[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6411 Reported in House (RH)]
<DOC>
Union Calendar No. 292
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6411
[Report No. 117-382]
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in
the mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 18, 2022
Mr. Takano (for himself and Mr. Bost) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
June 22, 2022
Additional sponsors: Mr. Gallego, Ms. Slotkin, Ms. Underwood, Mr.
Mrvan, Mr. Sablan, Ms. Brownley, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Swalwell, Mr. Pappas,
Ms. Titus, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Schiff, Mr.
Trone, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Allred, Mr. Levin of California, Mr. Raskin,
Mr. Lamb, Mr. Malinowski, Ms. DelBene, Mr. Kilmer, Ms. Manning, Mr.
Costa, Ms. Lois Frankel of Florida, Mr. Ellzey, Mr. Welch, Mr. Soto,
Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mrs. Miller-Meeks, Ms. Williams of
Georgia, Mr. Casten, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Mr. Ruiz, Mr. Rouzer,
Mr. Peters, and Mrs. Luria
June 22, 2022
Reported from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs; committed to the
Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to
be printed
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in
the mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
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 ``Support The
Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022'' or the ``STRONG
Veterans Act of 2022''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--TRAINING TO SUPPORT VETERANS' MENTAL HEALTH
Sec. 101. Mental health and suicide prevention outreach to minority
veterans and American Indian and Alaska
Native veterans.
Sec. 102. Expansion of Vet Center workforce.
Sec. 103. Expansion of mental health training for Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 104. Expansion of scholarships and loan repayment programs for
mental health providers.
TITLE II--VETERANS CRISIS LINE
Sec. 201. Veterans Crisis Line.
Subtitle A--Veterans Crisis Line Training and Quality Management
Sec. 211. Staff training.
Sec. 212. Quality review and management.
Sec. 213. Guidance for high-risk callers.
Sec. 214. Oversight of training of social service assistants and
clarification of job responsibilities.
Subtitle B--Pilot Programs and Research on Veterans Crisis Line
Sec. 221. Pilot programs.
Sec. 222. Authorization of appropriations for research on effectiveness
and opportunities for improvement of
Veterans Crisis Line.
Subtitle C--Transition of Crisis Line Number
Sec. 231. Feedback on transition of crisis line number.
TITLE III--OUTREACH TO VETERANS
Sec. 301. Solid Start program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 302. Designation of Buddy Check Week by Secretary of Veterans
Affairs.
Sec. 303. Improvements to Veterans Justice Outreach Program.
Sec. 304. Department of Veterans Affairs Governors Challenge Program.
TITLE IV--MENTAL HEALTH CARE DELIVERY
Sec. 401. Expansion of peer specialist support program of Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 402. Expansion of Vet Center services.
Sec. 403. Eligibility for mental health services.
Sec. 404. Mental health consultations.
TITLE V--RESEARCH
Sec. 501. Veterans integration to academic leadership program of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 502. Improvement of sleep disorder care furnished by Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 503. Study on inpatient mental health and substance use care from
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 504. Study on treatment from Department of Veterans Affairs for
co-occurring mental health and substance
use disorders.
Sec. 505. Study on workload of suicide prevention teams of Department
of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 506. Expansion of suicide prevention and mental health research.
Sec. 507. Study on mental health and suicide prevention support for
military families.
Sec. 508. Research on brain health.
Sec. 509. Study on efficacy of clinical and at-home resources for post-
traumatic stress disorder.
TITLE I--TRAINING TO SUPPORT VETERANS' MENTAL HEALTH
SEC. 101. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION OUTREACH TO MINORITY
VETERANS AND AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE VETERANS.
(a) Staffing Requirement.--Beginning not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall ensure that each medical center of the Department of
Veterans Affairs has no fewer than one full-time employee whose
responsibility is serving as a minority veteran coordinator.
(b) Training.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Indian
Health Service and the Director of the Office of Mental Health and
Suicide Prevention of the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall ensure
that all minority veteran coordinators receive training in delivery of
culturally appropriate mental health and suicide prevention services to
American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, especially with respect to
the identified populations and tribes within the coordinators'
catchment areas.
(c) Coordination With Suicide Prevention Coordinators.--Not later
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Mental
Health and Suicide Prevention, shall ensure that the suicide prevention
coordinator and minority veteran coordinator of each medical center of
the Department have developed and disseminated to the director of the
medical center a written plan for conducting mental health and suicide
prevention outreach to all tribes and urban Indian health organizations
within the catchment area of the medical center. Each such plan shall
include for each tribe covered by the plan--
(1) contact information for tribal leadership and the
tribal health facility or Indian Health Service facility
serving that tribe;
(2) a schedule for and list of outreach plans (including
addressing any barriers to accessing Department mental health
care);
(3) documentation of any conversation with tribal leaders
that may guide culturally appropriate delivery of mental health
care to American Indian or Alaska Native veterans;
(4) documentation of any progress in incorporating
traditional healing practices into mental health and suicide
prevention protocols and options available for veterans who are
members of such tribe; and
(5) documentation of any coordination among the Department,
the Indian Health Service, urban Indian health organizations,
and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration for the purpose of improving suicide prevention
efforts tailored to veterans who are members of such tribe and
the provision of culturally competent mental health care to
such veterans.
(d) Report.--Not later than one year after 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 on outreach efforts to minority veterans and
American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. Such report shall include
each of the following:
(1) The number of minority veteran coordinators within the
Department.
