In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.

Input: Consider Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Quality Assurance in Drug Testing
Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds that--
(1) drug abuse in the workplace is a serious national
problem, and
(2) drug testing can be an effective deterrent to drug
abuse when administered in a manner that provides for quality
assurance.

SEC. 3. QUALITY ASSURANCE IN DRUG TESTING.

The Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following new title:

''TITLE XXVII--QUALITY ASSURANCE IN DRUG TESTING

''SEC. 2701. LABORATORY CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.

''(a) Prohibition.--No individual may perform a toxicological
analysis in connection with any drug testing program that is subject to
this title unless such analysis is conducted in a laboratory certified
under subsection (b).
''(b) Certification.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this title, the Secretary shall establish a program for
certifying laboratories that meet standards for performing--
''(1) drug screening tests,
''(2) drug confirmatory tests, and
''(3) both drug screening and confirmatory tests.
''(c) Criteria.--In establishing standards for certification under
subsection (b), the Secretary shall use criteria that will maximize the
predictive value of the testing scheme and that take into consideration
the practices, procedures, and experience of drug testing programs
which the Secretary determines are conducted in accordance with
appropriate standards and procedures.
''(d) Periodic Review.--At least once each year, the Secretary
shall review, and where appropriate revise, the certification criteria
established under subsection (b), taking into consideration the
relevant scientific technical advances in the area of drug testing and
revisions needed to reflect employer zero-drug tolerance practices.

''SEC. 2702. ANTI-DRUG ABUSE POLICY.

''(a) Written Policy.--As a condition of implementing or
maintaining a drug testing program, an employer shall establish a
written anti-drug abuse policy that shall contain, at a minimum, an
explanation concerning the--
''(1) circumstances under which a drug test will be
administered, the procedures for notifying an employee of a
confirmed positive result, and a statement the policy will be
administered in a consistent and nondiscriminatory manner
without regard to whether the employee is employed in a
management or hourly capacity,
''(2) safeguards established for protecting the privacy of
individuals who are subject to testing, including chain custody
procedures and the limitations on disclosure of the results of
drug tests,
''(3) availability of any drug abuse treatment program,
''(4) penalties that may be imposed for a violation of the
anti-drug policy of the employer, and
''(5) procedures under which an applicant or employee shall
be given a reasonable opportunity to explain a confirmed
positive test result.
''(b) Notice.--An employer shall make a reasonable effort to
provide notice of the written anti-drug abuse policy to applicants and
employees subject to testing using whatever methods the employer
determines to be appropriate.

''SEC. 2703. DRUG-FREE AWARENESS PROGRAM.

''In order for an employer to be permitted to implement or maintain
a drug testing program, such employer shall establish, as part of such
drug testing program, a drug-free awareness program designed to inform
its employees concerning--
''(1) the dangers of drug abuse, both inside and outside of
the workplace,
''(2) the policy of the employer of maintaining a drug-free
workplace,
''(3) information as to the existence and availability of
counseling, employee assistance, rehabilitation, and other drug
abuse treatment programs of which the employer is aware, and
''(4) the penalties that may be imposed on applicants and
employees who test positive for the use of a drug, and for the
manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of
a drug in the workplace of the employer.

''SEC. 2704. STANDARDS FOR DRUG TESTING.

''(a) Applicants.--Nothing in this title shall be construed to
prohibit an employer from requiring, as a condition of employment, that
an applicant submit to and pass a drug test based on criteria
established by the employer that is designed to achieve a drug-free
workplace. Refusal by an applicant to submit to such a test may be
treated in the same manner as a failure to pass a drug test.
''(b) Employees.--Nothing in this title shall be construed to
prohibit an employer from requiring an employee to submit to and pass a
drug test--
''(1) where the employer has reasonable suspicion to
believe that the employee is using or under the influence of a
drug,
''(2) where such test is administered as part of a
scheduled medical examination,
''(3) in the case of an accident or incident involving the
actual or potential loss of human life, serious bodily injury,
or significant property damage,
''(4) during and for a reasonable period of time (not to
exceed 5 years) after the completion of a drug abuse treatment
program, or
''(5) in the case of sensitive employee positions, work
units, locations, or facilities where drug abuse has been
identified as a problem, on a random basis.
''(c) Definition.--As used in this title, the term 'random' means
the selection of individuals for testing based on a nondiscriminatory
impartial methods so that no employee is harassed or treated
differently from other employees in similar circumstances.

