Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001
PL 107-135 (H.R.3447), enacted 01/23/2002

115 STAT. 2446 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135^JAN. 23, 2002 
Public Law 107-135 
107th Congress 
Jan. 23, 2002 
[H.R. 3447] 
Department of 
Veterans Affairs 
Health Care 
Programs 
Enhancement 
Act of 2001. 
38 u s e 101 note. 
An Act 
To amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the authority of the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs to recruit and retain quaUfied nurses for the Veterans Health 
Administration, to provide an additional basis for establishing the inability of 
veterans to defray expenses of necessary medical care, to enhance certain health 
care programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the "Department 
of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 
2001". 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for this Act 
is as follows: 
Sec. 
Sec. 
1. Short title; table of contents. 
2. References to title 38, United States Code. 
TITLE I—ENHANCEMENT OF NURSE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION 
AUTHORITIES 
Subtitle A—Recruitment Authorities 
Enhancement of employee incentive scholarship program. 
Enhancement of education debt reduction program. 
Report on requests for waivers of pay reductions for reemployed annu-
itants to fill nurse positions. 
Subtitle B—Retention Authorities 
Additional pay for Saturday tours of duty for additional health care pro-
fessionals in the Veterans Health Administration. 
Unused sick leave included in annviity computation of registered nurses 
within the Veterans Health Administration. 
Evaluation of Department of Veterans Affairs nurse managed clinics. 
Staffing levels for operations of medical facilities. 
Annual report on use of authorities to enhance retention of experienced 
ntu-ses. 
Report on mandatory overtime for nurses and nursing assistants in De-
partment of Veterans Affairs facilities. 
Subtitle C—Other Authorities 
Organizational responsibility of the Director of the Nursing Service. 
Computation of annuity for part-time service performed by certain health-
care professionals before April 7, 1986. 
Modification of nurse locality pay authorities. 
Subtitle D—National Commission on VA Nursing 
Establishment of Commission. 
Duties of Commission. 
Reports. 
Powers. 
Personnel matters. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
Sec. 
101 
102 
103 
121 
122 
123 
124 
125 
126 
131 
132 
133 
141. 
142. 
143. 
144. 
145. 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135—JAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2447 
Sec. 146. Termination of Commission. 
TITLE II—OTHER MATTERS 
Sec. 201. Authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide service dogs for vet-
erans with certain disabilities. 
Sec. 202. gement of health care for certain low-income veterans. 
Sec. 203. Maintenance of capacity for speciaHzed treatment and rehabilitative 
needs of disabled veterans. 
Sec. 204. Program for provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans. 
Sec. 205. nds for field offices of the Office of Research Compliance and Assurance. 
Sec. 206. Major medical facility construction. 
Sec. 207. Sense of Congress on special telephone services for veterans. 
Sec. 208. Recodification of bereavement counseling authority and certain other 
health-related authorities. 
Sec. 209. Extension of expiring collections authorities. 
Sec. 210. Personal emergency response system for veterans with service-connected 
disabihties. 
Sec. 211. One-year extension of eligibility for health care of veterans who served in 
Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War. 
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE. 
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act 
an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment 
to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall 
be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 
38, United States Code. 
TITLE I—ENHANCEMENT OF NURSE RE-
CRUITMENT AND 
RETENTION AU-
THORITIES 
Subtitle A—Recruitment Authorities 
SEC. 101. ENHANCEMENT OF EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIP 
PROGRAM. 
(a) PERMANENT AUTHORITY.—(1) Section 7676 is repealed. 
38 USC 7676. 
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 76 is 
amended by striking the item relating to section 7676. 
(b) MINIMUM PERIOD OF DEPARTMENT EMPLOYMENT FOR ELIGI-
BILITY.—Section 7672(b) is amended by striking "2 years" and 
inserting "one year". 
(c) SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT.—Subsection (b) of section 7673 is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking "for any 1 year" and 
inserting 
"for 
the 
equivalent 
of one year 
of 
full-time 
coursework"; and 
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following 
new paragraph (2): 
"(2) in the case of a participant in the Program who is 
a part-time student, shall bear the same ratio to the amount 
that would be paid under paragraph (1) if the participant 
were a full-time student in the course of education or training 
being pursued by the participant as the coursework carried 
by the participgmt to full-time coursework in that course of 
education or training.". 
(d) LIMITATION ON PAYMENT.—Subsection (c) of section 7673 
is amended to read as follows: 
"(c) LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD OF PAYMENT.—(1) The maximum 
number of school years for which a scholarship may be paid under 
115 STAT. 2448 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135-^AN. 23, 2002 
subsection (a) to a participant in the Program shall be six school 
years. 
"(2) A participant in the Program may not receive a scholarship 
under subsection (a) for more than the equivalent of three years 
of full-time coursework.". 
38 use 7673. 
(e) FuLL-TlME CouRSEWORK.—Section 7673 is further amended 
by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
"(e) FULL-TIME COURSEWORK.—For purposes of this section, 
full-time coursework shall consist of the following: 
"(1) In the case of undergraduate coursework, 30 semester 
hours per undergraduate school year. 
"(2) In the case of graduate coursework, 18 semester hours 
per graduate school year.". 
(f) ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT OF MAXIMUM SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT.— 
Section 7631 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking "and the maximum 
Selected Reserve member stipend amount" and inserting "the 
maximum Selected Reserve member stipend amount, the max-
imum employee incentive scholarship amount,"; and 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); 
and 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
paragraph (4): 
"(4) The term 'maximum employee incentive scholarship 
amount' means the maximum amount of the scholarship pay-
able to a participant in the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Employee Incentive Scholarship Program under subchapter VI 
of this chapter, as specified in section 7673(b)(1) of this title 
and as previously adjusted (if at all) in accordance with this 
section.". 
(g) 
TECHNICAL 
AMENDMENTS.—Section 7631(b) is 
further 
amended by striking "this subsection" each place it appears and 
inserting "this section". 
