[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'';

[[Page S8912]]

       (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

[[Page S8913]]

     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.

                          ____________________