[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2162 Reported in Senate (RS)]
Calendar No. 632
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2162
[Report No. 110-281]
To improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of
Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and
substance use disorders, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 15, 2007
Mr. Akaka (for himself, Mr. Burr, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Ensign, and Mr.
Rockefeller) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
April 8, 2008
Reported by Mr. Akaka, with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of
Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and
substance use disorders, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans
Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:</DELETED>
<DELETED>Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
<DELETED>TITLE I--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE
<DELETED>Sec. 101. Findings on substance use disorders and mental
health.
<DELETED>Sec. 102. Expansion of substance use disorder treatment
services at Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Centers.
<DELETED>Sec. 103. Care for veterans with mental health and substance
use disorders by clinician teams.
<DELETED>Sec. 104. Program for enhanced treatment of substance use
disorders and post-traumatic stress
disorder in veterans.
<DELETED>Sec. 105. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic
stress disorder and substance use
disorders.
<DELETED>Sec. 106. Report on residential mental health care facilities
of the Veterans Health Administration.
<DELETED>Sec. 107. Tribute to Justin Bailey.
<DELETED>TITLE II--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS
<DELETED>Sec. 201. Pilot program on peer outreach and support for
veterans and use of community mental health
centers and Indian Health Service
facilities.
<DELETED>TITLE III--RESEARCH
<DELETED>Sec. 301. Research program on comorbid post-traumatic stress
disorder and substance use disorders.
<DELETED>Sec. 302. Extension of authorization for Special Committee on
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
<DELETED>TITLE IV--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS
<DELETED>Sec. 401. Clarification of authority of Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to provide mental health services
to families of veterans.
<DELETED>Sec. 402. Pilot program on provision of readjustment and
transition assistance to veterans and their
families in cooperation with Vet Centers.
<DELETED>TITLE I--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH
CARE</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 101. FINDINGS ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL
HEALTH.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Congress makes the following findings:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) More than 1,500,000 members of the Armed
Forces have been deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom. The 2005 Department of Defense
Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Personnel
reports that 23 percent of members of the Armed Forces on
active duty acknowledge a significant problem with alcohol use,
with similar rates of acknowledged problems with alcohol use
among members of the National Guard.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) The effects of substance abuse are wide
ranging, including significantly increased risk of suicide,
exacerbation of mental and physical health disorders, breakdown
of family support, and increased risk of unemployment and
homelessness.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) While veterans suffering from mental health
conditions, chronic physical illness, and polytrauma may be at
increased risk for development of a substance use disorder,
treatment for these veterans is complicated by the need to
address adequately the physical and mental symptoms associated
with these conditions through appropriate medical
intervention.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) While the Veterans Health Administration has
dramatically increased health services for veterans from 1996
through 2006, the number of veterans receiving specialized
substance abuse treatment services decreased 18 percent during
that time. No comparable decrease in the national rate of
substance abuse has been observed during that time.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) While some facilities of the Veterans Health
Administration provide exemplary substance use disorder
treatment services, the availability of such treatment services
throughout the health care system of the Veterans Health
Administration is inconsistent.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) According to the Government Accountability
Office, the Department of Veterans Affairs significantly
reduced its substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation
services between 1996 and 2006, and has made little progress
since in restoring these services to their pre-1996
levels.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 102. EXPANSION OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT
SERVICES AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL
CENTERS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Provision of Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Services.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure the
provision, at each Department of Veterans Affairs medical center and
community based outpatient clinic, of the following services and
treatments with respect to substance use disorder for
veterans:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Short term motivational counseling
services.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Intensive outpatient care services.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Relapse prevention services.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Ongoing aftercare and outpatient counseling
services.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Opiate substitution therapy
services.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Pharmacological treatments aimed at reducing
craving for drugs and alcohol.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (7) Detoxification and stabilization
services.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (8) Such other services as the Secretary considers
appropriate.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Exemptions.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary may exempt an
individual medical center or community based outpatient clinic
from providing all of the services otherwise required by
subsection (a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Annual report.--Each year, 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 the exemptions made
under paragraph (1) as of the date of the report and the
reasons therefor.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 103. CARE FOR VETERANS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE
USE DISORDERS BY CLINICIAN TEAMS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--In the event 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 by a
team of clinicians with appropriate expertise.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Team of Clinicians With Appropriate Expertise
Defined.--In this section, the term ``team of clinicians with
appropriate expertise'' means a team consisting of the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Clinicians and health professionals with
