1.Short title; table of
contents
(a)This Act may be cited
as the Veterans' Mental Health and
Other Care Improvements Act of 2008
.
(b)The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
Title I—Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health
Care
Sec. 101. Tribute to Justin Bailey.
Sec. 102. Findings on substance use disorders and mental
health.
Sec. 103. Expansion of substance use disorder treatment
services provided by Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 104. Care for veterans with mental health and substance
use disorders.
Sec. 105. Pilot program for Internet-based substance use
disorder treatment for veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Sec. 106. Report on residential mental health care facilities
of the Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 107. Pilot program on peer outreach and support for
veterans and use of community mental health centers and Indian Health Service
facilities.
Title II—Mental Health Research
Sec. 201. Research program on comorbid post-traumatic stress
disorder and substance use disorders.
Sec. 202. Extension of authorization for Special Committee on
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Title III—Assistance for Families of Veterans
Sec. 301. Clarification of authority of Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to provide mental health services to families of veterans.
Sec. 302. Pilot program on provision of readjustment and
transition assistance to veterans and their families in cooperation with Vet
Centers.
Title IV—Health Care Matters
Sec. 401. Veterans beneficiary travel program.
Sec. 402. Mandatory reimbursement of veterans receiving
emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities until
transfer to Department facilities.
Sec. 403. Pilot program of enhanced contract care authority for
health care needs of veterans in highly rural areas.
Sec. 404. Epilepsy centers of excellence.
Sec. 405. Establishment of qualifications for peer specialist
appointees.
Sec. 406. Establishment of consolidated patient accounting
centers.
Sec. 407. Repeal of limitation on authority to conduct
widespread HIV testing program.
Sec. 408. Provision of comprehensive health care by Secretary
of Veterans Affairs to children of Vietnam veterans born with Spina
Bifida.
Sec. 409. Exemption from copayment requirement for veterans
receiving hospice care.
Title V—Pain Care
Sec. 501. Comprehensive policy on pain management.
Title VI—Homeless Veterans Matters
Sec. 601. Increased authorization of appropriations for
comprehensive service programs.
Sec. 602. Expansion and extension of authority for program of
referral and counseling services for at-risk veterans transitioning from
certain institutions.
Sec. 603. Permanent authority for domiciliary services for
homeless veterans and enhancement of capacity of domiciliary care programs for
female veterans.
Sec. 604. Financial assistance for supportive services for very
low-income veteran families in permanent housing.
Title VII—Authorization of Medical Facility Projects and Major
Medical Facility Leases
Sec. 701. Authorization for fiscal year 2009 major medical
facility projects.
Sec. 702. Modification of authorization amounts for certain
major medical facility construction projects previously authorized.
Sec. 703. Authorization of fiscal year 2009 major medical
facility leases.
Sec. 704. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 705. Increase in threshold for major medical facility
leases requiring Congressional approval.
Sec. 706. Conveyance of certain non-Federal land by City of
Aurora, Colorado, to Secretary of Veterans Affairs for construction of veterans
medical facility.
Sec. 707. Report on facilities administration.
Sec. 708. Annual report on outpatient clinics.
Sec. 709. Name of Department of Veterans Affairs spinal cord
injury center, Tampa, Florida.
Title VIII—Extension of Certain Authorities
Sec. 801. Repeal of sunset on inclusion of noninstitutional
extended care services in definition of medical services.
Sec. 802. Extension of recovery audit authority.
Sec. 803. Permanent authority for provision of hospital care,
medical services, and nursing home care to veterans who participated in certain
chemical and biological testing conducted by the Department of
Defense.
Sec. 804. Extension of expiring collections
authorities.
Sec. 805. Extension of nursing home care.
Sec. 806. Permanent authority to establish research
corporations.
Sec. 807. Extension of requirement to submit annual report on
the Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill
Veterans.
Sec. 808. Permanent requirement for biannual report on Women’s
Advisory Committee.
Sec. 809. Extension of pilot program on improvement of
caregiver assistance services.
Title IX—Other Matters
Sec. 901. Technical amendments.
2.References to
title 38, United States CodeExcept as otherwise expressly provided,
whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall
be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United
States Code.
<enum>I</enum><header>Substance Use
Disorders and Mental Health Care</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC1E7E06413384345BEC865B21FC96480"><enum>101.</enum><header>Tribute to
Justin Bailey</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">This title is
enacted in tribute to Justin Bailey, who, after returning to the United States
from service as a member of the Armed Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom, died
in a domiciliary facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs while receiving
care for post-traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder.</text>
</section><section id="HB71486C70AAB407F922F51B3EE3CF3F6" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>102.</enum><header>Findings on
substance use disorders and mental health</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Congress makes the following
findings:</text>
<paragraph id="H932CD014A76B41B9B1C93276B019E033"><enum>(1)</enum><text>More than
1,500,000 members of the Armed Forces have been deployed in Operation Iraqi
Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The 2005 Department of Defense Survey
of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Personnel reports that 23 percent
of members of the Armed Forces on active duty acknowledge a significant problem
with alcohol use disorder, with similar rates of acknowledged problems with
alcohol use disorder among members of the National Guard.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HF2C34A5D10954329AE567871135BBB3E"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The effects of
substance use disorder are wide ranging, including significantly increased risk
of suicide, exacerbation of mental and physical health disorders, breakdown of
family support, and increased risk of unemployment and homelessness.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H1B7021F9656E4DD8005195864CCC92B"><enum>(3)</enum><text>While veterans
suffering from mental health conditions, chronic physical illness, and
polytrauma may be at increased risk for development of a substance use
disorder, treatment for these veterans is complicated by the need to address
adequately the physical and mental symptoms associated with these conditions
through appropriate medical intervention.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0C9EBA8FC0B944DA97C208543CED4C66"><enum>(4)</enum><text>While the Veterans
Health Administration has dramatically increased health services for veterans
from 1996 through 2006, the number of veterans receiving specialized substance
use disorder treatment services decreased 18 percent during that time. No
comparable decrease in the national rate of substance use disorder has been
observed during that time.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H757A4EC3AF2B40FAABD17BC3EEF11600"><enum>(5)</enum><text>While some
facilities of the Veterans Health Administration provide exemplary substance
use disorder treatment services, the availability of such treatment services
throughout the health care system of the Veterans Health Administration is
inconsistent.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H4E9FEA6496C74A6EBEB0116700082E7D"><enum>(6)</enum><text>According to a
2006 report by the Government Accountability Office, the Department of Veterans
Affairs significantly reduced its substance use disorder treatment and
rehabilitation services between 1996 and 2006, and the Fiscal Year 2007
National Mental Health Program Monitoring System report shows that little
progress has been made in restoring these services to their pre-1996
levels.</text>
</paragraph></section><section id="H47494A7AF5E74B56BAC916EC03D18F67"><enum>103.</enum><header>Expansion of
substance use disorder treatment services provided by Department of Veterans
Affairs</header>
<subsection id="H389878D9734F450786AC3FD00AE00D2"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure the
provision of such services and treatment to each veteran enrolled in the health
care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs who is in need of services
and treatments for a substance use disorder as follows:</text>
<paragraph id="H2FC5D8632BA145B9A4C8B1C2048C5D1E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Screening for
substance use disorder in all settings, including primary care settings.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H7F083222998249F3B5008F8BD7AD75DD"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Short term
motivational counseling services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HADB98FC8A78A4AFCAD6917AFF1F811F7"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Marital and family
counseling.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H41266A97ECD74722906E1300D3781B98"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Intensive
outpatient or residential care services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE10D92A24C20402EA7DE8CCAFBB500A"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Relapse prevention
services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H8240E73231924A60BE49D3589FD92088"><enum>(6)</enum><text>Ongoing aftercare
and outpatient counseling services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB7810FF588134DCA8F8E6C2D84983EFF"><enum>(7)</enum><text>Opiate
substitution therapy services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H18324A7E3EA64B03ABFB5CD7C1C431FC"><enum>(8)</enum><text>Pharmacological
treatments aimed at reducing craving for drugs and alcohol.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD2B134E7471B4F1183945EBE9C856516"><enum>(9)</enum><text>Detoxification and
stabilization services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H46F4BCBEEA4A4CA796A138B183B22E95"><enum>(10)</enum><text>Coordination with
groups providing peer to peer counseling.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD42B11A1B9624DE586B24395B91629EB"><enum>(11)</enum><text>Such other
services as the Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HC92134788E38485AB0B85065AD41F230"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Provision of
services</header>
<paragraph id="HE56591E5D4374705A25846BA12BBF7FC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Allocation of
resources for provision of services</header><text>The Secretary shall ensure
that amounts made available for care, treatment, and services provided under
this section are allocated in such a manner that a full continuum of care,
treatment, and services described in subsection (a) is available to veterans
seeking such care, treatment, or services, without regard to the location of
the residence of any such veterans.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H3B6DA6D178EF40C9A8E63ED0EDF891FB"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Manner of
provision</header><text>The services and treatment described in subsection (a)
may be provided to a veteran described in such subsection—</text>
<subparagraph id="H949AAF87B87F4F178D527191A67781AD"><enum>(A)</enum><text>at Department of
Veterans Affairs medical centers or clinics;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5D1C1D7B9041463D8576D7A602D92800"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by referral to
other facilities of the Department that are accessible to such veteran;
or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1D3795ECAD284BC3B19B3CE823AEE52C"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by contract or
fee-for-service payments with community-based organizations for the provision
of such services and treatments.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBA565DC082D548B99E00995C615F0009"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Alternatives in
case of services denied due to clinical necessity</header><text>If the
Secretary denies the provision to a veteran of services or treatment for a
substance use disorder due to clinical necessity, the Secretary shall provide
the veteran such other services or treatment as are medically
appropriate.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="HD8014DF7D3534A7FB34E98DE1E264CA1"><enum>104.</enum><header>Care for
veterans with mental health and substance use disorders</header>
<subsection id="HB3978B51611949058597BD44ECA300F7"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs provides a veteran inpatient or outpatient care for a
substance use disorder and a comorbid mental health disorder, the Secretary
shall ensure that treatment for such disorders is provided concurrently—</text>
<paragraph id="H755CF115B64647EDB527752F63461EA2"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">through a service provided by a clinician
or health professional who has training and expertise in treatment of substance
use disorders and mental health disorders;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HBE83E5A705374CE187B8DA0008F761A"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by
separate substance use disorder and mental health disorder treatment services
when there is appropriate coordination, collaboration, and care management
between such treatment services; or</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H1A5F5EACB2EB42D6A9764B2F1D7CE74F"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by a team of clinicians with appropriate
expertise.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H7D4B26F992DB4F69BFC3BE9690E1CA22"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Team of
clinicians with appropriate expertise defined</header><text>In this section,
the term <term>team of clinicians with appropriate expertise</term> means a
team consisting of the following:</text>
<paragraph id="H2A23822087E54E2FABB5E52C1C00C56E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Clinicians and
health professionals with expertise in treatment of substance use disorders and
mental health disorders who act in coordination and collaboration with each
other.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H8FB732228DED46B080365DF5775BF0F6"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Such other
professionals as the Secretary considers appropriate for the provision of
treatment to veterans for substance use and mental health disorders.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H05EC5BA085BA4F9DA4AA9D72CDB0A0BE"><enum>105.</enum><header>Pilot program
for Internet-based substance use disorder treatment for veterans of Operation
Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom</header>
<subsection id="HE725533E0EC74ECCB9C125639C1FE0F2"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Findings</header><text>Congress
makes the following findings:</text>
<paragraph id="HF2A8DB3481EA42B69791EF9DCD76E28B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Stigma associated
with seeking treatment for mental health disorders has been demonstrated to
prevent some veterans from seeking such treatment at a medical facility
operated by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans
Affairs.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HFB393496840E4B2C923C45472D47DF43"><enum>(2)</enum><text>There is a
significant incidence among veterans of post-deployment mental health problems,
especially among members of a reserve component who return as veterans to
civilian life.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H679D328E8476474F97632100F000BE41"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Computer-based
self-guided training has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy for
supplementing the care of psychological conditions.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H560317FF83D845E6BBC3574D9C7DE2E5"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Younger veterans,
especially those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi
Freedom, are comfortable with and proficient at computer-based
technology.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H46064E2B05E844E4839B91F92476C9C3"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Veterans living in
rural areas may find access to treatment for substance use disorder
limited.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HF72F9475221A4706B37F9623F09E135D"><enum>(6)</enum><text>Self-assessment
and treatment options for substance use disorders through an Internet website
may reduce stigma and provides additional access for individuals seeking care
and treatment for such disorders.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H6E260F92CBF84523A12FD3D3F9F7A98"><enum>(b)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not later than October 1, 2009, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and
advisability of providing veterans who seek treatment for substance use
disorders access to a computer-based self-assessment, education, and specified
treatment program through a secure Internet website operated by the Secretary.