(2) The number and percentage of minority veteran
coordinators who are women.
(3) The number and percentage of minority veteran
coordinators who are persons of color.
(4) The number and percentage of Department medical centers
with minority veteran coordinators.
(5) The number and percentage of Department mental health
providers who are enrolled members of a federally recognized
Indian tribe or self-identify as Native American.
(6) The number and percentage of Department mental health
providers who speak a second language.
(7) A review of the outreach plans developed and submitted
to all Department medical centers for outreach to American
Indian and Alaska Native veterans.
(8) A review of mental health care provided annually by the
Department to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans for
the past three years, including number of appointments, and an
assessment of any barriers to providing this care.
SEC. 102. EXPANSION OF VET CENTER WORKFORCE.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall hire an
additional 100 full-time equivalent employees for Vet Centers to
bolster the workforce of Vet Centers and to provide expanded mental
health care to veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their
families through outreach, community access points, outstations, and
Vet Centers.
(b) Vet Center Defined.--In this section, the term ``Vet Center''
has the meaning given that term in section 1712A(h) of title 38, United
States Code.
SEC. 103. EXPANSION OF MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING FOR DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Not later than three years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in
collaboration with the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
and the Office of Academic Affiliations, shall add an additional 500
paid trainee slots in covered mental health disciplines to the
workforce of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b) Covered Mental Health Disciplines Defined.--In this section,
the term ``covered mental health disciplines'' means psychiatry,
psychology, advanced practice nursing (with a focus on mental health or
substance use disorder), social work, licensed professional mental
health counseling, and marriage and family therapy.
SEC. 104. EXPANSION OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS FOR
MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS.
(a) Expansion of Health Professional Scholarship Program.--
Beginning in academic year 2022, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall include not fewer than an additional (as compared to academic
year 2021) 50 awards per academic year under the Department of Veterans
Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program under subchapter II of
chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, for applicants otherwise
eligible for such program who are pursuing degrees or training in
mental health disciplines, including advanced practice nursing (with a
focus on mental health or substance use disorder), psychology, and
social work.
(b) Expansion of Education Debt Reduction Program.--
(1) In general.--Beginning in fiscal year 2022, the
Secretary shall provide not fewer than an additional (as
compared to fiscal year 2021) 200 debt reduction awards per
year under the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt
Reduction Program under subchapter VII of chapter 76 of title
38, United States Code, to be used to recruit mental health
professionals to the Department of Veterans Affairs in
disciplines that include psychiatry, psychology, advanced
practice nursing (with a focus on mental health or substance
use disorder), and social work.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
$8,000,000 per year to carry out the additional awards under
paragraph (1).
(c) Outreach.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a public
awareness campaign to encourage veterans and mental health
professionals to choose the Department for their mental health
career.
(2) Elements.--The campaign required under paragraph (1)--
(A) shall advertise the paid trainee, scholarship,
and loan repayment opportunities offered by the
Department; and
(B) may highlight the new graduate medical
education residencies available at the Department for
medical students entering residency.
TITLE II--VETERANS CRISIS LINE
SEC. 201. VETERANS CRISIS LINE.
In this title, the term ``Veterans Crisis Line'' means the toll-
free hotline for veterans established under section 1720F(h) of title
38, United States Code.
Subtitle A--Veterans Crisis Line Training and Quality Management
SEC. 211. STAFF TRAINING.
(a) Review of Training for Veterans Crisis Line Call Responders.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
enter into an agreement with an organization outside the
Department of Veterans Affairs to review the training for
Veterans Crisis Line call responders on assisting callers in
crisis.
(2) Completion of review.--The review conducted under
paragraph (1) shall be completed not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) Elements of review.--The review conducted under
paragraph (1) shall consist of a review of the training
provided by the Department on subjects including risk
assessment, lethal means assessment, substance use and overdose
risk assessment, safety planning, referrals to care,
supervisory consultation, and emergency dispatch.
(4) Update of training.--If any deficiencies in the
training for Veterans Crisis Line call responders are found
pursuant to the review under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
update such training and associated standards of practice to
correct those deficiencies not later than one year after the
completion of the review.
(b) Retraining Guidelines for Veterans Crisis Line Call
Responders.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop
guidelines on retraining and quality management for when a
Veterans Crisis Line call responder has an adverse event or
when a quality review check by a supervisor of such a call
responder denotes that the call responder needs improvement.
(2) Elements of guidelines.--The guidelines developed under
paragraph (1) shall specify the subjects and quantity of
retraining recommended and how supervisors should implement
increased use of silent monitoring or other performance review
mechanisms.
SEC. 212. QUALITY REVIEW AND MANAGEMENT.
(a) Monitoring of Calls on Veterans Crisis Line.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
require that not fewer than two calls per month for each
Veterans Crisis Line call responder be subject to supervisory
silent monitoring, which is used to monitor the quality of
conduct by such call responder during the call.
(2) Benchmarks.--The Secretary shall establish benchmarks
for requirements and performance of Veterans Crisis Line call
responders on supervisory silent monitored calls.
(3) Quarterly reports.--Not less frequently than quarterly,
the Secretary shall submit to the Office of Mental Health and
Suicide Prevention of the Department of Veterans Affairs a
report on occurrence and outcomes of supervisory silent
monitoring of calls on the Veterans Crisis Line.