expertise in treatment of substance use disorders and mental
health disorders.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Such other professionals as the Secretary
considers appropriate for the provision of treatment to
veterans for substance use and mental health
disorders.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 104. PROGRAM FOR ENHANCED TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE
DISORDERS AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN
VETERANS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
carry out a program for the purpose of enhancing the care and treatment
for veterans with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Allocation of Funds.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall carry out the program through a competitive allocation of
funds to facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the
provision of care and treatment to veterans described in subsection
(a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Application.--A facility of the Department, including
a medical center, a community based outpatient clinic, or a
readjustment counseling center, seeking an allocation of funds under
this section shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in
such form and in such manner as the Secretary considers
appropriate.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Use of Allocated Funds.--Each Department facility
receiving an allocation of funds under this section shall use such
funds for the purpose described in subsection (a), including the
establishment or improvement of the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Programs that treat veterans with post-
traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder through
a systematic integration of treatment for such
disorders.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Programs that treat veterans with substance
use disorders through the development of substance use disorder
intervention strategies, including strategies developed in
collaboration with the families of veterans.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Peer outreach programs that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) re-engage veterans of Operation Iraqi
Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom who miss
multiple appointments for treatment of post-traumatic
stress disorder or a substance use disorder;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) are conducted--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) through readjustment
counseling centers;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) in tandem with efforts of
community-based outpatient clinics and post-
traumatic stress disorder and substance use
disorder treatment teams based in Department of
Veterans Affairs medical centers; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) with appropriate regard for
patient privacy.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Collaboration between urgent care clinicians
at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and substance
use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment
professionals to ensure expedited referral of veterans who are
diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or a substance
use disorder.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Programs of treatment or services for veterans
with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder
that utilize innovative and flexible scheduling of treatment
and services by emphasizing scheduling of group meetings or
appointments in the evening and on weekends.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Evidence-based treatment of post-traumatic
stress disorder and substance use disorders.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives a report setting forth the programs and
facilities for which funds have been allocated under this section as of
the date of the report.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Funding.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--In carrying out the program
described in this section, the Secretary shall allocate for
each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010, from funds available
to the Department for medical care in such fiscal year, an
amount equal to not less than $50,000,000 to carry out the
program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Minimum funding.--In allocating amounts under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that, after funds are
allocated under this section for a fiscal year, the total
expenditure for programs of the Department relating to the
treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use
disorders is not less than $50,000,000 in excess of the
baseline amount in that fiscal year.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Baseline.--For purposes of paragraph (2), the
baseline amount is the amount of the total expenditures on
programs of the Department relating to the treatment of post-
traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders for the
most recent fiscal year for which final expenditure amounts are
known (except for amounts made available to carry out this
section), adjusted to reflect any subsequent increase in
applicable costs to deliver such programs.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 105. NATIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ON POST-TRAUMATIC
STRESS DISORDER AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 7330A. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic
stress disorder and substance use disorders</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) Establishment of Centers.--(1) The Secretary shall
establish not less than six national centers of excellence on post-
traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) The purpose of the centers established under this
section is to serve as Department facilities that provide comprehensive
inpatient treatment and recovery services for veterans newly diagnosed
with both post-traumatic stress disorder and a substance use
disorder.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Location.--Each center established in accordance
with subsection (a) shall be located at a medical center of the
Department that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) provides inpatient care;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) is geographically situated in an area with a
high number of veterans that have been diagnosed with both
post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) is capable of treating post-traumatic stress
disorder and substance use disorders.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Process of Referral and Transition to Step Down
Diagnosis Rehabilitation Treatment Programs.--The Secretary shall
establish a process to refer and aid the transition of veterans from
the national centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder
and substance use disorders established pursuant to subsection (a) to
programs that provide step down rehabilitation treatment for
individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use
disorders.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 73 of such title is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 7330 the following new item:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``7330A. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic
stress disorder and substance use
disorders.''.