SEC. 102. ENHANCEMENT OF EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM. 
(a) PERMANENT AUTHORITY.—(1) Section 7684 is repealed. 
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 76 is 
amended by striking the item relating to section 7684. 
(b) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.—Subsection (a)(1) of section 7682 
is amended— 
(1) by striking "under an appointment under section 
7402(b) of this title in a position" and inserting "in a position 
(as determined by the Secretary) providing direct-patient care 
services or services incident to direct-patient care services"; 
and 
(2) by striking "(as determined by the Secretary)" and 
inserting "(as so determined)". 
(c) MAXIMUM DEBT REDUCTION AMOUNT.—Section 7683(d)(1) 
is amended— 
(1) by striking "for a year"; and 
(2) by striking "exceed—" and all that follows through 
the end of the paragraph and inserting "exceed $44,000 over 
a total of five years of participation in the Program, of which 
not more than $10,000 of such payments may be made in 
each of the fourth and fifth years of participation in the Pro-
gram.". 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135—JAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2449 
(d) ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT OF MAXIMUM DEBT REDUCTION PAY-
MENTS AMOUNT.—(1) Section 7631, as amended by section 101(f) 
of this Act, is further amended— 
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting before the period at 
the end of the first sentence the following: "and the maximum 
education debt reduction payments amount"; and 
(B) in subsection (b), by inserting after paragraph (4) the 
following new paragraph (5): 
"(5) The term 'maximum education debt reduction pay-
ments amount' means the maximum amount of education debt 
reduction pa3mients payable to a participant in the Department 
of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program under 
subchapter VII of this chapter, as specified in section 7683(d)(1) 
of this title and as previously adjusted (if at all) in accordance 
with this section.". 
(2) Notwithstanding section 7631(a)(1) of title 38, United States 
38 USC 7631 
Code, as amended by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Veterans °ote. 
Affairs shall not increase the maximum education debt reduction 
payments amount under that section in calendar year 2002. 
(e) TEMPORARY EXPANSION OF INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE FOR 38 use 7682 
PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM.—(1) Notwithstanding section 7682(c) note. 
of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
may treat a covered individual as being a recently appointed 
employee in the Veterans Health Administration under section 
7682(a) of that title for purposes of eligibility in the Education 
Debt Reduction Program if the Secretary determines that the 
participation of the individual in the Program under this subsection 
would further the purposes of the Program. 
(2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered individual is 
any individual otherwise described by section 7682(a) of title 38, 
United States Code, as in effect on the day before the date of 
the enactment of this Act, who— 
(A) was appointed as an employee in a position described 
in paragraph (1) of that section, as so in effect, between January 
1, 1999, and December 31, 2001; and 
(B) is an employee in such position, or in another position 
described in paragraph (1) of that section, as so in effect, 
at the time of application for treatment as a covered individual 
under this subsection. 
(3) The Secretary shall make determinations regarding the 
exercise of the authority in this subsection on a case-by-case basis. 
(4) The Secretary may not exercise the authority in this sub- Expiration date. 
section after June 30, 2002. The expiration of the authority in 
this subsection shall not affect the treatment of an individual under 
this subsection before that date as a covered individual for purposes 
of eligibility in the Education Debt Reduction Program. 
(5) In this subsection, the term "Education Debt Reduction 
Program" means the Department of Veterans Affairs Education 
Debt Reduction Program under subchapter VII of chapter 76 of 
title 38, United States Code. 
115 STAT. 2450 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135—JAN. 23, 2002 
38 use 7451 
SEC. 103. REPORT ON REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS OF PAY REDUCTIONS 
°ote. 
FOR REEMPLOYED ANNUITANTS TO FILL NURSE POSI-
TIONS. 
DeadHne. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than March 28 of each of 2002 and 
2003, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Commit-
tees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives and to the National Commission on VA Nursing established 
under subtitle D a report describing each request of the Secretary, 
during the fiscal year preceding such report, to the Director of 
the Office of Personnel Management for the following: 
(1) A waiver under subsection (i)(l)(A) of section 8344 
of title 5, United States Code, of the provisions of such section 
in order to meet requirements of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs for appointments to nurse positions in the Veterans 
Health Administration. 
(2) A waiver under subsection (f)(1)(A) of section 8468 
of title 5, United States Code, of the provisions of such section 
in order to meet requirements of the Department for appoint-
ments to such positions. 
(3) A grant of authority under subsection (i)(l)(B) of section 
8344 of title 5, United States Code, for the waiver of the 
provisions of such section in order to meet requirements of 
the Department for appointments to such positions. 
(4) A grant of authority under subsection (f)(1)(B) of section 
8468 of title 5, United States Code, for the waiver of the 
provisions of such section in order to meet requirements of 
the Department for appointments to such positions. 
(b) INFORMATION ON RESPONSES TO REQUESTS.—The report 
under subsection (a) shall specify for each request covered by the 
report— 
(1) the response of the Director to such request; and 
(2) if such request was granted, whether or not the waiver 
or authority, as the case may be, assisted the Secretary in 
meeting requirements of the Department for appointments to 
nurse positions in the Veterans Health Administration. 
Subtitle B—Retention Authorities 
SEC, 121. ADDITIONAL PAY FOR SATURDAY TOURS OF DUTY FOR ADDI-
TIONAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE VET-
ERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION. 
38 use 7454. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7454(b) is amended— 
(1) by inserting "(1)" after "(b)"; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
"(2) Health care professionals employed in positions referred 
to in paragraph (1) shall be entitled to additional pay on the 
same basis as provided for nurses in section 7453(c) of this title.". 
38 use 7454 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by subsection (a) 
note. 
shall apply with respect to pay periods beginning on or after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135—JAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2451 
SEC. 122. UNUSED SICK LEAVE INCLUDED IN ANNUITY COMPUTATION 
OF 
REGISTERED 
NURSES 
WITHIN THE VETERANS 
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION. 