(b) Quality Management Processes for Veterans Crisis Line.--Not
later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
leadership for the Veterans Crisis Line, in partnership with the Office
of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the Department and the
National Center for Patient Safety of the Department, shall establish
quality management processes and expectations for staff of the Veterans
Crisis Line, including with respect to reporting of adverse events and
close calls.
(c) Annual Common Cause Analysis for Callers to Veterans Crisis
Line Who Die by Suicide.--
(1) In general.--Not less frequently than annually, the
Secretary shall perform a common cause analysis for all
identified callers to the Veterans Crisis Line that died by
suicide during the one-year period preceding the conduct of the
analysis before the caller received contact with emergency
services and in which the Veterans Crisis Line was the last
point of contact.
(2) Submittal of results.--The Secretary shall submit to
the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the
Department the results of each analysis conducted under
paragraph (1).
(3) Application of themes or lessons.--The Secretary shall
apply any themes or lessons learned under an analysis under
paragraph (1) to updating training and standards of practice
for staff of the Veterans Crisis Line.
SEC. 213. GUIDANCE FOR HIGH-RISK CALLERS.
(a) Development of Enhanced Guidance and Procedures for Response to
Calls Related to Substance Use and Overdose Risk.--Not later than one
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, in consultation with national experts within the
Department of Veterans Affairs on substance use disorder and overdose,
shall--
(1) develop enhanced guidance and procedures to respond to
calls to the Veterans Crisis Line related to substance use and
overdose risk;
(2) update training materials for staff of the Veterans
Crisis Line in response to such enhanced guidance and
procedures; and
(3) update criteria for monitoring compliance with such
enhanced guidance and procedures.
(b) Review and Improvement of Standards for Emergency Dispatch.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
(A) review the current emergency dispatch standard
operating procedure of the Veterans Crisis Line to
identify any additions to such procedure to strengthen
communication regarding--
(i) emergency dispatch for disconnected
callers; and
(ii) the role of social service assistants
in requesting emergency dispatch and recording
such dispatches; and
(B) update such procedure to include the additions
identified under subparagraph (A).
(2) Training.--The Secretary shall ensure that all staff of
the Veterans Crisis Line are trained on all updates made under
paragraph (1)(B) to the emergency dispatch standard operating
procedure of the Veterans Crisis Line.
SEC. 214. OVERSIGHT OF TRAINING OF SOCIAL SERVICE ASSISTANTS AND
CLARIFICATION OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
(1) establish oversight mechanisms to ensure that social
service assistants and supervisory social service assistants
working with the Veterans Crisis Line are appropriately trained
and implementing guidance of the Department regarding the
Veterans Crisis Line; and
(2) refine standard operating procedures to delineate roles
and responsibilities for all levels of supervisory social
service assistants working with the Veterans Crisis Line.
Subtitle B--Pilot Programs and Research on Veterans Crisis Line
SEC. 221. PILOT PROGRAMS.
(a) Extended Safety Planning Pilot Program for Veterans Crisis
Line.--
(1) In general.--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 determine
whether a lengthier, templated safety plan used in clinical
settings could be applied in call centers for the Veterans
Crisis Line.
(2) Briefing.--Not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to
Congress a briefing on the findings of the Secretary under the
pilot program conducted under paragraph (1), which shall
include any recommendations of the Secretary with respect to
the continuation or discontinuation of the pilot program.
(b) Crisis Line Facilitation Pilot Program.--
(1) In general.--Commencing not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
carry out a pilot program on the use of crisis line
facilitation to increase use of the Veterans Crisis Line among
high-risk veterans.
(2) Briefing.--Not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to
Congress a briefing on the findings of the Secretary under the
pilot program under paragraph (1), including any
recommendations of the Secretary with respect to the
continuation or discontinuation of the pilot program.
(3) Definitions.--In this section:
(A) The term ``crisis line facilitation'', with
respect to a high-risk veteran, means the presentation
by a therapist of psychoeducational information about
the Veterans Crisis Line and a discussion of the
perceived barriers and facilitators to future use of
the Veterans Crisis Line for the veteran, which
culminates in the veteran calling the Veterans Crisis
Line with the therapist to provide firsthand
experiences that may counter negative impressions of
the Veterans Crisis Line.
(B) The term ``high-risk veteran'' means a veteran
receiving inpatient mental health care following a
suicidal crisis.
SEC. 222. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR RESEARCH ON EFFECTIVENESS
AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF VETERANS CRISIS
LINE.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, a total of $5,000,000 for the
Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers of the
Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct research on the effectiveness
of the Veterans Crisis Line and areas for improvement for the Veterans
Crisis Line. Amounts made available pursuant to the authorization of
appropriations under this section shall remain available until
September 30, 2024.
Subtitle C--Transition of Crisis Line Number
SEC. 231. FEEDBACK ON TRANSITION OF CRISIS LINE NUMBER.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall solicit
feedback from veterans service organizations on how to conduct outreach
to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, their family members, and
other members of the military and veterans community on the move to 988
as the new, national three-digit suicide and mental health crisis
hotline, which is expected to be implemented by July 2022, to minimize
confusion and ensure veterans are aware of their options for reaching
the Veterans Crisis Line.
(b) Nonapplication of FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to any feedback solicited under subsection
(a).
(c) Veterans Service Organization Defined.--In this section, the
term ``veterans service organization'' means an organization recognized
by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902
of title 38, United States Code.