Participation in the pilot program shall be available on a voluntary basis for
those veterans who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi
Freedom.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HA759F23F66B24EFF8EB2C059616B4EF9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Elements of
Pilot Program</header>
<paragraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H29BADC403C6145A69DDD4C5130884182"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>In carrying out the pilot program under this section, the
Secretary shall ensure that—</text>
<subparagraph id="H1E8C3911F0284BE3A9241125B9C99083"><enum>(A)</enum><text>access to the
Internet website and the programs available on the website by a veteran (or
family member) does not involuntarily generate an identifiable medical record
of that access by that veteran in any medical database maintained by the
Department of Veterans Affairs;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H231A29174D8E4EFF9F1DB35708E0370"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Internet
website is accessible from remote locations, especially rural areas; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3195040E5E554DD09BB4A0AA87FDF000"><enum>(C)</enum><text>the Internet
website includes a self-assessment tool for substance use disorders,
self-guided treatment and educational materials for such disorders, and
appropriate information and materials for family members of veterans.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H00E662F1BF754EA184464B0203BCC74"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Consideration of
similar projects</header><text>In designing the pilot program under this
section, the Secretary shall consider similar pilot projects of the Department
of Defense for the early diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress
disorder and other mental health conditions established under section 741 of
the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2007 (Public
Law 109–364; 120 Stat. 2304).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H030E327B339F4B3200C9BEFF5974B95D"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Location of
pilot program</header><text>The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program
through those medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs that have
established Centers for Excellence for Substance Abuse Treatment and Education
or that have established a Substance Abuse Program Evaluation and Research
Center.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBE1B7553F25947C191087DDB50F62E2F"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Contract
authority</header><text>The Secretary may enter into contracts with qualified
entities or organizations to carry out the pilot program required under this
section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H9F099CDB7B3E44D5B22C65EDA5008B34"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Duration of
pilot program</header><text>The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall
be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the
commencement of the pilot program.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC7ECB4E297AD4BB5BA2797D283683B6C"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not
later than six months after the completion of the pilot program, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program, and shall include in
that report—an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of continuing or
expanding the pilot program, of any cost savings or other benefits associated
with the pilot program, and any other recommendations.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H91B8B902C4864BB2B1A198BD236C24E9"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations</header><text>There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011
to carry out the pilot program under this section.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H74D39D91B7FA48DB911B74E19C39E278"><enum>106.</enum><header>Report on
residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health
Administration</header>
<subsection id="HE102E42FD54748A8915FFDBC25AB671D"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Review</header>
<paragraph id="H2346082DF770420AA20002A43DCA16A0"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not later than six months after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, acting through the
Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, complete a review of
all residential mental health care facilities, including domiciliary
facilities, of the Veterans Health Administration.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H07BF5A7A6F5A4737ADD0A7D2B1EEE66E"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Assessment</header><text>As
part of the review required by paragraph (1), the Secretary, acting through the
Inspector General, shall assess the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="H7A567D039E2C48DCB873E56CCBDBC823"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The availability
of care in residential mental health care facilities in each Veterans
Integrated Service Network (VISN).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H857D1CF299434E50A913D17FA1BD4164"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The supervision
and support provided in the residential mental health care facilities of the
Veterans Health Administration.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA0ADA10AA5AD4E3FBDC6B676FA12A898"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The ratio of staff
members at each residential mental health care facility to patients at such
facility.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H02208BAAD814482C88207F3345FF34DA"><enum>(D)</enum><text>The
appropriateness of rules and procedures for the prescription and administration
of medications to patients in such residential mental health care
facilities.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC3D51AE0AABA4320B6891E0037C773A0"><enum>(E)</enum><text>The protocols at
each residential mental health care facility for handling missed
appointments.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HC5EFE56308D34A7E836E4BEB963F9F8C"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text>As
part of the review required by paragraph (1), the Secretary, acting through the
Inspector General, shall develop such recommendations as the Secretary
considers appropriate for improvements to residential mental health care
facilities of the Veterans Health Administration and the care provided in such
facilities.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HF7D02D861378446EBEB5C2A01574001F"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Follow-up
review</header><text>Not later than two years after the date of the completion
of the review required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall, acting through the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, complete a follow-up review of the facilities reviewed under
subsection (a) to evaluate any improvements made or problems remaining since
the review under subsection (a) was completed.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HA8F8EE875AB2483BAAEF12249577D0FB"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not
later than 90 days after the completion of the review required by subsection
(a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 the findings of the Secretary with respect
to such review.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H396C9DFA3A344FF8ADF14C65CB47008"><enum>107.</enum><header>Pilot program on
peer outreach and support for veterans and use of community mental health
centers and Indian Health Service facilities</header>
<subsection id="H450E8F1BA5B64020A8AFF58E77CD2E03"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Pilot program
required</header><text>Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a
pilot program to assess the feasability and advisability of providing to
veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and, in
particular, veterans who served in such operations as a member of the National
Guard or Reserve, the following:</text>
<paragraph id="H823CE7EA1E6143C7A0AA36D3CFB81D57"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Peer outreach
services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H52A11721480446DCB0980048094FE1B7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Peer support
services provided by licensed providers of peer support services or veterans
who have personal experience with mental illness.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HEC0D1DAC802341F5A469B6172B1E624B"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Readjustment
counseling services described in <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/1712A">section 1712A</external-xref> of title 38, United States
Code.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H04EE210C802E43C48C36BA4239D1F5C1"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Other mental
health services.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HCF2BD232410B47CEA9CFCCF50048D0C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Provision of
certain services</header><text>In providing services described in paragraphs
(3) and (4) of subsection (a) under the pilot program to veterans who reside in
rural areas and do not have adequate access through the Department of Veterans
Affairs to the services described in such paragraphs, the Secretary shall,
acting through the Office of Mental Health Services and the Office of Rural
Health, provide such services as follows:</text>
<paragraph id="H7C96D0570BD54814AB9800CAFC42F701"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Through community mental health centers
under contracts or other agreements if entered into by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the
provision of such services for purposes of the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCA3416B38F6E481BB932EA156870F43F"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Through the Indian
Health Service, or an Indian tribe or tribal organization that has entered into
an agreement with the Indian Health Service pursuant to the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/25/450">25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.</external-xref>), if a
memorandum of understanding is entered into by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services for purposes of the
pilot program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H1DF8BC98A6624981B713DB2C221E4935"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Through other
appropriate entities under contracts or other agreements entered into by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the provision of such services for purposes
of the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HA20EB300CB18427FB7C4ABEFC76511F4"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Duration</header><text>The
pilot program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on
the date of the commencement of the pilot program.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HEDA84DF0B4764DBDBD86A700307F6D90"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Program
locations</header>
<paragraph id="H900D95994C5545BA001CCBDB47AA64D2"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The pilot program shall be carried out within areas
selected by the Secretary for the purpose of the pilot program in at least
three Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0D59AE0C61034DF7A8AC1646B3CAAA1"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Rural geographic
locations</header><text>The locations selected shall be in rural geographic
locations that, as determined by the Secretary, lack access to comprehensive
mental health services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HC9501E1D330A463EBCBCBC31F4D4ECD7"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Qualified
providers</header><text>In selecting locations for the pilot program, the
Secretary shall select locations in which an adequate number of licensed mental
health care providers with credentials equivalent to those of Department mental
health care providers are available in Indian Health Service facilities,
community mental health centers, and other entities for participation in the
pilot program.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H6E40FBB969404D5FB5D178446E7EE021"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Participation in
program</header><text>Each community mental health center, facility of the
Indian Health Service, or other entity participating in the pilot program under
subsection (b) shall—</text>
<paragraph id="H1D7466D4292C420BBEBA7DD358BEAEFC"><enum>(1)</enum><text>provide the
services described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) to eligible
veterans, including, to the extent practicable, telehealth services that link
the center or facility with Department of Veterans Affairs clinicians;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA0F956C8B8B94BABA2268E302E641723"><enum>(2)</enum><text>use the clinical
practice guidelines of the Veterans Health Administration or the Department of
Defense in the provision of such services; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9F41CAEBBBFF4067A03589F8B3DFCC24"><enum>(3)</enum><text>meet such other
requirements as the Secretary shall require.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H0119C4932AD341C0A9307778E5C6B637"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Compliance with
Department protocols</header><text>Each community mental health center,
facility of the Indian Health Service, or other entity participating in the
pilot program under subsection (b) shall comply with—</text>
<paragraph id="H895D286965D74078B5E603067928EDF2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>applicable
protocols of the Department before incurring any liability on behalf of the
Department for the provision of services as part of the pilot program;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HECC3CCE9C8EA41BB9D784EAB98ACC22"><enum>(2)</enum><text>access and quality
standards of the Department relevant to the provision of services as part of
the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HD97D7149E9A445B19FEDE87E35040853"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Provision of
clinical information</header><text>Each community mental health center,
facility of the Indian Health Service, or other entity participating in the
pilot program under subsection (b) shall, in a timely fashion, provide the
Secretary with such clinical information on each veteran for whom such health
center or facility provides mental health services under the pilot program as
the Secretary shall require.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H460C896E0D99498B924DA5DDC1F1F1E4"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Training</header>
<paragraph id="HD7E6BBA003394011997883A5E71D1105"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Training of
veterans</header><text>As part of the pilot program, the Secretary shall carry
out a program of training for veterans described in subsection (a) to provide
the services described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such subsection.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0E23AEBAE90A423ABB397EA778DB883C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Training of
clinicians</header>
<subparagraph id="H7182CFAD82634B22A3DB97111934BD0"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Secretary shall conduct a training program for
clinicians of community mental health centers, Indian Health Service
facilities, or other entities participating in the pilot program under
subsection (b) to ensure that such clinicians can provide the services
described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) in a manner that accounts
for factors that are unique to the experiences of veterans who served on active
duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom (including their
combat and military training experiences).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H791E67B2606942C1974EB843F68960E3"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Participation in
training</header><text>Personnel of each community mental health center,
facility of the Indian Health Service, or other entity participating in the
pilot program under subsection (b) shall participate in the training program
conducted pursuant to subparagraph (A).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H1868560A18A14A97A798F5EAA1ACDEE8"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Annual
reports</header><text>Each community mental health center, facility of the
Indian Health Service, or other entity participating in the pilot program under
subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary on an annual basis a report
containing, with respect to the provision of services under subsection (b) and
for the last full calendar year ending before the submission of such
report—</text>
<paragraph id="H48B1407D69C24E11AAC362F5D6A98FAB"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the number
of—</text>
<subparagraph id="HC487BC4A2F0C42EBA530D641C44BC00"><enum>(A)</enum><text>veterans served;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4F980D4C598347AF8451AD54F364CC01"><enum>(B)</enum><text>courses of
treatment provided; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3003FDEF63BD470DB24457A31FA04309"><enum>(2)</enum><text>demographic
information for such services, diagnoses, and courses of treatment.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD1C64A57823844FE837518B645536592"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Program
evaluation</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB47D16BF3A234AFDB74F3DBB5B36EBAC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Secretary shall, through Department of Veterans
Affairs Mental Health Services investigators and in collaboration with relevant
program offices of the Department, design and implement a strategy for
evaluating the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD847D2CCD1BF4F919F35928F49F25987"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>The
strategy implemented under paragraph (1) shall assess the impact that
contracting with community mental health centers, the Indian Health Service,
and other entities participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) has
on the following:</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE84D5668D36E4F7592362705FEDCC9B3"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Access to mental
health care by veterans in need of such care.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H511DB8888273494C86A2D1E24DD29100"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The use of
telehealth services by veterans for mental health care needs.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H418CF0D2D1204B1900B5AB1457FDC07"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The quality of
mental health care and substance use disorder treatment services provided to
veterans in need of such care and services.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0A40C92D82F6425FB1B23C8936E8AB62"><enum>(D)</enum><text>The coordination
of mental health care and other medical services provided to veterans.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H045B4DF01241483E9BDFDDFC1C214503"><enum>(k)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In
this section:</text>
<paragraph id="H7F66D678A2B14F2EA900E87E19555CB3"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The term
<term>community mental health center</term> has the meaning given such term in
<external-xref legal-doc="regulation" parsable-cite="cfr/42/410.2">section 410.2</external-xref> of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day
before the date of the enactment of this Act).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HBC4ECF70AFE344C380A96B63F98E13A"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The term
<term>eligible veteran</term> means a veteran in need of mental health services
who—</text>
<subparagraph id="H494E2C9F987F4C23BDD400FD9365EA0"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is enrolled in the
Department of Veterans Affairs health care system; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE1812237C13B45FBA70932764E100000"><enum>(B)</enum><text>has received a
referral from a health professional of the Veterans Health Administration to a
community mental health center, a facility of the Indian Health Service, or
other entity for purposes of the pilot program.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H6A5744C8922140AE8EE6239BD4DBFEA3"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The term
<term>Indian Health Service</term> means the organization established by
section 601(a) of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C.
