Veterans' Administration Health-Care Amendments of 1985

Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Older Veterans' Health Care - Amends Federal law concerning veterans' medical care to define "respite care" for purposes of included coverage. Eliminates the requirement of the presence of a service-connected disability for purposes of eligibility for domiciliary care. Increases eligibility for outpatient and ambulatory services to include those veterans who have received nursing home care or domiciliary care. Makes similar changes to increase eligibility for transfers for nursing home care. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide direct admission to a veteran for treatment at an institution not under the jurisdiction of the Administrator if: (1) the veteran has been discharged from a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital; and (2) the veteran is currently receiving home health services under a VA hospital-based home care program.

Increases the number of VA centers of geriatric research, education, and clinical centers from 15 to 25.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for the veterans' state home construction grant program through FY 1988. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives. Outlines information to be included in such report. Requires the Administrator to make certain determinations upon receiving a preapplication from a State for a construction grant, including the presence of other VA facilities in the area and the number of veterans who may use such a newly-constructed facility. Outlines standards required for a State to qualify for such grants. Repeals the limit on grants to any one State during a fiscal year.

Title II: Other Health Care Program Amendments - Revises provisions requiring prior congressional approval before certain medical facility acquisitions are made.

Permits the temporary appointment for more than one year (currently, limited to one year) of student and graduate nurses who are not yet registered in a State.

Makes permanent the authorization allowing the Administrator to contract for care and rehabilitative services in halfway houses. (Currently, this is a pilot program only.) Terminates such program as of the end of FY 1988. Requires a report on the operation of such program submitted by the Administrator to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives no later than December 31, 1987.

Extends through FY 1987 the authority of the Administrator to contract for necessary veterans' medical care outside the 48 contiguous States. Phases out the extraordinary authority of the Administrator for such contracting authority in Puerto Rico as of October 1, 1987.

Entitles a physician or dentist employed by the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the VA who agrees to extend his or her period of service in such Department for at least one year to special pay. Treats such special pay as basic pay for purposes of the computation of annuities. Outlines percentages of special pay to be included in average pay in computing annuities which commence as of specified dates. Requires a job performance rating of fully satisfactory in order to receive such special pay during the extended period.

Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Administrator to release the limitation on the use of certain described real property in McKinney, Texas.

Transfers from the General Services Administration to the VA certain real property in Phoenix, Arizona, which was formerly part of a VA medical center.

Directs the Administrator to conduct demonstration projects to evaluate the effectiveness of providing chiropractic care compared to medical care for veterans with neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Requires the Administrator, in conducting such projects, to consult with recognized medical and scientific authorities in such treatment. Requires the Administrator, no later than October 1, 1988, to report to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives on the results of such projects.

Authorizes the Administrator to undertake an administrative reorganization which transfers the functions of the Technology and Performance Evaluation Section and the Information and Education Services at the VA Prosthetics Center in New York, New York, to a new Prosthetics Assessment and Information Center near Washington, D.C. Prohibits the Administrator from implementing a grade reduction for certain VA employees until certain reporting requirements are met by the Administrator, as well as the Comptroller General of the United States.

Authorizes the Administrator to change the status of the VA satellite outpatient clinic in Toledo, Ohio, to that of an independent clinic. Requires the Administrator to ensure adequate funding for the operation of such clinic.