TITLE III--OUTREACH TO VETERANS
SEC. 301. SOLID START PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 63 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:
``SUBCHAPTER II--OTHER OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
``Sec. 6320. Solid Start program
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program, to be
known as the `Solid Start program', under which the Secretary shall--
``(1) build the capacity of the Department to efficiently
and effectively respond to the queries and needs of veterans
who have recently separated from the Armed Forces; and
``(2) systemically integrate and coordinate efforts to
assist veterans, including efforts--
``(A) to proactively reach out to newly separated
veterans to inform them of their eligibility for
programs of and benefits provided by the Department;
and
``(B) to connect veterans in crisis to resources
that address their immediate needs.
``(b) Activities of the Solid Start Program.--(1) The Secretary, in
coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall carry out the Solid
Start program of the Department by--
``(A) collecting up-to-date contact information during
transition classes or separation counseling for all members of
the Armed Forces who are separating from the Armed Forces,
while explaining the existence and purpose of the Solid Start
program;
``(B) calling each veteran, regardless of separation type
or characterization of service, three times within the first
year after separation of the veteran from the Armed Forces;
``(C) providing information about the Solid Start program
on the website of the Department and in materials of the
Department, especially transition booklets and other resources;
``(D) ensuring calls are truly tailored to the needs of
each veteran's unique situation by conducting quality assurance
tests;
``(E) prioritizing outreach to veterans who have accessed
mental health resources prior to separation from the Armed
Forces;
``(F) providing women veterans with information that is
tailored to their specific health care and benefit needs;
``(G) as feasible, providing information on access to State
and local resources, including Vet Centers and veterans service
organizations; and
``(H) gathering and analyzing data assessing the
effectiveness of the Solid Start program.
``(2) The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense,
may carry out the Solid Start program by--
``(A) encouraging members of the Armed Forces who are
transitioning to civilian life to authorize alternate points of
contact who can be reached should the member be unavailable
during the first year following the separation of the member
from the Armed Forces;
``(B) following up missed phone calls with tailored
mailings to ensure the veteran still receives similar
information; and
``(C) striving to reach out to veterans who separated prior
to the initiation of the Solid Start program to provide similar
services to those veterans, as feasible.
``(3) In this subsection:
``(A) The term `Vet Center' has the meaning given that term
in section 1712A(h) of this title.
``(B) The term `veterans service organization' means an
organization recognized by the Secretary for the representation
of veterans under section 5902 of this title.
``(c) Obligations of Amounts.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary may not, in a fiscal year, obligate an
amount to carry out the Solid Start program that is less than the total
amount obligated in the previous fiscal year to carry out the program,
unless the Secretary determines that increased efficiencies of the
program warrant the obligation of a lesser amount.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 63 of such title, as amended by
subsection (a), is further amended--
(1) by inserting before section 6301 the following:
``Subchapter I--Outreach Services Program'';
and
(2) in sections 6301, 6303, 6304, 6305, 6306, and 6307, by
striking ``this chapter'' each place it appears and inserting
``this subchapter''.
(c) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 63 of such title is amended--
(1) by inserting before the item relating to section 6301
the following new item:
``subchapter i--outreach services program'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new items:
``subchapter ii--other outreach programs and activities
``6320. Solid Start program.''.
SEC. 302. DESIGNATION OF BUDDY CHECK WEEK BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall designate
one week each year to organize outreach events and educate veterans on
how to conduct peer wellness checks, which shall be known as ``Buddy
Check Week''.
(b) Educational Opportunities.--
(1) In general.--During Buddy Check Week, the Secretary, in
consultation with organizations that represent veterans,
nonprofits that serve veterans, mental health experts, members
of the Armed Forces, and such other entities and individuals as
the Secretary considers appropriate, shall collaborate with
organizations that represent veterans to provide educational
opportunities for veterans to learn how to conduct peer
wellness checks.
(2) Training matters.--As part of the educational
opportunities provided under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
provide the following:
(A) A script for veterans to use to conduct peer
wellness checks that includes information on
appropriate referrals to resources veterans might need.
(B) Online and in-person training, as appropriate,
on how to conduct a peer wellness check.
(C) Opportunities for members of organizations that
represent veterans to learn how to train individuals to
conduct peer wellness checks.
(D) Training for veterans participating in Buddy
Check Week on how to transfer a phone call directly to
the Veterans Crisis Line.
(E) Resiliency training for veterans participating
in Buddy Check Week on handling a veteran in crisis.
(3) Online materials.--All training materials provided
under the educational opportunities under paragraph (1) shall
be made publicly available on a website of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(c) Outreach.--The Secretary, in collaboration with organizations
that represent veterans, may conduct outreach regarding educational
opportunities under subsection (b) at--
(1) public events where many veterans are expected to
congregate;
(2) meetings of organizations that represent veterans;
(3) facilities of the Department; and
(4) such other locations as the Secretary, in collaboration
with organizations that represent veterans, considers
appropriate.
(d) Veterans Crisis Line Plan.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that a plan
exists for handling the potential increase in the number of
calls into the Veterans Crisis Line that may occur during Buddy
Check Week.
(2) Submittal of plan.--The head of the Veterans Crisis
Line shall submit to the Secretary a plan for how to handle
excess calls during Buddy Check Week, which may include the
following:
(A) Additional hours for staff.
(B) The use of a backup call center.