(a) ANNUITY COMPUTATION.—Section 8415 of title 5, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection: 
"(i) In computing an annuity under this subchapter, the total 
service of an employee who retires from the position of a registered 
nurse with the Veterans Health Administration on an immediate 
annuity, or dies while employed in that position leaving any sur-
vivor entitled to an annuity, includes the days of unused sick 
leave to the credit of that employee under a formal leave system, 
except that such days shall not be counted in determining average 
pay or annuity eligibility under this subchapter.". 
(b) DEPOSIT NOT REQUIRED.—Section 8422(d) of such title is 
amended— 
(1) by inserting "(1)" before "Under such regulations"; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
"(2) Deposit may not be required for days of unused sick leave 
credited under section 8415(i).". 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall take effect 60 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act and shall apply to individuals who separate from service on 
or after that effective date. 
SEC. 
123. EVALUATION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
NURSE MANAGED CLINICS. 
Applicability. 
5 u s e 8415 note. 
38 u s e 7311 
note. 
(a) EVALUATION.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry 
out an evaluation of the efficacy of the nurse managed health 
care clinics of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary Deadline, 
shall complete the evaluation not later than 18 months after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
(b) CLINICS TO B E EVALUATED.—(1) In carrying out the evalua-
tion under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider nurse man-
aged health care clinics, including primary care clinics and geriatric 
care clinics, located in three different geographic service areas of 
the Department. 
(2) If there are not nurse managed health care clinics located 
in three different geographic service areas as of the commencement 
of the evaluation, the Secretary shall— 
(A) establish nurse managed health care clinics in addi-
tional geographic service areas such that there are nurse man-
aged health care clinics in three different geographic service 
areas for purposes of the evaluation; and 
(B) include such clinics, as so established, in the evaluation. 
(c) MATTERS TO BE EVALUATED.—In carrying out the evaluation 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall address the following: 
(1) Patient satisfaction. 
(2) Provider experiences. 
(3) Cost of care. 
(4) Access to care, including waiting time for care. 
(5) The functional status of patients receiving care. 
(6) Any other matters the Secretary considers appropriate. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the Deadline, 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees 
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives 
a report on the evaluation carried out under subsection (a). The 
115 STAT. 2452 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135—JAN. 23, 2002 
report shall address the matters specified in subsection (c) and 
include any other information, and any recommendations, that the 
Records. 
Secretary considers appropriate. The Secretary shall provide a copy 
of the report to the National Commission on VA Nursing established 
under subtitle D. 
SEC. 124. STAFFING LEVELS FOR OPERATIONS OF MEDICAL FACILI-
TIES. 
38 use 8110. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 8110(a) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting after "complete care of 
patients," in the fifth sentence the following: "and in a manner 
consistent with the policies of the Secretary on overtime,"; 
and 
(2) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) by inserting ", including the staffing required to 
maintain such capacities," after "all Department medical 
facilities"; 
(B) by striking "and to minimize" and inserting ", to 
minimize"; and 
(C) by inserting before the period the following: ", 
and to ensure that eligible veterans are provided such 
care and services in an appropriate manner". 
(b) NATIONWIDE POLICY ON STAFFING.—Paragraph (3) of that 
section is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting "the adequacy of 
staff levels for compliance with the policy established under 
subparagraph (C)," after "regarding"; and 
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new 
subparagraph: 
"(C) The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Under Sec-
retary for Health, establish a nationwide policy on the staffing 
of Department medical facilities in order to ensure that such facili-
ties have adequate staff for the provision to veterans of appropriate, 
high-quality care and services. The policy shall take into account 
the staffing levels and mixture of staff skills required for the range 
of care and services provided veterans in Department facilities.". 
SEC. 125. ANNUAL REPORT ON USE OF AUTHORITIES TO ENHANCE 
RETENTION OF EXPERIENCED NURSES. 
(a) ANNUAL REPORT.—(1) Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amend-
ed by adding at the end the following new section: 
"§ 7324. Annual report on use of authorities to enhance reten-
tion of experienced nurses 
Deadline. 
"(a) ANNUAL REPORT.—^Not later than January 31 each year, 
the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Health, shall 
submit to Congress a report on the use during the preceding year 
of authorities for purposes of retaining experienced nurses in the 
Veterans Health Administration, as follows: 
"(1) The authorities under chapter 76 of this title. 
"(2) The authority under VA Directive 5102.1, relating to 
the Department of Veterans Affairs nurse qualification stand-
ard, dated November 10, 1999, or any successor directive. 
"(3) Any other authorities available to the Secretary for 
those purposes. 
"(b) REPORT ELEMENTS.—Each report under subsection (a) shall 
specify for the period covered by such report, for each Department 
Policy. 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135^JAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2453 
medical facility and for each geographic service area of the Depart-
ment, the following: 
"(1) The number of waivers requested under the authority 
referred to in subsection (a)(2), and the number of waivers 
granted under that authority, to promote to the Nurse II grade 
or Nurse III grade under the Nurse Schedule under section 
7404(b)(1) of this title any nurse who has not completed a 
baccalaureate degree in nursing in a recognized school of 
nursing, set forth by age, race, and years of experience of 
the individuals subject to such waiver requests and waivers, 
as the case may be. 
"(2) The programs carried out to facilitate the use of 
nursing education programs by experienced nurses, including 
programs for flexible scheduling, scholarships, salary replace-
ment pay, and on-site classes.". 
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7323 the 
following new item: 
"7324. Annual report on use of authorities to enhance retention of experienced 
nurses.". 
(b) INITIAL REPORT.—The initial report required under section 
38 USC 7324 
7324 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), note. 
shall be submitted to the National Commission on VA Nursing 
established under subtitle D as well as to Congress. 
SEC. 
