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—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.
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>Health care
matters</header>
<section id="HB5576ECEC35A40729692341099200379"><enum>101.</enum><header>Veterans
beneficiary travel program</header>
<subsection id="HE82456F42A414AF8A133E6E37B23B303"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Repeal of
requirement To adjust amounts deducted from payments or allowances for
beneficiary travel</header>
<paragraph id="idE37AE8F55C3C4DFE99F0A18028570B03"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Section 111(c) is amended—</text>
<subparagraph id="idD3AEDF5CA04346609F7920830BE23262"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking
paragraph (5); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idC338015A42A247B8AA9C3A129AA88B5B"><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="id25AE890C620B433CA066C75068A28EAE"><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="idCACE48B9F8904E30B581A7896FBAEFE9"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Determination
of mileage reimbursement rate</header><text>Section 111(g) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H4E5833B536F24078AC268D66706484F9"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by amending
paragraph (1) to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H88006321FC924187BCCE894DFD2057D4" style="USC">
<paragraph id="HB357480ABA534E1182C4658C00A11B69" 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="H7309C423BEA54078AA44C094DA51C077"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by striking
paragraphs (3) and (4); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id0A1D3EAF5D9C4FA08BE950976A8E49E4"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by inserting
after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idD46A91DCA6154D8EBFC8D9977FE9240A" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9139D5C21345453AA57C7538E60440D9" 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="idC52DDFE97A7B4A0C93D3B067A99E6B1D"><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="id03B3057ED12F45F8BAB60B30E0B087C9"><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="id02134B7D9FBE44EFBAF619EB33142C4C"><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="H5222C388C42841DF9F5EA6814B42C01F"><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="id5F569EDF84EB45E89F8DDD2C86001B1F" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>102.</enum><header>Mandatory
reimbursement of veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-Department of
Veterans Affairs facilities until transfer to Department facilities</header>
<subsection id="id5CC26042F6724C03B753C4EAF0442378"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Certain
veterans without service-connected disability</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 1725 is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="id5C40DAB14BC7414AB2D09523F9DAFFBB"><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="id4202F325B3A5496AB85ACC19E97695F9"><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="idBCA0B0D7F50245CB9ECE9B23400489E6" style="OLC">
<subparagraph id="idA7C2DED102A949208E56989F125DB787"><enum>(C)</enum><text>until—</text>
<clause id="idA2730CDBBE7D421DAB31D7269A701B58"><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="idC243E82A955042D0B2B5E21961AF744F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>such time as a
Department facility or other Federal facility accepts such transfer if—</text>
<subclause id="idEA87AA6F9A694B0B989D5F6C746E29AC"><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="idA562E3BDD5AD487E97671B89EEEB1EFB"><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="id670C8D110B62400DA099CBC327D7F262"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Certain
veterans with service-connected disability</header><text>Section 1728 is
amended—</text>
<paragraph id="id5BD6469E790648E78D402FC8EE3626CC"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking
subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection (a):</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idD9B3493D3029404F8FF095800BF659DA" style="OLC">
<subsection id="idADE4D6B7867E4E1F885116737204D8A9"><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="idBC869751E51A4230A55A52FBFC903B82"><enum>(1)</enum><text>An adjudicated
service-connected disability.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id207CB5C0C6CB4D649DD7A14EF5CFCF83"><enum>(2)</enum><text>A
non-service-connected disability associated with and held to be aggravating a
service-connected disability.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id47BE7960C1464763AA1679C2B35D7F87"><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="idBACDE677767145A48F18C1FC6BE559A5"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Any illness,
injury, or dental condition of a veteran who—</text>
<subparagraph id="id3F41D56089EC46DA996ECA6285B7DD43"><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="id0C46FADF3DCB4F059756B35BE059999B"><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="idEA7FD529F5E04C8AA1F0D65EFCFBD468"><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="id30247DD4305742C59526A2107699E442"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by adding at the
end the following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id8B77E3314F7C47A8841FD83861C216A2" style="OLC">
<subsection id="idB9448934E2474DC5B853A6CBD1705C5C"><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 id="H9C15392A5097461195D360DCE4C624FD" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>103.</enum><header>Epilepsy centers of
excellence</header>
<subsection id="H90B89CF2391C4A57B9BA873409F8B45C"><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="H0D1EE62CCC4842C585F15F006D4D52AE" style="USC">
<section id="HA2849A4990604CF88BFCEE004407AB1C"><enum>7330A.</enum><header>Epilepsy
centers of excellence</header>
<subsection id="HAE8C81F8A3AB4178AD3290D2F9AE14F3"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment of
Centers</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H4923938A7E2A45B1A413B8AB1FC7806"><enum>(1)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H313BB1A86EE54FA18BEFA11FDEFBAB99" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>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).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H44687EDDE7324497943410DC00E8CC28"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Designation of
Facilities</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H461DAB5FAD0A471784A33EE63C6736F"><enum>(1)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H8F376F29F399435880393447E438A700" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>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).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H00A418C7A6A8470CB62EAAC280CF2842"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Peer Review
