    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Public Law 116-214
    116th Congress

    An Act

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

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
    United States of America in Congress assembled, <>
    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) <>  Short Title.--This Act may be cited
    as the ``Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and
    Treatment Act of 2020'' or the ``Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020''.

    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
    follows:

    Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

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

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

    TITLE II--SUICIDE PREVENTION

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

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

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

    [[Page 1027]]

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

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

    (a) Pilot Program Required.--
    (1) <>  In general.--Not later than one
    year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
    of Veterans Affairs shall commence carrying out a pilot
    program--
    (A) to encourage members of the Armed Forces who are
    transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to
    civilian life, before separating from such service, to
    designate up to 10 persons to whom information regarding
    the assistance and benefits available to the veterans
    under laws administered by the Secretary shall be
    disseminated using the contact information obtained
    under paragraph (7); and
    (B) <>  provides such persons,
    within 30 days after the date on which such persons are
    designated under subparagraph (A), the option to elect
    to receive such information.
    (2) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot
    program during a period beginning on the date of the
    commencement of the pilot program that is not less than two
    years.
    (3) Dissemination.--The Secretary shall disseminate
    information described in paragraph (1)(A) under the pilot
    program no less than quarterly.
    (4) Types of information.--The types of information to be
    disseminated under the pilot program to persons who elect to
    receive such information shall include information regarding the
    following:
    (A) Services and benefits offered to veterans and
    their family members by the Department of Veterans
    Affairs.
    (B) Challenges and stresses that might accompany
    transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to
    civilian life.
    (C) Services available to veterans and their family
    members to cope with the experiences and challenges of
    service in the Armed Forces and transition from such
    service to civilian life.
    (D) Services available through community partner
    organizations to support veterans and their family
    members.
    (E) Services available through Federal, State, and
    local government agencies to support veterans and their
    family members.
    (F) The environmental health registry program,
    health and wellness programs, and resources for
    preventing and managing diseases and illnesses.

    [[Page 1028]]

    (G) A toll-free telephone number through which such
    persons who elect to receive information under the pilot
    program may request information regarding the program.
    (H) <>  Such
    other matters as the Secretary, in consultation with
    members of the Armed Forces and such persons who elect
    to receive information under the pilot program,
    determines to be appropriate.
    (5) Privacy of information.--In carrying out the pilot
    program, the Secretary may not disseminate information under
    paragraph (4) in violation of laws and regulations pertaining to
    the privacy of members of the Armed Forces, including
    requirements pursuant to--
    (A) section 552a of title 5, United States Code; and
    (B) the Health Insurance Portability and
    Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191).
    (6) Notice and modifications.--In carrying out the pilot
    program, the Secretary shall, with respect to a veteran--
    (A) ensure that such veteran is notified of the
    ability to modify designations made by such veteran
    under paragraph (1)(A); and
    (B) upon the request of a veteran, authorize such
    veteran to modify such designations at any time.
    (7) Contact information.--In making a designation under the
    pilot program, a veteran shall provide necessary contact
    information, specifically including an email address, to
    facilitate the dissemination of information regarding the
    assistance and benefits available to the veteran under laws
    administered by the Secretary.
    (8) Opt-in and opt-out of pilot program.--
    (A) Opt-in by members.--A veteran may participate in
    the pilot program only if the veteran voluntarily elects
    to participate in the program. A veteran seeking to make
    such an election shall make such election in a manner,
    and by including such information, as the Secretary
    shall specify for purposes of the pilot program.
    (B) Opt-in by designated recipients.--A person
    designated pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) may receive
    information under the pilot program only if the person
    makes the election described in paragraph (1)(B).
    (C) Opt-out.--In carrying out the pilot program, the
    Secretary shall, with respect to a person who has
    elected to receive information under such pilot program,
    cease disseminating such information to that person upon
    request of such person.

