HR 4053 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

November 1, 2007

Ms. BERKLEY (for herself, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. FILNER, Ms. WATSON, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. HALL of New York, Mr. HARE, Mr. BACA, Mr. MCNERNEY, and Mr. KAGEN) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





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





Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Sec. 101. Findings on substance use disorders and mental health.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 102. Expansion of substance use disorder treatment services at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 103. Care for veterans with mental health and substance use disorders by clinician teams.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 104. Program for enhanced treatment of substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 105. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 106. Report on residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health Administration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 107. Tribute to Justin Bailey.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS

Sec. 201. Pilot program on peer outreach and support for veterans and use of community mental health centers and Indian Health Service facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--RESEARCH

Sec. 301. Research program on comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 302. Extension of authorization for Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS

Sec. 401. Clarification of authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide mental health services to families of veterans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 402. Pilot program on provision of readjustment and transition assistance to veterans and their families in cooperation with Vet Centers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE

SEC. 101. FINDINGS ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH.

Congress makes the following findings:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) More than 1,500,000 members of the Armed Forces have been deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The 2005 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Personnel reports that 23 percent of members of the Armed Forces on active duty acknowledge a significant problem with alcohol use, with similar rates of acknowledged problems with alcohol use among members of the National Guard.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The effects of substance abuse are wide ranging, including significantly increased risk of suicide, exacerbation of mental and physical health disorders, breakdown of family support, and increased risk of unemployment and homelessness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) While veterans suffering from mental health conditions, chronic physical illness, and polytrauma may be at increased risk for development of a substance use disorder, treatment for these veterans is complicated by the need to address adequately the physical and mental symptoms associated with these conditions through appropriate medical intervention.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) While the Veterans Health Administration has dramatically increased health services for veterans from 1996 through 2006, the number of veterans receiving specialized substance abuse treatment services decreased 18 percent during that time. No comparable decrease in the national rate of substance abuse has been observed during that time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) While some facilities of the Veterans Health Administration provide exemplary substance use disorder treatment services, the availability of such treatment services throughout the health care system of the Veterans Health Administration is inconsistent.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) According to the Government Accountability Office, the Department of Veterans Affairs significantly reduced its substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation services between 1996 and 2006, and has made little progress since in restoring these services to their pre-1996 levels.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 102. EXPANSION OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT SERVICES AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTERS.

(a) Provision of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure the provision, at each Department of Veterans Affairs medical center and community based outpatient clinic, of the following services and treatments with respect to substance use disorder for veterans:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Short term motivational counseling services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Intensive outpatient care services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Relapse prevention services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Ongoing aftercare and outpatient counseling services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Opiate substitution therapy services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Pharmacological treatments aimed at reducing craving for drugs and alcohol.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) Detoxification and stabilization services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) Such other services as the Secretary considers appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Exemptions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary may exempt an individual medical center or community based outpatient clinic from providing all of the services otherwise required by subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ANNUAL REPORT- Each year, 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 setting forth the exemptions made under paragraph (1) as of the date of the report and the reasons therefor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 103. CARE FOR VETERANS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS BY CLINICIAN TEAMS.

(a) In General- In the event the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides a veteran inpatient or outpatient care for a substance use disorder and a comorbid mental health disorder, the Secretary shall ensure that treatment for such disorders is provided concurrently by a team of clinicians with appropriate expertise.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Team of Clinicians With Appropriate Expertise Defined- In this section, the term `team of clinicians with appropriate expertise' means a team consisting of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Clinicians and health professionals with expertise in treatment of substance use disorders and mental health disorders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Such other professionals as the Secretary considers appropriate for the provision of treatment to veterans for substance use and mental health disorders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 104. PROGRAM FOR ENHANCED TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN VETERANS.

(a) In General- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program for the purpose of enhancing the care and treatment for veterans with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Allocation of Funds- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out the program through a competitive allocation of funds to facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the provision of care and treatment to veterans described in subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Application- A facility of the Department, including a medical center, a community based outpatient clinic, or a readjustment counseling center, seeking an allocation of funds under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in such form and in such manner as the Secretary considers appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Use of Allocated Funds- Each Department facility receiving an allocation of funds under this section shall use such funds for the purpose described in subsection (a), including the establishment or improvement of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Programs that treat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder through a systematic integration of treatment for such disorders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Programs that treat veterans with substance use disorders through the development of substance use disorder intervention strategies, including strategies developed in collaboration with the families of veterans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Peer outreach programs that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) re-engage veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom who miss multiple appointments for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder or a substance use disorder; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) are conducted--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) through readjustment counseling centers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) in tandem with efforts of community-based outpatient clinics and post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder treatment teams based in Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) with appropriate regard for patient privacy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Collaboration between urgent care clinicians at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment professionals to ensure expedited referral of veterans who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or a substance use disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Programs of treatment or services for veterans with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder that utilize innovative and flexible scheduling of treatment and services by emphasizing scheduling of group meetings or appointments in the evening and on weekends.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Evidence-based treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Report- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report setting forth the programs and facilities for which funds have been allocated under this section as of the date of the report.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Funding-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- In carrying out the program described in this section, the Secretary shall allocate for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010, from funds available to the Department for medical care in such fiscal year, an amount equal to not less than $50,000,000 to carry out the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) MINIMUM FUNDING- In allocating amounts under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that, after funds are allocated under this section for a fiscal year, the total expenditure for programs of the Department relating to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders is not less than $50,000,000 in excess of the baseline amount in that fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) BASELINE- For purposes of paragraph (2), the baseline amount is the amount of the total expenditures on programs of the Department relating to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders for the most recent fiscal year for which final expenditure amounts are known (except for amounts made available to carry out this section), adjusted to reflect any subsequent increase in applicable costs to deliver such programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 105. NATIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ON POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.

