[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8247 Engrossed in House (EH)]

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116th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 8247

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT


 
To make certain improvements relating to the transition of individuals 
to services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide prevention 
 for veterans, and care and services for women veterans, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans 
Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020'' 
or the ``Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
  TITLE I--IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES FROM 
                     DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Sec. 101. Pilot program on information sharing between Department of 
                            Veterans Affairs and designated relatives 
                            and friends of veterans regarding 
                            assistance and benefits available to the 
                            veterans.
Sec. 102. Annual report on Solid Start program of Department of 
                            Veterans Affairs.
                      TITLE II--SUICIDE PREVENTION

Sec. 201. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of emergent suicide 
                            care.
Sec. 202. Education program for family members and caregivers of 
                            veterans with mental health disorders.
Sec. 203. Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans.
Sec. 204. Contact of certain veterans to encourage receipt of 
                            comprehensive medical examinations.
Sec. 205. Police crisis intervention training of Department of Veterans 
                            Affairs.
     TITLE III--IMPROVEMENT OF CARE AND SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS

Sec. 301. Gap analysis of Department of Veterans Affairs programs that 
                            provide assistance to women veterans who 
                            are homeless.
Sec. 302. Report on locations where women veterans are using health 
                            care from Department of Veterans Affairs.

  TITLE I--IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSITION OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES FROM 
                     DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

SEC. 101. PILOT PROGRAM ON INFORMATION SHARING BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF 
              VETERANS AFFAIRS AND DESIGNATED RELATIVES AND FRIENDS OF 
              VETERANS REGARDING ASSISTANCE AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO 
              THE VETERANS.