<DELETED>SEC. 106. REPORT ON RESIDENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
OF THE VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--Not later than six months after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall,
acting through the Office of the Medical Inspector of the Department of
Veterans Affairs--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) conduct a review of all residential mental
health care facilities, including domiciliary facilities, of
the Veterans Health Administration; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) 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 review.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a)(2)
shall include the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) A description of the availability of care in
residential mental health care facilities in each Veterans
Integrated Service Network (VISN).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) An assessment of the supervision and support
provided in the residential mental health care facilities of
the Veterans Health Administration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) The ratio of staff members at each residential
mental health care facility to patients at such
facility.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) An assessment of the appropriateness of rules
and procedures for the prescription and administration of
medications to patients in such residential mental health care
facilities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) A description of the protocols at each
residential mental health care facility for handling missed
appointments.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Any recommendations the Secretary considers
appropriate for improvements to such residential mental health
care facilities and the care provided in such
facilities.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 107. TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN BAILEY.</DELETED>
<DELETED> 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.</DELETED>
<DELETED>TITLE II--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 201. PILOT PROGRAM ON PEER OUTREACH AND SUPPORT FOR
VETERANS AND USE OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS AND
INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE FACILITIES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Pilot Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the
feasability and advisability of providing to veterans of Operation
Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and, in particular,
veterans who served in such operations as a member of the National
Guard or Reserve, the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Peer outreach services.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Peer support services.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Readjustment counseling services described in
section 1712A of title 38, United States Code.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Other Mental health services.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Provision of Certain Services.--In providing services
described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) under the pilot
program to veterans who reside in rural areas and do not have adequate
access through the Department of Veterans Affairs to the services
described in such paragraphs, the Secretary shall, acting through the
Office of Rural Health, provide such services as follows:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Through community health centers under
contracts or other agreements for the provision of such
services that are entered into for purposes of the pilot
program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Through the Indian Health Service pursuant to
a memorandum of understanding entered into by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services
for purposes of the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Duration.--The pilot program shall be carried out
during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement
of the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Program Locations.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The pilot program shall be
carried out in at least two Veterans Integrated Service
Networks (VISN) selected by the Secretary for purposes of the
pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Rural geographic locations.--At least two of
the locations selected shall be in rural geographic locations
that lack access to comprehensive mental health services
through the Department of Veterans Affairs.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Participation in Program.--Each community mental
health center or facility of the Indian Health Service participating in
the pilot program under subsection (b) shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) provide the services described in paragraphs
(3) and (4) of subsection (a) to eligible veterans, including,
to the extent practicable, through the utilization of
telehealth services for the provision of such
services;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) utilize best practices and technologies;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) meet such other requirements as the Secretary
shall require.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Compliance With Department Protocols.--Each community
mental health center or facility of the Indian Health Service
participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall comply
with 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.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (g) Provision of Clinical Information.--Each community
mental health center or facility of the Indian Health Service
participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall 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.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (h) Training.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Training of veterans.--As part of the pilot
program, the Secretary shall carry out a national program of
training for veterans described in subsection (a) to provide
the services described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such
subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Training of clinicians.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The Secretary shall
conduct a training program for clinicians of community
mental health centers or Indian Health Service
facilities 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).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Participation in training.--Each
community mental health center or facility of the
Indian Health Service participating in the pilot
program under subsection (b) shall participate in the
training program conducted pursuant to subparagraph
(A).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) Annual Reports.--Each community mental health center
or facility of the Indian Health Service 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--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) the number of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) veterans served; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) courses of treatment provided;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) demographic information for such services,
diagnoses, and courses of treatment.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (j) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) The term ``community mental health center''
has the meaning given such term in section 410.2 of title 42,
Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before the
date of the enactment of this Act).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran
in need of mental health services who--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) is enrolled in the Department of
Veterans Affairs health care system; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) has received a referral from a health
professional of the Veterans Health Administration to a
community mental health center or to a facility of the
Indian Health Service for purposes of the pilot
program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) The term ``Indian Health Service'' means the
organization established by section 601(a) of the Indian Health
Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1661(a)).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the
provisions of this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED>TITLE III--RESEARCH</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 301. RESEARCH PROGRAM ON COMORBID POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS
DISORDER AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall carry out a program of research into comorbid post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Discharge Through National Center for Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder.--The research program required by subsection (a) shall
be carried out and overseen by the National Center for Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder. In carrying out the program, the Center shall--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) develop protocols and goals with respect to
