
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 38USC8158]

 
                      TITLE 38--VETERANS' BENEFITS
 
            PART VI--ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY
 
   CHAPTER 81--ACQUISITION AND OPERATION OF HOSPITAL AND DOMICILIARY 
FACILITIES; PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY; ENHANCED-USE LEASES OF REAL PROPERTY
 
SUBCHAPTER IV--SHARING OF MEDICAL FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND INFORMATION
 
Sec. 8158. Deposit in escrow

    (a) To facilitate the procurement of medical equipment pursuant to 
section 8157 of this title, the Secretary may enter into escrow 
agreements with institutions described in section 8153(a) of this title. 
Any such agreement shall provide that--
        (1) the institutions shall pay to the Secretary the funds 
    necessary to make a payment under section 8157(b)(4) of this title;
        (2) the Secretary, as escrow agent, shall administer those funds 
    in an escrow account; and
        (3) the Secretary shall disburse the escrowed funds to pay for 
    such equipment upon its delivery or in accordance with the contract 
    to procure the equipment and shall disburse all accrued interest or 
    other earnings on the escrowed funds to the institution.

    (b) As escrow agent for funds placed in escrow pursuant to an 
agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary may--
        (1) invest the escrowed funds in obligations of the Federal 
    Government or obligations which are insured or guaranteed by the 
    Federal Government;
        (2) retain in the escrow account interest or other earnings on 
    such investments;
        (3) disburse the funds pursuant to the escrow agreement; and
        (4) return undisbursed funds to the institution.

    (c)(1) If the Secretary enters into an escrow agreement under this 
section, the Secretary may enter into an agreement to procure medical 
equipment if one-half the purchase price of the equipment is available 
in an appropriation or fund for the expenditure or obligation.
    (2) Funds held in an escrow account under this section shall not be 
considered to be public funds.

(Added Pub. L. 102-405, title I, Sec. 103(a)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 
1974.)
