HR 8247 ENR: Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020 U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
I One Hundred Sixteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Friday, the third day of January, two thousand and twenty H. R. 8247 AN ACT To make certain improvements relating to the transition of individuals to services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide prevention for veterans, and care and services for women veterans, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title; table of contents
(a)
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020 or the Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020. (b)
Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Improvement of transition of individuals to services from Department of Veterans Affairs Sec. 101. Pilot program on information sharing between Department of Veterans Affairs and designated relatives and friends of veterans regarding assistance and benefits available to the veterans. Sec. 102. Annual report on Solid Start program of Department of Veterans Affairs. Title II—Suicide Prevention Sec. 201. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of emergent suicide care. Sec. 202. Education program for family members and caregivers of veterans with mental health disorders. Sec. 203. Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans. Sec. 204. Contact of certain veterans to encourage receipt of comprehensive medical examinations. Sec. 205. Police crisis intervention training of Department of Veterans Affairs. Title III—Improvement of care and services for women veterans Sec. 301. Gap analysis of Department of Veterans Affairs programs that provide assistance to women veterans who are homeless. Sec. 302. Report on locations where women veterans are using health care from Department of Veterans Affairs.
<enum>I</enum><header>Improvement of transition of individuals to services from Department of Veterans Affairs</header> <section id="H6854E4D3A3F34E5289B126571EDB9365"><enum>101.</enum><header>Pilot program on information sharing between Department of Veterans Affairs and designated relatives and friends of veterans regarding assistance and benefits available to the veterans</header> <subsection id="H7A41D1ADA05B4AD2947815F1119C71F3"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Pilot program required</header> <paragraph id="H9F2AAB619956408BA1A0113DC44C0B51"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall commence carrying out a pilot program—</text> <subparagraph id="H5D464C9893674E08BDAEB43B20A08F70"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to encourage members of the Armed Forces who are transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life, before separating from such service, to designate up to 10 persons to whom information regarding the assistance and benefits available to the veterans under laws administered by the Secretary shall be disseminated using the contact information obtained under paragraph (7); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HBFE54A2660AE4F0AA01F8A654C5CC42C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provides such persons, within 30 days after the date on which such persons are designated under subparagraph (A), the option to elect to receive such information.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4231D4251942407488EE2A364CCCF6C6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Duration</header><text>The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program during a period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program that is not less than two years.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H33BD7B372AC54AF2B93D7A330F579BBD"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Dissemination</header><text>The Secretary shall disseminate information described in paragraph (1)(A) under the pilot program no less than quarterly.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF0D48573A148419F8DCD070F60E2C480"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Types of information</header><text>The types of information to be disseminated under the pilot program to persons who elect to receive such information shall include information regarding the following:</text> <subparagraph id="H5C078027464C4D7B96A1242E0EA6B164"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Services and benefits offered to veterans and their family members by the Department of Veterans Affairs.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H094E99DEAF7245A786EBC05FAE8C6B8F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Challenges and stresses that might accompany transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0DED607F91D4490299FDC7F86A626B00"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Services available to veterans and their family members to cope with the experiences and challenges of service in the Armed Forces and transition from such service to civilian life.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H045BE0E64A1C40FDA7DA0B13228B37B3"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Services available through community partner organizations to support veterans and their family members.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HA6AD91273AA24E1A903352C2B26F60F9"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Services available through Federal, State, and local government agencies to support veterans and their family members.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H19644D092C47457881F9F40876B3C701"><enum>(F)</enum><text>The environmental health registry program, health and wellness programs, and resources for preventing and managing diseases and illnesses.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H58BC8B43BAE1485790C9FB20981A0485"><enum>(G)</enum><text>A toll-free telephone number through which such persons who elect to receive information under the pilot program may request information regarding the program.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFA7F26B8A03E49ADBD856E88AEDF9C1A"><enum>(H)</enum><text>Such other matters as the Secretary, in consultation with members of the Armed Forces and such persons who elect to receive information under the pilot program, determines to be appropriate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HEFA3550134514910BAE15629F1A7565D"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Privacy of information</header><text>In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary may not disseminate information under paragraph (4) in violation of laws and regulations pertaining to the privacy of members of the Armed Forces, including requirements pursuant to—</text> <subparagraph id="H4BAC4A219F594086857DCC616904008D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>section 552a of title 5, United States Code; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H94A0F408F7D144A4BA15E847050D0637"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (<external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/104/191">Public Law 104–191</external-xref>).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC1DDAC941B114974973F3D463C28D7C6"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Notice and modifications</header><text>In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall, with respect to a veteran—</text> <subparagraph id="HE3F1A1F8A6A64860BE70A0A0794C5C69"><enum>(A)</enum><text>ensure that such veteran is notified of the ability to modify designations made by such veteran under paragraph (1)(A); and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2B01DA90BEB44158971AD94A05D42E96"><enum>(B)</enum><text>upon the request of a veteran, authorize such veteran to modify such designations at any time.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC994FDD3BE58495893723E42392D4363"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Contact information</header><text>In making a designation under the pilot program, a veteran shall provide necessary contact information, specifically including an email address, to facilitate the dissemination of information regarding the assistance and benefits available to the veteran under laws administered by the Secretary.