''SEC. 2505. EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS.

''(a) Prohibitions.--In the case of an applicant or employee, it
shall be a violation of this title--
''(1) for an employer to fail to make reasonable efforts to
inform the applicant or employee as to the drug testing policy
of the employee,
''(2) for an employer to take any adverse action based on
the unconfirmed positive results of a drug test, except as
provided in subsection (c),
''(3) for an employer, on the request of an applicant or
employee, to fail to provide such applicant or employee with a
reasonable opportunity to be informed of a confirmed positive
drug test result, and
''(4) for an employer, on the request of an applicant or
employee, to fail to provide such applicant or employee with a
reasonable opportunity to explain the results of a confirmed
positive test result.
''(b) Antiretaliation Prohibition.--It shall be a violation of this
title for an employer to take retaliatory action against an employee
because of the exercise by the employee of any right granted or
protected under this title.
''(c) Exception for Sensitive Employees.--Pending the receipt of
the results of a confirmatory drug test, an employer may transfer or
reassign an employee in a sensitive position to another area or
position without any loss in compensation to such employee if the
initial drug test result is positive. If a confirmatory test of such
employee is negative, such employee shall be entitled to immediate
reinstatement to the position from which such employee has been
transferred or reassigned.

''SEC. 2706. CONFIDENTIALITY.

''(a) In General.--An individual, other than the applicant or
employee who is the subject of a drug test, shall not disclose
information obtained as a result of a drug test, except as provided in
subsection (b).
''(b) Permitted Disclosures.--An employer, or individual conducting
a drug test on behalf of an employer, may disclose information acquired
from a drug test only to--
''(1) the applicant or employee taking such drug test or
any other individual specifically designated in writing by such
applicant or employee taking such drug test,
''(2) the employer, including the designated representative
of such employer, that requested such test,
''(3) any court, governmental agency, arbitrator, or
mediator, in accordance with Federal or State law, and
''(4) appropriate drug abuse treatment providers.

''SEC. 2707. EMPLOYER PRACTICES.

''(a) Safe Workplace.--Nothing in this title shall be construed to
prohibit an employer from taking action necessary to ensure a safe
workplace.
''(b) Drug-Free Workplace.--Nothing in this title shall be
construed to prohibit an employer from taking action necessary, up to
and including termination, in the case of applicant or employee--
''(1) whose drug test result is confirmed positive,
''(2) who refuses to take a drug test authorized under this
title, or
''(3) who tampers with or adulterates a drug testing
specimen.
''(c) Participation in Drug Abuse Treatment Program.--Nothing in
this title shall be construed to prohibit an employer from requiring an
employee to participate in, and satisfactorily complete, a drug
treatment program as a condition of continued employment where the
employee has tested confirmed positive for drugs, has refused to submit
to a drug test, or has tampered with or adulterated a drug test
specimen.
''(d) Sensitive Position.--Nothing in this title shall be construed
to prohibit an employer from refusing to place an employee in, or
reinstate such employee, to a sensitive position if such employee has
tested confirmed positive for drug use.

''SEC. 2708. DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAMS.

''As part of the drug-free awareness program established pursuant
to section 2703, employers shall provide information to employees
concerning the existence and availability of public and private drug
counseling, employee assistance, rehabilitation, and other drug abuse
treatment programs of which the employer is aware.

''SEC. 2709. REGULATIONS.

''Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title,
the Secretary shall--
''(1) establish a program for the certification of
laboratories for the performance of toxicological urinalysis
conducted for drug testing programs as described in this title,
and
''(2) issue such other rules and regulations as may be
necessary or appropriate to carry out this title.

''SEC. 2710. ENFORCEMENT AND RELIEF.

