[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 58 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3042-S3045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SANDERS:
  S. 852. A bill to improve health care furnished by the Department of 
Veterans Affairs by increasing access to complementary and alternative 
medicine and other approaches to wellness and preventive care, and for 
other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs, I am proud to introduce the Veterans Health 
Promotion Act of 2013, which will address veterans' health and 
wellness.
  The most recent statistics show that VA is providing health care to 
over 6.5 million individual veterans each year, including over 674,000 
veterans from the most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These 
veterans are enrolling in VA at a rate of 56 percent, higher than any 
other group of veterans from previous conflicts. These veterans are 
receiving some of the best health care this nation has to offer. They 
can access this care at medical centers, outpatient clinics, vet 
centers, mobile clinics and through telemedicine.
  Despite this access to care, many veterans still struggle with their 
overall wellbeing. Therefore, it is not enough to treat veterans who 
are very sick. When we focus solely on disease and illness, we miss the 
broader goal of wellness. We must expand our understanding of the care 
options necessary to improve veterans' lives. Therefore, I am 
introducing legislation which would do just that--expand veterans' 
access a full spectrum of care including wellness and Complementary and 
Alternative Medicine--known as CAM.
  VA has made significant strides in providing CAM at VA medical 
centers. As the name describes, CAM therapies can serve as a complement 
to traditional care or, for some veterans, as an alternative. There is 
a growing body of evidence to support the value of these therapies but 
greater understanding can be achieved through the expansion of these 
services to more veterans. The legislation I am introducing today would 
do just that.
  This expansion would occur through the Veterans Health 
Administration's Center of Innovation, which is developing, 
demonstrating and evaluating veteran-centered health care policies. To 
date, VA has established five such centers. My legislation would 
increase the number of these Centers of Innovation, establishing at 
least one in each of VA's 23 Veterans Integrated Service Networks. My 
legislation would create a total of fifteen pilot sites to provide CAM 
therapies to veterans throughout the nation. Five of the pilot sites 
would be located at VA's Polytrauma Centers, which care for veterans 
with the most complex injuries. The remaining ten would provide CAM 
therapies within primary care settings.
  Additionally, my legislation would require VA to study barriers to 
providing and promoting preventive and holistic approaches to health 
care, including CAM and wellness, in the primary care setting. When we 
understand these barriers we can find a way to break them down, 
furthering opportunities to enhance the overall health and sense of 
wellbeing among veterans.
  The legislation would also authorize grants to state and city 
agencies, and community-based nonprofit organizations to provide combat 
veterans and their family members access to wellness programs. By 
leveraging these outside organizations while improving their 
collaboration with VA, we can improve access to wellness programs 
without sacrificing VA's valuable model of care coordination.

[[Page S3043]]

  An important component for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is 
physical activity. One of the best ways to improve the health of a 
population is to increase access to opportunities for physical 
activity. When coupled with a healthy diet, physical fitness can help 
promote weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes, heart attack and 
stroke. Therefore, my legislation would create a pilot program to 
provide fitness center memberships for overweight and obese veterans, 
in consultation with their VA health care provider. The pilot program 
would be over a 2-year period at 10 pilot sites. Additionally, the 
legislation would require VA to partner with fitness centers to improve 
access for veterans.
  Finally, we must ensure CAM, wellness and fitness options are not 
only available to veterans, but are also utilized by veterans. 
Therefore, my legislation would require VA to study the barriers that 
exist across VHA in providing and promoting preventative and holistic 
approaches to health care, to include Complementary and Alternative 
Medicine and Wellness, in the primary care setting in order to enhance 
their overall health and sense of wellbeing among veterans.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and I look forward 
to working with them to continue to improve health care access for our 
veterans.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 852

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Health Promotion 
     Act of 2013''.