research under the program; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) coordinate research, data collection, and data
dissemination under the program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Research.--The program of research required by
subsection (a) shall address the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and
substance use disorder.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) The systematic integration of treatment for
post-traumatic stress disorder with treatment for substance use
disorder.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) The development of protocols to evaluate care
of veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and
substance use disorder and to facilitate cumulative clinical
progress of such veterans over time.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Funding.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans
Affairs for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2011, $2,000,000
to carry out this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be
appropriated by paragraph (1) shall be made available to the
National Center on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for the
purpose specified in that paragraph.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Supplement not supplant.--Any amount made
available to the National Center on Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder for a fiscal year under paragraph (2) is in addition
to any other amounts made available to the National Center on
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for such year under any other
provision of law.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 302. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 110(e)(2) of the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984
(38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is amended by striking ``through 2008'' and
inserting ``through 2012''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>TITLE IV--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 401. CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO FAMILIES OF
VETERANS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--Section 1701(5)(B) of title 38, United
States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) by inserting ``marriage and family
counseling,'' after ``professional counseling,''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) by striking ``as may be essential to'' and
inserting ``as the Secretary considers appropriate
for''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Location.--Paragraph (5) of section 1701 of title 38,
United States Code, shall not be construed to prevent the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs from providing services described in subparagraph (B)
of such paragraph to individuals described in such subparagraph in
Readjustment Counseling Centers, Department of Veterans Affairs medical
centers, community-based outpatient clinics, or in such other
facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs as the Secretary
considers necessary.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 402. PILOT PROGRAM ON PROVISION OF READJUSTMENT AND
TRANSITION ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN
COOPERATION WITH VET CENTERS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall carry out, through a non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity, a
pilot program to assess the feasability and advisability of providing
readjustment and transition assistance described in subsection (b) to
veterans and their families in cooperation with centers under section
1712A of title 38, United States Code (commonly referred to as ``Vet
Centers'').</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Readjustment and Transition Assistance.--Readjustment
and transition assistance described in this subsection is assistance as
follows:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Readjustment and transition assistance that is
preemptive, proactive, and principle-centered.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Assistance and training for veterans and their
families in coping with the challenges associated with making
the transition from military to civilian life.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Non-Department of Veterans Affairs Entity.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the
pilot program through any for-profit or non-profit organization
selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program
that has demonstrated expertise and experience in the provision
of assistance and training described in subsection
(b).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Contract or agreement.--The Secretary shall
carry out the pilot program through a non-Department entity
described in paragraph (1) pursuant to a contract or other
agreement entered into by the Secretary and the entity for
purposes of the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be
carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the
enactment of this Act, and may be carried out for additional one-year
periods thereafter.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Location of Pilot Program.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall provide assistance under the pilot program in cooperation
with 10 centers described in subsection (a) designated by the
Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Designations.--In designating centers
described in subsection (a) for purposes of the pilot program,
the Secretary shall designate centers so as to provide a
balanced geographical representation of such centers throughout
the United States, including the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, tribal lands, and other
territories and possessions of the United States.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Participation of Centers.--A center described in
subsection (a) that is designated under subsection (e) for
participation in the pilot program shall participate in the pilot
program by promoting awareness of the assistance and training available
to veterans and their families through--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) the facilities and other resources of such
center;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) the non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity
selected pursuant to subsection (c); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) other appropriate mechanisms.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (g) Additional Support.--In carrying out the pilot
program, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into contracts or
other agreements, in addition to the contract or agreement described in
subsection (c), with such other non-Department of Veterans Affairs
entities meeting the requirements of subsection (c) as the Secretary
considers appropriate for purposes of the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (h) Report on Pilot Program.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Report required.--Not later than six months
after the date of the conclusion of the pilot program, the
Secretary shall submit to the congressional veterans affairs
committees a report on the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Elements.--Each report under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) A description of the activities under
the pilot program as of the date of such report,
including the number of veterans and families provided
assistance under the pilot program and the scope and
nature of the assistance so provided.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) A current assessment of the
effectiveness of the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Any recommendations that the Secretary
considers appropriate for the extension or expansion of
the pilot program.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Congressional veterans affairs committees
defined.--In this subsection, the term ``congressional veterans
affairs committees'' means--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs
and Appropriations of the Senate; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs
and Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--There is authorized to be
appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of
fiscal years 2008 through 2010 $1,000,000 to carry out this
section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be
appropriated by paragraph (1) shall remain available until
expended.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Mental
Health Improvements Act of 2008''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Sec. 101. Findings on substance use disorders and mental health.
Sec. 102. Expansion of substance use disorder treatment services
provided by Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 103. Care for veterans with mental health and substance use
disorders.
Sec. 104. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress
disorder and substance use disorders.
Sec. 105. Report on residential mental health care facilities of the
Veterans Health Administration.
Sec. 106. Tribute to Justin Bailey.