Panel</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H7D8AF29BB1014DA3A6ACB1009168CB9C"><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="H85DB297553574382939B52C999E81954" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HDD1FBFAD8A0E41D2A0D4B36FAB9B3EE6"><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="HA3FFCB04A79A436D92FEB0D37749B9B0" 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="H04492FD508EE4596BA6587F98E27056D" 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="H3DAC9F9E2DCE4FAC93C9829F6C7354" 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="H75A62FA7CF404F06B095F64E7B01D981" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The peer review panel shall not be
subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H27F5638873114DBE8F50E6BD181BC57B"><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 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:</text>
<paragraph id="HD4C209ED6BCA478FB0CBC000B8E6394D"><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="H6778338195DA4643B6000071B52791E2"><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="H9D74F25D0C79475B9334F7BE95841D48"><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="H65BBE8C02EC341C59F97EBF82D5B1BA2"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The capability to
conduct effectively evaluations of the activities of such center.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H4AF051DBA82046949BE7710045ED41B5"><enum>(5)</enum><text>The capability to
coordinate (as part of an integrated national system) education, clinical care,
and research activities within all facilities with such centers.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HC1D51A9662D24A5D916D2B07A816E3F2"><enum>(6)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE3EE4F544370482CB47DCBD8097C511D"><enum>(7)</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="HE4DB604584174239AD9D084960C1A97"><enum>(8)</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="HC71B240F79354017AC4D7DD83EC7B5B3"><enum>(9)</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="H7C407BBA656B4A8A94FBC3D235496BF3"><enum>(e)</enum><header>National
coordinator for epilepsy programs</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="id28F8CCFAAE264FC9BB9F34EB8754975B"><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="id369463DDBA5E427CBB017D5F43E00228" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The duties of the national
coordinator for epilepsy programs shall include the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="H3D43C19AC6A148DEAA43A20000447389"><enum>(A)</enum><text>To supervise the operation of the
centers established pursuant to this section.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0E547DC25560469EB0CD44122DBFF785"><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="H8B4C40F946AB4C63B60421A5D1C42216"><enum>(C)</enum><text>To conduct regular evaluations of the
epilepsy centers of excellence to ensure compliance with the requirements of
this section.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="idE54DAE644DB64E75BA223A23F77CBBBC" 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="H6EBEE591F3A84C379949D061275CC655"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Authorization of
Appropriations</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H45EC84E12B02489FA807D582B7DB6590"><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="H37BF6E3C5C6946568C449182B3A9A43B" 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="H775114BF025643BA96A600D100F86BE5" 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="H0EB411FA58B34FCEAD48BE9C022363C4" 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="HB96301E3D73E409B942BF1D13ED2BDF" 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="HAE2F45DA2A764507AAD800E35284769D"><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="H662A0845CECA4220A4C8F814EDD4DFA9" 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="id83332AA21E5841959D133690BD53765A"><enum>104.</enum><header>Establishment
of qualifications for peer specialist appointees</header>
<subsection id="id848084E889974AF8A12E2B37D3C89F4F"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 7402(b) is
amended—</text>
<paragraph id="idF7706273BB2B40BFAE2636FAFEA1DB60"><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="id8269949FA415434EB2D93FF509FF555D"><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="id390CB98706D449C69AD003A6AC47EA05" style="USC">
<paragraph id="ID362ddf5de499416fb2f2c1a3e3584a9f" 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="IDf1d7d1098451484981a1cc53bb0041c9"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be a veteran who has recovered or is
recovering from a mental health condition; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID1827e540a2ce4cd6aecc39e6ac49beaa"><enum>(B)</enum><text>be certified by—</text>
<clause id="IDa53d0128cfc7445dae36455bc0f423bb"><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="ID27e434b5bb4440a3a630031ec18de666"><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="id48CADEFC14AA41B08DC12F9E75D4D627"><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="id97B68857B26E4D77AE50209F0A7F3275" style="OLC">
<subsection id="id1EFEA10DD00D4EA5A8951D9D1FFB87F6"><enum>(g)</enum><text>The Secretary may
enter into contracts with not-for-profit entities to provide—</text>
<paragraph id="id3CF55BD3920B40B5AA2AF1D391F2ED98"><enum>(1)</enum><text>peer specialist
training to veterans; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id65709382F8A94AB2B15D5BC74DE0CF73"><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><enum>II</enum><header>Pain
care</header>
<section id="idF20B3DB9391F4B0DB1A2C140BEB684EC"><enum>201.</enum><header>Comprehensive
policy on pain management</header>
<subsection id="ID8d74067d8c45443f91ea3b9bcc98ddea"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Comprehensive
policy required</header><text>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.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID45af4fa6481e4abfb91c25d12bd6ff0f"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Scope of
policy</header><text>The policy required by subsection (a) shall cover each of
the following:</text>
<paragraph id="ID0e389cf9d4704ee093706ac2ef5975ac"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The
Department-wide management of acute and chronic pain experienced by
veterans.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDc1a8d07c959a46c386deac2f1469a2c5"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The standard of
care for pain management to be used throughout the Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID365f300d45dc4b87bec8f59b91a5ac8a"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The consistent