    (b) Survey and Report on Pilot Program.--
    (1) Survey.--
    (A) <>  In general.--Not later than
    one year after the date of the commencement of the pilot
    program and not less frequently than once each year
    thereafter for the duration of the pilot program, the
    Secretary shall administer a survey to persons who ever
    elected to receive information under the pilot program
    for the purpose of receiving feedback regarding the
    quality of information disseminated under this section.
    (B) Elements.--Each survey conducted under
    subparagraph (A) shall include solicitation of the
    following:
    (i) Feedback on the following:

    [[Page 1029]]

    (I) The nature of information
    disseminated under the pilot program.
    (II) Satisfaction with the pilot
    program.
    (III) The utility of the pilot
    program.
    (IV) Overall pilot program successes
    and challenges.
    (ii) <>
    Recommendations for improving the pilot program.
    (iii) Reasons for opting in or out of the
    pilot program.
    (iv) Such other feedback or matters as the
    Secretary considers appropriate.
    (2) Report.--
    (A) In general.--Not later than three years after
    the date on which the pilot program commences, the
    Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
    Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a
    final report on the pilot program.
    (B) Contents.--The report submitted under
    subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
    (i) The results of the survey administered
    under paragraph (1).
    (ii) The number of participants enrolled in
    the pilot program who are veterans.
    (iii) The number of persons designated under
    subsection (a)(1)(A).
    (iv) The number of such persons who opted in
    or out of the pilot program under subsection
    (a)(8).
    (v) The average period such persons remained
    in the pilot program.
    (vi) <>  An assessment of
    the feasibility and advisability of making the
    pilot program permanent.
    (vii) Identification of legislative or
    administrative action that may be necessary if the
    pilot program is made permanent.
    (viii) <>  A plan to expand the
    pilot program if the pilot program is made
    permanent.
    (ix) If the Secretary finds under clause (vi)
    that making the pilot program permanent is not
    feasible or advisable, a justification for such
    finding.
    SEC. 102. ANNUAL REPORT ON SOLID START PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF
    VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) <>  Reports Required.--Not later than 180
    days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually
    thereafter for a period of five years, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
    shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
    House of Representatives a report on the Solid Start program of the
    Department of Veterans Affairs.

    (b) Elements.--Each report under subsection (a) shall include the
    following:
    (1) With respect to each veteran called or emailed under the
    Solid Start program:
    (A) The Armed Force in which the veteran served.
    (B) Age.
    (C) Gender.
    (D) Whether the veteran responded to the call or
    email.

    [[Page 1030]]

    (E) Whether the call or email resulted in a call to
    the Veterans Crisis Line established pursuant to section
    1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code.
    (F) Whether the call or email resulted in a referral
    to--
    (i) compensation and pension determination;
    (ii) enrollment in the patient enrollment
    system of the Department; or
    (iii) any other program or benefit under the
    laws administered by the Secretary.
    (2) Any change to the Solid Start program implemented by the
    Secretary since the date of the previous such report.

    (c) Prohibition on Personally Identifiable Information.--No report
    under subsection (a) may contain any personally identifiable information
    regarding a veteran.

    TITLE II--SUICIDE PREVENTION

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

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, United
    States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
    ``Sec. 1720J. <>  Emergent suicide care

    ``(a) Emergent Suicide Care.--Pursuant to this section, the
    Secretary shall--
    ``(1) furnish emergent suicide care to an eligible
    individual at a medical facility of the Department;
    ``(2) pay for emergent suicide care provided to an eligible
    individual at a non-Department facility; and
    ``(3) <>  reimburse an eligible
    individual for emergent suicide care provided to the eligible
    individual at a non-Department facility.

    ``(b) Eligibility.--An individual is eligible for emergent suicide
    care under subsection (a) if the individual is in an acute suicidal
    crisis and is either of the following:
    ``(1) A veteran (as defined in section 101).
    ``(2) An individual described in section 1720I(b) of this
    title.

    ``(c) Period of Care.--(1) Emergent suicide care provided under
    subsection (a) shall be furnished to an eligible individual--
    ``(A) through inpatient or crisis residential care, for a
    period not to exceed 30 days; or
    ``(B) if care under subparagraph (A) is unavailable, or if
    such care is not clinically appropriate, as outpatient care for
    a period not to exceed 90 days.

    ``(2) <>  If, upon the expiration of a period
    under paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that the eligible
    individual remains in an acute suicidal crisis, the Secretary may extend
    such period as the Secretary determines appropriate.

