TASK DEFINITION: In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.
PROBLEM: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Scientifically Identifying the Need 
for Critical Habitat Act''.

SEC. 2. DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE CRITICAL HABITAT.

    Section 4(a)(3) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
1533(a)(3)(A)) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(A) may designate any habitat of a species that is 
        determined under paragraph (1) to be an endangered species or 
        threatened species as critical habitat of such species; and ''.

SEC. 3. SOUND SCIENCE.

    (a) Best Scientific and Commercial Data Available.--
            (1) In general.--Section 3 of the Endangered Species Act of 
        1973 (16 U.S.C. 1532) is amended--
                    (A) by amending the section heading to read as 
                follows:

``SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS. '';

                    (B) by striking ``For the purposes of this Act--'' 
                and inserting the following:
    ``(a) Definitions.--In this Act:''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) Use of Certain Data.--In any case in which the Secretary is 
required by this Act to use the best scientific and commercial data 
available, the Secretary, in evaluating comparable data, shall give 
greater weight to scientific or commercial data that is empirical or 
has been field-tested or peer-reviewed.''.
            (2) Conforming amendment.--The table of contents in the 
        first section of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
        prec. 1531) is amended by striking the item relating to section 
        3 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 3. Definitions and general provisions.''.
    (b) Use of Sound Science in Listing.--Section 4(b) of the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)) is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
            ``(9) Establishment of criteria for scientific studies to 
        support listing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall promulgate 
        regulations that establish criteria that must be met for 
        scientific and commercial data to be used as the basis of a 
        determination under this section that a species is an 
        endangered species or a threatened species.
            ``(10) Field data.--
                    ``(A) Requirement.--The Secretary may not determine 
                that a species is an endangered species or a threatened 
                species unless the determination is supported by data 
                obtained by observation of the species in the field.
                    ``(B) Data from landowners.--The Secretary shall--
                            ``(i) accept and acknowledge receipt of 
                        data regarding the status of a species that is 
                        collected by an owner of land through 
                        observation of the species on the land; and
                            ``(ii) include the data in the rulemaking 
                        record compiled for any determination that the 
                        species is an endangered species or a 
                        threatened species.''.
    (c) Use of Sound Science in Recovery Planning.--Section 4(f) of the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(f)) is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(6)(A) The Secretary shall identify and publish in the Federal 
Register with the notice of a proposed regulation pursuant to paragraph 
(5)(A)(i) a description of additional scientific and commercial data 
that would assist in the preparation of a recovery plan and--
            ``(i) invite any person to submit the data to the 
        Secretary; and
            ``(ii) describe the steps that the Secretary plans to take 
        for acquiring additional data.
    ``(B) Data identified and obtained under subparagraph (A)(i) shall 
be considered by the recovery team and the Secretary in the preparation 
of the recovery plan in accordance with section 5.''.

SEC. 4. PEER REVIEW.

    Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(j) Independent Scientific Review Requirements.--
            ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                    ``(A) Action.--The term `action' means--
                            ``(i) the determination that a species is 
                        an endangered species or a threatened species 
                        under subsection (a);
                            ``(ii) the determination under subsection 
                        (a) that an endangered species or a threatened 
                        species be removed from any list published 
                        under subsection (c)(1);
                            ``(iii) the development of a recovery plan 
                        for a threatened species or endangered species 
                        under subsection (f); and
                            ``(iv) the determination that a proposed 
                        action is likely to jeopardize the continued 
                        existence of a listed species and the proposal 
                        of any reasonable and prudent alternatives by 
                        the Secretary under section 7(b)(3).
                    ``(B) Qualified individual.--The term `qualified 
                individual' means an individual with expertise in the 
                biological sciences--
                            ``(i) who through publication of peer-
                        reviewed scientific literature or other means, 
                        has demonstrated scientific expertise on the 
                        species or a similar species or other 
                        scientific expertise relevant to the decision 
                        of the Secretary under subsection (a) or (f);
                            ``(ii) who does not have, or represent any 
                        person with, a conflict of interest with 
                        respect to the determination that is the 
                        subject of the review;
                            ``(iii) who is not a participant in any 
                        petition or proposed or final determination 
                        before the Secretary; and
                            ``(iv) who has no direct financial 
                        interest, and is not employed by any person 
                        with a direct financial interest, in opposing 
                        the action under consideration.
            ``(2) List of independent scientific reviewers.--The 
        Secretary shall solicit recommendations from the National 
        Academy of Sciences and develop and maintain a list of 
        qualified reviewers to participate in independent scientific 
        review actions.
            ``(3) Appointment of independent scientific reviewers.--(A) 
        Before any action shall become final, the Secretary shall 
        appoint randomly, from among the list prepared in accordance 
        with this section, 3 qualified individuals who shall review and 
        report to the Secretary on the scientific information and 
        analyses on which the proposed action is based.
            ``(B) The selection and activities of the referees selected 
        pursuant to this section shall not be subject to the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
            ``(C) Reviewers shall be compensated for conducting the 
        independent review.
            ``(4) Opinion of peer reviewers.--Independent reviewers 
        shall provide the Secretary, within 3 months, their opinion 
        regarding all relevant scientific information and assumptions 
        relating to the taxonomy, population models, and supportive 
        biological and ecological information for the species in 
        question.
            ``(5) Final determination.--If the referees have made a 
        recommendation on a proposed action, the Secretary shall 
        evaluate and consider the information that results from the 
        independent scientific review and include in the final 
        determination--
                    ``(A) a summary of the results of the independent 
                scientific review; and
                    ``(B) in a case in which the recommendation of a 
                majority of the referees who conducted the independent 
                scientific review is not followed, an explanation as to 
                why the recommendation was not followed.
            ``(6) Public notice.--The report of the peer reviewers 
        shall be included in the official record of the proposed action 
        and shall be available for public review prior to the close of 
        the comment period on the proposed action.''.

SEC. 5. IMPROVED RECOVERY PLANNING.

    (a) Use of Information Provided by States.--Section 7(b)(1) of the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)(1)) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C) Use of state information.--In conducting a 
                consultation under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary 
                shall actively solicit and consider information from 
                the State agency in each affected State.''.
    (b) Opportunity to Participate in Consultations.--Section 7(b)(1) 
of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)(1)) (as 
amended by subsection (a)) is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
                    ``(D) Opportunity to participate in 
                consultations.--
                            ``(i) In general.--In conducting a 
                        consultation under subsection (a)(2), the 
                        Secretary shall provide any person who has 
                        sought authorization or funding from a Federal 
                        agency for an action that is the subject of the 
                        consultation, the opportunity to--
                                    ``(I) before the development of a 
                                draft biological opinion, submit and 
                                discuss with the Secretary and the 
                                Federal agency information relevant to 
                                the effect of the proposed action on 
                                the species and the availability of 
                                reasonable and prudent alternatives (if 
                                a jeopardy opinion is to be issued) 
                                that the Federal agency and the person 
                                can take to avoid violation of 
                                subsection (a)(2);
                                    ``(II) receive information, on 
                                request, subject to the exemptions 
                                specified in section 552(b) of title 5, 
                                United States Code, on the status of 
                                the species, threats to the species, 
                                and conservation measures, used by the 
                                Secretary to develop the draft 
                                biological opinion and the final 
                                biological opinion, including the 
                                associated incidental taking 
                                statements; and
                                    ``(III) receive a copy of the draft 
                                biological opinion from the Federal 
                                agency and, before issuance of the 
                                final biological opinion, submit 
                                comments on the draft biological 
                                opinion and discuss with the Secretary 
                                and the Federal agency the basis for 
                                any finding in the draft biological 
                                opinion.
                            ``(ii) Explanation.--If reasonable and 
                        prudent alternatives are proposed by a person 
                        under clause (i) and the Secretary does not 
                        include the alternatives in the final 
                        biological opinion, the Secretary shall explain 
                        to the person why those alternatives were not 
                        included in the opinion.
                            ``(iii) Public access to information.--
                        Comments and other information submitted to, or 
                        received from, any person (pursuant to clause 
                        (i)) who seeks authorization or funding for an 
                        action shall be maintained in a file for that 
                        action by the Secretary and shall be made 
                        available to the public (subject to the 
                        exemptions specified in section 552(b) of title 
                        5, United States Code).''.

