[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 185 (Friday, December 18, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8908-S8913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2015
Mr. PERDUE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 247, S. 1893.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A bill (S. 1893) to reauthorize and improve programs
related to mental health and substance use disorders.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill,
which had been reported from the Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
and Pensions, with an amendment to strike all after the enacting clause
and insert in lieu thereof the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the Mental Health Awareness and
Improvement Act of 2015.
SEC. 2. GARRETT LEE SMITH MEMORIAL ACT REAUTHORIZATION.
(a) Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance Center.--
Section 520C of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290bb-34) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking the section heading
and inserting ``SUICIDE PREVENTION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
CENTER.'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``and in consultation
with'' and all that follows through the period at the end of
paragraph (2) and inserting ``shall establish a research,
training, and technical assistance resource center to provide
appropriate information, training, and technical
[[Page S8909]]
assistance to States, political subdivisions of States,
federally recognized Indian tribes, tribal organizations,
institutions of higher education, public organizations, or
private nonprofit organizations regarding the prevention of
suicide among all ages, particularly among groups that are at
high risk for suicide.'';
(3) by striking subsections (b) and (c);
(4) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (b);
(5) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting
``Responsibilities of the Center.'';
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``The additional research'' and all that follows through
``nonprofit organizations for'' and inserting ``The center
established under subsection (a) shall conduct activities for
the purpose of'';
(C) by striking ``youth suicide'' each place such term
appears and inserting ``suicide'';
(D) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``the development or continuation of'' and
inserting ``developing and continuing''; and
(ii) by inserting ``for all ages, particularly among groups
that are at high risk for suicide'' before the semicolon at
the end;
(E) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``for all ages,
particularly among groups that are at high risk for suicide''
before the semicolon at the end;
(F) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``and tribal'' after
``statewide'';
(G) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``and prevention'' after
``intervention'';
(H) in paragraph (8), by striking ``in youth'';
(I) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and behavioral health''
and inserting ``health and substance use disorder''; and
(J) in paragraph (10), by inserting ``conducting'' before
``other''; and
(6) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of
carrying out this section, there are authorized to be
appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through
2020.''.
(b) Youth Suicide Early Intervention and Prevention
Strategies.--Section 520E of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 290bb-36) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) and in subsection
(c), by striking ``substance abuse'' each place such term
appears and inserting ``substance use disorder'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking ``each State is awarded only 1 grant or
cooperative agreement under this section'' and inserting ``a
State does not receive more than 1 grant or cooperative
agreement under this section at any 1 time''; and
(B) by striking ``been awarded'' and inserting
``received''; and
(3) by striking subsection (m) and inserting the following:
``(m) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of
carrying out this section, there are authorized to be
appropriated $23,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2016
through 2020.''.
(c) Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services.--
Section 520E-2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290bb-36b) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH'' and inserting ``HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Services,'' and inserting ``Services
and'';
(B) by striking ``and behavioral health problems'' and
inserting ``health or substance use disorders''; and
(C) by striking ``substance abuse'' and inserting
``substance use disorders'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``for--'' and inserting ``for one or more of the
following:''; and
(B) by striking paragraphs (1) through (6) and inserting
the following:
``(1) Educating students, families, faculty, and staff to
increase awareness of mental health and substance use
disorders.
``(2) The operation of hotlines.
``(3) Preparing informational material.
``(4) Providing outreach services to notify students about
available mental health and substance use disorder services.
``(5) Administering voluntary mental health and substance
use disorder screenings and assessments.
``(6) Supporting the training of students, faculty, and
staff to respond effectively to students with mental health
and substance use disorders.
