II 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2796 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 2, 2008 Mr. Akaka introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To require a pilot program on the use of community-based organizations to ensure that veterans receive the care and benefits they need, and for other purposes.
1.
Pilot program on use of community-based organizations to ensure that veterans receive needed care and benefits
(a)
Pilot program required
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using community-based organizations to ensure that veterans receive the care and benefits that they need by using such organizations— (1)to increase the coordination of providers of health care and benefits for veterans to assist veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian life in such transition; (2)to increase the availability of high quality medical and mental health services to veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life; and (3)to provide assistance to families of veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian life to help such families adjust to such veterans in their transition. (b)
Duration of program
The pilot program shall be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. (c)
Program locations
(1)
In general
The pilot program shall be carried out at five Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program. (2)
Considerations
In selecting locations for the pilot program, the Secretary shall consider the advisability of selecting Department medical centers that are located in— (A)rural areas; and (B)areas with populations that have a high proportion of minority groups and individuals who have experienced significant disparities in their receipt of health care. (d)
Grants
The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program through the award of grants to community-based organizations. (e)
Selection of grant recipients
A community-based organization seeking a grant under the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs an application therefor in such form and in such manner as the Secretary considers appropriate. (f)
Use of grant funds
In using grant funds for purposes of the pilot program, a community-based organization may use such funds for purposes as follows: (1)To provide local telephone hotlines. (2)To organize veterans for networking. (3)To assist veterans in preparing applications for benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. (4)To provide assistance to families of veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian life to help such families adjust to such veterans in their transition. (5)To provide outreach for veterans and their families to connect them with appropriate care and benefit programs. (6)To coordinate the efforts of providers of health care and benefits for veterans in providing assistance to veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian life. (7)To carry out such other activities and provide such other services as may be appropriate for purposes of the pilot program. (g)
Report on program
(1)
In general
Not later than 180 days after the completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program. (2)
Elements
The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A)The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program. (B)An assessment of the benefits to veterans of the pilot program. (C)The recommendations of the Secretary as to the advisability of continuing the pilot program.