TITLE II--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS
Sec. 201. Pilot program on peer outreach and support for veterans and
use of community mental health centers and
Indian Health Service facilities.
TITLE III--RESEARCH
Sec. 301. Research program on comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder
and substance use disorders.
Sec. 302. Extension of authorization for Special Committee on Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder.
TITLE IV--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS
Sec. 401. Clarification of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs
to provide mental health services to
families of veterans.
Sec. 402. Pilot program on provision of readjustment and transition
assistance to veterans and their families
in cooperation with Vet Centers.
TITLE I--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE
SEC. 101. FINDINGS ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) More than 1,500,000 members of the Armed Forces have
been deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring
Freedom. The 2005 Department of Defense Survey of Health
Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Personnel reports that 23
percent of members of the Armed Forces on active duty
acknowledge a significant problem with alcohol use, with
similar rates of acknowledged problems with alcohol use among
members of the National Guard.
(2) The effects of substance abuse are wide ranging,
including significantly increased risk of suicide, exacerbation
of mental and physical health disorders, breakdown of family
support, and increased risk of unemployment and homelessness.
(3) While veterans suffering from mental health conditions,
chronic physical illness, and polytrauma may be at increased
risk for development of a substance use disorder, treatment for
these veterans is complicated by the need to address adequately
the physical and mental symptoms associated with these
conditions through appropriate medical intervention.
(4) While the Veterans Health Administration has
dramatically increased health services for veterans from 1996
through 2006, the number of veterans receiving specialized
substance abuse treatment services decreased 18 percent during
that time. No comparable decrease in the national rate of
substance abuse has been observed during that time.
(5) While some facilities of the Veterans Health
Administration provide exemplary substance use disorder
treatment services, the availability of such treatment services
throughout the health care system of the Veterans Health
Administration is inconsistent.
(6) According to the Government Accountability Office, the
Department of Veterans Affairs significantly reduced its
substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation services
between 1996 and 2006, and has made little progress since in
restoring these services to their pre-1996 levels.
SEC. 102. EXPANSION OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT SERVICES
PROVIDED BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure the
provision of such services and treatment to each veteran enrolled in
the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs who is in
need of services and treatments for a substance use disorder as
follows:
(1) Short term motivational counseling services.
(2) Intensive outpatient or residential care services.
(3) Relapse prevention services.
(4) Ongoing aftercare and outpatient counseling services.
(5) Opiate substitution therapy services.
(6) Pharmacological treatments aimed at reducing craving
for drugs and alcohol.
(7) Detoxification and stabilization services.
(8) Such other services as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(b) Provision of Services.--The services and treatments described
in subsection (a) may be provided to a veteran described in such
subsection--
(1) at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers or
clinics;
(2) by referral to other facilities of the Department that
are accessible to such veteran; or
(3) by contract or fee-form service payments with
community-based organizations for the provision of such
services and treatments.
(c) Alternatives in Case of Services Denied Due to Clinical
Necessity.--If the Secretary denies the provision to a veteran of
services or treatment for a substance use disorder due to clinical
necessity, the Secretary shall provide the veteran such other services
or treatments as are medically appropriate.
(d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives a report setting forth, for each
medical facility of the Department, the availability of the following:
(1) Medically supervised withdrawal management.
(2) Programs for treatment of alcohol and other substance
use disorders that are--
(A) integrated with primary health care services;
or
(B) available as specialty substance use disorder
services.
(3) Specialty programs for the treatment of post-traumatic
stress disorder.
(4) Programs to treat veterans who are diagnosed with both
a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder.
SEC. 103. CARE FOR VETERANS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE
DISORDERS.
(a) In General.--If the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides a
veteran inpatient or outpatient care for a substance use disorder and a
comorbid mental health disorder, the Secretary shall ensure that
treatment for such disorders is provided concurrently--
(1) through a service provided by a clinician or health
professional who has training and expertise in treatment of
substance use disorders and mental health disorders;
(2) by separate substance use disorder and mental health
disorder treatment services when there is appropriate
coordination, collaboration, and care management between such
treatment services; or
(3) by a team of clinicians with appropriate expertise.
(b) Team of Clinicians With Appropriate Expertise Defined.--In this
section, the term ``team of clinicians with appropriate expertise''
means a team consisting of the following:
(1) Clinicians and health professionals with expertise in
treatment of substance use disorders and mental health
disorders who act in coordination and collaboration with each
other.
(2) Such other professionals as the Secretary considers
appropriate for the provision of treatment to veterans for
substance use and mental health disorders.
