; and (II) all provisions of law that protect against employment discrimination or that otherwise ensure equal employment opportunities. (iii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (B)(ii)(I), a State home that enters into an agreement under this section may not be treated as a Federal contractor or subcontractor for purposes of chapter 67 of title 41 (known as the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act of 1965 ). . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to care provided on or after the effective date of regulations issued by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out this section. C Paying providers 121. Prompt payment to providers (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 17 is amended by inserting after section 1703C, as added by section 103 of this Act, the following new section: 1703D. Prompt payment standard (a) In general (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title or of any other provision of law, the Secretary shall pay for hospital care, medical services, or extended care services furnished by health care entities or providers under this chapter within 45 calendar days upon receipt of a clean paper claim or 30 calendar days upon receipt of a clean electronic claim. (2) If a claim is denied, the Secretary shall, within 45 calendar days of denial for a paper claim and 30 calendar days of denial for an electronic claim, notify the health care entity or provider of the reason for denying the claim and what, if any, additional information is required to process the claim. (3) Upon the receipt of the additional information, the Secretary shall ensure that the claim is paid, denied, or otherwise adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the receipt of the requested information. (4) This section shall only apply to payments made on an invoice basis and shall not apply to capitation or other forms of periodic payment to entities or providers. (b) Submittal of claims by health care entities and providers A health care entity or provider that furnishes hospital care, medical services,