''(a) Laboratory Certification Standards.--The certification
program established pursuant to section 2701(b) shall be enforced in
accordance with the procedures and sanctions contained in subsections
(g), (h), (i), (j), (k), and (l) of section 353.
''(b) Employee Complaints Charging Unlawful Discharge or
Discrimination; Investigation Order.--
''(1) Complaint.--An employee who believes that such
employee has been charged or otherwise discriminated against by
an employer in violation of this title may, not later than 30
days after such action occurs, file (or have any individual
file on behalf of such employee) a complaint with the Secretary
of Labor (hereinafter referred to in this subsection as the
'Secretary') alleging that such discharge or discrimination
violates this title. On receipt of such complaint, the
Secretary shall notify the individual named in the complaint of
such filing.
''(2) Investigation and order.--
''(A) Investigation.--On receipt of a complaint
filed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall conduct
an investigation of the violation alleged in such
complaint. Not later than 30 days after the receipt of
such complaint, the Secretary shall complete such
investigation and shall notify in writing the employer
(and any individual acting on behalf of the employer)
as to the results of such investigation.
''(B) Order.--Not later than 30 days after the
completion of such investigation, the Secretary shall,
unless the proceeding on the complaint is terminated by
the Secretary on the basis of a settlement entered into
by the Secretary and the employer alleged to have
committed such violation, issue an order either
providing the relief prescribed in this section or
denying the complaint. An order of the Secretary issued
under this subparagraph shall be made on the record
after notice and opportunity for public hearing.
''(3) Relief.--If, in response to a complaint filed under
paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that a violation of
this title has occurred, the Secretary shall order the employer
who committed such violation to provide such suitable relief as
the Secretary determines appropriate, including reinstatement,
promotion, and the payment of lost wages and benefits.
''(4) Review or order.--An employee or employer adversely
affected or aggrieved by an order issued under paragraph (2)
may obtain review of such order in the United States Court of
Appeals for the circuit in which the violation, with respect to
which the order was issued, allegedly occurred. The petition
for review shall be filed not later than 60 days after the
issuance of the order of the Secretary under paragraph (2).
Review by the Court of Appeals shall conform to chapter 7 of
Title 5, United States Code.
''(5) Failure to comply.--If an employee or employer fails
to comply with an order issued under paragraph (2), the
Secretary may file a civil action in the United States court
for the district in which the violation was found to occur to
enforce such order. Such court, in issuing any final order
under this subsection, may award the costs of litigation
(including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to the
prevailing party.
''(c) Affirmative Defense.--The good faith compliance of an
employer with the standards and procedures established under this title
shall constitute an affirmative defense against any complaint filed
under subsection (b).
''(d) Construction.--Nothing in this title shall be construed to
require an employer to establish a drug testing program for applicants
or employees or make employment decisions based on such test results.

''SEC. 2711. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.

''(a) State Law.--This title shall preempt any State or local law,
rule, regulation, order or standard that applies to the drug testing of
an applicant or employee, or that relates to any matter addressed under
this title. No State or local government shall adopt or enforce any
law, rule, regulation, ordinance, standard or order relating to--
''(1) the certification of laboratories that perform drug
testing analysis with respect to such analysis,
''(2) requirements for the conduct of drug testing under
the certification program established under this title,
''(3) the conducting of employee or applicant drug testing
programs, or
''(4) any other matter relating to this title.
''(b) Other Federal Laws.--Nothing in this title shall be construed
to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation or the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission from issuing regulations with respect to drug and alcohol
testing.

''SEC. 2712. EFFECTIVE DATE.

''This title shall become effective 2 years after the date of
enactment of this title, except that the prohibition contained in
section 2701(a) shall not take effect less than 1 year after
establishment of the certification program required under section
2701(b).

''SEC. 2713. DEFINITIONS.

''As used in this title:
''(1) Applicant.--The term 'applicant' means any individual
who has submitted an application to an employer, whether
written or oral, for employment with such employer.
''(2) Drug.--The term 'drug' means any controlled substance
listed in Scheduled I through V of section 202 of the
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812), alcohol, steroids,
and any other drug or medication that can interfere with
employment performance.
''(3) Drug abuse treatment program.--The term 'drug abuse
treatment program' means a program, such as an employee
assistance program, designed to assist an individual in dealing
with problems caused by drug abuse.
''(4) Drug test.--The term 'drug test' means any test
procedure used to take and analyze blood, breath, hair, urine
or other body fluids or materials for the purpose of detecting
the presence or absence of a drug or its metabolites.
''(5) Employee.--The term 'employee' means an individual
employed by an employer.
''(f) Employer.--The term 'employer' means an individual,
partnership, corporation, association, or other entity (including the
Federal Government), that employs one or more employees, and that is
engaged in an industry affecting commerce.
''(g) Sensitive Employee.--The term 'sensitive employee' means an
individual employed in a position whose duties, as defined by the
employer, involve responsibilities affecting such matters as national
security, health, or safety, environment, or other responsibilities
requiring a high degree of trust and confidence.