    (a) Pilot Program Required.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        shall commence carrying out a pilot program--
                    (A) to encourage members of the Armed Forces who 
                are transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to 
                civilian life, before separating from such service, to 
                designate up to 10 persons to whom information 
                regarding the assistance and benefits available to the 
                veterans under laws administered by the Secretary shall 
                be disseminated using the contact information obtained 
                under paragraph (7); and
                    (B) provides such persons, within 30 days after the 
                date on which such persons are designated under 
                subparagraph (A), the option to elect to receive such 
                information.
            (2) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
        program during a period beginning on the date of the 
        commencement of the pilot program that is not less than two 
        years.
            (3) Dissemination.--The Secretary shall disseminate 
        information described in paragraph (1)(A) under the pilot 
        program no less than quarterly.
            (4) Types of information.--The types of information to be 
        disseminated under the pilot program to persons who elect to 
        receive such information shall include information regarding 
        the following:
                    (A) Services and benefits offered to veterans and 
                their family members by the Department of Veterans 
                Affairs.
                    (B) Challenges and stresses that might accompany 
                transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to 
                civilian life.
                    (C) Services available to veterans and their family 
                members to cope with the experiences and challenges of 
                service in the Armed Forces and transition from such 
                service to civilian life.
                    (D) Services available through community partner 
                organizations to support veterans and their family 
                members.
                    (E) Services available through Federal, State, and 
                local government agencies to support veterans and their 
                family members.
                    (F) The environmental health registry program, 
                health and wellness programs, and resources for 
                preventing and managing diseases and illnesses.
                    (G) A toll-free telephone number through which such 
                persons who elect to receive information under the 
                pilot program may request information regarding the 
                program.
                    (H) Such other matters as the Secretary, in 
                consultation with members of the Armed Forces and such 
                persons who elect to receive information under the 
                pilot program, determines to be appropriate.
            (5) Privacy of information.--In carrying out the pilot 
        program, the Secretary may not disseminate information under 
        paragraph (4) in violation of laws and regulations pertaining 
        to the privacy of members of the Armed Forces, including 
        requirements pursuant to--
                    (A) section 552a of title 5, United States Code; 
                and
                    (B) the Health Insurance Portability and 
                Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191).
            (6) Notice and modifications.--In carrying out the pilot 
        program, the Secretary shall, with respect to a veteran--
                    (A) ensure that such veteran is notified of the 
                ability to modify designations made by such veteran 
                under paragraph (1)(A); and
                    (B) upon the request of a veteran, authorize such 
                veteran to modify such designations at any time.
            (7) Contact information.--In making a designation under the 
        pilot program, a veteran shall provide necessary contact 
        information, specifically including an email address, to 
        facilitate the dissemination of information regarding the 
        assistance and benefits available to the veteran under laws 
        administered by the Secretary.
            (8) Opt-in and opt-out of pilot program.--
                    (A) Opt-in by members.--A veteran may participate 
                in the pilot program only if the veteran voluntarily 
                elects to participate in the program. A veteran seeking 
                to make such an election shall make such election in a 
                manner, and by including such information, as the 
                Secretary shall specify for purposes of the pilot 
                program.
                    (B) Opt-in by designated recipients.--A person 
                designated pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) may receive 
                information under the pilot program only if the person 
                makes the election described in paragraph (1)(B).
                    (C) Opt-out.--In carrying out the pilot program, 
                the Secretary shall, with respect to a person who has 
                elected to receive information under such pilot 
                program, cease disseminating such information to that 
                person upon request of such person.
    (b) Survey and Report on Pilot Program.--
            (1) Survey.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the 
                date of the commencement of the pilot program and not 
                less frequently than once each year thereafter for the 
                duration of the pilot program, the Secretary shall 
                administer a survey to persons who ever elected to 
                receive information under the pilot program for the 
                purpose of receiving feedback regarding the quality of 
                information disseminated under this section.
                    (B) Elements.--Each survey conducted under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include solicitation of the 
                following:
                            (i) Feedback on the following:
                                    (I) The nature of information 
                                disseminated under the pilot program.
                                    (II) Satisfaction with the pilot 
                                program.
                                    (III) The utility of the pilot 
                                program.
                                    (IV) Overall pilot program 
                                successes and challenges.
                            (ii) Recommendations for improving the 
                        pilot program.
                            (iii) Reasons for opting in or out of the 
                        pilot program.
                            (iv) Such other feedback or matters as the 
                        Secretary considers appropriate.
            (2) Report.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than three years after 
                the date on which the pilot program commences, the 
                Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' 
                Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
                a final report on the pilot program.
                    (B) Contents.--The report submitted under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
                            (i) The results of the survey administered 
                        under paragraph (1).
                            (ii) The number of participants enrolled in 
                        the pilot program who are veterans.
                            (iii) The number of persons designated 
                        under subsection (a)(1)(A).
                            (iv) The number of such persons who opted 
                        in or out of the pilot program under subsection 
                        (a)(8).
                            (v) The average period such persons 
                        remained in the pilot program.
                            (vi) An assessment of the feasibility and 
                        advisability of making the pilot program 
                        permanent.
                            (vii) Identification of legislative or 
                        administrative action that may be necessary if 
                        the pilot program is made permanent.
                            (viii) A plan to expand the pilot program 
                        if the pilot program is made permanent.
                            (ix) If the Secretary finds under clause 
                        (vi) that making the pilot program permanent is 
                        not feasible or advisable, a justification for 
                        such finding.

SEC. 102. ANNUAL REPORT ON SOLID START PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF 
              VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Reports Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for a period of five 
years, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees 
on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a 
report on the Solid Start program of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs.
    (b) Elements.--Each report under subsection (a) shall include the 
following:
            (1) With respect to each veteran called or emailed under 
        the Solid Start program:
                    (A) The Armed Force in which the veteran served.
                    (B) Age.
                    (C) Gender.
                    (D) Whether the veteran responded to the call or 
                email.
                    (E) Whether the call or email resulted in a call to 
                the Veterans Crisis Line established pursuant to 
                section 1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code.
                    (F) Whether the call or email resulted in a 
                referral to--
                            (i) compensation and pension determination;
                            (ii) enrollment in the patient enrollment 
                        system of the Department; or
                            (iii) any other program or benefit under 
                        the laws administered by the Secretary.
            (2) Any change to the Solid Start program implemented by 
        the Secretary since the date of the previous such report.
    (c) Prohibition on Personally Identifiable Information.--No report 
under subsection (a) may contain any personally identifiable 
information regarding a veteran.