    ``(d) <>  Notification.--An eligible individual who
    receives emergent suicide care under subsection (a) at a non-Department
    facility (or a person acting on behalf of the individual) shall notify
    the Secretary of such care within seven days of admission to such
    facility.

    [[Page 1031]]

    ``(e) <>  Outreach.--During any period when
    an eligible individual is receiving emergent suicide care under
    subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
    ``(1) <>  ensure that--
    ``(A) in the case of an eligible individual whom the
    Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek emergent suicide
    care at a medical facility of the Department, the
    Veterans Crisis Line notifies the Suicide Prevention
    Coordinator of such medical facility;
    ``(B) in the case of an eligible individual who
    presents at a medical facility of the Department in an
    acute suicidal crisis without a recommendation by the
    Veterans Crisis Line, the Secretary notifies the Suicide
    Prevention Coordinator;
    ``(C) in the case of an eligible individual whom the
    Veterans Crisis Line recommends to seek treatment at a
    non-Department facility, the Veterans Crisis Line
    notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the
    Office of Community Care at the medical facility of the
    Department located nearest to the eligible individual;
    and
    ``(D) in the case of an eligible individual who
    presents at a non-Department facility in an acute
    suicidal crisis without a recommendation by the Veterans
    Crisis Line and for whom the Secretary receives a
    notification under subsection (d), the Secretary
    notifies the Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the
    Office of Community Care at the medical facility of the
    Department located nearest to the eligible individual;
    ``(2) determine the eligibility of the eligible individual
    for other programs and benefits under the laws administered by
    the Secretary (or shall make such determination as soon as
    practicable following the period of such emergent suicide care);
    and
    ``(3) make referrals for care following the period of such
    emergent suicide care, as the Secretary determines appropriate.

    ``(f) Prohibition on Charge.--(1) If the Secretary provides emergent
    suicide care to an eligible individual under subsection (a), the
    Secretary--
    ``(A) may not charge the eligible individual for any cost of
    such emergent suicide care; and
    ``(B) <>  shall pay for any costs of
    emergency transportation to a facility for such emergent suicide
    care (as such costs are determined pursuant to section 1725 of
    this title, to the extent practicable).

    ``(2)(A) <>  In addition to the requirements
    of paragraph (1), if the Secretary pays for emergent suicide care
    provided under subsection (a) to an eligible individual at a non-
    Department facility, the Secretary shall reimburse the facility for the
    reasonable value of such emergent suicide care.

    ``(B)(i) <>  In carrying out subparagraph (A),
    the Secretary may determine the amount to reimburse a non-Department
    facility in a similar manner to the manner in which the Secretary
    determines reimbursement amounts for that non-Department facility for
    medical care and services provided under another provision of this
    chapter.

    [[Page 1032]]

    ``(ii) <>  The requirements of section
    1725(c)(3) of this title shall apply with respect to payments made under
    subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

    ``(3) In the case of an eligible individual who receives emergent
    suicide care under this section and who is entitled to emergent suicide
    care (or payment for emergent suicide care) under a health-plan
    contract, the Secretary may recover the costs of such emergent suicide
    care provided under this section, other than for such care for a
    service-connected disability.
    ``(4) In carrying out subsection (d), the Secretary may not charge
    an eligible individual for any cost of emergent suicide care provided
    under subsection (a) solely by reason of the Secretary not having been
    notified of such care pursuant to such subsection.
    ``(g) Annual Report.--Not less than once each year, the Secretary
    shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
    the House of Representatives a report on emergent suicide care provided
    under subsection (a). Each such report shall include, for the year
    covered by the report--
    ``(1) the number of eligible individuals who received
    emergent suicide care under subsection (a);
    ``(2) demographic information regarding eligible individuals
    described in paragraph (1);
    ``(3) the types of care furnished or paid for this section;
    and
    ``(4) the total cost of providing care under subsection (a).