126. REPORT ON MANDATORY OVERTIME FOR NURSES AND 
NURSING ASSISTANTS IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
AFFAIRS FACILITIES. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the DeadHne. 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
House of Representatives and to the National Commission on VA 
Nursing established under subtitle D a report on the mandatory 
overtime required of licensed nurses and nursing assistants pro-
viding direct patient care at Department of Veterans Affairs medical 
facilities during 2001. 
(b) MANDATORY OVERTIME.—For purposes of the report under 
subsection (a), mandatory overtime shall consist of any period in 
which a nurse or nursing assistant is mandated or otherwise 
required, whether directly or indirectly, to work or be in on-duty 
status in excess of— 
(1) a scheduled workshift or duty period; 
(2) 12 hours in any 24-hour period; or 
(3) 80 hours in any period of 14 consecutive days. 
(c) ELEMENTS.—The report under subsection (a) shall include 
the following: 
(1) A description of the amount of mandatory overtime 
described in that subsection at each Department medical facility 
during the period covered by the report. 
(2) A description of the mechanisms employed by the Sec-
retary to monitor overtime of the nurses and nursing assistants 
referred to in that subsection. 
(3) An assessment of the effects of the mandatory overtime 
of such nurses and nursing assistants on patient care, including 
any reported association with medical errors. 
115 STAT. 2454 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135-^AN. 23, 2002 
(4) Recommendations regarding mechanisms for preventing 
mandatory overtime in other than emergency situations by 
such nurses and nursing assistants. 
(5) Any other matters that the Secretary considers appro-
priate. 
Subtitle C—Other Authorities 
SEC. 131. ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF 
THE NURSING SERVICE. 
38 use 7306. 
Section 7306(a)(5) is amended by inserting ", and report directly 
to," after "responsible to". 
SEC. 132. COMPUTATION OF ANNUITY FOR PART-TIME SERVICE PER-
FORMED BY CERTAIN HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS 
BEFORE APRIL 7,1986. 
Section 7426 is amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsection: 
"(c) The provisions of subsection (b) shall not apply to the 
part-time service before April 7, 1986, of a registered nurse, physi-
cian assistant, or expanded-function dental auxiliary. In computing 
the annuity under the applicable provision of law specified in that 
subsection of an individual covered by the preceding sentence, the 
service described in that sentence shall be credited as full-time 
service.". 
SEC. 133. MODIFICATION OF NURSE LOCALITY PAY AUTHORITIES. 
Section 7451 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (d)(3)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking "beginning rates 
of each place it appears; 
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking "beginning rates 
of the first place it appears; and 
(C) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking "beginning rates 
of each place it appears; 
(2) in subsection (d)(4)— 
(A) by striking "or at any other time that an adjust-
ment in rates of pay is scheduled to take place under 
this subsection" in the first sentence; and 
(B) by striking the second sentence; and 
(3) in subsection (e)(4)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking "grade in a"; 
(B) in subparagraph (B)— 
(i) by striking "grade of a"; and 
(ii) by striking "that grade" and inserting "that 
position"; and 
(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking "grade of a". 
Subtitle D—National Commission on VA 
Nursing 
38 use 7451 
SEC. 141. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is hereby established in the Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs a commission to be known as the "National 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135^TAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2455 
Commission on VA Nursing" (hereinafter in this subtitle referred 
to as the "Commission"). 
(b) COMPOSITION.—^The Commission shall be composed of 12 
members appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as follows: 
(1) At least two shall be recognized representatives of 
employees (including nurses) of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs. 
(2) At least one shall be a representative of professional 
associations of nurses of the Department or similar organiza-
tions affiliated with the Department's health care practitioners. 
(3) At least one shall be a nurse from a nursing school 
affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
(4) At least two shall be representatives of veterans. 
(5) At least one shall be an economist. 
(6) The remainder shall be appointed in such manner as 
the Secretary considers appropriate. 
(c) CHAIR OF COMMISSION.—^The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall designate one of the members of the Commission to chair 
the Commission. 
(d) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES.—^Members shall be 
appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the 
Commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original 
appointment. 
(e) INITIAL ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS.—All appointments Deadlines, 
to the Commission shall be made not later than 60 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act. The Commission shall convene 
its first meeting not later than 60 days after the date as of which 
all members of the Commission have been appointed. 
SEC. 142. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. 
38USC7451 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—^The Commission shall— 
(1) consider legislative and organizational policy changes 
to enhance the recruitment and retention of nurses and other 
nursing personnel by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and 
(2) assess the future of the nursing profession within the 
Department. 
(b) RECOMMENDATIONS.—^The Commission shall recommend 
legislative and organizational policy chsmges to enhance the recruit-
ment and retention of nurses and other nursing personnel in the 
Department. 
SEC. 143. REPORTS. 
38 USC 7451 
(a) COMMISSION REPORT.—The Commission shall, not later than DeadUne. 
two years after the date of its first meeting, submit to Congress 
and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a report on the Commission's 
findings and recommendations. 
(b) SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS REPORT.—Not later than Deadline. 
60 days after the date of the Conmiission's report under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report— 
(1) providing the Secretar^s views on the Commission's 
findings and recommendations; and 
(2) explaining what actions, if any, the Secretary intends 
to take to implement the recommendations of the Commission 
and the Secretary's resisons for doing so. 
SEC. 144. POWERS. 
38 USC 7451 
(a) HEARINGS.—The Commission or, at its direction, any panel 
or member of the Commission, may, for the purpose of carrjdng 
115 STAT. 2456 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135-JAN. 23, 2002 
out the provisions of this subtitle, hold hearings and take testimony 
to the extent that the Commission or any member considers advis-
able. 
(b) INFORMATION.—The Commission may secure directly from 
any Federal department or agency information that the Commission 
considers necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its 
responsibilities under this subtitle. 
38 use 7451 
SEC. 145. PERSONNEL MATTERS. 