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6405842A8B9140B0B9AD6B171BE3DBD6"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Opt-in and opt-out of pilot program</header> <subparagraph id="H1B4BC0C8116441E5AF6E521A061819A4"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Opt-in by members</header><text>A veteran may participate in the pilot program only if the veteran voluntarily elects to participate in the program. A veteran seeking to make such an election shall make such election in a manner, and by including such information, as the Secretary shall specify for purposes of the pilot program.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2BCB3DC4298C47E382FAA68FAC43E656"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Opt-in by designated recipients</header><text>A person designated pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) may receive information under the pilot program only if the person makes the election described in paragraph (1)(B).</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H25705BADD2004D40B36D81957CC69A77"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Opt-out</header><text>In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall, with respect to a person who has elected to receive information under such pilot program, cease disseminating such information to that person upon request of such person.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HD137C1D433C148238F0B32B8CC03F493"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Survey and report on pilot program</header> <paragraph id="HEE3AF156AF95495FA1B16ED4D868E44F"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Survey</header> <subparagraph id="HE176C8FC9D164B7CAEC869734FD1355A"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than one year after the date of the commencement of the pilot program and not less frequently than once each year thereafter for the duration of the pilot program, the Secretary shall administer a survey to persons who ever elected to receive information under the pilot program for the purpose of receiving feedback regarding the quality of information disseminated under this section.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HD21E0FC8A4684B8898C9B21B085F7A74"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>Each survey conducted under subparagraph (A) shall include solicitation of the following:</text> <clause id="HEE254ED2E6B846CDA6AAE1B136FA0E1E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Feedback on the following:</text> <subclause id="H6B405691424A480FA8A77D76D1DE941D"><enum>(I)</enum><text>The nature of information disseminated under the pilot program.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H1A0FC406AA884E60B5BC6F0477350325"><enum>(II)</enum><text>Satisfaction with the pilot program.</text></subclause> <subclause id="H274EBC875CE046FEBA5E3B089A0BD715"><enum>(III)</enum><text>The utility of the pilot program.</text></subclause> <subclause id="HF2D962E5FBCA47728FBD90EE5A5F497B"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>Overall pilot program successes and challenges.</text></subclause></clause> <clause id="H8291C5342CC24172B7355C068B66D936"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Recommendations for improving the pilot program.</text></clause> <clause id="HB2C3BC1279434AF9BBBCC3D240037F70"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Reasons for opting in or out of the pilot program.</text></clause> <clause id="HF5311AF00ABC4DB7A99B3DFC017DB609"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>Such other feedback or matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H8DF6E728B2A248AABC44222C169BEE2F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Report</header> <subparagraph id="HA6E873F5BE6940B4964AA5DB3D812772"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than three years after the date on which the pilot program commences, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a final report on the pilot program.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3C80EC8F2F384D23AD5B5BE01364E11C"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Contents</header><text>The report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:</text> <clause id="H0ACAD67A030D401F8451BC7B08B9CE37"><enum>(i)</enum><text>The results of the survey administered under paragraph (1).</text></clause> <clause id="HC2D3D729211046F6BB8B67094381B366"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>The number of participants enrolled in the pilot program who are veterans.</text></clause> <clause id="H53BC34C3DC1B46F9BCC4C4AADBE012CF"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>The number of persons designated under subsection (a)(1)(A).</text></clause> <clause id="H4AF6864364FC4547B7C8B17BA48C1592"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>The number of such persons who opted in or out of the pilot program under subsection (a)(8).</text></clause> <clause id="H89FC89BF03C04B7F874FC7757C25A896"><enum>(v)</enum><text>The average period such persons remained in the pilot program.</text></clause> <clause id="H657BB45A01C14F08B386214893C85B7B"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of making the pilot program permanent.</text></clause> <clause id="H87DC945227D4454A9C87602D9AE927CB"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>Identification of legislative or administrative action that may be necessary if the pilot program is made permanent.</text></clause> <clause id="H890D8B137D0A40799C3A9311CB370A37"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>A plan to expand the pilot program if the pilot program is made permanent.</text></clause> <clause id="H4420E714CFA742E9AF997DC9937B776A"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>If the Secretary finds under clause (vi) that making the pilot program permanent is not feasible or advisable, a justification for such finding.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="H7FFB1BF4BACC4985A102F1BF7B4464D9" section-type="subsequent-section" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>102.</enum><header>Annual report on Solid Start program of Department of Veterans Affairs</header> <subsection id="HC836AE44A203428E866A0FC2DEA7A706"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Reports required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for a period of five years, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the Solid Start program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H29651BE94CFA4FB3A224A67ED0D85D42"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Elements</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each report under subsection (a) shall include the following:</text> <paragraph id="H6F6EA366C19C49A388F375281865505E"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to each veteran called or emailed under the Solid Start program:</text> <subparagraph id="H67787112402B424BBC7B596FA23D8A14"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The Armed Force in which the veteran served.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HB4C700876DCE4F36B9AEDF322783C5FE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Age.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1C08FA6898DF464A9898897D338C342C"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Gender.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5A39AB8D83E6457FBEEE50F767388C0A"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Whether the veteran responded to the call or email.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6C9CA7122D3A40CBBDBB72E8BC050847"><enum>(E)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Whether the call or email resulted in a call to the Veterans Crisis Line established pursuant to section 1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code. </text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF26FF366CA3048F180A62573FD058FEF"><enum>(F)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Whether the call or email resulted in a referral to—</text> <clause id="H56B9C272B383442FBF653480CD739F80"><enum>(i)</enum><text>compensation and pension determination;</text></clause> <clause id="HF8C26C4995AB4C838301503018C187A2"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>enrollment in the patient enrollment system of the Department; or</text></clause> <clause id="H5DC942184FD54E3C9686890C7BA5D870"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>any other program or benefit under the laws administered by the Secretary.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HED22924A027B444C8F944612BA6A4997"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any change to the Solid Start program implemented by the Secretary since the date of the previous such report.