application of pain assessments to be used throughout the Department.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID98319bbe637b4aa0974841cdf7c25fb1"><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="idD229DFF4F12B403988BA9EAE5EAD9F37"><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="ID0ee30ca0c853433ca1bedb658acfae20"><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="ID698ab5ec0fbb4680b151914b82fca76e"><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="IDd1af95a220584d35b012e7f323c3f2af"><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="ID9fa1899a972846bb9c817cb699a95496"><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 other organizations with expertise in the assessment,
diagnosis, treatment, and management of pain.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID58fa857b1d6b493f8a6b7d9e5f503b68"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Annual
report</header>
<paragraph id="id6F48638AA8A1493B89DBF21BCED2DF9C"><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="idEA680980CA4140FE92129E5670425019"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Contents</header><text>The
report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="ID83daecb339fa43fbb4bd56cfb934e5ed"><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="ID9f14a69fde474a9d9f953b37c64c3877"><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="IDe1f06b97b6674fdc9c1b85b7aa204b65"><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="ID94c22411ad354ce4a136ee57e9104b06"><enum>(D)</enum><text>A 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="IDfeafb0c97a254271ba7a6cf25310a939"><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="idD0942636B0024A81AD8F015A64A0794D"><enum>(F)</enum><text>An assessment of
the patient pain care education programs of the Department.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id7616274A78B64C80862BEE6BC099620A"><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 section 5902 of title
38, United States Code.</text>
</subsection></section><enum>III</enum><header>Substance
use disorders and mental health care</header>
<section id="idfccac7cd-6f17-41c0-adbc-2428edeefec2" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>301.</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="id23aa116b-ddcb-41f4-8ef1-fa10af753211"><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, with similar rates of acknowledged problems with alcohol use
among members of the National Guard.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idb7c045ca-c4ea-4526-931e-5fabb8e0b36e"><enum>(2)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id46b1891f-b262-4f7b-8bab-c1187be11c7e"><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="id382ee88f-3d84-479a-b12a-14c482b2fe9b"><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 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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idb0c68fdd-c9a5-4393-9a4c-3d1f0b3f3f90"><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="id7485a1f1-246e-4bdf-815d-40f2749e2db3"><enum>(6)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph></section><section id="idc66e1e4b-842c-4ad3-a8fd-bfcfafa9bb1e"><enum>302.</enum><header>Expansion
of substance use disorder treatment services provided by Department of Veterans
Affairs</header>
<subsection id="id3563ab44-9c6f-4b67-b450-c17c79f38ef6"><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="idea8d1c5a-5dc8-4f28-8ae7-b12439da9023"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Short term
motivational counseling services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id1f92a9f8-1a98-448b-a246-c30cf3bc2807"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Intensive
outpatient or residential care services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id88ac778f-f657-4d82-bbb4-96c38e39d869"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Relapse
prevention services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idca9d3e5d-c1a0-4c2d-b481-b7b0e6ba9b71"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Ongoing
aftercare and outpatient counseling services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id84000ab1-5698-453a-9267-39c004e660e9"><enum>(5)</enum><text>Opiate
substitution therapy services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idde270b79-d584-43ac-9dc6-08e39c5f4c6e"><enum>(6)</enum><text>Pharmacological
treatments aimed at reducing craving for drugs and alcohol.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idcb5ccffe-9e87-4ba4-863d-cbab92c010e5"><enum>(7)</enum><text>Detoxification
and stabilization services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ide2d75050-d200-449b-a01e-178d27bf6491"><enum>(8)</enum><text>Such other
services as the Secretary considers appropriate.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id12AFED98766E4875B9A88B02B785A459"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Provision of
services</header><text>The services and treatments described in subsection (a)
may be provided to a veteran described in such subsection—</text>
<paragraph id="idFC8F47177165464AB45867E4F68457A7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>at Department of
Veterans Affairs medical centers or clinics;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id21A66C64DCEC4D50A07CEB868E527505"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by referral to
other facilities of the Department that are accessible to such veteran;
or</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idAC1F3CFC17EB4D41A5A3143E6001AF5D"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by contract or
fee-for-service payments with community-based organizations for the provision
of such services and treatments.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idCC9B6E6390FF4CAC9F0E96676082DBE0"><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 treatments as are medically
appropriate.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID8ea7c9304b98466ea358c917a00ac2cc"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Report</header><text>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:</text>
<paragraph id="ID47e3a5a9023245ffaceccf3f11994267"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Medically
supervised withdrawal management.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID2d2485396d2c4d3996ed0cc11b56da44"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Programs for
treatment of alcohol and other substance use disorders that are—</text>
<subparagraph id="id51B17F7F3505442A918176E951D7D78F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>integrated with
primary health care services; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9027B7CACAD541A6AFB9A0A596E07047"><enum>(B)</enum><text>available as
specialty substance use disorder services.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID6d7e531035084b4cb1934319e746aace"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Specialty
programs for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="ID3fc63d0f901549d0ae67563a79f1422e"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Programs to treat
veterans who are diagnosed with both a substance use disorder and a mental