(a) PAY OF MEMBERS.—Members of the Commission shall serve 
without pay by reason of their work on the Commission. 
(b) 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. 
(c) STAFF.—(1) The Secretary may, without regard to the provi-
sions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in 
the competitive service, appoint a staff director and such additional 
personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform 
its duties. 
(2) The Secretary may fix the pay of the staff director and 
other personnel appointed under paragraph (1) without regard to 
the provisions of 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 fixed 
under this paragraph for the staff director may not exceed the 
rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 
5316 of such title and the rate of pay for other personnel may 
not exceed the maximum rate payable for grade GS-15 of the 
General Schedule. 
(d) DETAIL OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.—Upon request of the 
Secretary, the head of any Federal department or agency may 
detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, any personnel of that depart-
ment or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out 
its duties. 
38 use 7451 
SEC. 146. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION. 
The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the date of 
the submission of its report under section 143(a;. 
TITLE II—OTHER MATTERS 
SEC. 201. AUTHORITY FOR SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO PRO-
VIDE SERVICE DOGS FOR VETERANS WITH CERTAIN 
DISABILITIES. 
38 use 1714. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Section 1714 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking "seeing-eye or" the first place it appears; 
(B) by striking "who are entitled to disability com-
pensation" and inserting "who are enrolled under section 
1705 of this title"; 
(C) by striking ", and may pay" and all that follows 
through "such seeing-eye or guide dogs"; and 
(D) by striking "handicap" and inserting "disability"; 
and 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135^JAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2457 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsections: 
"(c) The Secretary may, in accordance with the priority specified 
in section 1705 of this title, provide— 
"(1) service dogs trained for the aid of the hearing impaired 
to veterans who are hearing impaired and are enrolled under 
section 1705 of this title; and 
"(2) service dogs trained for the aid of persons with spinal 
cord injury or dysfunction or other chronic impairment that 
substantially limits mobility to veterans with such injury, 
dysfunction, or impairment who are enrolled under section 
1705 of this title. 
"(d) In the case of a veteran provided a dog under subsection 
(b) or (c), the Secretary may pay travel and incidental expenses 
for that veteran under the terms and conditions set forth in section 
111 of this title to and from the veteran's home for expenses 
incurred in becoming adjusted to the dog.". 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.-—<1) The heading for such section 
is amended to read as follows: 
'*§ 1714. Fitting and training in use of prosthetic appliances; 
guide dogs; service dogs'*. 
(2) The item relating to such section in the table of sections 
at the beginning of chapter 17 is amended to read as follows: 
"1714. Fitting and training in use of prosthetic appliances; guide dogs; service 
dogs.". 
SEC. 202. MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH CARE FOR CERTAIN LOW-INCOME 
VETERANS. 
(a) 
PRIORITY 
OF 
ENROLLMENT 
IN 
PATIENT 
ENROLLMENT 
SYSTEM.—Section 1705(a) is amended by striking paragraph (7) 38USC1705. 
and inserting the following new paragraphs: 
"(7) Veterans described in section 1710(a)(3) of this title 
who are eligible for treatment as a low-income family under 
section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 
U.S.C. 1437a(b)) for the area in which such veterans reside, 
regardless of whether such veterans are treated as single person 
families under paragraph (3)(A) of such section 3(b) or as fami-
lies under paragraph (3)(B) of such section 3(b). 
"(8) Veterans described in section 1710(a)(3) of this title 
who are not covered by paragraph (7).". 
(b) REDUCED COPAYMENTS FOR CARE.—Subsection (f) of section 
1710 is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting "or (4)" after "paragraph 
(2)"; 
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new para-
graph (4): 
"(4) In the case of a veteran covered by this subsection who 
is also described by section 1705(a)(7) of this title, the amoimt 
for which the veteran shall be liable to the United States for 
hospital care under this subsection shall be an amount equal to 
20 percent of the total amount for which the veteran would other-
wise be liable for such care under subparagraphs (2)(B) and (3)(A) 
but for this paragraph.". 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—^The amendments made by this section 38 use 1705 
shall take effect on October 1, 2002. 
note. 
115 STAT. 2458 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135-^AN. 23, 2002 
SEC. 203. MAINTENANCE OF CAPACITY FOR SPECIALIZED TREATMENT 
AND REHABILITATIVE NEEDS OF DISABLED VETERANS. 
(a) MAINTENANCE OF CAPACITY ON A GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA 
38 use 1706. 
BASIS.—Section 1706(b) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) in the first sentence, by inserting "(and each 
geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administra-
tion)" after "ensure that the Department"; and 
(B) in clause (B), by inserting "(and each geographic 
service area of the Veterans Health Administration)" after 
"overall capacity of the Department"; 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
(5) and (6), respectively; and 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new para-
graphs; 
"(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the capacity of the Depart-
ment (and each geographic service area of the Veterans Health 
Administration) to provide for the specialized treatment and 
rehabilitative needs of disabled veterans (including veterans with 
spinal cord dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, blindness, pros-
thetics and sensory aids, and mental illness) within distinct pro-
grams or facilities shall be measured for seriously mentally ill 
veterans as follows (with all such data to be provided by geographic 
service area and totaled nationally): 
"(A) For mental health intensive community-based care, 
the number of discrete intensive care teams constituted to 
provide such intensive services to seriously mentally ill veterans 
and the number of veterans provided such care. 
"(B) For opioid substitution programs, the number of 
patients treated annually and the amounts expended. 
"(C) For dual-diagnosis patients, the number treated 
annually and the amounts expended. 