                      TITLE II--SUICIDE PREVENTION

SEC. 201. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF EMERGENT SUICIDE 
              CARE.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1720J. Emergent suicide care
    ``(a) Emergent Suicide Care.--Pursuant to this section, the 
Secretary shall--
            ``(1) furnish emergent suicide care to an eligible 
        individual at a medical facility of the Department;
            ``(2) pay for emergent suicide care provided to an eligible 
        individual at a non-Department facility; and
            ``(3) reimburse an eligible individual for emergent suicide 
        care provided to the eligible individual at a non-Department 
        facility.
    ``(b) Eligibility.--An individual is eligible for emergent suicide 
care under subsection (a) if the individual is in an acute suicidal 
crisis and is either of the following:
            ``(1) A veteran (as defined in section 101).
            ``(2) An individual described in section 1720I(b) of this 
        title.
    ``(c) Period of Care.--(1) Emergent suicide care provided under 
subsection (a) shall be furnished to an eligible individual--
            ``(A) through inpatient or crisis residential care, for a 
        period not to exceed 30 days; or
            ``(B) if care under subparagraph (A) is unavailable, or if 
        such care is not clinically appropriate, as outpatient care for 
        a period not to exceed 90 days.
    ``(2) If, upon the expiration of a period under paragraph (1), the 
Secretary determines that the eligible individual remains in an acute 
suicidal crisis, the Secretary may extend such period as the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
    ``(d) Notification.--An eligible individual who receives emergent 
suicide care under subsection (a) at a non-Department facility (or a 
person acting on behalf of the individual) shall notify the Secretary 
of such care within seven days of admission to such facility.
    ``(e) Outreach.--During any period when an eligible individual is 
receiving emergent suicide care under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall--
            ``(1) ensure that--
                    ``(A) in the case of an eligible individual whom 
                the Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek emergent 
                suicide care at a medical facility of the Department, 
                the Veterans Crisis Line notifies the Suicide 
                Prevention Coordinator of such medical facility;
                    ``(B) in the case of an eligible individual who 
                presents at a medical facility of the Department in an 
                acute suicidal crisis without a recommendation by the 
                Veterans Crisis Line, the Secretary notifies the 
                Suicide Prevention Coordinator;
                    ``(C) in the case of an eligible individual whom 
                the Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek treatment 
                at a non-Department facility, the Veterans Crisis Line 
                notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the 
                Office of Community Care at the medical facility of the 
                Department located nearest to the eligible individual; 
                and
                    ``(D) in the case of an eligible individual who 
                presents at a non-Department facility in an acute 
                suicidal crisis without a recommendation by the 
                Veterans Crisis Line and for whom the Secretary 
                receives a notification under subsection (d), the 
                Secretary notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator 
                and the Office of Community Care at the medical 
                facility of the Department located nearest to the 
                eligible individual;
            ``(2) determine the eligibility of the eligible individual 
        for other programs and benefits under the laws administered by 
        the Secretary (or shall make such determination as soon as 
        practicable following the period of such emergent suicide 
        care); and
            ``(3) make referrals for care following the period of such 
        emergent suicide care, as the Secretary determines appropriate.
    ``(f) Prohibition on Charge.--(1) If the Secretary provides 
emergent suicide care to an eligible individual under subsection (a), 
the Secretary--
            ``(A) may not charge the eligible individual for any cost 
        of such emergent suicide care; and
            ``(B) shall pay for any costs of emergency transportation 
        to a facility for such emergent suicide care (as such costs are 
        determined pursuant to section 1725 of this title, to the 
        extent practicable).
    ``(2)(A) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), if the 
Secretary pays for emergent suicide care provided under subsection (a) 
to an eligible individual at a non-Department facility, the Secretary 
shall reimburse the facility for the reasonable value of such emergent 
suicide care.
    ``(B)(i) In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary may 
determine the amount to reimburse a non-Department facility in a 
similar manner to the manner in which the Secretary determines 
reimbursement amounts for that non-Department facility for medical care 
and services provided under another provision of this chapter.
    ``(ii) The requirements of section 1725(c)(3) of this title shall 
apply with respect to payments made under subparagraph (A) of this 
paragraph.
    ``(3) In the case of an eligible individual who receives emergent 
suicide care under this section and who is entitled to emergent suicide 
care (or payment for emergent suicide care) under a health-plan 
contract, the Secretary may recover the costs of such emergent suicide 
care provided under this section, other than for such care for a 
service-connected disability.
    ``(4) In carrying out subsection (d), the Secretary may not charge 
an eligible individual for any cost of emergent suicide care provided 
under subsection (a) solely by reason of the Secretary not having been 
notified of such care pursuant to such subsection.
    ``(g) Annual Report.--Not less than once each year, the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and 
the House of Representatives a report on emergent suicide care provided 
under subsection (a). Each such report shall include, for the year 
covered by the report--
            ``(1) the number of eligible individuals who received 
        emergent suicide care under subsection (a);
            ``(2) demographic information regarding eligible 
        individuals described in paragraph (1);
            ``(3) the types of care furnished or paid for this section; 
        and
            ``(4) the total cost of providing care under subsection 
        (a).
    ``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `acute suicidal crisis' means that an 
        individual was determined to be at imminent risk of self-harm 
        by a trained crisis responder or health care provider.
            ``(2) The term `crisis residential care' means crisis 
        stabilization care provided--
                    ``(A) in a residential setting; and
                    ``(B) in a facility other than a hospital.
            ``(3) The term `crisis stabilization care' includes, with 
        respect to an individual in acute suicidal crisis, care that 
        ensures, to the extent practicable, immediate safety and 
        reduces--
                    ``(A) the severity of distress;
                    ``(B) the need for urgent care; or
                    ``(C) the likelihood that the distress under 
                subparagraph (A) or need under subparagraph (B) will 
                increase during the transfer of that individual from a 
                facility at which the individual has received care for 
                that acute suicidal crisis.
            ``(4) The term `emergent suicide care' means crisis 
        stabilization care provided to an eligible individual--
                    ``(A) pursuant to a recommendation of the eligible 
                individual from the Veterans Crisis Line; or
                    ``(B) who presents at a medical facility in an 
                acute suicidal crisis.
            ``(5) The term `health-plan contract' has the meaning given 
        such term in section 1725 of this title.
            ``(6) The term `Veterans Crisis Line' means the hotline 
        under section 1720F(h) of this title.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relation to section 
1720I the following new item:

``1720J. Emergent suicide care.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The Secretary shall furnish or pay for 
emergent suicide care under section 1720J of title 38, United States 
Code, as added by subsection (a), beginning on the date that is 270 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 202. EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS OF 
              VETERANS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
establish an education program (in this section referred to as the 
``education program'') for the education and training of caregivers and 
family members of eligible veterans with mental health disorders.
    (b) Education Program.--
            (1) In general.--Under the education program, the Secretary 
        shall provide a course of education to caregivers and family 
        members of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping with 
        mental health disorders in veterans.
            (2) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the education 
        program during the four-year period beginning on the date of 
        the commencement of the education program.
            (3) Scope.--
                    (A) Caregivers.--The Secretary, with respect to the 
                component of the education program that relates to the 
                education and training of caregivers, shall--
                            (i) include such component in the training 
                        provided pursuant to the program of 
                        comprehensive assistance for family caregivers 
                        of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
                        established under section 1720G(a) of title 38, 
                        United States Code; and
                            (ii) make such component available on the 
                        Internet website of the Department that relates 
                        to caregiver training.
                    (B) Family members.--The Secretary shall carry out 
                the component of the education program that relates to 
                the education and training of non-caregiver family 
                members at facilities of the Department as follows:
                            (i) Not less than five medical centers of 
                        the Department.
                            (ii) Not less than five clinics of the 
                        Department.
                            (iii) Not less than five Vet Centers (as 
                        defined in section 1712A(h) of title 38, United 
                        States Code).
                    (C) Solicitation of applications.--In selecting 
                locations pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Secretary 
                shall solicit applications from eligible facilities of 
                the Department that are interested in carrying out the 
                education program.
                    (D) Considerations.--In selecting locations 
                pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall 
                consider the feasibility and advisability of selecting 
                locations in the following areas:
                            (i) Rural areas.
                            (ii) Areas that are not in close proximity 
                        to an active duty installation.
                            (iii) Areas in different geographic 
                        locations.
            (4) Contracts.--
                    (A) In general.--In carrying out the education 
                program, the Secretary shall enter into contracts with 
                qualified entities described in subparagraph (B) to 
                offer the course of education described in paragraph 
                (5) to family members and caregivers of eligible 
                veterans and covered veterans.
                    (B) Qualified entity described.--A qualified entity 
                described in this subparagraph is a non-profit entity 
                with experience in mental health education and 
                outreach, including work with children, teens, and 
                young adults, that--
                            (i) uses high quality, relevant, and age-
                        appropriate information in educational 
                        programming, materials, and coursework, 
                        including such programming, materials, and 
                        coursework for children, teens, and young 
                        adults; and
                            (ii) works with agencies, departments, 
                        nonprofit mental health organizations, early 
                        childhood educators, and mental health 
                        providers to develop educational programming, 
                        materials, and coursework.
                    (C) Priority.--In entering into contracts under 
                this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to 
                qualified entities that have demonstrated cultural 
                competence in serving military and veteran populations, 
                and, to the extent practicable, use internet technology 
                for the delivery of course content in an effort to 
                expand the availability of support services, especially 
                in rural areas.
            (5) Course of education described.--The course of education 
        described in this paragraph shall consist of curriculum that 
        includes the following:
                    (A) General education on different mental health 
                disorders, including information to improve 
                understanding of the experiences of individuals 
                suffering from such disorders.
                    (B) Techniques for handling crisis situations and 
                administering mental health first aid to individuals 
                suffering from a mental health disorder.
                    (C) Techniques for coping with the stress of living 
                with an individual suffering from a mental health 
                disorder.
                    (D) Information on additional services available 
                for family members and caregivers through the 
                Department or community organizations and providers 
                related to mental health disorders.
                    (E) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
                appropriate.
    (c) Surveys.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a 
        comprehensive survey of the satisfaction of individuals that 
        have participated in the course of education described in 
        subsection (b)(5). Such survey shall include a solicitation of 
        feedback on the following:
                    (A) The general satisfaction of those individuals 
                with the education and assistance provided under the 
                education program.
                    (B) The perceived effectiveness of the education 
                program in providing education and assistance that is 
                useful for those individuals.
                    (C) The applicability of the education program to 
                the issues faced by those individuals.
                    (D) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
                appropriate.
            (2) Compilation of information.--The information compiled 
        as a result of the surveys conducted under paragraph (1) shall 
        be--
                    (A) disaggregated by facility type at which the 
                education program was carried out; and
                    (B) included in the annual reports under subsection 
                (d)(1).
    (d) Reports.--
            (1) Annual reports.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the 
                date of the commencement of the education program and 
                not later than September 30 each year thereafter until 
                2024, 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--
                            (i) the education program; and
                            (ii) the feasibility and advisability of 
                        expanding the education program to include the 
                        establishment of a peer support program 
                        composed of individuals who complete the 
                        education program (in this section referred to 
                        as a ``peer support program'').
                    (B) Elements.--Each report submitted under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
                            (i) The number of individuals that 
                        participated in the course of education 
                        described in subsection (b)(5) during the year 
                        preceding the submission of the report.
                            (ii) A detailed analysis of the surveys 
                        conducted under subsection (c) with respect to 
                        the individuals described in clause (i).
                            (iii) Any plans for expansion of the 
                        education program.
                            (iv) An analysis of the feasibility and 
                        advisability of establishing a peer support 
                        program.
                            (v) The interim findings and conclusions of 
                        the Secretary with respect to the success of 
                        the education program and the feasibility and 
                        advisability of establishing a peer support 
                        program.
            (2) Final report.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the 
                completion of the education program, the Secretary 
                shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of 
                the House of Representatives and the Senate a final 
                report on the feasibility and advisability of 
                continuing the education program.
                    (B) Elements.--The final report under subparagraph 
                (A) shall include the following:
                            (i) A detailed analysis of the surveys 
                        conducted under subsection (c).
                            (ii) An analysis of the feasibility and 
                        advisability of continuing the education 
                        program without entering into contracts for the 
                        course of education described in subsection 
                        (b)(5).
                            (iii) An analysis of the feasibility and 
                        advisability of expanding the education 
                        program.
                            (iv) An analysis of the feasibility and 
                        advisability of establishing a peer support 
                        program.
    (e) Monitoring of Program.--The Secretary shall select mental 
health care providers of the Department to monitor the progress of the 
instruction provided under the education program.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran who is 
        enrolled in the health care system established under section 
        1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.
            (2) The terms ``caregiver'' and ``family member'' have the 
        meaning given those terms in section 1720G(d) of title 38, 
        United States Code.