(a) In General- Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`Sec. 7330A. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders

`(a) Establishment of Centers- (1) The Secretary shall establish not less than six national centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) The purpose of the centers established under this section is to serve as Department facilities that provide comprehensive inpatient treatment and recovery services for veterans newly diagnosed with both post-traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Location- Each center established in accordance with subsection (a) shall be located at a medical center of the Department that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) provides inpatient care;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) is geographically situated in an area with a high number of veterans that have been diagnosed with both post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) is capable of treating post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Process of Referral and Transition to Step Down Diagnosis Rehabilitation Treatment Programs- The Secretary shall establish a process to refer and aid the transition of veterans from the national centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders established pursuant to subsection (a) to programs that provide step down rehabilitation treatment for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7330 the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`7330A. National centers of excellence on post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 106. REPORT ON RESIDENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES OF THE VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION.

(a) In General- Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, acting through the Office of the Medical Inspector of the Department of Veterans Affairs--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) conduct a review of all residential mental health care facilities, including domiciliary facilities, of the Veterans Health Administration; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the review.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Elements- The report required by subsection (a)(2) shall include the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) A description of the availability of care in residential mental health care facilities in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) An assessment of the supervision and support provided in the residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health Administration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The ratio of staff members at each residential mental health care facility to patients at such facility.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) An assessment of the appropriateness of rules and procedures for the prescription and administration of medications to patients in such residential mental health care facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) A description of the protocols at each residential mental health care facility for handling missed appointments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate for improvements to such residential mental health care facilities and the care provided in such facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 107. TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN BAILEY.

This title is enacted in tribute to Justin Bailey, who, after returning to the United States from service as a member of the Armed Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom, died in a domiciliary facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs while receiving care for post-traumatic stress disorder and a substance use disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS

SEC. 201. PILOT PROGRAM ON PEER OUTREACH AND SUPPORT FOR VETERANS AND USE OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS AND INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE FACILITIES.

(a) Pilot Program Required- Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasability and advisability of providing to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and, in particular, veterans who served in such operations as a member of the National Guard or Reserve, the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Peer outreach services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Peer support services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Readjustment counseling services described in section 1712A of title 38, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Other Mental health services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Provision of Certain Services- In providing services described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) under the pilot program to veterans who reside in rural areas and do not have adequate access through the Department of Veterans Affairs to the services described in such paragraphs, the Secretary shall, acting through the Office of Rural Health, provide such services as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Through community health centers under contracts or other agreements for the provision of such services that are entered into for purposes of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Through the Indian Health Service pursuant to a memorandum of understanding entered into by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services for purposes of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Duration- The pilot program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Program Locations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The pilot program shall be carried out in at least two Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) RURAL GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS- At least two of the locations selected shall be in rural geographic locations that lack access to comprehensive mental health services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Participation in Program- Each community mental health center or facility of the Indian Health Service participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) provide the services described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) to eligible veterans, including, to the extent practicable, through the utilization of telehealth services for the provision of such services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) utilize best practices and technologies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) meet such other requirements as the Secretary shall require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Compliance With Department Protocols- Each community mental health center or facility of the Indian Health Service participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall comply with applicable protocols of the Department before incurring any liability on behalf of the Department for the provision of services as part of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Provision of Clinical Information- Each community mental health center or facility of the Indian Health Service participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall provide the Secretary with such clinical information on each veteran for whom such health center or facility provides mental health services under the pilot program as the Secretary shall require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Training-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) TRAINING OF VETERANS- As part of the pilot program, the Secretary shall carry out a national program of training for veterans described in subsection (a) to provide the services described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) TRAINING OF CLINICIANS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall conduct a training program for clinicians of community mental health centers or Indian Health Service facilities participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) to ensure that such clinicians can provide the services described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) in a manner that accounts for factors that are unique to the experiences of veterans who served on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom (including their combat and military training experiences).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) PARTICIPATION IN TRAINING- Each community mental health center or facility of the Indian Health Service participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall participate in the training program conducted pursuant to subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Annual Reports- Each community mental health center or facility of the Indian Health Service participating in the pilot program under subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary on an annual basis a report containing, with respect to the provision of services under subsection (b) and for the last full calendar year ending before the submission of such report--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the number of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) veterans served; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) courses of treatment provided; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) demographic information for such services, diagnoses, and courses of treatment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(j) Definitions- In this section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The term `community mental health center' has the meaning given such term in section 410.2 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The term `eligible veteran' means a veteran in need of mental health services who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) is enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) has received a referral from a health professional of the Veterans Health Administration to a community mental health center or to a facility of the Indian Health Service for purposes of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The term `Indian Health Service' means the organization established by section 601(a) of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1661(a)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(k) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--RESEARCH