''SEC. 2714. PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES.

''For purposes of this title, professional athletes may be treated
in the same manner as employees who meet the definition of section
2714(g), except that professional athletes shall not be covered by
section 2706(a).''.

Output: Quality Assurance in Drug Testing Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit performing toxicological analysis in connection with a drug testing program unless the laboratory performing the analysis is certified under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program for certifying laboratories for performing drug tests.
Requires an employer, as a condition of maintaining a drug testing program, to establish a written anti-drug abuse policy and a drug-free awareness program.
Declares that nothing in this Act prohibits an employer from requiring a drug test of applicants and, in certain circumstances, employees.
Sets forth certain employee protections.
Declares that nothing in this Act prohibits an employer from taking action necessary, including termination, in certain circumstances.
Sets forth procedures for employee complaints of unlawful discharge or discrimination.

Input: Consider Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Weather Modification Research and
Technology Transfer Authorization Act of 2005''.

SEC. 2. PURPOSE.

It is the purpose of this Act to develop and implement a
comprehensive and coordinated national weather modification policy and
a national cooperative Federal and State program of weather
modification research and development.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Board.--The term ''Board'' means the Weather
Modification Advisory and Research Board.
(2) Executive director.--The term ''Executive Director''
means the Executive Director of the Weather Modification
Advisory and Research Board.
(3) Research and development.--The term ''research and
development'' means theoretical analysis, exploration,
experimentation, and the extension of investigative findings
and theories of scientific or technical nature into practical
application for experimental and demonstration purposes,
including the experimental production and testing of models,
devices, equipment, materials, and processes.
(4) Weather modification.--The term ''weather
modification'' means changing or controlling, or attempting to
change or control, by artificial methods the natural
development of atmospheric cloud forms or precipitation forms
which occur in the troposphere.

SEC. 4. WEATHER MODIFICATION ADVISORY AND RESEARCH BOARD ESTABLISHED.

(a) In General.--There is established in the Department of Commerce
the Weather Modification Advisory and Research Board.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Board shall consist of 11 members
appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, of whom--
(A) at least 1 shall be a representative of the
American Meteorological Society;
(B) at least 1 shall be a representative of the
American Society of Civil Engineers;
(C) at least 1 shall be a representative of the
National Academy of Sciences;
(D) at least 1 shall be a representative of the
National Center for Atmospheric Research of the
National Science Foundation;
(E) at least 2 shall be representatives of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the
Department of Commerce;
(F) at least 1 shall be a representative of
institutions of higher education or research
institutes; and
(G) at least 1 shall be a representative of a State
that is currently supporting operational weather
modification projects.
(2) Tenure.--A member of the Board serves at the pleasure
of the Secretary of Commerce.
(3) Vacancies.--Any vacancy on the Board shall be filled in
the same manner as the original appointment.
(b) Advisory Committees.--The Board may establish advisory
committees to advise the Board and to make recommendations to the Board
concerning legislation, policies, administration, research, and other
matters.
(c) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date on
which all members of the Board have been appointed, the Board shall
hold its first meeting.
(d) Meetings.--The Board shall meet at the call of the Chair.
(e) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Board shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(f) Chair and Vice Chair.--The Board shall select a Chair and Vice
Chair from among its members.

SEC. 5. DUTIES OF THE BOARD.

(a) Promotion of Research and Development.--In order to assist in
expanding the theoretical and practical knowledge of weather
modification, the Board shall promote and fund research and
development, studies, and investigations with respect to--
(1) improved forecast and decisionmaking technologies for
weather modification operations, including tailored computer
workstations and software and new observation systems with
remote sensors; and
(2) assessments and evaluations of the efficacy of weather
modification, both purposeful (including cloud-seeding
operations) and inadvertent (including downwind effects and
anthropogenic effects).
(b) Financial Assistance.--Unless the use of the money is
restricted or subject to any limitations provided by law, the Board
shall use amounts in the Weather Modification Research and Development
Fund--
(1) to pay its expenses in the administration of this Act;
and
(2) to provide for research and development with respect to
weather modifications by grants to, or contracts or cooperative
arrangements with, public or private agencies.
(c) Report.--The Board shall submit to the Secretary of Commerce
biennially a report on its findings and research results.