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H4C1C628A53824EB7814A05D05B245B1A"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Prohibition on personally identifiable information</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">No report under subsection (a) may contain any personally identifiable information regarding a veteran.</text></subsection></section> <enum>II</enum><header>Suicide Prevention</header> <section id="H24E043C144FB43CB873445819C984B4D"><enum>201.</enum><header>Department of Veterans Affairs provision of emergent suicide care</header> <subsection id="HA5824CA747BE4508889A2187F73E3D42"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subchapter II of <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/38/17">chapter 17</external-xref> of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF1BF65F458114EB68DA85C071C33B4FB" style="USC"> <section id="H79691AC85A00459EB72DBC54D5925BDA"><enum>1720J.</enum><header>Emergent suicide care</header> <subsection display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9292A977EC1B4F72ADDD84267C07AA24"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Emergent suicide care</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall—</text> <paragraph id="HD634F2D0126A449BA9C844D20BAEF42A"><enum>(1)</enum><text>furnish emergent suicide care to an eligible individual at a medical facility of the Department;</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H09FE27F11742428ABC23972A7F368A57"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">pay for emergent suicide care provided to an eligible individual at a non-Department facility; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6CED2E9FF5C64F41866045B9349DE8DB"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">reimburse an eligible individual for emergent suicide care provided to the eligible individual at a non-Department facility.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HD2055F61C3BF47B09476BDCB84A9860F"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Eligibility</header><text>An individual is eligible for emergent suicide care under subsection (a) if the individual is in an acute suicidal crisis and is either of the following:</text> <paragraph id="H1F49302D875A48CB988D7AD378C8DDEA"><enum>(1)</enum><text>A veteran (as defined in section 101).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF1AF32E30D2C4A9B8E51FFA59A4837E2"><enum>(2)</enum><text>An individual described in section 1720I(b) of this title.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HFCA251DF79784CA39170702218A07988"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Period of care</header> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HF243BBADF49D4D1793C66050DAEFD7A8"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Emergent suicide care provided under subsection (a) shall be furnished to an eligible individual—</text> <subparagraph id="HE6E60C837C46476A91DDCEAB6F882754" indent="up1" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>through inpatient or crisis residential care, for a period not to exceed 30 days; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H86215BBCACB74B18BBB758795E309E0A" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">if care under subparagraph (A) is unavailable, or if such care is not clinically appropriate, as outpatient care for a period not to exceed 90 days.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3D8AA3772D6647CFB2F2030E1E4911A3" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If, upon the expiration of a period under paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that the eligible individual remains in an acute suicidal crisis, the Secretary may extend such period as the Secretary determines appropriate.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HAEC9F231B415445D9E84CDD37B3F1C50"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Notification</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An eligible individual who receives emergent suicide care under subsection (a) at a non-Department facility (or a person acting on behalf of the individual) shall notify the Secretary of such care within seven days of admission to such facility.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HC205AABD1E4641C6A89F94BD7FF3E8B5"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Outreach</header><text>During any period when an eligible individual is receiving emergent suicide care under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—</text> <paragraph id="H81AE021FA77E45DF8323C2A6995F2A46"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">ensure that—</text> <subparagraph id="H9D5293CBD2144B5EB544659CDDCA6E72"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of an eligible individual whom the Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek emergent suicide care at a medical facility of the Department, the Veterans Crisis Line notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator of such medical facility;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HAD0D117115E7451A9DC24B96C8F22352"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of an eligible individual who presents at a medical facility of the Department in an acute suicidal crisis without a recommendation by the Veterans Crisis Line, the Secretary notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HE83ADA75B95B4C64B0CC09C3273BF865"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of an eligible individual whom the Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek treatment at a non-Department facility, the Veterans Crisis Line notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the Office of Community Care at the medical facility of the Department located nearest to the eligible individual; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H206A08BD135A40729C255005D4509505" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in the case of an eligible individual who presents at a non-Department facility in an acute suicidal crisis without a recommendation by the Veterans Crisis Line and for whom the Secretary receives a notification under subsection (d), the Secretary notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the Office of Community Care at the medical facility of the Department located nearest to the eligible individual;</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HDE320D3C59004A618A901233CDCDBA3B"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">determine the eligibility of the eligible individual for other programs and benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary (or shall make such determination as soon as practicable following the period of such emergent suicide care); and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCC594A5B0EEA45EA9AEDD7AC38CE0AA7"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">make referrals for care following the period of such emergent suicide care, as the Secretary determines appropriate.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4893D00F3B5C470695101CAD8F5B2EB4"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Prohibition on charge</header> <paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HBEE3206FC732479D8DD91C9F40AE9815"><enum>(1)</enum><text>If the Secretary provides emergent suicide care to an eligible individual under subsection (a), the Secretary—</text> <subparagraph id="H148D2A4A0C9C47B8AB2AC11124EAACBF" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">may not charge the eligible individual for any cost of such emergent suicide care; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H656041BBD5934BA3BD76C50B8ECF4EAB" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">shall pay for any costs of emergency transportation to a facility for such emergent suicide care (as such costs are determined pursuant to section 1725 of this title, to the extent practicable).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF007172B7FD44624A0700F77CAA67678" indent="up1" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum> <subparagraph id="H3D24D138BFFE441D86DD6D6299E73DE5" display-inline="yes-display-inline"><enum>(A)</enum><text>In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), if the Secretary pays for emergent suicide care provided under subsection (a) to an eligible individual at a non-Department facility, the Secretary shall reimburse the facility for the reasonable value of such emergent suicide care.