    ``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) The term `acute suicidal crisis' means that an
    individual was determined to be at imminent risk of self-harm by
    a trained crisis responder or health care provider.
    ``(2) The term `crisis residential care' means crisis
    stabilization care provided--
    ``(A) in a residential setting; and
    ``(B) in a facility other than a hospital.
    ``(3) The term `crisis stabilization care' includes, with
    respect to an individual in acute suicidal crisis, care that
    ensures, to the extent practicable, immediate safety and
    reduces--
    ``(A) the severity of distress;
    ``(B) the need for urgent care; or
    ``(C) the likelihood that the distress under
    subparagraph (A) or need under subparagraph (B) will
    increase during the transfer of that individual from a
    facility at which the individual has received care for
    that acute suicidal crisis.
    ``(4) The term `emergent suicide care' means crisis
    stabilization care provided to an eligible individual--
    ``(A) pursuant to a recommendation of the eligible
    individual from the Veterans Crisis Line; or
    ``(B) who presents at a medical facility in an acute
    suicidal crisis.
    ``(5) The term `health-plan contract' has the meaning given
    such term in section 1725 of this title.
    ``(6) The term `Veterans Crisis Line' means the hotline
    under section 1720F(h) of this title.''.

    [[Page 1033]]

    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
    such chapter <>  is amended by inserting after
    the item relation to section 1720I the following new item:

    ``1720J. Emergent suicide care.''.

    (c) <>  Effective Date.--The Secretary
    shall furnish or pay for emergent suicide care under section 1720J of
    title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), beginning on
    the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 202. <>  EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR
    FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS
    WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS.

    (a) <>  Establishment.--Not later than 270 days
    after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
    Affairs shall establish an education program (in this section referred
    to as the ``education program'') for the education and training of
    caregivers and family members of eligible veterans with mental health
    disorders.

    (b) Education Program.--
    (1) In general.--Under the education program, the Secretary
    shall provide a course of education to caregivers and family
    members of eligible veterans on matters relating to coping with
    mental health disorders in veterans.
    (2) Duration.--The Secretary shall carry out the education
    program during the four-year period beginning on the date of the
    commencement of the education program.
    (3) Scope.--
    (A) Caregivers.--The Secretary, with respect to the
    component of the education program that relates to the
    education and training of caregivers, shall--
    (i) include such component in the training
    provided pursuant to the program of comprehensive
    assistance for family caregivers of the Department
    of Veterans Affairs established under section
    1720G(a) of title 38, United States Code; and
    (ii) <>  make such
    component available on the Internet website of the
    Department that relates to caregiver training.
    (B) Family members.--The Secretary shall carry out
    the component of the education program that relates to
    the education and training of non-caregiver family
    members at facilities of the Department as follows:
    (i) Not less than five medical centers of the
    Department.
    (ii) Not less than five clinics of the
    Department.
    (iii) Not less than five Vet Centers (as
    defined in section 1712A(h) of title 38, United
    States Code).
    (C) Solicitation of applications.--In selecting
    locations pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Secretary
    shall solicit applications from eligible facilities of
    the Department that are interested in carrying out the
    education program.
    (D) Considerations.--In selecting locations pursuant
    to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall consider the
    feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in
    the following areas:
    (i) Rural areas.

    [[Page 1034]]

    (ii) Areas that are not in close proximity to
    an active duty installation.
    (iii) Areas in different geographic locations.
    (4) Contracts.--
    (A) In general.--In carrying out the education
    program, the Secretary shall enter into contracts with
    qualified entities described in subparagraph (B) to
    offer the course of education described in paragraph (5)
    to family members and caregivers of eligible veterans
    and covered veterans.
    (B) Qualified entity described.--A qualified entity
    described in this subparagraph is a non-profit entity
    with experience in mental health education and outreach,
    including work with children, teens, and young adults,
    that--
    (i) uses high quality, relevant, and age-
    appropriate information in educational
    programming, materials, and coursework, including
    such programming, materials, and coursework for
    children, teens, and young adults; and
    (ii) works with agencies, departments,
    nonprofit mental health organizations, early
    childhood educators, and mental health providers
    to develop educational programming, materials, and
    coursework.
    (C) Priority.--In entering into contracts under this
    paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to
    qualified entities that have demonstrated cultural
    competence in serving military and veteran populations,
    and, to the extent practicable, use internet technology
    for the delivery of course content in an effort to
    expand the availability of support services, especially
    in rural areas.
    (5) Course of education described.--The course of education
    described in this paragraph shall consist of curriculum that
    includes the following:
    (A) General education on different mental health
    disorders, including information to improve
    understanding of the experiences of individuals
    suffering from such disorders.
    (B) Techniques for handling crisis situations and
    administering mental health first aid to individuals
    suffering from a mental health disorder.
    (C) Techniques for coping with the stress of living
    with an individual suffering from a mental health
    disorder.
    (D) Information on additional services available for
    family members and caregivers through the Department or
    community organizations and providers related to mental
    health disorders.
    (E) Such other matters as the Secretary considers
    appropriate.