SEC. 104. NATIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ON POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS
DISORDER AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7330A. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress
disorder and substance use disorders
``(a) Establishment of Centers.--(1) The Secretary shall establish
not less than six national centers of excellence on post-traumatic
stress disorder and substance use disorders.
``(2) The purpose of the centers established under this section is
to serve as Department facilities that provide comprehensive inpatient
or residential treatment and recovery services for veterans diagnosed
with both post-traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder.
``(b) Location.--Each center established in accordance with
subsection (a) shall be located at a medical center of the Department
that--
``(1) provides specialized care for veterans with post-
traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder; and
``(2) is geographically situated in an area with a high
number of veterans that have been diagnosed with both post-
traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder.
``(c) Process of Referral and Transition to Step Down Diagnosis
Rehabilitation Treatment Programs.--The Secretary shall establish a
process to refer and aid the transition of veterans from the national
centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder and substance
use disorders established pursuant to subsection (a) to programs that
provide step down rehabilitation treatment for individuals with post-
traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.
``(d) Collaboration With the National Center for Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder.--The centers established under this section shall
collaborate in the research of the National Center for Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 73 of such title is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 7330 the following new item:
``7330A. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress
disorder and substance use disorders.''.
SEC. 105. REPORT ON RESIDENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES OF THE
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Reviews.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, acting
through the Office of Mental Health Services of the Department of
Veterans Affairs--
(1) not later than six months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, conduct a review of all residential
mental health care facilities, including domiciliary
facilities, of the Veterans Health Administration; and
(2) not later than two years after the date of the
completion of the review required by paragraph (1), conduct a
follow-up review of such facilities to evaluate any
improvements made or problems remaining since the review under
paragraph (1) was completed.
(b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the completion of the
review required by subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on such
review. The report shall include the following:
(1) A description of the availability of care in
residential mental health care facilities in each Veterans
Integrated Service Network (VISN).
(2) An assessment of the supervision and support provided
in the residential mental health care facilities of the
Veterans Health Administration.
(3) The ratio of staff members at each residential mental
health care facility to patients at such facility.
(4) An assessment of the appropriateness of rules and
procedures for the prescription and administration of
medications to patients in such residential mental health care
facilities.
(5) A description of the protocols at each residential
mental health care facility for handling missed appointments.
(6) Any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate
for improvements to such residential mental health care
facilities and the care provided in such facilities.
SEC. 106. TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN BAILEY.
This title is enacted in tribute to Justin Bailey, who, after
returning to the United States from service as a member of the Armed
Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom, died in a domiciliary facility of
the Department of Veterans Affairs while receiving care for post-
traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder.
TITLE II--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS
SEC. 201. PILOT PROGRAM ON PEER OUTREACH AND SUPPORT FOR VETERANS AND
USE OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS AND INDIAN HEALTH
SERVICE FACILITIES.
(a) Pilot Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasability and
advisability of providing to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom, and, in particular, veterans who served in
such operations as a member of the National Guard or Reserve, the
following:
(1) Peer outreach services.
(2) Peer support services provided by licensed providers of
peer support services or veterans who have personal experience
with mental illness.
(3) Readjustment counseling services described in section
1712A of title 38, United States Code.
(4) Other mental health services.
(b) Provision of Certain Services.--In providing services described
in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) under the pilot program to
veterans who reside in rural areas and do not have adequate access
through the Department of Veterans Affairs to the services described in
such paragraphs, the Secretary shall, acting through the Office of
Mental Health Services and the Office of Rural Health, provide such
services as follows:
(1) Through community mental health centers or other
entities under contracts or other agreements for the provision
of such services that are entered into for purposes of the
pilot program.
(2) Through the Indian Health Service pursuant to a
memorandum of understanding entered into by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services
for purposes of the pilot program.
(c) Duration.--The pilot program shall be carried out during the
three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the
pilot program.
(d) Program Locations.--
(1) In general.--The pilot program shall be carried out
within areas selected by the Secretary for the purpose of the
pilot program in at least two Veterans Integrated Service
Networks (VISN).
(2) Rural geographic locations.--The locations selected
shall be in rural geographic locations that, as determined by
the Secretary, lack access to comprehensive mental health
services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(3) Qualified providers.--In selecting locations for the
pilot program, the Secretary shall select locations in which an
adequate number of licensed mental health care providers with
credentials equivalent to those of Department mental health
care providers are available in Indian Health Service
facilities, community mental health centers, and other entities
are available for participation in the pilot program.