"(D) For substance-use disorder programs— 
"(i) the number of beds (whether hospital, nursing 
home, or other designated beds) employed and the average 
bed occupancy of such beds; 
"(ii) the percentage of unique patients admitted directly 
to outpatient care during the fiscal year who had two 
or more additional visits to specialized outpatient care 
within 30 days of their first visit, with a comparison from 
1996 until the date of the report; 
"(iii) the percentage of unique inpatients with sub-
stance-use disorder diagnoses treated during the fiscal year 
who had one or more specialized clinic visits within three 
days of their index discharge, with a comparison from 
1996 until the date of the report; 
"(iv) the percentage of unique outpatients seen in a 
facility or geographic service area during the fiscal year 
who had one or more specialized clinic visits, with a 
comparison from 1996 until the date of the report; and 
"(v) the rate of recidivism of patients at each special-
ized clinic in each geographic service area of the Veterans 
Health Administration. 
"(E) For mental health programs, the number and type 
of staff that are available at each facility to provide specialized 
mental health treatment, including satellite clinics, outpatient 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135^JAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2459 
programs, and community-based outpatient clinics, with a 
comparison from 1996 to the date of the report. 
"(F) The number of such clinics providing mental health 
care, the number and type of mental health staff at each 
such clinic, and the type of mental health programs at each 
such clinic. 
"(G) The total amounts expended for mental health during 
the fiscal year. 
"(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the capacity of the Depart-
ment (and each geographic service area of the Veterans Health 
Administration) to provide for the specialized treatment and 
rehabilitative needs of disabled veterans within distinct programs 
or facilities shall be measured for veterans with spinal cord dysfunc-
tion, traumatic brain injury, blindness, or prosthetics and sensory 
aids as follows (with all such data to be provided by geographic 
service area and totaled nationally): 
"(A) For spinal cord injury and dysfunction specialized 
centers and for blind rehabilitation specialized centers, the 
number of staffed beds and the number of full-time equivalent 
employees assigned to provide care at such centers. 
"(B) For prosthetics and sensory aids, the annual amount 
expended. 
"(C) For traumatic brain injury, the number of patients 
treated annually and the amounts expended. 
"(4) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary may not use 
patient outcome data as a substitute for, or the equivalent of, 
compliance with the requirement under that paragraph for mainte-
nance of capacity.". 
(b) EXTENSION OF ANNUAL REPORT REQUIREMENT.—Paragraph 
(5) of such section, as so redesignated, is amended— 
(1) by inserting "(A)" before "Not later than"; 
(2) by striking "April 1, 1999, April 1, 2000, and April 
1, 2001" and inserting "April 1 of each year through 2004"; 
(3) by adding at the end of subparagraph (A), as designated 
by paragraph (1), the following new sentence: "Each such report 
shall include information on recidivism rates associated with 
substance-use disorder treatment."; and 
(4) by adding at the end of such paragraph the following 
new subparagraphs: 
"(B) In preparing each report under subparagraph (A), the 
Secretary shall use standardized data and data definitions. 
"(C) Each report under subparagraph (A) shall be audited by Certification. 
the Inspector General of the Department, who shall submit to 
Congress a certification as to the accuracy of each such report.". 
SEC. 204. PROGRAM FOR PROVISION OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND 38 USC 1710 
SERVICES TO VETERANS. 
note. 
(a) REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM.—Subject to the provisions of 
this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a 
program to provide chiropractic care and services to veterans 
through Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and clinics. 
(b) ELIGIBLE VETERANS.—^Veterans eligible to receive chiro-
practic care and services under the program are veterans who 
are enrolled in the system of patient enrollment under section 
1705 of title 38, United States Code. 
(c) LOCATION OF PROGRAM.—The program shall be carried out 
at sites designated by the Secretary for purposes of the program. 
89-194 0 - 03 -13 QL 3 Part 3 
115 STAT. 2460 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135^JAN. 23, 2002 
Urban and rural 
areas. 
Contacts. 
Establishment. 
Termination 
date. 
38 u s e 7303. 
38 u s e 7303 
note. 
The Secretary shall designate at least one site for such program 
in each geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administra-
tion. The sites so designated shall be medical centers and clinics 
located in urban areas and in rural areas. 
(d) CARE AND SERVICES AVAILABLE.—The chiropractic care and 
services available under the program shall include a variety of 
chiropractic care and services for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, 
including subluxation complex. 
(e) OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.—(1) The Secretary shall 
carry out the program through personal service contracts and by 
appointment of licensed chiropractors in Department medical cen-
ters and clinics. 
(2) As part of the program, the Secretary shall provide training 
and materials relating to chiropractic care and services to Depart-
ment health care providers assigned to primary care teams for 
the purpose of familiarizing such providers with the benefits of 
chiropractic care and services. 
(f) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall prescribe regulations 
to carry out this section. 
(g) CHIROPRACTIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—(1) The 
Secretary 
shall establish an advisory committee to provide direct assistance 
and advice to the Secretary in the development and implementation 
of the chiropractic health program. 
(2) The membership of the advisory committee shall include 
members of the chiropractic care profession and such other members 
as the Secretary considers appropriate. 
(3) Matters on which the advisory committee shall assist and 
advise the Secretary shall include the following: 
(A) Protocols governing referral to chiropractors. 
(B) Protocols governing direct access to chiropractic care. 
(C) Protocols governing scope of practice of chiropractic 
practitioners. 
(D) Definition of services to be provided. 
(E) Such other matters the Secretary determines to be 
appropriate. 
(4) The advisory committee shall cease to exist on December 
31, 2004. 
SEC. 205. FUNDS FOR FIELD OFFICES OF THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH 
COMPLIANCE AND ASSURANCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7303 is amended by adding at the 
end the following new subsection: 
"(e) Amounts for the activities of the field offices of the Office 
of Research Compliance and Assurance of the Department shall 
be derived from amounts appropriated for the Veterans Health 
Administration for Medical Care (rather than from amounts appro-
priated for the Veterans Health Administration for Medical and 
Prosthetic Research).". 
(b) APPLICABILITY TO FISCAL YEAR 2002.—In order to carry 
out subsection (e) of section 7303 of title 38, United States Code, 
as added by subsection (a), for fiscal year 2002, the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs shall transfer such sums as necessary for that 
purpose from amounts appropriated for the Veterans Health 
Administration for Medical and Prosthetic Research for fiscal year 
2002 to amounts appropriated for the Veterans Health Administra-
tion for Medical Care for that fiscal year. 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135—JAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2461 
SEC. 206. MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION. 
(a) PROJECT AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
may carry out a major medical facility project for the renovation 
from electrical fire of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
Center, Miami, Florida, in an amount not to exceed $28,300,000. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the 
Construction, Major 
Projects Account, for fiscal year 2002, 
$28,300,000 for the project authorized by subsection (a). 
(c) LIMITATION.—The project authorized by subsection (a) may 
only be carried out using— 
(1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2002 pursuant to 
the authorization of appropriations in subsection (b); 
(2) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2002 that remain available 
for obligation; and 
(3) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
for fiscal year 2002 for a category of activity not specific to 
a project. 
SEC. 207. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SPECIAL TELEPHONE SERVICES 
FOR VETERANS. 
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs should conduct an assessment of all special telephone serv-
ices for veterans (such as help lines and hotlines) that are provided 
by the Department of Veterans Affairs and that any such assess-
ment, if conducted, should include assessment of the geographical 
coverage, 
availability, 
utilization, 
effectiveness, 
management, 
coordination, staffing, and cost of those services and should include 
a survey of veterans to measure their satisfaction with current 
special telephone services and the demand for additional services. 
SEC. 
208. 
RECODIFICATION 
OF 
BEREAVEMENT 
COUNSELING 
AUTHORITY AND CERTAIN OTHER HEALTH-RELATED 
AUTHORITIES. 
(a) STATUTORY REORGANIZATION.—Subchapter I of chapter 17 
is amended— 
(1) in section 1701(6)— 
38 USC 1701. 
(A) by striking subparagraph (B) and the sentence 
following that subparagraph; 
(B) by striking "services—" in the matter preceding 
subparagraph (A) and inserting "services, the following:"; 
and 
(C) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
following: 
"(A) Surgical services. 
"(B) Dental services and appliances as described in sections 
1710 and 1712 of this title. 
"(C) Optometric and podiatric services. 
"(D) Preventive health services. 
"(E) In the case of a person otherwise receiving care or 
services under this chapter— 
"(i) wheelchairs, artificial limbs, trusses, and similar 
appliances; 
"(ii) special clothing made necessary by the wearing 
of prosthetic appliances; and 
115 STAT. 2462 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135-JAN. 23, 2002 
"(iii) such other suppHes or services as the Secretary 
determines to be reasonable and necessary. 
"(F) Travel and incidental expenses pursuant to section 
111 ofthis title."; and 
38 use 1707. 
(2) in section 1707— 
(A) by inserting "(a)" at the beginning of the text 
of the section; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
"(b) The Secretary may furnish sensori-neural aids only in 
accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Secretary.". 
(b) CONSOLIDATION OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO PERSONS 
OTHER THAN VETERANS.—Such chapter is further amended by 
adding at the end the following new subchapter: 
"SUBCHAPTER 
VIII—HEALTH 
CARE 
OF 
PERSONS 
OTHER 
THAN 
VETERANS 
^§ 1782. Counseling, training, and mental health services for 
immediate family members 
"(a) 
COUNSELING 
FOR FAMILY 
MEMBERS 
OF VETERANS 
RECEIVING SERVICE-CONNECTED TREATMENT.—In the case of a vet-
eran who is receiving treatment for a service-connected disability 
pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1710(a) of this title, 
the Secretary shall provide to individuals described in subsection 
(c) such consultation, professional counseling, training, and mental 
health services as are necessary in connection with that treatment. 
"(b) 
COUNSELING 
FOR FAMILY 
MEMBERS 
OF VETERANS 
RECEIVING NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED TREATMENT.—In the case of 
a veteran who is eligible to receive treatment for a non-service-
connected disability under the conditions described in paragraph 
(1), (2), or (3) of section 1710(a) of this title, the Secretary may, 
in the discretion of the Secretary, provide to individuals described 
in subsection (c) such consultation, professional counseling, training, 
and mental health services as are necessary in connection with 
that treatment if— 
"(1) those services were initiated during the veteran's hos-
pitalization; and 
"(2) the continued provision of those services on an out-
patient basis is essential to permit the discharge of the veteran 
from the hospital. 
"(c) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.—Individuals who may be provided 
services under this subsection are— 
"(1) the members of the immediate family or the legal 
guardian of a veteran; or 
"(2) the individual in whose household such veteran cer-
tifies an intention to live. 
"(d) TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZED.—Services pro-
vided under subsections (a) and (b) may include, under the terms 
and conditions set forth in section 111 of this title, travel and 
incidental expenses of individuals described in subsection (c) in 
the case of any of the following: 
"(1) A veteran who is receiving care for a service-connected 
disability. 
"(2) A dependent or survivor receiving care under the last 
sentence of section 1783(b) ofthis title. 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135^JAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2463 
"§ 1783. Bereavement counseling 
"(a) DEATHS OF VETERANS.—In the case of an individual who 
was a recipient of services under section 1782 of this title at 
the time of the death of the veteran, the Secretary may provide 
bereavement counseling to that individual in the case of a death— 
"(1) that was unexpected; or 
"(2) that occurred while the veteran was participating in 
a hospice program (or a similar program) conducted by the 
Secretary. 
"(b) DEATHS IN ACTIVE SERVICE.—The Secretary may provide 
bereavement counseling to an individual who is a member of the 
immediate family of a member of the Armed Forces who dies 
in the active military, naval, or air service in the line of duty 
and under circumstances not due to the person's own misconduct. 
"(c) BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING DEFINED.—For purposes of this 
section, the term 'bereavement counseling' means such counseling 
services, for a limited period, as the Secretary determines to be 
reasonable and necessary to assist an individual with the emotional 
and psychological stress accompanying the death of another indi-
vidual. 