</text> </subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H3DCE2E3A15EF443BB363FA982D84B57C" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum> <clause id="H193723562FD9456E96C753418FFCA4DD" display-inline="yes-display-inline"><enum>(i)</enum><text>In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary may determine the amount to reimburse a non-Department facility in a similar manner to the manner in which the Secretary determines reimbursement amounts for that non-Department facility for medical care and services provided under another provision of this chapter.</text></clause> <clause id="H8C7E135177A8413DA0E1DBAD9D509ED2" indent="up1"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The requirements of section 1725(c)(3) of this title shall apply with respect to payments made under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6F1EF3AF651F40B1AAF395381087A114" indent="up1" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In the case of an eligible individual who receives emergent suicide care under this section and who is entitled to emergent suicide care (or payment for emergent suicide care) under a health-plan contract, the Secretary may recover the costs of such emergent suicide care provided under this section, other than for such care for a service-connected disability.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H090D42CDD7B74ABAA3F5E7856948B0E0" indent="up1" commented="no"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out subsection (d), the Secretary may not charge an eligible individual for any cost of emergent suicide care provided under subsection (a) solely by reason of the Secretary not having been notified of such care pursuant to such subsection.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H9663FA56636C4DA78CF496E6F552D3DA"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Annual report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not less than once each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on emergent suicide care provided under subsection (a). Each such report shall include, for the year covered by the report—</text> <paragraph id="H3A8B143F8E294FEDB618F6E37FF4121B"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number of eligible individuals who received emergent suicide care under subsection (a);</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H26B0DD9DE5BF4675B693F30F69763C84"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">demographic information regarding eligible individuals described in paragraph (1);</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H9909BE2F620747B9975EA28FDAEA8308"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the types of care furnished or paid for this section; and</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4665C5551CEB46F2A308DA7406B372ED"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the total cost of providing care under subsection (a).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H122977F93ED64C899862F7F3FF4428DF"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section:</text> <paragraph id="HCDD2DD3BA9D7479786EB979233E0659B" commented="no"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>acute suicidal crisis</term> means that an individual was determined to be at imminent risk of self-harm by a trained crisis responder or health care provider.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H78158EFA0C2541018F912610F91FC5B6" commented="no"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>crisis residential care</term> means crisis stabilization care provided—</text> <subparagraph id="HCEBB4C01B471451CBF0B89A40A717FA1" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in a residential setting; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H4FC49A03EA0F404EB62951A65CA7B1CD" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in a facility other than a hospital.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HA9D28DA092CD47E3807FC61EF69AFF59" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>crisis stabilization care</term> includes, with respect to an individual in acute suicidal crisis, care that ensures, to the extent practicable, immediate safety and reduces—</text> <subparagraph id="H6C268D62711A49C1B70B4EA8CFB771EA" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the severity of distress;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H897926A4B9CA42D88D8B8552441310CD" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the need for urgent care; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H08065822FD6C402CA7568501F1BCE58A" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the likelihood that the distress under subparagraph (A) or need under subparagraph (B) will increase during the transfer of that individual from a facility at which the individual has received care for that acute suicidal crisis.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H103ED4C01FEB4C6BBFA0DE315A2986AF"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The term <term>emergent suicide care</term> means crisis stabilization care provided to an eligible individual—</text> <subparagraph id="H09684BAF2F1A40DD867A12E67FCFD9A6"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">pursuant to a recommendation of the eligible individual from the Veterans Crisis Line; or</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFA26B140C174425EB25A39696AEBB1B7"><enum>(B)</enum><text>who presents at a medical facility in an acute suicidal crisis.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H60DE4D456255479A98218B7861D192CA" commented="no"><enum>(5)</enum><text>The term <term>health-plan contract</term> has the meaning given such term in section 1725 of this title. </text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE3547ED63244498BBC3D3EFA3CFB7992" commented="no"><enum>(6)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>Veterans Crisis Line</term> means the hotline under section 1720F(h) of this title.</text></paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="H8474194D0A6646A3B0C603EBAB9209F9"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Clerical amendment</header><text>The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relation to section 1720I the following new item:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H74DA9141FF2943BF9EC1F7B849763604" style="USC"> <toc regeneration="no-regeneration"> <toc-entry level="section">1720J. Emergent suicide care.</toc-entry></toc><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block></subsection> <subsection id="HCF81B43A43E44A088275F1BDE0FCEAAE"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Effective date</header><text>The Secretary shall furnish or pay for emergent suicide care under section 1720J of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), beginning on the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.</text></subsection></section> <section id="H1DB3783871304DFDB67E2986E0111193" display-inline="no-display-inline" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>202.</enum><header>Education program for family members and caregivers of veterans with mental health disorders</header> <subsection id="HEB83CECD072B4E048F76D5C189840064" commented="no"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish an education program (in this section referred to as the <quote>education program</quote>) for the education and training of caregivers and family members of eligible veterans with mental health disorders.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H755D259B03C34E3DB63CEE9CCD4EFF8B"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Education program</header> <paragraph id="H1D63715D409E49D7BC389736E602052C"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Under the education program, the Secretary shall provide a course of education to caregivers and family members of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping with mental health disorders in veterans.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3CD9E3FA74BA41CDA8871263E499B13E"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Duration</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall carry out the education program during the four-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the education program.