124 STAT. 1154 PUBLIC LAW 111–163—MAY 5, 2010 be specified in a written agreement entered into by the Sec- retary and the physician for purposes of the pilot program. (3) TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION.—The Secretary shall consult with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management on the inclusion of a provision in the written agreement required under paragraph (2) that describes the treatment under Federal law of any compensation provided a physician under the pilot program, including treatment for purposes of retirement under the civil service laws. (i) COLLECTIONS FROM THIRD PARTIES.—In carrying out the pilot program for the purpose described in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall implement a variety and range of requirements and mechanisms for the collection from third-party payors of amounts to reimburse the Department for health care services provided to nonveterans under the pilot program by eligible physi- cians discharging inpatient responsibilities under the pilot program. (j) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enact- ment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program, including the following: (1) The findings of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program. (2) The number of veterans and nonveterans provided inpatient care by physicians participating in the pilot program. (3) The amounts payable and collected under subsection (i). (k) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (1) HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SHORTAGE AREA.—The term ‘‘health professional shortage area’’ has the meaning given the term in section 332(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254e(a)). (2) INPATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES.—The term ‘‘inpatient responsibilities’’ means on-call responsibilities customarily required of a physician by a community hospital as a condition of granting privileges to the physician to practice in the hos- pital. SEC. 307. GRANTS FOR VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF HIGHLY RURAL VETERANS. (a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas. (2) ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS.—The following may be awarded a grant under this section: (A) State veterans service agencies. (B) Veterans service organizations. (3) USE OF FUNDS.—A State veterans service agency or veterans service organization awarded a grant under this sec- tion may use the grant amount to— (A) assist veterans in highly rural areas to travel to Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and (B) otherwise assist in providing transportation in connection with the provision of medical care to veterans in highly rural areas. (4) MAXIMUM AMOUNT.—The amount of a grant under this section may not exceed $50,000. 38 USC 1710 note. Implementation. Consultation.