``(7) Creating a network infrastructure to link colleges
and universities with health care providers who treat mental
health and substance use disorders.'';
(4) in subsection (c)(5), by striking ``substance abuse''
and inserting ``substance use disorder'';
(5) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``An
institution of higher education desiring a grant under this
section'' and inserting ``To be eligible to receive a grant
under this section, an institution of higher education'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``and behavioral health'' and inserting
``health and substance use disorder''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, including veterans whenever possible
and appropriate,'' after ``students''; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, which may include,
as appropriate and in accordance with subsection (b)(7), a
plan to seek input from relevant stakeholders in the
community, including appropriate public and private entities,
in order to carry out the program under the grant'' before
the period at the end;
(6) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``and behavioral
health problems'' and inserting ``health and substance use
disorders'';
(7) in subsection (f)(2)--
(A) by striking ``and behavioral health'' and inserting
``health and substance use disorder''; and
(B) by striking ``suicide and substance abuse'' and
inserting ``suicide and substance use disorders''; and
(8) in subsection (h), by striking ``$5,000,000 for fiscal
year 2005'' and all that follows through the period at the
end and inserting ``$6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2016
through 2020.''.
SEC. 3. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING GRANTS.
Section 520J of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290bb-41) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``MENTAL HEALTH
AWARENESS'' before ``TRAINING''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Illness'' and
inserting ``Health'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and other categories
of individuals, as determined by the Secretary,'' after
``emergency services personnel'';
(C) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``to'' and inserting ``for evidence-based programs for the
purpose of''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and
inserting the following:
``(A) recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness;
and
``(B)(i) providing education to personnel regarding
resources available in the community for individuals with a
mental illness and other relevant resources; or
``(ii) the safe de-escalation of crisis situations
involving individuals with a mental illness.''; and
(D) in paragraph (7), by striking ``, $25,000,000'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020.''.
SEC. 4. CHILDREN'S RECOVERY FROM TRAUMA.
Section 582 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290hh-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``developing programs''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``developing and maintaining programs that provide
for--
``(1) the continued operation of the National Child
Traumatic Stress Initiative (referred to in this section as
the `NCTSI'), which includes a cooperative agreement with a
coordinating center, that focuses on the mental, behavioral,
and biological aspects of psychological trauma response,
prevention of the long-term consequences of child trauma, and
early intervention services and treatment to address the
long-term consequences of child trauma; and
``(2) the development of knowledge with regard to evidence-
based practices for identifying and treating mental,
behavioral, and biological disorders of children and youth
resulting from witnessing or experiencing a traumatic
event.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``subsection (a) related'' and inserting
``subsection (a)(2) (related'';
(B) by striking ``treating disorders associated with
psychological trauma'' and inserting ``treating mental,
behavioral, and biological disorders associated with
psychological trauma)''; and
(C) by striking ``mental health agencies and programs that
have established clinical and basic research'' and inserting
``universities, hospitals, mental health agencies, and other
programs that have established clinical expertise and
research'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) through (g) as
subsections (g) through (k), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (b), the following:
``(c) Child Outcome Data.--The NCTSI coordinating center
shall collect, analyze, and report NCTSI-wide child treatment
process and outcome data regarding the early identification
and delivery of evidence-based treatment and services for
children and families served by the NCTSI grantees.
``(d) Training.--The NCTSI coordinating center shall
facilitate the coordination of training initiatives in
evidence-based and trauma-informed treatments, interventions,
and practices offered to NCTSI grantees, providers, and
partners.
``(e) Dissemination and Collaboration.--The NCTSI
coordinating center shall, as appropriate, collaborate with--
``(1) the Secretary, in the dissemination of evidence-based
and trauma-informed interventions, treatments, products, and
other resources to appropriate stakeholders; and
``(2) appropriate agencies that conduct or fund research
within the Department of Health and Human Services, for
purposes of sharing NCTSI expertise, evaluation data, and
other activities, as appropriate.
``(f) Review.--The Secretary shall, consistent with the
peer review process, ensure that NCTSI applications are
reviewed by appropriate experts in the field as part of a
consensus review process. The Secretary shall include review
criteria related to expertise and experience in child trauma
and evidence-based practices.'';
(5) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated), by striking
``with respect to centers of excellence are distributed
equitably among the regions of the country'' and inserting
``are distributed equitably among the regions of the United
States'';
(6) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated), by striking
``recipient may not exceed 5 years'' and inserting
``recipient shall not be less than 4 years, but shall not
exceed 5 years''; and
(7) in subsection (j) (as so redesignated), by striking
``$50,000,000'' and all that follows
[[Page S8910]]
through ``2006'' and inserting ``$46,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2016 through 2020''.