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HE77F12135E1042D5A466E7EAD6102E69" commented="no"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Scope</header> <subparagraph id="H102F4AD192E84185B676818AD68F7343" commented="no"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Caregivers</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary, with respect to the component of the education program that relates to the education and training of caregivers, shall—</text> <clause id="H7FC9DE1C7BC64801BA054DDECCE773BB" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">include such component in the training provided pursuant to the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs established under section 1720G(a) of title 38, United States Code; and</text></clause> <clause id="HE9F68591FC8D4EE49A3D82DC295E7203" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>make such component available on the Internet website of the Department that relates to caregiver training.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF6E806CD30CB432084F2A2D609307E12" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Family members</header><text>The Secretary shall carry out the component of the education program that relates to the education and training of non-caregiver family members at facilities of the Department as follows:</text> <clause id="HF4AC289A7DAA4B94BCAAEEC5E25F9678" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Not less than five medical centers of the Department.</text></clause> <clause id="H8BE2A9AE937A47AF9E738E89C0F75672" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Not less than five clinics of the Department.</text></clause> <clause id="H01F0C852E99547B3BD63BB6E1B89863D" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Not less than five Vet Centers (as defined in section 1712A(h) of title 38, United States Code).</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H680FD86A0EF14F54889BB6ADEDF1077F" commented="no"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Solicitation of applications</header><text>In selecting locations pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall solicit applications from eligible facilities of the Department that are interested in carrying out the education program.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HADEBF41777A14118B96654912E0AEBEE" commented="no"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Considerations</header><text>In selecting locations pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in the following areas:</text> <clause id="H7B7B38DAEF1A41989DBC293DE46C4471" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Rural areas.</text></clause> <clause id="HB2D5FB45E8F0488684732C34A12F4A6C" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty installation.</text></clause> <clause id="HE5FD12EC73CC405895A1848A31A6BDB9" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Areas in different geographic locations.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H15B858C7796B4F41B8BD3D6103FA565D"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Contracts</header> <subparagraph id="HBB31FEDE3BCF41038B4297463A186BA6"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>In carrying out the education program, the Secretary shall enter into contracts with qualified entities described in subparagraph (B) to offer the course of education described in paragraph (5) to family members and caregivers of eligible veterans and covered veterans.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5339B3B205E14C3B80D066E9CCFA038B"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Qualified entity described</header><text>A qualified entity described in this subparagraph is a non-profit entity with experience in mental health education and outreach, including work with children, teens, and young adults, that—</text> <clause id="HAC90B4CD80704A53B82115FEFE81B2F9"><enum>(i)</enum><text>uses high quality, relevant, and age-appropriate information in educational programming, materials, and coursework, including such programming, materials, and coursework for children, teens, and young adults; and</text></clause> <clause id="HA54165E9D4924FF0BE4455E6B4E29757"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>works with agencies, departments, nonprofit mental health organizations, early childhood educators, and mental health providers to develop educational programming, materials, and coursework.</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HCE62363DCA80447EB77FB4AB4C4758A3"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Priority</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In entering into contracts under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to qualified entities that have demonstrated cultural competence in serving military and veteran populations, and, to the extent practicable, use internet technology for the delivery of course content in an effort to expand the availability of support services, especially in rural areas.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HFECE17B273254EBCAF35B92DC5689B26"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Course of education described</header><text>The course of education described in this paragraph shall consist of curriculum that includes the following:</text> <subparagraph id="HAD731143351148E69CA13A3F2C8A2EF6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>General education on different mental health disorders, including information to improve understanding of the experiences of individuals suffering from such disorders.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H2D825BF12E00477EB0FEF34531B9AEA5"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Techniques for handling crisis situations and administering mental health first aid to individuals suffering from a mental health disorder.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HF8E70781DE5B43D597803508A2BDF4F0"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Techniques for coping with the stress of living with an individual suffering from a mental health disorder.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H0961EA9177BB4978A21F709217AF9516"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Information on additional services available for family members and caregivers through the Department or community organizations and providers related to mental health disorders.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H1B5B1F1A4FE4418EA9F134517DBDA3DC"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H932D2FD66F0E4A999545E74BF81C7897"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Surveys</header> <paragraph id="HBF3711BC6C384721AC0B01B92F14F6FD"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive survey of the satisfaction of individuals that have participated in the course of education described in subsection (b)(5). Such survey shall include a solicitation of feedback on the following:</text> <subparagraph id="HD2D4FCDFC04B406B951665B3922C7677"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The general satisfaction of those individuals with the education and assistance provided under the education program.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H24CC7E67D1A543748266AB74317A865F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The perceived effectiveness of the education program in providing education and assistance that is useful for those individuals.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H6F4BCDB39BDF43C6BB4CE3FD5D428C8E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The applicability of the education program to the issues faced by those individuals.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H50739EA4E21E459187900BEAE3E5BCB6"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H150311AA6E314D288102D5100D05C75A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Compilation of information</header><text>The information compiled as a result of the surveys conducted under paragraph (1) shall be—</text> <subparagraph id="HA8961CD9F6CF473EA57C2B8AF5BF0004"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">disaggregated by facility type at which the education program was carried out; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H67C969CEFBB64D698304600CD26B94F4"><enum>(B)</enum><text>included in the annual reports under subsection (d)(1).