[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2162 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 2162

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT


 
  To improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of 
 Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and 
            substance use disorders, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Mental 
Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--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--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

Sec. 101. Veterans beneficiary travel program.
Sec. 102. Mandatory reimbursement of veterans receiving emergency 
                            treatment in non-Department of Veterans 
                            Affairs facilities until transfer to 
                            Department facilities.
Sec. 103. Epilepsy centers of excellence.
Sec. 104. Establishment of qualifications for peer specialist 
                            appointees.
                          TITLE II--PAIN CARE

Sec. 201. Comprehensive policy on pain management.
       TITLE III--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Sec. 301. Findings on substance use disorders and mental health.
Sec. 302. Expansion of substance use disorder treatment services 
                            provided by Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 303. Care for veterans with mental health and substance use 
                            disorders.
Sec. 304. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress 
                            disorder and substance use disorders.
Sec. 305. Report on residential mental health care facilities of the 
                            Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 306. Tribute to Justin Bailey.
           TITLE IV--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS

Sec. 401. Pilot program on peer outreach and support for veterans and 
                            use of community mental health centers and 
                            Indian Health Service facilities.
                    TITLE V--MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH

Sec. 501. Research program on comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder 
                            and substance use disorders.
Sec. 502. Extension of authorization for Special Committee on Post-
                            Traumatic Stress Disorder.
             TITLE VI--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS

Sec. 601. Clarification of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
                            to provide mental health services to 
                            families of veterans.
Sec. 602. Pilot program on provision of readjustment and transition 
                            assistance to veterans and their families 
                            in cooperation with Vet Centers.
                  TITLE VII--HOMELESS VETERANS MATTERS

Sec. 701. Repeal of authority for adjustments to per diem payments to 
                            homeless veterans service centers for 
                            receipt of other sources of income.
Sec. 702. Expansion and extension of authority for program of referral 
                            and counseling services for at-risk 
                            veterans transitioning from certain 
                            institutions.
Sec. 703. Availability of grant funds to service centers for personnel.
Sec. 704. Permanent authority for domiciliary services for homeless 
                            veterans and enhancement of capacity of 
                            domiciliary care programs for female 
                            veterans.
Sec. 705. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
                            income veteran families in permanent 
                            housing.

SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

    Except 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.

                      TITLE I--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

SEC. 101. VETERANS BENEFICIARY TRAVEL PROGRAM.

    (a) Repeal of Requirement To Adjust Amounts Deducted From Payments 
or Allowances for Beneficiary Travel.--
            (1) In general.--Section 111(c) is amended--
                    (A) by striking paragraph (5); and
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, except as 
                provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection,''.
            (2) Reinstatement of amount of deduction specified by 
        statute.--Notwithstanding any adjustment made by the Secretary 
        of Veterans Affairs under paragraph (5) of section 111(c) 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.
    (b) Determination of Mileage Reimbursement Rate.--Section 111(g) is 
amended--
            (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
    ``(1) 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.'';
            (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
        paragraph (3):
    ``(3) 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).''.
    (c) Report.--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--
            (1) any costs resulting from increased utilization of 
        healthcare services by veterans eligible for travel allowances 
        or reimbursements under section 111 of title 38, United States 
        Code; and
            (2) the additional costs that would be incurred by the 
        Department should the Secretary exercise the authority 
        described in subsection (g)(3) of such section.
    (d) Effective Date.--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.

SEC. 102. MANDATORY REIMBURSEMENT OF VETERANS RECEIVING EMERGENCY 
              TREATMENT IN NON-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
              FACILITIES UNTIL TRANSFER TO DEPARTMENT FACILITIES.