SOLUTION: Scientifically Identifying the Need for Critical Habitat Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to change from mandatory to discretionary the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to designate critical habitat of an endangered or threatened species.

Directs the Secretary, when required by the Act to use the best scientific and commercial data available, in evaluating comparable data to give greater weight to such data that is empirical or has been field-tested or peer-reviewed.

Specifies requirements for the use of sound science in the listing of endangered or threatened species such as: (1) the establishment of criteria for scientific studies to support the listing; (2) use of data obtained by observation of the species in the field; and (3) use of data from landowners who have observed such species on their land. Requires the use of sound science in the preparation of a recovery plan for an endangered or threatened species.

Sets forth requirements for: (1) peer review before certain action can become final with respect to endangered or threatened species; and (2) use of information provided by States affected by such species or their habitat for recovery plans.

PROBLEM: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Health Care Access Received 
Closer to Home Act of 2014''.

SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) veterans who are authorized by the Secretary of 
        Veterans Affairs to receive health care in the community must 
        not lose the high quality, safety, care coordination, and other 
        veteran-centric elements that the health care system of the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs provides;
            (2) many veterans receive health care from both the 
        Department and community providers but the lack of care 
        coordination among the Department and community providers when 
        veterans receive purchased care places veterans at risk for 
        poor health outcomes and results in inefficient use of finite 
        health care resources;
            (3) veteran-centric care coordination is associated with 
        improved patient outcomes, as Department and non-Department 
        health care teams coordinate and collaborate to provide the 
        best care for veterans; and
            (4) if the Secretary purchases care for veterans from the 
        private sector, such care must be secured in a cost-effective 
        manner, in a way that complements the larger health care system 
        of the Department by using industry standards for care and 
        costs.

SEC. 3. 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 
                Veterans Health Care Access Received Closer to Home 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''.

SOLUTION: Veterans Health Care Access Received Closer to Home Act of 2014 - Expresses the sense of Congress in support of veteran-centric health care coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and community providers, as well as cost-effective VA purchase of veterans' care from the private sector. Amends the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 to reauthorize a VA pilot program of contract care authority within specified Veterans Integrated Service Networks for the health care needs of veterans in highly rural areas who are enrolled in the VA annual patient enrollment system. Requires: (1) that medical appointments for veterans, under the pilot program, occur during the 30-day period beginning on the date that is 15 days after the appointment is requested, and (2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that eligible veterans are informed of the program.

PROBLEM: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Care for Vulnerable Older 
Citizens through Workforce Advancement Act of 2017''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) As of 2012, more than 41,000,000 Americans are age 65 
        or older. More than 75 percent of them suffer from chronic 
        conditions which require person-centered, coordinated care that 
        helps them to live in a home- or community-based setting. In 
        2012, the Government Accountability Office found that 34 
        percent of Americans age 60 and older reported needing 
        assistance performing Activities of Daily Living.
            (2) Direct-care workers (referred to in this section as 
        ``DCWs'') provide an estimated 70 to 80 percent of the paid 
        hands-on long-term care and personal assistance received by 
        elders and people with disabilities or other chronic conditions 
        in the United States. These workers help their clients bathe, 
        dress, and negotiate a host of other daily tasks. They are a 
        lifeline for those they serve, as well as for families and 
        friends struggling to provide quality care.
            (3) Eldercare and disability services positions account for 
        nearly one-third of the 18,000,000 health care jobs in the 
        United States. The direct-care workforce alone accounts for 
        more than 4,000,000 jobs, expected to add 1,600,000 new 
        positions by 2020.
            (4) The majority of DCWs are now employed in home- and 
        community-based settings, and not in institutional settings 
        such as nursing care facilities or hospitals. By 2020, home- 
        and community-based DCWs are likely to outnumber facility 
        workers by more than 2 to 1.
            (5) A 2008 Institute of Medicine report, entitled ``Re-
        tooling for an Aging America: Building the Health Care 
        Workforce'', called for new models of care delivery and 
        coordination, and dedicated a chapter to the central importance 
        of the direct-care workforce in a ``re-tooled'' eldercare 
        delivery system.
            (6) An Institute of Medicine report on the future of 
        nursing, released in October of 2010, recommended nurses should 
        practice to the full extent of their education and training. 
        The report also states that all health care professionals 
        should work collaboratively in team-based models, and that the 
        goal should be to encourage care models that use every member 
        of the team to the full capacity of his or her training and 
        skills.
            (7) The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public 
        Law 111-148) emphasizes the need for improving care and 
        lowering costs by better coordination of care and integration 
        of services, particularly for consumers with multiple chronic 
        conditions. This will require developing new models of care for 
        those receiving long-term services and supports.