</text></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H16A2C4142F0449EE8DAE875943F827F9"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Reports</header> <paragraph id="H913928CF5CC14DBCAF1D99C8EC975CCD"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Annual reports</header> <subparagraph id="HA49DA95093BC447BB7A1D4C648CCA35D"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than one year after the date of the commencement of the education program and not later than September 30 each year thereafter until 2024, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on—</text> <clause id="H7A836AA625F141818B47612A7990D413"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the education program; and</text></clause> <clause id="H4A2C6E76BE7F48AEA3341B7FFE3DC809"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the feasibility and advisability of expanding the education program to include the establishment of a peer support program composed of individuals who complete the education program (in this section referred to as a <quote>peer support program</quote>).</text></clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H63F7109DA6A64D1096E612A5EAAF1D82" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:</text> <clause id="H73083FC274704956BDFF11A328D5B969" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>The number of individuals that participated in the course of education described in subsection (b)(5) during the year preceding the submission of the report.</text></clause> <clause id="HBA69CDB1D2DE42AB909D24485FE15AD8" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>A detailed analysis of the surveys conducted under subsection (c) with respect to the individuals described in clause (i).</text></clause> <clause id="HDBDF993E85054B0E95A982F3718FA656" commented="no"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Any plans for expansion of the education program.</text></clause> <clause id="H4C22D3378E6C45AE9974C85F643C5E6E" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of establishing a peer support program.</text></clause> <clause id="HE71B4C2B7F064211A0289ECB0E5007CA" commented="no"><enum>(v)</enum><text>The interim findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the success of the education program and the feasibility and advisability of establishing a peer support program.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCBEBCCDD87EC40DFBEEFB95197FE8EC3"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Final report</header> <subparagraph id="H60FA8427C3F846F8B565A78F061CCD9E"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>Not later than one year after the completion of the education program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a final report on the feasibility and advisability of continuing the education program.</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H700AD8A7A23C4CC997C5DFEECF38DCC6" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>The final report under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:</text> <clause id="H195FE0F4A7F54D77B1DFFE3E29D28D96" commented="no"><enum>(i)</enum><text>A detailed analysis of the surveys conducted under subsection (c).</text></clause> <clause id="H45F2611B6B2B453B92FDC9E51E1C5C72" commented="no"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of continuing the education program without entering into contracts for the course of education described in subsection (b)(5).</text></clause> <clause commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFA5DAC52AC534EF88244790952DDE078"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of expanding the education program.</text></clause> <clause id="H680A81A4361C4B72B4121BC06643A357" commented="no"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of establishing a peer support program.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H30F8C29BDB8646DC864413418E227187"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Monitoring of program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall select mental health care providers of the Department to monitor the progress of the instruction provided under the education program.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HFBA57AE422A44FC2A6E10F14D6D2434D"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H7F54725CA59F48A986B34F7CBE9AF44F"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <quote>eligible veteran</quote> means a veteran who is enrolled in the health care system established under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H9750F6C207F84206B75D91BE01487A9C"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The terms <quote>caregiver</quote> and <quote>family member</quote> have the meaning given those terms in section 1720G(d) of title 38, United States Code.</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="HB86C0778072F480DA8A07BF674DFB8AA"><enum>203.</enum><header>Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans</header> <subsection id="HC5F62DC370BC4C8E85745F1F4215A290"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 18 months after the date on which the national emergency declared by the President pursuant to the National Emergencies Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/50/1601">50 U.S.C. 1601</external-xref> et seq.) with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) expires, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a task force to be known as the <quote>Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans</quote> (in this section referred to as the <quote>Task Force</quote>).</text></subsection> <subsection id="H794D4CBD8E474690BA1C72EB5A183636"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Composition</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Task Force shall be composed of the following members or their designees:</text> <paragraph id="H977C91ED155B4E2089FEBF1711EFAC49"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H6EA94168F0D84EA1BC8E06BBEAB5FD45"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of the Interior.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H4420E92D7CD742F9A4F9C226ABEBA2CD"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The Secretary of Health and Human Services.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3C6A6F00C4C0488DB216BEDF5587F28E"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The Secretary of Agriculture.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H48DFB19FBA324DB388702694A4644976"><enum>(5)</enum><text>The Secretary of Defense.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD6A43B5414AB486AB2D85BEFE25D81B7"><enum>(6)</enum><text>The Secretary of Homeland Security.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD8E01881C19E4B9A8F7B1537DEA9C607"><enum>(7)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H3873E5E3C39C4C798EBFAF4E3E8130B6" commented="no"><enum>(8)</enum><text>At least two representatives from veterans service organizations.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HB19E3A41822F40CCA07486A54F02C1F3"><enum>(9)</enum><text>Any other member that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines to be appropriate.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H89075E1B77594E0CA8147010A950E0D7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Chairpersons</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of the Interior shall serve as co-chairpersons of the Task Force (in this section referred to as the <quote>Chairpersons</quote>).</text></subsection> <subsection id="HBA28908F83694A6B9ED3DEC3F1E1F49A"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Duties</header> <paragraph id="H0753AF59073B4FDC9EB502B9DA5D2DA2"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Task Force</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The duties of the Task Force shall be—</text> <subparagraph id="H5C253D1AFF86414C8CD7C9F4811524D7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>to identify opportunities to formalize coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs, public land agencies, and partner organizations regarding the use of public lands and other outdoor spaces for facilitating health and wellness for veterans;</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5F7A671E7AA9476EB4E4B993BCC9EBCB" commented="no"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to identify barriers that exist to providing veterans with opportunities to augment the delivery of services for health and wellness through the use of outdoor recreation on public lands and other outdoor spaces; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H8A8E8F36023340BEBFAC77942AA4AD1C"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">to develop recommendations to better facilitate the use of public lands and other outdoor spaces for promoting wellness and facilitating the delivery of health care and therapeutic interventions for veterans.</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1AA8F6705FC246C9A17D033137405171"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consultation</header><text>The Task Force shall carry out the duties under paragraph (1) in consultation with appropriate veterans outdoor recreation groups.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HA6C75633735246D487BB70E609B274C9"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Reports</header> <paragraph id="H72FBDA5C004C4174BF6F6A930D1036EC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Preliminary report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than one year after the date on which the Task Force is established, the Chairpersons shall submit to Congress a report on the preliminary findings of the Task Force.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H5D6E5E7BCB074F2CBA2CFC608BAA8E9F"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Final report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than one year after the date of the submission of the preliminary report under paragraph (1), the Chairpersons shall submit to Congress a report on the findings of the Task Force, which shall include the recommendations developed under subsection (d)(1)(C).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HEB1C16B9F56A4D6EB8183D02C9F3CBF1"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Duration</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Task Force shall terminate on the date that is one year after the date of the submission of the final report in subsection (e)(2).</text></subsection> <subsection id="H1505B0F866024C219673D533C923965A"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act</header><text>The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Task Force.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HD1F8859E6E904CB2BB67A67B69976A33"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Public lands defined</header><text>In this section, the term <term>public lands</term> means any recreational lands under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government or a State or local government.</text></subsection></section> <section id="H4E94C31381324F24A648CFF845C40582"><enum>204.</enum><header>Contact of certain veterans to encourage receipt of comprehensive medical examinations</header> <subsection id="H31D31A7898304DD38DBB478ED33541F6"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Notice</header><text>Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall seek to contact each covered veteran by mail, telephone, or email to encourage each covered veteran to receive medical examinations including the following:</text> <paragraph id="H58934B6C07EA47038D0F071D93171996"><enum>(1)</enum><text>A comprehensive physical examination.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD5026A8BADA24209A64A5D66EE81C740"><enum>(2)</enum><text>A comprehensive mental health examination.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HCA3BF30E12744611AED479CC92DCA063"><enum>(3)</enum><text>A comprehensive eye examination if the covered veteran has not received such an examination in the year immediately preceding the date of such examination.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H45CEE15BC3684430B46AFBFC333A000A"><enum>(4)</enum><text>A comprehensive audiological examination if the covered veteran has not received such an examination in the year immediately preceding the date of such examination.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HA91A8A6E5A26413D8540001329040342"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Examinations</header> <paragraph id="H28EFFCF1D17341B59508D53DACEC6433"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Va health care facilities</header><text>If a covered veteran elects to receive more than one examination described in subsection (a) at a health care facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Under Secretary of Health shall seek to furnish all such scheduled examinations on the same day.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H1AEBCB5E6C32414484AD495405842FC8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Community care</header><text>Pursuant to subsection (d) or (e) of section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, a covered veteran may receive an examination described in subsection (a) from a health care provider described in subsection (c) of that section.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HB8EBFD3F6E6045DB997D8AA31AAE6B5C"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Transportation</header> <paragraph id="H9B4A97ACB8EA44DB8F2BE6C7C070A4BC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Beneficiary travel program</header><text>Pursuant to section 111 of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may pay for a rural covered veteran to travel to a health care facility to receive an examination described in subsection (a).</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H858250513C634F85B5BC943D044D783C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Shuttle service</header><text>The Under Secretary of Health shall seek to enter into agreements with non-profit organizations to provide shuttle service to rural covered veterans for examinations described in subsection (a).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H08BF45E78EB84D07A9AC6022A1BE2F4E"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Report required</header><text>Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report regarding how many covered veterans scheduled examinations described in subsection (a) after receiving a letter, telephone call, or email under that subsection.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HC66C91AB747B4389AC10A82664C8117E"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In this section:</text> <paragraph id="H3B221AEE426746798EB1EB2C1FA6DCC7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The term <quote>covered veteran</quote> means a veteran who—</text> <subparagraph id="H03F4D5DA19B5436BB209DB35D452DA58"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">is enrolled in the patient enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H674AF646E5364B739012AEBCDC2AE5B2"><enum>(B)</enum><text>has not received health care furnished or paid for by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the two years immediately preceding the date in subsection (a)(1).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD4FC26D55655406793F9DF46372E9CE2"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The term <quote>rural covered veteran</quote> means a covered veteran—</text> <subparagraph id="HE8E558C71E1845328757A0388CB77717"><enum>(A)</enum><text>who lives in an area served by the Office of Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H23CD88B4E383481BB0BE09233389D670"><enum>(B)</enum><text>whom the Under Secretary of Health determines requires assistance to travel to a health care facility to receive an examination described in subsection (a).</text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2098AB51FBB446F9BC7DFA26535E1C20"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The term <quote>veteran</quote> has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.</text></paragraph></subsection></section> <section id="HCB7DEFDDC781464DBF3F4ACBE6145CDC" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>205.</enum><header>Police crisis intervention training of Department of Veterans Affairs</header> <subsection id="HAF232B32EFA14979BE08B4D1E73DFEBC"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Training</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide to Department police officers an annual training on the prevention of suicide among the population served by the Department police officers.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H709E557B14E0442FA2765C1C938B32AF"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Curriculum</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall update any similar training provided before the date of the enactment of this Act to ensure that the curriculum for the training addresses, at a minimum, the following:</text> <paragraph id="HBA57E3C099EC4635855D2991F2E566B9"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Effective behavioral science procedures for suicide prevention and risk mitigation. </text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HC529A101624A4622BDDB062EC9D481B7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, including through the use of interactive training.