(e) Participation in Program.--Each community mental health center,
facility of the Indian Health Service, or other entity participating in
the pilot program under subsection (b) shall--
(1) provide the services described in paragraphs (3) and
(4) of subsection (a) to eligible veterans, including, to the
extent practicable, telehealth services that link the center or
facility with Department of Veterans Affairs clinicians;
(2) use the clinical practice guidelines of the Veterans
Health Administration or the Department of Defense in the
provision of such services; and
(3) meet such other requirements as the Secretary shall
require.
(f) Compliance With Department Protocols.--Each community mental
health center, facility of the Indian Health Service, or other entity
participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall comply
with--
(1) applicable protocols of the Department before incurring
any liability on behalf of the Department for the provision of
services as part of the pilot program; and
(2) access and quality standards of the Department relevant
to the provision of services as part of the pilot program.
(g) Provision of Clinical Information.--Each community mental
health center, facility of the Indian Health Service, or other entity
participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall, in a
timely fashion, provide the Secretary with such clinical information on
each veteran for whom such health center or facility provides mental
health services under the pilot program as the Secretary shall require.
(h) Training.--
(1) Training of veterans.--As part of the pilot program,
the Secretary shall carry out a program of training for
veterans described in subsection (a) to provide the services
described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such subsection.
(2) Training of clinicians.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a
training program for clinicians of community mental
health centers, Indian Health Service facilities, or
other entities participating in the pilot program under
subsection (b) to ensure that such clinicians can
provide the services described in paragraphs (3) and
(4) of subsection (a) in a manner that accounts for
factors that are unique to the experiences of veterans
who served on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or
Operation Enduring Freedom (including their combat and
military training experiences).
(B) Participation in training.--Personnel of each
community mental health center, facility of the Indian
Health Service, or other entity participating in the
pilot program under subsection (b) shall participate in
the training program conducted pursuant to subparagraph
(A).
(i) Annual Reports.--Each community mental health center, facility
of the Indian Health Service, or other entity participating in the
pilot program under subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary on an
annual basis a report containing, with respect to the provision of
services under subsection (b) and for the last full calendar year
ending before the submission of such report--
(1) the number of--
(A) veterans served; and
(B) courses of treatment provided; and
(2) demographic information for such services, diagnoses,
and courses of treatment.
(j) Program Evaluation.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, through Department of
Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services investigators and in
collaboration with relevant program offices of the Department,
design and implement a strategy for evaluating the pilot
program.
(2) Elements.--The strategy implemented under paragraph (1)
shall assess the impact that contracting with community mental
health centers, the Indian Health Service, and other entities
participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) has on
the following:
(A) Access to mental health care by veterans in
need of such care.
(B) The use of telehealth services by veterans for
mental health care needs.
(C) The quality of mental health care and substance
use disorder treatment services provided to veterans in
need of such care and services.
(D) The coordination of mental health care and
other medical services provided to veterans.
(k) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``community mental health center'' has the
meaning given such term in section 410.2 of title 42, Code of
Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of
the enactment of this Act).
(2) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran in need
of mental health services who--
(A) is enrolled in the Department of Veterans
Affairs health care system; and
(B) has received a referral from a health
professional of the Veterans Health Administration to a
community mental health center, a facility of the
Indian Health Service, or other entity for purposes of
the pilot program.
(3) The term ``Indian Health Service'' means the
organization established by section 601(a) of the Indian Health
Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1661(a)).
(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions
of this section.
TITLE III--RESEARCH
SEC. 301. RESEARCH PROGRAM ON COMORBID POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.
(a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
carry out a program of research into comorbid post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder.
(b) Discharge Through National Center for Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder.--The research program required by subsection (a) shall be
carried out by the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
In carrying out the program, the Center shall--
(1) develop protocols and goals with respect to research
under the program; and
(2) coordinate research, data collection, and data
dissemination under the program.
(c) Research.--The program of research required by subsection (a)
shall address the following:
(1) Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and substance
use disorder.
(2) The systematic integration of treatment for post-
traumatic stress disorder with treatment for substance use
disorder.
(3) The development of protocols to evaluate care of
veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and
substance use disorder and to facilitate cumulative clinical
progress of such veterans over time.
(d) Funding.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for
each of fiscal years 2008 through 2011, $2,000,000 to carry out
this section.
(2) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated by
paragraph (1) shall be made available to the National Center on
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for the purpose specified in that
paragraph.
(3) Supplement not supplant.--Any amount made available to
the National Center on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for a
fiscal year under paragraph (2) is in addition to any other
amounts made available to the National Center on Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder for such year under any other provision of law.
SEC. 302. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON POST-
TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.
Section 110(e)(2) of the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984 (38
U.S.C. 1712A note; Public Law 98-528) is amended by striking ``through
2008'' and inserting ``through 2012''.
TITLE IV--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS
SEC. 401. CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO FAMILIES OF
VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in section 1701(5)(B)--
(A) by inserting ``marriage and family
counseling,'' after ``professional counseling,''; and
(B) by striking ``as may be essential to'' and
inserting ``as the Secretary considers appropriate
for''; and
(2) in subsections (a) and (b) of section 1782, by
inserting ``marriage and family counseling,'' after
``professional counseling,''.
(b) Location.--Paragraph (5) of section 1701 of title 38, United
States Code, shall not be construed to prevent the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs from providing services described in subparagraph (B)
of such paragraph to individuals described in such subparagraph in
centers under section 1712A of such title (commonly referred to as
``Vet Centers''), Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers,
community-based outpatient clinics, or in such other facilities of the
Department of Veterans Affairs as the Secretary considers necessary.
SEC. 402. PILOT PROGRAM ON PROVISION OF READJUSTMENT AND TRANSITION
ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN COOPERATION
WITH VET CENTERS.
(a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry
out, through a non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity, a pilot
program to assess the feasability and advisability of providing
readjustment and transition assistance described in subsection (b) to
veterans and their families in cooperation with centers under section
1712A of title 38, United States Code (commonly referred to as ``Vet
Centers'').
(b) Readjustment and Transition Assistance.--Readjustment and
transition assistance described in this subsection is assistance as
follows:
(1) Readjustment and transition assistance that is
preemptive, proactive, and principle-centered.
(2) Assistance and training for veterans and their families
in coping with the challenges associated with making the
transition from military to civilian life.
(c) Non-Department of Veterans Affairs Entity.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot
program through any for-profit or non-profit organization
selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program
that has demonstrated expertise and experience in the provision
of assistance and training described in subsection (b).
(2) Contract or agreement.--The Secretary shall carry out
the pilot program through a non-Department entity described in
paragraph (1) pursuant to a contract or other agreement entered
into by the Secretary and the entity for purposes of the pilot
program.
(d) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be carried
out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment
of this Act, and may be carried out for additional one-year periods
thereafter.
(e) Location of Pilot Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
provide assistance under the pilot program in cooperation with
10 centers described in subsection (a) designated by the
Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.
(2) Designations.--In designating centers described in
subsection (a) for purposes of the pilot program, the Secretary
shall designate centers so as to provide a balanced
geographical representation of such centers throughout the
United States, including the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, tribal lands, and other
territories and possessions of the United States.
(f) Participation of Centers.--A center described in subsection (a)
that is designated under subsection (e) for participation in the pilot
program shall participate in the pilot program by promoting awareness
of the assistance and training available to veterans and their families
through--
(1) the facilities and other resources of such center;
(2) the non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity selected
pursuant to subsection (c); and
(3) other appropriate mechanisms.
(g) Additional Support.--In carrying out the pilot program, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into contracts or other
agreements, in addition to the contract or agreement described in
subsection (c), with such other non-Department of Veterans Affairs
entities meeting the requirements of subsection (c) as the Secretary
considers appropriate for purposes of the pilot program.
(h) Report on Pilot Program.--
(1) Report required.--Not later than six months after the
date of the conclusion of the pilot program, the Secretary
shall submit to the congressional veterans affairs committees a
report on the pilot program.
(2) Elements.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A description of the activities under the pilot
program as of the date of such report, including the
number of veterans and families provided assistance
under the pilot program and the scope and nature of the
assistance so provided.
(B) A current assessment of the effectiveness of
the pilot program.
(C) Any recommendations that the Secretary
considers appropriate for the extension or expansion of
the pilot program.
(3) Congressional veterans affairs committees defined.--In
this subsection, the term ``congressional veterans affairs
committees'' means--
(A) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and
Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and
Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated for
the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal years
2008 through 2010 $1,000,000 to carry out this section.
(2) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated by
paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.
Calendar No. 632
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2162
[Report No. 110-281]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of
Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and
substance use disorders, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
April 8, 2008
Reported with an amendment