electronic environment. (4) A schedule by which the revisions referred to in paragraph (2) will be implemented by the Department. (d) Review and incorporation of findings from prior study In carrying out its duties under subsection (c), the working group shall review the findings and conclusions of previous studies of the employee work credit and work management systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration. (e) Role of the Secretary The Secretary shall consider the recommendations of the working group and implement such recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate. (f) Reports (1) Interim report Not later than 180 days after the date of the establishment of the working group, the working group shall submit to Congress a report on the progress of the working group. (2) Final report Not later than one year after the date of the establishment of the working group, the Secretary shall submit to Congress the methodology described in subsection (c)(2) and the schedule described in subsection (c)(4) that the Secretary has decided to implement pursuant to subsection (e). (g) Implementation of methodology and schedule After submitting the report under subsection (f), the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to apply the methodology described in subsection (c)(2) and the schedule described in subsection (c)(4) that the Secretary has decided to implement pursuant to subsection (e). 622. Task force on retention and training of Department of Veterans Affairs claims processors and adjudicators (a) Establishment The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a task force to assess retention and training of claims processors and adjudicators that are employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (b) Composition The task force shall be composed of the following: (1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs or designee. (2) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management or designee. (3) The Commissioner of Social Security or designee. (4) An individual selected by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs who represents an organization recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code. (5) Such other individuals selected by the Secretary who represent such other organizations and institutions as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Duration The task force established under subsection (a) shall terminate not later than two years after the date on which the task force is established under such subsection. (d) Duties The duties of the task force are as follows: (1) To identify key skills required by claims processors and adjudicators to perform the duties of claims processors and adjudicators in the various claims processing and adjudication positions throughout the Federal Government. (2) To identify reasons for employee attrition from claims processing positions. (3) To coordinate with educational institutions to develop training and programs of education for members of the Armed Forces to prepare such members for employment in claims processing and adjudication positions in the Federal Government. (4) To identify and coordinate offices of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs located throughout the United States to provide information about, and promotion of, available claims processing positions to members of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian life and to veterans with disabilities. (5) To establish performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the task force. (6) Not later than one year after the date of the establishment of the task force, to develop a Government-wide strategic and operational plan for promoting employment of veterans in claims processing positions in the Federal Government. (7) To establish performance measures to assess the plan developed under paragraph (6), to assess the implementation of such plan, and to revise such plan as the task force considers appropriate. (e) Reports (1) Submittal of plan Not later than one year after the date of the establishment of the task force, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the plan developed by the task force under subsection (d)(6). (2) Assessment of implementation Not later than 120 days after the termination of the task force, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that assesses the implementation of the plan developed by the task force under subsection (d)(6). 623. Reports on requests by the Department of Veterans Affairs for records of other Federal agencies (a) Reports required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter through the date that is 910 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 attempts of the Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain records necessary to adjudicate claims for benefits from another department or agency of the Federal Government during the 180-day period ending on the date of such report. (b) Elements (1) In general Each report shall set forth the following: (A) For the period covered by such report, the following: (i) The total number of requests made by the Department. (ii) The types of records requested. (iii) The number of requests made before the receipt of each record. (iv) The amount of time between the initial request for each record and the receipt of each record. (v) The number of occurrences of the receipt of a record after the adjudication of the claim for which the record was sought. (vi) A description of the efforts of the Secretary to expedite the delivery of records to the Department from other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (B) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate in light of such report. (2) Presentation The information in a report under clauses (i) through (v) of paragraph (1)(A) shall be set forth separately for each department and agency of the Federal Government covered by such report. 624. Recognition of representatives of Indian tribes in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Section 5902(a)(1) is amended by inserting , including Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b )) after as the Secretary may approve . 625. Program on participation of local and tribal governments in improving quality of claims for disability compensation submitted to Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Program required The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of entering into memoranda of understanding with local governments and tribal organizations— (1) to improve the quality of claims submitted to the Secretary for compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, and pension under chapter 15 of such title; and (2) to provide assistance to veterans who may be eligible for such compensation or pension in submitting such claims. (b) Minimum number of participating tribal organizations In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall enter into, or maintain existing, memoranda of understanding with at least— (1) two tribal organizations; and (2) 10 State or local governments. (c) Duration The program shall be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program. (d) Report (1) Initial report Not later than one year after the date of the commencement of the program, 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 that includes the following: (A) A description of the implementation and operation of the program, including a description of outreach conducted by the Secretary to tribal organizations and State and local governments. (B) An evaluation of the program, including the total number of memoranda of understanding entered into or maintained by the Secretary. (2) Final report Not later than 180 days after the termination of the program, 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 that includes the following: (A) A description of the implementation and operation of the program, including a description of outreach conducted by the Secretary to tribal organizations and State and local governments. (B) An evaluation of the program, including the total number of memoranda of understanding entered into or maintained by the Secretary. (C) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the program. (D) Such recommendations for continuation or expansion of the program as the Secretary considers appropriate. (e) Tribal organization defined In this section, the term tribal organization has the meaning given that term in section 3765 of title 38, United States Code. 626. Department of Veterans Affairs notice of average times for processing compensation claims (a) Public notice The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the extent practicable, post the information described in subsection (b)— (1) in physical locations, such as Regional Offices or other claims in-take facilities, that the Secretary considers appropriate; (2) on the Internet website of the Department; and (3) through other mediums or using such other methods, including collaboration with veterans service organizations, as the Secretary considers appropriate. (b) Information described (1) In general The information described in this subsection is the average processing time of the claims described in paragraph (2). (2) Claims described The claims described in this paragraph are each of the following types of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs: (A) A fully developed claim. (B) A claim that is not fully developed. (3) Update of information The information described in this subsection shall be updated not less frequently than once each fiscal quarter. (c) Expiration of requirements The requirements of subsection (a) shall expire on December 31, 2015. (d) Veterans service organization defined In this section, the term veterans service organization means an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code. 627. Quarterly reports on progress of Department of Veterans Affairs in eliminating backlog of claims for compensation that have not been adjudicated (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than quarterly thereafter through calendar year 2015, 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 backlog of claims filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs for compensation that have not been adjudicated by the Department. (b) Contents Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) For each month through calendar year 2015, a projection of the following: (A) The number of claims completed. (B) The number of claims received. (C) The number of claims on backlog at the end of the month. (D) The number of claims pending at the end of the month. (E) The number of appeals pending at the end of the month. (F) A description of the status of the implementation of initiatives carried out by the Secretary to address the backlog, including the expected impact of those initiatives on accuracy and timeliness of adjudication of claims. (2) For each quarter through calendar year 2015, a projection of the average accuracy of disability determinations for compensation claims that require a disability rating (or disability decision). (3) For each month during the most recently completed quarter, the following: (A) The number of claims completed. (B) The number of claims received. (C) The number of claims on backlog at the end of the month. (D) The number of claims pending at the end of the month. (E) The number of appeals pending at the end of the month. (F) A description of the status of the implementation of initiatives carried out by the Secretary to address the backlog, including the impact of those initiatives on accuracy and timeliness of adjudication of claims. (G) An assessment of the accuracy of disability determinations for compensation claims that require a disability rating (or disability decision). (4) For the most recently completed quarter— (A) the number of cases physically received at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and docketed; (B) the number of cases pending at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals at the end of the quarter; (C) the number of cases physically at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals at the end of the quarter; (D) the number of notices of disagreement and appeals filed to the agency of original jurisdiction referred to in section 7105(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code; and (E) the number of decisions made by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the percentage of such decisions that were allowed, remanded, denied, or otherwise disposed of. (c) Availability to public The Secretary shall make each report submitted under subsection (a) available to the public. (d) On backlog and pending defined In this section, the terms on backlog and pending , with respect to a claim for compensation received by the Secretary, shall have the meaning specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section. 