"§ 1784. Humanitarian care 
"The Secretary may furnish hospital care or medical services 
as a humanitarian service in emergency cases, but the Secretary 
shall charge for such care and services at rates prescribed by 
the Secretary.". 
(c) TRANSFER OF C H A M P V A SECTION.—Section 1713 is— 
(1) transferred to subchapter VIII of chapter 17 of title 
38, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), and inserted 
after the subchapter heading; 
(2) redesignated as section 1781; and 
(3) amended by adding at the end of subsection (b) the 38 USC 1781. 
following new sentence: "A dependent or survivor receiving 
care under the preceding sentence shall be eligible for the 
same medical services as a veteran, including services under 
sections 1782 and 1783 of this title.". 
(d) 
REPEAL OF RECODIFIED AUTHORITY.—Section 
1711 is 
amended by striking subsection (b). 
(e) CROSS REFERENCE AMENDMENTS.—Title 38, United States 
Code, is further amended as follows: 
(1) Section 103(d)(5)(B) is amended by striking "1713" and 
inserting "1781". 
(2) Section 1701(5) is amended by striking "1713(b)" in 
subparagraphs (B) and (C)(i) and inserting "1781(b)". 
(3) Section 1712A(b) is amended— 
(A) in the last sentence of paragraph (1), by striking 
"section 1711(b)" and inserting "section 1784"; and 
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking "section 1701(6)(B)" 
and inserting "sections 1782 and 1783". 
(4) Section 1729(f) is amended by striking "section 1711(b)" 
and inserting "section 1784". 
(5) Section 1729A(b) is amended— 
(A) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); 
and 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new 
paragraph (7): 
"(7) Section 1784 of this title.". 
115 STAT. 2464 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135—JAN. 23, 2002 
38 use 8111. 
(6) Section 8111(g) is amended— 
(A) in paragraph (4), by inserting "services under sec-
tions 1782 and 1783 of this title" after "of this title,"; 
and 
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking "section 1711(b) or 
1713" and inserting "section 1782, 1783, or 1784". 
(7) Section 8111A(a)(2) is amended by inserting ", and 
the term 'medical services' includes services under sections 
1782 and 1783 of this title" before the period at the end. 
(8) Section 8152(1) is amended by inserting "services under 
sections 1782 and 1783 of this title," after "of this title),". 
(9) Sections 8502(b), 8520(a), and 8521 are amended by 
striking "the last sentence of section 1713(b)" and inserting 
"the penultimate sentence of section 1781(b)". 
(f) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter 
is amended— 
(A) by striking the item relating to section 1707 and 
inserting the following: 
'1707. Limitations."; 
(B) by striking the item relating to section 1713; 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
and 
38 u s e 1710 
note. 
Deadline. 
Deadline. 
"SUBCHAPTER 
VIII—HEALTH 
CARE 
OF 
PERSONS 
OTHER 
THAN 
VETERANS 
"1781. Medical care for survivors and dependents of certain veterans. 
"1782. Counseling, training, and mental health services for immediate family mem-
bers. 
"1783. Bereavement counseling. 
"1784. Humanitarian care.". 
(2) The heading for section 1707 is amended to read as 
follows: 
"§ 1707. Limitations". 
SEC. 209. EXTENSION OF EXPIRING COLLECTIONS AUTHORITIES. 
(a) 
HEALTH 
CARE 
COPAYMENTS.—Section 
1710(f)(2)(B) 
is 
amended by striking "September 30, 2002" and inserting "Sep-
tember 30, 2007". 
(b) MEDICAL CARE COST RECOVERY.—Section 1729(a)(2)(E) is 
amended by striking "October 1, 2002" and inserting "October 1, 
2007". 
SEC. 210. PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM FOR VETERANS 
WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES. 
(a) EVALUATION AND STUDY.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall carry out an evaluation and study of the feasibility and 
desirability of providing a personal emergency response system 
to veterans who have service-connected disabilities. The evaluation 
and study shall be commenced not later than 60 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees 
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives 
a report on the evaluation and study under subsection (a). The 
Secretary shall include in the report the Secretary's findings 
resulting from the evaluation and study and the Secretary's conclu-
sion as to whether the Department of Veterans Affairs should 
PUBLIC LAW 107-135^JAN. 23, 2002 
115 STAT. 2465 
provide a personal emergency response system to veterans with 
service-connected disabilities. 
(c) AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SYSTEM.—If the Secretary concludes 
in the report under subsection (b) that a personal emergency 
response system should be provided by the Department of Veterans 
Affairs to veterans with service-connected disabilities— 
(1) the Secretary may provide such a system, without 
charge, to any veteran with a service-connected disability who 
is enrolled under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code, 
and who submits an application for such a system under sub-
section (d); and 
(2) the Secretary may contract with one or more vendors 
to furnish such a system. 
(d) APPLICATION.—^A personal emergency response system may 
be provided to a veteran under subsection (c)(1) only upon the 
submission by the veteran of an application for the system. Any 
such application shall be in such form and manner as the Secretary 
may require. 
(e) DEFINITION.—For purposes of this section, the term "per-
sonal emergency response system" means a device— 
(1) that can be activated by an individual who is experi-
encing a medical emergency to notify appropriate emergency 
medical personnel that the individual is experiencing a medical 
emergency; and 
(2) that provides the individual's location through a Global 
Positioning System indicator. 
SEC. 211. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH CARE 
OF VETERANS WHO SERVED IN SOUTHWEST ASIA DURING 
THE PERSIAN GULF WAR. 
Section 1710(e)(3)(B) is amended by striking "December 31, 38 USC 1710. 
2001" and inserting "December 31, 2002". 
Approved January 23, 2002. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 3447: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 147 (2001): 
Dec. 11, considered and passed House. 
Dec. 20, considered and passed Senate.