II 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1838 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 9, 2011 Mr. Baucus (for himself, Mr. Boozman, and Mr. Pryor) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on service dog training therapy, and for other purposes.
1.
Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program on service dog training
(a)
Pilot program required
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall commence a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using service dog training activities as components of integrated post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder rehabilitation programs at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers— (1)to positively affect veterans with post-deployment mental health conditions or post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms; and (2)to produce specially trained service dogs for veterans. (b)
Duration
The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. (c)
Location
(1)
In general
The pilot program shall be carried out at one Department of Veterans Affairs medical center selected by the Secretary for such purpose other than in the Department of Veterans Affairs Palo Alto health care system in Palo Alto, California. In selecting medical centers for the pilot program, the Secretary shall— (A)ensure that the medical center selected— (i)has an established mental health rehabilitation program that includes a clinical focus on rehabilitation treatment of post-deployment mental health disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder; and (ii)has a demonstrated capability and capacity to incorporate service dog training activities into the rehabilitation program; and (B)shall review and consider using recommendations published by experienced service dog trainers regulations in the art and science of basic third-party dog training and owner-training dogs with regard to space, equipment, and methodologies. (2)
Participation of rural veterans
In selecting a medical center for the pilot program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give special consideration to Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers that are located in States that the Secretary considers rural or highly rural. (d)
Design of pilot program
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall— (1)administer the program through the Department of Veterans Affairs Patient Care Services Office as a collaborative effort between the Rehabilitation Office and the Office of Mental Health Services; (2)ensure that the national pilot program lead of the Patient Care Services Office has sufficient administrative experience to oversee the pilot program site; (3)ensure that dogs selected are healthy and age- and temperament-appropriate for use in the pilot program; (4)consider dogs residing in animal shelters or foster homes for participation in the program if such dogs meet the service dog candidate selection under this subsection; (5)ensure that each dog selected for the pilot program— (A)is taught all basic commands and behaviors; (B)undergoes public access training; and (C)receives training specifically tailored to address the mental health conditions or disabilities of the veteran with whom the dog is paired; (6)provide professional support for all training under the pilot program; and (7)provide or refer participants to business courses for managing a service dog training business. (e)
Veteran participation
Veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or another post-deployment mental health condition may volunteer to participate in the pilot program. (f)
Hiring preference
In hiring service dog training instructors for the pilot program, the Secretary shall give a preference to veterans who have a post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health condition. (g)
Collection of data
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall collect data on the pilot program to determine the effectiveness of the pilot program in positively affecting veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or other post-deployment mental health condition symptoms and the feasibility and advisability of expanding the pilot program to additional Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. (2)
Manner of collection
Data described in paragraph (1) shall be collected and analyzed using a scientific peer-reviewed system, valid and reliable results-based research methodologies, and instruments. (h)
Reports
(1)
Annual reports
(A)
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the commencement of the pilot program and annually thereafter for the duration of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program. (B)
Elements
Each such report required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i)The number of veterans participating in the pilot program. (ii)A description of the services carried out by the Secretary under the pilot program. (iii)The effects that participating in the pilot program has on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and post-deployment adjustment symptoms. (2)
Final report
At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a final report that includes recommendations with respect to the feasibility and advisability of extending or expanding the pilot program.