    (a) Certain Veterans Without Service-Connected Disability.--Section 
1725 is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``may reimburse'' and 
        inserting ``shall reimburse''; and
            (2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking subparagraph (C) and 
        inserting the following new subparagraph (C):
                    ``(C) until--
                            ``(i) 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
                            ``(ii) such time as a Department facility 
                        or other Federal facility accepts such transfer 
                        if--
                                    ``(I) 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
                                    ``(II) 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.''.
    (b) Certain Veterans With Service-Connected Disability.--Section 
1728 is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following 
        new subsection (a):
    ``(a) 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:
            ``(1) An adjudicated service-connected disability.
            ``(2) A non-service-connected disability associated with 
        and held to be aggravating a service-connected disability.
            ``(3) Any disability of a veteran if the veteran has a 
        total disability permanent in nature from a service-connected 
        disability.
            ``(4) Any illness, injury, or dental condition of a veteran 
        who--
                    ``(A) is a participant in a vocational 
                rehabilitation program (as defined in section 3101(9) 
                of this title); and
                    ``(B) 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.'';
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``care or services'' 
        both places it appears and inserting ``emergency treatment''; 
        and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c) In this section, the term `emergency treatment' has the 
meaning given such term in section 1725(f)(1) of this title.''.

SEC. 103. EPILEPSY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 is amended by adding 
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7330A. Epilepsy centers of excellence
    ``(a) Establishment of Centers.--(1) Not later than 120 days after 
the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, upon 
the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, designate not 
less than six Department health-care facilities as the locations for 
epilepsy centers of excellence.
    ``(2) Subject to the availability of appropriations for such 
purpose, the Secretary shall establish and operate epilepsy centers of 
excellence at the locations designated pursuant to paragraph (1).
    ``(b) Designation of Facilities.--(1) The Secretary may not 
designate a Department health-care facility as a location for an 
epilepsy center of excellence under subsection (a)(1) 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.
    ``(2) In choosing from among the facilities meeting the 
requirements of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall also consider 
appropriate geographic distribution when designating the epilepsy 
centers of excellence under subsection (a)(1).
    ``(c) Peer Review Panel.--(1) 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.
    ``(2)(A) The membership of the peer review panel shall consist of 
experts on epilepsy, including post-traumatic epilepsy.
    ``(B) Members of the peer review panel shall serve for a period of 
no longer than two years, except as specified in subparagraph (C).
    ``(C) 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.
    ``(3) 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.
    ``(4) The peer review panel shall not be subject to the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act.
    ``(d) Epilepsy Center of Excellence Defined.--In this section, the 
term `epilepsy center of excellence' means a Department 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:
            ``(1) 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).
            ``(2) The ability to attract the participation of 
        scientists who are capable of ingenuity and creativity in 
        health-care research efforts.
            ``(3) 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.
            ``(4) The capability to conduct effectively evaluations of 
        the activities of such center.
            ``(5) The capability to coordinate (as part of an 
        integrated national system) education, clinical care, and 
        research activities within all facilities with such centers.
            ``(6) The capability to develop jointly a 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. Such consortium should include a designated 
        epilepsy referral clinic in each Veterans Integrated Service 
        Network.
            ``(7) 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.
            ``(8) The capability to assist in the expansion of the 
        Department telehealth program to develop, transmit, monitor, 
        and review neurological diagnostic tests.
            ``(9) 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.
    ``(e) National Coordinator for Epilepsy Programs.--(1) 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.
    ``(2) The duties of the national coordinator for epilepsy programs 
shall include the following:
            ``(A) To supervise the operation of the centers established 
        pursuant to this section.
            ``(B) 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.
            ``(C) To conduct regular evaluations of the epilepsy 
        centers of excellence to ensure compliance  with the 
        requirements of this section.
    ``(3) 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.
    ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) 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).
    ``(2) 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).
    ``(3) 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.
    ``(4) 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.
    ``(5) 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).''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--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:

``7330A. Epilepsy centers of excellence.''.

SEC. 104. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR PEER SPECIALIST 
              APPOINTEES.