    (c) Surveys.--
    (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive
    survey of the satisfaction of individuals that have participated
    in the course of education described in subsection (b)(5). Such
    survey shall include a solicitation of feedback on the
    following:
    (A) The general satisfaction of those individuals
    with the education and assistance provided under the
    education program.

    [[Page 1035]]

    (B) The perceived effectiveness of the education
    program in providing education and assistance that is
    useful for those individuals.
    (C) The applicability of the education program to
    the issues faced by those individuals.
    (D) Such other matters as the Secretary considers
    appropriate.
    (2) Compilation of information.--The information compiled as
    a result of the surveys conducted under paragraph (1) shall be--
    (A) disaggregated by facility type at which the
    education program was carried out; and
    (B) included in the annual reports under subsection
    (d)(1).

    (d) Reports.--
    (1) Annual reports.--
    (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the
    date of the commencement of the education program and
    not later than September 30 each year thereafter until
    2024, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
    Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
    Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a
    report on--
    (i) the education program; and
    (ii) the feasibility and advisability of
    expanding the education program to include the
    establishment of a peer support program composed
    of individuals who complete the education program
    (in this section referred to as a ``peer support
    program'').
    (B) Elements.--Each report submitted under
    subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
    (i) The number of individuals that
    participated in the course of education described
    in subsection (b)(5) during the year preceding the
    submission of the report.
    (ii) <>  A detailed analysis
    of the surveys conducted under subsection (c) with
    respect to the individuals described in clause
    (i).
    (iii) <>  Any plans for
    expansion of the education program.
    (iv) <>  An analysis of the
    feasibility and advisability of establishing a
    peer support program.
    (v) The interim findings and conclusions of
    the Secretary with respect to the success of the
    education program and the feasibility and
    advisability of establishing a peer support
    program.
    (2) Final report.--
    (A) In general.--Not later than one year after the
    completion of the education program, the Secretary shall
    submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
    House of Representatives and the Senate a final report
    on the feasibility and advisability of continuing the
    education program.
    (B) <>  Elements.--The final report
    under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
    (i) A detailed analysis of the surveys
    conducted under subsection (c).
    (ii) An analysis of the feasibility and
    advisability of continuing the education program
    without entering

    [[Page 1036]]

    into contracts for the course of education
    described in subsection (b)(5).
    (iii) An analysis of the feasibility and
    advisability of expanding the education program.
    (iv) An analysis of the feasibility and
    advisability of establishing a peer support
    program.

    (e) Monitoring of Program.--The Secretary shall select mental health
    care providers of the Department to monitor the progress of the
    instruction provided under the education program.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran who is
    enrolled in the health care system established under section
    1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.
    (2) The terms ``caregiver'' and ``family member'' have the
    meaning given those terms in section 1720G(d) of title 38,
    United States Code.
    SEC. 203. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR
    VETERANS.

    (a) <>  Establishment.--Not later than 18 months
    after the date on which the national emergency declared by the President
    pursuant to the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with
    respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) expires, the
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a task force to be known
    as the ``Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans'' (in this
    section referred to as the ``Task Force'').

    (b) Composition.--The Task Force shall be composed of the following
    members or their designees:
    (1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
    (2) The Secretary of the Interior.
    (3) The Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    (4) The Secretary of Agriculture.
    (5) The Secretary of Defense.
    (6) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
    (7) The Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers.
    (8) At least two representatives from veterans service
    organizations.
    (9) <>  Any other member that the
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines to be appropriate.