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H9D67B54DDBEF482EBD203A5E8A47116E"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Information about mental health and substance abuse disorders. </text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HD1D5FB17E7AF4F498ACFB126F69E8B94"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Information about local law enforcement crisis intervention teams and other resources for veterans experiencing mental health crises available by the Department of Veterans Affairs, other elements of the Federal Government, and the community in which the police officers serve.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H8223EF847D68447C943353AF71B28D4A"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Consultation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall ensure that the annual training provided to Department police officers at a medical facility of the Department under subsection (a) is provided in consultation with law enforcement training accreditation organizations and the mental health experts at such facility.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HD93D637A699146D49F30A93674117510"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Plan on community partnerships</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall ensure that each police force of a facility of the Department develops a plan to enter into partnerships with— </text> <paragraph id="HDABB585DB66C414E9086252B52EC4E8A"><enum>(1)</enum><text>local community mental health organizations and experts, local community veterans organizations, and local community criminal justice organizations and experts; and </text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF36FAC0A997D4B6183DF7C8B9222014B"><enum>(2)</enum><text>local police departments, including by facilitating the sharing of training resources with crisis intervention teams of the local police departments.</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="H5EE3514D0829422893D6C7B74E3FEA72"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the annual training under subsection (a), including—</text> <paragraph id="HB44F770A1FD44AA18D10CC80CDFAA535"><enum>(1)</enum><text>a description of the curriculum of such training; </text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HBC5A166722BA49AC98079CAD309B2B6A"><enum>(2)</enum><text>with respect to the year preceding the date of the report—</text> <subparagraph id="HC1A89DFB586A4E859B57B82F61B99741"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the number of facilities of the Department that conducted such training; </text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H5D784CACFE97482A9DE7AFCD7CC1AB2E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the number of Department police officers who received such training; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="H797E1B426FE6413CA44FFB2660AC3097"><enum>(C)</enum><text>any barriers to ensuring that each Department police officer receives such training; </text></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H7365425204DA48BEB797F67E62FF8244"><enum>(3)</enum><text>any recommendations to address the barriers identified under paragraph (2)(C); and </text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H2266D3923EF54CBB8D66AE87A3D033E4"><enum>(4)</enum><text>the number of facilities of the Department that have entered into partnerships pursuant to subsection (d).</text></paragraph></subsection> <subsection id="HD5C8BC37F1F64B80A4F51AA50737C7BD"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Department police officer defined</header><text>In this section, the term <quote>Department police officer</quote> means an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs specified in section 902(a) of title 38, United States Code. </text></subsection></section> <enum>III</enum><header>Improvement of care and services for women veterans</header> <section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA26C5D6A93554EF794B32BF4FEA08455"><enum>301.</enum><header display-inline="yes-display-inline">Gap analysis of Department of Veterans Affairs programs that provide assistance to women veterans who are homeless</header> <subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA95F08E3DF544BD686AC6E65EB5347CD"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Analysis</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete an analysis of programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs that provide assistance to women veterans who are homeless or precariously housed to identify the areas in which such programs are failing to meet the needs of such women.</text></subsection> <subsection id="HF5A9B32922ED47EBB90B8667CED2D75A" commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the analysis completed under subsection (a).</text></subsection></section> <section id="H2D3886D831DC44CBA9D566A2E657709F"><enum>302.</enum><header>Report on locations where women veterans are using health care from Department of Veterans Affairs</header> <subsection id="HBE064BF142B046BDA4B34CDAE6E6F2D3"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Report</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the use by women veterans of health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs.</text></subsection> <subsection id="H81FBB40F56594068BBE464B6415E762E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>Each report required by subsection (a) shall include the following information:</text> <paragraph id="HD3E9D56F892646B1AC9A92C12098045C"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The number of women veterans who reside in each State.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H426C48058FD94AF5B22A480DB52A96A7"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The number of women veterans in each State who are enrolled in the patient enrollment system of the Department under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H99012454BB9E4837B76A69E51BEE16CB"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Of the women veterans who are so enrolled, the number who have received health care under the laws administered by the Secretary at least one time during the one-year period preceding the submission of the report.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF6AC5797EF5C4CC5861CCC5054E02005"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The number of women veterans who have been seen at each medical facility of the Department during such year, disaggregated by facility.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H929DBEBBC50148C7B82D2595CBB137FA"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The number of appointments that women veterans have had at a medical facility of the Department during such year, disaggregated by—</text> <subparagraph id="HCFBA1B9742E8496FA6056E90AC5DE1E9"><enum>(A)</enum><text>facility; and</text></subparagraph> <subparagraph id="HFC6B47AB30224766B8D9A026225E1363"><enum>(B)</enum><text>appointments for—</text> <clause id="H12DBCE9929984EEB9398777935EB9AF8"><enum>(i)</enum><text>primary care;</text></clause> <clause id="H5F069AADB2C441728C280A9CFA9E3DC9"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>specialty care; and</text></clause> <clause id="HFDA1334EB7374A318EA80A59612A253F"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>mental health care.</text></clause></subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph id="H513356D0929840E38A00CEDBD9DC6E3D"><enum>(6)</enum><text>For each appointment type specified in paragraph (5)(B), the number of appointments completed in-person and the number of appointments completed through the use of telehealth.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="H55E0EEF3655049EBB0497FF9943AEE66"><enum>(7)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If known, an identification of the medical facility of the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network with the largest rate of increase in patient population of women veterans as measured by the increase in unique women veteran patient use.</text></paragraph> <paragraph id="HF8062B774F594AB7B804D0D061DAC02D"><enum>(8)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If known, an identification of the medical facility of the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network with the largest rate of decrease in patient population of women veterans as measured by the decrease in unique women veterans patient use.</text></paragraph></subsection></section> Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.