SEC. 6. POWERS OF THE BOARD.

(a) Studies, Investigations, and Hearings.--The Board may make any
studies or investigations, obtain any information, and hold any
hearings necessary or proper to administer or enforce this Act or any
rules or orders issued under this Act.
(b) Personnel.--The Board may employ, as provided for in
appropriations Acts, an Executive Director and other support staff
necessary to perform duties and functions under this Act.
(c) Cooperation With Other Agencies.--The Board may cooperate with
public or private agencies to promote the purposes of this Act.
(d) Cooperative Agreements.--The Board may enter into cooperative
agreements with the head of any department or agency of the United
States, an appropriate official of any State or political subdivision
of a State, or an appropriate official of any private or public agency
or organization for conducting weather modification activities or
cloud-seeding operations.
(e) Conduct and Contracts for Research and Development.--The
Executive Director, with the approval of the Board, may conduct and may
contract for research and development activities relating to the
purpose described in section 2.

SEC. 7. COOPERATION WITH THE WEATHER MODIFICATION OPERATIONS AND
RESEARCH BOARD.

The heads of the departments and agencies of the United States and
the heads of any other public or private agencies and institutions that
receive research funds from the United States shall, to the extent
possible, give full support and cooperation to the Board and to
initiate independent research and development programs that address
weather modifications.

SEC. 8. FUNDING.

(a) In General.--There is established within the Treasury of the
United States the Weather Modification Research and Development Fund,
which shall consist of amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (b)
or received by the Board under subsection (c).
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Board for the purposes of carrying out this Act
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2015. Any sums
appropriated under this subsection shall remain available, without
fiscal year limitation, until expended.
(c) Gifts.--The Board may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.

Output: Weather Modification Research and Technology Transfer Authorization Act of 2005 - Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Weather Modification Advisory and Research Board to promote and fund research and development (R&D), studies, and investigations with respect to: (1) improved forecast and decisionmaking technologies for weather modification operations, including tailored computer workstations and software and new observation systems with remote sensors; and (2) assessments and evaluations of the efficacy of weather modification, both purposeful (including cloud-seeding operations) and inadvertent (including downwind effects and anthropogenic effects).

Establishes within the U.S. Treasury the Weather Modification Research and Development Fund. Directs the Board, unless the use of the money is restricted or subject to any limitations provided by law, to use amounts in the Fund to: (1) pay its expenses in the administration of this Act; and (2) provide for R&D with respect to weather modifications by grants to, or contracts or cooperative arrangements with, public or private agencies.

Input: Consider Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Prompt Payment of Health Benefit
Claims Act of 2001''.

SEC. 2. PROMPT PAYMENT OF HEALTH BENEFIT CLAIMS BY GROUP HEALTH PLANS
AND HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUERS.

(a) Group Health Plans.--
(1) Public health service act amendments.--Subpart 2 of
part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:

''SEC. 2707. STANDARD RELATING TO PROMPT PAYMENT OF CLAIMS.

''A group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group
health insurance coverage, shall--
''(1) pay the claim to a participant or beneficiary, or
make a payment to a health care provider, within 15 business
days of the date of the claim or bill for services rendered (in
the case of a claim or bill transmitted electronically) or
within 30 business days of such date for other claims or bills
submitted in writing; and
''(2) shall accept as a clean claim a claim that is
submitted consistent with the standards adopted under part C of
title XI of the Social Security Act (as added by section 262 of
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996).''.
(2) ERISA amendments.--(A) Subpart B of part 7 of subtitle
B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

''SEC. 714. STANDARD RELATING TO PROMPT PAYMENT OF CLAIMS.