    (a) In General.--Section 7402(b) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating the paragraph (11) relating to other 
        health-care positions as paragraph (14); and
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following new 
        paragraph (13):
    ``(13) Peer Specialist.--To be eligible to be appointed to a peer 
specialist position, a person must--
            ``(A) be a veteran who has recovered or is recovering from 
        a mental health condition; and
            ``(B) be certified by--
                    ``(i) 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
                    ``(ii) a State as having satisfied relevant State 
                requirements for a peer specialist position.''.
    (b) Peer Specialist Training.--Section 7402 is amended by adding at 
the end the following new subsection:
    ``(g) The Secretary may enter into contracts with not-for-profit 
entities to provide--
            ``(1) peer specialist training to veterans; and
            ``(2) certification for veterans under subsection 
        (b)(13)(B)(i).''.

                          TITLE II--PAIN CARE

SEC. 201. COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON PAIN MANAGEMENT.

    (a) Comprehensive Policy Required.--Not later than October 1, 2008, 
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.
    (b) Scope of Policy.--The policy required by subsection (a) shall 
cover each of the following:
            (1) The Department-wide management of acute and chronic 
        pain experienced by veterans.
            (2) The standard of care for pain management to be used 
        throughout the Department.
            (3) The consistent application of pain assessments to be 
        used throughout the Department.
            (4) The assurance of prompt and appropriate pain care 
        treatment and management by the Department, system-wide, when 
        medically necessary.
            (5) 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.
            (6) Department programs of pain care education and training 
        for health care personnel of the Department.
            (7) Department programs of patient education for veterans 
        suffering from acute or chronic pain and their families.
    (c) Updates.--The Secretary shall revise the policy required by 
subsection (a) on a periodic basis in accordance with experience and 
evolving best practice guidelines.
    (d) Consultation.--The Secretary shall develop the policy required 
by subsection (a), and revise such policy under subsection (c), in 
consultation with veterans service organizations and other 
organizations with expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, 
and management of pain.
    (e) Annual Report.--
            (1) In general.--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).
            (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) A description of the policy developed and 
                implemented under subsection (a) and any revisions to 
                such policy under subsection (c).
                    (B) A description of the performance measures used 
                to determine the effectiveness of such policy in 
                improving pain care for veterans system-wide.
                    (C) An assessment of the adequacy of Department 
                pain management services based on a survey of patients 
                managed in Department clinics.
                    (D) A assessment of the research projects of the 
                Department relevant to the treatment of the types of 
                acute and chronic pain suffered by veterans.
                    (E) An assessment of the training provided to 
                Department health care personnel with respect to the 
                diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and 
                chronic pain.
                    (F) An assessment of the patient pain care 
                education programs of the Department.
    (f) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``veterans service organization'' means any organization 
recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under 
section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.

       TITLE III--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE

SEC. 301. FINDINGS ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) 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, with 
        similar rates of acknowledged problems with alcohol use among 
        members of the National Guard.
            (2) The effects of substance abuse 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.
            (3) 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.
            (4) While the Veterans Health Administration has 
        dramatically increased health services for veterans from 1996 
        through 2006, the number of veterans receiving specialized 
        substance abuse treatment services decreased 18 percent during 
        that time. No comparable decrease in the national rate of 
        substance abuse has been observed during that time.
            (5) 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.
            (6) According to the Government Accountability Office, the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs significantly reduced its 
        substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation services 
        between 1996 and 2006, and has made little progress since in 
        restoring these services to their pre-1996 levels.

SEC. 302. EXPANSION OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT SERVICES 
              PROVIDED BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) In General.--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:
            (1) Short term motivational counseling services.
            (2) Intensive outpatient or residential care services.
            (3) Relapse prevention services.
            (4) Ongoing aftercare and outpatient counseling services.
            (5) Opiate substitution therapy services.
            (6) Pharmacological treatments aimed at reducing craving 
        for drugs and alcohol.
            (7) Detoxification and stabilization services.
            (8) Such other services as the Secretary considers 
        appropriate.
    (b) Provision of Services.--The services and treatments described 
in subsection (a) may be provided to a veteran described in such 
subsection--
            (1) at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers or 
        clinics;
            (2) by referral to other facilities of the Department that 
        are accessible to such veteran; or
            (3) by contract or fee-for-service payments with community-
        based organizations for the provision of such services and 
        treatments.
    (c) Alternatives in Case of Services Denied Due to Clinical 
Necessity.--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 treatments as are medically appropriate.
    (d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, 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 setting forth, for each 
medical facility of the Department, the availability of the following:
            (1) Medically supervised withdrawal management.
            (2) Programs for treatment of alcohol and other substance 
        use disorders that are--
                    (A) integrated with primary health care services; 
                or
                    (B) available as specialty substance use disorder 
                services.
            (3) Specialty programs for the treatment of post-traumatic 
        stress disorder.
            (4) Programs to treat veterans who are diagnosed with both 
        a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder.

SEC. 303. CARE FOR VETERANS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE 
              DISORDERS.

    (a) In General.--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--
            (1) 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;
            (2) 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
            (3) by a team of clinicians with appropriate expertise.
    (b) Team of Clinicians With Appropriate Expertise Defined.--In this 
section, the term ``team of clinicians with appropriate expertise'' 
means a team consisting of the following:
            (1) 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.
            (2) Such other professionals as the Secretary considers 
        appropriate for the provision of treatment to veterans for 
        substance use and mental health disorders.

SEC. 304. NATIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ON POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS 
              DISORDER AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73, as amended by 
sections 210 and 303 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the 
end the following new section:
``Sec. 7330C. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress 
              disorder and substance use disorders
    ``(a) Establishment of Centers.--(1) The Secretary shall establish 
not less than six national centers of excellence on post-traumatic 
stress disorder and substance use disorders.
    ``(2) The purpose of the centers established under this section is 
to serve as Department facilities that provide comprehensive inpatient 
or residential treatment and recovery services for veterans diagnosed 
with both post-traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder.
    ``(b) Location.--Each center established in accordance with 
subsection (a) shall be located at a medical center of the Department 
that--
            ``(1) provides specialized care for veterans with post-
        traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder; and
            ``(2) is geographically situated in an area with a high 
        number of veterans that have been diagnosed with both post-
        traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder.
    ``(c) Process of Referral and Transition to Step Down Diagnosis 
Rehabilitation Treatment Programs.--The Secretary shall establish a 
process to refer and aid the transition of veterans from the national 
centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder and substance 
use disorders established pursuant to subsection (a) to programs that 
provide step down rehabilitation treatment for individuals with post-
traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.
    ``(d) Collaboration With the National Center for Post-Traumatic 
Stress Disorder.--The centers established under this section shall 
collaborate in the research of the National Center for Post-Traumatic 
Stress Disorder.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--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:

``7330C. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress 
                            disorder and substance use disorders.''.

SEC. 305. REPORT ON RESIDENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES OF THE 
              VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION.

    (a) Reviews.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, acting 
through the Office of Mental Health Services of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs--
            (1) not later than six months after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act, conduct a review of all residential 
        mental health care facilities, including domiciliary 
        facilities, of the Veterans Health Administration; and
            (2) not later than two years after the date of the 
        completion of the review required by paragraph (1), conduct a 
        follow-up review of such facilities to evaluate any 
        improvements made or problems remaining since the review under 
        paragraph (1) was completed.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the completion of the 
review required by subsection (a)(1), 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 such 
review. The report shall include the following:
            (1) A description of the availability of care in 
        residential mental health care facilities in each Veterans 
        Integrated Service Network (VISN).
            (2) An assessment of the supervision and support provided 
        in the residential mental health care facilities of the 
        Veterans Health Administration.
            (3) The ratio of staff members at each residential mental 
        health care facility to patients at such facility.
            (4) An assessment of the appropriateness of rules and 
        procedures for the prescription and administration of 
        medications to patients in such residential mental health care 
        facilities.
            (5) A description of the protocols at each residential 
        mental health care facility for handling missed appointments.
            (6) Any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate 
        for improvements to such residential mental health care 
        facilities and the care provided in such facilities.