SEC. 3. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON CARE COORDINATION AND SERVICE 
              DELIVERY.

    Part A of title IV of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
3032 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 423. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON CARE COORDINATION AND SERVICE 
              DELIVERY.

    ``(a) Establishment of Demonstration Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary shall carry out 
        a demonstration program in accordance with this section. Under 
        such program, the Assistant Secretary shall award grants to 
        eligible entities to carry out demonstration projects that 
        focus on care coordination and service delivery redesign for 
        older individuals with chronic illness or at risk of 
        institutional placement by--
                    ``(A) designing and testing new models of care 
                coordination and service delivery that thoughtfully and 
                effectively deploy advanced aides to improve efficiency 
                and quality of care for frail older individuals; and
                    ``(B) giving direct-care workers opportunities for 
                career advancement through additional training, an 
                expanded role, and increased compensation.
            ``(2) Direct-care worker.--In this section, the term 
        `direct-care worker' has the meaning given that term in the 
        2010 Standard Occupational Classifications of the Department of 
        Labor for Home Health Aides [31-1011], Psychiatric Aides [31-
        1013], Nursing Assistants [31-1014], and Personal Care Aides 
        [39-9021].
    ``(b) Demonstration Projects.--The demonstration program shall be 
composed of 6 demonstration projects, as follows:
            ``(1) Two demonstration projects shall focus on using the 
        abilities of direct-care workers to promote smooth transitions 
        in care and help to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions. 
        Under these projects, direct-care workers shall be incorporated 
        as essential members of interdisciplinary care coordination 
        teams.
            ``(2) Two demonstration projects shall focus on maintaining 
        the health and improving the health status of those with 
        multiple chronic conditions and long-term care needs. Under 
        these projects, direct-care workers shall assist in monitoring 
        health status, ensuring compliance with prescribed care, and 
        educating and coaching the older individual involved and any 
        family caregivers.
            ``(3) Two demonstration projects shall focus on training 
        direct-care workers to take on deeper clinical responsibilities 
        related to specific diseases, including Alzheimer's and 
        dementia, congestive heart failure, and diabetes.
    ``(c) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' 
means a consortium that consists of--
            ``(1) at least 1--
                    ``(A) long-term care and rehabilitation facility; 
                or
                    ``(B) home personal care service provider; and
            ``(2) at least 1--
                    ``(A) hospital or health system;
                    ``(B) labor organization or labor-management 
                partnership;
                    ``(C) community-based aging service provider;
                    ``(D) patient-centered medical home;
                    ``(E) federally qualified health center;
                    ``(F) managed care entity, including a managed 
                health and long-term care program;
                    ``(G) entity that provides health services 
                training;
                    ``(H) State-based public entity engaged in building 
                new roles and related curricula for direct-care 
                workers; or
                    ``(I) any other entity that the Assistant Secretary 
                deems eligible based on integrated care criteria.
    ``(d) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretary an 
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Secretary may require, which shall include--
            ``(1) a description of the care coordination and service 
        delivery models of the entity, detailed on a general, 
        organizational, and staff level;
            ``(2) a description of how the demonstration project 
        carried out by the entity will improve care quality, including 
        specific objectives and anticipated outcomes that will be used 
        to measure success; and
            ``(3) a description of how the coordinated care team 
        approach with an enhanced role for the direct-care worker under 
        the demonstration project will increase efficiency and cost 
        effectiveness compared to past practice.
    ``(e) Planning Awards Under Demonstration Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each eligible entity that receives a 
        grant under this section shall receive a grant for planning 
        activities related to the demonstration project to be carried 
        out by the entity, including--
                    ``(A) designing the implementation of the project;
                    ``(B) identifying competencies and developing 
                curricula for the training of participating direct-care 
                workers;
                    ``(C) developing training materials and processes 
                for other members of the interdisciplinary care team;
                    ``(D) articulating a plan for identifying and 
                tracking cost savings gained from implementation of the 
                project and for achieving long-term financial 