(C) Any other plan to ensure that calls from
veterans in crisis are being answered in a timely
manner by an individual trained at the same level as a
Veterans Crisis Line responder.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``organization that represents veterans''
means an organization recognized by the Secretary for the
representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38,
United States Code.
(2) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in
section 101 of such title.
(3) The term ``Veterans Crisis Line'' means the toll-free
hotline for veterans provided by the Secretary under section
1720F(h) of such title.
SEC. 303. IMPROVEMENTS TO VETERANS JUSTICE OUTREACH PROGRAM.
(a) Outreach Requirement.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
conduct outreach regarding the Veterans Justice Outreach Program to
justice-involved veterans, military and veterans service organizations,
and relevant stakeholders in the criminal justice community, including
officials from local law enforcement, court, and jail systems and
others as determined appropriate by the Secretary. Such outreach--
(1) shall be designed--
(A) to spread awareness and understanding of the
Program;
(B) to spread awareness and understanding of
veteran eligibility for the Program, including the
eligibility of veterans who were discharged from
service in the Armed Forces under conditions other than
honorable; and
(C) to improve the identification of justice-
involved veterans; and
(2) may be conducted in person, virtually, or through other
means, including by the dissemination of informational
materials and contact information.
(b) Strategic Plan.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
develop a strategic plan for the Veterans Justice Outreach Program. In
developing such plan, the Secretary shall conduct--
(1) an assessment of barriers to working with justice-
involved veterans in rural, remote, and underserved areas,
including potential steps to address such barriers; and
(2) a workforce gap analysis for the Program.
(c) Increase in Number of VJO Specialists.--
(1) Increase.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
increase the number of Veterans Justice Outreach specialists
responsible for supporting justice-involved veterans in rural,
remote, or underserved areas, including areas located far from
Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, as determined
by the Secretary, through--
(A) the hiring of additional Veterans Justice
Outreach specialists;
(B) the reallocation of existing Veterans Justice
Outreach specialists; or
(C) such other means as may be determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
(2) Determination.--The Secretary shall determine the
number of Veterans Justice Outreach specialists required, and
the locations of such specialists, under paragraph (1) by
taking into account--
(A) such number and locations needed to achieve the
mission and strategic goals of the Veterans Justice
Outreach Program;
(B) any gaps in the workforce of the Program,
including such gaps identified pursuant to subsection
(b)(2); and
(C) strategies to address such gaps.
(3) Use of technology.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall consider the use of virtual technology.
(d) Performance Goals and Implementation Plans.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
establish performance goals and implementation plans for--
(A) the Veterans Justice Outreach Program;
(B) Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists; and
(C) providing support for research regarding
justice-involved veterans.
(2) Consistency with strategic plan.--The Secretary shall
ensure that the performance goals and implementation plans
under paragraph (1) are consistent with the strategic plan
under subsection (b) and include--
(A) qualitative and quantitative milestones,
measures, and metrics, and associated timelines for
completion of the plans under paragraph (1) and
barriers to such completion;
(B) an identification of relevant staff; and
(C) an estimate of resource needs and sources.
(3) Performance data.--The Secretary shall establish a
process to regularly collect and analyze performance data to
assess the efficiency and effectiveness of implementing the
plans under paragraph (1).
(e) Training Requirement.--The Secretary shall ensure that all
Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists receive training not less
frequently than annually on--
(1) best practices for identifying and conducting outreach
to justice-involved veterans and relevant stakeholders in the
criminal justice community; and
(2) veteran eligibility for the Veterans Justice Outreach
Program, including with respect to consistently communicating
changes regarding eligibility (including through the use of a
script or other reference materials).
(f) Reports on Implementation.--
(1) First report.--Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on the following:
(A) An assessment of implementing subsection (c),
including--
(i) strategies to increase Veterans Justice
Outreach specialists responsible for supporting
justice-involved veterans in rural, remote, or
underserved areas; and
(ii) the progress of the Secretary in
addressing gaps in the workforce of the
Veterans Justice Outreach Program identified
pursuant to paragraph (2) of such subsection.
(B) The performance goals and implementation plans
established under subsection (d)(1).
(2) Subsequent report.--Not later than three years after
the date on which the first report is submitted under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
progress of the Secretary in meeting the performance goals and
carrying out activities under the implementation plans
established under subsection (d)(1).
(g) Report on Veterans Treatment Courts.--Not later than one year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in
consultation with the Attorney General, shall submit to Congress a
report on the engagement of the Department of Veterans Affairs with
veterans treatment courts, including--
(1) the availability and efficacy of veterans treatment
courts in meeting the needs of justice-involved veterans;
(2) best practices for Department of Veterans Affairs staff
and justice-involved veterans in working with veterans
treatment courts; and
(3) the ability of justice-involved veterans to access
veterans treatment courts, including any barriers that exist to
increasing such access.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``justice-involved veteran'' means a veteran
with active, ongoing, or recent contact with some component of
a local criminal justice system.
(2) The term ``Veterans Justice Outreach Program'' means
the program through which the Department of Veterans Affairs
identifies justice-involved veterans and provides such veterans
with access to Department services.
(3) The term ``Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist'' means
an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs who serves as
a liaison between the Department and the local criminal justice
system on behalf of a justice-involved veteran.
(4) The term ``veterans treatment court'' means a State or
local court that is participating in the veterans treatment
court program (as defined in section 2991(i)(1) of the Omnibus
Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
3797aa(i)(1))).