1661(a)).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HFB9952659CD148BA95F4B815EC84B16"><enum>(l)</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated such sums
as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.</text>
</subsection></section><enum>II</enum><header>Mental Health
Research</header>
<section id="H9549D5AB4F914F5B97F4AB80D2F3C2FB"><enum>201.</enum><header>Research
program on comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use
disorders</header>
<subsection id="HF8FFB1E1E6474A42AD53797CB880AAC1"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Program
required</header><text>The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, through the
Office of Research and Development, carry out a program of research into
comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use
disorder.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HC86EFF92A4B742DB9DBBEF3D642E095C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Discharge
through National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder</header><text>The
research program required by subsection (a) shall be carried out by the
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In carrying out the program,
the Center shall—</text>
<paragraph id="H3468482829394B1A9CC3E39D6D48C270"><enum>(1)</enum><text>develop protocols
and goals with respect to research under the program; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H74CE9D0AB43642B3BB5E081D86FA458E"><enum>(2)</enum><text>coordinate
research, data collection, and data dissemination under the program.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H88F7DA6DBC0342F095F3939F6E37E5E2"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Research</header><text>The
program of research required by subsection (a) shall address the
following:</text>
<paragraph id="H6A49F8CEA8494E9E81C5824F666B2689"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Comorbid
post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H509B6184EE274C96A794C314B02DE58"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The systematic
integration of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder with treatment for
substance use disorder.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2576EB524893490888B57F9CC6E0A958"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The development of
protocols to evaluate care of veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress
disorder and substance use disorder.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HAD524FBA681449B794031133C502E699"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Funding</header>
<paragraph id="HFB8DCD4215EC4149911254CD54BD2EE"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated for the
Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012,
$2,000,000 to carry out this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H39DFA5BADD1C4115B552E1911282A235"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Availability</header><text>Amounts
authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) shall be made available to the
National Center on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for the purpose specified in
that paragraph.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H530E9FABB4A446558406EF09163B0000"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Supplement not
supplant</header><text>Any amount made available to the National Center on
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for a fiscal year under paragraph (2) is in
addition to any other amounts made available to the National Center on
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for such year under any other provision of
law.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H311643ED203C41A084DC3859582361B2"><enum>202.</enum><header>Extension of
authorization for Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 110(e)(2) of
the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/1712A">38 U.S.C. 1712A</external-xref> note; <external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/98/528">Public Law 98–528</external-xref>)
is amended by striking <quote>through 2008</quote> and inserting <quote>through
2012</quote>.</text>
</section><enum>III</enum><header>Assistance for
Families of Veterans</header>
<section id="HD6F804E6A8F94BA3904CEF15BDECD2F3"><enum>301.</enum><header>Clarification
of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide mental health services
to families of veterans</header>
<subsection id="HA979F75D63CF48A0BFB5EF73EE72E317"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Chapter 17 is
amended—</text>
<paragraph id="HC7CC10F7763E4418BCD2B9E4B57099B8"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in section 1701(5)(B)—</text>
<subparagraph id="H2027F7FE50C54DCE9BABF2A03BCB4BCA"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting <quote>marriage and family
counseling,</quote> after <quote>professional counseling,</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA1B76B96E32F4EBAA0D008E7BF30666"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>as may be essential to</quote> and inserting <quote>as the Secretary
considers appropriate for</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H367FB7B5F4FD4869B5DD36C150E43256"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in section
1782—</text>
<subparagraph id="HD1C5A26FD6794BFD865996EB8EC1A796"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in subsection (a),
by inserting <quote>marriage and family counseling,</quote> after
<quote>professional counseling,</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H02155403552841C0969DC79835E981EC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in subsection
(b)—</text>
<clause id="HC44BE4AD03F14205AAF22B63F0C9D86C"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by
inserting <quote>marriage and family counseling,</quote> after
<quote>professional counseling,</quote>; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H30F2C062E2C04CAFB5BE1EAD16373274"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by
striking <quote>if—</quote> and all that follows and inserting a period.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HAF53184A12724C95B3DEAB47F16EF100"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Location</header><text>Paragraph
(5) of <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/1701">section 1701</external-xref> of title 38, United States Code, shall not be construed to
prevent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from providing services described in
subparagraph (B) of such paragraph to individuals described in such
subparagraph in centers under section 1712A of such title (commonly referred to
as <quote>Vet Centers</quote>), Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers,
community-based outpatient clinics, or in such other facilities of the
Department of Veterans Affairs as the Secretary considers necessary.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H5EA1E0FB80E947929E1715F54E57FBFE" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>302.</enum><header>Pilot program on
provision of readjustment and transition assistance to veterans and their
families in cooperation with Vet Centers</header>
<subsection id="HC9E76F2F54D34E6A8C8F058FBB4779C8"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Pilot
program</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall carry out, through a non-Department of Veterans Affairs
entity, a pilot program to assess the feasability and advisability of providing
readjustment and transition assistance described in subsection (b) to veterans
and their families in cooperation with centers under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/1712A">section 1712A</external-xref> of title 38,
United States Code (commonly referred to as <quote>Vet Centers</quote>).</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H80A7673C806B4E51BA46A484BD27BCAD"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Readjustment and
transition assistance</header><text>Readjustment and transition assistance
described in this subsection is assistance as follows:</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="HB1FD5C9FB4154BD0887B02E33CE6E0CF"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Readjustment and
transition assistance that is preemptive, proactive, and
principle-centered.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H43608D39F6C54B5D87DD87F64DCAC92"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Assistance and
training for veterans and their families in coping with the challenges
associated with making the transition from military to civilian life.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H78D7E939F93A43D28440803B99B174CC"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Non-Department
of Veterans Affairs entity</header>
<paragraph id="HCA3309A2D53444F68E233EB388E1E38F"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program through
any for-profit or non-profit organization selected by the Secretary for
purposes of the pilot program that has demonstrated expertise and experience in
the provision of assistance and training described in subsection (b).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9FCFDD6281F74512950806A45511A7ED"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Contract or
agreement</header><text>The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program through
a non-Department entity described in paragraph (1) pursuant to a contract or
other agreement entered into by the Secretary and the entity for purposes of
the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HBEE042856CBC4FFC84EBEF3377CF9DC6"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Commencement of
pilot program</header><text>The pilot program shall commence not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H680159C87809421EAAAC3C158F001691"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Duration of
pilot program</header><text>The pilot program shall be carried out during the
three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot
program, and may be carried out for additional one-year periods
thereafter.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H78AA0845DADF4DABB7A275BC17B09816"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Location of
pilot program</header>
<paragraph id="HDBCF841CC0B042918BD8D602C5CDAB2D"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Secretary shall provide assistance under the pilot
program in cooperation with 10 centers described in subsection (a) designated
by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H313C9F2B78BA4FBFA128F6EBACCA5C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Designations</header><text>In
designating centers described in subsection (a) for purposes of the pilot
program, the Secretary shall designate centers so as to provide a balanced
geographical representation of such centers throughout the United States,
including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, tribal
lands, and other territories and possessions of the United States.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H64E83D2C0EE8401582939B9B2EEBAAC1"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Participation of
centers</header><text>A center described in subsection (a) that is designated
under subsection (f) for participation in the pilot program shall participate
in the pilot program by promoting awareness of the assistance and training
available to veterans and their families through—</text>
<paragraph id="H43B5AAE0874E49D5930052BAA4729291"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the facilities and
other resources of such center;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H08A717FE19964DA1AA8D74633010532B"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the non-Department
of Veterans Affairs entity selected pursuant to subsection (c); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0F3F53F866384618A025C36C56F57BD7"><enum>(3)</enum><text>other appropriate
mechanisms.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HEA43FB13DA3C421600E57CBA3283290"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Additional
support</header><text>In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary may
enter into contracts or other agreements, in addition to the contract or
agreement described in subsection (c), with such other non-Department of
Veterans Affairs entities meeting the requirements of subsection (c) as the
Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the pilot program.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HE980B12AB0BE42AC891184042504F550"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Report on pilot
program</header>
<paragraph id="H84900E71522748489735C171004206CC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Report
required</header><text>Not later than three years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional veterans
affairs committees a report on the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H820B29A33EDB4A10884583E4D329BC16"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>Each
report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="H5689BC08F06343D2A2C7817C525CF5F6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>A description of
the activities under the pilot program as of the date of such report, including
the number of veterans and families provided assistance under the pilot program
and the scope and nature of the assistance so provided.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H237E85203DAF411BB733DFF6C8D9D4F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>A current
assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H561B92028AEA407BAE70FEF5D0844DF1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Any
recommendations that the Secretary considers appropriate for the extension or
expansion of the pilot program.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H721BDD29F6514346B32676652607C2B"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Congressional
veterans affairs committees defined</header><text>In this subsection, the term
<term>congressional veterans affairs committees</term> means—</text>
<subparagraph id="HD071E011E1484388B4C9A50831D5DA42"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Committees on
Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations of the Senate; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H154E4E7EAB6641F098C1D045FA5C50BD"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the Committees on
Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations of the House of Representatives.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HEC20F50C262D47C989A7A1F566B38114"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations</header>
<paragraph id="H86D173F6CC4546D98D1EA4BD71ADE5EE"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department
of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011 $1,000,000 to
carry out this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H634FA97DA1A5487AAA91A7A9FDF60021"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Availability</header><text>Amounts
authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) shall remain available until
expended.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><enum>IV</enum><header>Health Care
Matters</header>
<section id="HEBE8B1D1D8764032B187977E090363AE"><enum>401.</enum><header>Veterans
beneficiary travel program</header>
<subsection id="H8881F94FE74A45B6A382E90E029C086"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Repeal of
requirement To adjust amounts deducted from payments or allowances for
beneficiary travel</header>
<paragraph id="HF6A25EF96990425DAABFEE21B1F85306"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Section 111(c) is amended—</text>
<subparagraph id="H8A6B15FC86374854A8ABD7DA6DC7E9C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking
paragraph (5); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD0D68377FEE449109BC4DBB6329F6827"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in paragraph (2),
by striking <quote>, except as provided in paragraph (5) of this
subsection,</quote>.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H445DAE18EB524B879F57D1AA68006D45"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Reinstatement of
amount of deduction specified by statute</header><text>Notwithstanding any
adjustment made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under paragraph (5) of
<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/111">section 111(c)</external-xref> of title 38, United States Code, as such paragraph was in effect
before the date of the enactment of this Act, the amount deducted under
paragraph (1) of such section 111(c) on or after such date shall be the amount
specified in such paragraph.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HDBD700C2CAC64458B3321BAEBBA985F7"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Determination of
mileage reimbursement rate</header><text>Section 111(g) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H0602540909A846DEAD008941CC98F8DB"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by amending
paragraph (1) to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H375102FCE05648899DD9AB150015E325" style="USC">
<paragraph id="HC4882F1EF6CC45AF8CD49288DC4743DD" indent="up1"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subject to paragraph (3), in determining
the amount of allowances or reimbursement to be paid under this section, the
Secretary shall use the mileage reimbursement rate for the use of privately
owned vehicles by Government employees on official business (when a Government
vehicle is available), as prescribed by the Administrator of General Services
under section 5707(b) of title
5.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HBDB0E63B91DD4EA08CF7116530DB6EC8"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by striking
paragraphs (3) and (4); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H7F1456DA79D4413295E992CF8CD6DA00"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by inserting after
paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H02BE8958152F440689504400F6285200" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC286164DEDEA4185B459AA9D61BA61F0" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary may modify the amount of allowances or
reimbursement to be paid under this section using a mileage reimbursement rate
in excess of that prescribed under paragraph
(1).</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H18A485E854FF49969951006D00DA14BD"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not
later than 14 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
report containing an estimate of the additional costs incurred by the
Department of Veterans Affairs because of this section, including—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6E1BEF0EDE28425098D444F56C362D89"><enum>(1)</enum><text>any costs
resulting from increased utilization of healthcare services by veterans
eligible for travel allowances or reimbursements under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/111">section 111</external-xref> of title 38,
United States Code; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H362EA9113F5B4B49A1D43569297D0C9"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the additional
costs that would be incurred by the Department should the Secretary exercise
the authority described in subsection (g)(3) of such section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9CA2CDBA5C8B42548C9DB14B79215148"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Effective