health disorder.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="id637259cc-8f72-401b-b6b9-a5c418a637c3"><enum>303.</enum><header>Care for
veterans with mental health and substance use disorders</header>
<subsection id="id3e4e4c2c-7df2-4318-b6e9-40f79fb32754"><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="id9230C0BC161B4391B6E9FC3A226711E4"><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="id7FD75121F24E4A11B7400C859D1F4E98"><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="id32ABB3EF5AFC4641BC0E0D5974F3B8ED"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by a team of clinicians with appropriate
expertise.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idcd6292da-1813-4ee9-a24d-45de21a76cbd"><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="id4a59b154-b063-4155-8b69-133d3711157d"><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="ided2b7509-a8e0-4e54-8719-0f12dd47d220"><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="id8dfe996e-b62d-49fa-96c2-06ca922b7294"><enum>304.</enum><header>National
centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use
disorders</header>
<subsection id="id6a984fa6-66c2-4061-afb2-4a3422a73572"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>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:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idd7c2ef1f-974a-436e-bda9-57e2f02ed2ce" style="USC">
<section id="idde5a784b-98d3-4212-b556-3689f4974e1b"><enum>7330C.</enum><header>National
centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use
disorders</header>
<subsection id="idc129b21d-87b9-43ff-9e20-9358ba6045ec"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment
of Centers</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="idafd1bde6-02d0-4229-8fad-6f55ccae15a6"><enum>(1)</enum><text>The Secretary shall
establish not less than six national centers of excellence on post-traumatic
stress disorder and substance use disorders.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idb1e40729-a86f-45dc-a5a4-d233d22da3a7" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id6cc01a90-743b-46ff-9955-178094acce07"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Location</header><text>Each
center established in accordance with subsection (a) shall be located at a
medical center of the Department that—</text>
<paragraph id="ide7d6aafc-0eed-4fc3-9775-43e6f4f07827"><enum>(1)</enum><text>provides
specialized care for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and a
substance use disorder; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idfa64f619-7388-49b1-a5d9-20a17038522d"><enum>(2)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idae971764-2597-4465-87e2-a54a5ab4e91f"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Process of
referral and transition to step down diagnosis rehabilitation treatment
programs</header><text>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.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="idB640546A73D445F1B6382287A43F8EF2"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Collaboration
with the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder</header><text>The
centers established under this section shall collaborate in the research of the
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="id020c270e-ad4b-4e2b-8a78-950edf029343"><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="id411d1afb-54c6-4442-bfd9-37f0b717b0bc" style="OLC">
<toc regeneration="no-regeneration">
<toc-entry level="section">7330C. National centers of excellence on
post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use
disorders.</toc-entry>
</toc>
<after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="id03d7d1ac-d1da-4016-a4b8-87f47ba82425"><enum>305.</enum><header>Report on
residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health
Administration</header>
<subsection id="id1ac3518c-85a9-4d66-8fe0-7913f5c71940"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Reviews</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall,
acting through the Office of Mental Health Services of the Department of
Veterans Affairs—</text>
<paragraph id="idF4D40A539AB94EE2838432EF14E44B0E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>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</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idBD02C0FE9A3F4E2C9DB13531B77B1BC8"><enum>(2)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id294719b2-37f4-457a-ad66-16a6fda89be5"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Report</header><text>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:</text>
<paragraph id="id690093ab-e3f4-4615-b64d-28e75abb3989"><enum>(1)</enum><text>A description
of the availability of care in residential mental health care facilities in
each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ide84659c4-b11f-433d-8937-0095db5036ac"><enum>(2)</enum><text>An assessment
of the supervision and support provided in the residential mental health care
facilities of the Veterans Health Administration.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id2757767f-64b7-4c3e-8d65-554b96c6f818"><enum>(3)</enum><text>The ratio of
staff members at each residential mental health care facility to patients at
such facility.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id34a005ee-895d-43b8-a2ea-e2d9bdf0b507"><enum>(4)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id3b1eaec1-fd84-407e-81e7-db0e07046415"><enum>(5)</enum><text>A description
of the protocols at each residential mental health care facility for handling
missed appointments.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idbf01b1f8-9908-4c95-b0b1-49cad37fb054"><enum>(6)</enum><text>Any
recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate for improvements to such
residential mental health care facilities and the care provided in such
facilities.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idde753fcb-8573-48db-9e4d-86bf7b1a066b"><enum>306.</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><enum>IV</enum><header>Mental
health accessibility enhancements</header>
<section id="id742f1fc7-d841-41c9-8473-c5af1308a326"><enum>401.</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="ide3b601a7-a6a8-4aa6-84c0-6031572a56f8"><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="idfba0906d-01f8-4610-8ed6-9e9ad5c88d55"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Peer outreach
services.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id4559e83c-9172-4c3a-ba84-d47bb078426a"><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="idc3b1a2f5-97b6-43d3-9f1c-22d2accfe885"><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="id4c9ef43e-a538-4975-b73b-28ef8321f7b1"><enum>(4)</enum><text>Other mental
health services.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idd8cc5b22-db66-433b-8f8f-076384128163"><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="id498492dd-b69a-407b-a077-865742d123c9"><enum>(1)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idd3e2b912-07ed-4762-83ba-7c65473214b9"><enum>(2)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idfe396459-92b2-453c-9b2c-a0d2a7170ffa"><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="idbe56b17c-bcc3-441e-9bcf-606174dce647"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Program