    (c) Chairpersons.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the
    Secretary of the Interior shall serve as co-chairpersons of the Task
    Force (in this section referred to as the ``Chairpersons'').
    (d) Duties.--
    (1) Task force.--The duties of the Task Force shall be--
    (A) to identify opportunities to formalize
    coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs,
    public land agencies, and partner organizations
    regarding the use of public lands and other outdoor
    spaces for facilitating health and wellness for
    veterans;
    (B) to identify barriers that exist to providing
    veterans with opportunities to augment the delivery of
    services for health and wellness through the use of
    outdoor recreation on public lands and other outdoor
    spaces; and
    (C) <>  to develop
    recommendations to better facilitate the use of public
    lands and other outdoor spaces for promoting wellness
    and facilitating the delivery of health care and
    therapeutic interventions for veterans.

    [[Page 1037]]

    (2) Consultation.--The Task Force shall carry out the duties
    under paragraph (1) in consultation with appropriate veterans
    outdoor recreation groups.

    (e) Reports.--
    (1) Preliminary report.--Not later than one year after the
    date on which the Task Force is established, the Chairpersons
    shall submit to Congress a report on the preliminary findings of
    the Task Force.
    (2) Final report.--Not later than one year after the date of
    the submission of the preliminary report under paragraph (1),
    the Chairpersons shall submit to Congress a report on the
    findings of the Task Force, which shall include the
    recommendations developed under subsection (d)(1)(C).

    (f) Duration.--The Task Force shall terminate on the date that is
    one year after the date of the submission of the final report in
    subsection (e)(2).
    (g) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal
    Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Task
    Force.
    (h) Public Lands Defined.--In this section, the term ``public
    lands'' means any recreational lands under the jurisdiction of the
    Federal Government or a State or local government.
    SEC. 204. <>  CONTACT OF CERTAIN VETERANS
    TO ENCOURAGE RECEIPT OF COMPREHENSIVE
    MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.

    (a) <>  Notice.--Not later than 90 days after the
    date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Health of the
    Department of Veterans Affairs shall seek to contact each covered
    veteran by mail, telephone, or email to encourage each covered veteran
    to receive medical examinations including the following:
    (1) A comprehensive physical examination.
    (2) A comprehensive mental health examination.
    (3) A comprehensive eye examination if the covered veteran
    has not received such an examination in the year immediately
    preceding the date of such examination.
    (4) A comprehensive audiological examination if the covered
    veteran has not received such an examination in the year
    immediately preceding the date of such examination.

    (b) Examinations.--
    (1) Va health care facilities.--If a covered veteran elects
    to receive more than one examination described in subsection (a)
    at a health care facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs,
    the Under Secretary of Health shall seek to furnish all such
    scheduled examinations on the same day.
    (2) Community care.--Pursuant to subsection (d) or (e) of
    section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, a covered veteran
    may receive an examination described in subsection (a) from a
    health care provider described in subsection (c) of that
    section.

    (c) Transportation.--
    (1) Beneficiary travel program.--Pursuant to section 111 of
    title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
    may pay for a rural covered veteran to travel to a health care
    facility to receive an examination described in subsection (a).
    (2) <>  Shuttle service.--The Under
    Secretary of Health shall seek to enter into agreements with
    non-profit organizations

    [[Page 1038]]

    to provide shuttle service to rural covered veterans for
    examinations described in subsection (a).

    (d) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to
    Congress a report regarding how many covered veterans scheduled
    examinations described in subsection (a) after receiving a letter,
    telephone call, or email under that subsection.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) The term ``covered veteran'' means a veteran who--
    (A) is enrolled in the patient enrollment system of
    the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705 of
    title 38, United States Code; and
    (B) has not received health care furnished or paid
    for by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the two
    years immediately preceding the date in subsection
    (a)(1).
    (2) The term ``rural covered veteran'' means a covered
    veteran--
    (A) who lives in an area served by the Office of
    Rural Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
    (B) whom the Under Secretary of Health determines
    requires assistance to travel to a health care facility
    to receive an examination described in subsection (a).
    (3) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in
    section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
    SEC. 205. <>  POLICE CRISIS INTERVENTION
    TRAINING OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
    AFFAIRS.