SEC. 5. ASSESSING BARRIERS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTEGRATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit a report to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives concerning Federal requirements that impact
access to treatment of mental health and substance use
disorders related to integration with primary care,
administrative and regulatory issues, quality measurement and
accountability, and data sharing.
(b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) An evaluation of the administrative or regulatory
burden on behavioral health care providers.
(2) The identification of outcome and quality measures
relevant to integrated health care, evaluation of the data
collection burden on behavioral health care providers, and
any alternative methods for evaluation.
(3) An analysis of the degree to which electronic data
standards, including interoperability and meaningful use
includes behavioral health measures, and an analysis of
strategies to address barriers to health information exchange
posed by part 2 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) An analysis of the degree to which Federal rules and
regulations for behavioral and physical health care are
aligned, including recommendations to address any identified
barriers.
(5) An analysis of the challenges to behavioral health and
primary care integration faced by providers in rural areas.
SEC. 6. INCREASING EDUCATION AND AWARENESS OF TREATMENTS FOR
OPIOID USE DISORDERS.
(a) In General.--In order to improve the quality of care
delivery and treatment outcomes among patients with opioid
use disorders, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), acting
through the Administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration, may advance, through existing
programs as appropriate, the education and awareness of
providers, patients, and other appropriate stakeholders
regarding all products approved by the Food and Drug
Administration to treat opioid use disorders.
(b) Activities.--The activities described in subsection (a)
may include--
(1) disseminating evidence-based practices for the
treatment of opioid use disorders;
(2) facilitating continuing education programs for health
professionals involved in treating opioid use disorders;
(3) increasing awareness among relevant stakeholders of the
treatment of opioid use disorders;
(4) assessing current barriers to the treatment of opioid
use disorders for patients and providers and development and
implementation of strategies to mitigate such barriers; and
(5) continuing innovative approaches to the treatment of
opioid use disorders in various treatment settings, such as
prisons, community mental health centers, primary care, and
hospitals.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, if the Secretary carries out the
activities under this section, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives a report that examines--
(1) the activities the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration conducts under this section,
including any potential impacts on health care costs
associated with such activities;
(2) the role of adherence in the treatment of opioid use
disorders and methods to reduce opioid use disorders; and
(3) recommendations on priorities and strategies to address
co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illnesses.
SEC. 7. EXAMINING MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct an independent evaluation, and submit to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives, a report concerning the utilization
of mental health services for children, including the usage
of psychotropic medications.
(b) Content.--The report submitted under subsection (a)
shall review and assess--
(1) the ways in which children access mental health care,
including information on whether children are treated by
primary care or specialty providers, what types of referrals
for additional care are recommended, and any barriers to
accessing this care;
(2) the extent to which children are prescribed
psychotropic medications in the United States including the
frequency of concurrent medication usage; and
(3) the tools, assessments, and medications that are
available and used to diagnose and treat children with mental
health disorders.
SEC. 8. EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICES FOR OLDER ADULTS.
Section 520A(e) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290bb-32(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Geriatric mental health disorders.--The Secretary
shall, as appropriate, provide technical assistance to
grantees regarding evidence-based practices for the
prevention and treatment of geriatric mental health disorders
and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
among geriatric populations, as well as disseminate
information about such evidence-based practices to States and
nongrantees throughout the United States.''.
SEC. 9. NATIONAL VIOLENT DEATH REPORTING SYSTEM.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through
the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, is encouraged to improve, particularly through
the inclusion of additional States, the National Violent
Death Reporting System as authorized by title III of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.).
Participation in the system by the States shall be voluntary.
SEC. 10. GAO STUDY ON VIRGINIA TECH RECOMMENDATIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct an independent evaluation, and submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report concerning
the status of implementation of recommendations made in the
report to the President, On Issues Raised by the Virginia
Tech Tragedy, by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services
and Education and the Attorney General of the United States,
submitted to the President on June 13, 2007.