SEC. 203. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR VETERANS.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 18 months after the date on 
which the national emergency declared by the President pursuant to the 
National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with respect to the 
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) expires, the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall establish a task force to be known as the ``Task Force on 
Outdoor Recreation for Veterans'' (in this section referred to as the 
``Task Force'').
    (b) Composition.--The Task Force shall be composed of the following 
members or their designees:
            (1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
            (2) The Secretary of the Interior.
            (3) The Secretary of Health and Human Services.
            (4) The Secretary of Agriculture.
            (5) The Secretary of Defense.
            (6) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
            (7) The Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers.
            (8) At least two representatives from veterans service 
        organizations.
            (9) Any other member that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        determines to be appropriate.
    (c) Chairpersons.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the 
Secretary of the Interior shall serve as co-chairpersons of the Task 
Force (in this section referred to as the ``Chairpersons'').
    (d) Duties.--
            (1) Task force.--The duties of the Task Force shall be--
                    (A) to identify opportunities to formalize 
                coordination between the Department of Veterans 
                Affairs, public land agencies, and partner 
                organizations regarding the use of public lands and 
                other outdoor spaces for facilitating health and 
                wellness for veterans;
                    (B) to identify barriers that exist to providing 
                veterans with opportunities to augment the delivery of 
                services for health and wellness through the use of 
                outdoor recreation on public lands and other outdoor 
                spaces; and
                    (C) to develop recommendations to better facilitate 
                the use of public lands and other outdoor spaces for 
                promoting wellness and facilitating the delivery of 
                health care and therapeutic interventions for veterans.
            (2) Consultation.--The Task Force shall carry out the 
        duties under paragraph (1) in consultation with appropriate 
        veterans outdoor recreation groups.
    (e) Reports.--
            (1) Preliminary report.--Not later than one year after the 
        date on which the Task Force is established, the Chairpersons 
        shall submit to Congress a report on the preliminary findings 
        of the Task Force.
            (2) Final report.--Not later than one year after the date 
        of the submission of the preliminary report under paragraph 
        (1), the Chairpersons shall submit to Congress a report on the 
        findings of the Task Force, which shall include the 
        recommendations developed under subsection (d)(1)(C).
    (f) Duration.--The Task Force shall terminate on the date that is 
one year after the date of the submission of the final report in 
subsection (e)(2).
    (g) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the 
Task Force.
    (h) Public Lands Defined.--In this section, the term ``public 
lands'' means any recreational lands under the jurisdiction of the 
Federal Government or a State or local government.