SEC. 304. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS GOVERNORS CHALLENGE PROGRAM.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into agreements with
States, territories, and American Indian and Alaska Native tribes for
the development and implementation of veteran suicide prevention
proposals through the Governors Challenge Program.
TITLE IV--MENTAL HEALTH CARE DELIVERY
SEC. 401. EXPANSION OF PEER SPECIALIST SUPPORT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Expansion.--Section 506 of the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-182; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as
subsections (e) through (g);
(2) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``Each such peer specialist shall be a full-time
employee whose primary function is to serve as a peer
specialist and shall be in addition to all other employees of
such medical center.'';
(3) in the heading of subsection (b), by striking
``Timeframe'' and inserting ``Initial Timeframe'';
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Selection'' and
inserting ``Initial Selection''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The Secretary
shall'' and inserting ``In establishing the program at
initial locations, the Secretary shall'';
(5) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
subsection:
``(d) Timeframe for Expansion of Program; Selection of Additional
Locations.--
``(1) Timeframe for expansion.--The Secretary shall make
permanent and expand the program to additional medical centers
of the Department as follows:
``(A) As of the date of the enactment of the STRONG
Veterans Act of 2021, the Secretary shall make such
program permanent at each medical center participating
in the program on the day before such date of
enactment.
``(B) During the seven-year period following such
date of enactment, the Secretary shall expand the
program to an additional 25 medical centers per year
until the program is carried out at each medical center
of the Department.
``(2) Selection of additional locations.--In selecting
medical centers for the expansion of the program under
paragraph (1)(B), until such time as each medical center of the
Department is participating in the program by establishing not
fewer than two peer specialists at the medical center, the
Secretary shall prioritize medical centers in the following
areas:
``(A) Rural areas and other areas that are
underserved by the Department.
``(B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an
active duty military installation.
``(C) Areas representing different geographic
locations, such as census tracts established by the
Bureau of the Census.'';
(6) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (1)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Gender-specific
Services'' and inserting ``Considerations for Hiring
Peer Specialists'';
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``location selected under subsection (c)'' and
inserting ``medical center'';
(C) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the
end; and
(D) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following new paragraphs:
``(2) female peer specialists are hired and made available
to support female veterans who are treated at each medical
center; and
``(3) to the extent practical, peer specialists are hired
in demographic percentages that reflect the racial and ethnic
demographic percentages of the overall veterans population.'';
and
(7) by amending subsection (g), as redesignated by
paragraph (1), to read as follows:
``(g) Reports.--
``(1) Periodic reports.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of the STRONG Veterans Act of
2021, and annually thereafter for five years, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate
a report on the program, including the expansion of the
program under subsection (d)(1).
``(B) Elements.--Each report under subparagraph (A)
shall include, with respect to the one-year period
preceding the submission of the report, the following:
``(i) The findings and conclusions of the
Secretary with respect to the program.
``(ii) An assessment of the benefits of the
program to veterans and family members of
veterans.
``(iii) An assessment of the effectiveness
of peer specialists in engaging under
subsection (f) with health care providers in
the community and veterans served by such
providers.
``(iv) The name and location of each
medical center where new peer specialists were
hired.
``(v) The number of new peer specialists
hired at each medical center pursuant to this
section and the total number of peer
specialists within the Department hired
pursuant to this section.
``(vi) An assessment of any barriers
confronting the recruitment, training, or
retention of peer specialists.
``(2) Final report.--Not later than one year after the
Secretary determines that the program is being carried out at
each medical center of the Department, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate a report notifying such
committees of such determination.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement section
506 of the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-182; 38 U.S.C. 1701
note), as amended by subsection (a), the following amounts:
(1) $3,600,000 for fiscal year 2022.
(2) $7,200,000 for fiscal year 2023.
(3) $10,800,000 for fiscal year 2024.
(4) $14,400,000 for fiscal year 2025.
(5) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
(6) $21,600,000 for fiscal year 2027.
(7) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
SEC. 402. EXPANSION OF VET CENTER SERVICES.
(a) Veterans and Members Using Educational Assistance Benefits.--
Section 1712A of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``clauses (i) through (vi)'' both places it
appears and inserting ``clauses (i) through (vii)'';
(2) by striking ``in clause (vii)'' both places it appears
and inserting ``in clause (viii)'';
(3) in subsection (a)(1)(C)--
(A) by redesignating clause (vii) as clause (viii);
and
(B) by inserting after clause (vi) the following
new clause:
``(vii) Any veteran or member of the Armed Forces pursuing
a course of education using covered educational assistance
benefits.''; and
(4) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(6) The term `covered educational assistance benefits'
means educational assistance benefits provided pursuant to--
``(A) chapter 30, 31, 32, or 33 of this title;
``(B) chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10;
``(C) section 116 of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans
Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-48;
38 U.S.C. 3001 note); or
``(D) section 8006 of the American Rescue Plan Act
of 2021 (Public Law 117-2; 38 U.S.C. 3001 note
prec.).''.
(b) GAO Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate a report assessing--
(1) the mental health needs of veterans pursuing a course
of education using covered educational assistance benefits (as
defined in section 1712A(h)(6) of title 38, United States Code,
as added by subsection (a)); and
(2) the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs to
address such mental health needs.