     SEC. 2. DESIGNATION AND OPERATION OF CENTERS OF INNOVATION 
                   FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN 
                   HEALTH CARE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND CLINICAL 
                   ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Designation and Operation of Centers of Innovation.--
     Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, 
     is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7330B. Centers of innovation for complementary and 
       alternative medicine in health care research, education, 
       and clinical activities

       ``(a) Designation and Operation.--The Secretary, acting 
     through the Director of the Office of Patient Centered Care 
     for Cultural Transformation, shall designate and operate at 
     least one center of innovation for complementary and 
     alternative medicine in health research, education, and 
     clinical activities in each Veterans Integrated Service 
     Networks.
       ``(b) Functions.--The functions of the centers of 
     innovation designated and operated under subsection (a) are 
     as follows:
       ``(1) To conduct research on the furnishing of 
     complementary and alternative medicine in health care.
       ``(2) To develop specific models to be used by the 
     Department in furnishing services to veterans consisting of 
     complementary and alternative medicine.
       ``(3) To provide education and training for health care 
     professionals of the Department on--
       ``(A) the furnishing of services consisting of 
     complementary and alternative medicine to veterans; or
       ``(B) providing referrals to veterans for the receipt of 
     such services.
       ``(4) To develop and implement innovative clinical 
     activities and systems of care for the Department for the 
     furnishing of services consisting of complementary and 
     alternative medicine to veterans.
       ``(c) Geographic Dispersion.--The Secretary shall ensure 
     that the centers designated and operated under this section 
     are located at health care facilities that are geographically 
     dispersed throughout the United States.
       ``(d) Funding.--(1) There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary for the 
     support of the research and education activities of the 
     centers operated under this section.
       ``(2) Activities of clinical and scientific investigation 
     at each center operated under this section--
       ``(A) shall be eligible to compete for the award of funding 
     from funds appropriated for the Medical and Prosthetics 
     Research Account; and
       ``(B) shall receive priority in the award of funding from 
     such account to the extent that funds are awarded to projects 
     for research on the care of rural veterans.
       ``(e) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Defined.--In 
     this section, the term `complementary and alternative 
     medicine' shall have the meaning given that term in 
     regulations the Secretary shall prescribe for purposes of 
     this section, which shall, to the degree practicable, be 
     consistent with the meaning given such term by the Secretary 
     of Health and Human Services.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 7330A the following new 
     item:

``7330B. Centers of Innovation for complementary and alternative 
              medicine in health care research, education, and clinical 
              activities.''.

     SEC. 3. PILOT PROGRAM ON ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPLEMENTARY AND 
                   ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CENTERS WITHIN DEPARTMENT 
                   OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTERS.

       (a) Pilot Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out, through the 
     Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation 
     of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a pilot program to 
     assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing 
     complementary and alternative medicine centers within 
     Department medical centers to promote the use and integration 
     of complementary and alternative medicine services for mental 
     health diagnoses and pain management.
       (b) Duration of Program.--The pilot program shall be 
     carried out during the three-year period beginning on the 
     date of the commencement of the pilot program.
       (c) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program by establishing not fewer than 15 complementary and 
     alternative medicine centers in 15 separate Department 
     medical centers as follows:
       (A) Five Department medical centers designated by the 
     Secretary as polytrauma centers.
       (B) Ten Department medical center not designated by 
     Secretary as polytrauma centers.
       (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the pilot 
     program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and 
     advisability of selecting locations in--
       (A) rural areas;
       (B) areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation; and
       (C) areas representing different geographic locations, such 
     as census tracts established by the Bureau of the Census.
       (d) Provision of Services.--Under the pilot program, the 
     Secretary shall provide covered services to covered veterans 
     through the complementary and alternative medicine centers 
     established under subsection (c)(1).
       (e) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of the pilot program, a 
     covered veteran is any veteran who has--
       (1) a mental health condition diagnosed by a clinician of 
     the Department; or
       (2) a pain condition for which the veteran has received a 
     pain management plan from a clinician of the Department.
       (f) Covered Services.--
       (1) In general.--For purposes of the pilot program, covered 
     services are services consisting of complementary or 
     alternative medicine.
       (2) Administration of services.--Covered services shall be 
     administered under the pilot program as follows:
       (A) Covered services shall be administered by clinicians 
     who exclusively provide services consisting of complementary 
     or alternative medicine.
       (B) Covered services shall be included as part of the 
     Patient Aligned Care Teams initiative of the Office of 
     Patient Care Services, Primary Care Program Office.
       (C) Covered services shall be made available to both--
       (i) covered veterans with mental health conditions or pain 
     conditions described in subsection (e) who have received 
     traditional treatments from the Department for such 
     conditions; and
       (ii) covered veterans with mental health conditions or pain 
     conditions described in subsection (e) who have not received 
     traditional treatments from the Department for such 
     conditions.
       (g) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a 
     veteran in the pilot program shall be at the election of the 
     veteran and in consultation with a clinician of the 
     Department.
       (h) Reports to Congress.--
       (1) Quarterly reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the commencement of the pilot program and not less 
     frequently than once every 90 days thereafter for the 
     duration of the pilot program, 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 efforts of the Secretary to 
     carry out the pilot program, including a description of the 
     outreach conducted by the Secretary to veterans and community 
     organizations to inform such organizations about the pilot 
     program.
       (2) Final report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the pilot program, 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 pilot program.
       (B) Contents.--The report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the pilot program, including with respect to the 
     utilization and efficacy of the complementary and alternative 
     medicine centers established under the pilot program.

[[Page S3044]]

       (ii) Such recommendations for the continuation or expansion 
     of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate.

     SEC. 4. PILOT PROGRAM ON USE OF WELLNESS PROGRAMS AS 
                   COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE 
                   FOR VETERANS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF VETERANS.

       (a) Pilot Program Required.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     carry out a pilot program through the award of grants to 
     public or private nonprofit entities to assess the 
     feasibility and advisability of using wellness programs to 
     complement the provision of mental health care to veterans 
     and family members eligible for counseling under section 
     1712A(a)(1)(C) of title 38, United States Code.
       (2) Matters to be addressed.--The pilot program shall be 
     carried out so as to assess the following:
       (A) Means of improving coordination between Federal, State, 
     local, and community providers of health care in the 
     provision of mental health care to veterans and family 
     members described in paragraph (1).
       (B) Means of enhancing outreach, and coordination of 
     outreach, by and among providers of health care referred to 
     in subparagraph (A) on the mental health care services 
     available to veterans and family members described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (C) Means of using wellness programs of providers of health 
     care referred to in subparagraph (A) as complements to the 
     provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs of mental 
     health care to veterans and family members described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (D) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     are effective in enhancing the quality of life and well-being 
     of veterans and family members described in paragraph (1).
       (E) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     are effective in increasing the adherence of veterans 
     described in paragraph (1) to the primary mental health 
     services provided such veterans by the Department.
       (F) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     have an impact on the sense of wellbeing of veterans 
     described in paragraph (1) who receive primary mental health 
     services from the Department.
       (G) Whether wellness programs described in subparagraph (C) 
     are effective in encouraging veterans receiving health care 
     from the Department to adopt a more healthy lifestyle.
       (b) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program for a period of three years beginning on the date 
     that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program at facilities of the Department providing mental 
     health care services to veterans and family members described 
     in subsection (a)(1).
       (d) Grant Proposals.--
       (1) In general.--A public or private nonprofit entity 
     seeking the award of a grant under this section shall submit 
     an application therefor to the Secretary in such form and in 
     such manner as the Secretary may require.
       (2) Application contents.--Each application submitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) A plan to coordinate activities under the pilot 
     program, to the extent possible, with the Federal, State, and 
     local providers of services for veterans to enhance the 
     following:
       (i) Awareness by veterans of benefits and health care 
     services provided by the Department.
       (ii) Outreach efforts to increase the use by veterans of 
     services provided by the Department.
       (iii) Educational efforts to inform veterans of the 
     benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
       (B) A statement of understanding from the entity submitting 
     the application that, if selected, such entity will be 
     required to report to the Secretary periodically on 
     standardized data and other performance data necessary to 
     evaluate individual outcomes and to facilitate evaluations 
     among entities participating in the pilot program.
       (C) Other requirements that the Secretary may prescribe.
       (e) Grant Uses.--
       (1) In general.--A public or private nonprofit entity 
     awarded a grant under this section shall use the award for 
     purposes prescribed by the Secretary.
       (2) Eligible veterans and family.--In carrying out the 
     purposes prescribed by the Secretary in paragraph (1), a 
     public or private nonprofit entity awarded a grant under this 
     section shall use the award to furnish services only to 
     individuals specified in section 1712A(a)(1)(C) of title 38, 
     United States Code.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Periodic reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter, the 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot 
     program.
       (B) Report elements.--Each report required by subparagraph 
     (A) shall include the following:
       (i) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with 
     respect to the pilot program during the 180-day period 
     preceding the report.
       (ii) An assessment of the benefits of the pilot program to 
     veterans and their family members during the 180-day period 
     preceding the report.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the end of 
     the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     report detailing the recommendations of the Secretary as to 
     the advisability of continuing or expanding the pilot 
     program.
       (g) Wellness Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``wellness'' shall have the meaning given that term in 
     regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