(b) Content.--The report submitted to the committees of
Congress under subsection (a) shall review and assess--
(1) the extent to which the recommendations in the report
that include participation by the Department of Health and
Human Services were implemented;
(2) whether there are any barriers to implementation of
such recommendations; and
(3) identification of any additional actions the Federal
government can take to support States and local communities
and ensure that the Federal government and Federal law are
not obstacles to addressing at the community level--
(A) school violence; and
(B) mental illness.
Mr. PERDUE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Murkowski
amendment and the Lee amendment, which are at the desk, be agreed to;
that the substitute amendment, as amended, be agreed to; that the bill,
as amended, be read a third time and passed; and that the motion to
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The amendment (No. 2942) was agreed to, as follows:
(Purpose: To increase amounts authorized to be appropriated for youth
suicide early intervention and prevention strategies grants)
On page 22, line 22, strike ``$23,500,000'' and insert
``$30,000,000''.
The amendment (No. 2943) was agreed to, as follows:
(Purpose: To provide for improved reporting)
On page 22, strike line 2 and insert the following:
``through 2020.
``(d) Annual Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit
to Congress a report on the activities carried out by the
center established under subsection (a) during the year
involved, including the potential impacts of such activities,
and the States, organizations, and institutions that have
worked with the center.''.
On page 22, between lines 17 and 18, insert the following:
(3) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``2 years after the
date of enactment of this section,'' and insert ``2 years
after the date of enactment of the Mental Health Awareness
and Improvement Act of 2015,''.
On page 36, after line 15, add the following:
SEC. 11. PERFORMANCE METRICS.
(a) Evaluation of Current Programs.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary for Planning
and Evaluation of the Department of Health and Human Services
shall conduct an evaluation of the impact of activities
related to the prevention and treatment of mental illness and
substance use disorders conducted by the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration.
(2) Assessment of performance metrics.--The evaluation
conducted under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of
the use of performance metrics to evaluate activities carried
out by entities receiving grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements related to mental illness or substance use
disorders under title V or title XIX of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 300w et
seq.).
(3) Recommendations.--The evaluation conducted under
paragraph (1) shall include recommendations for the use of
performance metrics to improve the quality of programs
related to the prevention and treatment of mental illness and
substance use disorders.
(b) Use of Performance Metrics.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator
of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, shall advance, through existing programs, the
use of performance metrics, taking into consideration the
recommendations under subsection (a)(3), to improve programs
related to the prevention and treatment of mental illness and
substance use disorders.
[[Page S8911]]
The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, as amended,
was agreed to.
The bill (S. 1893), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows:
S. 1893
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 Mental Health Awareness and
Improvement Act of 2015.
SEC. 2. GARRETT LEE SMITH MEMORIAL ACT REAUTHORIZATION.
(a) Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance Center.--
Section 520C of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290bb-34) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking the section heading
and inserting ``suicide prevention technical assistance
center.'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``and in consultation
with'' and all that follows through the period at the end of
paragraph (2) and inserting ``shall establish a research,
training, and technical assistance resource center to provide
appropriate information, training, and technical assistance
to States, political subdivisions of States, federally
recognized Indian tribes, tribal organizations, institutions
of higher education, public organizations, or private
nonprofit organizations regarding the prevention of suicide
among all ages, particularly among groups that are at high
risk for suicide.'';
(3) by striking subsections (b) and (c);
(4) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (b);
(5) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting
``Responsibilities of the Center.'';
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``The additional research'' and all that follows through
``nonprofit organizations for'' and inserting ``The center
established under subsection (a) shall conduct activities for
the purpose of'';
(C) by striking ``youth suicide'' each place such term
appears and inserting ``suicide'';
(D) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``the development or continuation of'' and
inserting ``developing and continuing''; and
(ii) by inserting ``for all ages, particularly among groups
that are at high risk for suicide'' before the semicolon at
the end;
(E) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``for all ages,
particularly among groups that are at high risk for suicide''
before the semicolon at the end;
(F) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``and tribal'' after
``statewide'';
(G) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``and prevention'' after
``intervention'';
(H) in paragraph (8), by striking ``in youth'';
(I) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and behavioral health''
and inserting ``health and substance use disorder''; and
(J) in paragraph (10), by inserting ``conducting'' before
``other''; and
(6) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of
carrying out this section, there are authorized to be
appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through
2020.
``(d) Annual Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit
to Congress a report on the activities carried out by the
center established under subsection (a) during the year
involved, including the potential impacts of such activities,
and the States, organizations, and institutions that have
worked with the center.''.
(b) Youth Suicide Early Intervention and Prevention
Strategies.--Section 520E of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 290bb-36) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) and in subsection
(c), by striking ``substance abuse'' each place such term
appears and inserting ``substance use disorder'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking ``each State is awarded only 1 grant or
cooperative agreement under this section'' and inserting ``a
State does not receive more than 1 grant or cooperative
agreement under this section at any 1 time''; and
(B) by striking ``been awarded'' and inserting
``received''; and
(3) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``2 years after the
date of enactment of this section,'' and insert ``2 years
after the date of enactment of the Mental Health Awareness
and Improvement Act of 2015,''.
(4) by striking subsection (m) and inserting the following:
``(m) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of
carrying out this section, there are authorized to be
appropriated $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016
through 2020.''.
(c) Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services.--
Section 520E-2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290bb-36b) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``and behavioral
health'' and inserting ``health and substance use disorder'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Services,'' and inserting ``Services
and'';
(B) by striking ``and behavioral health problems'' and
inserting ``health or substance use disorders''; and
(C) by striking ``substance abuse'' and inserting
``substance use disorders'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``for--'' and inserting ``for one or more of the
following:''; and
(B) by striking paragraphs (1) through (6) and inserting
the following:
``(1) Educating students, families, faculty, and staff to
increase awareness of mental health and substance use
disorders.
``(2) The operation of hotlines.
``(3) Preparing informational material.
``(4) Providing outreach services to notify students about
available mental health and substance use disorder services.
``(5) Administering voluntary mental health and substance
use disorder screenings and assessments.
``(6) Supporting the training of students, faculty, and
staff to respond effectively to students with mental health
and substance use disorders.
``(7) Creating a network infrastructure to link colleges
and universities with health care providers who treat mental
health and substance use disorders.'';
(4) in subsection (c)(5), by striking ``substance abuse''
and inserting ``substance use disorder'';
(5) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``An
institution of higher education desiring a grant under this
section'' and inserting ``To be eligible to receive a grant
under this section, an institution of higher education'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``and behavioral health'' and inserting
``health and substance use disorder''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, including veterans whenever possible
and appropriate,'' after ``students''; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, which may include,
as appropriate and in accordance with subsection (b)(7), a
plan to seek input from relevant stakeholders in the
community, including appropriate public and private entities,
in order to carry out the program under the grant'' before
the period at the end;
(6) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``and behavioral
health problems'' and inserting ``health and substance use
disorders'';
(7) in subsection (f)(2)--
(A) by striking ``and behavioral health'' and inserting
``health and substance use disorder''; and
(B) by striking ``suicide and substance abuse'' and
inserting ``suicide and substance use disorders''; and
(8) in subsection (h), by striking ``$5,000,000 for fiscal
year 2005'' and all that follows through the period at the
end and inserting ``$6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2016
through 2020.''.
SEC. 3. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING GRANTS.
Section 520J of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290bb-41) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``mental health
awareness'' before ``training''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Illness'' and
inserting ``Health'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and other categories
of individuals, as determined by the Secretary,'' after
``emergency services personnel'';
(C) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``to'' and inserting ``for evidence-based programs for the
purpose of''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and
inserting the following:
``(A) recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness;
and
``(B)(i) providing education to personnel regarding
resources available in the community for individuals with a
mental illness and other relevant resources; or
``(ii) the safe de-escalation of crisis situations
involving individuals with a mental illness.''; and
(D) in paragraph (7), by striking ``, $25,000,000'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020.''.
SEC. 4. CHILDREN'S RECOVERY FROM TRAUMA.
