II 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 957 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 11, 2011 Mr. Boozman (for himself and Mr. Begich) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the provision of rehabilitative services for veterans with traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Veterans’ Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services’ Improvements Act of 2011.

2.

Rehabilitative services for veterans with traumatic brain injury

(a)

Rehabilitation services in plans for rehabilitation and reintegration

Section 1710C of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1)in subsection (a)(1), by inserting before the semicolon the following: with the goal of maximizing the individual’s independence and quality of life; (2)in subsection (b)— (A)in paragraph (1)— (i)by inserting after improving the following: (and sustaining improvement in); (ii)by inserting behavioral, after cognitive; (iii)by inserting and mental health after functioning; and (iv)by inserting , quality of life, after independence; (B)in paragraph (2), by inserting rehabilitative services and before rehabilitative components; and (C)in paragraph (3)— (i)by striking treatments the first place it appears and inserting services; and (ii)by striking treatments and the second place it appears; and (3)by adding at the end the following new subsection: (h)

Rehabilitative services defined

For purposes of this section, and sections 1710D and 1710E of this title, the term rehabilitative services includes— (1)rehabilitative services, as such term is defined in section 1701 of this title; (2)services (which may be of ongoing duration) to sustain, and prevent loss of, functional gains that have been achieved; and (3)any other services or supports that may contribute to maximizing an individual’s independence and quality of life. . (b)

Rehabilitation services in comprehensive program for long-Term rehabilitation

Section 1710D(a) of such title is amended— (1)by inserting and rehabilitative services (as defined in section 1710C of this title) after long-term care; and (2)by striking treatment. (c)

Rehabilitation services in authority for cooperative agreements for use of non-Department facilities for rehabilitation

Section 1710E(a) of such title is amended by inserting , including rehabilitative services (as defined in section 1710C of this title), after medical services. (d)

Technical amendment

Section 1710C(c)(2)(S) of such title is amended by striking opthamologist and inserting ophthalmologist.