SEC. 403. ELIGIBILITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Section 1712A(a)(1) of title 38, United States
Code, as amended by section 402, is further amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(A) in subclause (I), by striking ``and'';
(B) in subclause (II), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(III) in the case of a veteran or member who died
by suicide, to the degree that counseling furnished to
such individual is found to aid in coping with the
effects of such suicide.'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)(i)(II)--
(A) in item (aa), by striking ``or'';
(B) in item (bb), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following;
``(cc) coping with the effects of a suicide
described in subclause (III) of such clause.'';
and
(3) in subparagraph (C)(vii)--
(A) in subclause (I), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in subclause (II), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(III) veteran or member of the Armed Forces who
died by suicide.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to family members of a member or veteran who died by
suicide before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 404. MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATIONS.
(a) Mental Health Consultations for Veterans Filing for
Compensation.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter VI of chapter 11 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 1167. Mental health consultations
``(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which a
veteran submits to the Secretary a claim for compensation under this
chapter for a service-connected disability relating to a mental health
diagnosis, the Secretary shall offer the veteran a mental health
consultation to assess the mental health needs of, and care options
for, the veteran.
``(b) Availability.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) offer a veteran a consultation under subsection (a)
without regard to any previous denial or approval of a claim of
that veteran for a service-connected disability relating to a
mental health diagnosis; and
``(2) ensure that a veteran offered a mental health
consultation under subsection (a) may elect to receive such
consultation during the one-year period beginning on the date
on which the consultation is offered or during such longer
period beginning on such date as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
``(c) Rule of Construction.--A consultation provided to a veteran
under this section shall not be construed as a determination that any
disability of such veteran is service-connected for the purposes of any
benefit under the laws administered by the Secretary.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 11 of such title is amended by adding at
the end the following new item:
``1167. Mental health consultations.''.
(b) Mental Health Consultations for Veterans Entering Homeless
Programs Office Programs.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter VII of chapter 20 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 2068. Mental health consultations
``(a) In General.--Not later than two weeks after the date on which
a veteran described in subsection (b) enters into a program
administered by the Homeless Programs Office of the Department, the
Secretary shall offer the veteran a mental health consultation to
assess the health needs of, and care options for, the veteran.
``(b) Veteran Described.--A veteran described in this subsection is
a veteran to whom a mental health consultation is not offered or
provided through the case management services of the program of the
Homeless Programs Office into which the veteran enters.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 20 of such title is amended by adding at
the end the following new item:
``2068. Mental health consultations.''.
TITLE V--RESEARCH
SEC. 501. VETERANS INTEGRATION TO ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, 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 Veterans Integration to Academic
Leadership program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The report
shall include the following:
(1) The number of medical centers of the Department,
institutions of higher learning, non-college degree programs,
and student veterans supported by the program, and relevant
trends since the program began.
(2) The staff and resources allocated to the program, and
relevant trends since the program began.
(3) An assessment of the outcomes and effectiveness of the
program in--
(A) supporting student veterans;
(B) connecting student veterans to needed services
of the Department or services provided by non-
Department entities;
(C) addressing the mental health needs of student
veterans;
(D) lowering the suicide risk of student veterans;
and
(E) helping student veterans achieve educational
goals.
(4) An assessment of barriers to expanding the program and
how the Secretary intends to address such barriers.
(5) An assessment of whether the program should be expanded
outside of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
to support students veterans with needs unrelated to mental
health or suicide.
(b) Uniform Best Practices, Goals, and Measures.--The Secretary
shall establish best practices, goals, and measures for the Veterans
Integration to Academic Leadership program of the Department that are
uniform among the medical centers of the Department.
(c) Outreach.--The Secretary shall conduct outreach among the Armed
Forces, veterans service organizations, institutions of higher
learning, and non-college degree programs with respect to the Veterans
Integration to Academic Leadership program of the Department.
(d) Assessment.--The Secretary shall assess the feasibility and
advisability of including the suicide rate for student veterans in the
National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report of the Office of
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the Department.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``institution of higher learning'' has the
meaning given that term in section 3452 of title 38, United
States Code.
(2) The term ``student veteran'' means the following:
(A) A veteran or member of the Armed Forces using
educational assistance under any of the following
provisions of law:
(i) Chapter 30, 31, 32, or 33 of title 38,
United States Code, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of
title 10, United States Code.
(ii) Section 116 of the Harry W. Colmery
Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017
(Public Law 115-48; 38 U.S.C. 3001 note).
(iii) Section 8006 of the American Rescue
Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2; 38 U.S.C.
3001 note prec.).
(B) A veteran who is enrolled in an institution of
higher learning or other training program, without
regard to whether the veteran is using educational
assistance specified in subparagraph (A).
SEC. 502. IMPROVEMENT OF SLEEP DISORDER CARE FURNISHED BY DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Pursuant to the analysis conducted under
subsection (b), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take such
action as the Secretary considers appropriate to improve the assessment
and treatment of veterans with sleep disorders, including by conducting
in-home sleep studies for veterans.
(b) Analysis.--The Secretary shall conduct an analysis of the
ability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to treat sleep disorders
among veterans, including--
(1) assessment and treatment options for such disorders;
(2) barriers to care for such disorders, such as wait time,
travel time, and lack of staffing;
(3) the efficacy of the clinical practice guidelines of the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense
for such disorders; and
(4) the availability of and efficacy of the use by the
Department of Veterans Affairs of cognitive behavioral therapy
for insomnia.