locations</header>
<paragraph id="id65699849-f0a2-4cc9-affa-134f3e032bef"><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 two
Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id4f3e23f9-62da-44f3-86b4-884882a14211"><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="idC27FA4C363904747B2F06D232C84DE01"><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 are available for
participation in the pilot program.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id32d0967b-111d-4be1-9e7b-3c2444df99fb"><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="id49f7b2e9-b9e2-4946-81e5-bf0ce7cb4378"><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="id1CCC086D8D124C4F9F66BFBEC3F6C1B8"><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="id35e58c4c-fab9-4fe2-b771-c4e13b0bcbfa"><enum>(3)</enum><text>meet such
other requirements as the Secretary shall require.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ideaa50451-1c7b-401e-98f2-e341fa8b1505"><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="id89242455E7874E5992ADE036236F1D72"><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="id38A8482983674002BAEE2DC826042F65"><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="id19af5b34-7b03-42f5-bac5-e8d72f6656f3"><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="id62905b18-b12e-4a5d-aafb-74642f3bceaf"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Training</header>
<paragraph id="id9067a87a-8f44-4b20-ab7f-bb9d7ec4e2e5"><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="id2b5a02fc-27eb-4a8c-b0da-2133f78ce3b2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Training of
clinicians</header>
<subparagraph id="idccf364fc-ed93-43c6-92a3-0ac9904a4ffb"><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="id719d1310-e4cf-4d0d-aa19-9da3eab46f83"><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="iddb5182ed-47a4-4802-912c-339d94a2d036"><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="id5d15ba24-10ae-4d90-9c33-d6a7048b64f2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the number
of—</text>
<subparagraph id="id1b15a072-0e00-4c12-83b3-ef064e1deace"><enum>(A)</enum><text>veterans
served; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idd75d3906-5077-4ace-9dec-a0f20ee7a270"><enum>(B)</enum><text>courses of
treatment provided; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id4087ec47-57d1-4873-b87d-e8ac100e617d"><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="id6CC89620A8EF42F3AFAEEE016CED6551"><enum>(j)</enum><header>Program
evaluation</header>
<paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1F18BE9C5FF8444188556B467780FA4A"><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="id2D57960781C243C698365225FBBBF0EE"><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="idEBBD419F5FA448439438F10C42F242E5"><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="idC76CE3FCE48E48DDAFF9AA7B5AF2E516"><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="id347D64A0EA9E4820BF7DB861AEE2B70A"><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="idFAD9D799BB6B4A89953875936D5C9E38"><enum>(D)</enum><text>The coordination
of mental health care and other medical services provided to veterans.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id962c1c1e-cdbb-4e42-8559-3f24c708f6b3"><enum>(k)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In
this section:</text>
<paragraph id="id5ecac831-fc6b-48f3-a9ba-58f814222caa"><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="iddc82b4d1-bf79-4b40-8535-000faf331782"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The term
<term>eligible veteran</term> means a veteran in need of mental health services
who—</text>
<subparagraph id="ida8fc596d-70bd-493f-8120-f1fa2128e960"><enum>(A)</enum><text>is enrolled
in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id6cf97e27-5ade-4a57-8179-5c0d58e8c2dd"><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="idca7f6754-138a-4d6e-9968-0955f0adec99"><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="idb295efd4-2a45-475d-9093-d1070b14ea13"><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>V</enum><header>Mental health
research</header>
<section id="ide2ee6fae-c59f-4be7-b843-614a4f8c652b"><enum>501.</enum><header>Research
program on comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use
disorders</header>
<subsection id="idea044582-7d67-4b08-bba3-ef6627065056"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Program
required</header><text>The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a
program of research into comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
substance use disorder.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="id990418ee-87bf-4bfa-ad01-83a95d95ee34"><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="id262f035b-de80-40d9-9058-c2297bb498a2"><enum>(1)</enum><text>develop
protocols and goals with respect to research under the program; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id5f2d374d-48b6-412b-835d-80c3a9eaea08"><enum>(2)</enum><text>coordinate
research, data collection, and data dissemination under the program.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ide63f103e-1b1e-4d84-a5ea-74ca393f5bc7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Research</header><text>The
program of research required by subsection (a) shall address the
following:</text>
<paragraph id="id739c6dff-2102-4d62-8c92-ec0b1d6524e0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Comorbid
post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idaf2b848e-4748-46d3-a5d9-25ffd27314c1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The
systematic integration of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder with
treatment for substance use disorder.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idfc55f19e-37a0-42cf-ab40-0b94281f6a5c"><enum>(3)</enum><text>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.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ida4b64fe2-ac19-4477-a0e1-e9ea4ea2f557"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Funding</header>
<paragraph id="id161c8d3c-a45e-42b5-96f4-5db49f8b01ff"><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 2008 through 2011,
$2,000,000 to carry out this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id226afe7e-5713-4a31-835d-084e88864cea"><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="id411a61de-9034-45a1-b0a7-604a8a2bba38"><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="idc67cea5b-01ad-4df0-8a8c-50bbd83eb21a"><enum>502.</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>VI</enum><header>Assistance
for families of veterans</header>
<section id="id688b1d77-8b32-4c33-b95a-7d23b6ce821f"><enum>601.</enum><header>Clarification