628. Reports on use of existing authorities to expedite benefits decisions (a) Report on current use of temporary, intermediate, and provisional rating decisions (1) Report required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 use of temporary, intermediate, and provisional rating decisions to expedite the benefits decisions of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Report elements The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) With respect to temporary and intermediate rating decisions, the following: (i) The number of temporary and intermediate rating decisions issued by the Department during each of fiscal years 2011, 2012, and 2013. (ii) A description of any reasons or obstacles that prevent use of existing authorities to issue temporary or intermediate rating decisions. (iii) A description of the Quick Pay Disability initiative, including the rationale for not expanding the initiative beyond pilot program status. (B) With respect to provisional rating decisions, the following: (i) The number of provisional rating decisions issued by the Department during the oldest claims first initiative. (ii) Of the provisional rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative— (I) the number of such decisions that involved a claim granted; (II) the number of such decisions that involved a claim denied; and (III) the number of such decisions that involved a claim granted in part or a claim denied in part. (iii) A statement of the most common reasons claims were not granted earlier under the oldest claims first initiative when there was sufficient evidence to render an award of benefits in the provisional rating decision. (iv) The average number of days to issue a provisional rating decision under the oldest claims first initiative. (v) Of the total number of decisions that were completed under the oldest claims first initiative— (I) the number that were Category 1 claims and received a final rating decision; and (II) the number that were Category 2 claims and received a provisional rating decision. (vi) The number of rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first imitative that involved a brokered claim, set forth by number of such claims by Regional Office of the Department, including— (I) the number of brokered claims received by each Regional Office; and (II) the number of brokered claims issued by each Regional Office. (vii) The number of provisional rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative with respect to which the veteran requested that the provisional decision become final in order to appeal. (viii) The number of provisional rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative with respect to which the veteran requested an appeal after the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on the date of notification of the provisional rating decision. (ix) An assessment of the accuracy of provisional rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative, set forth by Category 1 claims and Category 2 claims. (C) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the report. (3) Supplemental information If the Secretary continues to obtain information on rating decisions under clauses (vii) and (viii) of paragraph (2)(B) after the date of the submittal of the report required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the committees of Congress referred to in paragraph (1) a report on such information that supplements the information on such clauses in the report under paragraph (1) when the Secretary completes accumulation of such information. (b) Plan for increase in use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions (1) Report on plan required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report setting forth a plan to increase the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions to expedite benefit decisions of the Department when the record contains sufficient evidence to grant any claim at issue, including service connection. (2) Plan elements The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Mechanisms to overcome obstacles to the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions, including mechanisms (such as upgrades) to assure the ability of the Veterans Benefits Management System to facilitate the issuance of temporary or intermediate rating decisions. (B) Mechanisms to ensure that appropriate claimant populations, such as claimants who file complex or multi-issue disability compensation claims, benefit from the availability of temporary or intermediate rating decisions. (C) Mechanisms to provide for the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions, including mechanisms to resolve whether a request by a claimant or claimant representative should trigger use of a temporary or intermediate rating decision depending on the circumstances of the claimant. (D) Mechanisms to prevent the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions in lieu of a final rating decision when a final rating decision could be made with little or no additional claim development. (E) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate to increase the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions to expedite benefit decisions of the Department. 629. Reports on Department disability medical examinations and prevention of unnecessary medical examinations (a) Report on disability medical examinations furnished by Department of Veterans Affairs (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 furnishing of general medical and specialty medical examinations by the Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of adjudicating claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary. (2) Contents The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The number of general medical examinations furnished by the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 for purposes of adjudicating claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary. (B) The number of general medical examinations furnished by the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 for purposes of adjudicating a claim in which a comprehensive joint examination was conducted, but for which no disability relating to a joint, bone, or muscle had been asserted as an issue in the claim. (C) The number of specialty medical examinations furnished by the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 for purposes of adjudicating a claim. (D) The number of specialty medical examinations furnished by the Department during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 for purposes of adjudicating a claim in which one or more joint examinations were conducted. (E) A summary with citations to any medical and scientific studies that provide a basis for determining that three repetitions is adequate to determine the effect of repetitive use on functional impairments. (F) The names of all examination reports, including general medical examinations and Disability Benefits Questionnaires, used for evaluation of compensation and pension disability claims which require measurement of repeated ranges of motion testing and the number of examinations requiring such measurements which were conducted in fiscal year 2012. (G) The average amount of time taken by an individual conducting a medical examination to perform the three repetitions of movement of each joint. (H) A discussion of whether there are more efficient and effective scientifically reliable methods of testing for functional loss on repetitive use of an extremity other than the three time repetition currently used by the Department. (I) Recommendations as to the continuation of the practice of measuring functional impairment by using three repetitions of movement of each joint during the examination as a criteria for evaluating the effect of repetitive motion on functional impairment with supporting rationale. (b) Report and plan To prevent the ordering of unnecessary medical examinations (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the efforts of the Secretary in reducing the necessity for in-person disability examinations and other efforts to comply with the provisions of section 5125 of title 38, United States Code. (2) Contents The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Criteria used by the Secretary to determine if a claim is eligible for the Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative. (B) The number of claims determined to be eligible for the Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative during the period beginning on the date of the initiation of the initiative and ending on the date of the enactment of this Act, disaggregated— (i) by fiscal year; and (ii) by claims determined eligible based in whole or in part on medical evidence provided by a private health care provider. (C) The total number of claims determined to be eligible for the Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative that required an employee of the Department to supplement the evidence with information obtained during a telephone interview with a claimant or health care provider. (D) Information on any other initiatives or efforts, including disability benefits questionnaires, of the Department to further encourage the use of medical evidence provided by a private health care provider and reliance upon reports of a medical examination administered by a private physician if the report is sufficiently complete to be adequate for the purposes of adjudicating a claim. (E) A plan— (i) to measure, track, and prevent the ordering of unnecessary medical examinations when the provision by a claimant of a medical examination administered by a private physician in support of a claim for benefits under chapter 11 or 15 of title 38, United States Code, is adequate for the purpose of making a decision on that claim; and (ii) that includes the actions the Secretary will take to eliminate any request by the Department for a medical examination in the case of a claim for benefits under chapter 11 or 15 of such title in support of which a claimant submits medical evidence or a medical opinion provided by a private health care provider that is competent, credible, probative, and otherwise adequate for purposes of making a decision on that claim. D Board of Veterans' Appeals and Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims 631. Determination of manner of appearance for hearings before Board of Veterans' Appeals (a) In general Section 7107 is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking in subsection (f) and inserting in subsection (g) ; (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and (3) by striking subsections (d) and (e) and inserting the following new subsections: (d) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a hearing before the Board shall be conducted through picture and voice transmission, by electronic or other means, in such a manner that the appellant is not present in the same location as the members of the Board during the hearing. (2) (A) A hearing before the Board shall be conducted in person upon the request of an appellant. (B) In the absence of a request under subparagraph (A), a hearing before the Board may also be conducted in person as the Board considers appropriate. (e) (1) In a case in which a hearing before the Board is to be held as described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall provide suitable facilities and equipment to the Board or other components of the Department to enable an appellant located at an appropriate facility within the area served by a regional office to participate as so described. (2) Any hearing conducted as described in subsection (d)(1) shall be conducted in the same manner as, and shall be considered the equivalent of, a personal hearing. (f) (1) In a case in which a hearing before the Board is to be held as described in subsection (d)(2), the appellant may request that the hearing be held at the principal location of the Board or at a facility of the Department located within the area served by a regional office of the Department. (2) A hearing to be held within an area served by a regional office of the Department shall (except as provided in paragraph (3)) be scheduled to be held in accordance with the place of the case on the docket under subsection (a) relative to other cases on the docket for which hearings are scheduled to be held within that area. (3) A hearing to be held within an area served by a regional office of the Department may, for cause shown, be advanced on motion for an earlier hearing. Any such motion shall set forth succinctly the grounds upon which the motion is based. Such a motion may be granted only— (A) if the case involves interpretation of law of general application affecting other claims; (B) if the appellant is seriously ill or is under severe financial hardship; or (C) for other sufficient cause shown. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to cases received by the Board of Veterans' Appeals pursuant to notices of disagreement submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. VII Outreach Matters 701. Program to increase coordination of outreach efforts between the Department of Veterans Affairs and certain eligible entities (a) Program required (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using eligible entities specified in paragraph (2)— (A) to increase awareness of veterans regarding benefits and services for veterans; and (B) to improve coordination of outreach activities regarding such benefits and services between the Secretary and Federal, State, and local government and nonprofit providers of health care and benefit services for veterans. (2) Eligible entities specified The eligible entities specified in this paragraph are the following: (A) State and local government agencies. (B) Nonprofit organizations. (C) The Appalachian Regional Commission, established under section 14301(a) of title 40, United States Code. (D) The Delta Regional Authority, established under section 382B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–1(a) ). (E) The Denali Commission, established under section 303 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105–277 ). (F) 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) ). (G) 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. (H) Entities described in subparagraph (I) that serve Native Americans, Alaska Natives, or native Hawaiians (as such terms are defined in section 3765 of title 38, United States Code), regardless of whether such entities are tribal organizations (as defined in such section). (I) Commissions and development boards that are— (i) not chartered by the Federal Government; (ii) selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program; and (iii) located in areas that present extraordinary challenges to veterans, as determined by the Secretary, including the following: (I) Areas in severe economic distress. (II) Areas with underdeveloped infrastructure. (III) Areas with unusual geographic characteristics, such as separation from the mainland. (b) Duration The Secretary shall carry out the program for a two-year period. (c) Grants (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out the program through the competitive award of grants to eligible entities— (A) to increase the awareness of veterans regarding benefits and services for veterans; and (B) to improve coordination of outreach activities regarding such benefits and services between the Secretary and Federal, State, and local government and nonprofit providers of health care and benefit services for veterans. (2) Application (A) In general An eligible entity seeking a grant under the program shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in such form and in such manner as the Secretary considers appropriate. (B) Elements Each application submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) A description of the consultations, if any, with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the development of any proposal under the application. (ii) A description of the project for which the applicant is seeking a grant under the program, including a plan to coordinate under the program, to the greatest extent possible, the outreach activities of Federal, State, and local government agencies that provide health care, benefits, and services for veterans and nonprofit organizations that provide such care, benefits, and services to enhance the awareness and availability of such care, benefits, and services. (iii) An agreement to report to the Secretary standardized data and other performance measures necessary for the Secretary to evaluate the program and to facilitate evaluation of projects for which grants are awarded under the program. (iv) Such other information as the Secretary may require. (3) Considerations (A) In general In awarding grants under the program to carry out projects, the Secretary shall consider— (i) where the projects will be carried out and which populations are targeted; and (ii) the likelihood that each potential grantee will successfully carry out the grant proposal. (B) Considerations regarding location and target population In taking the matters specified in subparagraph (A)(ii) into consideration, the Secretary shall consider in particular the advisability of awarding grants for projects— (i) carried out in areas with populations that have a high proportion of veteran representation; (ii) carried out in a variety of geographic areas, including urban, rural, and highly rural areas; and (iii) that target a variety of veteran populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income populations, and older populations. (4) Use of funds The Secretary shall establish appropriate uses of grant amounts received under the program. (5) Oversight of use of funds The Secretary shall establish appropriate mechanisms for oversight of the use of grant amounts received under the program, including the evidence grantees must submit to demonstrate use of grant amounts and procedures for the recovery of grant amounts that were improperly used. (6) Limitation In a fiscal year, not more than 20 percent of all grant amounts awarded in that fiscal year may be awarded to a single State entity. (d) State matching requirement The Secretary may not make a grant to a State under subsection (c) unless that State agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by the State in carrying out the program or projects for which the grant was awarded, the State will make available (directly or through donations from public or private entities) non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to 50 percent of Federal funds provided under the grant. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section the following: (1) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2015. (2) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2016. (f) Annual report (1) In general Not later than 120 days after the completion of the first calendar year beginning after the date of the commencement of the program, and not less frequently than once every year thereafter for the duration of the program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the program and the projects supported by grants awarded under the program. (2) Elements The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the program. (B) An assessment of the benefit to veterans of the program. (C) The performance measures used by the Secretary for purposes of the program and data showing the performance of grantees under the program under such measures. (D) The recommendations of the Secretary as to the feasibility and advisability of continuing or expanding or modifying the program. (g) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 702. Cooperative agreements between Secretary of Veterans Affairs and States on outreach activities (a) In general Chapter 63 is amended by inserting after section 6306 the following new section: 6306A. Cooperative agreements with States (a) In general The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements and arrangements with various State agencies and State departments to carry out this chapter and to otherwise carry out, coordinate, improve, or enhance outreach activities of the Department and the States. (b) Report The Secretary shall include in each report submitted under section 6308 of this title a description of the agreements and arrangements entered into by the Secretary under subsection (a). . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 6306 the following new item: 6306A. Cooperative agreements with States. . 703. Advisory committee on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish an advisory committee on outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Membership The advisory committee shall be composed of individuals selected by the Secretary from among the following: (1) To the maximum extent practicable, individuals who are eminent in their respective fields of public relations. (2) Representatives of organizations with offices that focus on communications and distribute messages through major media news outlets and social media. (3) To the maximum extent practicable, individuals with experience communicating financial results and business strategy for purposes of shaping a confident brand image. (4) To the maximum extent practicable, individuals with experience with consumer and lifestyle imaging and creating publicity for a particular product or service. (5) To the maximum extent practicable, veterans who have experience in press and public relations. (c) Duties The advisory committee shall advise the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs— (1) to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is strategically and effectively— (A) engaging the public and Department stakeholders to increase awareness nationally regarding all benefits and services furnished by the Department; (B) explaining new or changing policies of the Department; (C) improving the image and reputation of the Department; and (D) coordinating and collaborating with national community-based organizations, nonprofits, and State and local government agencies; (2) to assist the Secretary in conducting such other press or public relations activities relating to outreach activities of the Department as the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs consider appropriate; and (3) to ensure coordination and collaboration on efforts within the Department for the development, implementation, and review of local outreach with respect to benefits that include the following: (A) Compensation and pension benefits. (B) Insurance benefits. (C) Burial and memorial benefits. (D) Education benefits. (E) Vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits. (F) Readjustment counseling benefits. (G) Loan guarantee benefits. (H) Such other benefits as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d) Location of meetings Each meeting of the advisory committee shall take place at a location that is property of the Department and shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use teleconference technology. (e) Consultation The Secretary shall consult with and seek the advice of the advisory committee not less frequently than quarterly on matters relating to the duties of the advisory committee under subsection (c). (f) Reports (1) In general Not less frequently than once every 90 days for the first year and semiannually thereafter, the advisory committee shall submit to Congress and to the Secretary a report on outreach activities of the Department. (2) Recommendations Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the advisory committee considers appropriate to improve the press and public relations of the Department relating to outreach. (g) Termination The advisory committee shall terminate on October 1, 2015, and the requirements and authorities under this section shall terminate on such date. (h) Outreach defined In this section, the term outreach has the meaning given the term in section 6301 of title 38, United States Code. 704. Advisory boards on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs relating to health care (a) Establishment (1) In general For each entity described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, acting through the director of that entity, establish not later than 180 days after the effective date specified in subsection (h) an advisory board at that entity on matters relating to outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs at that entity. (2) Entity described An entity described in this paragraph is— (A) a healthcare system of the Department; or (B) a Veterans Integrated System Network, if such Veterans Integrated System Network does not contain a healthcare system. (b) Membership (1) In general Each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall be, to the maximum extent practicable, composed of individuals selected by the Secretary from among the following: (A) Individuals who are eminent in their respective fields of public relations. (B) Representatives of organizations with offices that focus on communications and distribute messages through major media news outlets and social media. (C) Individuals with experience communicating financial results and business strategy for purposes of shaping a confident brand image. (D) Individuals with experience with consumer and lifestyle imaging and creating publicity for a particular product or service. (E) Employees of the Department who are involved in press and public relations strategy for an entity described in subsection (a)(2). (F) To the maximum extent practicable, veterans who have experience in press and public relations. (2) Voluntary participation The participation of an individual selected under paragraph (1) shall be at the election of the individual. (c) Duties Each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) at an entity described in subsection (a)(2) shall advise the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs— (1) to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is strategically and effectively— (A) engaging the public and Department stakeholders to increase awareness nationally regarding benefits and services furnished by the Department; (B) explaining new or changing policies of the Department; (C) improving the image and reputation of the Department; (D) coordinating and collaborating with national community-based organizations, nonprofits, and State and local government agencies; and (E) coordinating and collaborating on efforts within the Department for the development, implementation, and review of local outreach with respect to benefits that include— (i) compensation and pension benefits; (ii) insurance benefits; (iii) burial and memorial benefits; (iv) education benefits; (v) vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits; (vi) readjustment counseling benefits; (vii) loan guarantee benefits; and (viii) such other benefits as the Secretary considers appropriate; and (2) to assist the director of that entity in conducting such other press or public relations activities relating to outreach activities of the Department as that advisory board considers appropriate. (d) Meeting location (1) In general If teleconference technology is not used, meetings of each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall be held at a location that is property of the Department. (2) Teleconference technology Each advisory board shall use, to the maximum extent practicable, teleconference technology. (e) Consultation Each director of an entity described in subsection (a)(2) shall consult with and seek the advice of the advisory board established at such entity not less frequently than once every two months on matters relating to the duties of the advisory board under subsection (c). (f) Annual reports Not less frequently than each year, each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) shall submit to the Secretary a report with such information as may be beneficial to the Secretary in preparing the reports required by section 6308 of title 38, United States Code. (g) Termination Each advisory board established under subsection (a)(1) and the authorities and requirements of this section shall terminate three years after the effective date specified in subsection (h). (h) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 705. Modification of requirement for periodic reports to Congress on outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 6308 is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking even-numbered ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking biennial ; (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting for legislative and administrative action after Recommendations ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Recommendations that such administrative actions as may be taken— (A) to maximize resources for outreach activities of the Department; and (B) to focus outreach efforts on activities that are proven to be more effective. . (b) Clerical amendments (1) Section heading The heading for section 6308 is amended by striking Biennial and inserting Annual . (2) Table of sections The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 is amended by striking the item relating to section 6308 and inserting the following new item: 6308. Annual report to Congress. . 706. Budget transparency for outreach activities of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Chapter 63 is amended by inserting after section 6308 the following new section: 6309. Budget transparency (a) Budget requirements In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department budget for a fiscal year (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31), the Secretary shall include a separate statement of the amount requested for such fiscal year for activities of the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs as follows: (1) For outreach activities of the Department in aggregate. (2) For outreach activities of each element of the Department specified in subsection (b)(1). (b) Procedures for effective coordination and collaboration (1) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Restoring Veterans Trust Act of 2014 , the Secretary shall establish and maintain procedures for the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs to ensure the effective coordination and collaboration of outreach activities of the Department between and among the following: (A) Office of the Secretary. (B) Veterans Health Administration. (C) Veterans Benefits Administration. (D) National Cemetery Administration. (2) The Secretary shall— (A) beginning after the date on which the Secretary establishes procedures under paragraph (1), not less frequently than once every two years conduct a review of the procedures established and maintained under paragraph (1) to ensure that such procedures meet the requirements of such paragraph; (B) make such modifications to such procedures as the Secretary considers appropriate based upon reviews conducted under subparagraph (A) in order to better meet such requirements; and (C) not later than 45 days after completing a review under subparagraph (A), submit to Congress a report on the findings of such review. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 6308 the following new item: 6309. Budget transparency. . VIII Enhancement of rights under Service­members Civil Relief Act 801. Modification of period determining which actions are covered under stay of proceedings and adjustment of obligation protections concerning mortgages and trust deeds of members of uniformed services (a) In general Section 303(b) of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( 50 U.S.C. App. 533(b) ) is amended by striking filed and inserting pending . (b) Conforming amendments Section 710(d) of the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–154 ; 126 Stat. 1208) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph (1): (1) Sunset and revival (A) In general Subsections (b) and (c) of section 303 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( 50 U.S.C. App. 533 ), as amended by subsections (a) and (b) of this section, are amended by striking within one year each place it appears and inserting within 90 days . (B) Effective date The amendments made by subparagraph (A) shall take effect on January 1, 2015. ; and (2) by striking paragraph (3). 802. Protections for members of uniformed services regarding professional licenses (a) In general Title VII of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 707. Professional licenses (a) Expiration during period in which servicemembers are eligible for hostile fire or imminent danger special pay If a license issued by a State or local licensing authority to a servicemember would otherwise expire during a period in which such servicemember is eligible for hostile fire or imminent danger special pay under section 310 of title 37, United States Code, such State or local licensing authority shall delay the expiration of such license until not earlier than the date that is 180 days after the date on which such period of eligibility ends. (b) Continuing education requirements during period in which servicemembers are eligible for hostile fire or imminent danger special pay If a State or local licensing authority otherwise requires a servicemember to meet any continuing education requirements to maintain a license for a trade or profession during a period in which such servicemember is eligible for hostile fire or imminent danger special pay under section 310 of title 37, United States Code, such State or local licensing authority shall delay such continuing education requirement until not earlier than the date that is 180 days after the date on which such period of eligibility ends. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act (50 U.S.C. App. 501(b)) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 706 the following new item: Sec. 707. Professional licenses and certifications. . 803. Prohibition on denial of credit because of eligibility for protection Section 108 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( 50 U.S.C. App. 518 ) is amended— (1) by striking Application by and inserting the following: (a) Application or receipt Application by ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Eligibility (1) In general In addition to the protections under subsection (a), an individual who is entitled to any right or protection provided under this Act may not be denied or refused credit or be subject to any other action described under paragraphs (1) through (6) of subsection (a) solely by reason of such entitlement. (2) Construction Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a lender from considering all relevant factors, other than the entitlement of an individual to a right or protection provided under this Act, in making a determination as to whether it is appropriate to extend credit. . 804. Interest rate limitation on debt entered into during military service to consolidate or refinance student loans incurred before military service (a) In general Subsection (a) of section 207 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( 50 U.S.C. App. 527 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting on debt incurred before service after Limitation to 6 percent ; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2): (2) Limitation to 6 percent on debt incurred during service to consolidate or refinance student loans incurred before service An obligation or liability bearing interest at a rate in excess of 6 percent per year that is incurred by a servicemember, or the servicemember and the servicemember's spouse jointly, during military service to consolidate or refinance one or more student loans incurred by the servicemember before such military service shall not bear an interest at a rate in excess of 6 percent during the period of military service. ; (4) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this subsection, by inserting or (2) after paragraph (1) ; and (5) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by striking paragraph (2) and inserting paragraph (3) . (b) Implementation of limitation Subsection (b) of such section is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking the interest rate limitation in subsection (a) and inserting an interest rate limitation in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) ; and (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking as of date of order to active duty ; and (B) by inserting before the period at the end the following: in the case of an obligation or liability covered by subsection (a)(1), or as of the date the servicemember (or servicemember and spouse jointly) incurs the obligation or liability concerned under subsection (a)(2) . (c) Student loan defined Subsection (d) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Student loan The term student loan means the following: (A) A Federal student loan made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq. ). (B) A private student loan as that term is defined in section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1650(a)). . 