                sustainability; and
                    ``(E) articulating a plan for evaluating the 
                project.
            ``(2) Amount and term.--
                    ``(A) Total amount.--The amount awarded under 
                paragraph (1) for all grants shall not exceed $600,000.
                    ``(B) Term.--Activities carried out under a grant 
                awarded under paragraph (1) shall be completed not 
                later than 1 year after the grant is awarded.
    ``(f) Implementation Awards Under Demonstration Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each eligible entity may receive a grant 
        for implementation activities related to the demonstration 
        project to be carried out by the entity, if the Assistant 
        Secretary determines the entity--
                    ``(A) has successfully carried out the activities 
                under the grant awarded under subsection (e);
                    ``(B) offers a feasible plan for long-term 
                financial sustainability;
                    ``(C) has constructed a meaningful model of 
                advancement for direct-care workers; and
                    ``(D) aims to provide training to a sizeable number 
                of direct-care workers and to serve a sizeable number 
                of older individuals.
            ``(2) Use of funds.--The implementation activities 
        described under paragraph (1) shall include--
                    ``(A) training of all care team members in 
                accordance with the design of the demonstration 
                project; and
                    ``(B) evaluating the competency of all staff based 
                on project design.
            ``(3) Evaluation and report.--
                    ``(A) Evaluation.--Each recipient of a grant under 
                paragraph (1), in consultation with an independent 
                evaluation contractor, shall evaluate--
                            ``(i) the impact of training and deployment 
                        of direct-care workers in advanced roles, as 
                        described in this section, within each 
                        participating entity on outcomes, such as 
                        direct-care worker job satisfaction and 
                        turnover, beneficiary and family caregiver 
                        satisfaction with services, rate of 
                        hospitalization of beneficiaries, and 
                        additional measures determined by the 
                        Secretary;
                            ``(ii) the impact of such training and 
                        deployment on the long-term services and 
                        supports delivery system and resources;
                            ``(iii) statement of the potential of the 
                        use of direct-care workers in advanced roles to 
                        lower cost and improve quality of care in the 
                        Medicaid program; and
                            ``(iv) long-term financial sustainability 
                        of the model used under the grant and the 
                        impact of such model on quality of care.
                    ``(B) Reports.--Not later than 180 days after 
                completion of the demonstration program under this 
                section, each recipient of a grant under paragraph (1) 
                shall submit to the Secretary a report on the 
                implementation of activities conducted under the 
                demonstration project, including--
                            ``(i) the outcomes, performance benchmarks, 
                        lessons learned from the project;
                            ``(ii) a statement of cost savings gained 
                        from implementation of the project and how the 
                        cost savings have been reinvested to improve 
                        direct-care job quality and quality of care; 
                        and
                            ``(iii) results of the evaluation conducted 
                        under subparagraph (A) with respect to such 
                        activities, together with such recommendations 
                        for legislation or administrative action for 
                        expansion of the demonstration program on a 
                        broader scale as the Secretary determines 
                        appropriate.
            ``(4) Amount and term.--
                    ``(A) Total amount.--The amount awarded under 
                paragraph (1) for all grants shall not exceed 
                $2,900,000.
                    ``(B) Term.--Activities carried out under a grant 
                awarded under paragraph (1) shall be completed not 
                later than 3 years after the grant is awarded.''.

SOLUTION:
Improving Care for Vulnerable Older Citizens through Workforce Advancement Act of 2017  This bill amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Administration on Aging to award grants for eligible&nbsp;consortia of health care providers and facilities to carry out six separate demonstration projects that focus on care coordination and service delivery for older individuals who have&nbsp;chronic illness or are at risk of institutional placement. Specifically, demonstration projects shall focus on: (1) using the abilities of direct-care workers to promote smooth transitions in care and help prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions, (2) maintaining and improving the health status of those with multiple chronic conditions and long-term needs, and (3) training direct-care workers to take on deeper clinical responsibilities.