SEC. 306. TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN BAILEY.

    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.

           TITLE IV--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS

SEC. 401. PILOT PROGRAM ON PEER OUTREACH AND SUPPORT FOR VETERANS AND 
              USE OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS AND INDIAN HEALTH 
              SERVICE FACILITIES.

    (a) Pilot Program Required.--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:
            (1) Peer outreach services.
            (2) Peer support services provided by licensed providers of 
        peer support services or veterans who have personal experience 
        with mental illness.
            (3) Readjustment counseling services described in section 
        1712A of title 38, United States Code.
            (4) Other mental health services.
    (b) Provision of Certain Services.--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:
            (1) Through community mental health centers or other 
        entities under contracts or other agreements for the provision 
        of such services that are entered into for purposes of the 
        pilot program.
            (2) Through the Indian Health Service pursuant to a 
        memorandum of understanding entered into by the Secretary of 
        Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
        for purposes of the pilot program.
    (c) Duration.--The pilot program shall be carried out during the 
three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the 
pilot program.
    (d) Program Locations.--
            (1) In general.--The pilot program shall be carried out 
        within areas selected by the Secretary for the purpose of the 
        pilot program in at least two Veterans Integrated Service 
        Networks (VISN).
            (2) Rural geographic locations.--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.
            (3) Qualified providers.--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 
        are available for participation in the pilot program.
    (e) Participation in Program.--Each community mental health center, 
facility of the Indian Health Service, or other entity participating in 
the pilot program under subsection (b) shall--
            (1) 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;
            (2) use the clinical practice guidelines of the Veterans 
        Health Administration or the Department of Defense in the 
        provision of such services; and
            (3) meet such other requirements as the Secretary shall 
        require.
    (f) Compliance With Department Protocols.--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--
            (1) 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
            (2) access and quality standards of the Department relevant 
        to the provision of services as part of the pilot program.
    (g) Provision of Clinical Information.--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.
    (h) Training.--
            (1) Training of veterans.--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.
            (2) Training of clinicians.--
                    (A) In general.--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).
                    (B) Participation in training.--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).
    (i) Annual Reports.--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--
            (1) the number of--
                    (A) veterans served; and
                    (B) courses of treatment provided; and
            (2) demographic information for such services, diagnoses, 
        and courses of treatment.
    (j) Program Evaluation.--
            (1) In general.--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.
            (2) Elements.--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:
                    (A) Access to mental health care by veterans in 
                need of such care.
                    (B) The use of telehealth services by veterans for 
                mental health care needs.
                    (C) The quality of mental health care and substance 
                use disorder treatment services provided to veterans in 
                need of such care and services.
                    (D) The coordination of mental health care and 
                other medical services provided to veterans.
    (k) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``community mental health center'' has the 
        meaning given such term in section 410.2 of title 42, Code of 
        Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of 
        the enactment of this Act).
            (2) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran in need 
        of mental health services who--
                    (A) is enrolled in the Department of Veterans 
                Affairs health care system; and
                    (B) 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.
            (3) The term ``Indian Health Service'' means the 
        organization established by section 601(a) of the Indian Health 
        Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1661(a)).
    (l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this section.

                    TITLE V--MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH

SEC. 501. RESEARCH PROGRAM ON COMORBID POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER 
              AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.

    (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
carry out a program of research into comorbid post-traumatic stress 
disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder.
    (b) Discharge Through National Center for Posttraumatic Stress 
Disorder.--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--
            (1) develop protocols and goals with respect to research 
        under the program; and
            (2) coordinate research, data collection, and data 
        dissemination under the program.
    (c) Research.--The program of research required by subsection (a) 
shall address the following:
            (1) Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and substance 
        use disorder.
            (2) The systematic integration of treatment for post-
        traumatic stress disorder with treatment for substance use 
        disorder.
            (3) The development of protocols to evaluate care of 
        veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and 
        substance use disorder and to facilitate cumulative clinical 
        progress of such veterans over time.
    (d) Funding.--
            (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
        to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
        each of fiscal years 2008 through 2011, $2,000,000 to carry out 
        this section.
            (2) Availability.--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.
            (3) Supplement not supplant.--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.