    (a) Training.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide to
    Department police officers an annual training on the prevention of
    suicide among the population served by the Department police officers.
    (b) <>  Curriculum.--In carrying out subsection (a),
    the Secretary shall update any similar training provided before the date
    of the enactment of this Act to ensure that the curriculum for the
    training addresses, at a minimum, the following:
    (1) Effective behavioral science procedures for suicide
    prevention and risk mitigation.
    (2) Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, including
    through the use of interactive training.
    (3) Information about mental health and substance abuse
    disorders.
    (4) Information about local law enforcement crisis
    intervention teams and other resources for veterans experiencing
    mental health crises available by the Department of Veterans
    Affairs, other elements of the Federal Government, and the
    community in which the police officers serve.

    (c) Consultation.--The Secretary shall ensure that the annual
    training provided to Department police officers at a medical facility of
    the Department under subsection (a) is provided in consultation with law
    enforcement training accreditation organizations and the mental health
    experts at such facility.
    (d) Plan on Community Partnerships.--The Secretary shall ensure that
    each police force of a facility of the Department develops a plan to
    enter into partnerships with--
    (1) local community mental health organizations and experts,
    local community veterans organizations, and local community
    criminal justice organizations and experts; and

    [[Page 1039]]

    (2) local police departments, including by facilitating the
    sharing of training resources with crisis intervention teams of
    the local police departments.

    (e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
    Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the
    annual training under subsection (a), including--
    (1) a description of the curriculum of such training;
    (2) with respect to the year preceding the date of the
    report--
    (A) the number of facilities of the Department that
    conducted such training;
    (B) the number of Department police officers who
    received such training; and
    (C) any barriers to ensuring that each Department
    police officer receives such training;
    (3) <>  any recommendations to
    address the barriers identified under paragraph (2)(C); and
    (4) the number of facilities of the Department that have
    entered into partnerships pursuant to subsection (d).

    (f) Department Police Officer Defined.--In this section, the term
    ``Department police officer'' means an employee of the Department of
    Veterans Affairs specified in section 902(a) of title 38, United States
    Code.

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

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

    (a) Analysis.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete an
    analysis of programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs that provide
    assistance to women veterans who are homeless or precariously housed to
    identify the areas in which such programs are failing to meet the needs
    of such women.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans'
    Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the
    analysis completed under subsection (a).
    SEC. 302. <>  REPORT ON LOCATIONS WHERE
    WOMEN VETERANS ARE USING HEALTH CARE FROM
    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment
    of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
    shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
    Representatives and the Senate a report on the use by women veterans of
    health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    (b) Elements.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall include
    the following information:
    (1) The number of women veterans who reside in each State.

    [[Page 1040]]

    (2) The number of women veterans in each State who are
    enrolled in the patient enrollment system of the Department
    under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code.
    (3) Of the women veterans who are so enrolled, the number
    who have received health care under the laws administered by the
    Secretary at least one time during the one-year period preceding
    the submission of the report.
    (4) The number of women veterans who have been seen at each
    medical facility of the Department during such year,
    disaggregated by facility.
    (5) The number of appointments that women veterans have had
    at a medical facility of the Department during such year,
    disaggregated by--
    (A) facility; and
    (B) appointments for--
    (i) primary care;
    (ii) specialty care; and
    (iii) mental health care.
    (6) For each appointment type specified in paragraph (5)(B),
    the number of appointments completed in-person and the number of
    appointments completed through the use of telehealth.
    (7) If known, an identification of the medical facility of
    the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network with
    the largest rate of increase in patient population of women
    veterans as measured by the increase in unique women veteran
    patient use.
    (8) If known, an identification of the medical facility of
    the Department in each Veterans Integrated Service Network with
    the largest rate of decrease in patient population of women
    veterans as measured by the decrease in unique women veterans
    patient use.

    Approved December 5, 2020.

    LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 8247:
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 166 (2020):
    Sept. 23, considered and passed House.
    Nov. 10, considered and passed Senate.
    DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2020):
    Dec. 5, Presidential statement.