''A group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group
health insurance coverage, shall--
''(1) pay the claim to a participant or beneficiary, or
make a payment to a health care provider, within 15 business
days of the date of the claim or bill for services rendered (in
the case of a claim or bill transmitted electronically) or
within 30 business days of such date for other claims or bills
submitted in writing; and
''(2) shall accept as a clean claim a claim that is
submitted consistent with the standards adopted under part C of
title XI of the Social Security Act (as added by section 262 of
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996).''.
(B) Section 732(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191a(a)) is
amended by striking ''section 711'' and inserting ''sections
711 and 714''.
(C) The table of contents in section 1 of such Act is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 713 the
following new item:

''Sec. 714. Standard relating to prompt payment of claims.''.
(3) Internal revenue code amendments.--
(A) In general.--Subchapter B of chapter 100 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(i) in the table of sections, by inserting
after the item relating to section 9812 the
following new item:

''Sec. 9813. Standard relating to prompt
payment of claims.''; and
(ii) by inserting after section 9812 the
following:

''SEC. 9813. STANDARD RELATING TO PROMPT PAYMENT OF CLAIMS.

''A group health plan shall--
''(1) pay the claim to a participant or beneficiary, or
make a payment to a health care provider, within 15 business
days of the date of the claim or bill for services rendered (in
the case of a claim or bill transmitted electronically) or
within 30 business days of such date for other claims or bills
submitted in writing; and
''(2) shall accept as a clean claim a claim that is
submitted consistent with the standards adopted under part C of
title XI of the Social Security Act (as added by section 262 of
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996).''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--Section 4980D(d)(1) of
such Code is amended by striking ''section 9811'' and
inserting ''sections 9811 and 9813''.
(b) Individual Health Insurance.--Part B of title XXVII of the
Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 2752
the following new section:

''SEC. 2753. STANDARD RELATING PATIENT FREEDOM OF CHOICE.

''The provisions of section 2707 shall apply to health insurance
coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market
in the same manner as they apply to health insurance coverage offered
by a health insurance issuer in connection with a group health plan in
the small or large group market.''.
(c) Effective Dates.--
(1) Group health plans and group health insurance
coverage.--Subject to paragraph (3), the amendments made by
subsection (a) apply with respect to group health plans for
plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2002.
(2) Individual health insurance coverage.--The amendment
made by subsection (b) apply with respect to health insurance
coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed, in effect, or operated
in the individual market on or after such date.
(3) Collective bargaining exception.--In the case of a
group health plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective
bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or
more employers ratified before the date of enactment of this
Act, the amendments made subsection (a) shall not apply to plan
years beginning before the later of--
(A) the date on which the last collective
bargaining agreements relating to the plan terminates
(determined without regard to any extension thereof
agreed to after the date of enactment of this Act), or
(B) January 1, 2002.
For purposes of subparagraph (A), any plan amendment made
pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the
plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement
added by subsection (a) shall not be treated as a termination
of such collective bargaining agreement.
(d) Coordination of Administration.--The Secretary of Labor, the
Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall ensure, through the execution of an interagency
memorandum of understanding among such Secretaries, that--
(1) regulations, rulings, and interpretations issued by
such Secretaries relating to the same matter over which two or
more such Secretaries have responsibility under the provisions
of this Act (and the amendments made thereby) are administered
so as to have the same effect at all times; and
(2) coordination of policies relating to enforcing the same
requirements through such Secretaries in order to have a
coordinated enforcement strategy that avoids duplication of
enforcement efforts and assigns priorities in enforcement.

SEC. 3. PROMPT PAYMENT BY MEDICARE+CHOICE ORGANIZATIONS IN ALL LINES OF
BUSINESS.

(a) In General.--Section 1857(f)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395w-27(f)(1)) is amended by inserting ''and to individuals
enrolled with the organization through other lines of business
(including private health benefits coverage)'' after ''to enrollees
pursuant to the contract''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to contract years beginning on or after January 1, 2002.
Output: Prompt Payment of Health Benefit Claims Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health plans, and health insurance issuers offering group health insurance coverage, to: (1) pay the claim to a participant or beneficiary, or make payment to a health care provider, within 15 business days of the date of the claim or bill for services rendered (for those transmitted electronically) or within 30 business days of such date for bills or claims submitted in writing; and (2) accept as a clean claim a claim submitted consistent with standards adopted under title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as added by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.Amends the PHSA to apply such payment standards to health insurance coverage offered by issuers in the individual market in the same manner as applied to group coverage.Provides for coordination between the Secretaries of Labor, the Treasury, and Health and Human Services with respect to the administration of this Act.Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSA to require Medicare+Choice organizations to provide prompt payment of claims submitted for services and supplies furnished to individuals enrolled with such organizations through other lines of business (including private health benefits coverage).