date</header><text>The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect
to travel expenses incurred after the expiration of the 90-day period that
begins on the date of the enactment of this Act.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H963B1EDD92114346BA00C3316FD445CF" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>402.</enum><header>Mandatory
reimbursement of veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-Department of
Veterans Affairs facilities until transfer to Department facilities</header>
<subsection id="H18980967484A4CF88F81DBC1FE319624"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Certain veterans
without service-connected disability</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 1725 is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H019F4F352CB24A4B8C09D55928937465"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (a)(1), by striking
<quote>may reimburse</quote> and inserting <quote>shall reimburse</quote>;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB689BDE413D245DE8D1941E1C20000A8"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection
(f)(1), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new
subparagraph (C):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA1AB4D748BE34E0DB526618600AE84E4" style="OLC">
<subparagraph id="HDD4E10AA264D4BCC846C21CDF923183"><enum>(C)</enum><text>until—</text>
<clause id="H8F210BE792A24ABFAD20826FED4FDEB8"><enum>(i)</enum><text>such time as the
veteran can be transferred safely to a Department facility or other Federal
facility and such facility is capable of accepting such transfer; or</text>
</clause><clause id="H59EEBDE5DA4D4E528E1EEE82CA301321"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>such time as a
Department facility or other Federal facility accepts such transfer if—</text>
<subclause id="H5247B0CC02F1448489609FA19504A5BD"><enum>(I)</enum><text>at the time the
veteran could have been transferred safely to a Department facility or other
Federal facility, no Department facility or other Federal facility agreed to
accept such transfer; and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H96B42745696A455A8B9848E1F41BA534"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the
non-Department facility in which such medical care or services was furnished
made and documented reasonable attempts to transfer the veteran to a Department
facility or other Federal
facility.</text>
</subclause></clause></subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H53A79CCCA7F64204B0945B95B2DEC09"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Certain veterans
with service-connected disability</header><text>Section 1728 is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="HE8BA661A8828444C8EC6CFFDBC37C37F"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking
subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection (a):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H444C464B938D43D3AF6F8CDE27BD6255" style="OLC">
<subsection id="HB15A5F0DAF8E48FEBA9EB26F061EE0EF"><enum>(a)</enum><text>The Secretary
shall, under such regulations as the Secretary prescribes, reimburse veterans
eligible for hospital care or medical services under this chapter for the
customary and usual charges of emergency treatment (including travel and
incidental expenses under the terms and conditions set forth in section 111 of
this title) for which such veterans have made payment, from sources other than
the Department, where such emergency treatment was rendered to such veterans in
need thereof for any of the following:</text>
<paragraph id="H195BA8EBA7BF47E09DB5771605DC3277"><enum>(1)</enum><text>An adjudicated
service-connected disability.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H6B858D9D5E7C402A9C006E7C773F5584"><enum>(2)</enum><text>A
non-service-connected disability associated with and held to be aggravating a
service-connected disability.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD4E177AC80354D068EC38193B87832CA"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Any disability of
a veteran if the veteran has a total disability permanent in nature from a
service-connected disability.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H76EFE2E26E234A09A57BE613C5472644"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Any illness,
injury, or dental condition of a veteran who—</text>
<subparagraph id="HB1500BD75BC74D51A5B6B51C63D51673"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is a participant
in a vocational rehabilitation program (as defined in section 3101(9) of this
title); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H217BD15C636844F0A0D55E9E4CE603CC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>is medically
determined to have been in need of care or treatment to make possible the
veteran's entrance into a course of training, or prevent interruption of a
course of training, or hasten the return to a course of training which was
interrupted because of such illness, injury, or dental
condition.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCBBB90D7B9004E6DBB107C50B074E4D5"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (b),
by striking <quote>care or services</quote> both places it appears and
inserting <quote>emergency treatment</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0C0CF8382B8441A0A87B88B25F31C9C0"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by adding at the
end the following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA3398AE71CA240A884636703B0776B38" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H2D9F683B4A854CE9B2AFAA495D0035EE"><enum>(c)</enum><text>In this section,
the term <term>emergency treatment</term> has the meaning given such term in
section 1725(f)(1) of this
title.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HCF85033B7D20455FB77E00782F1B1BBC" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>403.</enum><header>Pilot program of
enhanced contract care authority for health care needs of veterans in highly
rural areas</header>
<subsection id="HABD97E13F9AD401CAA2DC3F12CA89DCC"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Pilot program
required</header>
<paragraph id="H820E845767AC47B6A95386BE2B6E3645"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall conduct a pilot program under which the Secretary
provides covered health services to covered veterans through qualifying
non-Department of Veterans Affairs health care providers.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H26922E14BF4043DD9932839FBEC1BA02"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Commencement</header><text>The
Secretary shall commence the conduct of the pilot program on the date that is
120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE94D9C3ABDEC457781006C0012EC9944"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Termination</header><text>A
veteran may receive health services under the pilot program only during the
three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot
program under paragraph (2).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H14597AE737CF4487A86E36F551004CD9"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Program
locations</header><text>The pilot program shall be carried out within areas
selected by the Secretary for the purposes of the pilot program in at least
five Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). Of the Veterans Integrated
Service Networks so selected—</text>
<subparagraph id="HC15E713EF94742839314E6C4110138E3"><enum>(A)</enum><text>not less than four
such networks shall include at least three highly rural counties, as determined
by the Secretary upon consideration of the most recent decennial census;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF1CF30A730ED4ECEBB68B422AA3ED7AA"><enum>(B)</enum><text>not less than one
such network, not including a network selected under subparagraph (A), shall
include only one highly rural county, as determined by the Secretary upon
consideration of the most recent decennial census;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H4B78E8A72F7B46E2A49D056FB2F3AC26"><enum>(C)</enum><text>all such networks
shall include area within the borders of at least four States; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="HBFDB57192AB548C9AA83092F4B50EDD6"><enum>(D)</enum><text>no such networks
shall be participants in the Healthcare Effectiveness through Resource
Optimization pilot program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HDFE4D24AB9324632A1F0B32F305EB5FA"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Covered
veterans</header>
<paragraph id="HDD9878136CD24C34AEC850EDB0978586"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>For purposes of the pilot program under this section, a
covered veteran is any highly rural veteran who is—</text>
<subparagraph id="H77138DD665624D488EADFB314DCABEF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>enrolled in the
system of patient enrollment established under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/1705">section 1705(a)</external-xref> of title 38,
United States Code, as of the date of the commencement of the pilot program
under subsection (a)(2); or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H82A511F1CFF249A9B651F514417580C3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>eligible for
health care under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/1710">section 1710(e)(3)(C)</external-xref> of title 38, United States Code.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF3232736D581447A9B4C5772921E61F6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Highly rural
veterans</header><text>For purposes of this subsection, a highly rural veteran
is any veteran who—</text>
<subparagraph id="H34D77625416B490EB05D8F1000AAECD6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>resides in a
location that is—</text>
<clause id="H6B672788B5024210A300C4FAE6BCA2"><enum>(i)</enum><text>more
than 60 miles driving distance from the nearest Department health care facility
providing primary care services, if the veteran is seeking such
services;</text>
</clause><clause id="H7274B677200E4E51AC9F458731EADB"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>more
than 120 miles driving distance from the nearest Department health care
facility providing acute hospital care, if the veteran is seeking such care;
or</text>
</clause><clause id="H2AE6B13F11D94B7CB9322F343BC0722"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>more than 240
miles driving distance from the nearest Department health care facility
providing tertiary care, if the veteran is seeking such care; or</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE7C2BF7572604EBF85FAB212D9CA691B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in the case of a
veteran who resides in a location less than the distance specified in clause
(i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (A), as applicable, experiences such
hardship or other difficulties in travel to the nearest appropriate Department
health care facility that such travel is not in the best interest of the
veteran, as determined by the Secretary pursuant to regulations prescribed for
purposes of this subsection.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H7BFC53F7D78C4C3F8E3588F8D698481"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Covered health
services</header><text>For purposes of the pilot program under this section, a
covered health service with respect to a covered veteran is any hospital care,
medical service, rehabilitative service, or preventative health service that is
authorized to be provided by the Secretary to the veteran under chapter 17 of
title 38, United States Code, or any other provision of law.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H1630BACF725F4855ACB0AE0786DCC0C3"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Qualifying
non-Department health care providers</header><text>For purposes of the pilot
program under this section, an entity or individual is a qualifying
non-Department health care provider of a covered health service if the
Secretary determines that the entity or individual is qualified to furnish such
service to veterans under the pilot program.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H1E2244DD348F46E288792DDA367F0739"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Election</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A covered veteran seeking to be provided
covered health services under the pilot program under this section shall submit
to the Secretary an application therefor in such form, and containing such
information as the Secretary shall specify for purposes of the pilot
program.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H434AB58661134EF1BDF50479D2F591C6"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Provision of
services through contract</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The
Secretary shall provide covered health services to veterans under the pilot
program under this section through contracts with qualifying non-Department
health care providers for the provision of such services.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H32A81286F49846BD87F4212694A13887"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Exchange of
medical information</header><text>In conducting the pilot program under this
section, the Secretary shall develop and utilize a functional capability to
provide for the exchange of appropriate medical information between the
Department and non-Department health care providers providing health services
under the pilot program.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H20D89F8004C142E081182C974700A8DC"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Reports</header><text>Not
later than the 30 days after the end of each year in which the pilot program
under this section is conducted, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee of
Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
House of Representatives a report which includes—</text>
<paragraph id="H6829B269FFA5417298E47FDA45BD5947"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the assessment of the Secretary of the
pilot program during the preceding year, including its cost, volume, quality,
patient satisfaction, benefit to veterans, and such other findings and
conclusions with respect to pilot program as the Secretary considers
appropriate; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H57668482AF654C9B893FD578DB6F264"><enum>(2)</enum><text>such
recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate regarding—</text>
<subparagraph id="H02888B18B205481CB7445EDEC5D52925"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the continuation
of the pilot program;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF8900F067823499DBF07D6B4C29B14A1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>extension of the
pilot program to other or all Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the
Department;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAFA66D5EF828481BA40800004BA3CC64"><enum>(C)</enum><text>making the pilot
program permanent.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HBC3E95F49786488D959D69F1F76FFB9C" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>404.</enum><header>Epilepsy centers of
excellence</header>
<subsection id="H41AA21F6E2F74C7600A2310683E8EE51"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by adding at the
end the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H41CC402024754A81BFC962CC24FE2B19" style="USC">
<section id="H3EBE20B9E0714908A0F950081EB0005"><enum>7330A.</enum><header>Epilepsy
centers of excellence</header>
<subsection id="H4B54D77F33644D6CB13BB5D23200E3CE"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of
Centers</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H6C6486ACB1C54CDAAB8B804FC44CED3"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Not
later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of the
<short-title>Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care
Improvements Act of 2008</short-title>, the Secretary shall designate at least
four but not more than six Department health care facilities as locations for
epilepsy centers of excellence for the Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HDFDE14B849B949A38F3E00881D86B842" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Of the facilities designated under
paragraph (1), not less than two shall be centers designated under section 7327
of this title.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HF212F5FF27D647A293CD1ECE95491588" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Of the facilities designated under
paragraph (1), not less than two shall be facilities that are not centers
designated under section 7327 of this title.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H039712ADC4F448F4A54B16E90D9CF81" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Subject to the availability of
appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary shall establish and operate an
epilepsy center of excellence at each location designated under paragraph
(1).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HB5032E4AE71F49DE9621F9BAF1ECF54"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Designation of
facilities</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HF075C844E3404AC4B8EB73A003944C7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>In designating locations
for epilepsy centers of excellence under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
solicit proposals from Department health care facilities seeking designation as
a location for an epilepsy center of excellence.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H58392F9577804A7282AACFC7E3CB24D8" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The Secretary may not designate a
facility as a location for an epilepsy center of excellence under subsection
(a) unless the peer review panel established under subsection (c) has
determined under that subsection that the proposal submitted by such facility
seeking designation as a location for an epilepsy center of excellence is among
those proposals that meet the highest competitive standards of scientific and
clinical merit.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB09561FCE05E4CC2A55F669B84E84F56" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>In choosing from among the facilities
meeting the requirements of paragraph (2), the Secretary shall also consider
appropriate geographic distribution when designating the epilepsy centers of
excellence under subsection (a).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H96213552E3C2435DB289A5C027A364F3"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Peer review
panel</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HC38B23E381E8451F83AFA99D46ECFF6E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The
Under Secretary for Health shall establish a peer review panel to assess the
scientific and clinical merit of proposals that are submitted to the Secretary
for the designation of epilepsy centers of excellence under this
section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H00D18E6493E4426D8176A9AD41B8DE7C" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HF2B154C68BA5439F90368F773B365700"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The membership of the
peer review panel shall consist of experts on epilepsy, including
post-traumatic epilepsy.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H925D3826F4FB4390BCAF06F44C4EED08" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Members of the peer review panel