SEC. 204. CONTACT OF CERTAIN VETERANS TO ENCOURAGE RECEIPT OF 
              COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.

    (a) Notice.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Under Secretary of Health of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs shall seek to contact each covered veteran by mail, 
telephone, or email to encourage each covered veteran to receive 
medical examinations including the following:
            (1) A comprehensive physical examination.
            (2) A comprehensive mental health examination.
            (3) A comprehensive eye examination if the covered veteran 
        has not received such an examination in the year immediately 
        preceding the date of such examination.
            (4) A comprehensive audiological examination if the covered 
        veteran has not received such an examination in the year 
        immediately preceding the date of such examination.
    (b) Examinations.--
            (1) Va health care facilities.--If a covered veteran elects 
        to receive more than one examination described in subsection 
        (a) at a health care facility of the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs, the Under Secretary of Health shall seek to furnish 
        all such scheduled examinations on the same day.
            (2) Community care.--Pursuant to subsection (d) or (e) of 
        section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, a covered veteran 
        may receive an examination described in subsection (a) from a 
        health care provider described in subsection (c) of that 
        section.
    (c) Transportation.--
            (1) Beneficiary travel program.--Pursuant to section 111 of 
        title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        may pay for a rural covered veteran to travel to a health care 
        facility to receive an examination described in subsection (a).
            (2) Shuttle service.--The Under Secretary of Health shall 
        seek to enter into agreements with non-profit organizations to 
        provide shuttle service to rural covered veterans for 
        examinations described in subsection (a).
    (d) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
submit to Congress a report regarding how many covered veterans 
scheduled examinations described in subsection (a) after receiving a 
letter, telephone call, or email under that subsection.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``covered veteran'' means a veteran who--
                    (A) is enrolled in the patient enrollment system of 
                the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 
                of title 38, United States Code; and
                    (B) has not received health care furnished or paid 
                for by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the two 
                years immediately preceding the date in subsection 
                (a)(1).
            (2) The term ``rural covered veteran'' means a covered 
        veteran--
                    (A) who lives in an area served by the Office of 
                Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
                    (B) whom the Under Secretary of Health determines 
                requires assistance to travel to a health care facility 
                to receive an examination described in subsection (a).
            (3) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in 
        section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

SEC. 205. POLICE CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
              AFFAIRS.