of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide mental health services
to families of veterans</header>
<subsection id="id9deacd7d-7a4a-4ef9-bdab-08dce9daed24"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Chapter 17 is
amended—</text>
<paragraph id="id53C5AA1333584C78A7DFD05C99A34E78"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in section 1701(5)(B)—</text>
<subparagraph id="ide3c00dc0-f366-41d8-9e66-88499b30cb9b"><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="idbe22d38e-45cc-401c-b082-e0c01aad2abc"><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="id288F331074CC4289B9C98D6285CABF5A"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsections
(a) and (b) of section 1782, by inserting <quote>marriage and family
counseling,</quote> after <quote>professional counseling,</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id449d9506-e62b-4c17-901b-0fd522956d2c"><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="id9c85f470-cfc0-48c6-af13-709aa6fd57e7" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>602.</enum><header>Pilot program on
provision of readjustment and transition assistance to veterans and their
families in cooperation with Vet Centers</header>
<subsection id="id99d0311d-ad6c-48b7-9c71-15c9d7bd1640"><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="id1f6725f7-c319-48c7-871f-95e1ffe3c695"><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="ida04c0742-6c3c-4c96-a783-91ad68a1cc9a"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Readjustment
and transition assistance that is preemptive, proactive, and
principle-centered.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id4249735c-5e15-43ed-bc02-e3fdadfce861"><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="iddb216359-1513-4ed0-a013-28292555e88c"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Non-Department
of Veterans Affairs entity</header>
<paragraph id="id13b405a0-b51d-4573-a8cd-390da44d07fb"><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="id3c6014a6-24e5-4183-bff6-2d1ae493658c"><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="id6fb53bf9-9d29-4dc0-8744-a1126951d13e"><enum>(d)</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 enactment of this Act, and may
be carried out for additional one-year periods thereafter.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="idcb3a5c10-b8fe-4259-92aa-aaed2fa246fc"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Location of
pilot program</header>
<paragraph id="id3baeffb6-25ab-4bc0-86ba-9f6e9bc75e90"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id00aa83d2-8b00-4038-a8db-c336c0f5a091"><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="id8a6751e1-71ce-4a0e-a61f-753841c57fcd"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Participation
of centers</header><text>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—</text>
<paragraph id="id71d94287-6b8b-4da6-b923-c8200d46d28a"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the
facilities and other resources of such center;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id63fdd514-8efc-4f52-a504-6a0aeb1c74f8"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the
non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity selected pursuant to subsection (c);
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ideb0e9f0e-3576-48f3-863f-1b09ad38b990"><enum>(3)</enum><text>other
appropriate mechanisms.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="idd1cc4123-ee33-4cd8-9868-d52278e3ddfe"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Additional
support</header><text>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.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ida48ed896-66e7-4475-9721-43ca37d31f89"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Report on
pilot program</header>
<paragraph id="id4f75104c-aa22-4a5a-bb8d-f6dd612a0e4b"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Report
required</header><text>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.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id3ce56170-aed2-40e3-a6fa-9d14a703d344"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Elements</header><text>Each
report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="ide4cb8aef-6fe8-4e9c-ab67-f17a950c4832"><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="id2572b525-ed16-4b9f-bb58-33433a105127"><enum>(B)</enum><text>A current
assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id007affee-ffa6-4358-b7cc-ea883cdb594e"><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="idf408e100-f602-445a-9959-70c96cbdb8d6"><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="id0244dcc8-5f58-4c46-8dbe-4b89a1ba1e2b"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations of the Senate; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idbd467250-d44f-46ab-b5b2-d04521c9b1a6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id1de04477-6fcf-4d35-a1c7-fa41abd3f180"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Authorization
of appropriations</header>
<paragraph id="id424c9404-341a-473a-b9b6-29e996640c4b"><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="id7c39ae23-a734-425c-9a63-e667fa2bea76"><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>VII</enum><header>Homeless
veterans matters</header>
<section id="idF9B0DB3828E14B538107738F9CCE4C02" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>701.</enum><header>Repeal of authority
for adjustments to per diem payments to homeless veterans service centers for
receipt of other sources of income</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 2012(a)(2) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="id9A33D802C3A2458DBAFBCDB5A1011D97"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking subparagraphs (B) and
(D);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id2A1800E4FB2B4AE290990B8B418522A7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subparagraph
(A)—</text>
<subparagraph id="id1E40B0A9F84340AEA90444D0952EB605"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>The rate</quote> and inserting <quote>Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the rate</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id9DD7833986D94B178DF0892AC1DECFDC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>adjusted by the Secretary under subparagraph (B)</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id2BBFAA2374EE4FB5B587CE2B9B8D1B23"><enum>(C)</enum><text>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</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id7DD1A59F322F497EB126B9BA11FCF9EA"><enum>(3)</enum><text>in subparagraph
(C), by striking <quote>to make the adjustment under subparagraph
(B)</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></section><section id="H71D5E42ED69E41F0A0F1B44C3B7B00E5"><enum>702.</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="H994B2780555943D7815F1F005EDD91B7"><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="H6C139B0E64704C3EB200B7F1A2D1DECA"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Scope of