SEC. 502. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON POST-
              TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.

    Section 110(e)(2) of the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984 (38 
U.S.C. 1712A note; Public Law 98-528) is amended by striking ``through 
2008'' and inserting ``through 2012''.

             TITLE VI--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS

SEC. 601. CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
              TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO FAMILIES OF 
              VETERANS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 17 is amended--
            (1) in section 1701(5)(B)--
                    (A) by inserting ``marriage and family 
                counseling,'' after ``professional counseling,''; and
                    (B) by striking ``as may be essential to'' and 
                inserting ``as the Secretary considers appropriate 
                for''; and
            (2) in subsections (a) and (b) of section 1782, by 
        inserting ``marriage and family counseling,'' after 
        ``professional counseling,''.
    (b) Location.--Paragraph (5) of section 1701 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 
``Vet Centers''), 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.

SEC. 602. PILOT PROGRAM ON PROVISION OF READJUSTMENT AND TRANSITION 
              ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN COOPERATION 
              WITH VET CENTERS.

    (a) Pilot Program.--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 section 
1712A of title 38, United States Code (commonly referred to as ``Vet 
Centers'').
    (b) Readjustment and Transition Assistance.--Readjustment and 
transition assistance described in this subsection is assistance as 
follows:
            (1) Readjustment and transition assistance that is 
        preemptive, proactive, and principle-centered.
            (2) Assistance and training for veterans and their families 
        in coping with the challenges associated with making the 
        transition from military to civilian life.
    (c) Non-Department of Veterans Affairs Entity.--
            (1) In general.--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).
            (2) Contract or agreement.--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.
    (d) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be carried 
out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment 
of this Act, and may be carried out for additional one-year periods 
thereafter.
    (e) Location of Pilot Program.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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.
            (2) Designations.--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.
    (f) Participation of Centers.--A center described in subsection (a) 
that is designated under subsection (e) 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--
            (1) the facilities and other resources of such center;
            (2) the non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity selected 
        pursuant to subsection (c); and
            (3) other appropriate mechanisms.
    (g) Additional Support.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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.
    (h) Report on Pilot Program.--
            (1) Report required.--Not later than six months after the 
        date of the conclusion of the pilot program, the Secretary 
        shall submit to the congressional veterans affairs committees a 
        report on the pilot program.
            (2) Elements.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) 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.
                    (B) A current assessment of the effectiveness of 
                the pilot program.
                    (C) Any recommendations that the Secretary 
                considers appropriate for the extension or expansion of 
                the pilot program.
            (3) Congressional veterans affairs committees defined.--In 
        this subsection, the term ``congressional veterans affairs 
        committees'' means--
                    (A) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and 
                Appropriations of the Senate; and
                    (B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and 
                Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
    (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--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.
            (2) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated by 
        paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.

                  TITLE VII--HOMELESS VETERANS MATTERS

SEC. 701. REPEAL OF AUTHORITY FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO PER DIEM PAYMENTS TO 
              HOMELESS VETERANS SERVICE CENTERS FOR RECEIPT OF OTHER 
              SOURCES OF INCOME.

    Section 2012(a)(2) is amended--
            (1) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (D);
            (2) in subparagraph (A)--
                    (A) by striking ``The rate'' and inserting ``Except 
                as provided in subparagraph (B), the rate'';
                    (B) by striking ``adjusted by the Secretary under 
                subparagraph (B)''; and
                    (C) by designating the second sentence as 
                subparagraph (B) and indenting the margin of such 
                subparagraph, as so designated, two ems from the left 
                margin; and
            (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``to make the 
        adjustment under subparagraph (B)''.

SEC. 702. EXPANSION AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PROGRAM OF REFERRAL 
              AND COUNSELING SERVICES FOR AT-RISK VETERANS 
              TRANSITIONING FROM CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS.