shall serve for a period of no longer than two years, except as specified in
subparagraph (C).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1AD3552E09D14CF4AD17456180A98372" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Of the members first appointed to the
panel, one half shall be appointed for a period of three years and one half
shall be appointed for a period of two years, as designated by the Under
Secretary at the time of appointment.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HFF82743639804D46AE3686916842BE6C" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The peer review panel shall review
each proposal submitted to the panel by the Under Secretary for Health and
shall submit its views on the relative scientific and clinical merit of each
such proposal to the Under Secretary.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H40A86F7114354D58A5C3D6DB4D6E5027" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The peer review panel shall, in
conjunction with the national coordinator designated under subsection (e),
conduct regular evaluations of each epilepsy center of excellence established
and operated under subsection (a) to ensure compliance with the requirements of
this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H6DD610410AA6440F8D9987E0A54B3500" indent="up1"><enum>(5)</enum><text>The peer review panel shall not be
subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H7F10EC3116394429A8E84FEE906A56B"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Epilepsy center
of excellence defined</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this
section, the term <term>epilepsy center of excellence</term> means a health
care facility that has (or in the foreseeable future can develop) the necessary
capacity to function as a center of excellence in research, education, and
clinical care activities in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and has (or
may reasonably be anticipated to develop) each of the following:</text>
<paragraph id="HDC072694C66840ECB18EE56E30397F42"><enum>(1)</enum><text>An affiliation
with an accredited medical school that provides education and training in
neurology, including an arrangement with such school under which medical
residents receive education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of
epilepsy (including neurosurgery).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H68AC1B224B204AD3A3FD00FFF892A47"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The ability to
attract the participation of scientists who are capable of ingenuity and
creativity in health care research efforts.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE1AA5AD89B174FE99607441E4DA7951C"><enum>(3)</enum><text>An advisory
committee composed of veterans and appropriate health care and research
representatives of the facility and of the affiliated school or schools to
advise the directors of such facility and such center on policy matters
pertaining to the activities of the center during the period of the operation
of such center.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H81ED42F31D9743A8991159916298FC55"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The capability to
conduct effectively evaluations of the activities of such center.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H21D882A30D20440AB8783B65765B5D1E"><enum>(5)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The capability to assist in the expansion
of the Department’s use of information systems and databases to improve the
quality and delivery of care for veterans enrolled within the Department’s
health care system.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE18195F0507D495BBC918B2D4D7864F7"><enum>(6)</enum><text>The capability to
assist in the expansion of the Department telehealth program to develop,
transmit, monitor, and review neurological diagnostic tests.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H07F461E66ACE439EA634A959D87FEA3"><enum>(7)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The ability to perform epilepsy research,
education, and clinical care activities in collaboration with Department
medical facilities that have centers for research, education, and clinical care
activities on complex multi-trauma associated with combat injuries established
under section 7327 of this title.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HB21D96AED8C94253AC98BB250038BE6B"><enum>(e)</enum><header>National
coordinator for epilepsy programs</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H32BBDCD786034B828887979C249342B1"><enum>(1)</enum><text>To assist the Secretary
and the Under Secretary for Health in carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall designate an individual in the Veterans Health Administration to act as a
national coordinator for epilepsy programs of the Veterans Health
Administration.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H61173600A07B4A14001C97C65D569302" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The duties of the national
coordinator for epilepsy programs shall include the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="HCC5A257A5E44456184B35F5C3F0196C6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>To supervise the operation of the
centers established pursuant to this section.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H44CB752C5D8945BFA81D20C98328DA32"><enum>(B)</enum><text>To coordinate and support the national
consortium of providers with interest in treating epilepsy at Department health
care facilities lacking such centers in order to ensure better access to
state-of-the-art diagnosis, research, clinical care, and education for
traumatic brain injury and epilepsy throughout the health care system of the
Department.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H927BEBA018924B7C87D3AAAD479CAE00"><enum>(C)</enum><text>To conduct, in conjunction with the
peer review panel established under subsection (c), regular evaluations of the
epilepsy centers of excellence to ensure compliance with the requirements of
this section.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H36B346AAD4E8435DB8B4C1D92EAE03AF"><enum>(D)</enum><text>To coordinate (as part of an
integrated national system) education, clinical care, and research activities
within all facilities with an epilepsy center of excellence.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H58C51CFC17734583921C2DAEE1409CE5"><enum>(E)</enum><text>To develop jointly a national
consortium of providers with interest in treating epilepsy at Department health
care facilities lacking an epilepsy center of excellence in order to ensure
better access to state-of-the-art diagnosis, research, clinical care, and
education for traumatic brain injury and epilepsy throughout the health care
system of the Department. Such consortium should include a designated epilepsy
referral clinic in each Veterans Integrated Service Network.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HE4AEF5EC52FA48B8B05357196C23359B" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>In carrying out duties under this
subsection, the national coordinator for epilepsy programs shall report to the
official of the Veterans Health Administration responsible for
neurology.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HDB2F5D2ECFE44068A179EED100776570"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Authorization of
Appropriations</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H4BE6009D28FB4AC690026FF4BFFF1115"><enum>(1)</enum><text>There are authorized to
be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013 for the
support of the clinical care, research, and education activities of the
epilepsy centers of excellence established and operated pursuant to subsection
(a)(2).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5E11BDA8D48D4ADDB0FE72BB17421BD0" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>There are authorized to be
appropriated for each fiscal year after fiscal year 2013 such sums as may be
necessary for the support of the clinical care, research, and education
activities of the epilepsy centers of excellence established and operated
pursuant to subsection (a)(2).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2624C85AC3AF4DCEB3314471694B8206" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The Secretary shall ensure that funds
for such centers are designated for the first three years of operation as a
special purpose program for which funds are not allocated through the Veterans
Equitable Resource Allocation system.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HF9E7DAB5E4AC4935BF227D211F537BA5" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text>In addition to amounts authorized to
be appropriated under paragraphs (1) and (2) for a fiscal year, the Under
Secretary for Health shall allocate to such centers from other funds
appropriated generally for the Department medical services account and medical
and prosthetics research account, as appropriate, such amounts as the Under
Secretary for Health determines appropriate.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H84CE9332C1114595BB83AA28A98BD342" indent="up1"><enum>(5)</enum><text>In addition to amounts authorized to
be appropriated under paragraphs (1) and (2) for a fiscal year, there are
authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to fund the
national coordinator established by subsection
(e).</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="HBBF6A6FCE3024DC68720F0E0AC12375D"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Clerical
amendment</header><text>The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7330 the following new
item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H249C68169FFF407FB0CE8F06D09468E" style="OLC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry level="section">7330A. Epilepsy centers of
excellence.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="H63371285A7E34704A9DD8433E8F0996"><enum>405.</enum><header>Establishment of
qualifications for peer specialist appointees</header>
<subsection id="HA21FE61BB55048CB92D0EEBA418572C5"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7402(b) is
amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H740E2BDB14E4489A95AD33CFAA4097DC"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating the paragraph (11)
relating to other health care positions as paragraph (14); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HBA401D08CE1B434B85671EEBA820672F"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after paragraph (12) the
following new paragraph (13):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H073FE5B6EB094825A5A494D52B6BDF00" style="USC">
<paragraph id="HC6335E3D58F54B3E8B00C71900174EEB" indent="up1"><enum>(13)</enum><header>Peer specialist</header><text>To
be eligible to be appointed to a peer specialist position, a person
must—</text>
<subparagraph id="HD61B85AEB0324DC1B97C23E3E27FBFCB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be a veteran who has recovered or is
recovering from a mental health condition; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCF9EAFEEF9C443EEB654DB588D6097C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>be certified by—</text>
<clause id="H731DCF9803B6439BBB4C40E289C230C7"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a not-for-profit entity engaged in
peer specialist training as having met such criteria as the Secretary shall
establish for a peer specialist position; or</text>
</clause><clause id="HAED711B1F21E4B10B375422493ABB7CF"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a State as having satisfied
relevant State requirements for a peer specialist
position.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HC0F0E2717A89491CA5DF5E0014266256"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Peer specialist
training</header><text>Section 7402 is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA51020F05E7C441E80BFC8A7F53FCF73" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H9B554C9A5AB6444EA3F7EDD26C1497FB"><enum>(g)</enum><text>The Secretary may
enter into contracts with not-for-profit entities to provide—</text>
<paragraph id="H3DEA35EBFD3342409B18FFDDE782FF4F"><enum>(1)</enum><text>peer specialist
training to veterans; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCB3B9D1D6FC44D75A7157284E5F4C998"><enum>(2)</enum><text>certification for
veterans under subsection
(b)(13)(B)(i).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="H30C2BAE8455043D800ADDC6DD3C849C" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>406.</enum><header>Establishment of
consolidated patient accounting centers</header>
<subsection display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3A6AE70F8AD44A59BD3075F0B81ED451"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of
Centers</header><text>Chapter 17 is amended by inserting after section 1729A
the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H72BA2522D052476280EFF84992C71B3" style="USC">
<section id="H7D9A775F4A414CF19EDBF5D403B5F59C"><enum>1729B.</enum><header>Consolidated
patient accounting centers</header>
<subsection id="HD641E42881E74D33AA2049DC76AF9E29"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not later than five years after the date of the enactment
of this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish not more
than seven consolidated patient accounting centers for conducting
industry-modeled regionalized billing and collection activities of the
Department.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HA6F5C78C9A6C4CBA8279D048D892C8D"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Functions</header><text>The
centers shall carry out the following functions:</text>
<paragraph id="H279F148D95204F43B895A798CDF7291B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Reengineer and
integrate all business processes of the revenue cycle of the Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H6F227C1078B0472DA52D8EEE8ED251A1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Standardize and
coordinate all activities of the Department related to the revenue cycle for
all health care services furnished to veterans for non-service-connected
medical conditions.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HF4A62B01BFE7402A90D01B4B1234D19C"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Apply commercial
industry standards for measures of access, timeliness, and performance metrics
with respect to revenue enhancement of the Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA0147C293BEA43528B4254125FC14B80"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Apply other
requirements with respect to such revenue cycle improvement as the Secretary
may
specify.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="H6A7447B66C3B40BDA56931048C1D8450"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Clerical
amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of
sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 1729A the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5F774FA2A175497392F2A3FE6219400" style="USC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry level="section">1729B. Consolidated patient accounting
centers.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="HEEDDD14746CF4D8EADEA00C63440ED6C"><enum>407.</enum><header>Repeal of
limitation on authority to conduct widespread HIV testing program</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 124 of the Veterans' Benefits and
Services Act of 1988 (title I of <external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/100/322">Public Law 100–322</external-xref>, as amended; 38 U.S.C. 7333
note) is repealed.</text>
</section><section id="HC31EB421B8A4483DB9961F325936FFC8"><enum>408.</enum><header>Provision of
comprehensive health care by Secretary of Veterans Affairs to children of
Vietnam veterans born with Spina Bifida</header>
<subsection id="H736C03B857F0420285D636F24E27F580"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Provision of
comprehensive health care</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 1803(a) is amended by striking
<quote>such health care as the Secretary determines is needed by the child for
the spina bifida or any disability that is associated with such
condition</quote> and inserting <quote>health care under this
section</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HF078C8B3BF654F36A9279B459DFA5630"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Effective
date</header><text>The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with
respect to care furnished after the date of the enactment of this Act.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="HB3238D538F6E4070AA645234A7795938"><enum>409.</enum><header>Exemption from
copayment requirement for veterans receiving hospice care</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1710 is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H2875544252274AC3A9594B00558649EE"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (f)(1), by inserting
<quote>(except if such care constitutes hospice care)</quote> after
<quote>nursing home care</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD5DCD96A3E5D4EB2A43392CD18123155"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection
(g)(1), by inserting <quote>(except if such care constitutes hospice
care)</quote> after <quote>medical services</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></section><enum>V</enum><header>Pain
Care</header>
<section id="H36ECC8FAF9F743AD96F4473B39E50001"><enum>501.</enum><header>Comprehensive
policy on pain management</header>
<subsection id="H7C1404C7C0FC460EB0A79BE187BC9BB3"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Comprehensive
policy required</header><text>Not later than October 1, 2009, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the
management of pain experienced by veterans enrolled for health care services
provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H7ED39266ACF147A6AB3B8BABADBED686"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Scope of
policy</header><text>The policy required by subsection (a) shall cover each of
the following:</text>
<paragraph id="HC3D8ED47585E4DFAB24C3800F148F380"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The
Department-wide management of acute and chronic pain experienced by
veterans.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HC8A0C06D05E74CC18EF5BD649962AF"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The
standard of care for pain management to be used throughout the
Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H161EDB9DAB124FC98D39E034955BB"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The
consistent application of pain assessments to be used throughout the
Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCE2E7A3D809041F80060DB8E9405CB09"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The assurance of
prompt and appropriate pain care treatment and management by the Department,
system-wide, when medically necessary.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H380906E888B04E618E287E007D9F7460"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Department
programs of research related to acute and chronic pain suffered by veterans,
including pain attributable to central and peripheral nervous system damage
characteristic of injuries incurred in modern warfare.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H538ACFA0990844F0B8C900B53F455DEB"><enum>(6)</enum><text>Department
programs of pain care education and training for health care personnel of the
Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H344B122505C84F6D9C06A747C4EFE83E"><enum>(7)</enum><text>Department
programs of patient education for veterans suffering from acute or chronic pain
and their families.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H18B3D8BE4C4C44A5AD923B162E64EFBB"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Updates</header><text>The
Secretary shall revise the policy required by subsection (a) on a periodic
basis in accordance with experience and evolving best practice
guidelines.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H81A61847D402494F9C60DDFF00E676E7"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Consultation</header><text>The
Secretary shall develop the policy required by subsection (a), and revise such
policy under subsection (c), in consultation with veterans service
organizations and organizations with expertise in the assessment, diagnosis,
treatment, and management of pain.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H7C3AA863AC9B413986F4CD43A2C447F1"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Annual
report</header>
<paragraph id="HC7B4A1850F7640E5A8C1ECE96492A595"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not later than 180 days after the date of the completion
and initial implementation of the policy required by subsection (a) and on
October 1 of every fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 2018, 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
the implementation of the policy required by subsection (a).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H4DF6731438F1477AB582C2FBFAC2C96D"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Contents</header><text>The
report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="HB9B00FE0376144B9B67B7400D45C37D3"><enum>(A)</enum><text>A description of
the policy developed and implemented under subsection (a) and any revisions to
such policy under subsection (c).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0D31523117984BE1B78F09CB3C17FEF"><enum>(B)</enum><text>A description of
the performance measures used to determine the effectiveness of such policy in
improving pain care for veterans system-wide.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7428F09511894945A79F5E5B1CB63009"><enum>(C)</enum><text>An assessment of
the adequacy of Department pain management services based on a survey of
patients managed in Department clinics.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA462228289784EC3BA00009E7508F761"><enum>(D)</enum><text>An assessment of
the research projects of the Department relevant to the treatment of the types
of acute and chronic pain suffered by veterans.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE847C424DD8D4665918B1EAF60FB1118"><enum>(E)</enum><text>An assessment of
the training provided to Department health care personnel with respect to the
diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H201922AEFEDE4F288E951418EC64A4D"><enum>(F)</enum><text>An assessment of
the patient pain care education programs of the Department.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE7E9F97CA9804F8FA63300DC099EA8E8"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Veterans service
organization defined</header><text>In this section, the term <term>veterans
service organization</term> means any organization recognized by the Secretary
for the representation of veterans under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/5902">section 5902</external-xref> of title 38, United
States Code.</text>
</subsection></section><enum>VI</enum><header>Homeless Veterans
Matters</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA0AE04C7B16547A191B78D00AA246E68"><enum>601.</enum><header>Increased
authorization of appropriations for comprehensive service
programs</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 2013 is
amended by striking <quote>$130,000,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$150,000,000</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="H35092D2892084BDABC5E15BAF200CEF"><enum>602.</enum><header>Expansion and
extension of authority for program of referral and counseling services for
at-risk veterans transitioning from certain institutions</header>
<subsection id="HBD105410EED24D0F883CDE4DE329B90"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Program
authority</header><text>Subsection (a) of section 2023 is amended by striking
<quote>a demonstration program for the purpose of determining the costs and
benefits of providing</quote> and inserting <quote>a program of</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HCE21382F7C334DE1BF00243389FC61EF"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Scope of
program</header><text>Subsection (b) of such section is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H47EEC17A89814036B4C8438F230048E6"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking
<quote><header-in-text level="subsection" style="OLC">Demonstration</header-in-text></quote> in the subsection
heading;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0D333E0E5BCB472E937400AFFC98DB52"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>demonstration</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD78038845BEF4554A200EB96A483D80"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by
striking <quote>in at least six locations</quote> and inserting <quote>in at
least 12 locations</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HADDE22516FBB4C5A8CD229F40083AB09"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Extension of
authority</header><text>Subsection (d) of such section is amended by striking
<quote>shall cease</quote> and all that follows and inserting <quote>shall
cease on September 30, 2012.</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H85970EF22B1941F0A368947293E59FCC"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Conforming
amendments</header>
<paragraph id="H2D95AA616DB2469E8DFFDE3D5582902"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Subsection (c)(1)
of such section is amended by striking <quote>demonstration</quote>.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0290F62879A246FD849C1E007E32EBCA"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The heading of
such section is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2AC72C42A72247529D531BBA98613458" style="USC">
<section id="H308D45C7A194428DA344FDCCB91E34A0"><enum>2023.</enum><header>Referral and
counseling services: veterans at risk of homelessness who are transitioning
from certain
institutions</header>
</section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0DEF66C29DB54C3FB617A000F28BC2F"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Section
2022(f)(2)(C) of such title is amended by striking
<quote>demonstration</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HC24C0206252F44FAA3C8AF8B7E2D9B83"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Clerical
amendment</header><text>The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 20 is
amended by striking the item relating to section 2023 and inserting the
following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1F564EF3022F48F0A099D159F8A26061" style="USC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry level="section">2023. Referral and counseling services:
veterans at risk of homelessness who are transitioning from certain
institutions.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="HC6A5AA7E59D0472C92DF4E8566BFD605"><enum>603.</enum><header>Permanent
authority for domiciliary services for homeless veterans and enhancement of
capacity of domiciliary care programs for female veterans</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Subsection (b) of section 2043 is amended to
read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA73C9DCD89394DDCA3AA2DBDEA82D45" style="OLC">
<subsection id="HEF9C87D7EE6A4B219B07AAE39970E9C5"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Enhancement of
capacity of domiciliary care programs for female veterans</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall take appropriate
actions to ensure that the domiciliary care programs of the Department are
adequate, with respect to capacity and with respect to safety, to meet the
needs of veterans who are
women.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="HEDDC709CE0E34B98987B00FBDF5C35E"><enum>604.</enum><header>Financial
assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in
permanent housing</header>
<subsection id="HD3A130C02CF043E786DBA1BBA1B5376F"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Purpose</header><text>The
purpose of this section is to facilitate the provision of supportive services
for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HD3F3E634DD714AB7BD9DCA6D00EBAC36"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Financial
Assistance</header>
<paragraph id="H913EFE2C8DF24153827463F949CFF2D0"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Subchapter V of chapter 20 is amended by adding at the
end the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block id="H74717E97CE3A40068E9FD69DAEEF6903" style="USC">
<section id="HF6E1D918E32543F2A69CF014FDAF1C46"><enum>2044.</enum><header>Financial
assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in
permanent housing</header>
<subsection id="H0FFBACEFBC4141A09FF6F200C3DD5D3D"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Distribution of
Financial Assistance</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H1D0B5925E7A44C45A2C9F9EC95210877"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall
provide financial assistance to eligible entities approved under this section
to provide and coordinate the provision of supportive services described in
subsection (b) for very low-income veteran families occupying permanent
housing.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H6E3FD1B3A52C47588B49007D1090C67E" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Financial assistance under this
section shall consist of grants for each such family for which an approved
eligible entity is providing or coordinating the provision of supportive
services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5EF41D7AEB16440E9EC20335FDD8272" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HE3AF267AE4F04EEF8BC797C4700A9C3"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The Secretary shall
provide such grants to each eligible entity that is providing or coordinating
the provision of supportive services.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE366C1C219A04AE0AAB6E74711852570" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The Secretary is authorized to
establish intervals of payment for the administration of such grants and
establish a maximum amount to be awarded, in accordance with the services being
provided and their duration.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF752634784A14EBEAEE731E8948E1FA3" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text>In providing financial assistance
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to entities providing
or coordinating the provision of supportive services for very low-income
veteran families who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent
housing.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HC61000E9B2F74A62994982C07251BA4F" indent="up1"><enum>(5)</enum><text>The Secretary shall ensure that, to
the extent practicable, financial assistance under this subsection is equitably
distributed across geographic regions, including rural communities and tribal
lands.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9709F5227189413C9406AA554B235BF8" indent="up1"><enum>(6)</enum><text>Each entity receiving financial
assistance under this section to provide supportive services to a very
low-income veteran family shall notify that family that such services are being
paid for, in whole or in part, by the Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H556DBC14E6744FB7BCBFE39D928C267" indent="up1"><enum>(7)</enum><text>The Secretary may require entities
receiving financial assistance under this section to submit a report to the
Secretary that describes the projects carried out with such financial
assistance.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H729F8C92D68E4501BF19C904DAFADC07"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Supportive
Services</header><text>The supportive services referred to in subsection (a)
are the following:</text>
<paragraph id="HC502D3A31C96461E866B3EED1F6F36F6"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Services provided
by an eligible entity or a subcontractor of an eligible entity that address the
needs of very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing,
including—</text>
<subparagraph id="HD69476A7FCF647AE82E4F61F32568139"><enum>(A)</enum><text>outreach
services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA31D46034FBD48A7AAEDB852A487AE11"><enum>(B)</enum><text>case management
services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC594A5F9600A4C87BC629713BB5F8798"><enum>(C)</enum><text>assistance in
obtaining any benefits from the Department which the veteran may be eligible to
receive, including, but not limited to, vocational and rehabilitation
counseling, employment and training service, educational assistance, and health
care services; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBF1F71140E4F4A79857211C36C84F050"><enum>(D)</enum><text>assistance in
obtaining and coordinating the provision of other public benefits provided in
federal, State, or local agencies, or any organization defined in subsection
(f), including—</text>
<clause id="HA70F627F04BA4CD491E535BCF2C41F40"><enum>(i)</enum><text>health care
services (including obtaining health insurance);</text>
</clause><clause id="H58A013C1962C47E380976C6B3CF0E387"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>daily living
services;</text>
</clause><clause id="HD29060F1BF1A4EF690219CC1426D8B85"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>personal
financial planning;</text>
</clause><clause id="H4E11F1927E844DC682107D7D2E77CA5"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>transportation
services;</text>
</clause><clause id="HB394F17A21554BD3B2A4235C242787B"><enum>(v)</enum><text>income support
services;</text>
</clause><clause id="H405335EA6DF14018BA39B85FCFAFCD71"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>fiduciary and
representative payee services;</text>
</clause><clause id="H951509E1C1204773AEA3793E4F5B0692"><enum>(vii)</enum><text>legal services
to assist the veteran family with issues that interfere with the family's
ability to obtain or retain housing or supportive services;</text>
</clause><clause id="HA91F9C7796AD4B5FAF28799C39F1C6C3"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>child
care;</text>
</clause><clause id="HB46630EC706B47FE9F629121CC84DC5"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>housing
counseling; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H9ABAA08F44B84D858F666054B06E2DEE"><enum>(x)</enum><text>other services
necessary for maintaining independent living.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H7B46A7DB7602482F81DDB682A5D6D13"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Services described
in paragraph (1) that are delivered to very low-income veteran families who are
homeless and who are scheduled to become residents of permanent housing within
90 days pending the location or development of housing suitable for permanent
housing.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5153E68095184AF5ABD21F7B6E59CC9D"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Services described
in paragraph (1) for very low-income veteran families who have voluntarily
chosen to seek other housing after a period of tenancy in permanent housing,
that are provided, for a period of 90 days after such families exit permanent
housing or until such families commence receipt of other housing services
adequate to meet their current needs, but only to the extent that services
under this paragraph are designed to support such families in their choice to
transition into housing that is responsive to their individual needs and
preferences.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H566530029EAB457ABA46189F7E86B855"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Application for
Financial Assistance</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HED8F611183F44B239EFBADFF63579D26"><enum>(1)</enum><text>An eligible entity
seeking financial assistance under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary
an application therefor in such form, in such manner, and containing such
commitments and information as the Secretary determines to be necessary to
carry out this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HDFE49FBB64D047FA81788C5D65BF86D" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Each application submitted by an
eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall contain—</text>
<subparagraph id="H056BF7D4E9A14B3CAE51A84D07287928"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a description of the supportive
services proposed to be provided by the eligible entity and the identified
needs for those services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H248D719A14964BFDB82900DF52DE02B1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a description of the types of very
low-income veteran families proposed to be provided such services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H05C5287138AD4211A000B3FB1F004C"><enum>(C)</enum><text>an estimate of the number of very
low-income veteran families proposed to be provided such services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H57E062BBF1C545ABAF807800CE2FACD8"><enum>(D)</enum><text>evidence of the experience of the
eligible entity in providing supportive services to very low-income veteran
families; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H65BBFD1D21E94B4BA5519CE8D2F4BDAF"><enum>(E)</enum><text>a description of the managerial
capacity of the eligible entity—</text>
<clause id="HFFBE112493E5417A003582B8CB24E6CD"><enum>(i)</enum><text>to coordinate the provision of
supportive services with the provision of permanent housing by the eligible
entity or by other organizations;</text>
</clause><clause id="H45ECB42BF5F744B784ACE9B8910084D4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to assess continuously the needs
of very low-income veteran families for supportive services;</text>
</clause><clause id="HE6E5C2357667418EA10056740682AC61"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>to coordinate the provision of
supportive services with the services of the Department;</text>
</clause><clause id="HD89DDE2665334869B3D63CBB0197A2F7"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>to tailor supportive services to
the needs of very low-income veteran families; and</text>
</clause><clause id="HCB814EF3EDD441978299D700120021E7"><enum>(v)</enum><text>to seek continuously new sources of
assistance to ensure the long-term provision of supportive services to very
low-income veteran families.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HB83CCB79922F465AA298F3B8DE962581" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The Secretary shall establish
criteria for the selection of eligible entities to be provided financial
assistance under this section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H8E8FB57693F845C895D962C9A4113674"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Technical
Assistance</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H0464588AAB8F4200A508ED7F67B290A1"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall
provide training and technical assistance to participating eligible entities
regarding the planning, development, and provision of supportive services to
very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing, through the
Technical Assistance grants program in section 2064 of this title.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCA64DDC1DB884AB0A43079A054CA6264" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The Secretary may provide the
training described in paragraph (1) directly or through grants or contracts
with appropriate public or nonprofit private entities.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HB9FFE0095F3E474E9280B201E306D2FB"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Funding</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H9C2626DA77734BFF9DF22869809FCF28"><enum>(1)</enum><text>From amounts
appropriated to the Department for Medical Services, there shall be available
to carry out subsection (a), (b), and (c) amounts as follows:</text>
<subparagraph id="HE21689FB73D149CFABB262BFCADA91F2" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>$15,000,000 for fiscal year
2009.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0A5C857E632344C5B61ED0D919B7EE96" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>$20,000,000 for fiscal year
2010.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9063B7CD12C84D8D9356E600F8F07D8B" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>$25,000,000 for fiscal year
2011.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H5329C2FFF8B246EBBA70BF2CB7BAF78" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Not more than $750,000 may be
available under paragraph (1) in any fiscal year to provide technical
assistance under subsection (d).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H0D0E8C4C2AF042A4A063DB1CDEE7D68" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>There is authorized to be
appropriated $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal year 2009 through 2011 to carry
out the provisions of subsection (d).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H4E4ECBCA0BEB4B8FA8E230A7C9F71D00"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In
this section:</text>
<paragraph id="H2CC87E52F9364FF6B4AD1C496F7449B3"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The term
<term>consumer cooperative</term> has the meaning given such term in section
202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/12/1701q">12 U.S.C. 1701q</external-xref>).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H178DC0661D0E450281B35C00BB6200A4"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The term
<term>eligible entity</term> means—</text>
<subparagraph id="HE20B92C2110B4D22AE1B639E5D498588"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a private
nonprofit organization; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H901C587BB4C249E5835CFC5AA2C60B4"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a consumer
cooperative.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF424F97E146E4615A17268EC16BE38A0"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The term
<term>homeless</term> has the meaning given that term in section 103 of the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/11302">42 U.S.C. 11302</external-xref>).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H067D076E56AB453D9846A908A8264644"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The term
<term>permanent housing</term> means community-based housing without a
designated length of stay.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2EE30AA264CD4F91B03D90002CC83E8F"><enum>(5)</enum><text>The term
<term>private nonprofit organization</term> means any of the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="HE9F56CD9CD3841B1A1E375B45F67AD9C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Any incorporated
private institution or foundation—</text>
<clause id="H2C9E44DCD01C460E8BFC4E76AD7B2C8E"><enum>(i)</enum><text>no
part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any member, founder,
contributor, or individual;</text>
</clause><clause id="H6C817F7D3AA947788D93A52DDBF2BD5"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>which has a
governing board that is responsible for the operation of the supportive
services provided under this section; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H812C9EA0B6F74C4BA24905E6674783C1"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>which is
approved by the Secretary as to financial responsibility.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H90E03AF209684DDEB158BB15BA5F800"><enum>(B)</enum><text>A for-profit
limited partnership, the sole general partner of which is an organization
meeting the requirements of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph
(A).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC80C4CE6F1654BFB874500AF7D750008"><enum>(C)</enum><text>A corporation
wholly owned and controlled by an organization meeting the requirements of
clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H77F8BF77073640F6AFC62C521FC0495B"><enum>(D)</enum><text>A tribally
designated housing entity (as defined in section 4 of the Native American
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/25/4103">25 U.S.C. 4103</external-xref>)).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H794D11E773D44F69B9F00BFC9F3123"><enum>(6)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H55006DAAD0CF4867967B3088947D1EC9"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Subject to subparagraphs
(B) and (C), the term <term>very low-income veteran family</term> means a
veteran family whose income does not exceed 50 percent of the median income for
an area specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section, as determined
by the Secretary in accordance with this paragraph.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD0356A4228EB4EA68FC6133C4F2D87BE" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The Secretary shall make appropriate
adjustments to the income requirement under subparagraph (A) based on family
size.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H08C59DC5B48A4C9DA83194EC59BC1D62" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The Secretary may establish an income
ceiling higher or lower than 50 percent of the median income for an area if the
Secretary determines that such variations are necessary because the area has
unusually high or low construction costs, fair market rents (as determined
under section 8 of the <act-name parsable-cite="USHA">United States Housing Act
of 1937</act-name> (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/1437f">42 U.S.C. 1437f</external-xref>)), or family incomes.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H3C742829BFBD45E1B4B7958BC8E206F8"><enum>(7)</enum><text>The term
<term>veteran family</term> includes a veteran who is a single person and a
family in which the head of household or the spouse of the head of household is
a
veteran.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H12C575C62325495C00FBD85356068C24"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Clerical
amendment</header><text>The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 20 is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2043 the following new
item:</text>
<quoted-block id="H7CDA779B99434148AE8D00B02765BF50" style="OLC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry level="section">2044. Financial assistance for supportive
services for very low-income veteran families in permanent
housing.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H9B41D2E0B8E84BD9BCEA5CA1D19FE69F"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Study of
Effectiveness of Permanent Housing Program</header>
<paragraph id="HE0C25F02D8754612B083F687CAA49BD9"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>For fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the Secretary shall
conduct a study of the effectiveness of the permanent housing program under
<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/2044">section 2044</external-xref> of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), in
meeting the needs of very low-income veteran families, as that term is defined
in that section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H912AEFB5701E47E28189A00A5BAEEAB"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Comparison</header><text>In
the study required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall compare the results of
the program referred to in that subsection with other programs of the
Department of Veterans Affairs dedicated to the delivery of housing and
services to veterans.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB06DE6573D27419384441FF1D644A897"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Criteria</header><text>In
making the comparison required in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall examine
the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="HD85878EB8FCD4BBFADF8006EECD41900"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The satisfaction
of veterans targeted by the programs described in paragraph (2).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9ABE5C7DBF1D42FC8D7B31B38DFF5EC1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The health status
of such veterans.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE2135058841A4069A14711732559D815"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The housing
provided such veterans under such programs.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H635ACD0AAC504B1F834B5479F0FCA556"><enum>(D)</enum><text>The degree to
which such veterans are encouraged to productive activity by such
programs.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9D8ADCB025BF4457A8B4B27C00006596"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not
later than March 31, 2011, 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 the results of the study required by
paragraph (1).</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><enum>VII</enum><header>Authorization of
Medical Facility Projects and Major Medical Facility Leases</header>
<section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD17FA23849574F80BFC6E9CEE76C35D" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>701.</enum><header>Authorization for
fiscal year 2009 major medical facility projects</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry
out the following major medical facility projects in fiscal year 2009 in the
amount specified for each project:</text>
<paragraph id="HA0E403A0A1E5484090C89EC5F0480497"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Seismic
corrections, Building 2, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health
Care System, Palo Alto Division Palo Alto, California, in an amount not to
exceed $54,000,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H8DEB1126A96841EA8EBCF88714AEEA28"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Construction of a
polytrauma healthcare and rehabilitation center at the Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, in an amount not to exceed
$66,000,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H40FD56FFD4964207AEA8C88259D6B7C3"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Seismic
corrections, Building 1, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
San Juan, Puerto Rico, in an amount not to exceed $225,900,000.</text>
</paragraph></section><section id="H7CEF9EDBA27E4E94932C8C50C0ADFBE7"><enum>702.</enum><header>Modification of
authorization amounts for certain major medical facility construction projects
previously authorized</header>
<subsection id="H9E50BC13C95D46FDA7624C003FB370B5"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Modification of
major medical facility authorizations</header><text>Section 801(a) of the
Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public
Law 109–461) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="HC439E719F9FE475B9B27FDE4283319D2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in paragraph
(1)—</text>
<subparagraph id="HB9257806D4104022A255000000F1D2A5"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>$300,000,000</quote> and inserting <quote>$625,000,000</quote>;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H87B6D973F2BB4801A359003464009940"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by striking the
second sentence; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HBD7552D058AB477299F4CD459EE1934F"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in paragraph (3),
by striking <quote>$98,000,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$568,400,000</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H03DE6677E6734C3093402B07CB25BD49"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Modification of
authorization for certain major medical facility construction projects
previously authorized in connection with capital asset realignment
initiative</header>
<paragraph id="HFE998237D00F40AD94D3DBCDD4D011DD"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Correction of
patient privacy deficiencies at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center, Gainesville, Florida</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (5) of section 802 of the
Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public
Law 109–461) is amended by striking <quote>$85,200,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$136,700,000</quote>.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCBC95DCC6E9A40B08347ECFCF3FAAF"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Construction of a
new medical center facility at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical
center, Las Vegas, Nevada</header><text>Paragraph (7) of such section is
amended by striking <quote>$406,000,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$600,400,000</quote>.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE316F648619C46C4AB897BF60098A115"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Construction of
a new outpatient clinic, Lee County, Florida</header><text>Paragraph (8) of
such section is amended—</text>
<subparagraph id="H791DF819BB1B42138D9F00007D45E72C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>ambulatory</quote> and all that follows through <quote>purchase,</quote>
and inserting <quote>outpatient clinic in</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H32CD8F2B864C4E33AB85BFBBE436A22B"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>$65,100,000</quote> and
inserting <quote>$131,800,000</quote>.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H104E714B73D64CA4A39C14FC9B85B744"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Construction of
a new medical center facility, Orlando, Florida</header><text>Paragraph (11) of
such section is amended by striking <quote>$377,700,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$656,800,000</quote>.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9E586BCF54284B4286D39D3E17198FE6"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Consolidation of
campuses at the University Drive and H. John Heinz III Divisions, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania</header><text>Paragraph (12) of such section is amended by
striking <quote>$189,205,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$295,600,000</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HE3B2E4EA4FDC4E9CA0F7FAB01DBF7DE9"><enum>703.</enum><header>Authorization
of fiscal year 2009 major medical facility leases</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry
out the following major medical facility leases in fiscal year 2009 at the
locations specified, and in an amount for each lease not to exceed the amount
shown for such location:</text>
<paragraph id="HBF520C9F47D44E54BF67F47DB4E7F2E1"><enum>(1)</enum><text>For an outpatient
clinic, Brandon, Florida, $4,326,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H1D6FB97A7B2B4C9B871C061C2462DF84"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For an outpatient clinic, Colorado Springs,
Colorado, $10,300,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2F3FFBB27F364CD8A13292CFCD99778C"><enum>(3)</enum><text>For an outpatient
clinic, Eugene, Oregon, $5,826,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5203365EB6574263BCFAB4CFAFBFCA90"><enum>(4)</enum><text>For the expansion
of an outpatient clinic, Green Bay, Wisconsin, $5,891,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2495589DA8394D509B28B7E0C48AD54"><enum>(5)</enum><text>For an outpatient
clinic, Greenville, South Carolina, $3,731,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCC7E40005D1042768B17EBA0A3491EC0"><enum>(6)</enum><text>For an outpatient
clinic, Mansfield, Ohio, $2,212,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H14AE4AFD47CE411F93FD80F800D8D5A3"><enum>(7)</enum><text>For an outpatient
clinic, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, $6,276,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H66C53820992E49DAB401BFC56212A4EA"><enum>(8)</enum><text>For an outpatient
clinic, Mesa, Arizona, $5,106,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE3C4B7AE7652461E96CF126238BA15F2"><enum>(9)</enum><text>For interim
research space, Palo Alto, California, $8,636,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2E10E724EABD476A9F2ECE624F10E7DA"><enum>(10)</enum><text>For the expansion
of an outpatient clinic, Savannah, Georgia, $3,168,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE72855346E5446E6BD6E8969D03567B8"><enum>(11)</enum><text>For an outpatient
clinic, Sun City, Arizona, $2,295,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HF7620D478B3945C48FE1DA10EA4A7E1"><enum>(12)</enum><text>For a primary care
annex, Tampa, Florida, $8,652,000.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB2D0DF13ADB94B508B017EBEE5BEBE91"><enum>(13)</enum><text>For an outpatient
clinic, Peoria, Illinois, $3,600,000.</text>
</paragraph></section><section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3D1610A56D744AE68C99158710A823D9" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>704.</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations</header>
<subsection id="H2DA5C1D52A8446D896575CC600F74D61"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations for fiscal year 2009 major medical facility
projects</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is authorized
to be appropriated for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2009
for the Construction, Major Projects, account—</text>
<paragraph id="H551D9F9F228F405AB8DB5C413878B6FD"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$345,900,000 for the projects authorized in
section 701; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H386A789C6D084A2892BF2DFFC66AA00"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">$1,493,495,000 for the increased amounts
authorized for projects whose authorizations are modified by section
702.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H5B1058E304EE4361AD1FEDE020BB00C9"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Authorization
For Appropriations For Fiscal Year 2009 Major Medical Facility
Leases</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">There is authorized to
be appropriated for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2009 for
the Medical Facilities account, $70,019,000, for the leases authorized in
section 703.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9005E3DF755047599150601E43FB14A1" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>705.</enum><header>Increase in