     SEC. 5. PILOT PROGRAM ON HEALTH PROMOTION FOR OVERWEIGHT AND 
                   OBESE VETERANS THROUGH SUPPORT OF FITNESS 
                   CENTER MEMBERSHIP.

       (a) Pilot Program Required.--Commencing not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, through the National 
     Center for Preventive Health, carry out a pilot program to 
     assess the feasibility and advisability of promoting health 
     in covered veterans, including achieving a healthy weight and 
     reducing risks of chronic disease, through support for 
     fitness center membership.
       (b) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered veteran is any veteran who--
       (1) is determined by a clinician of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs to be overweight or obese as of the date of 
     the commencement of the pilot program; and
       (2) resides in a location that is more than 15 minutes 
     driving distance from a fitness center at a facility of the 
     Department that would otherwise be available to the veteran 
     for at least eight hours per day during five or more days per 
     week.
       (c) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be 
     carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date 
     of the commencement of the pilot program.
       (d) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
     Secretary shall select--
       (A) not less than five medical centers of the Department at 
     which the Secretary shall cover the full reasonable cost of a 
     fitness center membership for covered veterans within the 
     catchment area of such centers; and
       (B) not less than five medical centers of the Department at 
     which the Secretary shall cover half the reasonable cost of a 
     fitness center membership for covered veterans within the 
     catchment area of such centers.
       (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the pilot 
     program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and 
     advisability of selecting locations in the following areas:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas in different geographic locations.
       (e) Participation.--
       (1) Maximum number of participants.--The number of covered 
     veterans who may participate in the pilot program at a 
     location selected under subsection (d) may not exceed 100.
       (2) Voluntary participation.--The participation of a 
     covered veteran in the pilot program shall be at the election 
     of the covered veteran in consultation with a clinician of 
     the Department.
       (f) Membership Payment.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), in 
     carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall pay the 
     following:
       (A) The full reasonable cost of a fitness center membership 
     for covered veterans within the catchment area of centers 
     selected under subsection (b)(1)(A) who are participating in 
     the pilot program.
       (B) Half the reasonable cost of a fitness center membership 
     for covered veterans within the catchment area of centers 
     selected under subsection (b)(1)(B) who are participating in 
     the pilot program.
       (2) Limitation.--Payment for a fitness center membership of 
     a covered veteran may not exceed $50 per month of membership.
       (g) Reports.--
       (1)  Periodic reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the commencement of the pilot program and not less 
     frequently than once every 90 days thereafter, 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 activities carried out to 
     implement the pilot program, including outreach activities to 
     veterans and community organizations.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the completion of the pilot program, 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 pilot program detailing--
       (A) the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a 
     result of the pilot program; and
       (B) recommendations for the continuation or expansion of 
     the pilot program.

     SEC. 6. PILOT PROGRAM ON HEALTH PROMOTION FOR VETERANS 
                   THROUGH ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS FITNESS FACILITIES.

       (a) Pilot Program Required.--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 assess the feasibility and advisability of promoting 
     health in covered veterans, including achieving a healthy 
     weight, through establishment of Department of Veterans 
     Affairs fitness facilities.
       (b) Covered Veterans.--For purposes of this section, a 
     covered veteran is any veteran who is enrolled in the system 
     of annual patient enrollment established and operated by the 
     Secretary under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code.