805. Termination of residential leases after assignment or relocation to quarters of United States or housing facility under jurisdiction of uniformed service (a) Termination of residential leases (1) In general Section 305 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( 50 U.S.C. App. 535 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking or at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) in the case of a lease described in subsection (b)(1) and subparagraph (C) of such subsection, the date the lessee is assigned to or otherwise relocates to quarters or a housing facility as described in such subparagraph. ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking or at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) the lease is executed by or on behalf of a person who thereafter and during the term of the lease is assigned to or otherwise relocates to quarters of the United States or a housing facility under the jurisdiction of a uniformed service (as defined in section 101 of title 37, United States Code), including housing provided under the Military Housing Privatization Initiative. . (2) Manner of termination Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) by inserting in the case of a lease described in subsection (b)(1) and subparagraph (A) or (B) of such subsection, before by delivery ; and (ii) by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B): (B) in the case of a lease described in subsection (b)(1) and subparagraph (C) of such subsection, by delivery by the lessee of written notice of such termination, and a letter from the servicemember's commanding officer indicating that the servicemember has been assigned to or is otherwise relocating to quarters of the United States or a housing facility under the jurisdiction of a uniformed service (as defined in section 101 of title 37, United States Code), to the lessor (or the lessor's grantee), or to the lessor's agent (or the agent's grantee); and . (b) Definition of military orders and continental United States for purposes of Act (1) Transfer of definitions Such Act is further amended by transferring paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 305(i) ( 50 U.S.C. App. 535(i) ) to the end of section 101 ( 50 U.S.C. App. 511 ) and redesignating such paragraphs, as so transferred, as paragraphs (10) and (11). (2) Conforming amendments Such Act is further amended— (A) in section 305 ( 50 U.S.C. App. 535 ), as amended by paragraph (1), by striking subsection (i); and (B) in section 705 ( 50 U.S.C. App. 595 ), by striking or naval both places it appears. 806. Protection of surviving spouse with respect to mortgage foreclosure (a) In general Title III of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 531 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 303 ( 50 U.S.C. App. 533 ) the following new section: 303A. Protection of surviving spouse with respect to mortgage foreclosure (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), with respect to a servicemember who dies while in military service and who has a surviving spouse who is the servicemember's successor in interest to property covered under section 303(a), section 303 shall apply to the surviving spouse with respect to that property during the one-year period beginning on the date of such death in the same manner as if the servicemember had not died. (b) Notice required (1) In general To be covered under this section with respect to property, a surviving spouse shall submit written notice that such surviving spouse is so covered to the mortgagee, trustee, or other creditor of the mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage with which the property is secured. (2) Time Notice provided under paragraph (1) shall be provided with respect to a surviving spouse anytime during the one-year period beginning on the date of death of the servicemember with respect to whom the surviving spouse is to receive coverage under this section. (3) Address Notice provided under paragraph (1) with respect to property shall be provided via e-mail, facsimile, standard post, or express mail to facsimile numbers and addresses, as the case may be, designated by the servicer of the mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage with which the property is secured. (4) Manner Notice provided under paragraph (1) shall be provided in writing by using a form designed under paragraph (5) or submitting a copy of a Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs document evidencing the military service-related death of a spouse while in military service. (5) Official forms The Secretary of Defense shall design and distribute an official Department of Defense form that can be used by an individual to give notice under paragraph (1). . (b) Effective date Section 303A of such Act, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to deaths that occur on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act ( 50 U.S.C. App. 501 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 303 the following new item: Sec. 303A. Protection of surviving spouse with respect to mortgage foreclosure. . 807. Improved protection of members of uniformed services against default judgments (a) Modification of plaintiff affidavit filing requirement Paragraph (1) of section 201(b) of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( 50 U.S.C. App. 521(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting such clauses two ems to the right; (2) in the matter before clause (i), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking In any and inserting the following: (A) In general In any ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph (B): (B) Due diligence Before filing the affidavit, the plaintiff shall conduct a diligent and reasonable investigation to determine whether or not the defendant is in military service, including a search of available records of the Department of Defense and any other information reasonably available to the plaintiff. The affidavit shall set forth all steps taken to determine the defendant’s military status and shall have attached copies of the records on which the plaintiff relied in drafting the affidavit. . (b) Appointment of attorney To represent defendant in military service Paragraph (2) of such section ( 50 U.S.C. App. 521(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking If in an action and inserting the following: (A) In general If in an action ; (2) in subparagraph (A), as designated by paragraph (1), by striking If an attorney and inserting the following: (C) Limitations on appointed attorney If an attorney ; (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A), as designated by paragraph (1), the following new subparagraph: (B) Due diligence If the court appoints an attorney to represent the defendant— (i) the attorney shall conduct a diligent and reasonable investigation to determine whether or not the defendant is in military service, including a search of available records of the Department of Defense and any other information reasonably available to the attorney; and (ii) the plaintiff shall submit to the attorney such information as the plaintiff may have concerning the whereabouts or identity of the defendant. ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) Treatment of attorneys fees The reasonable fees of an attorney appointed to represent a servicemember shall be treated as costs of court for court cost purposes, unless the creditor seeks relief from such charges from the court. . 808. Clarification regarding application of enforcement authority of Attorney General and private right of action under Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Sections 801 and 802 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 597 and 597a) shall apply as if such sections were included in the enactment of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (54 Stat. 1178, chapter 888) and included in the restatement of such Act in Public Law 108–189 . 809. Clerical amendments (a) In general The heading for section 305 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( 50 U.S.C. App. 535 ) is amended by striking residential or motor vehicle leases and inserting leases of premises occupied and motor vehicles used . (b) Table of contents The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act ( 50 U.S.C. App. 501(b) ) is amended by striking the item relating to section 305 and inserting the following new item: Sec. 305. Termination of leases of premises occupied and motor vehicles used. . IX Other Matters 901. Repeal of certain reductions made by Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (a) Adjustment of retirement pay Section 403 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 ( Public Law 113–67 ) is repealed as of the date of the enactment of such Act. (b) Conforming amendments (1) Applicability to disability and survivor benefits Title X of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014 (division C of Public Law 113–76 ) is repealed. (2) Applicability to members of the Armed Forces who joined after January 1, 2014 Section 2 of Public Law 113–82 is repealed. 902. Consideration by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of resources disposed of for less than fair market value by individuals applying for pension (a) Veterans Section 1522 is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting (1) before The Secretary ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) (A) If a veteran otherwise eligible for payment of pension under section 1513 or 1521 of this title or the spouse of such veteran disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of pension to such veteran under section 1513 or 1521 of this title, as the case may be, for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph (E). (B) (i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the veteran or, if the veteran has a spouse, the corpus of the estates of the veteran and of the veteran's spouse, that the Secretary considers that under all the circumstances, if the veteran or spouse had not disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for the veteran's maintenance. (ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate of the veteran or, if the veteran has a spouse, the corpus of the estates of the veteran and of the veteran's spouse, that the Secretary considers, under all the circumstances, would be reasonable to be consumed for the veteran's maintenance. (C) (i) The look-back date described in this clause is a date that is 36 months before the date described in clause (ii). (ii) The date described in this clause is the date on which the veteran applies for pension under section 1513 or 1521 of this title or, if later, the date on which the veteran (or the spouse of the veteran) disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value. (D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph. (E) The number of months calculated under this subparagraph shall be equal to— (i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of covered resources so disposed of by the veteran (or the spouse of the veteran) on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the veteran's maintenance; divided by (ii) the maximum amount of monthly pension that is payable to a veteran under section 1513 or 1521 of this title, including the maximum amount of increased pension payable under such sections on account of family members, but not including any amount of pension payable under such sections because a veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance or is permanently housebound, rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months. ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by inserting (1) before The Secretary ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) (A) If a veteran otherwise eligible for payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a child, the spouse of the veteran, or the child disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or discontinue payment of such increased pension for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph (E). (B) (i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the child that the Secretary considers that under all the circumstances, if the veteran, the spouse of the veteran, or the child had not disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for the child's maintenance. (ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate of the child that the Secretary considers, under all the circumstances, would be reasonable to be consumed for the child's maintenance. (C) (i) The look-back date described in this clause is a date that is 36 months before the date described in clause (ii). (ii) The date described in this clause is the date on which the veteran applies for payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a child or, if later, the date on which the veteran, the spouse of the veteran, or the child disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value. (D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph. (E) The number of months calculated under this subparagraph shall be equal to— (i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the veteran, the spouse of the veteran, or the child on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the child's maintenance; divided by (ii) the maximum amount of increased monthly pension that is payable to a veteran under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a child, rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months. ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) (1) (A) The Secretary shall not deny or discontinue payment of pension under section 1513 or 1521 of this title or payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a child by reason of the application of subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) of this section to the disposal of resources by an individual— (i) if— (I) a satisfactory showing is made to the Secretary (in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary) that all resources disposed of for less than fair market value have been returned to the individual who disposed of the resources; or (II) the Secretary determines, under procedures established by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph (B), that the denial or discontinuance of payment would work an undue hardship; or (ii) to the extent that any portion of the resources disposed of for less than fair market value have been returned to the individual who disposed of the resources. (B) Undue hardship would be worked by the denial or discontinuance of payment for purposes of subparagraph (A)(i)(II) if the denial or discontinuance of payment would deprive the individual during the period of denial or discontinuance— (i) of medical care such that the individual's life or health would be endangered; (ii) of necessary food or clothing, or other necessities of life; or (iii) on such other basis as the Secretary shall specify in the procedures required by subparagraph (A)(i)(II). (C) If payment of pension or increased pension that would otherwise be denied or discontinued by reason of the application of subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) is denied or discontinued only in part by reason of the return of resources as described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the period of the denial or discontinuance as determined pursuant to subparagraph (E) of subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2), as applicable, shall be recalculated to take into account such return of resources. (2) At the time a veteran applies for pension under section 1513 or 1521 of this title or increased pension under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a child, and at such other times as the Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary shall— (A) inform such veteran of the provisions of subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2) providing for a period of ineligibility for payment of pension under such sections for individuals who make certain dispositions of resources for less than fair market value, including the exception for hardship from such period of ineligibility; (B) obtain from such veteran information which may be used in determining whether or not a period of ineligibility for such payments would be required by reason of such subsections; and (C) provide such veteran a timely process for determining whether or not the exception for hardship shall apply to such veteran. . (b) Surviving spouses and children Section 1543 is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2): (2) (A) If a surviving spouse otherwise eligible for payment of pension under section 1541 of this title disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of pension to such surviving spouse under section 1541 of this title for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph (E). (B) (i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the surviving spouse that the Secretary considers that under all the circumstances, if the surviving spouse had not disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for the surviving spouse's maintenance. (ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate of the surviving spouse that the Secretary considers, under all the circumstances, would be reasonable to be consumed for the surviving spouse's maintenance. (C) (i) The look-back date described in this clause is a date that is 36 months before the date described in clause (ii). (ii) The date described in this clause is the date on which the surviving spouse applies for pension under section 1541 of this title or, if later, the date on which the surviving spouse disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value. (D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph. (E) The number of months calculated under this subparagraph shall be equal to— (i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the surviving spouse on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the surviving spouse's maintenance; divided by (ii) the maximum amount of monthly pension that is payable to a surviving spouse under section 1541 of this title, including the maximum amount of increased pension payable under such section on account of a child, but not including any amount of pension payable under such section because a surviving spouse is in need of regular aid and attendance or is permanently housebound, rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months. ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) (A) If a surviving spouse otherwise eligible for payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child or the child disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or discontinue payment of such increased pension for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph (E). (B) (i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the child that the Secretary considers that under all the circumstances, if the surviving spouse or the child had not disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for the child's maintenance. (ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate of the child that the Secretary considers, under all the circumstances, would be reasonable to be consumed for the child's maintenance. (C) (i) The look-back date described in this clause is a date that is 36 months before the date described in clause (ii). (ii) The date described in this clause is the date on which the surviving spouse applies for payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child or, if later, the date on which the surviving spouse (or the child) disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value. (D) The date described in this subparagraph is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph. (E) The number of months calculated under this clause shall be equal to— (i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the surviving spouse (or the child) on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the child's maintenance; divided by (ii) the maximum amount of increased monthly pension that is payable to a surviving spouse under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child, rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months. ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by inserting (1) before The Secretary ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) (A) If a child otherwise eligible for payment of pension under section 1542 of this title or any person with whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for such child's support disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i), the Secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of pension to such child under section 1542 of this title for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph (D) and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph (E). (B) (i) For purposes of this paragraph, a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the child or the corpus of the estate of any person with whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for such child's support that the Secretary considers that under all the circumstances, if the child or person had not disposed of such resource, it would be reasonable that the resource (or some portion of the resource) be consumed for the child's maintenance. (ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may consider, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall prescribe, a transfer of an asset (including a transfer of an asset to an annuity, trust, or other financial instrument or investment) a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate described in clause (i) that the Secretary considers, under all the circumstances, would be reasonable to be consumed for the child's maintenance. (C) (i) The look-back date described in this clause is a date that is 36 months before the date described in clause (ii). (ii) The date described in this clause is the date on which the child applies for pension under section 1542 of this title or, if later, the date on which the child (or person described in subparagraph (B)) disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value. (D) The date described in this clause is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph. (E) The number of months calculated under this clause shall be equal to— (i) the total, cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the child (or person described in subparagraph (B)) on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph (C)(i) that the Secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the child's maintenance; divided by (ii) the maximum amount of monthly pension that is payable to a child under section 1542 of this title, rounded down, in the case of any fraction, to the nearest whole number, but shall not in any case exceed 36 months. ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) (1) (A) The Secretary shall not deny or discontinue payment of pension under section 1541 or 1542 of this title or payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child by reason of the application of subsection (a)(2), (a)(4), or (b)(2) of this section to the disposal of resources by an individual— (i) if— (I) a satisfactory showing is made to the Secretary (in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary) that all resources disposed of for less than fair market value have been returned to the individual who disposed of the resources; or (II) the Secretary determines, under procedures established by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph (B), that the denial or discontinuance of payment would work an undue hardship; or (ii) to the extent that any portion of the resources disposed of for less than fair market value have been returned to the individual who disposed of the resources. (B) Undue hardship would be worked by the denial or discontinuance of payment for purposes of subparagraph (A)(i)(II) if the denial or discontinuance of payment would deprive the individual during the period of denial or discontinuance— (i) of medical care such that the individual's life or health would be endangered; (ii) of necessary food or clothing, or other necessities of life; or (iii) on such other basis as the Secretary shall specify in the procedures required by subparagraph (A)(i)(II). (C) If payment of pension or increased pension that would otherwise be denied or discontinued by reason of the application of subsection (a)(2), (a)(4), or (b)(2) is denied or discontinued only in part by reason of the return of resources as described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the period of the denial or discontinuance as determined pursuant to subparagraph (E) of subsection (a)(2), (a)(4), or (b)(2), as applicable, shall be recalculated to take into account such return of resources. (2) At the time a surviving spouse or child applies for pension under section 1541 or 1542 of this title or increased pension under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child, and at such other times as the Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary shall— (A) inform such surviving spouse or child of the provisions of subsections (a)(2), (a)(4), and (b)(2), as