    (a) Training.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide to 
Department police officers an annual training on the prevention of 
suicide among the population served by the Department police officers.
    (b) Curriculum.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall update any similar training provided before the date of the 
enactment of this Act to ensure that the curriculum for the training 
addresses, at a minimum, the following:
            (1) Effective behavioral science procedures for suicide 
        prevention and risk mitigation.
            (2) Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, including 
        through the use of interactive training.
            (3) Information about mental health and substance abuse 
        disorders.
            (4) Information about local law enforcement crisis 
        intervention teams and other resources for veterans 
        experiencing mental health crises available by the Department 
        of Veterans Affairs, other elements of the Federal Government, 
        and the community in which the police officers serve.
    (c) Consultation.--The Secretary shall ensure that the annual 
training provided to Department police officers at a medical facility 
of the Department under subsection (a) is provided in consultation with 
law enforcement training accreditation organizations and the mental 
health experts at such facility.
    (d) Plan on Community Partnerships.--The Secretary shall ensure 
that each police force of a facility of the Department develops a plan 
to enter into partnerships with--
            (1) local community mental health organizations and 
        experts, local community veterans organizations, and local 
        community criminal justice organizations and experts; and
            (2) local police departments, including by facilitating the 
        sharing of training resources with crisis intervention teams of 
        the local police departments.
    (e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on 
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a 
report on the annual training under subsection (a), including--
            (1) a description of the curriculum of such training;
            (2) with respect to the year preceding the date of the 
        report--
                    (A) the number of facilities of the Department that 
                conducted such training;
                    (B) the number of Department police officers who 
                received such training; and
                    (C) any barriers to ensuring that each Department 
                police officer receives such training;
            (3) any recommendations to address the barriers identified 
        under paragraph (2)(C); and
            (4) the number of facilities of the Department that have 
        entered into partnerships pursuant to subsection (d).
    (f) Department Police Officer Defined.--In this section, the term 
``Department police officer'' means an employee of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs specified in section 902(a) of title 38, United States 
Code.

     TITLE III--IMPROVEMENT OF CARE AND SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS

SEC. 301. GAP ANALYSIS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROGRAMS THAT 
              PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO WOMEN VETERANS WHO ARE HOMELESS.

    (a) Analysis.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete an 
analysis of programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs that provide 
assistance to women veterans who are homeless or precariously housed to 
identify the areas in which such programs are failing to meet the needs 
of such women.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on 
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a 
report on the analysis completed under subsection (a).

SEC. 302. REPORT ON LOCATIONS WHERE WOMEN VETERANS ARE USING HEALTH 
              CARE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
Representatives and the Senate a report on the use by women veterans of 
health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    (b) Elements.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall include 
the following information:
            (1) The number of women veterans who reside in each State.
            (2) The number of women veterans in each State who are 
        enrolled in the patient enrollment system of the Department 
        under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.
            (3) Of the women veterans who are so enrolled, the number 
        who have received health care under the laws administered by 
        the Secretary at least one time during the one-year period 
        preceding the submission of the report.
            (4) The number of women veterans who have been seen at each 
        medical facility of the Department during such year, 
        disaggregated by facility.
            (5) The number of appointments that women veterans have had 
        at a medical facility of the Department during such year, 
        disaggregated by--
                    (A) facility; and
                    (B) appointments for--
                            (i) primary care;
                            (ii) specialty care; and
                            (iii) mental health care.
            (6) For each appointment type specified in paragraph 
        (5)(B), the number of appointments completed in-person and the 
        number of appointments completed through the use of telehealth.
            (7) If known, an identification of the medical facility of 
        the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network with 
        the largest rate of increase in patient population of women 
        veterans as measured by the increase in unique women veteran 
        patient use.
            (8) If known, an identification of the medical facility of 
        the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network with 
        the largest rate of decrease in patient population of women 
        veterans as measured by the decrease in unique women veterans 
        patient use.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 23, 2020.

            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.
116th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                               H. R. 8247

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT

To make certain improvements relating to the transition of individuals 
to services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide prevention 
 for veterans, and care and services for women veterans, and for other 
                               purposes.