[[Page S3045]]

       (c) Duration of Pilot Program.--The pilot program shall be 
     carried out during the three-year period beginning on the 
     date of the commencement of the pilot program.
       (d) Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
     program by establishing fitness facilities in Department 
     facilities as follows:
       (A) In not fewer than five Department of Veterans Affairs 
     medical centers selected by the Secretary for purposes of the 
     pilot program.
       (B) In not fewer than five outpatient clinics of the 
     Department selected by the Secretary for purposes of the 
     pilot program.
       (2) Considerations.--In selecting locations for the pilot 
     program, the Secretary shall consider the feasibility and 
     advisability of selecting locations in the following areas:
       (A) Rural areas.
       (B) Areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty 
     military installation.
       (C) Areas in different geographic locations.
       (e) Limitation on Expenses.--In establishing and supporting 
     a fitness facility in a facility of the Department under the 
     pilot program, the Secretary may expend amounts as follows:
       (1) For establishment and support of a fitness facility in 
     a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, not more 
     than $60,000.
       (2) For establishment and support of a fitness facility in 
     an outpatient clinic of the Department, not more than 
     $40,000.
       (f) Renovations and Purchases.--Subject to subsection (e), 
     the Secretary may, in carrying out the pilot program, make 
     such renovations to physical facilities of the Department and 
     purchase such fitness equipment and supplies as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate for purposes of the pilot program.
       (g) Prohibition on Assessment of User Fees.--The Secretary 
     may not assess a fee upon a covered veteran for use of a 
     fitness facility established under the pilot program.
       (h) Voluntary Participation.--The participation of a 
     covered veteran in the pilot program shall be at the election 
     of the covered veteran.
       (i) Reports.--
       (1) Periodic reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the commencement of the pilot program and not less 
     frequently than once every 90 days thereafter, 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 activities carried out to 
     implement the pilot program, including outreach activities to 
     veterans and community organizations.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the completion of the pilot program, 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 pilot program detailing--
       (A) the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a 
     result of the pilot program; and
       (B) recommendations for the continuation or expansion of 
     the pilot program.

     SEC. 7. STUDY OF BARRIERS ENCOUNTERED BY VETERANS IN 
                   RECEIVING COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE 
                   MEDICINE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Study Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall conduct a comprehensive study of the barriers 
     encountered by veterans in receiving complementary and 
     alternative medicine from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
     In conducting the study, the Secretary shall--
       (1) survey veterans who seek or receive hospital care or 
     medical services furnished by the Department, as well as 
     veterans who do not seek or receive such care or services;
       (2) administer the survey to a representative sample of 
     veterans from each Veterans Integrated Service Network; and
       (3) ensure that the sample of veterans surveyed is of 
     sufficient size for the study results to be statistically 
     significant.
       (b) Elements of Study.--In conducting the study required by 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall study the following:
       (1) The perceived barriers associated with obtaining 
     complementary and alternative medicine services from the 
     Department.
       (2) The satisfaction of veterans with complementary and 
     alternative medicine in primary care.
       (3) The degree to which veterans are aware of eligibility 
     requirements for, and the scope of services available under, 
     complementary and alternative medicine furnished by the 
     Department.
       (4) The effectiveness of outreach to veterans on the 
     availability of complementary and alternative medicine for 
     veterans.
       (5) Such other barriers as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (c) Discharge by Contract.--The Secretary shall enter into 
     a contract with a qualified independent entity or 
     organization to carry out the study required by this section.
       (d) Mandatory Review of Data by Certain Department 
     Divisions.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that the head 
     of each division of the Department specified in paragraph (2) 
     reviews the results of the study conducted under this 
     section. The head of each such division shall submit findings 
     with respect to the study to the Under Secretary for Health 
     and to other pertinent program offices within the Department 
     with responsibilities relating to health care services for 
     veterans.
       (2) Specified divisions.--The divisions of the Department 
     specified in this paragraph are the following:
       (A) The centers for innovation established under section 
     7330B of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 2.
       (B) The Health Services Research and Development Service 
     Scientific Merit Review Board.
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) Report on implementation.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall submit to Congress a report on the status of the 
     implementation of this section.
       (2) Report on study.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the date of 
     the completion of the study, the Secretary shall submit to 
     Congress a report on the study required by subsection (a).
       (B) Contents.--The report required by subparagraph (A) 
     shall include the following:
       (i) Recommendations for such administrative and legislative 
     proposals and actions as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (ii) The findings of the head of each division of the 
     Department specified under subsection (d)(2) and of the Under 
     Secretary for Health.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary $2,000,000 to carry out 
     this section.

     SEC. 8. COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE DEFINED.

       In this Act, the term ``complementary and alternative 
     medicine'' shall have the meaning given such term under 
     section 7330B of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
     section 2.

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