    (a) Program Authority.--Subsection (a) of section 2023 is amended 
by striking ``a demonstration program for the purpose of determining 
the costs and benefits of providing'' and inserting ``a program of''.
    (b) Scope of Program.--Subsection (b) of such section is amended--
            (1) by striking ``Demonstration'' in the subsection 
        heading;
            (2) by striking ``demonstration''; and
            (3) by striking ``in at least six locations'' and inserting 
        ``in at least 12 locations''.
    (c) Extension of Authority.--Subsection (d) of such section is 
amended by striking ``shall cease'' and all that follows and inserting 
``shall cease on September 30, 2012.''.
    (d) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended by 
        striking ``demonstration''.
            (2) The heading of such section is amended to read as 
        follows:
``Sec. 2023. Referral and counseling services: veterans at risk of 
              homelessness who are transitioning from certain 
              institutions''.
            (3) Section 2022(f)(2)(C) of such title is amended by 
        striking ``demonstration''.
    (e) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 20 is amended by striking the item relating to section 2023 and 
inserting the following:

``2023. Referral and counseling services: veterans at risk of 
                            homelessness who are transitioning from 
                            certain institutions.''.

SEC. 703. AVAILABILITY OF GRANT FUNDS TO SERVICE CENTERS FOR PERSONNEL.

    Section 2011 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(i) Availability of Grant Funds for Service Center Personnel.--A 
grant under this section for a service center for homeless veterans may 
be used to provide funding for staff as necessary in order for the 
center to meet the service availability requirements of subsection 
(g)(1).''.

SEC. 704. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR DOMICILIARY SERVICES FOR HOMELESS 
              VETERANS AND ENHANCEMENT OF CAPACITY OF DOMICILIARY CARE 
              PROGRAMS FOR FEMALE VETERANS.

    Subsection (b) of section 2043 is amended to read as follows:
    ``(b) Enhancement of Capacity of Domiciliary Care Programs for 
Female Veterans.--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.''.

