“ Establishing a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate care for veterans in rural areas at critical access hospitals (as designated or certified under section 1820 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–4) ) . ”

“ IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall provide each eligible physician participating in the pilot program with such compensation (including pay and other appropriate compensation) as the Secretary considers appropriate to compensate such physician for the discharge of any inpatient responsibilities by such physician at a community hospital for which such physician would not otherwise be compensated by the Department as a full-time employee of the Department. ”

“ In the case of any multi-medical center research corporation that facilitates the conduct of research, education, or both at Department medical centers located in different States, the corporation shall be established in accordance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the State in which one of such Department medical centers is located.”. ”

“ Ensuring that existing measures of quality, including measures from the Inpatient Evaluation Center, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, System-Wide Ongoing Assessment and Review reports of the Department, and Combined Assessment Program reviews of the Office of Inspector General of the Department, are monitored routinely and analyzed in a manner that ensures the timely detection of quality of care issues. ”

“ No requirement for current active duty service.—A member of the Armed Forces who meets the requirements for eligibility for counseling and services under subsection (a) is entitled to counseling and services under that subsection regardless of whether or not the member is currently on active duty in the Armed Forces at the time of receipt of counseling and services under that subsection. ”

“ The total amount of assistance provided under the scholarship program for an academic year to an individual who is a full-time student may not exceed $15,000.
“ (2) In the case of an individual who is a part-time student, the total amount of assistance provided under the scholarship program 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 program of study being pursued by the individual as the coursework carried by the individual to full-time coursework in that program of study. ”

“ The Secretary shall, subject to regulations the Secretary shall prescribe, provide for necessary travel, lodging, and per diem expenses incurred by a family member of an eligible veteran in undergoing instruction, preparation, and training under subparagraph (A) . ”

“ Research projects.—Except for reasonable and usual preliminary costs for project planning before its approval, a corporation established under this subchapter may not spend funds for a research project unless the project is approved in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Under Secretary for Health for research carried out with Department funds. ”

“ The availability of child care.
(4) The acceptability of integrated primary care, women’s health clinics, or both.
(5) The comprehension of eligibility requirements for, and the scope of services available under, hospital care and medical services.
(6) The perception of personal safety and comfort in inpatient, outpatient, and behavioral health facilities.
(7) The gender sensitivity of health care providers and staff to issues that particularly affect women.
(8) The effectiveness of outreach for health care services available to women veterans. ”

“ Per diem grant payments to nonconforming entities.
Section 2012 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“ (d) Per diem payments to nonconforming entities.— (1) The Secretary may make funds available for per diem payments under this section to the following grant recipients or eligible entities:
“ (A) Grant recipients or eligible entities that—
“ (i) meet each of the transitional and supportive services criteria prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (a) (1) ; and
“ (ii) furnish services to homeless individuals, of which less than 75 percent are veterans. ”

“ Special incentive pay under paragraph (1) for an individual is in addition to all other pay (including basic pay) and allowances to which the individual is entitled.
“ (4) Except as provided in paragraph (5) , special incentive pay under paragraph (1) for an individual shall be considered basic pay for all purposes, including retirement benefits under chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, and other benefits.
“ (5) Special incentive pay under paragraph (1) for an individual shall not be considered basic pay for purposes of adverse actions under subchapter V of this chapter. ”

“ Subject to paragraph (2) , the amount of any increase under subsection (a) in the minimum rate for any grade may not (except in the case of nurse anesthetists, licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, nursing positions otherwise covered by title 5, pharmacists, and licensed physical therapists) exceed the maximum rate of basic pay (excluding any locality-based comparability payment under section 5304 of title 5 or similar provision of law) for the grade or level by more than 30 percent. ”

“ IN GENERAL.—The pilot program shall be carried out at five locations selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.
(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In selecting locations for the pilot program, the Secretary shall consider the advisability of selecting locations in—
(A) rural areas;
(B) areas with populations that have a high proportion of minority group representation;
(C) areas with populations that have a high proportion of individuals who have limited access to health care ”

“ Use of non-Department facilities for rehabilitation of individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 510. Pilot program on provision of dental insurance plans to veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans.
Sec. 511. Prohibition on collection of copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled.
Sec. 512. Higher priority status for certain veterans who are medal of honor recipients.
Sec. 513. Hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for certain Vietnam-era veterans exposed to herbicide and veterans of the Persian Gulf War. ”

“ Coverage of employees under certain Federal tort claims laws.”. SEC. 806. Improved accountability and oversight of corporations.
(a) Additional information in annual reports.—Subsection (b) of section 7366 is amended to read as follows:
“ (b) (1) Each corporation shall submit to the Secretary each year a report providing a detailed statement of the operations, activities, and accomplishments of the corporation during that year.
“ (2) (A) A corporation with revenues in excess of $500,000 for any year shall obtain an audit of the corporation for that year. ”