Section 582 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290hh-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``developing programs''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``developing and maintaining programs that provide
for--
``(1) the continued operation of the National Child
Traumatic Stress Initiative (referred to in this section as
the `NCTSI'), which includes a cooperative agreement with a
coordinating center, that focuses on the mental, behavioral,
and biological aspects of psychological trauma response,
prevention of the long-term consequences of child trauma, and
early intervention services and treatment to address the
long-term consequences of child trauma; and
``(2) the development of knowledge with regard to evidence-
based practices for identifying and treating mental,
behavioral, and biological disorders of children and youth
resulting from witnessing or experiencing a traumatic
event.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``subsection (a) related'' and inserting
``subsection (a)(2) (related'';
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(B) by striking ``treating disorders associated with
psychological trauma'' and inserting ``treating mental,
behavioral, and biological disorders associated with
psychological trauma)''; and
(C) by striking ``mental health agencies and programs that
have established clinical and basic research'' and inserting
``universities, hospitals, mental health agencies, and other
programs that have established clinical expertise and
research'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) through (g) as
subsections (g) through (k), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (b), the following:
``(c) Child Outcome Data.--The NCTSI coordinating center
shall collect, analyze, and report NCTSI-wide child treatment
process and outcome data regarding the early identification
and delivery of evidence-based treatment and services for
children and families served by the NCTSI grantees.
``(d) Training.--The NCTSI coordinating center shall
facilitate the coordination of training initiatives in
evidence-based and trauma-informed treatments, interventions,
and practices offered to NCTSI grantees, providers, and
partners.
``(e) Dissemination and Collaboration.--The NCTSI
coordinating center shall, as appropriate, collaborate with--
``(1) the Secretary, in the dissemination of evidence-based
and trauma-informed interventions, treatments, products, and
other resources to appropriate stakeholders; and
``(2) appropriate agencies that conduct or fund research
within the Department of Health and Human Services, for
purposes of sharing NCTSI expertise, evaluation data, and
other activities, as appropriate.
``(f) Review.--The Secretary shall, consistent with the
peer review process, ensure that NCTSI applications are
reviewed by appropriate experts in the field as part of a
consensus review process. The Secretary shall include review
criteria related to expertise and experience in child trauma
and evidence-based practices.'';
(5) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated), by striking
``with respect to centers of excellence are distributed
equitably among the regions of the country'' and inserting
``are distributed equitably among the regions of the United
States'';
(6) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated), by striking
``recipient may not exceed 5 years'' and inserting
``recipient shall not be less than 4 years, but shall not
exceed 5 years''; and
(7) in subsection (j) (as so redesignated), by striking
``$50,000,000'' and all that follows through ``2006'' and
inserting ``$46,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through
2020''.
SEC. 5. ASSESSING BARRIERS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTEGRATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit a report to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives concerning Federal requirements that impact
access to treatment of mental health and substance use
disorders related to integration with primary care,
administrative and regulatory issues, quality measurement and
accountability, and data sharing.
(b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) An evaluation of the administrative or regulatory
burden on behavioral health care providers.
(2) The identification of outcome and quality measures
relevant to integrated health care, evaluation of the data
collection burden on behavioral health care providers, and
any alternative methods for evaluation.
(3) An analysis of the degree to which electronic data
standards, including interoperability and meaningful use
includes behavioral health measures, and an analysis of
strategies to address barriers to health information exchange
posed by part 2 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) An analysis of the degree to which Federal rules and
regulations for behavioral and physical health care are
aligned, including recommendations to address any identified
barriers.
(5) An analysis of the challenges to behavioral health and
primary care integration faced by providers in rural areas.
SEC. 6. INCREASING EDUCATION AND AWARENESS OF TREATMENTS FOR
OPIOID USE DISORDERS.
(a) In General.--In order to improve the quality of care
delivery and treatment outcomes among patients with opioid
use disorders, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), acting
through the Administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration, may advance, through existing
programs as appropriate, the education and awareness of
providers, patients, and other appropriate stakeholders
regarding all products approved by the Food and Drug
Administration to treat opioid use disorders.