threshold for major medical facility leases requiring Congressional
approval</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 8104(a)(3)(B)
is amended by striking <quote>$600,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$1,000,000</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="HBF5A8262458141B08C2C05D6A76FBB17" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>706.</enum><header>Conveyance of
certain non-Federal land by City of Aurora, Colorado, to Secretary of Veterans
Affairs for construction of veterans medical facility</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 410 of title IV of division I of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (<external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/110/161">Public Law 110–161</external-xref>; 121 Stat. 2276) is
amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H92323C067E684B598C266DE003948818" style="OLC">
<section id="HAEB99BED277A49F19084B0085F7978DB" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>410.</enum><header>Conveyance of
certain non-Federal land</header>
<subsection id="H6C5990438B1046D59DAEF006C299F7C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section:</text>
<paragraph id="H53EF6EF7650C45DFBCC71C3CBE080706"><enum>(1)</enum><header>City</header><text>The
term <term>City</term> means the City of Aurora, Colorado.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA6D358560E3D4DA791D59884E8C92F64"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Deed</header><text>The
term <term>deed</term> means the quitclaim deed—</text>
<subparagraph id="HB458B012BF384C3B98B09D1D006C08EB"><enum>(A)</enum><text>conveyed to the
City by the Secretary (acting through the Director of the National Park
Service); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0F92A6DEAEBA4E1EAE3C18823DE9418D"><enum>(B)</enum><text>dated May 24,
1999.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HBF280389AE4048FA009206696456A4F"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Non-Federal
land</header><text>The term <term>non-Federal land</term> means—</text>
<subparagraph id="H2B9BB210685943FAB9C75E053459C302"><enum>(A)</enum><text>parcel I of the
former United States Army Garrison Fitzsimons, Adams County, Colorado, as more
specifically described in the deed; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H520E3FE6DBB341C883775ECB439F745E"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the parcel of land
described in the deed.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H473B3B191BCA4F1AB4D0BF64869EE148"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Secretary</header><text>The
term <term>Secretary</term> means the Secretary of the Interior.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8C0B67F228AA4C9A89D3EB93EB2D00B2"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Duty of
Secretary</header><text>To allow the City to convey by donation to the United
States the non-Federal land to be used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
the construction of a veterans medical facility, not later than 60 days after
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall execute each
instrument that is necessary to release all rights, conditions, and
restrictions retained by the United States in and to the non-Federal land
conveyed in the
deed.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="HEC467C5E1A16468184486DD95DEB4DE"><enum>707.</enum><header>Report on
facilities administration</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Not
later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs 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 the progress of the Secretary in complying with section 312A of title
38, United States Code.</text>
</section><section id="HC32CA7027D7840D7B06831BF7110536D"><enum>708.</enum><header>Annual report
on outpatient clinics</header>
<subsection id="HEEE72A3C9EBD4B749984AF48AF00D2A3"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Annual report
required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subchapter I of
chapter 81 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H35248A08F3F94BF59E3F7DB6C67368EB" style="USC">
<section id="H947D7C557EF3436CB5E5E2529482F4B4"><enum>8119.</enum><header>Annual report
on outpatient clinics</header>
<subsection id="HAE7298B690F14B33B08531C100030056"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Annual report
required</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall
submit to the committees an annual report on community-based outpatient clinics
and other outpatient clinics of the Department. The report shall be submitted
each year not later than the date on which the budget for the next fiscal year
is submitted to the Congress under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/31/1105">section 1105</external-xref> of title 31.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HB5F62009C95D43F591A7F6651EAA1E07"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Contents of
report</header><text>Each report required under subsection (a) shall include
the following:</text>
<paragraph id="H2B0EACAA19E245F3A5AA4350FEB56742"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A list of each community-based outpatient
clinic and other outpatient clinic of the Department, and for each such clinic,
the type of clinic, location, size, number of health professionals employed by
the clinic, workload, whether the clinic is leased or constructed and operated
by the Secretary, and the annual cost of operating the clinic.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H43F34CFA588A49468FD1AC0001A82E58"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A list of community-based outpatient
clinics and other outpatient clinics that the Secretary opened during the
fiscal year preceding the fiscal year during which the report is submitted and
a list of clinics the Secretary proposes opening during the fiscal year during
which the report is submitted and the subsequent fiscal year, together with the
cost of activating each such clinic and the information required to be provided
under paragraph (1) for each such clinic and proposed clinic.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H94916B88C6ED407ABFD546EC4679374F"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A list of proposed community-based
outpatient clinics and other outpatient clinics that are, as of the date of the
submission of the report, under review by the National Review Panel and a list
of possible locations for future clinics identified in the Department’s
strategic planning process, including any identified locations in rural and
underserved areas.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H19EEB6162AC949C9B077E966EEBCB1E"><enum>(4)</enum><text>A prioritized list
of sites of care identified by the Secretary that the Secretary could establish
without carrying out construction or entering into a lease, including—</text>
<subparagraph id="H14C6C202BE854415BD7406E7F7F45D5C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>any such sites
that could be expanded by hiring additional staff or allocating staff to
Federal facilities or facilities operating in collaboration with the Federal
Government; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H002BF67DB95A4125ABAD97D7EA0397CC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>any sites
established, or able to be established, under sections 8111 and 8153 of this
title.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="H0902DC872A924A42BAC5D95B00C01B2B"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Deadline for
first annual report</header><text>The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit the first report required under <external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/38/8119">section 8119(a)</external-xref> of title 38, United
States Code, as added by subsection (a), by not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HB0A54B8750724A709133E1E96B37CCAA"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Clerical
amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The table of
sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end of
the items relating to subchapter I the following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HB803512D00CB4F43B5982EF4D73189DD" style="USC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry level="section">8119. Annual report on outpatient
clinics.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="HE04F144530424924B8598CE387D6C07" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>709.</enum><header>Name of Department
of Veterans Affairs spinal cord injury center, Tampa, Florida</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The spinal cord injury center located at the
James A. Haley Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tampa, Florida,
shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as
the <quote>Michael Bilirakis Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury
Center</quote>. Any reference to such center in any law, regulation, map,
document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be considered to be
a reference to the <quote>Michael Bilirakis Department of Veterans Affairs
Spinal Cord Injury Center</quote>.</text>
</section><enum>VIII</enum><header>Extension of
Certain Authorities</header>
<section id="H8955A9CF36AF450186F1472E7462775B"><enum>801.</enum><header>Repeal of
sunset on inclusion of noninstitutional extended care services in definition of
medical services</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1701
is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="HB82B2F1C654B42CA8069A86F431BE610"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking paragraph (10); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H3DA6CBCBA4934EC000BBB86D84799667"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in paragraph
(6)—</text>
<subparagraph id="H14B4258C0C0D425E9D747B0048CA75C3"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by redesignating
subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2E4C5CE580E34A25B8BCC079C15568DE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by inserting after
subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph (E):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H79AF1E309CA6471FA4854D28FE40AA72" style="OLC">
<subparagraph id="H4E76213439E346FA809678D4FE004EB6"><enum>(E)</enum><text>Noninstitutional
extended care services, including alternatives to institutional extended care
that the Secretary may furnish directly, by contract, or through provision of
case management by another provider or
payer.</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph></paragraph></section><section id="H9643BA78A90448B1BB21CB6CDE00F3E7"><enum>802.</enum><header>Extension of
recovery audit authority</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 1703(d)(4) is amended by striking
<term>September 30, 2008</term> and inserting <term>September 30,
2013</term>.</text>
</section><section id="H675D4C1CB93E4547825E3D00244F7422"><enum>803.</enum><header>Permanent
authority for provision of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home
care to veterans who participated in certain chemical and biological testing
conducted by the Department of Defense</header>
<subsection id="H793C2A0B3A214280800200662E68002E"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Permanent
authority</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection (e)(3)
of section 1710 is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="HF876A527525F4F398410008669DE5D29"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subparagraph
(B), by inserting <quote>and</quote> after the semicolon;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HEDC1D69C73634773A5C9264D8E8C29EE"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subparagraph
(C), by striking <quote>; and</quote> and inserting a period; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H842D75DF34904E14A3CD5FBA855DBD47"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by striking
subparagraph (D).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H128474D828154F1D85F8C9CE19D51598"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Conforming
amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subsection
(e)(1)(E) of such section is amended by striking <quote>paragraphs (2) and
(3)</quote> and inserting <quote>paragraph (2)</quote>.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="HB131AEFA0CEF4B90AF244D55B2248BD3"><enum>804.</enum><header>Extension of
expiring collections authorities</header>
<subsection id="H2ACC98B488854C8E8F0669ED742FF2E9"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Health care
copayments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section
1710(f)(2)(B) is amended by striking <term>September 30, 2008</term> and
inserting <term>September 30, 2010</term>.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H2F4F12BD36704E02A68FF625586423D"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Medical care cost
recovery</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section
1729(a)(2)(E) is amended by striking <term>October 1, 2008</term> and inserting
<term>October 1, 2010</term>.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H9F782DCEAE6E459B87810032707FDBC1"><enum>805.</enum><header>Extension of
nursing home care</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section
1710A(d) is amended by striking <term>December 31, 2008</term> and inserting
<term>December 31, 2013</term>.</text>
</section><section id="HAF729DA4A4AB4452AD64682BAB555883"><enum>806.</enum><header>Permanent
authority to establish research corporations</header>
<subsection id="H4A002C7E77264E738CE3D1FBBABD194C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Repeal</header><text>Chapter
73 is amended by striking section 7368.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H6CB8E35A3F0E4D59920786007DFFD451"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Clerical
Amendment</header><text>The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter
is amended by striking the item relating to section 7368.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="HF69FB7CE38A94B3E9DB81374F37674EA"><enum>807.</enum><header>Extension of
requirement to submit annual report on the Committee on Care of Severely
Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 7321(d)(2) is amended by striking
<quote>through 2008</quote> and inserting <quote>through 2012</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="H3D73B95AFE0F4D6F9EA951E91939AD7D"><enum>808.</enum><header>Permanent
requirement for biannual report on Women’s Advisory Committee</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 542(c)(1) is amended by striking
<quote>through 2008</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="HFFC22E44A3F643379E410665F4ABC04"><enum>809.</enum><header>Extension of
pilot program on improvement of caregiver assistance services</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 214 of the Veterans Benefits, Health
Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (<external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/109/461">Public Law 109–461</external-xref>; 38 U.S.C.
1710B note) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="HBEBEF015EF094F13B18FC8887000FDC6"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (b),
by striking <quote>two-year period</quote> and inserting <quote>three-year
period</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCB4D603ABB77497486A868DA3B095F64"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (d),
by striking <quote>fiscal years 2007 and 2008</quote> and inserting
<quote>fiscal years 2007 through 2009</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></section><enum>IX</enum><header>Other
Matters</header>
<section id="HBA61631EF912487EA37921004179646F" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>901.</enum><header>Technical
amendments</header>
<subsection id="H2C22AF25EDE144588D6DD6C74C469EE"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Title
38</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Title 38, United States
Code, is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="H7144DFEFB7B84BBDBEDDE01377D7497B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in section
1712A—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="HE888DC7E0E504FF19500A2F88B00C98B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking
subsection (g);</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H5C258A34A8ED474589194C1FF200AFF6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by redesignating
subsections (d) through (i) as subsections (c) through (f), respectively;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="HBB74CA18DD7C46468CB7001DCE4241B2"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in subsection (f),
as so redesignated, by striking <quote>(including a Resource Center designated
under subsection (h)(3)(A) of this section)</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H1B6073F26C0B420CB9006006A1005EBE"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in section
2065(b)(3)(C), by striking <quote>)</quote>;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB1AD2E4A32AB492D97D5A4E4F21B3D23"><enum>(3)</enum><text>in the table of
sections at the beginning of chapter 36, by striking the item relating to
section 3684A and inserting the following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA7B123748E454776B36D3567157132B4" style="USC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry level="section">3684A. Procedures relating to computer
matching
program.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H68A7D4DC8E5F4AA082D9174B0077DAA5"><enum>(4)</enum><text>in section
4110(c)(1), by striking <quote>15</quote> and inserting
<quote>16</quote>;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H235C9CD2AE75433B8E4EB08D74108BF8"><enum>(5)</enum><text>in the table of
sections at the beginning of chapter 51, by striking the item relating to
section 5121 and inserting the following new item:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H52A6D636734E451090DF3B106CD2BA2D" style="USC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry level="section">5121. Payment of certain accrued benefits
upon death of a
beneficiary.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H150E5BE62EFE4597BA00A0D156129811"><enum>(6)</enum><text>in section
7458(b)(2), by striking <quote>pro rated</quote> and inserting
<quote>pro-rated</quote>;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H34E900D32D24400D90A804A0DEB63029"><enum>(7)</enum><text>in section
8117(a)(1), by striking <quote>such such</quote> and inserting
<quote>such</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB3396182B805490800912E2955B220C7"><enum>(8)</enum><text>in each of
sections 1708(d), 7314(f), 7320(j)(2), 7325(i)(2), and 7328(i)(2), by striking
<quote>medical care account</quote> and inserting <quote>medical services
account</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3B7355C4CBFA427DB3F4A6D5127B7B4"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Veterans
Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 807(e) of the Veterans Benefits,
Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (<external-xref legal-doc="public-law" parsable-cite="pl/109/461">Public Law 109–461</external-xref>) is
amended by striking <quote>Medical Care</quote> each place it appears and
inserting “Medical Facilities”.</text>
</subsection></section>
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Vice President of the United States and President of the
Senate