SEC. 705. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY LOW-
              INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT HOUSING.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to facilitate the 
provision of supportive services for very low-income veteran families 
in permanent housing.
    (b) Financial Assistance.--
            (1) In general.--Subchapter V of chapter 20 of title 38, 
        United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
        following new section:
``Sec. 2044. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
              income veteran families in permanent housing
    ``(a) Distribution of Financial Assistance.--(1) 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.
    ``(2) 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.
    ``(3)(A) The Secretary shall provide such grants to each eligible 
entity that is providing or coordinating the provision of supportive 
services.
    ``(B) 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.
    ``(4) 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.
    ``(5) 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.
    ``(6) 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.
    ``(7) 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.
    ``(b) Supportive Services.--The supportive services referred to in 
subsection (a) are the following:
            ``(1) 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--
                    ``(A) outreach services;
                    ``(B) case management services;
                    ``(C) 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
                    ``(D) 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--
                            ``(i) health care services (including 
                        obtaining health insurance);
                            ``(ii) daily living services;
                            ``(iii) personal financial planning;
                            ``(iv) transportation services;
                            ``(v) income support services;
                            ``(vi) fiduciary and representative payee 
                        services;
                            ``(vii) legal services to assist the 
                        veteran family with issues that interfere with 
                        the family's ability to obtain or retain 
                        housing or supportive services;
                            ``(viii) child care;
                            ``(ix) housing counseling; and
                            ``(x) other services necessary for 
                        maintaining independent living.
            ``(2) 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.
            ``(3) 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.
    ``(c) Application for Financial Assistance.--(1) 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.
    ``(2) Each application submitted by an eligible entity under 
paragraph (1) shall contain--
            ``(A) a description of the supportive services proposed to 
        be provided by the eligible entity and the identified needs for 
        those services;
            ``(B) a description of the types of very low-income veteran 
        families proposed to be provided such services;
            ``(C) an estimate of the number of very low-income veteran 
        families proposed to be provided such services;
            ``(D) evidence of the experience of the eligible entity in 
        providing supportive services to very low-income veteran 
        families; and
            ``(E) a description of the managerial capacity of the 
        eligible entity--
                    ``(i) to coordinate the provision of supportive 
                services with the provision of permanent housing by the 
                eligible entity or by other organizations;
                    ``(ii) to assess continuously the needs of very 
                low-income veteran families for supportive services;
                    ``(iii) to coordinate the provision of supportive 
                services with the services of the Department;
                    ``(iv) to tailor supportive services to the needs 
                of very low-income veteran families; and
                    ``(v) to seek continuously new sources of 
                assistance to ensure the long-term provision of 
                supportive services to very low-income veteran 
                families.
    ``(3) The Secretary shall establish criteria for the selection of 
eligible entities to be provided financial assistance under this 
section.
    ``(d) Technical Assistance.--(1) 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.
    ``(2) The Secretary may provide the training described in paragraph 
(1) directly or through grants or contracts with appropriate public or 
nonprofit private entities.
    ``(e) Funding.--(1) From amounts appropriated to the Department for 
Medical Services, there shall be available to carry out subsection (a), 
(b), and (c) amounts as follows:
            ``(A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
            ``(B) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
            ``(C) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
    ``(2) Not more than $750,000 may be available under paragraph (1) 
in any fiscal year to provide technical assistance under subsection 
(d).
    ``(3) There is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of 
the fiscal year 2008 through 2010 to carry out the provisions of 
subsection (d).
    ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `consumer cooperative' has the meaning given 
        such term in section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 
        1701q).
            ``(2) The term `eligible entity' means--
                    ``(A) a private nonprofit organization; or
                    ``(B) a consumer cooperative.
            ``(3) The term `homeless' has the meaning given that term 
        in section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act 
        (42 U.S.C. 11302).
            ``(4) The term `permanent housing' means community-based 
        housing without a designated length of stay.
            ``(5) The term `private nonprofit organization' means any 
        of the following:
                    ``(A) Any incorporated private institution or 
                foundation--
                            ``(i) no part of the net earnings of which 
                        inures to the benefit of any member, founder, 
                        contributor, or individual;
                            ``(ii) which has a governing board that is 
                        responsible for the operation of the supportive 
                        services provided under this section; and
                            ``(iii) which is approved by the Secretary 
                        as to financial responsibility.
                    ``(B) 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).
                    ``(C) A corporation wholly owned and controlled by 
                an organization meeting the requirements of clauses 
                (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A).
                    ``(D) A tribally designated housing entity (as 
                defined in section 4 of the Native American Housing 
                Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 
                U.S.C. 4103)).
            ``(6)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the term 
        `very low-income veteran family' 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.
            ``(B) The Secretary shall make appropriate adjustments to 
        the income requirement under subparagraph (A) based on family 
        size.
            ``(C) 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 United 
        States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f)), or family 
        incomes.
            ``(7) The term `veteran family' 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.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of chapter 20 of such title is amended by inserting 
        after the item relating to section 2043 the following new item:

``2044. Financial assistance for supportive services for very low-
                            income veteran families in permanent 
                            housing.''.
    (c) Study of Effectiveness of Permanent Housing Program.--
            (1) In general.--For fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the 
        Secretary shall conduct a study of the effectiveness of the 
        permanent housing program under section 2044 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.
            (2) Comparison.--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.
            (3) Criteria.--In making the comparison required in 
        paragraph (2), the Secretary shall examine the following:
                    (A) The satisfaction of veterans targeted by the 
                programs described in paragraph (2).
                    (B) The health status of such veterans.
                    (C) The housing provided such veterans under such 
                programs.
                    (D) The degree to which such veterans are 
                encouraged to productive activity by such programs.
            (4) Report.--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).

            Passed the Senate June 3, 2008.

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
110th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                                S. 2162

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT

  To improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of 
 Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and 
            substance use disorders, and for other purposes.