applicable, providing for a period of ineligibility for payment of pension or increased pension under such sections for individuals who make certain dispositions of resources for less than fair market value, including the exception for hardship from such period of ineligibility; (B) obtain from such surviving spouse or child information which may be used in determining whether or not a period of ineligibility for such payments would be required by reason of such subsections; and (C) provide such surviving spouse or child a timely process for determining whether or not the exception for hardship shall apply to such surviving spouse or child. . (c) Effective date Subsections (a)(2), (b)(2), and (c) of section 1522 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), and subsections (a)(2), (a)(4), (b)(2), and (c) of section 1543 of such title, as added by subsection (b), shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to payments of pension and increased pension applied for after such date and to payments of pension and increased pension for which eligibility is redetermined after such date, except that no reduction in pension shall be made under such subsections because of any disposal of covered resources made before such date. (d) Annual reports (1) In general Not later than 30 months after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once each year thereafter through 2018, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the administration of subsections (a)(2), (b)(2), and (c) of section 1522 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), and subsections (a)(2), (a)(4), (b)(2), and (c) of section 1543 of such title, as added by subsection (b), during the most recent 12-month period. (2) Elements Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following, for the period covered by the report: (A) The number of individuals who applied for pension under chapter 15 of such title. (B) The number of individuals who received pension under such chapter. (C) The number of individuals with respect to whom the Secretary denied or discontinued payment of pension under the subsections referred to in paragraph (1). (D) A description of any trends identified by the Secretary regarding pension payments that have occurred as a result of the amendments made by this section. (E) Such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate. (3) Appropriate committees of Congress defined In this subsection, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives. 903. Extension of reduced pension for certain veterans covered by medicaid plans for services furnished by nursing facilities (a) In general Subsection (d)(7) of section 5503 is amended by striking November 30, 2016 and inserting September 30, 2023 . (b) Clerical amendments (1) Section heading The section heading of such section is amended to read as follows: Reduced pension for certain hospitalized veterans and certain veterans receiving domiciliary, nursing home, or nursing facility care . (2) Table of sections The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 55 is amended by striking the item relating to section 5503 and inserting the following new item: 5503. Reduced pension for certain hospitalized veterans and certain veterans receiving domiciliary, nursing home, or nursing facility care. . 904. Conditions on award of per diem payments by Secretary of Veterans Affairs for provision of housing or services to homeless veterans (a) Condition (1) In general Section 2012(c)(1) is amended by striking unless the facilities and all that follows through may specify. and inserting the following: “unless the Secretary certifies the following: (A) That the building where the grant recipient or eligible entity provides housing or services for which the grant recipient or eligible entity would receive such payment is in compliance with the codes relevant to the operations and level of care provided, including applicable provisions of the most recently published version of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association or such other comparable fire and safety requirements as the Secretary may specify. (B) That such building and such housing or services are in compliance with licensing requirements, fire and safety requirements, and any other requirements in the jurisdiction in which the building is located regarding the condition of the building and the provision of such housing or services. . (2) Effective date The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to an application for a per diem payment under section 2012 of title 38, United States Code, submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Annual inspections required Section 2012 is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection (b): (b) (1) Not less frequently than once each fiscal year, the Secretary shall inspect each facility of each grant recipient or entity eligible for payments under subsection (a) at which the recipients and entities provide services under section 2011 of this title or this section. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (1), inspections made under such paragraph shall be made at such times as the Secretary considers necessary. (3) An inspection of a facility of a recipient or entity described in paragraph (1) made under such paragraph may be made with or without prior notice to the recipient or entity, as the Secretary considers appropriate. (4) No per diem payment may be provided to a grant recipient or eligible entity under this section unless the facilities of the grant recipient or eligible entity meet such standards as the Secretary shall prescribe. . (c) Revocation of certification authorized Subsection (c) of such section is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; (2) in paragraph (1), as amended by subsection (a)(1), by striking in paragraph (2) and inserting in paragraph (4) ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2): (2) The Secretary may revoke any certification made under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that such certification is no longer accurate. . (d) Congressional notification of termination of per diem required Such subsection is further amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3): (3) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary terminates provision of per diem payment under this section to a grant recipient or an eligible entity, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives notice of such termination if such termination were made because a facility of the grant recipient or eligible entity did not comply with— (A) an applicable provision of the most recently published version of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association or such other comparable fire and safety requirement as the Secretary has specified; or (B) a licensing requirement, fire or safety requirement, or another requirement in the jurisdiction in which the facility is located regarding the condition of the facility. . (e) Treatment of current recipients of per diem payments (1) Assessment In the case of the recipient of a per diem payment under section 2012 of title 38, United States Code, that receives such a payment during the year in which this Act is enacted for the provision of housing or services, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assess whether the building where such housing or services are provided is and whether the housing and services are in compliance as required by section 2012(c)(1) of such title, as amended by subsection (a)(1). (2) Failure to comply In the case described in paragraph (1), if the Secretary does not certify the compliance of the building and the housing or services under such section before the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary may not make any additional per diem payments to the recipient for the provision of such housing or services under section 2012 of such title until the Secretary certifies that such building is and such housing or services are in compliance. (f) Conforming condition on award of grants by Secretary of Veterans Affairs for comprehensive service programs Section 2011(b)(5)(A) is amended by inserting , including housing and building codes, . 905. Exception to certain recapture requirements and treatment of contracts and grants with State homes with respect to care for homeless veterans (a) Exception to certain recapture requirements Section 8136(b) is amended by inserting , or the provision of services or conduct of a program pursuant to a contract or grant issued or awarded by the Secretary under subchapter II of chapter 20 or section 2031(a)(2) of this title, after outpatient clinic . (b) Construction The amendment made by subsection (a) may not be construed to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into a contract with a State home or award a grant to a State home for the furnishing of residential care for a veteran without— (1) identifying a substantial need for such care; and (2) determining that the State home is the most appropriate provider of such care. 906. Extended period for scheduling of medical exams for veterans receiving temporary disability ratings for severe mental disorders Section 1156(a)(3) is amended by striking six months and inserting 18 months . 907. Authority to issue Veterans ID Cards (a) Authority (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may issue a card to a veteran that identifies the veteran as a veteran and includes a photo of the veteran and the name of the veteran. (2) No requirement for enrollment or receipt of benefits The Secretary may issue a card under paragraph (1) to a veteran, whether or not such veteran is— (A) enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code; or (B) in receipt of educational assistance, compensation, or pension under laws administered by the Secretary. (3) Designation A card issued under paragraph (1) may be known as a Veterans ID Card . (b) Recognition of Veterans ID Cards for reduced pricing of pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and services The Secretary may work with national retail chains that offer reduced prices on pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and services to veterans to ensure that such retail chains recognize cards issued under subsection (a)(1) for purposes of offering reduced prices on pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and services. (c) Veteran defined In this section, the term veteran has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (d) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 908. Honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in the reserve components of the Armed Forces Any person who is entitled under chapter 1223 of title 10, United States Code, to retired pay for nonregular service or, but for age, 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 honor. 909. Extension of authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to obtain information from Secretary of the Treasury and Commissioner of Social Security for income verification purposes Section 5317(g) is amended by striking September 30, 2016 and inserting September 30, 2018 . 910. Extension of authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to issue and guarantee certain loans Section 3729(b)(2) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in clause (iii), by striking October 1, 2017 and inserting September 30, 2023 ; and (B) in clause (iv), by striking October 1, 2017 and inserting September 30, 2023 ; (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (i), by striking October 1, 2017 and inserting September 30, 2023 ; and (B) in clause (ii), by striking October 1, 2017 and inserting September 30, 2023 ; (3) in subparagraph (C)— (A) in clause (i), by striking October 1, 2017 and inserting September 30, 2023 ; and (B) in clause (ii), by striking October 1, 2017 and inserting September 30, 2023 ; and (4) in subparagraph (D)— (A) in clause (i), by striking October 1, 2017 and inserting September 30, 2023 ; and (B) in clause (ii), by striking October 1, 2017 and inserting September 30, 2023 . 911. Eligibility for interment in national cemeteries for certain naturalized individuals (a) In general Section 2402(a) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (10) Any individual— (A) who— (i) was naturalized pursuant to section 2(1) of the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–207; 8 U.S.C. 1423 note); and (ii) at the time of the individual’s death resided in the United States; or (B) who— (i) the Secretary determines served with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos in support of the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 7, 1975; and (ii) at the time of the individual’s death— (I) was a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; and (II) resided in the United States. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to an individual dying on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 912. Canadian Forces Base Gagetown independent study and registry (a) Independent study (1) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide for a study on the potential exposure of individuals to toxic substances or environmental hazards related to service at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada, at any time during the period beginning on January 1, 1956, and ending on December 31, 2006. (2) Elements The study required by paragraph (1) shall— (A) assess the health risks associated with the exposure of individuals to toxic substances or environmental hazards described in paragraph (1); and (B) determine if a registry of individuals who were exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards during service at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown would be advisable as an effective tool to assess such health risks. (3) Independent entity The study required by paragraph (1) shall be carried out by an entity that— (A) has experience conducting studies with respect to the exposure of individuals to toxic substances or environmental hazards; and (B) is not affiliated with the Department. (4) Deadline for completion The study required by paragraph (1) shall be completed not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Registry (1) In general If the entity that carries out the independent study provided for under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) determines pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) of such subsection that a registry described in such paragraph (2)(B) would be an effective tool as described in such paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary may establish and maintain a registry to be known as the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown Health Registry (in this subsection referred to as the Registry ). (2) Contents The Registry shall include the following information: (A) A list containing the name of each individual who— (i) while serving as a member of the Armed Forces, was stationed at or underwent training at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown at any time during the period beginning on January 1, 1956, and ending on December 31, 2006; and (ii) (I) applies for care or services from the Department of Veterans Affairs under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code; (II) files a claim for compensation under chapter 11 of such title on the basis of any disability that may be associated with such service; or (III) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation under chapter 13 of such title on the basis of such service. (B) Relevant medical data relating to the health status of, and other information that the Secretary considers relevant and appropriate with respect to, each individual described in subparagraph (A) who— (i) grants to the Secretary permission to include such information in the Registry; or (ii) at the time the name of the individual is added to the Registry, is deceased. (3) Consultation with other agencies The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall consult with the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other agencies as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs considers necessary to establish and maintain the Registry. 913. Review of determination of certain service in Philippines during World War II (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and such military historians as the Secretary of Defense recommends, shall review the process used to determine whether a covered individual served in support of the Armed Forces of the United States during World War II in accordance with section 1002(d) of title X of Division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–5 ; 38 U.S.C. 107 note) for purposes of determining whether such covered individual is eligible for payments described in such section. (b) Covered individuals In this section, a covered individual is any individual who timely submitted a claim for benefits under subsection (c) of section 1002 of title X of Division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–5 ; 38 U.S.C. 107 note) based on service as described in subsection (d) of that section. (c) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 detailing any findings, actions taken, or recommendations for legislative action with respect to the review conducted under subsection (a). (d) Prohibition on benefits for disqualifying conduct under new process pursuant to review If pursuant to the review conducted under subsection (a) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines to establish a new process for the making of payments as described in that subsection, the process shall include mechanisms to ensure that individuals are not treated as covered individuals for purposes of such payments if such individuals engaged in any disqualifying conduct during service described in that subsection, including collaboration with the enemy or criminal conduct. 914. Review of determination of certain service of merchant mariners during World War II (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security and such military historians as the Secretary of Defense recommends, shall review the process used to determine whether an individual performed service under honorable conditions that satisfies the requirements of a coastwise merchant seaman who is recognized pursuant to section 401 of the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 ( Public Law 95–202 ; 38 U.S.C. 106 note) as having performed active duty service. (b) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 detailing any findings, actions taken, or recommendations for legislative action with respect to the review conducted under subsection (a). 915. Report on practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs to adequately provide services to veterans with hearing loss (a) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 actions taken by the Secretary to implement the findings and recommendations included in the 2006 report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies entitled Noise and Military Service: Implications for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus that was prepared pursuant to section 104 of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–330; 116 Stat. 2822). (b) Effect of Duty Military Occupational Specialty Noise Exposure Listing on receipt of benefits by veterans (1) In general The Secretary shall include in the report required by subsection (a) an evaluation of the extent to which veterans who had a military occupational specialty during service as a member of the Armed Forces that is not included on the Duty Military Occupational Specialty Noise Exposure Listing (in this subsection referred to as the MOS List ) are precluded from receiving benefits related to hearing loss from the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) Data The Secretary shall include in the evaluation required by paragraph (1) the following: (A) With respect to veterans who had a military occupational specialty included on the MOS List— (i) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing loss from the Department of Veterans Affairs that were granted; and (ii) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing loss from the Department that were denied. (B) With respect to veterans who had a military occupational specialty not included on the MOS List— (i) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing loss from the Department that were granted; (ii) the number of claims for benefits related to hearing loss from the Department that were denied; (iii) of the number of denied claims under clause (ii), the number of those claims that were appealed; and (iv) of the number of appealed claims under clause (iii), the number of those appealed claims that were successfully appealed. (c) Additional matters The Secretary shall include in the report required by subsection (a) the following: (1) In the case of a veteran with unilateral hearing loss, an explanation of the scientific basis for the practice of the Department of determining a disability rating level with respect to hearing based on an examination of that veteran's healthy ear instead of the injured ear. (2) An analysis of the reduction in earning capacity for veterans as a result of unilateral hearing loss, with a focus on the ability of those veterans— (A) to detect the direction of sound; and (B) to understand speech. (3) An explanation of the rationale for the practice of the Department of not issuing a compensable rating for hearing loss at certain levels that are severe enough to require the use of hearing aids. (4) A survey of the audiologists that conduct compensation and pension examinations for the Department to assess the implementation of the most recent edition of the best practices manual for hearing loss and tinnitus examinations that includes the following: (A) A description of the training received by those audiologists compared to the methods described in the most recent edition of the best practices manual for hearing loss and tinnitus examinations. (B) An assessment of how those audiologists have complied with that training. (C) Whether those audiologists are using a range of tones up to 8000 hertz to test the hearing of veterans. (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or require the Secretary to defer, delay, or replace the ongoing efforts of the Secretary to update the schedule of ratings required by section 1155 of title 38, United States Code. (e) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 916. Report on joint programs of Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense with respect to hearing loss of members of the Armed Forces and veterans (a) In general Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, submit to Congress a report that identifies the following: (1) Goals for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of hearing loss by the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Hearing Center of Excellence of the Department of Defense. (2) Resources of the Department of Veterans Affairs that could be made available to assist the Department of Defense in conducting audiometric tests and tinnitus screenings for members of the Armed Forces. (3) Barriers to information being added to the Hearing Loss and Auditory System Injury Registry required under section 721(c)(1) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( Public Law 110–417 ; 122 Stat. 4506). (4) Recommendations for any legislative or administrative actions necessary with respect to the Hearing Loss and Auditory System Injury Registry— (A) to assist in achieving the goals specified in paragraph (1); (B) to improve the adjudication of claims for benefits with respect to hearing loss; and (C) to further the research objectives of the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Hearing Center of Excellence of the Department of Defense. (b) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 917. Designation of American World War II Cities (a) In general The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall designate at least one city in the United States each year as an American World War II City . (b) Criteria for designation After the designation made under subsection (c), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall make each designation under subsection (a) based on the following criteria: (1) Contributions by a city to the war effort during World War II, including those related to defense manufacturing, bond drives, service in the Armed Forces, and the presence of military facilities within the city. (2) Efforts by a city to preserve the history of the city’s contributions during World War II, including through the establishment of preservation organizations or museums, restoration of World War II facilities, and recognition of World War II veterans. (c) First American World War II City The city of Wilmington, North Carolina, is designated as an American World War II City . (d) Expiration of authority The requirements of subsections (a) and (b) shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.