(b) Activities.--The activities described in subsection (a)
may include--
(1) disseminating evidence-based practices for the
treatment of opioid use disorders;
(2) facilitating continuing education programs for health
professionals involved in treating opioid use disorders;
(3) increasing awareness among relevant stakeholders of the
treatment of opioid use disorders;
(4) assessing current barriers to the treatment of opioid
use disorders for patients and providers and development and
implementation of strategies to mitigate such barriers; and
(5) continuing innovative approaches to the treatment of
opioid use disorders in various treatment settings, such as
prisons, community mental health centers, primary care, and
hospitals.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, if the Secretary carries out the
activities under this section, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives a report that examines--
(1) the activities the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration conducts under this section,
including any potential impacts on health care costs
associated with such activities;
(2) the role of adherence in the treatment of opioid use
disorders and methods to reduce opioid use disorders; and
(3) recommendations on priorities and strategies to address
co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illnesses.
SEC. 7. EXAMINING MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct an independent evaluation, and submit to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives, a report concerning the utilization
of mental health services for children, including the usage
of psychotropic medications.
(b) Content.--The report submitted under subsection (a)
shall review and assess--
(1) the ways in which children access mental health care,
including information on whether children are treated by
primary care or specialty providers, what types of referrals
for additional care are recommended, and any barriers to
accessing this care;
(2) the extent to which children are prescribed
psychotropic medications in the United States including the
frequency of concurrent medication usage; and
(3) the tools, assessments, and medications that are
available and used to diagnose and treat children with mental
health disorders.
SEC. 8. EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICES FOR OLDER ADULTS.
Section 520A(e) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290bb-32(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Geriatric mental health disorders.--The Secretary
shall, as appropriate, provide technical assistance to
grantees regarding evidence-based practices for the
prevention and treatment of geriatric mental health disorders
and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
among geriatric populations, as well as disseminate
information about such evidence-based practices to States and
nongrantees throughout the United States.''.
SEC. 9. NATIONAL VIOLENT DEATH REPORTING SYSTEM.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through
the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, is encouraged to improve, particularly through
the inclusion of additional States, the National Violent
Death Reporting System as authorized by title III of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.).
Participation in the system by the States shall be voluntary.
SEC. 10. GAO STUDY ON VIRGINIA TECH RECOMMENDATIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct an independent evaluation, and submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report concerning
the status of implementation of recommendations made in the
report to the President, On Issues Raised by the Virginia
Tech Tragedy, by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services
and Education and the Attorney General of the United States,
submitted to the President on June 13, 2007.
(b) Content.--The report submitted to the committees of
Congress under subsection (a) shall review and assess--
(1) the extent to which the recommendations in the report
that include participation by the Department of Health and
Human Services were implemented;
(2) whether there are any barriers to implementation of
such recommendations; and
(3) identification of any additional actions the Federal
government can take to support States and local communities
and ensure that the Federal government and Federal law are
not obstacles to addressing at the community level--
(A) school violence; and
(B) mental illness.
SEC. 11. PERFORMANCE METRICS.
(a) Evaluation of Current Programs.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary for Planning
and Evaluation of the Department of Health and Human Services
shall conduct an evaluation of the impact of activities
related to the prevention and treatment of mental illness and
substance use disorders conducted by the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration.
(2) Assessment of performance metrics.--The evaluation
conducted under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of
the use of performance metrics to evaluate
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activities carried out by entities receiving grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements related to mental
illness or substance use disorders under title V or title XIX
of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa et seq.; 42
U.S.C. 300w et seq.).
(3) Recommendations.--The evaluation conducted under
paragraph (1) shall include recommendations for the use of
performance metrics to improve the quality of programs
related to the prevention and treatment of mental illness and
substance use disorders.
(b) Use of Performance Metrics.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator
of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, shall advance, through existing programs, the
use of performance metrics, taking into consideration the
recommendations under subsection (a)(3), to improve programs
related to the prevention and treatment of mental illness and
substance use disorders.
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