(c) Report.--Not later than two years 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 on--
(1) the findings from the analysis conducted under
subsection (b); and
(2) any actions taken under subsection (a) to improve the
assessment and treatment of veterans with sleep disorders.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations for In-Home Sleep Studies.--
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs $5,000,000 to be used to conduct in-home sleep studies for
veterans, as part of sleep disorder assessment and treatment conducted
by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
SEC. 503. STUDY ON INPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE CARE FROM
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete
the conduct of a study on access of veterans to care under the
residential rehabilitation treatment programs of the Department of
Veterans Affairs to determine--
(1) if there are sufficient geographic offerings of
inpatient mental health care, especially for veterans in rural
and remote communities;
(2) if there are sufficient bed spaces at each location,
based on demand and drive time from the homes of veterans;
(3) if there are any workforce-related capacity limitations
at each location, including if beds are unable to be used
because there are not enough providers to care for additional
patients;
(4) if there are diagnosis-specific or sex-specific
barriers to accessing care under such programs; and
(5) the average wait time for a bed in such a program,
broken out by--
(A) Veterans Integrated Service Network;
(B) rural or urban area;
(C) sex; and
(D) specialty (general program, substance use
disorder program, military sexual trauma program,
etc.).
(b) Recommendations for Modifications to Treatment Programs.--Using
the results from the study conducted under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall make recommendations for--
(1) new locations for opening facilities to participate in
the residential rehabilitation treatment programs of the
Department;
(2) facilities under such programs at which new beds can be
added; and
(3) any additional specialty tracks to be added to such
programs, such as substance use disorder or military sexual
trauma, in order to meet veteran need and demand.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after completion of the study
under subsection (a), 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 the findings of the study
conducted under subsection (a) and the recommendations made by the
Secretary under subsection (b).
SEC. 504. STUDY ON TREATMENT FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR
CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct
a study examining--
(1) the availability of treatment programs for veterans
with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
(including both inpatient and outpatient care);
(2) any geographic disparities in access to such programs,
such as for rural and remote veterans; and
(3) the average wait times for care under such programs.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than two years 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
on the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include--
(A) any recommendations resulting from the study
conducted under subsection (a) with respect to
improving timeliness and quality of care and meeting
treatment preferences for veterans with co-occurring
mental health and substance use disorders; and
(B) a description of any actions taken by the
Secretary to improve care for such veterans.
SEC. 505. STUDY ON WORKLOAD OF SUICIDE PREVENTION TEAMS OF DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, acting through
the Under Secretary for Health and the Office of Mental Health and
Suicide Prevention, shall conduct a study evaluating the workload of
local suicide prevention teams of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b) Elements.--The study conducted under subsection (a) shall--
(1) identify the effects of the growth of the suicide
prevention program of the Department on the workload of suicide
prevention teams;
(2) incorporate key practices for staffing model design in
determining suicide prevention staffing needs; and
(3) determine which facilities of the Department need
increased suicide prevention coordinator staffing to meet the
needs of veterans, with an emphasis placed on facilities with
high patient volume and facilities located in States with high
rates of veteran suicide.
(c) 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--
(1) on the findings of the study conducted under subsection
(a); and
(2) indicating any changes made to the staffing of suicide
prevention teams of the Department resulting from the
determinations made under subsection (b)(3), including a list
of facilities of the Department where staffing was adjusted.
SEC. 506. EXPANSION OF SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH.
(a) Research on Moral Injury.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
acting through the Office of Research and Development of the Department
of Veterans Affairs, shall conduct suicide prevention and mental health
care improvement research on how moral injury relates to the mental
health needs of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September
11, 2001, and best practices for mental health treatment for such
veterans.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs an additional
$10,000,000 to be used by the Center of Excellence for Suicide
Prevention of the Department and the Rocky Mountain Mental Illness
Research Education and Clinical Center for purposes of conducting
research on the factors impacting veteran suicide and best practices
for early intervention and support.
SEC. 507. STUDY ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SUPPORT FOR
MILITARY FAMILIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in
collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, shall conduct a study on
secondary post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and its impact
on spouses, children, and caregivers of members of the Armed Forces.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than three years after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, shall
submit to Congress, veterans service organizations, and
military support organizations a report on the findings of the
study conducted under subsection (a).
(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) The term ``military support organization'' has
the meaning given that term by the Secretary of
Defense.
(B) The term ``veterans service organization''
means an organization recognized by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans
under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 508. RESEARCH ON BRAIN HEALTH.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of
Veterans Affairs an additional $5,000,000 for ongoing and future
research at the Translational Research Center of the Department of
Veterans Affairs for traumatic brain injury and stress disorders to
provide better understanding of, and improved treatment options for,
veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and
who have traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.
SEC. 509. STUDY ON EFFICACY OF CLINICAL AND AT-HOME RESOURCES FOR POST-
TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, acting through the Office of
Research and Development of the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall
conduct a study on--
(1) the efficacy of clinical and at-home resources, such as
mobile applications like COVID Coach, for providers, veterans,
caregivers, and family members to use for dealing with
stressors;
(2) the feasibility and advisability of developing more
such resources;
(3) strategies for improving mental health care and
outcomes for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder; and
(4) best practices for helping family members of veterans
deal with secondary post-traumatic stress disorder or mental
health concerns.
Union Calendar No. 292
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6411
[Report No. 117-382]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in
the mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
June 22, 2022
Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union
and ordered to be printed