program</header><text>Subsection (b) of such section is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H83A070639B7C4977934B1991CA71114F"><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="HDDAC8B083F6545DEB89454F2805141CE"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>demonstration</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H67AC548E8118476884811DE0F5B6F866"><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="H6E3F3BC1DDAF42A49FEC00BB616CB603"><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="H52A2FE1431B0454D8B00F2F8C8CABBB7"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Conforming
amendments</header>
<paragraph id="HBFCBAAEFEAD8404393B2E64E20A4D1E4"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Subsection (c)(1)
of such section is amended by striking <quote>demonstration</quote>.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE2DDF9CAF64044E0B78EB8D78B444E32"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The heading of
such section is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9FB8153D11CF4F15897F733EABE772EA" style="USC">
<section id="H67781732FC5B4E288C3DB470EF5E1D7B"><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="id2D1A607AEAC4426EA97B9DD481340C57"><enum>(3)</enum><text>Section
2022(f)(2)(C) of such title is amended by striking
<quote>demonstration</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="id13AEE587B7114A91B4DBEFCC4286C4DC"><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="H5D573898D417410BA16DA5FAB1659649" 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="id0AA67365F00D48D8B40B9507C04857E8"><enum>703.</enum><header>Availability
of grant funds to service centers for personnel</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 2011 is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA9B30151C29A49A2B952E54847FDD720" style="USC">
<subsection id="HA35FA6C46B4147639F69D107ABBCEAD2"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Availability of
grant funds for service center personnel</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">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).</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="H93A8BBFC497F4714ADCB030181A0B864"><enum>704.</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="HA627B3A3222D4848A3D5F4F948620635" style="OLC">
<subsection id="HCB34C40F7F8649BEAE2E967900984990"><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="IDD5EE72DA37C44314848C085E1D8C36F9"><enum>705.</enum><header>Financial
assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in
permanent housing</header>
<subsection id="ID39311B0428A64299B298A0F0E441C452"><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="ID2D7509492D384F9699191BA88FE3612C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Financial
Assistance</header>
<paragraph id="ID4D3F1C3F4AFA4CA880BC758377D309BF"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Subchapter V of <external-xref legal-doc="usc-chapter" parsable-cite="usc-chapter/38/20">chapter 20</external-xref> of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:</text>
<quoted-block id="IDC1712D15EE574BE8A85FC1FAB8D637D5" style="USC">
<section id="IDA7B4674891AE400CAAED036F170017D4"><enum>2044.</enum><header>Financial
assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in
permanent housing</header>
<subsection id="ID3546AF0908FF4BDD922844F51A387294"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Distribution of
Financial Assistance</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="ID6C86FF3D3E614390B7800108A1A7164B"><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="IDA90801C10119442EAF525F4B4347FFDD" 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="IDFAEBD49EAE61447490D8682709A13112" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="ID8BC38F16683F4B4E9E4F842824A6F6CA"><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="IDDA35C86AEAB24F82A5C485F1BCA0B574" 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="IDCBEEC53303EB4B0EB669026235F8824B" 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="ID0616EE2678D64FB58E29AE2C92FA6976" 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="ID848DD72F2A8541848EA7178C3B3843E6" 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="ID40B12980547C4A8BBB383FD8F854B0D4" 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="IDBC8A82DEE0F3487A87A087ECA949554C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Supportive
Services</header><text>The supportive services referred to in subsection (a)
are the following:</text>
<paragraph id="IDB3D947C1CD764AA3B47F0C2675297832"><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="IDF5AC921A0C104D5E8909A4CDD8307A56"><enum>(A)</enum><text>outreach
services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDA1F1D5DF517B450ABDC688A4C41C407A"><enum>(B)</enum><text>case management
services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID9637F4AFF0124D75AD154348CBC4A3D7"><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="id46E2FF36F9904C8DB9F2212551881595"><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="idFE8EFE2E88DB4DCA9414D59D78686630"><enum>(i)</enum><text>health care
services (including obtaining health insurance);</text>
</clause><clause id="idE3D03DC1CB2A41A9B3B18A8B6B991240"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>daily living
services;</text>
</clause><clause id="id390F36B62B7941EAB597360255EBFA40"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>personal
financial planning;</text>
</clause><clause id="id1C5BCFB12A4941FBAE2ABBF5883F6DE2"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>transportation
services;</text>
</clause><clause id="id4D122688DAA94F04B665316760C0DEFE"><enum>(v)</enum><text>income support
services;</text>
</clause><clause id="id1F72C2DD807A4184A56BCBBD1AF262B1"><enum>(vi)</enum><text>fiduciary and
representative payee services;</text>
</clause><clause id="id177A8B589911465AB05A61A0F0CEA5DC"><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="idA5577DBA33114A5C9ADC87E94F09F5AF"><enum>(viii)</enum><text>child
care;</text>
</clause><clause id="id4408928A299C47178E5EBE2828BF9D1D"><enum>(ix)</enum><text>housing
counseling; and</text>
</clause><clause id="id2028B2B5A82844C6833D28FB654A56AC"><enum>(x)</enum><text>other services
necessary for maintaining independent living.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID6F5AF5650D344E819FDD013F3B23D950"><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="IDE61CE9ED01FB458A8CBD2D35D28CE4BD"><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="ID1A7D91DD59254D63A87CC7F36F9BFBF7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Application for
Financial Assistance</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="ID7D183EE2136547E7B0708FD0B58286D4"><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="IDE30D77954F7E475B86A1352C4EA63807" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>Each application submitted by an
eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall contain—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID50F3B5029B394E448CC4CB9564A9DE2E"><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="ID3010F320063A42B28833EE7FF4DE06CC"><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="ID5072500CD287455AAE5BAF5CA1805D2C"><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="IDDB350D3B59EE47E5ADCBC7FE5F8878EA"><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="IDC3DE40FD59404FFFA3B5C3C44590956C"><enum>(E)</enum><text>a description of the managerial
capacity of the eligible entity—</text>
<clause id="ID2E321126CF5A4463B863B9C7C2CB2C7C"><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="IDF06738F7F1E549AAAE038D996999A735"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>to assess continuously the needs
of very low-income veteran families for supportive services;</text>
</clause><clause id="ID424A56212FAF47FD9F58B4C3FBFA07F2"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>to coordinate the provision of
supportive services with the services of the Department;</text>
</clause><clause id="IDF881CC6952CC4A198C76C04B57076FD0"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>to tailor supportive services to
the needs of very low-income veteran families; and</text>
</clause><clause id="IDE513EB4CF5A84D699E40FE0762E803AD"><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="IDDBEB956E45B34BD4BCE052983C7F0145" 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="IDE92B99DADFBA4889ABA5EB9C99F50FA1"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Technical
Assistance</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="ID254AB537114F4C75AC94D9074CE4FA8D"><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="ID7B20DD1930B94C51B5A4C1635BEA795C" 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="ID9D6B76D861E548A4A8369B7E883A586D"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Funding</header><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="ID5B53B2DCE3114AB9B04B1B2FA818DF00"><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="IDD5880167CDC049459294D8FAE9AE6C7D" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>$15,000,000 for fiscal year
2009.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID3A37EBDE8BA141B4BB3E7F7794386C82" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>$20,000,000 for fiscal year
2010.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID0D1AE44A00FF44B6BD2CAB86B5C8F6B5" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>$25,000,000 for fiscal year
2011.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="ID9B918250F3964676A3F5778DAFFC994F" 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="idDF69757866E243B682CC4A84CBB64F8A" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text>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).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDF38DB13ACA9C4736A6015FB14C9D6797"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>In
this section:</text>
<paragraph id="IDD01216E465824AD19056CED5494167CE"><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="ID45E8605F70C44BDA8B914E373D9168F1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>The term
<term>eligible entity</term> means—</text>
<subparagraph id="IDB78DC30256654A5FB1033B890E99C26F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a private
nonprofit organization; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID7A43ACC63A4247298B315E2953265929"><enum>(B)</enum><text>a consumer
cooperative.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID0DEF1AE9838E472F8827A3ADB9D4AB2B"><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="IDF2AF53595666468BB98473687887A95D"><enum>(4)</enum><text>The term
<term>permanent housing</term> means community-based housing without a
designated length of stay.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID2642C983F1354BC29B652B736A3D0204"><enum>(5)</enum><text>The term
<term>private nonprofit organization</term> means any of the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="ID7459801F83514FBC99EC35B183AA6C71"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Any incorporated
private institution or foundation—</text>
<clause id="ID8D29B48996714489BFA86BE515074D01"><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="ID39939B0CE01F43C3AB8DB32B7EDCA047"><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="ID1E5C9EDF95814D0D92616869C93DC8DC"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>which is
approved by the Secretary as to financial responsibility.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDD2DE7FFC803C4289945DC0CAC26DBC14"><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="IDE56416E69F064637A5EEA76CCCD300E6"><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="ID1854DBDFC6834AD4B955207FD2009861"><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="ID5589534138454154A749C09339BF1E81"><enum>(6)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="IDA14997BCBF39435A806505ECCE0DF5B1"><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="IDA7B8A963040F4D3AA16DC3C2F7577B29" 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="ID109265A2996543A495D263586C7848A7" 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="ID939EC2B707C94E16AA001091AA218751"><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="ID930D08072F194B2A97560FFB8DD8B48A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Clerical
amendment</header><text>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:</text>
<quoted-block id="ID945FE0046D454C49AE470302245707E4" 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="IDA91AE2CA4CB849699DB8B6686EF3B870"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Study of
Effectiveness of Permanent Housing Program</header>
<paragraph id="IDA2D4D71E22FF4C908E862FCE66384542"><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="ID5C851FDCAA9C4EB1B221E6249F24BCB5"><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="ID52083D49B01349F1A9933F11E1A98487"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Criteria</header><text>In
making the comparison required in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall examine
the following:</text>
<subparagraph id="ID48B7550372174F968319EA835222BC9F"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The satisfaction
of veterans targeted by the programs described in paragraph (2).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID7ED2152BC4324712ABEF41D1F88DFD71"><enum>(B)</enum><text>The health status
of such veterans.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID9598922AEE0E4554BCEDB738BB95E106"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The housing
provided such veterans under such programs.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID37AE39AE388145329C8712C4A668A31C"><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="ID7A4190711AEA4AE5B94C9BA3CD97DC21"><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>
Passed the Senate
June 3, 2008.
Secretary