SEC. 301. RESEARCH PROGRAM ON COMORBID POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.

(a) Program Required- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program of research into comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Discharge Through National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder- The research program required by subsection (a) shall be carried out and overseen by the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In carrying out the program, the Center shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) develop protocols and goals with respect to research under the program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) coordinate research, data collection, and data dissemination under the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Research- The program of research required by subsection (a) shall address the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The systematic integration of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder with treatment for substance use disorder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The development of protocols to evaluate care of veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder and to facilitate cumulative clinical progress of such veterans over time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Funding-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2011, $2,000,000 to carry out this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) AVAILABILITY- Amounts authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) shall be made available to the National Center on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for the purpose specified in that paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT- Any amount made available to the National Center on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for a fiscal year under paragraph (2) is in addition to any other amounts made available to the National Center on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for such year under any other provision of law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 302. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.

Section 110(e)(2) of the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984 (38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is amended by striking `through 2008' and inserting `through 2012'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES OF VETERANS

SEC. 401. CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO FAMILIES OF VETERANS.

(a) In General- Section 1701(5)(B) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by inserting `marriage and family counseling,' after `professional counseling,'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking `as may be essential to' and inserting `as the Secretary considers appropriate for'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Location- Paragraph (5) of section 1701 of title 38, United States Code, shall not be construed to prevent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from providing services described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph to individuals described in such subparagraph in Readjustment Counseling Centers, Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, or in such other facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs as the Secretary considers necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 402. PILOT PROGRAM ON PROVISION OF READJUSTMENT AND TRANSITION ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN COOPERATION WITH VET CENTERS.

(a) Pilot Program- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out, through a non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity, a pilot program to assess the feasability and advisability of providing readjustment and transition assistance described in subsection (b) to veterans and their families in cooperation with centers under section 1712A of title 38, United States Code (commonly referred to as `Vet Centers').CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Readjustment and Transition Assistance- Readjustment and transition assistance described in this subsection is assistance as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Readjustment and transition assistance that is preemptive, proactive, and principle-centered.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Assistance and training for veterans and their families in coping with the challenges associated with making the transition from military to civilian life.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Non-Department of Veterans Affairs Entity-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program through any for-profit or non-profit organization selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program that has demonstrated expertise and experience in the provision of assistance and training described in subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT- The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program through a non-Department entity described in paragraph (1) pursuant to a contract or other agreement entered into by the Secretary and the entity for purposes of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Duration of Pilot Program- The pilot program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, and may be carried out for additional one-year periods thereafter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Location of Pilot Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide assistance under the pilot program in cooperation with 10 centers described in subsection (a) designated by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) DESIGNATIONS- In designating centers described in subsection (a) for purposes of the pilot program, the Secretary shall designate centers so as to provide a balanced geographical representation of such centers throughout the United States, including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, tribal lands, and other territories and possessions of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Participation of Centers- A center described in subsection (a) that is designated under subsection (e) for participation in the pilot program shall participate in the pilot program by promoting awareness of the assistance and training available to veterans and their families through--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the facilities and other resources of such center;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity selected pursuant to subsection (c); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) other appropriate mechanisms.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Additional Support- In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into contracts or other agreements, in addition to the contract or agreement described in subsection (c), with such other non-Department of Veterans Affairs entities meeting the requirements of subsection (c) as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Report on Pilot Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) REPORT REQUIRED- Not later than six months after the date of the conclusion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional veterans affairs committees a report on the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ELEMENTS- Each report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) A description of the activities under the pilot program as of the date of such report, including the number of veterans and families provided assistance under the pilot program and the scope and nature of the assistance so provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) A current assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Any recommendations that the Secretary considers appropriate for the extension or expansion of the pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) CONGRESSIONAL VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEES DEFINED- In this subsection, the term `congressional veterans affairs committees' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations of the Senate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Appropriations of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Authorization of Appropriations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010 $1,000,000 to carry out this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) AVAILABILITY- Amounts authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink